The Spell (ADM MikeK) Wednesday March 8th, 2006 8:16:46 PM
Rayla gives a curt nod.
"Unwrap the body, and place it on the ground," she instructs.
The woman waves her hands in an intricate motion and begins an incantation. It is almost melodious...
Spellcraft DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {She is indeed casting Resurrection}.
Minutes pass, the incantation continues.
A billowy cloud rises from the earth, white and wispy. It envelopes the entire group, obscuring vision.
And then falls away......
OOC - Please do not post until the guest DM posts
GARGUL (guest DM) Wednesday March 8th, 2006 10:07:50 PM
The mist becomes black and dark and moist. Your senses are taken away and then suddenly you find yourself standing on the rippling glassy surface of a great ocean. The waves rising and falling under your feet. Looking down you can see great swimming creatures there under your feet. Some beautiful, in amazing colors. Others fiercely dangerous with razors and teeth, perfect killers. All the life swimming below the oceans surface and all of it open to your eyes. You find by simply looking you can even see the battle of the microscopic life battling for beauty and dominance. All of it there for you to observe. Squatting down you feel the water, and your fingers go right through the surface. Beautiful florescent rainbow fish come swimming up to nibble painlessly at your fingertips looking for a hand out. A soft cough behind you brings you all to your senses. Turning is the smallest but most beautiful woman you have ever seen. She is not gnomish, or dwarfish. her race seems to be undeterminable. It is clear she is an adult woman, scantly clad in a flowing gown that seems to move over her body like water. She bows deeply and smiles, showing of a dazzling smile and deep cleavage. She places her dainty fingers in the water and swirls them beside her feet and rising from the water suddenly is her perfect match in masculine beauty. Coming up from the waters surface, dry and beautiful her smiles and bows as well. Taking the ladies hand he kisses her tenderly and in a voice deep and booming for his size he whispers sweet thoughts and love to her, then turning to you all, his dark eyes sparkling, he speaks.
"Welcome to my lords domain, why do you trespass here, what is your business?"
Tishe' and Stripes Thursday March 9th, 2006 4:33:06 AM
Unable to speak, Tishe' but nods dumbly at Trellus to make a pact with the Barons to restore Ulgren. The spell is cast, and the brown-eyed girl prepares to arrive in the large chamber before Gargul.
The ocean and its beauty and dangerous creatures takes her by surprise. "Where is the palace?" she wonders aloud.
And then comes the woman. And the man. And the question.
"Your lords domain? I'm sorry, we didn't mean to. We were trying to get to Gargul and plead for the return of our companion. The witch who cast the spell must have tricked us!" Tishe's eyes burn with a hot hatred of the Barons, yet her shoulders slouch in despair. "We just need to get Ulgren back", she says despondently.
Jake Thursday March 9th, 2006 6:19:09 AM
At first, Jake is amazed by the mysterious ethereal ocean and tempted to try to dig out some string and try a skill he'd heard of only in books, something called fishing... The diea of which stuck in his head and for one second almost overwhelms him with its absurdity. Go after these little morsels of food in so much water? Crazy. Then the lady comes in. Awesome. Jake drinks her in and his eyes light up. He's wanting to ask her her name, when a man, obviously her man, comes in and interrupts it all. And, Jake begrudges, the guy's got the looks down, to deserve such a woman. Oh well...
Trellus d20+9=20 Thursday March 9th, 2006 10:56:15 AM
Trellus looks on with some trepedation as Rayla casts her spell. He doesn't know what she's doing [Spellcraft 20], but he isn't about to tell anybody that.
So now, when they appear over this ocean instead of by that sunbaked river like last time, the man gets just a little worried. The tiny woman is gorgeous, and her companion as well. But, like Tishe says, this seems to be the wrong place.
Trellus decides to bluff it out.
"Many shadows," he politely greets the two. "We are come to plead with Lord Gargul for the return of a packmate. Would you help us, please?"
Anuk Thursday March 9th, 2006 12:55:40 PM
Taken aback by the entrance to Gargul's realm being different, Anuk responds to the woman's question. "Uh...um...I...well, that is...we...uh...what Trellus said," he finishes feebly.
