Closing Fast Friday March 24th, 2006 2:27:46 PM
Something out there just killed the goblin. That really was not so much the disturbing part, goblins are not exactly the most hardy creatures. But it also terrified the goblin at the same time. Again not a tremendous feat, but none of them elicited such a response in the fight they just had with them.
Aiden's looks through the trees his mind too well recalling the omens of the past few days. The raptor and the stag. A conflict was in his mind. While the Tuskers revered the raptor as a symbol of power, death and conflict, an evil sign before a battle the old man of Ice Peak, his foster father did not. 'The Raptor', he had often said 'was a messenger of Domi and protector of the hunter whose heart beats true.' The Stag was feared and hailed by Tuskers and the old man alike. An ancient spirit manifested and given form by the desire to continue the battle of fallen warriors. Which headed this way though?
Dregar was still hurt and in looking about, there was little in the realm of somewhere defensible. The goblins did not pick this site with the thought of defense in their puny minds.
Bohdi braves the odor wafting from the tents and now off of Neco to begin examining the interiors with his Detect Magic. The tent he currently stands in has no magical auras at all, though there are plenty of nasty furs that could be covering them. As the unpleasant possibility starts to present itself a scream cuts his thoughts short.
As the scream of the escaped goblin reached his ears, however, the gnome bolted upright. His eyes widened with terror. "Garrett, Edgler, Dregar--what was that? What just happened? Can anyone see anything out there in the woods?"
A worried look crossed the gnome's face as he turned to Neco. "We may have bigger problems than goblins and giants."
Dregar moves back to the others as the scream dies in echo. Even though he is weak and sorely wounded, he'll make sure whatever is coming gets a piece of him before it kills him. Looking past Edgler to where the goblin ran, Dregar spots a large shadow move momentarily and then a much smaller shadow move across the trees The small shadow seemed to flit across the tree trunks rapidly and was heading this direction, fast.
Garret moves quickly to Dregars side, battle may be eminent and the dwarf was in no condition to be engaged in one. At least not yet, but thanks to Domi's wand he soon would be. Garret touches Dregar twice and the magical healing pours from the wand in a soft golden glow mending wounds and stopping the flow of blood. [Heal 10HP]
With bravado in her voice of possible closing danger Neco steps from the tent. Having spent many hours looking for subtlety of movement about her, Neco does not scan the woods beyond for anything, but rather for movement of anything. Her training in perception pays off. Was that a large shadow that shifted deep in the wood? Hard to tell. It was very brief and is no longer there.
The group is slightly spread out still and most have seen nothing and no one has heard a thing since the goblins dying demise.
Aiden Sunday March 26th, 2006 8:34:33 AM
Looking around, Aiden shook his head from the silent (and gloomy) thoughts. Motioning to the others (that can see him), he also reaffirms his message through the spell.
"We need to go...scavengers...the blood scent and corpses will draw them near...or the endeligt scene"
(OOC: using online translator endeligt scene = death stag in danish, figured to give a name to that Tuskian critter...)
(OOC: I'm having a bit of trouble here remembering, what time of day is it?)
Dregar Sunday March 26th, 2006 1:01:51 PM
Dregar freezes in place when he sees the two shadows pass. His finger moves up along the tree line to trace a path for his eye to follow the movements.
" Two movements right there" the dwarf says, to those around him in a whisper, or to everyone if the spell is still active.
" A big shadow first, and a small shadow moving along the trees in our direction fast."
Bohdi Nackle (AC 20, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 16, HP 10/10) d20+2=18 d20+4=20 d20+9=12 Sunday March 26th, 2006 9:04:08 PM
"Squork, do you have any sense of what's happening here?" Bohdi asked his raven. But if the corvid had any answer, Bohdi would have to wait. He watched with trepidation from the folds of the tents, looking out at the forest in the direction that the others had identified. (Spot 18, Listen 20)
Trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible (Hide 12), Bohdi kept his wand handy and watched.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2, cast 1) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Unseen Servant (cast), Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Invisibility (cast), Web (x2, cast 1) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Neco (AC20 HP14/14) Shield Sunday March 26th, 2006 9:15:10 PM
"If a Goblin falls in the forest and no one is there to see what killed it, are we in trouble?" The young rogue is still quite confident, but she is not sure if the party is in the best position. "We should keep together, so as to not get picked off."
Neco ponders on who would want to kill them, or do they want to kill the goblins? Maybe they want to protect the forest. Could it be that nature loving elf/dwarf from before and his big wild cat? "Neh! That's just silly."
Garret [sub Drew] d20+6=23 Sunday March 26th, 2006 10:53:37 PM
Running his hand through his dark hair the cleric of Domi does not attempt to hide his concern. The concern, however, seems only reflected in his eyes when he looks upon the others in the group.
"It looks as though we are not done here...maybe a trap even. Maybe our dues for slaughtering these inept goblins. Stay close and form a tight group. Watch all sides and make sure your blades are at your sides."
Quickly the muscular figure strides towards the others and takes a stance in the front between where the shadows were and his companions; eyes scanning the surroundings to the best of his abilities. ................................. Spot-23
EdglerVess Monday March 27th, 2006 12:50:23 PM
Edgler freezes for a moment, wondering what could have caused the goblin to scream like that. He shrugs to himself as he says, "Could have been a mouse, fly, or maybe he picked up a sliver." But despite the bravado, he edges back to the group, axe gripped tightly in his big calloused hands.
He is about to ask for opinions when he too spots the shadows moving through the trees, "Looks like this fight isn't done yet." The dwarf quickly retucks his neat, braided beard in his belt and gets ready to meet whatever is approaching.
Stillness Monday March 27th, 2006 2:33:43 PM
Dregar calls out what he has seen coming through the trees. the large shadow cast a single movement and has not been seen again. The smaller shadow flits behind a tree about 30' way but never emerges to the dwarf's eye.
Aiden voices the group should be leaving the area, but Garrret and the rest seem inclined to wait out this new danger to at least see what it is. The scavangers can be likely fought off or fled from, but the Endeligt was not of this world a spirit creature and far more powerful than the walking Bevroren Doden.
Bohdi askes the Raven, but Squork is as much in the dark as anyone else having seen none of these 'shadows'. Bohdi makes himself small near a tree and keeps his wand close.
Neco makes a small joke to easy growing fears that creatures being stalked oft have. The rogue then shifts to a more sensible mode, 'Stick Together everyone'
Garret seconds Neco's thought, striding towards the center of the group as everyone slowly falls in towards each other and he takes the front position towards the last known sighting.
Edglar too makes a bit light with waht can make a goblin scream, all of which are true. The Dwarf's axe stays at the ready though, because none of those things are as large as what his cousin and Neco saw moving. ------------------------------------------------------ The stillness of the forest is horrific. Nothing moves, nothing stirs. Blood thumps in your ears and the shots of steam from your hot breath waft upwards with each exhale. Small sounds of mail and leather reach each ear as those you would call wunjo shift to scan about themselves for the anything, anything at all. Time seems to stop, the view through the grey trees is dark and cluttered. The is sun hidden overhead by clouds and the snow covered pine boughs. But deepening shadows about the party tell them all that in a couple hours the almost all encompassing dark will have them again.
Bohdi Nackle d20+12=26 Monday March 27th, 2006 4:00:49 PM Assuming that we are transitioning away to longer time frames. If not, just have Bohdi stay where he is!
Tense moments passed, and nothing emerged from the darkening wood. "Bloody hell," Bohdi muttered, and slipped from his hiding spot. With a scowl and a shake of the head, the gnome turned business-like.
"Right," he said. "In a few hours it will be dark. We have one goblin left in those webs over there, remember. If you want a captive, I'll dismiss the webs now and you all can tie him up. Otherwise ... surely his fate with us can only be an improvement over what might await him out there. Perhaps he could still serve as a scout to lead us to other threats. Garrett, what do you think? Is it worth the trouble?"
"Aiden, what do you think of this location as a campsite? Are we likely to do better if we go elsewhere, or should we stay?"
"Neco, I'd like to thoroughly examine the tents and the goblins for signs of enchantment--and then, if we're camping here, I'd like to set a few of my own. Perhaps you'd like to help?"
Bohdi looked to Dregar. "Have you been healed as much as you need? If we're attacked in the middle of the night, we'll need your strength. Do you feel ready?"
Bohdi waited for the others to make decisions about the prisoner and the campsite. If they were to stay and keep the goblin captive, then Bohdi would tell the goblin (in the Goblin language) that he was to surrender and not resist if he wished to live. When the others were ready, Bohdi would dismiss his webs.
Once the goblin prisoner was secured, Bohdi would prepare to resume scanning the tents and their contents for signs of enchantment. He would do himself the favor of using his powers of Prestidigitation to spray floral air freshener as he moved through the goblins' foul-smelling belongings, however. Summoning his orange rune (cast: Detect Magic, Spellcraft check 26), Bohdi systematically swept through the tents and over the bodies of the dead goblins while the others made preparations for camp.
Finally, when his check was complete and the camp was set, Bohdi set two Alarm spells--one on the perimeter of the goblins' camp along the path that the Icepack had used in its approach, and another by the tree where Dregar last saw shadows moving.
With all of those preparations made, Bohdi would return to the camp proper and turn his attention to the prisoner. Bohdi's questions: where did your group come from? What were you doing here in the forest? Why were you chopping down all of these trees? Where is your leader? Which direction did you come from? Where are there more goblins or snow giants in the forest?
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation (cast), Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (cast x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm (cast x2), Unseen Servant (cast), Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Invisibility (cast), Web (x2, cast 1) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Neco d20+3=22 d20+5=14 d20+5=17 Monday March 27th, 2006 11:05:23 PM
"Yes Bohdi I think I will" is the young girl's response. Neco helps the gnome set up his magical traps and double as a 'Bohdi'-guard in case of attack.
Listen (14) Spot (17)
Neco follows Bohdi to the goblin for the grilling. To help the goblin get a picture of where the conversation is going, she examines the goods produced in the fights with the giants and other goblins. "Hey Bohdi ask the thing if there is more treasure or something useful like that."
Appraise (22)
Current list of un-appraised treasure:
1 Piece of Jade 8 Pieces of Jet 1 Golden Pearl 1 Golden Topaz 1 Ivory Ring with Smokey Quarts Inset 1 Bracelet of Amber and Jasper
OOC (Do I role for each item individually?)
Aiden d20=7 d20=1 d20=2 d20=14 Tuesday March 28th, 2006 7:30:06 AM
Aiden remained edgy, as the supernatural was something that his axe and skill have yet to prove themselves ready (at least from past battles).
"They could have had scouts not here..." Aiden offered. "Let me see the tents, and see how many there were staying here..."
(OOC: trying to figure off the number of furs/food/etc how many (max) goblins and/or giants there could have been...)
One thing about growing up in the Twin Tusks, one was always ready for a sneak attack from 'friends' or 'enemies' in order to better their 'position' within the village.
"The blood scent will keep most grass eaters away, but the flesh..." he shrugged. Aiden had made his suggestion about finding another site just a few moments earlier.
survival (tracks...trying to figure out how many there 'could' have been in camp): 7+ 5=12
Garret [sub Drew] Tuesday March 28th, 2006 8:45:25 AM
The shadow dissapears but the tension does not, at least not in this human's heart. As the group begins their own accords the blue eyed cleric stays a bit too deep in thought, constatnly rubbing his pendant of Domi between his thumb and first two fingers.
"I am not too sure on the competence level of a goblin or if our earthen brethren here would favor the idea much but I do think that it may serve some usefull purpose."
Keeping a wary eye on the forrest (especially where the shadows were lurking) starts to consider this place for a camp for the night.
"We could camp here tonight but much work must be done first. The corpses will need to be moved and the perimeter needs checking. My stout friends, cousins Edglar and Dregar, would you begin dragging corpses back the way that we came from? Aiden shall we do a circular scan of our surroundings? starting at the outskirts of this camp and slowly outwards looking for tracks or other signs of activity?
Before begining his sweep, Garret makes his way over to the smallest of wunjos.
"Wunjos, do what you do best. Bohd, have fun with it and show us the powers of your magics."
Dm intererim Tuesday March 28th, 2006 2:41:13 PM
There are no goblins alive in the area. Aiden dropped them both a bit ago
Camp Night 6 Tuesday March 28th, 2006 3:42:09 PM
Long moments pass and still nohing. It is Bohdi who breaks the silence first with a mumbled curse and he steps from his cover. Night would soon be upon them and hiding under a tree until them did not sound pleasant at all.
Aiden restates the poorness of the present camp as defensible when Garret asks and the dwarves remain relatively quiet. Before the group goes off anywhere, Bohdi and Neco want to investigate the tents for clues and of course treasure. Doing so would mean the party would have to stay in this location for the night. It is a quick discussion, based on all evidence available, there really is no other obviously better location about and any information that would be lost to leaving the area could prove unfortunate. The group stays.
Garret, Edgler and Dregar go to the task of moving the bodies to a single spot away from where they intend to be sleeping. Aiden carefully picks across the camp area, trampled as it is for signs how many could have been here. Through the tracks, Aiden can account for between 10 and 20, with 18 lying dead, it is likely all of them. Aiden finds no evidence of that the Sne Kjempe were ever at this site.
Neco and Bohdi set to the rather unpleasant task of going through the other three tents. With a Detect Magic spell the two set to work. The end result details a bit more as to where on the chain of importance these goblins were. (288cp, 163sp and 36gp...this is an inclusive coin total of all 4 tents) Nothing else even resembled something anyone would want to touch, let alone find valuable.
Alarm spells are set, the small collection of warming fires can be gathered to a couple locations and the group puts the their own shelters into a tight stand of trees. With luck, any scavengers will simply make off with the easily goblin meals over 100 yards away and not bother or see the group. Darkness envelops the camp, save the small orange glows of the fires and this night a bit of cold accompany's the darkness.
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday March 28th, 2006 4:58:02 PM
Bohdi muttered and puttered his way around the fires as the group ate, sat, and recovered from the earlier battle. "What now, eh?" he asked the others. "We've killed goblins and giants, and followed their trails as far as we're able, and we're still no closer to learning what the bloody buggers are doing out here, or why. Have we done what Kayra wanted? Have we cleared enough of the threat? Are we bloody well done here now?"
The gnome scowled and sat down heavily on a mound of snow. "I never much cared for gallivanting about this bloody wilderness, and I like it even less when the snow is coated in blood. Goblin-blood, giant-blood, orc-blood, wolf-blood--what's the difference? They're living creatures as much as we are, aren't they? How did we even know if these blighters posed a threat to the village? What if they were just about getting firewood for their own communities, wherever those might be?"
Bohdi shook his head. "Ever since we passed the test of adulthood, we've been out and about killing things. Well, all right, some of the creatures were frozen undead, I'll grant you--destroying those abominations makes a kind of sense. But the rest of this? Does this make sense?"
He pointed at his own backpack, then gestured toward Garrett. "Look here. We made a fortune of money selling those magical items that we found with the Bloodpack--enough perhaps to buy food and firewood for all of Ice Peak village for a year, maybe two--maybe more! And apart from Garrett there thinking to buy some firewood, what have we done with it? More weapons? More killing? More bloody magic? And what do we have to show for all of this death here, then? A pot full of copper coins and some stinking blankets?" Bohdi sniffed disgustedly.
"I'm to blame as much as anyone. Here I've been, puffing on about learning more spells, adding to my spellbook--spells, spells, spells. As if anyone ever led a happier life from spells. What's the bloody point, eh? Where have all those spells gotten me? Have they made me any happier? Have they brought me any closer to finding true happiness, or true love?"
Bohdi looked out into the darkness, past the glowering trees and to the distant, cloud-covered stars above, and sighed. "Somewhere out there is Furtif Aeanora Flibbertigibbet, some place in the Wold called the Sargrass. Where is that? Where is she? Is she safe? Is she happy? Is she among friends? Are they taking care of her? What good is all of my magic, if it won't answer me that?"
The tears that swelled Bohdi's eyes reflected the firelight to his companions. His voice cracked with emotion. "I've lost my true love. We lost Skalti. We lost Frigg'Isa. We've almost lost Aiden and Dregar on this trip. How many more need to be lost until it's enough? What are we doing out here? None of this makes any sense any more."
The gnome lapsed into brooding silence and poked at the fire with a stick. "That's it. When we get back to the village, I'm finished. No more of this."
Dregar Tuesday March 28th, 2006 5:18:50 PM
Dregar watched as Bohdi sat before them and spilled his guts. In his eyes this was just a sign of weakness, something a young child would be beaten for until it left. And if it didn't leave.........
But Bohdi was fast becoming a friend, like the rest of the group. Dregar sat up and pushed the braided part of his beard over his shoulder. He reached down and grabbed some snow, scooped it up and placed it near one of the wounds on his body to let the swelling go down. After a few minutes of this he stood up, puffed out his chest and began.
" Now Bohdi. I want you to know, that this not an attack on you in the least bit, but I think I know the answer as to why we are out here. Its in our blood. We where born with this notion to protect others, just as we were protected once. You might not see it because you are not used to being out of the city, but we are fighting to protect someone. If we just get up and leave, that village is doomed. At least with us we have a defense to give them, a way for them to fight back. We can't leave now cause the village will not be able to fight."
Dregar looks to the rest of the group and then back to Bohdi. " I understand you lost someone Bohdi, but you didn't lose them forever. they are just over that horizon. It's not a far walk if its someone you love." A tear begins to drop from Dregars eye. " I lost me father, due to some stupid ork and every night I cry to myself knowing I wont see him ever again until I cross to his side. When i do cross I want him to look at me and say " Son you made me proud." This is my chance to make me father proud Bohdi, just as it is your chance to make your loved one proud."
EdglerVess Tuesday March 28th, 2006 5:36:54 PM
"Bah!" Edgler says with an look of disgust on his face. "This is a harsh land we live in, Bohdi! We must fight to survive and protect those who can't protect themselves."
"It's our duty."
He pauses then moves to stand directly in front of the gnome. "Now stop your whining and complaining and accept your place in life... you are a warrior and hero... accept it!"
Neco Tuesday March 28th, 2006 9:41:36 PM
Neco rolls her eyes in disbelief. "A sympathetic dwarf. What next?" she moans. Neco sits next to Bohdi and puts an arm around the gnome. "Don't worry your head off about it. Here women are stronger than men, or at least we survive better."
Hopefully Bohdi will calm down and Neco will propose him a deal. "After we clean up this bloody mess, the two of us can cash in all this loot and buy ourselves a one way ticket to Zarnan city. You can show me all its wonders and we can drink Ice-wine till we pass out on the floor. Besides, you know better than I that Zarnan would have a better connection to the outside world (Sargrass) than this block of ice."
Aiden Tuesday March 28th, 2006 11:09:30 PM
Aiden kept quiet, his eyes lowered as he awaited the first puffs of the newborn fire to rise into the air. He listened to the words of Bohdi the spellcaster and found them strange.
For him, it was in his blood to kill or be killed. That was what he had grown with for many years (until he was captured last year).
"Without getting stronger in magick..." his voice crackled with courseness, "then how can you find, return and protect your friend?"
He avoided bringing up the conversation about hunting the goblins or the giants. For him, it made sense, as a warrior and hunter Tuskian born, for the weak to be hunted by the stronger, and for the harsh law of nature to survive. True, he would hope that he ranked amongst the 'strong', though his recent combat experience had spoken to the contrary.
"Why do we do this?" he asked. "Each has his own answer...by blood, habit or survival or things I cannot think of. That truth is what you should always question or use as a guide. I hunt them because I owe the village a debt, and this would help them survive. Then perhaps my honor will be returned to me..."
And then even quieter, "or not..."
Garret [sub Drew] Wednesday March 29th, 2006 8:19:49 AM
Light blue eyes full of sympathy look upon his arcane wunjo. Garret cannot help but feel a bit of shame from what Bohdi said.
"Wunjos, Bohdi is making a bit of sense here. Did we try to talk things through with the goblins? Maybe they are being mistreated by the Sne Kjempe and would like to assist us."
The broad shoulders of the cleric shrug as he himself is not certain.
"All I know is that I have not been as true to Domi's ways as I would like. Domi knows that there are better ways to handle a situation, and I should have know as well."
Garret raises from where he is sitting and begins pacing the campfire. Snow crunching, visible breathing and an occasional tear from a few of the group.
"We are barely adults in our village and yet they have us go out and take care of this stuff?! Why not Da'Gral? Why not the others who are a bit older? We have been destined?...how can greatness come from all of this?..."
The cold freezes the occasional tear before it reaches the snow at Garret's furred boots. Looking aorund his campsite he quickly begins toeing the bloodied snow around them, trying to erase its mark.
Bohdi Nackle (illegal second) Wednesday March 29th, 2006 9:37:30 AM
The gnome's characteristic sullenness was uncharacteristically quiet. He listened to the others.
"Maybe so," he said quietly to their exhortations to heroism, eyes lowered studiously to the fire. "Maybe this makes us heroes. I don't know. I'm not a god, I can't see all things. Maybe killing all these creatures is right. Maybe that's all there is to life--kill, be killed .... All I know is, it didn't seem that way. Before."
The gnome glanced at Neco meaningfully, and nodded a silent agreement.
Garret [sub Drew: Illegal Second Post] Wednesday March 29th, 2006 11:26:58 AM
A furred glove wipes away the last straggling tear as Garret reaches down to Bohdi, patting him on the shoulder.
"Wunjo, we cannot compare our lives now to what they were before. We have stepped into adulthood and has assumed much more responsibility. I agree with you that maybe some of the older clansmen should have assumed this responsibility but Kayra appointed this as our task. Look at Nauth and Frigga; their father, Ull, was held responsible for bringing in food for our village. Unfortunately, one can only assume that he became the prey while out serving the village. For that matter, look at Nauth; leaving us here for whatever reason. Not helping with Ebryon. Not helping with the Sne Kjempe. It appearas that our wunjo could not handle his responsibilities. I feel sorry for him."
Garret quickly spins on his heels towrads the fire in an attempt to hide the tears.
Bohdi (illegal third) Wednesday March 29th, 2006 11:58:13 AM
Bohdi rose to comfort his long-time companion. He patted Garrett softly on the arm. "Nauthiz'Ull had his own path to follow, Garrett. He yet lives. His strength may yet serve. But I'm sure that he grapples with these issues as much as we do."
"If the village needs our help, that, perhaps, is one thing. But with power and responsibility comes vision and purpose, too--else it is just mindless power."
Squork, who had silently perched near the fire, cleared his throat noisily. From the raven's beak issued forth a haunting melody:
Long ago and far away Before the ice and snow Lived Marmaluk the Savage And Ariel Ur-Bow
Now Marmaluk the Savage Brought pain and death and woe To all the creatures in the hills That threatened those below
And at his side was Ariel With silent, deadly pull Of arrows fletched with broken bones Of Ur-Bow's fallen foes
They stalked the fields and forests Both scouring high and low For those that might lay challlenge To Savage and Ur-Bow
Until the hills were ravaged clean No rival's face would show Against the might of Marmaluk And Ariel Ur-Bow
"What more?" proclaimed he, Marmaluk, "Who stands against me now?" But naught came back in answer But the strumming of a bow
And Marmaluk the Savage With fearsome, gruesome howl Amidst the sodden fields did fall While sanguine stream did flow
No, none could stand against them, Nor claim the heroes' glow, And yet his blood poured forth the same, With one pull of the bow
"For rivals suffer none, my friend, No equals can they know," Thus came the words to Marmaluk Of Ariel Ur-Bow
Long ago and far away Before the ice and snow Died Marmaluk the Savage By Ariel Ur-Bow
The bird fell silent once more.
Unexpected Company Wednesday March 29th, 2006 1:14:01 PM
The mood grows sullen about the group and the small warming fires as the temperature descends and the night deepens. Talks of why they were chosen to this task by their elders of what was left of thier home of Ice Peak. Would not some of the more seasoned men be better? Perhaps, perhaps not. The High Priestess seemed more to be moving the group to this task then Kayra though. Mayhaps through divine consult she knew far more than she said. Who knows what could be occurring at the village while the group is away.
It was Svanhvít that sent you with the High Woldian lore to sumon the Blood pack. Just as it was Svanhvít that proclaimed the group blessed by Domi, not Kayra.
Moods begin to shift from Melloncally to almost despair Squork delivers a stirring poem of long ago. In the moments immediately following the ravens rendition there is a most unepected response from the dark.
"A beautiful poem little one." The voice is distinctively feminine and seems to come from one of the trees just in the light and behind Edgler and Dregar. There is a sound of deep wood creaking and scraping upon itself as the tall pine bends left and shakes the snow from its branches. The voice sounds again, soft and feminine, "You ask even among yourslves and so I shall as well. Why are you within my wood and among my sisters, brothers and children.
All low light and darkvision party memeber Spot DC 20. Highlight to display spoiler: {Opposite the talking tree about 40' stands a stag and perched within the 20 point rack is a hawk.}
Dregar d20=12 Wednesday March 29th, 2006 7:18:54 PM
Dregar turns to see what is behind him. His right hand reaching down for the axe as he does. When he turns the site of the stag and the hawk si so unexpected that he tumbles over the log he was using as a seat. He quickly stands up, some snow falling freely from his body, his axe in his hand and him ready.
Aiden d20=13 Wednesday March 29th, 2006 10:00:29 PM
Aiden's hands quickly go to his axe as he tried (through squints) to see what was speaking at them.
"We have come" he said gruffly, "because the Sne Kjempe attacked the village's food gatherers and the goblins were tearing down the trees with axes..."
Neco Wednesday March 29th, 2006 10:03:09 PM
Under her heavy fringe of hair, Neco arches a brow quizzically at the feminine voice coming from the wood. She claps a hand over her mouth, when the dwarf tumbles over the log. Neco is unable to pierce the darkness with her gray-blue eyes. "You look as if you've seen a ghost, Dregar! What? Is the goblin back?" She laughs lightly. The voice certainly did not sound like a goblin.
Elbowing Bohdi, she whispers, "maybe it is a nymph or some forest sprite? Although from the the pictures I've seen they don't seem to wear much and would likely freeze this far north!"
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=22 d20=11 Thursday March 30th, 2006 8:56:24 AM
(Spot check nat 20!)
Bohdi's keen gnomish eyes pierced the gloom of night as if it were day. He immediately perceived their interlocutor as well as her companions. Rising slowly to face the tree, Bohdi motioned to his companions to lower their axes.
"No, not a nymph," Bohdi replied to Neco. "Although I have heard stories of nymphs, chased by those who would do them ill, who were transformed into trees--but I never thought to encounter one."
Bohdi bowed his head toward the tree. "Greetings," he began tentatively. He was not the most natural diplomat (Diplomacy, untrained, 11), but he tried to make the best of it. "We have been in these woods for several days now, hunting the Sne Kjempe and their goblin allies who threaten our village. We had noticed your servants, this stag and hawk--" Bohdi pointed to the animals standing 40' opposite of the tree, as much as to acknowledge them as to point them out to his human and less keen-sighted companions-- "And we realized that there must be another power at work in these woods other than giants and goblins. We have destroyed the goblins who cut down these trees and so, it would seem, destroyed the threat they posed to your woods, as well. But why they chose to cut down so many trees here in the forest is still a mystery to us. Do you know why they came here, or what purpose this destruction served?"
edited by Kup to remove duplicate post and typographical errors due to Blackberry posting
Garret [sub Drew] Thursday March 30th, 2006 9:58:41 AM
The voice would seem melodious, enchanting and enough to echo sweetly in your mind for years if the voice wasn't creeping forth from behind the cleric, if the voice wasn't disembodied, if the darkness didn't envelope the speaker.
Slowly turning and watching as Bohdi speaks to the darkness he looks upon the dwarves and his gnomish companions with awe. I wish I had their eyesight.
"Umm...Wunjos...who is out there?"
Bohdi (illegal second) Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:15:40 AM
"Hush, Garrett! I'm talking to the tree!"
EdglerVess d20+4=23 Thursday March 30th, 2006 11:36:49 AM
Edgler's hand immediately goes to his axe but the soothing voice quickly causes him to relax. The talking tree, combined with the stag and hawk starts to bring some recognition to his face and some pieces of this puzzle start to fall together.
He happily stands back to let Bohdi have his say and moves beside Garrett. "Wunjo," he tries the unfamiliar term of endearment. "The 'tree' is talking to us and that stag and hawk we saw earlier are 40' behind us." He stops to pat his clerical compatriot on the arm, "What the giants and goblins are doing out here is starting to make sense, neh?"
If I could Talk to the Animals Thursday March 30th, 2006 3:44:24 PM
The pine tree steps into the dim light of the fire, revealing itself fully. Not the largest of trees but it bears a striking resemblance to all the trees the party has seen cut down. One could almost say it is identical to them. Other than the fact that this one is moving, it appears to be a normal tree.
The voice continues and is most definately coming from the tree. "I am not a nymph, but thank you for the compliment." The branches ruffle and pine needles fall about the group lightly like rain, "I am pleased to hear you hunt and kill goblins. My friends have whispered as much. So I came to see for myself."
A branch slowly moves in Garret's direction, "As'Domi. Then you are indeed friends," then shifting to the dwaves, "Though you keep dangerous company."
The pine then seems to focus back on Bohdi, "Tell me more of yourselves, I am Furu'Liten."
Bohdi Nackle d20=10 d20=19 Thursday March 30th, 2006 4:43:15 PM
Bohdi bowed deferentially to the tree once more, ignoring the voice inside his head that said, "Are you nuts? You're talking to a tree!"
"I am Bohdi Nackle, illusionist, formerly of Zarnan City in the plains. My companions and I now hail from Ice Peak village, a small community several days' journey from here. The village swears its loyalty to Domi. My wunjo here, Garrett, is a holy priest of Domi." Bohdi nudged Garrett with his toe.
"We are guided here by Aiden, a man of the wilds." Bohdi pointed out the tall ranger, and glowered at him meaningfully in an attempt to remind him to keep his large axe out of sight (Bluff, untrained, to send message--10). "He has kept us safe on this journey through your woods and has shown us how to treat the Wold, and its living things, with respect."
"My friend Neco here is from a far distant land, where sailing ships ply the seas. As new as she is to the Ice Vein, she has pledged her strength to fight the Sne Kjempe and the goblins."
"As for my companions Dregar and Edgler," Bohdi continued nervously, clearing his throat and adjusting his furred collar. "They, too, have pledged themselves to the aid of Ice Peak village. They are sworn enemies of the goblins that attacked your woods, and each of them slew many goblins in our battles with those foul creatures these past few days. As I'm sure that you're aware, Furu'Liten," the gnome added. "There are many who might be fooled by ... first appearances."
"But my companions each have tongues of their own to speak. I'm sure that they can tell you more about themselves, and their ... dedication to the natural Wold. Perhaps, when they are done, you can tell us more about yourself. I confess, I have never encountered ... one such as yourself before. How many others are there like you? Where do they live? What has happened to bring you into conflict with the goblins?"
(Diplomacy, untrained, for this speechifying = 19)
Squork flew up and sat on Bohdi's shoulder, but his eyes never left the hawk in the not-too-distant shadows. "Ask her if she likes birds -- the nice, not-eating-other-birds kind," Squork muttered. Bohdi hissed back a reproving "Shh!"
Garrett Thursday March 30th, 2006 6:09:17 PM
(OOC: I'm back, thanks for subbing Drew)
Garrett steps forward to address the tree. Trying to hold back his amazement, and his relief.
"Greetings Furu'Liten. My name is Garrett. As my Wunjo Bohdi here has said, I am a servant of Domi. We have followed a group of Sne Kjempe here. These ice giants killed our people, and we have come to stop their threat to our village, and to see if any of our fellows might still be alive. We are trying to track them to their home."
"We obviously have many questions for you. Since my Wunjo has already asked if you know where they live, I will add to the list of questions we have for you. Why do they attack your fellows? It seems that this forest is exceptionally quiet, why? Are there more of them in the forest? and if so do you know how many? and I guess also, can we help you somehow?"
Garrett stops to catch his breath, and realizing that he could easily come up with another dozen questions decides to hold his tongue, and wait for his friends to also address the tree.
Garrett looks around at his friends trying to let them know that he has finished for the moment, and he who wishes to speak next, should.
Neco d20+8=20 d20+8=23 Thursday March 30th, 2006 9:19:57 PM
Neco belts her weapon. If talking will take place she will sit down, for she has no desire to stand. "As long as there is reward in it I will keep fighting the giants and the goblins." If she gets bored of the conversation she will not hesitate to doze off.
Neco's motives are clear, and so are Weezle's. The small critter slinks to the ground and thinks to itself, "If 'Breakfast' keep squawky, it not be bird that eat you!" though nighttime the carnivorous mammal has slept through most of the day and is now rather hungry.
Weezle
Hide (20) Move Silently (23)
Aiden d20=4 Thursday March 30th, 2006 11:49:45 PM
Aiden's surprise at seeing a walking tree was quite obvious. Again, stories of rampaging animated trees crushing the Tuskian warriors came to mind, yet he could not seem to remember anything from his Ice Peak mentor.
Seeing the stag and raptor, Aiden took several steps back, his sweating palms nervously gripping the axe. His comrades were talking to these creatures....spirits that would gnash their bones, and spray the ground with their blood.
Didn't the cries of the goblin teach them this?
They were so accepting of the walking tree and the stag. His sweating hands still held the axe tight, though his wary attention was called over by Bohdi and Garrett.
They spoke well....much better than Aiden ever could. Perhaps there was a chance, and with that thought, he kept silent, trying to slowly relax his grip (but Aiden still remained wary).
When Nature Calls Friday March 31st, 2006 3:30:10 PM
Bohdi begins the introductions at the tree's request and speaks well of himslef and his wunjos. It is well laid and the rythm to which he sets into would surely have impressed his sincerity to all who listened. Would it hold the same sway with a plant?
Garret is next and acknowledges his calling from Domi and restates thier purpose to move through the wood. Garret too, has questions to pose.
Neco sits upon a fallen log nearby and sheathes her weapon. Her attention quickly moves elsewhere. A small furry head pokes out to sniff the frigid night air.
Aiden remains a bit nervous, over 12 years of superstition and ghost stories about the woods, stags Raptors and more echo in his mind and none of them very pleasant of outcome. His axe stayed right where it is, in case his wunjos were mistaken.
Edgler and Dregar are stunned into silence at the sight of the majestic pine and the thought that it does not particularly like them does not seem to sit well either.
Garret and Bohdi pour questions about the woods, the goblins, the giants and more. The tree straightens then and the roots dive into the earth with a rumble and the pine stands as it was before it started speaking. A moment passes, but then the same melodious floats fills your ears. This time the voice seems to be floating down from above you and about 20' right of the tree.