Grymash d20+4=23 Thursday March 9th, 2006 7:25:12 PM
Grymash goes slack jawed! All this is too much for him to take in all at once. So much so that he forgets to breathe, not until his own body instinctively takes over the task. Questions finally overpower his shock. "How dis be? Dis no be da realm of Lord Gargul. Where be da river of blood? All blood flows ta Gargul! Gry think weez somewheres different! Wheres weez be, pretty lady?" Eyes still wide with wonder, Grymash continues soaking in all his surroundings.
(Knowledge Religion: 23, to guess where he is.)
Gilan and Ciaran d20+13=17 Thursday March 9th, 2006 8:19:41 PM
Gilan watches the spell as it is cast, using his own knowledge to make sure that she is casting the right one[spellcraft 17].
When he arrives into this area of water and creatures he cannot resist the urge to dip his own hand into the water. It is only a few seconds later that he notices the lady that is soon doing the same. He knows that he has that same idiot look upon his face but he cannot help it. Then the man appears, obviously her mate and he forgets all about the woman for now.
"As the others said...we seek Gargul to petition for a friends life...can either of you help?" He seems to be at as much of a loss as the others but he wonders if this time they are in the actual Lands of Rest. "Is this the Lands of Rest...where the dead come?"
Ciaran has his own tail tucked as magic is not too welcome in his opinion...well this kind anyways. He stays close to his human so that he does not get lost or hurt.
Flea Thursday March 9th, 2006 10:17:49 PM
Flea's eyes are peeled as her brain registers all that is new and fascinating. Her first reaction is to hide behind the bigger folk, but when she sees that there are only handsome little folk she relaxes. The rogue smiles shyly at the little people, wondering who they might be. Taking a step forward, Flea asks, "can you two help us get our friend back to us? His soul has started a trip to the Shadow Lands, but we need him with us."
Mac Thursday March 9th, 2006 10:43:02 PM
Whether he is tongue-tied or still taking in this place and these people, Mac remains quiet and nods in agreement.
GARGUL (guest DM) Friday March 10th, 2006 4:47:24 AM
The little man smiles at all of you and again leans over and kisses the little woman on the lips lightly and lovingly. Then she sinks suddenly beneath the waves. The little man turns and looks at you all. The smile disappears from his face.
"You are in the realm of Gargul, but then what place is there that is not the realm of my lord? He is the power of death and wherever death is there is also life, one and the same. Life and death. Too often do you mortals come before him pleading this or that concerned with only your tiny existence, your tiny comprehension of what you address, what you anger, or please every time you face HIM. Soon he will ask you why you are here and why he should grant you what you seek. He will ask what is there for him to gain by granting it? Prepare yourselves; prepare your answers for he will soon arrive."
The little man then turns his back on you and stares out at the great sea as if expecting . . . something.
Tishe' and Stripes Friday March 10th, 2006 9:17:01 AM
The plain-faced woman's thoughts suddenly come into focus at the power and directness of the beautiful man. Life and Death. Gargul is lord of both. So often, she only thinks about the death side. And why should the god give them thier gift? What have they done to deserve it?
"Nothing", whispers Tishe', all the anger draining out of her. "I've done nothing worthy of an audience with a god." Her eyes are wide, fearful, and briming with tears. "So many come to Gargul, to plead, to demand, to promise anything for a loved one. What makes us so different?"
Mac (Sub/Al) Friday March 10th, 2006 10:35:00 AM
From the tower of his natural height, Mac's eyes follow the gaze of the little man. The sound of his own hooves as they take two involuntary steps backwards, brings home to the minotaur the enormity of the things that unfold around him.
Jake Friday March 10th, 2006 4:19:35 PM
Jake listens to the guy and ponders his words. They're not right, he thinks to himself. There's stuff other than life and death. Like sand. That stuffs not alive, or dead. And, um, the color red. Or love. Lots of stuff.
Trellus Friday March 10th, 2006 5:04:25 PM
Trellus swallows reflexively. This is Gargul's domain alright. And the little dude is asking the very questions the cleric asked himself the last time they were here...well not really HERE, but, you know, Gargul's...oh forget it...
Gargul doesn't gain a thing by this. Trellus knows it, the little dude knows it, and Gargul truly knows it. They ask because they must, and pray for the best.