Eyes are cast upwards and find a small creature sitting in a nook of a different tree branch. Her skin is a light brown with sparce green almost freckle like lines crossing about randomly. Her hair, long and stck gray flows off of her head and spills down her back. Her deep emerald eyes stare back from the shadowed tree branch and as she leans into the light her feartures show that were she human, you would guess her no older than 3. "I am pleased to hear of why you are here and that you wish to destroy these foul and vile retches that invade my home and kill out of wanton bloodlust and a desire for carnage."
Shifting slightly forward, she rolls upon her toes in a squatting position. "They have been here for a short while only, moving through the wood with purpose, Mother said it was a malicious precision and she did not like it." Her eyes seem to glaze and look beyond the group gathered about the fire and her voice softens, "But Mother is gone now and i am alone to watch the animals and care for this wood and I am still so young."
Her eyes seem to harden then and you feel the air about you move and settle like an invisble hand upon your shoulders. Then it is gone with her darkened look. "What I know of the Jkempe and goblins is what Mother told me though it is not much. I do not know where the leader of the Kjempe is, Mother did not tell me before she left. She said she would be back soon and not to worry."
"I don't understand, Mother could call fire from the sky and call the very earth itself. How could she leave me alone? How could she not come back? I do not want to die and that is what will happen. I am not my Mother and they will find my tree soon and then..." Her sentence trails off in a volley of sobbing.
A snort and stomping of hoof comes from the stag and the hawk takes flight and is at the small wood creatures side in moments.
Garrett Saturday April 1st, 2006 9:04:01 PM
A smile crosses Garrett's lips as the beautiful voice of this child begins to speak. Anger quickly replaces it as he hears the tale told by the child of nature.
"Do not worry young one, as long as I am to prevent it, the Kjempe shall not harm you."
Garrett looks back at his wunjo's to see if anyone appears to be against helping this child of nature.
"Can you tell us where they are? and where your mother went?"
"Is there somewhere safe that you can hide or go while we deal with the Kjempe and their minions? Do you know how many of them there are?" Garrett eagerly asks.
Hatred and eagerness are evident on his face as he turns to his friends and speaks through gritted teeth. "These Sne Kjempe and their goblin minions are a curse upon the face of the Wold, and all the good and peaceful beings that reside upon it. They are evil murderous creatures, and our job is not done until they are wiped from the face of this wood. I personally wish to follow them back to their home and make sure that they are no longer able to go forth and destroy all that they find."
Bohdi Nackle d20=7 Saturday April 1st, 2006 9:49:41 PM
Bohdi looked at Garrett with a bemused expression. He leaned in close and gave a questioning gesture. "Garrett," the gnome whispered. "Didn't we learn anything from the Fey King fiasco? There are creatures of nature, too, that are whimsical and malicious, whatever their appearance. This Furu'Liten seems genuine enough--" Bohdi squinted at the dryad, fairy, whatever she might be (Sense Motive, untrained, 7), but shrugged as he was unable to fathom her any better, then continued-- "But how do we know?"
Bohdi turned, sympathetically, to the diminutive forest creature. "As friends to the natural Wold, we will, of course, try to help as much as we can. But if we've come to understand anything--" Bohdi looked meaningfully at Garrett, and then at the others-- "It's that our mission is for our village, and our people. We must do what is right for them. We can help as much as we can while still serving our own people as well. I feel certain, though, that you are safer and stronger joining cause with us than we all are working apart. We should work together to eliminate the threat that the Kjempe and goblins pose. And I agree--answering Garrett's questions would place us on a good start."
Squork said nothing. His eyes did not waver from the hawk that now accompanied Furu'Liten. It was clear that predator and prey was more on his mind than friend and foe.
Dregar Sunday April 2nd, 2006 11:29:14 AM
Dregar looked to Edgler and spoke in dwarven to him. " He thinks we are dangerous" and then he turns to the creature.
" Why do you think we are dangerous" he called out to the creature this time in the more natural language. " we have defended your forest as much as everyone else. I myself almost died defending it and thats what i am called. Dangerous."
A little steam escapes from the dwarfs mouth,as he stands silent for a few minutes.
" Bahh" he says as he swats the open air and turns and walks away
" Why take an insult from a talking tree." he adds as he moves away into the distance some and sits down on a rock waiting for his friends to finish their bussiness.
Aiden d20=19 Sunday April 2nd, 2006 6:18:44 PM
~you are dangerous friend Dregar...~ thought the wary Aiden. ~or did the bodies of the goblins and sne kjempe drop down dead from the clean wylds?~
Looking around, his eyes darting, Aiden becomes worried. They were now in a position of weakness, Dregar to the side, Neco on a log, Garrett seemed ready to help the 'girl's' cause.
Aiden's hands squeezed tighter with the foot stomp of the stag. ~so it appears that Garrett wishes to lead us into this...~ he thought wryly to himself. ~the wyld's suffering from the goblins and sne kjempe seem to be tied to hers...or could she be the leader? If her mother had fallen, then the fickleness of magick is proven...or gives a little more credence to the Tuskian belief of the weakness of women (and magick).~
Eying the current positions of the others, Aiden tried to step to a more tactical spot to help Neco and the others should the creatures attack.
(ooc: not sure what the tactics roll would be under, but I rolled a 19 (without mods)).
Aiden d20=19 Sunday April 2nd, 2006 6:18:44 PM
~you are dangerous friend Dregar...~ thought the wary Aiden. ~or did the bodies of the goblins and sne kjempe drop down dead from the clean wylds?~
Looking around, his eyes darting, Aiden becomes worried. They were now in a position of weakness, Dregar to the side, Neco on a log, Garrett seemed ready to help the 'girl's' cause.
Aiden's hands squeezed tighter with the foot stomp of the stag. ~so it appears that Garrett wishes to lead us into this...~ he thought wryly to himself. ~the wyld's suffering from the goblins and sne kjempe seem to be tied to hers...or could she be the leader? If her mother had fallen, then the fickleness of magick is proven...or gives a little more credence to the Tuskian belief of the weakness of women (and magick).~
Eying the current positions of the others, Aiden tried to step to a more tactical spot to help Neco and the others should the creatures attack.
(ooc: not sure what the tactics roll would be under, but I rolled a 19 (without mods)).
Aiden d20=19 Sunday April 2nd, 2006 6:18:44 PM
~you are dangerous friend Dregar...~ thought the wary Aiden. ~or did the bodies of the goblins and sne kjempe drop down dead from the clean wylds?~
Looking around, his eyes darting, Aiden becomes worried. They were now in a position of weakness, Dregar to the side, Neco on a log, Garrett seemed ready to help the 'girl's' cause.
Aiden's hands squeezed tighter with the foot stomp of the stag. ~so it appears that Garrett wishes to lead us into this...~ he thought wryly to himself. ~the wyld's suffering from the goblins and sne kjempe seem to be tied to hers...or could she be the leader? If her mother had fallen, then the fickleness of magick is proven...or gives a little more credence to the Tuskian belief of the weakness of women (and magick).~
Eying the current positions of the others, Aiden tried to step to a more tactical spot to help Neco and the others should the creatures attack.
(ooc: not sure what the tactics roll would be under, but I rolled a 19 (without mods)).
Neco d20+8=18 d20+8=28 Sunday April 2nd, 2006 10:15:26 PM
Neco looks to Aiden "Well? What to you think?" she asks. "To me it looks like Garrett could be leading us into something he may not totally comprehend. He may be biting off more than we can chew; giants hunting a dryad's tree, I don't understand. Why would they want to do that?"
Meanwhile, on the forest floor, a small pair of eyes moves across the snow. Their owner's body indistinguishable from the white surface. Little, to no noise, is made as Weezle approaches his target.
Weezle
Move Silently (18) Hide (28)
Neco d20+8=18 d20+8=28 Sunday April 2nd, 2006 10:15:26 PM
Neco looks to Aiden "Well? What to you think?" she asks. "To me it looks like Garrett could be leading us into something he may not totally comprehend. He may be biting off more than we can chew; giants hunting a dryad's tree, I don't understand. Why would they want to do that?"
Meanwhile, on the forest floor, a small pair of eyes moves across the snow. Their owner's body indistinguishable from the white surface. Little, to no noise, is made as Weezle approaches his target.
Weezle
Move Silently (18) Hide (28)
Neco d20+8=18 d20+8=28 Sunday April 2nd, 2006 10:15:26 PM
Neco looks to Aiden "Well? What to you think?" she asks. "To me it looks like Garrett could be leading us into something he may not totally comprehend. He may be biting off more than we can chew; giants hunting a dryad's tree, I don't understand. Why would they want to do that?"
Meanwhile, on the forest floor, a small pair of eyes moves across the snow. Their owner's body indistinguishable from the white surface. Little, to no noise, is made as Weezle approaches his target.
Weezle
Move Silently (18) Hide (28)
Garrett Monday April 3rd, 2006 10:22:10 AM
Garrett tries to calm down his quick flash of emotion after hearing the girls tale. Turning to his friends.
"I will lead none where they wish not to go, but it seems at the moment that her problems and our problems have the same cause."
To Help or not To Help d20+16=25 d20+9=15 Monday April 3rd, 2006 1:02:57 PM
A Child of the wood, likely a true spirit fey sits crying in a bough some 15' above and in front of the group. The hawk that has haunted Squork's recent memory stands next to it and behind the group stands a mighty stag. Fore feet paw at the snowy earth and billows of steam blast from its nostrils.
Garret is first to speak above the weeping, declaring the groups interest in the wood, the common enemy faced and the desire to rid the land of them. Through the sobbing and a high pitched yet very soft cry the words of Garret seem to get through. The small strange looking girl in the tree smiles as Garret speaks of destroying the goblins and giants, her tears are blinked away and it seems the branches overhead shift just enough to let the sun shine upon her small round face. She quickly answers at least one of the clerics questions. "Mother did say she had seen 2 family clans of the Kjempe which she said was strange with the goblins. If you go I will help, though I don't know where the main camp is."
Bohdi leans in to bend the clerics ear, perhaps some further caution should be taken? "You have met the king and what do mean fe-az-go?" She stands and scratches her head. Her body language and pronunciation of the word seems to more indicate she simply does not know what the word means more than anything else. The confusion and reason for it seem to almost leave her as fast as the sound of her voice fades into the snow as soon as Bohdi mentions the village again. "Yes Ice Peak, Mother was always fond of them. Most especially Rögnvaldr. She told me many stories and he was a funny man who helped me build snowcrows" History DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Rögnvaldr was leader of Ice peak and the great grand father of Kayra }
Dregar takes offense to the wood spirit in calling him dangerous. Did he not shed blood in this forest against the very enemies she proclaims to be set against? As Dregar starts to turn he sees the girls bottom lip start to tremble and tears well into her eyes again. The hawk next to her on the branch hangs its head and tries to nuzzle into her cheek, but it seems to help little as she continues to cry. The stag remains where it is.
Aiden thinks on the conversation develping about him and uneasiness settles over the hunter. The party is fracturing their defensive position while surrounded by possible enemies. What were they thinking?
From her seat on the fallen log, Neco asks Aiden his thoughts on the matter at hand and of Garrets judgment as the leader of the group. She finishes with a poignant thought, 'Why would Goblins and Kjempe hunt for a dryad tree?'
This last part seems to bring a slowing to the crying of the tree spirit, "I don't know" comes a sobbed suppressing reply. "All I need know is they do."
Creeping across the ground towards a possible snack, moves a one track minded white tuft of fur. Move Silently (18) Hide (28)
EdglerVess Monday April 3rd, 2006 7:16:00 PM
The dwarven priest of Gargul is obviously quite flustered by this whole situation. With a grunt and a growl he backs up from the tree and moves beside Dregar. "Garrett and the.... tree, are right my friend. We are dangerous and the goblins and giants is this wood had best remember it!"
He finishes his little speech a lot louder than he intended. As his voice echoes back to him he merely 'harumphs' and sits on the ground with a thump.
Aiden d20=4 d20=16 d20=4 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 1:47:53 AM
Aiden quietly listened to the conversation, still taking his defensive positioning. Shrugging, he honestly did not know the answer to Neco's question.
Being relatively 'new' to Ice Peaks, he wasn't familiar with the person she had spoken. But, since they had selected Garrett to be their leader at the beginning of this adventure, then it was obvious that either (A) Aiden could challenge for the leadership role, or (B) follow along with Garrett's decision.
Garrett had yet to do anything that required replacement as leader, so with a great internal sigh, Aiden came to the conclusion that he was to go along.
By the gods, spirits made him uncomfortable....
"I shall follow you Garrett..." Aiden stated firmly.
Garrett d20+6=9 d20+5=6 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 8:25:26 AM
Responding to Bohdi "We don't know Bohdi. I'm going with faith and gut instinct since we have nothing else to go on at the moment."
Garrett's eyes open wide as the little spirit talks of playing with people that lived long ago. amazed and wondering how many years this "child" has already lived.
Garrett nods to Aiden as he says he will follow, and unless any are opposed asks the girl "You do not know where the main camp is, do you know where any smaller camps are, or in what direction they might be?"
Garrett will then prepare to head out unless there are objections.
(OOC: what time of day is it Dan, and is anyone in the group wounded? wasn't here for the last fight. If so, sound off and I'll do some healing.)
Bohdi Nackle and Squork d20=7 d20+7=26 d20+5=15 d20+2=11 d20+4=17 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 8:58:51 AM Had composed a post and deleted it! Gah!
Bohdi had no idea who the person was to whom Furu'Liten referred (Local History 7), but he could well imagine that it was someone from the village's distant past, having never met the person himself. He was already well aware that fey creatures measured time and events differently than he would. After all, to a tree spirit that might live hundred or thousands of years, what were a few human generations?
Bohdi smiled softly at Garrett. "Perhaps we should wait until morning before setting out. After all, we were just about ready to begin our watches for the night when Furu'Liten arrived. Furu'Liten, you may not need rest as we humanoids do, but there is safety in numbers. Perhaps you and your companions would care to join us for the night."
Squork's beady eyes bulged and his wings flapped incredulously. He coughed and sputtered at the suggestion that Bohdi was inviting that raptor to stay with them. In all of his excitement, Squork's attention still failed to observe any other threat (Spot 26, Listen 15!).
Bohdi settled in by the fire and prepared to stand his watch. (Spot 11, Listen 17) "Furu'Liten, if you or your companions do not need rest, perhaps you will keep Neco and me company while we stand guard for a few hours. I'd be interested in hearing more about your life in the forest, and your Mother. Do your companions speak, too? Perhaps they know the tongue of the badgers and the groundhogs?"
Bohdi called upon his gnomish ability to speak with burrowing mammals and spoke a few words in Badger to the stag and hawk. "Sn'ff grrr'l rrrhawhhl hhhhrr?" Translation Highlight to display spoiler: {Come here often?}
dm pause Tuesday April 4th, 2006 1:40:28 PM
I'm holding on Neco and Dregar for a bit more.
I'm sure it was a right inspired post to Kup :)
Into the Deepening Night Tuesday April 4th, 2006 4:55:55 PM
Edgler moves towards his cousin to aid in deflecting some of the other's anger. His statement echoing into the trees. A slightly embarrassed look quickly passes from his face at his over exhuberance. The small forest child does not really seem to catch the nuances in the dwarves and she turns back towards Bohdi and Garret.
Aiden's superstitions and mistrust of shamans and the spriit world in general keep him on alert for what his heart and years of living the Tuskan life all say that at any minute these creatures will be upon them, rending thier flesh and drinking thier blood...any minute...just wait. His rational mind pushes away the children stories and the ranger of Ice Peak declares his standing with Garret.
While not knowing the name Garret is smart enough to know the person referred to by the 'child' in front of them is likely older than any in the village currently. Garret moves to the matter of what may still remain of the goblin and giant forces. Camps they may not have seen. "I do not know of any camps, but I do know Mother went towards the far north western glade. It is not far from here." and she points off through the trees, where the last fleeing goblin tried to escape to.
Bohdi reminds Garret of the waning hours, morning would certainly be better. Bohdi invites Furu'Liten to stay and with a small squeel and clapping hands she turns and melds into the tree. Only to exit in the blink of an eye at the tree's base. The hawk shoots off through the canopy at the sudden charge of excitement from Furu'Liten and the Stag turns quickly and thunders out of sight as well.
"They need rest as you, but I am not tired Bohdi. She smiles. "I would like that." and the forest sprite named Furu'Liten sits next to the gnome from Zaran city to talk.
The night moves and the rather odd pair continue talking, though barely dressed in not but her skin, the biting cold seems to have no affect on her to the point that her breath does not pour out in clouds as is does for everyone else.
"My life in the forest? I care for the animals and plants. With Mother gone it is to me to love them." Her face lights up, even in the deep night under the thick pines, "Feathers and White Stag will help too." She asks about outside the woods, somewhere she has never been, Mother only let her close enough to see beyond the trees once. It was just the other day. A great explosion rocked the ground and Mother took her to the edge and looked out upon the black cloud. That is when Mother summoned lord Jorno and together they raised a mighty wind the push the black cloud away from the woods. The story strikes Bodhi like the greatest of giant blows. Lord Jorno? It is almost certain she could give no better answer, but what power. To create a wind shield to stretch over the entire wood, one that is dozens of miles in width and bredth. And shes said it so matter of factly.
The night passes with no disturbances. Feel free to back post the night and actions through the following morning
Garrett Tuesday April 4th, 2006 8:52:26 PM
Garrett listens to Bohdi and the forest child chat for awhile before nodding off to sleep. Best to be ready for a full day tommorow, he thinks to himself.
Upon waking he prepares for the day, and prays to Domi for spells to assist them.
"I guess we head for the far north western glade. If the mom went, and the goblin tried to, that would likely be our direction."
Neco d20+1=21 d20+7=9 d20+7=15 d20+6=13 Tuesday April 4th, 2006 9:37:38 PM
"Welcoming wild strangers and animals into our midst? Has the cold gotten to Bohdi's brain?" Neco looks incredulously at the Ice Pack. "Was it not he who said..."
(Bohdi Nackle, Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:46:09 AM)
"...All my life, I've done everything I could to shut out the natural Wold. And why not? I mean, look around--it's not like Nature is a very pretty picture in this part of the Wold. So I have no special love for Nature. I cast spells every day to keep Nature away from me; I hide from anything natural because, to a near certainty, it's almost always going to try to kill me. I like to keep Nature at a distance."
Senseing an intervention is necessary, Neco faces the obviously possessed Bohdi, and casts detect magic on the gnome.
Weezle senses his master's uncertainty but is unsure of whether it is Squork that she distrusts or the gnome. The mammal retreats from both of them, in fear, when the gnome starts trying to communicate with him.
Neco Sense Motive (21) Spell Craft
Weezle Hide (9) Move Silently (15)
Bohdi (a short post to precede an illegal second!) Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:09:11 PM ooc: LOL!
Bohdi harrumphed and cleared his throat. "Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself."
He lowered his eyes and glared at the young rogue. "I was trying to be nice to the dryad. I still think it's a bloody nightmare out here."
Aiden d20=15 d20=19 d20=10 d20=9 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 7:02:38 AM
Aiden quietly stood guard during a portion of the night, though his attention, strangely enough, was split. It was not purposeful, but his curiosity about this strange creature, and her purpose (and ties) to the forest were very interesting to the young man. He kept to the side, within the shadows, so not to interrupt the conversation.
~interesting..~ he thought to himself, ~Bohdi can speak to some types of animals...perhaps that is how some of the gnomes escaped years ago....~
Obviously with each word and action, more of the outlandish stories that he heard as a youth were dispelled. Perhaps it was through the impulsive and warlike efforts of the Tuskians that caused the forest creatures to react (and cause the formation of such stories).
After his watch, and following a short rest, Aiden woke up. He needed to know more about this strange girl, who was much older than she appeared, and her ties to the forest. Quietly, almost bashfully, the tall, gruff ranger attempted to make his way to her (if she was awake) to strike up more conversation. But the talk was very general, questions about her role in the forest, and other spirits of the forest.
(OOC: if you wish, I'll write a more formal line of questions in a second post...I'm just running short of time before work right now.)
hide (while talk was going on between bohdi and dryad): 15 + 7 = 22 move silent (while talk was going on): 19 + 7 = 26
Dregar d20+5=23 d20+1=10 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 7:54:28 AM
Dregar listens as the other dwarf speaks to him. He knows deep down he is is right, but to let on in front of the others is just not going to happen.
" Bah, I hear you Edgler, but it sounded like it was an insult if you be asking me." Dregar says as he sits off to the side. " When I turned around she had a tear in her eye. I do not know if it was for my outburst or for another reason."
If the night goes by uneventful Dregar takes his watches when assigned, and basically keeps to himself for the night.
Spot 10 Listen 23
Bohdi Nackle (premeditated and deliberate cold-blooded 2d post) Wednesday April 5th, 2006 3:23:41 PM
Bohdi marveled at Furu'Liten's description of her life in the forest. He had heard of those nature-worshippers whose relationship with the Mother Wold grew so strong as to grant them enormous powers--but what Furu'Liten described was far beyond that. As a student of mysterious powers, Bohdi could appreciate, if not completely grasp, the enormity of what must have been involved.
He smiled as Furu'Liten described witnessing the "black cloud." "We experienced the same thing, Furu'Liten," Bohdi explained. "It was a mountain that exploded, raining soot and ash for days on places where the powers of your Mother and ... Lord Jorno ... did not extend. It was a product of the Fey King's awakening, I believe. We were chosen, for reasons I do not know, to find and judge an aspect of the King. Our own group was divided about his fate--I still do not know what happened to him. But the Wold still seems to march on as it ever did, and so I suppose he must have returned to his slumber."
Bohdi stared up at the stars far overhead and sighed. "There is an enormous Wold out there, Furu'Liten, beyond the borders of this wood. I respect that you live and serve here. But my own home is far beyond the limits of these trees--a gnomish city of ice and magic, called Zarnan City, where the boulevards of hardened ice are lined with enchanted trees of all kinds, and where the vineyards are planted with the magical frost grapes that we use to make ice wine. In Zarnan City, gnomes have used their arcane arts to shape and bend ice and snow to their will. It's a very different place than here, lovely to behold, but in its own way, sometimes ... cold and distant, too. Like beauty that must be appreciated from afar, for fear that a touch would mar its perfection."
Bohdi's mouth twisted wistfully. "And somewhere, far beyond that, beyond this land of perpetual winter, lies a land of sun, and heat .... It's called the Sargrass. I've never been. I don't think that many trees grow there. But it takes its name from the tall grasses that grow everywhere there. Maybe you've heard of it? Would you know where it is? Some day I hope to travel there, to find someone ...."
Bohdi smiled bashfully, and dipped his head in a blush. "But I'm babbling on. It's not often that we meet someone new with whom to speak on our travels. I hope you don't mind."
With his watch over, Bohdi excused himself and went to bed. In the morning, he prepared his spells, asking for suggestions as usual. When he was finished, he nodded to Garrett and Aiden. "Agreed--let's head for the northwest glade. Furu'Liten, what is the best way to get there? Can ... Feathers and White Stag help us? Perhaps they can alert us to anything strange in the forest as we go."
At the mention of "Feathers," Squork huddled tightly into Bohdi's hood and refused to leave. Annoyed, Bohdi struggled unsuccessfully to roust the cowardly raven.
"And Furu'Liten, would you please tell my--dratted bird!--that your Feathers won't eat him?"
Proposed spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor, Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Familiar Faces Wednesday April 5th, 2006 4:01:39 PM
At each watch the small forest child, Furu'Liten has been sitting quietly staring at whoever was on watch. Her large eyes reflecting the soft glow of the fires much like a cat, betraying her kinship to the natural world and that she likely does not find the dark very dark at all.
Finding Bohdi's seemingly sudden change of heart, Neco casts Detect Magic and studies the gnome, Faint auras crop about the wizards body under the magical light of the detection spell. His gloves and a wand at his belt are most certainly magical and one covers him completely. Spellcraft 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {abjuration} Though nothing seems amis even at that, a glance at any of her companions shows the same faint all covering aura, likely the Endure Elements spells that are cast daily to ward off the frigid cold of this land.
Furu'Linten speaks with any who talk to her though it is all small talk sprinkled with questions about the great Wold beyond the trees. She knows nothing nmore than lord Jorno's name and has no idea how her mother used to summon him. Though she does mention hearing the word emminesary and cradle a few times before lord Jorno would visit. Futen'Linten blinks as Aiden approaches and were it not for what he knows and thinks he knows, she would seem to the big man one of the most helpless defenseless creatures he has ever seen. The small conversation that ensues confirms and causes Aiden to need to rethink many childhood stories. She tells him how all the forest is alive, how it can move and speak if you know how to ask. The animals, plants the very air that flows by you and the earth upon which you tread. But she also speaks of the loving and gentle aspect of the world. Mutual respect and peace towards those who owe their life to the Wold itself, though they may refuse to admit it. We all have tasks, some more ranging, but all important. She changes ever subject attempt on who 'WE' may indeed be with expertise far belying her youthful babylike appearance.
The night passes and day finds the party stirring and moving about their morning rituals and Futen has the giggles. The small girl won't answer anything with more than a laugh and soon a rough and familiar voice breaks the morning air just a few dozen feet from the group. Futen falls into a small ball, the consequences of a hard fit of laughter and giggling.
Sitting up in the snow a rather dour and bewildered look upon his deeply tanned face is none other than Nauthiz'Ull. Whatever Futen'Liten is laughing at, he certainly is not sharing the moment. Spot 20Highlight to display spoiler: { Just visible bounding away from Nauthiz'Ull is the great white Stag.}
The forest child eventually regains enough composure to answer a couple things. "The best way to get there? " She stares blankly at Bohdi, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind the question. Finally she seems to stop that exercise and points northwest. "Go that way" She shakes her head at Bohdi's next few questions, "No I would not ask them to, I will go I will help. I can call to the trees to help when we get there. Like when I first started to talk to you. And know little Squork, Feathers will not harm you. Well probably not. I think it best that I tell him not to then."
Dregar d20+1=5 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 11:02:06 PM
When Dregar wakes, he sees that the creature from the night before is still there. Not wanting to deal with it again, he moves quickly to help with breakfast, or whatever task is being taken care of at that time.
When Bohdi speaks to the girl, Dregar just sits back and awaits which direction they will head. His knees pulled up tight to his chest to keep some of the warmth in, and his axr draped across his knees. His beard has come loose from some of the braids and is starting to fray wildly about his face.
Aiden Thursday April 6th, 2006 7:16:09 AM
Aiden listened and consequently made the small adjustments to his thinking. Some of it made sense, the other parts seemed to be so different that it was almost impossible. It could have been a trick to lull him, perhaps not. It would bear more thinking and observation.
The next day, with Nauthiz return, Aiden's lips cracked into a small smile. It was good to have his fellow tracker back. He stood back, allowing the more personable members of the team welcome him back, though he did give Nauthiz a small smile and nod of the head.
When Garrett did have a few moments, Aiden motioned over towards him to pull to the side. "If she plans to come...she will need a guard..." was all that he said. Considering that the creatures had been striking out at the trees (and therefore her), she would be a primary target by any hostile groups to the forest.
<tag>
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=21 d20-4=13 d20+5=25 Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:18:15 AM
(Spot 21!)
"Nauth--Nauthiz'Ull? Bloody hell! Wunjo, is that you?" the gnome's voice cried. Bohdi's face erupted into a huge grin. He streaked across the camp site and collided into the ranger.
Overrun special attack! -4 nonspecialty penalty, -4 size penalty, +4 DEX mod = 1d20 -4 = 13.
Nauthiz'Ull's defense, per Woldian rules: 10 + 3 DEX or STR +0 size = 13. Defender wins!
Bohdi's REF save v. DC 13 = 25. Bohdi is knocked back 5', but is not knocked prone.
Slamming into the ranger at speed, Bohdi staggered backward in the snow. He shook his head clear of the cobwebs, looked up, and grinned wildly. "Nauthiz'Ull! Bloody hell, man, it's good to see you! Did the stag bring you here somehow?" Bohdi peered off into the woods after the fleeting glimpse he had caught of Furu'Liten's White Stag.
Bohdi stepped forward once more and clapped the sitting Nauthiz'Ull on the shoulder. His eyes gleamed as he gazed upon the face of his friend. "Nauthiz'Ull. By the gods, but we needed you out here. How in the Wold did you ....?" Bohdi trailed off and looked over at the dryad Furu'Liten, then wiped the gloved back of his hand across his mouth, but said nothing more.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Bohdi gestured to the campfire. "Come, come! Have some breakfast! You're just in time to help us. This creature--" Bohdi pointed to Furu'Liten-- "Is a guardian of this forest, and she is helping us to find and destroy the Sne Kjempe and their goblin servants, just as Svanhvit and Kayra directed us to do. Her name is Furu'Liten, and--oh, bloody hell!" Bohdi exclaimed, interrupting himself. "I'm going to talk your ear off before you've even gathered yourself! Sit, eat, get your bearings. You remember Neco, Edgler, and Dregar, don't you, Nauthiz'Ull? They have been steady companions to us this past week out here in the wild. Come, sit, eat. We'll tell you of our journey so far, and you can tell us what news there is from the village."
The overjoyed gnome calmed himself enough to gather rations for his dark-skinned ranger friend and ensured that Nauthiz'Ull was provided for while they spoke. But Bohdi's eyes continued to gleam as they hadn't done for many days.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor, Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Nauthiz'Ull [returns!] Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:32:21 AM
Rolling out from under a covering of snow light snow flutters from the mottled grey furs so familiar to all. A dark hand slowly reaches out towards the stag but it dashes away once it sees the crystal light eyes of the man.
The dream. What did it mean? Was I realy a...? Was that a warning of what I might find? Thoughts still plaque the rangers mind, but he remembers feeling so much confidence when he set out at the begining of it. That must have been a dream of the future as confidence was still lacking for the unproven native of the Ice Peak Village.
Voices dance and deflect off of the snow and ice but the woods have a way throwing sounds at you from every direction. Quickly he is able to pick out the true location and with a flash of his eyes his heart jumps like the deer flees.
Could it be?
The crunch of snow is disregarded momentarily as he hurries over to his wunjos. Perhaps he did not care of the noise he was making but more than likely he could not hear the snow over the blood pounding in his ears.
"It seems as though you have handled yourselves proper wunjos! Maybe I did not need to return. Maybe I will just get in your way as you ease your way through these lands. However, I miss your faces and your stories so it looks as though you are stuck with me yet again."
Nauth hurries to the quirky gnome, his closest wunjo, and picks him up and hugs him. The he catches Aiden's eye and nod and approaches him. Extending his arm he rests his forearm on the ranger's shoulder and wraps his hand around hte back of his head, pulling it towards him and leaning in to touch his forehead to Aiden's.
"It seems you have done quite well. Your path was true. I am proud of you wunjo and it is good to see you again."
After whispering to Aiden his thoughts, gratitudes and pride he turns to the last truly familiar face. The face of Domi's cleric. He looks at him and watches the dark hair tossed in the breeze. Walking over his extends his arm for the traditional armshake of Ice Peak Village. He will clasp the forearm of Garret and pat the outer side it it with his left hand.
"It seems as though your protecting hand has held this group together yet again wunjo. Your gifts are powerful and I am thankful to be in your presence again."
Nauth spins around towards the entirety of the group and everything seems to be in slow motion. A smile creeps across his face but it slowly melds away as thoughts of his first adventures with his close companions return. The face of Friga haunts those memories with a bite of bittersweet pain.
Bohdi (illegal second) Thursday April 6th, 2006 12:00:39 PM
"Oh, we needed you, wunjo, we needed you!" Bohdi laughed and clapped Nauthiz'Ull on the back. "But tell us of your experiences. What news from Ice Peak?"
Nauthiz'Ull [illegal second post on his first day back! ohhhhh! I'm telling!] Thursday April 6th, 2006 1:27:47 PM
A laugh bursts from within at the excitement of his little wunjo. a look of surprise crosses his face at how sturdy the little bugger can be.
"Well wunjos, Ice Peak is back in, well, working conditions for now. We dug most of it out from the ash and repaired most of the damage. Our people have returned from the cave and are resuming life as normaly as possible."
A deep sigh follows his words and now more htan ever does this young man hold a face of someone well beyond his years in experience. Weary lines race each other from the corners or his eyes. A close look at his face reveals a darker than normal tone, most likely cause by the mass amounts of ash handled. His normal skin tone appears under his eyes in streaks like tiny rivers flowing downwards to his chin.
"I must admit not knowing entirely how I got here though wunjo. It seems last night blurred between reality and dream."
To the Glen Thursday April 6th, 2006 4:26:05 PM
Aiden and Bohdi are quick to greet and the three catch up on the last week. Ice Peak is mostly either dug out or rebuilt upon the buried portions and much of the normal life has returned. The deep Ice stoves are fired again and the hunters are finding and bringing in food, though all have been warned off the north and west area barring the success of this venture against the Kjempe. Game is still not what is used to be, but the strong people of Ice Peak endure.
Dregar keeps his distance from Linten and such by working on collapsing the shelters and such. Soon with Garret, Neco and Edgler's help the group is squared and ready. The temperatures again seem pleasant enough to all but Neco. They are below the freeezing point of water, but by standards the natives use one hardly need an overcoat this day.
With the pointing out of which direction the northwest glade lay in both Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull are confident they can keep a steady coarse towards it. Aiden mentions a guard for the fey as she would likely be target number one in an attack by the enemy. They are, after all in the woods cutting down trees specifically looking for her. Garret silently nods agreement and takes that role himself.
The group is ready to move.
Dregar Thursday April 6th, 2006 5:28:11 PM
Once the group is ready to leave Dregar sets forth, plodding through the snow with everyone else. When given an oppurtunity he falls back/ or moves forward to Naththiz'ull's side.
" We have not formally met, but I have heard stories about you. " The dwarf says as he extends his hand. " Me name is Dregar. Dregar Icenblock. And it is good to have another pair of eyes, and another set of weapons on the trip."
Garrett Thursday April 6th, 2006 8:26:45 PM
Garrett clasps Nauthiz'Ulls hand in the traditional greeting, and then pulls the ranger into a brief but heartfelt hug. "It warms my heart to see you again wunjo. It has been far too long. You are thankful to be in my presence? Come now wunjo, I am no woman to swoon at your sweet words, and I only lead as long as my wunjos wish to follow."
"I think you better have some breakfast with us before Bohdi explodes." Garrett leads him over to the campfire.
Garrett sees Nauthiz'ulls face sadden at the memory of frigg'isa as he looks around, and Garretts smile quickly fades as he remembers frigg'isa also. "Aye Wunjo, it still hurts us all." Garrett says as his face becomes somber. "But now is not the time for sadness, now is the time for joy, as we are together once again."