Trellus swallows again. And waits.
Gilan and Ciaran Friday March 10th, 2006 9:30:55 PM
Gilan listens and then pales as he gets some of what is being asked. Do they really deserve what they ask anymore than anyone else that asks for a love one back...a little child. He lays a hand upon Tel's shoulder and squeezes it. "He has a point...we do too often ask for things that we do not need...for things that should be left the way they are." He looks around at the others as he sighs himself.
"There is a bigger picture on the Plains that we must address and we all know that. I do not think we can do this alone...we will need Ulgren's help." He hopes that he is getting them on the right track and that Gargul will not seem their troubles in the Wold trivial. "If the Oglian are back on the Plains we must stop them or we will be cattle like some of our ancesters. If what the history and myths say is true than we are nothing to them but slaves and food...little more than cattle to be used." He shakes his head as there is something there that he cannot get too. "I know that we will need Ulgren to accomplish this...we are Bloodpack and we must stand together...even if that means giving something to Gargul or doing something for him that seems impossible." He cannot get his words to come out better but he figures that the others will understand.
Ciaran is now laying down and watching with interest but little concern. He does not understand this at all but he does wonder what happened to the village...he had been thinking of food.
GARGUL (guest DM) Saturday March 11th, 2006 2:01:09 PM
The little man staring off out over the ocean does not turn but address the party, answering a question no on heard.
"Why isn't sand part of life and death? What is it but the destruction and death of a rock, and the creation or birth of a desert or a beach? What of love is it not the birth of a relationship, does it not make you feel free and alive, and when it is gone, there not anything else that makes you wish for death is there not?"
Then the silence drags on for what seems like an eternity until suddenly in a deep and reverent voice that booms but is hushed at the same time, the little man says.
"Gargul comes"
HE (gargul) Saturday March 11th, 2006 2:17:22 PM
Nothing happens for a long long time, and then suddenly the surface of the sea breaks and a large black spike begins to rise. No not a spike, a black fin. Black as night, black as onyx, black so beautiful it breaks your heart. The fin continues to rise and rise and rise when finally the back of the great fish breaks the surface. Water sluices from its great back in waves and it is difficult to keep your feet as the waves wash from it. More and more of the beautiful black fish is reveled until it rises to tower over you. Reveling itself to be a jet black catfish with white eyes. Cloudy mist rolls over them, making shapes in them, but never revealing a pupil. The catfish rests on the surface of the water. Its mouth so large it could swallow your group and 5 more just like you in a single gulp and still have room for a Rapke or five. Water glistens off its scales like stars until you realize that it is not water. It is stars. There reflected in the scales of the great fish are all the stars of the universe. The great fish's tail gently rocking back and forth creates silent tidal waves off to each side. It is the most beautiful creature any of you have ever laid eyes on, if it was not for the disturbing eyes. Suddenly they clear as well. Living completely black pools, a swirling universe in each one. Then the voice. Issuing from within your mind. A voice that you would choose never to hear, but will miss forever when it is gone.
"WHO DISTURBS ME, TO WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU REQUEST AUDIENCE"
It strikes you to your heart then. This is a god before you. Not a monster, not a creature, not a mortal. This is a god. You, a group of small mortals, specks to that which is before you just used all your power to summon up the presence of a deity to try and make a demand. What foolishness is this.
(Will checks of 35 to not be visibly afraid)
Flea d20+3=16 Sunday March 12th, 2006 4:13:09 PM
The smile on the gnome's face disappears when the little guy turns his back on the pack and makes his pronouncements.
What of love...and when it is gone, is there anything else that makes you wish for death?"
The rogue's lower lip starts to tremble, and her eyes sting as she fights back the tears, and the remembrance of her fur clad companion making his way in the desolate land of ice and snow. "Bohdhi..." she sighs, "I miss you so!"
The waters part and a great creature, black and glistening like the night sky comes towards the pack. There is something omniscient about the great fish, and the rogue becomes fearful of what is to come next. She drops her pack, and falls to her knees, her eyes cast downwards, unable to look into those terrible eyes. (Will=16, fail)
Anuk d20+4=7 Sunday March 12th, 2006 9:04:06 PM
Anuk stands mutely, pondering the questions of the little creature when the profound presence that is Gargul rises from the water.