"Let me introduce you to Neco, Dregar, and Edgler." pointing to each of them in turn. "They are a credit to our group and we are happy they chose to join us. Garrett moves off to help Bohdi prepare breakfast, and to let Nauth get acquainted with neco, Dregar, and Edgler.
Garrett does indeed take responsibility for the girls safety upon himself.
Garrett readies to move on after Nauth is briefed and we are all prepared to go.
Neco Thursday April 6th, 2006 9:11:48 PM
Neco marches next to Aiden . "Well I still don't see what we need this guy for," the young rogue mumbles grudgingly. The girl still can't wipe his words from her mind.
"Dead weight is a burden that we will not carry"
Neco clams up the rest of the march. Nauthiz'Ull is not on good terms with her, just looking at him makes her feel sour.
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday April 6th, 2006 11:03:55 PM
Sitting down by the fire Nauth begins to eat what is given to him. He eats slower than normal, chewing in a more interested fashion. At times small mumbles of satisfaction escape from his stuffed mouth.
"You have no idea how good this food tastes. Most everything back home still has a taint of ash upon it. Even the game is a little 'smokey' shall we say. My compliments to the chef."
Nauth takes just enough time to savor the clean food before getting up to help the rest break down camp. Before setting out Nauth pulls off his finely crafted gloves lined with snow mink fur.
"Wunjos, what do you think of this?"
He extends his right arm and pulls up his sleeve to reveal a tattoo. His skin is still a bit puffy in areas where the black ink was heavier. Looking at the tattoo reveals an image that only those from Ice Peak Village will remeber. It is of a face, quite like that of Nauth's but feminine. Long hair flows from his inner forearm down towards his hand. Friga's arm extends, running the length of Nauth's and her hand gracefully extends a pointed finger, aligning with that of Nauth's pointer finger.
"Svanhvít gave it to me. She said it would be a reminder of Friga and that Friga would always be there for me. She told me to say "Friga guide me" when in danger and that I would be instilled with an aiding power of some sort. I never really understood her cryptic talk." ............................. [i]ooc: I will respond to other's posts when they arise if that is okay with Daniel. Also, I just wanted to clarify with the group that the tattoo was not a present, I bought it with my share of cash, I just did not have another way to explain how I got it. Not another way that was interesting anyways.
Aiden Friday April 7th, 2006 7:53:04 AM
Aiden responded in a low tone in a strange, guttural language to Neco.
(Should she understand ork, it translates to "Men's eyes blink...")
If she looks at him with curiosity as to the statement, "Ork saying, 'men's eyes blink', another set of trained eyes helps to remain on trail of the hunt..."
Aiden, though a bit stiff and uncomfortable with this type of emotional greeting followed suit. "The game left us a big enough trail..." he responded. "It is good that your eyes and arm are with us again..."
Bohdi Nackle d20+12=14 d20=16 d20+2=17 d20+4=19 Friday April 7th, 2006 10:35:46 AM
Bohdi nodded and smiled knowingly at the tattoo on Nauthiz'Ull's arm. "A fitting gift and a fitting tribute," Bohdi said admiringly. He studied the tattoo quizzically. (Spellcraft 14) "It radiates magic, all right," he acknowledged. "But I'd need to cast spells to know more, and--oh, bloody hell, who cares? It's just good to know that Frigga is with us, too."
Bohdi marched with Nauthiz'Ull whenever possible during the day, sharing the group's experiences in the wood and eagerly soaking in news from the village--uncharacteristically so for Bohdi, who had never openly displayed such concern for the village and its inhabitants before.
(Sense Motive, untrained, 16) At points during the march, Bohdi noticed that Neco was quiet and uncomfortable. He came to her side when the opportunity presented itself. "You all right, Neco?" he asked with genuine concern. "You need anything? The march a bit hard today? I could summon my unseen servant to carry your pack, if that would help."
Not least, Bohdi made certain to speak with Edgler. He nodded in Nauthiz'Ull's direction. "That one might need a bit of counseling from one with knowledge of Gargul like yourself," the gnome confided. "That tattoo is of his sister, who was claimed by Celsiun or some other dark Power. He took it pretty hard--we all did. Perhaps you could ... I don't know ... offer him some guidance."
Elsewise, Bohdi passed the march uneventfully, (Spot 17, Listen 19) keeping an eye on their charge, Furu'Liten, under Garrett's care.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor, Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
DM Post Friday April 7th, 2006 1:28:55 PM
Nauthiz'Ull-Aiden roll a couple survival shots. I'll check back in later, and roll and move along otherwise.
multi post away
One Last Trail d20+6=19 d20+8=24 d20+6=18 d20+8=21 Friday April 7th, 2006 4:25:32 PM
Nauthiz'Ull shows the party the tattoo that Svanhvít placed down his arm and when Bohdi looks at it he spies the high woldian symbols of Domi in Frigga'Isa's eyes and upon the locket she wears.
Bohdi makes his way to Edgler, perhaps as a cleric of The Keeper, he may be able to provide inside council to Nauthiz'Ull where the others can not. The gnome then falls back to the slighlty brooding Neco to see what may be troubling her.
Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull quickly take up the front and the communication they wordles share as common hunters from Ice Peak is quickly restored. A faint trail leads away from the goblin battle. The trail extends much further than the fleeing goblin had made. The large group may have entered the area from the direction the party party originally tracked them from, but a lone and very light footed creature then left the group and went this way.
Furu'Liten walks beside Garret and it is not hard to miss that the fey never sinks into the snow and leaves no trail herself. Her eyes are wide and she spends a great deal of time looking about her. Her face strangely all business, almost like that of a stubborn childs argueing with thier parents.
The day moves on and the trail is difficult but followed. Stomachs and muscles soo enough tell a tale that the group has been moving through the snowy woods to midday.
Aiden Saturday April 8th, 2006 8:01:44 AM
With the growls (or squeaks) of the various stomachs voicing their emptiness, a thought came to Aiden's mind. More accurately, it would be better described as a concern.
Frowning, as was his natural inclination, Aiden decided to voice his question as it was easier than to couch things nicely.
"Forest child...do you have difficulties with us eating meat?"
Garrett Sunday April 9th, 2006 8:15:56 AM
Garrett walks near the forest child, keeping a close eye on her, and on the area around us.
As stomachs start to grumble, and it's obvious that we have been travelling for quite some time, Garrett suggests we stop for a bite to eat. "Perhaps we should break for a few to rest legs, and fill stomachs. We shouldn't wait too long, we'll want to try and find them before dark if we can."
"Aiden, Nauth, if it starts getting closer to evening and we haven't found anything yet, keep an eye out for a good camping spot. Something hard to spot."
Dregar d20+5=13 d20+1=4 Sunday April 9th, 2006 9:09:02 PM
Dregar keeps his head up and follows the rest of the group. His senses are working overtime to pick anything up, even though there is an extra person now. ( But both rolls aren't good).
When the idea of stopping for lunch comes up, Dregar rubs his stomach a bit. Trying to settle the rumblings.
" Yeah thats a good idea" he calls up. " I am probally eating my own insides already."
Bohdi Nackle Sunday April 9th, 2006 10:41:47 PM
Bohdi frowned as the group stopped for lunch. "Bloody hell, always thinking with our bleeding stomachs," he grumbled. But he did not decline the opportunity to rest his legs and fill his mouth with some meager rations. He gazed thoughtfully at the quiet, diminutive dryad as he chewed.
"Furu'Liten," Bohdi asked between mouthfuls. "Do you sense anything different about the forest here? I mean, is it always this quiet? Why are there no other animals in the wood? As to that, do you have any way to contact Feathers or White Stag--or others here in the wood--to give us a sense of what's going on out there? It might help us to prepare if we know better what to expect."
Bohdi frowned and nodded a rueful acknowledgement to Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull. "As usual, wunjos, we are at the mercy of what limited knowledge we have of these wilds. My understanding of the arcane and engineering is useless here."
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor, Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Neco Monday April 10th, 2006 7:54:49 AM
"I don't need any help; I am plenty capable of carrying my own things. It's not like I can't pull my own weight around here," Neco snaps angrily at Bohdi. Realizing that she had just gotten angry at somebody that wanted to help her, she apologizes. "Sorry... I didn't mean to... Its not that I'm physically uncomfortable it's that... I'm sorry." Glumly, the rogue carries on with the march.
"At least I can be sure you're the real Bohdi now."
Nauthiz'Ull d20+14=26 d20+12=30 d20+11=21 d20+10=13 Monday April 10th, 2006 8:31:30 AM
As for lunch, Nauth is somewhat discouraged for stopping, seeing as though he is moving off of pure adrenaline still. His blood still pumps with the excitement of the reunion. As the group stops to rest he sits and looks around at his sorely missed wunjos.
"Wunjos, I have a gift for each of you. It is not much but I thought it would help if things get a bit hairy again."
Quickly the ranger pulls a grey furred flap up from a pouch and removes six vials. He will toss a vial to each of his companions.
"Drink this when you walk into battle my friends, it will make you tougher to hit. As they say, even the ulf can be more elusive."
He carries conversations when it is appropriate, but he stays quiet during the times when he and Aiden need to concentrate. ..................... survival.tracking: 26 survival.weather: 30 spot: 21 listen: 13
Bohdi Nackle (illegal second) d20=14 Monday April 10th, 2006 8:45:39 AM
"T'sall right, duckie," Bohdi replied affectionately. "No offense taken." Again Bohdi studied the rogue carefully (Sense Motive, untrained, 14.) Not for the first time, Bohdi chastised himself privately for not having spent more time in life coming to understand his fellow beings rather than burying his nose in a beaker or tome of knowledge. Still, he sensed that something was amiss with Neco, and it had begun when ....
Bohdi looked over at Nauthiz'Ull, but said nothing. He chewed thoughtfully on a piece of jerky as his eyes moved back and forth between the dark-skinned ranger and the young woman.
"Better to not say anything," Bohdi whispered to himself under his breath. "Lord knows you've had your own fill of such drama."
He turned his attention back to Furu'Liten to hear what she had to say in response to his questions.
Furu'Liten Answers Post 1 Monday April 10th, 2006 9:50:10 AM
A diminuitive girl gives Aiden a rather odd look, as if trying to figure out what he just said. After a short moment or two she shrugs a bit, "What else might you eat? Mother taught me of prey and predator. Like the Mammoth and the Tiger or the weasal and the Raptor even the thorn bush is prey to the stag she said."
The group stops and Bohdi asks about her connection to the animals and the forest in general. "Yes, the forest is just like this. Maybe more active, but I do not think you would notice." She shakes her head a bit, "I do not have my mothers sense of the wood, I only talk with Feathers and White Stag. Feathers is looking."
Nauthiz'Ull Monday April 10th, 2006 10:36:27 AM
Nauth chews on his staple venison jerky absentmindedly. He cannot help but look amongst his wunjos with a slight sense of awe.
I was separated from them for only a little while, yet their faces have changed a bit. Maybe the role of predator has had a further reaching affect than one might assume. We started out as prey for the wolves and Ice Wurm, now we hunt not for food but for protection. Kill them before they kill us.
He takes a pull from his water sack and then leans backwards, supporting himself with his elbows.
His eyes catch Bohdi's and he can sense the concern welling up within them. He sees them flash to Neco and back.
"Neco. It seems that something is bothering you and I feel as though it concerns me. What issues do you have with me?"
Nauth listens to whomever talks, absorbing the beautiuous sound of their voices. Today is a great day. He is back with his wunjos and out scouting a trail. His efforts to help restore Ice Peak were dutious, this is not; this is honorable. ..................... Sorry, forgot to note on my last post. All six of you receive a Potion of Shield of Faith (+2)
Grinding Hours Monday April 10th, 2006 1:47:09 PM
It becomes very apparent that the defintion of a short distance is very much based on perspective of the creature using the term. Midday comes and a short break is taken to eat and rest waning muscles. Those more accustmed to life on the surface of the Ice Vein know that the cold is a dangerous advesary. It is subtle, insidious and everpresent, even if unfelt. Marching requires a constant upkeep of food and water, energy and hydration, though rarely does one feel very thirsty or hungry. Therein lies the trap, for by the time one knows they are hungry or thirsty it is often too late. The hunger then turns to a different kind, that of the Bevroren Doden, the hunger for life.
Dregar, unlike Bohdi, finds no issue at all on the short stop for food. The gnome while voicing an opinion to the contrary, does indeed grab some rest and food too.
Nauthiz'Ull is in fine spirits, back on the open trail and back with his wunjos, how could anything be better? Even Aiden's more dour self seems to be in temporary exile as he scouts the trail with his fellow ranger. Nauthiz'Ull shares some potions he purchased with all in the group and some information with Aiden. "The wolf pups have been growing at an accelerated rate. They are almost fully grown."
Bohdi and Neco have a slightly different discussion, one that ends with Bohdi apologizing and Nauthiz'Ull picking up on the root of the rogues issues may have to do with him. Nauthiz'Ull takes the standard male approach, direct and of course entirely ineffective and incorrect.
Garret brings up to the rangers to keep an eye out for suitable overnight possibilities. Advanced survival planning is never a bad thing in hostile territory.
The group is moving again, having stopped for a very short time. There was still hope to locate the Sne Kjempe before nightfall. The front trail is still discenrable, though faded by light ground breezes. Picking up a bit on the group's uneasiness, Furu'Liten begins to point out creatures in the wood. Sounds beyond your hearing seem to call her to point towards lofty trees, "There are squirrels". It is a strange effect that settles. The woods as the fey knows it, are alive with many creatures, though you can hear or see none of them directly, but only the flick of a branch or the light fall of a few pine needles. Before written off as the wind through the boughs, now revealed as almost teaming signs of life. Which is more uncomfortable is hard to say.
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=13 d20+4=6 Monday April 10th, 2006 3:34:14 PM
"Many shadows," Bohdi responded to Nauthiz'Ull as he pocketed the potion, unconsciously adopting the slang of the Sargrass. The potion reminded him of another "gift" that supposedly was to make him "harder to hit," but he shrugged off that distasteful memory with a grimace and a scowl, and said nothing more.
Bohdi winced as he watched Nauthiz'Ull interact with Neco. He sighed and shook his head, then turned away so as to spare his wunjo any added embarrassment. He turned to Squork, who rode on one shoulder.
"True wisdom is bought through the painful coin of experience, eh Squork?" Bohdi smiled sadly.
The bird only sniffed, as if to say, Like you know anything about it.
Bohdi's eyes moved to the canopy overhead as they marched. Furu'Liten's comments made him grow steadily more uneasy about the unseen forces of the forest around them. With beetled brow the gnome tried, unsuccessfully, to keep one eye on their surroundings and another on the trail in front of him, causing him to stumble or collide with the person in front of him on more than one occasion.
"Bloody hell," he muttered. He looked anxiously up the column to Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull, hoping that the rangers' skills would lead them through to their destination.
(Spot 13, Listen 6)
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor, Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Dregar d20+1=13 d20+5=20 Monday April 10th, 2006 4:43:22 PM
" Aye, thanks be to you Nauthiz'Ull. I am sure I will need this sooner then later" Dregar says, adding a laugh at the end to the joke that he only gets.
When the marching takes up again, Dregar is quick to get ready and fall into line. The walks break up the monotny of sitting around and thinking, which is something Dregar doesn't want to do.
He makes sure his boots fall into the footsteps of those ahead of him, to make it easier to walk and to hide their numbers if anyone comes from behind.
Spot 13 Listen 20
Garrett Monday April 10th, 2006 8:54:12 PM
Garrett accepts the vial from Nauthiz'Ull, "Thank you wunjo. I have something for you too, but it will have to wait until we camp tonight."
Garrett keeps moving after the short lunchbreak, following the trail lead by the rangers.
After a short while, Garrett turns to the forest child at his side. "Furu'Liten? will we reach this glade before the sun sets?" if the answer is no, or close to it, "We need a good place to camp to wait out the night. Someplace near our present path, but well hidden from sight. We need to camp and sleep in relative safety without being found by the Sne Kjemepe. Do you know of a place, or can you help us to find such a place?"
Aiden d20=14 d20=7 d20=10 Monday April 10th, 2006 11:10:15 PM
Aiden shrugged at the girl's answer to his question about meat. "Didn't know if it was a taboo to eat meat in the forest of your mother's protection..."
It was a weak way to express it, but Aiden was TRYING to be at least polite. That and the fact that there were numerous stories/legends of breaking 'etiquette' and eating berries in a forbidden forest, hunting meat in a protected woods, and the person/being doing such things wound up with a very grisly end.
He kept his eyes out, scouting for a reasonably defensible position (as well as food).
Neco d20+7=17 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 8:06:29 AM
The young rogue thinks back to the cruel words that had been said to her when first attempting to join the Ice Pack.
Nauthiz'Ull Monday September 19th, 2005 10:36:38 PM
"Little one first let me ask you what you can do for my wunjos and myself. Dead weight is a burden that we will not carry...And if you die out there and decide to come back and kill us, you will be my personal toy to deal with!"
She watches the approach of the dark skinned Ranger and when he inquires about what is bothering her, she answers in a high, tight voice "Nothing."
Bluff(17)
Neco looks down at the potion in her hands, confused by the discrepancy between the man's actions and his earlier words.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+14=26 d20+12=25 d20+11=29 d20+10=21 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 9:48:15 AM
While on the trail Nauth continues looking back at the young girl and starts chewing the right corner of his lower lip. A look of confusion and distant rejection paces behind his pupils. A silent nod confirms his thought on Neco wanting nothing to do with him.
One more person who doen not want me or wants to leave me.
Nauth then looks up and around him and the scenery that only minutes ago seemed delicate, tranquil and gracefull; some of that beauty has fled in those passing minutes.
"Ohh, umm, does anyone have a little spare room in their pack for some of my food? I feel heavy and am not as fleet of foot as I should be to help guide the group."
After a while it becomes snow, light, a fading trail and the occassional dialogue with Aiden. Nauth's thought wander from time to time until being snapped back by a sound echoing through the woods or by a slip of Bohdi's tongue with a rogue complaint.
Looking over at Aiden he chuckles softly and quietly says, "It seems as though our little wunjo is getting more used to the trail and the elements. He will be a true native in short time." ................... survival.trail.26 survival.weather.25 spot.29 listen.21
Are We There Yet Tuesday April 11th, 2006 1:43:43 PM
Addressing Furu, Garret asks about the distance to the glade, "Oh not very far, We are taking the slow way though, but that is all right. You can't tree walk." Garret alters the question concerning the remaining daylight and the need for rest, "oh!" her face twists into confusion and thought as if she never realized at some point they would all need sleep. "I forgot that. We will be in the glade before it is dark though.
Word is quickly passed up and down the line. Within 3 hours the group would likely be in combat with the last of the Sne Kjempe and hopefully to the unraveling of this mystery.
Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull maintain the trail and with news of an encounter before nightfall, the need for shelter is sidelined and the pace is picked up. There is some tension to teh air between Neco and Nauthiz'Ull, but most all others decide creating and adding to the drama to provide no gains.
Garret offers up the Bag of Holding for some of the spare food Nauthiz'Ull was whisked into the wood with.
Aidens mind wanders off some at Luten's answer of eating meat. The Mad Witch Karlot who made her home south of the tuskian village in a wood similar to this. The vile witch supposedly lured her victims with rabbit and other small game to the wood. The would be hunters would enter and eventually catch their quarry, but not before getting lost and then the wolves would come. A involuntary shudder goes through Aiden as he recalls the story, made the more disturbing by the fact that after arriving at Ice Peak he heard the story again, almost verbatim.
The group continues and Nauthiz'Ull taps Aiden from his thought. The colunm stops and through the trees ahead the ranger points out Feathers. He sists upon a branch about 120' away shaking his head side to side over and over. Furu wanders up to the stopped pair, her feet still making no mak upon the snow, "He sees them."
Bohdi Nackle (AC 24, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 19, HP 10/10) Tuesday April 11th, 2006 10:45:51 PM
An involuntary shiver ran down Bohdi's back at the dryad's words. With a mutter and a traced finger in the air, a bluish rune sparked into life before Bohdi and enveloped him and Squork in a blue light before fading (cast: Mage Armor). "May Mother Wold be with us," Bohdi said without a trace of irony.
If there were time, Bohdi would cast his two Message spells to link the group in whispered communication (cast: Message x2).
"We'll need someone to stay with Furu'Liten," Bohdi pointed out. "Maybe that should be me, since I tend to stay in the back anyway. Or maybe it should be one of the warriors. Either way, everyone bear in mind that I have prepared two Web spells, a Hypnotic Pattern spell ... And a couple of little surprises, just in case. For one, if things are going badly, I can cast an illusion to look like Furu'Liten to distract our enemies. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Note: Bohdi gains +4 AC dodge bonus v. Giants, reflected above. AC totals include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain).
Kup passes reins to Drew for Wed.-Thurs.
Garrett Wednesday April 12th, 2006 8:44:01 AM
Garrett listens to the varied conversations as the group moves down the trail, and is more than happy to place Nauthiz'ulls food in the bag of holding in order to lighten the rangers load.
Garrett says nothing as the tension from something between Nauth and Neco continues to mount. He thinks to himself, "I will have to speak with them after we have dealt with the Sne Kjempe. Discord will not help any of us, but there is not time now."
Responding to Bohdi. "Aye wunjo, Furu'Liten should stay by your side during the combat, As I will try to do also, for additional protection. Unless my blade or healing is needed more elsewhere. Much will depend upon how many of them there are."
"We should try and stay relatively close together so that we may all aid each other should it be needed. Any of us could be quite in need of aid if we take a blow or two from the Kjempe."
"If we can, we should start the combat with ranged fire, and Bohdi's web spell. Let those not in the web come to us, and while they are coming, we can hurt them a little, and perhaps cast a spell or two to aid us."
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:11:39 AM
Watching Feathers communicate with Furu plants a small seed of envy deep within the ranger's heart. He thinks back to the pups and how they are growing quite healthy.
He looks back to Bohdi and Garret with a slight look of hurt.
"Cannot I stay back with Furu as well? Is Ull'Heimdall's bow not protection for the young one?"
Quickly he shakes his head as if trying to throw those thoughts out of it.
"Sorry wunjos. I will be wherever you want me. Here next to the girl of nature or in a tree or on the front line. Let me know."
Nauth looks amongst the others and slowly begins a little stretching as they decide what to do.
"Should I scout ahead a bit? Maybe with Neco?"
Aiden Wednesday April 12th, 2006 12:10:39 PM
"Nauthiz..." Aiden spoke, "It is also good not to have EVERYONE casting missile or spell within arms reach of each other..."
Grinning like a cat that was now toying with its prey, "Perhaps we can cast a spell of light, like those in the tomb to point out Furu and draw the giants into an ambush or on the bird..." as he nodded towards Feathers.
Considering the power of the Sne Kjempe, Aiden also began to apply the blood oil (oil of sharpness) upon his axe (and if any is left, onto some arrows).
Garrett Wednesday April 12th, 2006 3:40:32 PM
"I do not like the idea of using Furu as bait. Whatever merit it might have tactically, I think it would be wrong."
"But, I believe Nauthiz'ull is right. I am much more use on the front line than in the rear. The healing will be needed up front. Nauth is much better with his bow than I am with any ranged weapon, so it would be a better idea for him to stay with Bohdi, and protect Furu. And you could still use your bow to deadly effect from back there."
"Neco and Edgler should move to wherever they find themselves most needed, which will depend on the number of opponents we face, and the effectiveness of Bohdi's web spell."
Mother Wold Indeed Wednesday April 12th, 2006 4:15:18 PM
Furu seems to almost light up at Bohdi's proclamation of Mother and she seems quite comfortable being paired with teh gnome. This may be that he is less imposing then the others, but none the less the forest fey takes several steps to Bohdi and puts her hands on her hips and cocks her head to the side. A great grin etched upon her features.
Garret lays a tenative battle plan to the others. The dwarves and Neco remain silent, voicing neither agreement nor disapproval.
Aiden prepares with the oil of Keen edge to his axe blades and Nauthiz'Ull brings up perhaps he could serve to protect Furu with his steady handy and the sure bow of his father. The cleric seems the wisdom in Nauthiz'Ull and his aim staying back as added protection for the fey instead of himself. After all a Leader must lead and Domi has always done so with his followers, not from behind them.
Bohdi casts a couple spells and the Message links them all, apparently to the fey childs delight. "This is so neat. You mean everyone can hear me all at once?" giggle giggle.
Now to the task of closing the final hundred feet and what lies waiting for them? What killed this forest fey's mother and is it still lurking about?
Garrett Wednesday April 12th, 2006 4:57:42 PM
"Alright people, let's be ready. Looks like about a 100 feet until we can see the clearing. Neco, Nauth, why don't you two move ahead and scout it out. See if you can get a number of them, how they are set up, and any other useful tidbits. With any luck, most of them will be asleep."
"See what you can, and report back through Bohdi's spell. Be careful, it's possible they have set traps for us, or have seen us coming. I would like to have a few moments to cast a couple spells once we are ready to move in."
"The rest of us, keep your eyes peeled in case there is an ambush set for us."
Dregar d20=13 d20=8 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 5:16:13 PM
Dregar stops when everyone else does, and listens as the others draw their plans. The dwarf just listens, if it was up to him they would all just charge in and fight. The dwarf listens as they mention about the giants up ahead. He quaffs the potion that Nath gave him. ( Potion of Shield of Faith+2) Gets hsi axe ready and awaits for anything to come his way, or given the go ahead to charge.
Spot 14 Listen 13
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:message] d20+10=20 d20+10=18 d20+11=21 d20+11=16 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 5:46:41 PM
Watching as the group begins their preparations for what may be an epic battle to all of them, the young man cannot help but notice that the efficiency level has dramatically improved.
The dwarves are peculiarly quiet and a bit sporadic in their actions, but I hear great things of their magics and blade. Ull'heimdall, look upon me as I stalk like the ulf.
Quietly--smoothly sliding off his backpack the ranger looks to Neco and the throws his head in the direction of the glade. His eyes betray him and trust flickers faintly behind them. He whispers quietly so all can hear.
"Little one, show me who you are. let me see your skills as the Ulf.
As quiet as he can manage, Nauth begins slinking through the last hundred feet, staying close to trees, shrubs, what-have-you. A keen eye from any of his wunjos swears that they catch him licking his lips. ............................ hide.20 listen.18 move silent.21 spot.16
active effects message spell
Bohdi Nackle [ac24 hp20/20:mage armor] and Squork [ac19 hp10/10:mage armor] {sub drew} Wednesday April 12th, 2006 6:00:25 PM Bloody hell!
Whispering through his own spell, "Neco, Nauth, please be carefull. Get us what information you can and then get back here. We do not want either of you caught up there by yourselves."
The gnome looks over to Furu and nods as reassuringly as possible. His eyebrows peak in the middle of his forehead as if to emphasize the point.
As a secondary thought Bohdi adds, "Dregar and Garret, maybe you two should close in a third of the distance just in case something goes wrong?"
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Note: Bohdi gains +4 AC dodge bonus v. Giants, reflected above. AC totals include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain).
Neco (AC 18, HP 14/14, Mage Armor) d20+8=22 d20+8=24 d20+5=19 d20+5=23 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 10:00:42 PM "I will show you. I will show you so you may stand in awe as you bear witness to my finesse. " Neco hastens into the shadows setting a swift pace for the ranger to follow. The young one moves closer to the target and reports what she witnesses through the dim light of dusk. If opportunity allows she will use her wand of mage armor and envelop herself in protective magic.
OOC (will take penalties on Hide and Move silently for full move action)
Aiden Thursday April 13th, 2006 7:51:02 AM
Aiden looked at Garrett with his statement that using Furu as bait was wrong and shrugged. It was just another difference between how and where Aiden had grown up versus the others.
"Would it not have been better for me to have gone?" Aiden's husky voice echoed through the spell, "instead of Nauthiz? His arrows would have been better served and if I had seen anything the noise would have alerted all of you..."
It still bothered him that Furu was included on the spell of Messaging. Although his questions about her being an ally had been allayed for the most part, there was still some retisence about her listening upon the plans.
~no matter...what has been done cannot be undone...~ he thought to himself even as he moved to take Nauthiz position as Furu's protector.
And should she betray them...her killer.
Garrett Thursday April 13th, 2006 8:40:19 AM
Garrett turns toward Aiden. "You may have been a better choice to go wunjo, but Nauth requested to go. I think he feels the need to either prove himself to us once again, or be in the thick of things. Either way, with the way that Nauth and Neco have gotten along, I thought it a good idea to send them together. I think perhaps there are some personal issues that they need to work out. Sending them together, with the need to rely on and trust each other should things go bad, should hopefully help."
"And should they be able to take a look and remain undetected, they may be able to position themselves to be most effective, and give us the go ahead to come in through Bohdi's spell."
"Ideally I would have preferred to just send one person. It's less likely for the Kjempe to notice them if there is only one instead of two moving around."
Garrett looks toward the direction that they went with a bit of nervousness evident on his face.
"But I've been wrong before. Ideally I would have preferred to just send one person. It's less likely for the Kjempe to notice them if there is only one instead of two moving around. Perhaps now that they have gone, we should close the gap a bit. Just in case. We don't want to get close enough to be heard, but close enough to help should someone be spotted. I would think about 30' as Bohdi suggested would be good."
Garrett nods to Bohdi and moves up 30'.
Using the message spell and saying to everyone, "Remember their reach, and be patient. Let them come to us after we soften them up with ranged fire. There will be plenty of work for the blade before it is done."
Garrett says a prayer to Domi as he awaits word from Neco and Nauth.
Garrett d20+5=19 d20+6=20 Thursday April 13th, 2006 8:41:03 AM
(forgot)
Listen: 19 Spot: 20
Final Battle d20+2=15 d20+2=20 d20+2=7 d20+2=9 d20+2=20 d20+2=18 d20+2=22 d20+2=18 d20+2=11 d20+2=11 d20+2=12 d20+2=9 Thursday April 13th, 2006 4:10:53 PM
There is a brief whispered discussion among the group as to how to proceed. One thing for certain, more information on the battlefiled and the enemy is needed. For this, Garret taps Nauthiz'Ull and Neco to move forwards and investigate. Both are eager and pick their respective paths through the wood. Their footfalls seem to make no discernable sound to the group and the goblins and Sne Kjempe thus far have not been the most observant and alert.
As the pair move off, Aiden asks Garret his mind on the choice of Nauthiz'Ull and Neco. The cleric answers in hope that necessity will help heal old perceived injury. The ranger moves to stand with Furu in Nauthiz'Ull's absence. Bohdi councils that Garret and Edgler might wish to close in case things go poorly, they would be in better position to assist with spells and whispers caution as Nauthiz'Ull and Neco slink through the trees. Watching them go, it is comforting that they are easily seen by the party, though the opponents will likely have no idea what lurks in the trees. Furu looks between Bohdi and the stern Aiden and then back to Bohdi. [i]"I can still see you and so can Feathers.
The ground rises gradually as you move through the trees and take a crouched position almost directly beneath the hawk called Feathers. Neco arrives several seconds in front of the ranger, her feet as lightly crunching across the snow to the rangers discerning ear. Neco, likewise, hears Nauthiz'Ull's approach from behind a quiet crunching of snow betraying him. Ahead of them the ground drops slightly into the glade.
Trees are blasted to splinters, snow is melted to the under rock and the dead lie it seems where they were felled. 7 Sne Kjempe lie crumpled on the ground with 8 Worgs and over 2 dozen goblins. Moving about five goblins are working over a few trees near the outlying blast area.
From the large un-natural snow mounds, Nauthiz'Ull is quite certain this is the main encampment where the elders and leaders of the Sne Kjempe would be. The rest were apparently sent into the wood in smaller groups. One of the giants can be seen awake and moving about even in the light hours of day wearing a fine looking necklace of stones and probably symbolic of control of the family. [Spot DC 15 Nauth and Neco both made] The Sne Kjempe ducks and disappears into a Snow Mound. [Mound 1]
One particularly large tree, which no goblin is near, has a score of axe marks in it and several massive bludgeoning scores. It is harshly twisted with large peeling bark sections and little in the way of leaves. The tree is not a pine but other than that fact, little more about it can be determined from here. It is most definately out of place.
Even as you take the scene in, one goblin stops in mid swing and seems to look directly at you.
Dregar Thursday April 13th, 2006 4:34:53 PM
Dregar looks to Bohdi when he makes the suggestion. He nods his head in agreement and moves up a third of the way to help incase anything bad should happen.
His lips begin to wet as he wells up the rage in his body. Not letting it overflow yet though.
Garrett Thursday April 13th, 2006 8:25:53 PM
Garrett waits for a report from the scouts after closing the 30'(from last post, not sure if you moved us).
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:longstrider:message] d20+10=18 d20+10=23 d20+11=28 d20+11=20 Friday April 14th, 2006 12:09:09 AM
Watching. Studying. Calculating. Freezing.
Did that goblin just see the pair? No way. It could not have seen either.
Whispering like the trees in the wind, "Neco, hold."
Knowing that sometimes waiting is the only forward progress, Nauth slowly lowers, shoulderblades peaking as the rest of his body floats towards the icepack. Not a sound. Not a blink. .......................... hide.18 listen.23 move silent.28 spot.20
Aiden d20=6 d20=17 d20=4 d20=12 Friday April 14th, 2006 7:49:01 AM
Aiden's footsteps were soft and silent again the snow. Slowly, he followed along with Bodhi and Furu. He quietly pulled out his bow, since it was likely that he would be able to fire an arrow or three before closing in on the Sne Kjempe.
He awaited for the command to battle.
It was too quiet....Aiden frowned. ~they expect us...~ he thought to himself.
Bohdi Nackle [ac24 hp20/20:mage armor] and Squork [ac19 hp10/10:mage armor] {sub drew} Friday April 14th, 2006 11:16:24 AM
Anticipation and nerves wash over the exciteable gnome as Nauth's words seep into is ears.
Why does Neco need to hold? Huh? Nauth? Neco? What is going on?
Bohdi's words quiver with a slight tinge of panic, yet there is a composure in them that was lacking even a week agao.
"Furu, we will be safe back here. Neco is like a snow rabbit's whipser and Nauth is as close to the wolf as a human can be."
An exagerated nod to the girl of nature tries to instill some sense of security and reassurance.
[/i]Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Note: Bohdi gains +4 AC dodge bonus v. Giants, reflected above. AC totals include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain).[/i]
ooc-If I was not supposed to post for Bohdi for today then disreagard and go with Kup's post, obviously.
The Edge of the Plunge d20+2=22 Friday April 14th, 2006 3:42:15 PM
Nauthiz'Ull makes a whisper to neco that the entire group hears. It is a whisper filled with urgency. "Neco, Hold." The silence that follows is deafening. What was going on just ahead through the trees?
Garret Dregar and Edgler all move forward. (close 35 feet or 5 squares).
Bohdi and Furu stay put and Aiden stays with them, bow in hand. Dark and pessamistic thoughts cross his mind. Bohdi whispers through the message for more information. Party members in platemail were tromping up behind the ranger and rogue and Nuthiz'Ull saw something that spooked him, but what?
Furu'Linten looks at Bohdi and her nose scrunches slightly "Neco needs to hold what? Why? Are we in trouble? I should help now maybe?"
The goblin looks more closely in the direction of the ranger and rogue hiding just in the trees. His weight shifts to his other foot and then his eyes pop wide and his jaw goes slack. The battle axe tumbles in slow motion from is hand towards the snow. The others about him slow the chopping and start to slowly turn in the direction he stares.
Goblin 5 dropped his axe, Goblin 1 and 4 are looking in your direction. Goblin 2 and 3 continue thier chopping map legend: arrow indicates direction of party 3 squares away is Garret, Dregar and Edgler. 7 squares is Aiden and at 8 squares is Furu and Bohdi Shaded grey area is top of ridge and is 5' above
Aiden d20=12 d20=15 d20=14 d20=8 d20=16 Sunday April 16th, 2006 10:37:24 AM
Aiden pulled in a little closer (as I assume would Bohdi and Furu) to the trees. With all the trees and forest growth, it was difficult to make out the goblins from their current position (ooc: assumption).
(OOC: did Furu cover why the goblins were cutting down trees?)
"Furu...can you sense your mother nearby?" he whispered through the spell.
Things felt 'too' easy at the moment, even though it was very tense. Watching, he looked for tracks or any other signs of a possible ambush.
Dregar Sunday April 16th, 2006 12:57:20 PM
Dregar made his way farther along with the others. His mind was racing of the ways he wanted to slaughter the goblins.
As his feet plodded through the snow, spit began to leak from his mouth and freeze into his beard. He was ready to fight.
Garrett Sunday April 16th, 2006 3:55:13 PM
Garrett waits for word from Nauth or Neco as to what is happening.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 24, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 19, HP 10/10) Sunday April 16th, 2006 4:20:44 PM
"I say we take no bloody chances," Bohdi whispered. "I'm moving up with Furu'Liten. Nauthiz'Ull or Neco, tell me which way is that big mound with the giant and I'll smack it with a web!"
Moving up 20' (4 squares, still off map), Bohdi readied his spell and targeted the entrance of the snow mound (Snow Mound #1--the entrance is itself opposed points, as are the trees and the mound surrounding it). Assuming that he had a line of effect to the mound and directions from someone with a line of sight, he would cast the spell.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2, cast 1) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
Note: Bohdi gains +4 AC dodge bonus v. Giants, reflected above. AC totals include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain).
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:longstrider:message] d20+10=21 d20+10=19 d20+11=26 d20+11=30 Sunday April 16th, 2006 10:07:01 PM
Hearing the chatter in his cerebellum Nauth is flooded with distractions.
He looks up to see if Feather is still there.
Do the goblins see him and Neco or do they see Feathers?
"They are dropping their axes in fear. I think that they see something else. Now is the time to move! Move up, I will take over Furu's guard once Aiden and you get here. Neco swing around and get ready to spring on their backs once we engage. Stay in the trees until then."
Exagerated whispers come in gasps as Nauth's heart begins to pump quicker and harder. A chance for something else; something besides the hunt of a deer.
"Bohdi, the mound is on the right side of the camp. Get up here before using the spell. We may not need it right away." ................................... move.S23
hide.21 listen.19 move silent.26 spot30
Neco (AC 18, HP 14/14, Mage Armor) d20+8=27 d20+8=25 Monday April 17th, 2006 9:28:56 AM
Neco is quite aware of the situation, and is not about to do anything unwarranted. "I have difficulty believing that they can see me. I..." Neco looks behind her to be sure that whatever the goblins are staring at is not following her. "I believe they are looking at something else. Daring to make a move, the stealthy rogue creeps to the other side of the camp (around F28) on her own accord. In an curt whisper, Neco says to Nauthiz'Ull "Garrett is currently our head, and I take my orders from him, not you 'Ranger'. Do you think that he may be worthless too?"
Hide (27) Move silently (25)
Nauthiz'Ull [addendum] Monday April 17th, 2006 10:18:23 AM
Words trickle through the iceman's cortex. A string of utterances that he cannot believe he is hearing.
Friga, if you were here I am sure she would shut up or learn to understand.
"Let me tell you something right now seeing as you have no choice but to listen to me. We can take orders from Garret when Garret is up here and can see what is going on. Does the mother wolf ask her pups how to hunt while they stay in the den? NO! You do whatever you need to do girl but do not ask for help from me. If you do not like what I say then return to Garret and I will do this on my own. I am sure I can pull your weight around some more."
The ranger's eyes begin to redden and well up with frustrtion. Muscles begin pumping in his jaws as he tenses, steam popping out of his nostrils in short, quick puffs
Aiden Monday April 17th, 2006 10:31:16 AM
Aiden took his gloved hand and slowly wiped it down the middle of his face. He didn't know whether to laugh out of sheer amusement or yell for the goblins so that they would put the two of them out of their misery.
Looking over at Bohdi with an irritated look, Aiden spoke his point curtly (of course after Garrett says his piece, for he is the leader). Thankfully...
"Quiet both of you, or you will alert them. You bicker more than two orks fighting over spoils. Even if the goblins have not seen you, or the dwarves, your thrashing will make up for it. Now, until we set up a GlotCirqu so the two of you handle this, stay focused on the mission. If I am to die in battle, I want it not to be at a goblins axe but something more worthy"
(OOC: GlotCirqu...not knowing ork, I made up a word. Basically, a circle where the two fighting orks are strapped together and pummel each other until there is only one winner/correct ork.)
Garrett Monday April 17th, 2006 11:48:11 AM
(according to map, it appears that I am about 40' behind Neco and Nauth. My following tactics are based on this. If it is much farther, let me know and I will adjust.)
"Enough, both of you. This is not the time for this." Garrett tries to think loudly at them through Bohdi's spell. At the same time thinking to himself that perhaps necessity does not necesarily bring people together.
"Everyone else, let's move in. It is obvious something has alerted them. Neco and Nauth, stay put. If they don't see you, I don't want them to until we get there. Once we arrive, start shooting.
"Remeber everyone, ranged weapons first, let them come to us.
"Bohdi, you and Furu stay back a bit, and move off to the right a little once we get up there and use your web on a kjemepe if you can. Nauth, when they get up there, you are with them."
"Aiden, dregar, Edgler, the four of us head straight in now. We should hopefully draw the majority of their attention."
"The plan will change once we get to melee."
Garrett moves 40' straight towards where Neco and Nauth went(Move and a move.)(although I didn't post it prior, was assuming i have my crossbow in hand instead of the sword since that was the plan.)
Go Time Round 1 Monday April 17th, 2006 2:03:06 PM
Aiden pulls both Bohdi and Furu a bit closer to himself. From his present position, he could only make out that where Neco and Nautiz'Ull currently crouch is a break in the trees. What lies beyond is all being delivered through the Message spell and it is pretty vague. He asks Furu if she 'senses' her Mother. To this the forest child shakes her head. "I do not, I am quite sure in the last 4 days she would have come to me if she were alive." (ooc yes they are cutting down trees trying to find her magical tree home. Information that is astonishing to find in the hands of goblins and Sne Kjempe. Likely they have been told by a more informed creature)
Dregar moves up now with the others, a fight was brewing and the dwarf would see himself in the middle of it cleaving goblin heads from their wretched bodies. The very thought sent tingling to his arms and legs and a smile to his face.
Garret waits on further information
Bohdi leaves the side of Aiden and moves towards the tree line on the small ridge. Hoping to get some coordinates to cast a spell. Line of Effect is likely good enough, but directions are harder to come by. Neither scout can point out the direction and just right of the camp he can not see is no good as well. (Based on Nauthiz'Ulls stated directions of to the right of the camp, I am not having Bohdi cast the spell. He can not see the camp and therefore has no idea where right is or how far)
Nauthiz'Ull tries to filter through the cascade of sound coming through the Message spell and does so The Goblin has certainly been frightned, but by what. 2 enemies at their camp, a bird in the trees or something else? He decides a third option must be the cause and calls through the message for the others to advance and for Neco to begin circling. n Looking up and behind him, Feather is gone.
Neco does not believe she could be the result of the goblin's reaction either. Something else surely, but a quick look behind does not shed light on what it may be. Though the others are now closing, the goblin saw something before they began to move. The Message spell conveys the rogues opinion of the ranger giving her orders as she slips off through the trees. Garret is in charge and not Nauthiz'Ull, he should remember that.
Nauthiz'Ull replies to Neco and seems to cut her loose from his responcibility and support. Likely a sentiment that sits just fine with her, but what of the rest?
Having heard enough bickering for his own tastes, Aiden reminds them to stay focused.
Garret seconds the whispered Message and calls for the two to stay put and everyone, but Bohdi and Furu, to close to the break line, find a spot, pick a target and open up Domi's righteous wrath upon them. Unfortunately as the cleric looks to his forces, Furu and Bohdi have already moved closer. Likely not a problem though. They need to get up their to cast spells anyway with any effectivenss.
It very quickly becomes apparent that something most definitely spooked the goblins and just as quickly it ceases to matter what that might have been. The goblin retrieves his battle axe and begins rushing across the clearing. Heading towards a mound of snow with a dark entrance screaming for the attention of whatever lies with in.
The other two crouch down in the snow behind the tree they were just trying to cut down making themselves smaller targets to possible missile fire. The goblins at the second tree shout to their comrades Goblin speakers Highlight to display spoiler: {"We go to get the throwing axes. Wait there!"}
Furu stayed right with Bohdi and Aiden and upon hearing the high screechy sounds of the goblins her face contorts to a most unpleasant look. "Filthy vile cretins. Mother showed me enough for their ilk." She points to a tree and starts whispering in an unknown language.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 24, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 19, HP 10/10) Monday April 17th, 2006 5:16:16 PM
"The gig is up!" Bohdi hissed through the Message link. "They must have seen us because they're going to get throwing axes! Look sharp, wunjos!"
Moving up (to X31) and drawing out his wand, Bohdi wasted no more time. A muttered enchantment and a traced rune later, a massive, sticky web exploded into existence to cover one of the snow mounds' entrances (cast Web, centered on intersection S11/T12--covers snow mound entrance, uses trees on all sides as opposed points, and traps lone goblin #4. REF DC 16).
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (x2, cast 1) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
DM sanity points: -- AC totals above include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain) and racial dodge bonus: -- Bohdi v. goblinoids, AC 20 including +0 racial dodge bonus, +1 racial attack bonus -- Bohdi v. giants, AC 24 including +4 racial dodge bonus, +0 racial attack bonus
Sub sanity point: --I turn into a pumpkin again at sundown EDT Tuesday (approximately 6:30 pm Woldian time) and will not access a computer again until at least Thursday night sunset (approx 7:30 pm Woldian time). Depending on the posting times tomorrow, I may post again before that, but feel free to post for Bohdi in that time frame. Note that Bohdi has another Web spell available and the Wand of MMs 3d--both good ranged options, depending on how things develop. Bohdi's movement rate is 20'--4 squares.
Dregar: (27 hp, 14 Ac) Monday April 17th, 2006 6:42:54 PM
Dregar screams at the top of his lungs as the rage fully enters his body. He starts his little legs pumping towards the two goblins (1,5). If hes not able to make it in one charge he stops at the tree in O 23/24.
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 23/23) d20+3=17 d8=3 Monday April 17th, 2006 9:37:11 PM
"Damnit Dregar. Make them come to us. Ranged fire first. They are only goblins now, but there will be Kjempe in a moment, and you are forcing the rest of us to move in to cover your reckless butt."
Garrett moves to P28 and fires his crossbow at goblin #4. Attack: 17ac, Damage: 3hp.
"Dregar has changed the plan. Aiden, come with me, we'll move up to cover Dregar. Nauth, Neco, Edgler, go with ranged fire, cover us if you can. At the first clear shots you have at a Sne Kjempe, concentrate all fire on it. Bohdi, web them and then concentrate your offense on any Kjempe making themselves known. You and Nauth still have Furu, keep an eye on her."
"If we can take one alive, it would be a good idea."
Neco (AC 18, HP 14/14, Mage Armor) d4+1=4 Monday April 17th, 2006 10:26:35 PM
Neco runs forward, in an attempt to get to the goblins in the tents before they bring together any reinforcements. Neco will fire off a charge from her wand of Magic Missile (4 points of damage) at a goblin (if she can't get Goblin 3 she will get Goblin 5). If Neco sees any sight of the frost giants she will immediately inform the rest of the group.
Hearing the Dwarf screaming into battle, the young girl rolls her eyes and mutters, "Not again! Will he ever learn that discretion is the better part of valor?"
Wands 46 Magic Missle 47 Mage armor
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:longstrider:message] d20+8=14 d8+1=5 Monday April 17th, 2006 10:55:04 PM
Looking about quickly for a place tactical enough to maintain an offensive hand for the group yet cover the forest creature, the ranger lays eyes on a spot where he can fit nicely between two of the tower pine trees.
Feet disregard any concern for noise as the ranger strides forth to his defensive attack position.
Between the spanse that is snow and ice and pine, Ull'Heimdall's bow is unshouldered and a shaft drawn from a magical quiver.
Ull'Heimdall, your guidance is needed again. Let your eye stare down the shaft of my arrows and may you hand help drive it deep. You skill is my pride, your honor my life.
"Bring Furu to me wunjo, I have a great spot that will keep you two safe."
Upon reaching the vantage point that he spotted, it proves to be exactly what he wanted. It also proves a place where one of the goblins becomes exposed. That goblin will be the recipient of the ranger's determined arrow. ................................. move.T20 (Between the two trees)
A.14 D.5
IF Goblin #1 is killed befaore Nauth fires then he will hold his fire.
Aiden Tuesday April 18th, 2006 6:53:30 AM
The lines that indicated frowns would seem to grow almost permanent on Aiden as he saw (and heard) what was happening.
Putting 'on' his bow, he began to make his way towards the location of combat. (T29 once Garrett vacates that is a 30' movement)
Round 2 d20+2=6 d20+2=17 d20+1=11 d20+2=9 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 1:40:18 PM
Bohdi moves forward drawing a wand as he does so. From his vantage point the Snow mounds are terribly hard to see through the dense pines, [Spot 6] but the gnome now has a better idea of where 'to the right of the camp' is and casts his spell.
There's just no holding the dwarven barbarian back and he charges through the snow towards the crouching goblins. The distance is great though and he pulls up short at the top of the 5' ridge drop.
Garret with a curse aimed at the reckless dwarf move across the snowy ground to line up the fleeing goblin. Calling for Aiden to him and the rest to utilize their ranged attacks. Bohdi's web has covered him though and the cleric switched targets quickly to on of them behind a tree. Garret's bolt strikes the goblin (5) deep in the shoulder.
Neco takes off form her spot in the trees hoping to get the to the goblins before they get to help. Pulling her wand of Magic Missiles as she moves, she hops nimbly down the drop [Jump 17] but it does not look like she will catch them. She fires. The energy bolt strikes the wounded goblin in the side of the head and he topples lifelessly over.
Nauthiz'Ull quickly spies his firing perch and moves to it. His request to his father for guidance on this occasion seems unanswered. His shot at the goblin (1) is high right.
Aiden stows his bow and moves to comply with Garret, but he is still quite far away in battle terms.
The two goblins duck into the tents they were headed towards. The web encompasses the goblin heading towards the snow mounds completely A terrible bellow tears through the air across the carnage torn glade. Striding from on of the mounds is a pair of giants. Great clubs in hand and a pair of javelins the size of a human across their backs. From Necos rather unique vantage point, she can see an amulet hanging about the neck of the one on the right (giant 5) The rogue is distracted though, as a battleaxe wielding goblin charges from behind the tree he was at and closes quickly. The attack is errant, however, and Neco is unharmed. [Hit AC 9]
Furu finishes whispering, having remained where she was. A large tree just behind Nauthiz'Ull tears itself free of the frozen ground and in several earth shaking strides, it makes towards the giants.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 24, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 19, HP 10/10) Tuesday April 18th, 2006 5:03:47 PM
Moving ever closer to Nauthiz'Ull (move to V27), Bohdi let fly with another Web (centered on L5/M6--has four opposed fixed points in trees K0/L1, H/I2, M10/O12, and R7, with supplemental support from snow mounds and tents, covers both giants, REF DC 16. Note that previous round's spell was centered on S11/T12, and not Q11/R12 as currently displayed on map, although the exact placement may not ultimately affect anything).
"That ought to hold them for a few moments!" Bohdi noted with satisfaction.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern, Web (cast x2) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 39 of 50 charges remaining.
DM sanity points: -- AC totals above include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain) and racial dodge bonus: -- Bohdi v. goblinoids, AC 20 including +0 racial dodge bonus, +1 racial attack bonus -- Bohdi v. giants, AC 24 including +4 racial dodge bonus, +0 racial attack bonus
Sub sanity point: --I turn into a pumpkin again at sundown EDT Tuesday (approximately 6:30 pm Woldian time) and will not access a computer again until at least Thursday night sunset (approx 7:30 pm Woldian time).
DM Note edit. The previous web spell was cast when Bohdi could not see the mounds nor much of anything else that direction through the trees. I altered his central location to something he could see and then went to the right a bit. Bohdi's other choice would have been point is a direction and call out a distance and hope to be correct and have anchor points. As another note the snow moundes are not anchor points
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:longstrider:message:divine favor] d20+9=29 d20+9=16 d8+2=3 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 7:46:03 PM
Nauth curses Celsiun(?) for his fickle winds as the arrow flies harmlessly past the goblin. His eyes grab the sight of Neco being charged by the goblin and he finds himself mumbling the words "Friga guide me." The moment the last sound flickered off of the tip of his tongue a wave of warm, sweet smelling energy washes over him.
Instinct vanquishes stubborness as the sight of the only female even remotely related to his life being in danger proves to be a powerful one.
A lone arrow cuts the cold air as Nauth attempts to will it through the heart of Neco's assailant.
[i]"Bohdi. Furu. Move up closer to me."[/u] .............................. active effects longstrider message divine favor (+1) 10/10 rounds (60 seconds)
nauth will hold his position.
nauth fires at the goblin attacking neco. I am assuming that he can only fire once as he activated his tattoo.
a1.29 (confirm.16) d1.3x3=9 (what a cruddy roll)
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 23/23) Tuesday April 18th, 2006 8:20:14 PM
Garrett reloads his crossbow, and moves to N25.
"Neco, finish that goblin and then back off into the trees and start shooting those giants. Magic missiles will work best since the web will protect them from our arrows. If you need help with the goblin, let me know and I'll be there in a moment."
"Dregar, move about 20' forward and hold there, I'll be up shortly. Once the giants get free from the web I want them to focus on our grouping."
"Bohdi, Furu, and Nauth, stay as far back as you can while still being able to use your ranged weapons. I don't want one of them to break free and get to you too quickly."
"Edgler, head for Dregar's position, we'll want you up here with your natural skill at avoiding giants blows. And likely we'll need the healing once it gets down to combat."
"Aiden, head for Dregars spot too. I want the main group of us where they can see us, and head our way instead of toward the others if they make it past the webs and the tree."
"Anyone who has something that can hurt them while they are in the web, let it fly. If one or both of them break out of the web, everyone concentrate their ranged weapons on that one until he closes with us."
Garrett tries to sound sure and confident while directing the actions of the party, but doubt gnaws at him. Garrett thinks to himself "I have not been trained in directing troops, how am I suppose to do what is best?" and says a quick prayer before trying to refocus on the battle at hand. "Domi, grant me the wisdom to accompany my courage and help me choose the right course of action. Should someone need fall today, allow it to be me before any of my wunjos or the forest child under our care."
Neco (AC 22, HP 14/14, Mage Armor, Shield) Tuesday April 18th, 2006 10:12:36 PM
Neco side steps the piteous goblins attack with great ease. Only to see it struck by the rangers shaft a second later. "Just because you killed it for me doesn't mean that I owe you anything," the rogue growls at him. To further protect herself Neco casts Shield on herself and moves to the tree where the goblins were stationed earlier (18L).
Aiden Tuesday April 18th, 2006 10:42:05 PM
Aiden was amazed at how far separated the group had gotten in just a few seconds. Even with his long strides, he still was not able to make up enough distance to reach Dregar (R28 is 30').
(OOC: is unsheathing a weapon a free action? What feat enables this if it is not? Just curious) DM NOte Quick Draw makes it a free action, but you can also Draw a weapon as part of a move action. So move 30 while drawing the weapon and then move 30 more or 1 attack or something
DM Addendum for Neco Wednesday April 19th, 2006 9:48:21 AM
Nauthiz'Ull's shot did not kill the goblin, you may repost if you wish
goign to move along and have Neco frag the goblin with Magic Missile wand
Round 3 Here They Come d20+2=14 d20=12 d20=16 d20+5=25 d20+5=8 d20+5=22 d20+5=17 d4+1=4 d20+1=16 d20+5=24 d8+4=11
Wednesday April 19th, 2006 4:58:53 PM Bohdi closes on Nauthiz'Ull position and casts another Web spell. He can't see them through thte trees very well, but he certainly heard the two giants. Hopefully his range is close engih on target if he goes just past the gnarled and decaying tree. [spot 14]
Nauth takes aim and this time brings a magical arrow to bear on the goblin attacking Neco. The shot is true enough, but the vile little creature turns at the last moment lessening the penetration. Staggered and bleeding, but still alive it presses against Neco. A whisper through the Message spell asks Furu and Bohdi to close to his position. A giggle from the tree right next to him echos back through the Message spell to all as Furu steps from the trunk
Garrett reloads his crossbow, and moves up to Dregar. Getting a better view of what will be the field of combat, the cleric of Domi fires battle commands as if born to do so.
Neco side steps the goblins attack and downs the wounded creature with a blast from her Magic Missile wand. She then moves off towards the tree they were just using as cover. Neco please mark another charge
Pulling his double axe as he moves across the snowy ground, Aiden quickly closes to Dregar and Garret's side. ----------------------------------------------------------- The webs envelop the two giants and holds one fast, but for the briefest of moments. With a roar the giant tears the binding strands from himself. The other giant used his club and arms to help deflect some of the greater strand mass from settling on his body. From the previous webbed area a giant tears into the strands covering the doorway, the creature slows but does not stop completely.
The goblin in the webbing twists and jerks about, but his strength is simply not up to the task.
The other two goblins emerge and close from around the tents. Each hand has a throwing axe and in their side belts, they carry their battle axes.
The tree moves across the frozen ground. The bodies that already lie their snap at awkward angles under the tremendous weight of the now moving Pine. A branch descends with bone crushing speed tot eh goblin entangled in the web. His shrill cry cut short as the branch crushes him. [Hit AC 24 Dmg 11]
Garrett (AC: 19, HP:23/23) d20+3=20 d8=6 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 8:42:34 PM
"Aiden, Dregar, let's move up to Neco's position. Concentrate your fire on the free giant that is breaking out of the webs in front of Neco."
"Edgler, Bohdi, Furu, Nauth, the giant that just popped out of the mound near you is yours(gt2). Take him down quick, and be careful."
Garrett moves 20' toward Neco, and fires his crossbow at whichever giant is the one broken out of the webs, either gt1 or gt5.
Neco (AC 20, HP 14/14, Mage Armor, Tree) d4+1=5 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:13:57 PM
With no time to use her spell, Neco gives the goblin obstructing her path a fatal blast at close range. Steping over the crippled body, she moves to the cover of the tree. "That's three giants too many for my liking", the rogue mumbles to herself as she fires a third charge from her wand at the giant ripping through the spellcaster's webs (Gt1 or Gt5 for 5 points of Damage). "At this rate I think I should have purchased two wands".
44 Magic Missle 47 Mage armor
(Standing in the same square as a small tree grants a +2 bonus to Armor Class and a +1 bonus on Reflex saves)
Bohdi Nackle (AC 24, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 19, HP 10/10) d4+1=3 d4+1=3 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 11:51:37 PM
Scurrying as fast as his little feet will carry him, Bohdi rushes up ever closer to Nauth and finds a safe spot next to a tree [V23].
"Wunjos, I am going to fire now, when the Sne Kjempe breaks free I will pull a trick out of my sleeve."
With a flick of his wand the gnome sends another two streaks of magic at the giant nearest him [gt2 / 6 damage].
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern(cast), Web (cast x2)
Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 38 of 50 charges remaining.
DM sanity points: -- AC totals above include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain) and racial dodge bonus: -- Bohdi v. goblinoids, AC 20 including +0 racial dodge bonus, +1 racial attack bonus -- Bohdi v. giants, AC 24 including +4 racial dodge bonus, +0 racial attack bonus
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:longstrider:message:] d20+6=24 d20+6=11 d8+1=3 d8+1=4 Thursday April 20th, 2006 12:12:19 AM
Nauth listens to what the others say and takes quick inventory of the battle.
Two goblins rushing up, three Sne Kjempe; one of which will be a threat soon and two who will be taken down by his wunjos momentarily. Clean up the straglers before the alphas arrive.
"Bohdi, wunjo, stall the SneKjempe for a few if you can."
As sure as he can, Nauth reaches, one after another for arrows. As quickly as one is drawn it is in flight, arking serenly towards the two hapless goblins.
After the arrows launch Nauth steps up to get a better angle at the Sne Kjempe that will be upon him once the sticky webs are negotiated. .............................. move.U19 (5' diagonal step after full attack) a1.24 a2.11 d1.3 d2.4
active effects longstrider message
Aiden Thursday April 20th, 2006 7:28:31 AM
Aiden mumbled under his breath before taking a deep breath and running towards a position nearby Neco. (J19)
He would not have any more movement for an attack.
Dregar d20=13 Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:12:29 AM
Dregar continues up to Neco's position. Once there he awaits for anything to come in and give him a shot, and keeps looking back to make sure the others are following along.
OOC: hit ac 20 incase any get close.
Round 4 Slip and Falls...Call Sam d20-1=2 d20+2=7 d20+5=6 d20+1=18 d20+1=18 d20+5=18 d20+5=21 d20+5=9 d20+5=19 d8+4=8 Thursday April 20th, 2006 2:07:30 PM Garret fires at the entangled giant, but the webs prove to be in the way and his bolt misses. "Aiden, Dregar, let's move up to Neco's position. Concentrate your fire on the free giant that is breaking out of the webs in front of Neco." Garret directs his fighting force to cut down the trapped creatures and provide formation for when they eventually break free. Quickly he hops down the 5 foot drop. However, he looses his footing on the slick snow and fall prone. [jump 2 fail]
With Neco lets loose again with her wand, at the same target Garret fired at. The missile strikes but the fur covered Sne Kjempe does not seem to notice or care of the small wound.
Bohdi rushes towards Nauthiz'Ulls position and lets the giant almost free have a pair of magical bolts. A grunt in response to the impacts let's Bohdi know of the creatures displeasure at the wound.
Nauth takes aim on the goblins closing to the small advanced group and in lightning rapid succession lets fly two deadly shafts. The First strikes hard and deep to the goblins abdomen and seems to almost knock the wind from him. His second unfortunately travels far right of his mark. The goblin still lives.
Aiden too tries to quickly leap off and down the embankment and discovers the footing too precarious and falls prone [jump 7 fail]
Dregar to moves up and sets himself ready for one of the opponents to get with striking distance of continues up to Neco's position. But oh Waard is a fickle god and normally sure footed dwarf finds his feet leaving him upon landing [Jump 6 fail].
The two goblins close to a lone Neco and let fly with a pair of axes. End over end they tumble towards the rogue. Both axes sink into the tree as ducks behind it. [Hit AC 18 and AC 18] The pair of entangled giants, rip and tear their way through the webs and look like they will be free of the spell in a few seconds. The other giant seems to be having a greater difficulty at navigating the last few feet.
The great Pine shuffles across the broken bodies under direction of the giggling Furu and with one great swing, shatters the skull and upper bone structure of one of the goblins.
The moving tree has now gained the giants attention and one seems to call out into the air. For those who know giant Highlight to display spoiler: {" Wishami! The trees attack again. Help us!"}
Bohdi Nackle (AC 24, HP 20/20) and Squork (AC 19, HP 10/10) {sub drew} d4+1=5 d4+1=4 Thursday April 20th, 2006 8:15:29 PM
"Wunjo, get to firing on that one! Our one! I can't bloody well it off all by myself forever!"
The gnome realizes that this situation could be resolved before any of his wunjos are hurt.
Snap!...Snap! is what can be heard of the right cuff of Bohdi as he exageratedly whips off another blast of his wand [9 damage].
Furu? Are you have a laugh at this? She is having a laugh at this wunjos! A laugh!
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (cast x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Mage Armor (cast), Alarm, Silent Image, Color Spray [note: Pearl of Power, one prepared L1 spell/day may be cast twice] Level 2: Hypnotic Pattern(cast), Web (cast x2)
Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 37 of 50 charges remaining.
DM sanity points: -- AC totals above include Mage Armor for Bohdi and Squork (Squork must stay within 5' of Bohdi to retain) and racial dodge bonus: -- Bohdi v. goblinoids, AC 20 including +0 racial dodge bonus, +1 racial attack bonus -- Bohdi v. giants, AC 24 including +4 racial dodge bonus, +0 racial attack bonus
Edit by Kup: I'm back. Agreed to what my most excellent sub had done here. I would only add that Bohdi moves up to T20 as his move action--flanking Nauthiz'Ull and Furu, with a tree available for cover as needed.
Thanks, Drew!
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp28/28:longstrider:message:divine favor d20+2=21 d20+10=30 d20+11=15 Thursday April 20th, 2006 8:31:49 PM
An audible grunt can be heard but it is not certain if communicated by Bohdi's spell or if Nauth's guteral sounds are carried that well by the icy winds.
"The giant is calling for help from something named Wishami. I am holding, waiting and getting ready to finish this giant off soon. Bohdi is dwindling him down."
Nauth scans the battlefield as he can see it, looking for another SneKjempe, possibly a magic using SneKjempe.
Focusing back on the task at hand Nauth looks towards the entangled one with a eerie mixture of fear and anticipation. In mere seconds that enormous creature will be charging him and it will be up to him and Bohdi to lay it dow.
"Frigga guide me..." is all that is said. A warm, sweet smelling energy washes over Nauth and floods down his arms, through his hands and wells up at his fingertips. ................................ know:local(or history or whatever the name Wishami would fall under)=21 spot.15 listen.30
active effects longstrider message divine favor (+1)
OOC Garret! You can always use my website if you have access at work or whatnot. That is why I put it up. Check out Garret
Dregar d20=6 Thursday April 20th, 2006 9:09:54 PM
Dregar gets himself up to his feet, throws his helmet back on and grabs his axe. He checks his footing in the slippery snow again before heading off to back up Neco.
OOC: Hit ac 13 incase any get close.
Garrett Thursday April 20th, 2006 9:26:46 PM
(OOC: pretty cool Nauth, forgot about that. Thanks.)
Aiden Friday April 21st, 2006 7:25:45 AM
Aiden curses to himself for being the fool for blundering as he did. Quickly he tried to get up, and re-arm himself.
(OOC: If I understand correctly, that would take almost his entire move, correct?)
Neco (AC 20, HP 14/14, Mage Armor, Tree) d4+1=5 Friday April 21st, 2006 7:56:34 AM
"Good you're here. Now I can advance." Neco waits for all of the stragglers to catch up and blasts goblin number three (for 5 points of damage) before it becomes a threat. "After this I'll make my way up to the tents to get a little better aim. Let's hope this Whishami guy/thing decides that the giants need no help. Could he be the Whishami that killed 'Cha'Kote? Could he be the warren under the mountains, the leader of the Giants?
43 Magic Missile 47 Mage armor
(Standing in the same square as a small tree grants a +2 bonus to Armor Class and a +1 bonus on Reflex saves)
Round 5 Plenty More Neco d20+5=18 d20+5=20 d20+5=19 d20+5=16 Friday April 21st, 2006 2:45:51 PM Garrett stands up and moves to Neco, reminding his wunjos to keep to the tactical plan and also asking about what the giant with the amulet just said. The answer is not terribly encouraging.
Bohdi calls for a bit of help from Aiden and lets the struggling giant have another pair of magical bolts. Sizzling impacts can be faintly heard as they strike. The large burly giant grunts and tries to tear free of the webs so it can crush the smaller creature hurting it. "Furu? Are you have a laugh at this? She is having a laugh at this wunjos! A laugh!" Her giggle subsiding, "You are far too serious creatures if the comedy you a bipedal attempting to keep his feet on the ice does not amuse you on some level. Life is short Bohdi, especially those of the noble races such as yourself. When laughter presents itself, why tell it to go away?"
Nauthiz'Ull acknowledges the request via grunt and takes aim. The arrow flies true, but the sticky strands covering the giant provide it just enough protection to halt the missile. The Ranger does understand the creatures and relays what was said. "The giant is calling for help from something named Wishami." A name completely unfamiliar to him or anyone else in the company Scanning the battlefield, he can see nothing resembling help on the way.
Dregar gets himself up to his feet, throws his helmet back on and grabs his axe. He checks his footing in the slippery snow again before heading off to back up Neco.
Aiden hears the giggling in his ear and curses to himself for being the fool and blundering as he did. Quickly gets up and moves with the dwarf. At least the weapon never left his hand.
Neco glances over her shoulder and smiles as the rest of the men catch up. Pointing her wand she sends an arcane missile at the goblin and drops it to the cold ground to join it's bretheren killed earlier in the week. Looking out to the webbed giants, the rogue entertains the thought of pushing forward and vocalizies some thoughts on what Whishami may be. The goblin captive used the same word 'Cha'Kote dead, taken by the Whishami and Wishami say go to Kjempe, warren goes The lone giant near Bohdi and Nauthiz'Ull quickly crushes Bohdi's hopes and tears completely free and begins thumping towards them. It's massive shoulders and thick legs seem to make the small pine they crowd behind like a insignificant barrier to its power. If that were not enough a second giant appears in the doorway of the snow mound and also begins moving through the sticky webs. Spot DC 12 Bohdi Nauthiz'Ull only Highlight to display spoiler: { this second giant appears badly burned } In the other web, the giants there tear free as well with a thundering trumpet of triumph. Again a giant calls out, and this translated by Nauthiz'Ull through the Message spell. "Whishami, the Forest Spirit is back, you did not kill it!"
Bohdi feels Furu grasp his shoulder tightly and hears her suck in breath. A definite touch of fear in her hand. A whispered plea of "Bohdiii" is all she can manage. The tree strides back again across the broken giant, goblin and worg bodies towards Bohdi, Furu and Nauthiz'Ull, one more guardian to stand against the giants.
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