A feeling of devout obedience overwhelms him like gravity, and he prostrates himself before the Lord of Death (will save 7). Staring only at the ground he answers the summons as best he can. "We...we need Ulgren. He is more than a friend, he is bloodpack. We are not bloodpack without him." Cheap words, but he hopes the god can sense the feelings in his heart. But even they betray him as he finds himself suddenly thinking of Milo, friend and member of the pack who made the final journey and did not return.
Mac (Sub/Al) d20+3=23 Sunday March 12th, 2006 11:26:28 PM
He hears the fear in the clatter of his own hoofbeats, but the thick muscles in his neck work of their own accord, shaking his massive head from side to side and tossing the rack of curved and polished horns.
A snort comes from Mac's nostrils, and the hesitant tattoo of his steps become an even and solid drum beat of courage. Mac strides up, to stand at the side of Trellus. Whatever he decides, no matter what words he says, the minotaur will be there to back it up.
Rolls and Actions Will Save 23 (Nat 20)
Tishe' and Stripes d20+7=10 Monday March 13th, 2006 4:15:20 AM
The brown-eyed girl is momentarily heartened by Gilan, "the bigger picture", she whispers.
And then the great, the majestic, the awe inspiring vision of the body of the fish and all it implies arrives. Tishe' at once feels the soaring of her heart and the sinking of her heart. Sweat glows upon her forehead and upper lip, eyes wide, and a fear that she longs for is etched upon her plain face.
"D-D-d-dark One...", she begins and must lick her lips to try again. "Ulgren..." And again her mouth goes dry, with not even a thought for the hi-eena hiding behind her.
Trellus d20+11=25 Monday March 13th, 2006 10:06:23 AM
[Will 25]
The fin of the giant fish rises higher and higher, and Trellus feels a lead weight forming in his stomach. This is so not gonna be like last time.
And then Gargul manifests himself. His presence is too much, even for the young man who prides himself on never showing fear. Like a rock, Trellus collapses to one knee - Domi protect me . The prayer is automatic and unbidden. Was it said aloud? Even Trellus couldn't tell you.
The cleric feels Mac's presense at his side, but cannot acknowledge his packmate. Head bowed, he tries to compose some possible response to the Lord of Death.
"L-Lord G-G-Gargul," he greets the god, trembling with fright. "We are the Bloodpack. We...we come to ask for our packmate."
It is pathetic, but its all he can say.
Grymash d20+6=23 Monday March 13th, 2006 7:56:05 PM "Lord Gargul .... Master!" The big, trembling half-orc drops to his knees and takes up a position of worship, reverence, and submission. "It be Grymash, yooz most faithfully servant. Please forgives Gry for takin' Gargul aways from divine works dat Gargul do. Grymash bows to da will of Gargul, Master of all dat be livin an dead! Master of Grymash."
(Will save 23)
Jake Monday March 13th, 2006 8:08:21 PM
Jake falls to his knee like the others, uncertain abruptyl why he's here. Or why Gargul's here. What did they give the god last time? He can't even remember. And here we are, again, asking for something... what if we still owe him from last time? Bad news..
Gilan and Ciaran d20+14=32 Monday March 13th, 2006 11:39:56 PM
Gilan had been thinking on the things that the little man has said and he will have to agree. Then there is the rising of a black fin from the water, leading to so much more. As he stares into the star filled eye he feels nothing but then the eye becomes just that.
He feels the intense weight of something larger than himself as he drops to a knee before the Lord of the Dead. As the others try thier own words he does not have courage to say much but one word. "Need." In his mind he knows that they will need Ulgren to defend the Plains against this new threat from the past. They fight something or go to fight something that will throw them into chains just as fast as any slaver...but they will be a source of food as well...little more than cattle. How can he explain this to a God...would he find this a petty matter...did he just pee himself?
Ciaran lays upon the ground and then rolls onto his stomach. His neck is exposed as one would do to a superior of another pack when you enter his territory. Your life now hangs in their hands.
HE (gargul) Tuesday March 14th, 2006 1:29:28 AM
The massive fish swims in place while whole worlds die and become in the tidal plains of his rotating fins. Your mind blinks and the great fish is no longer the deep black of a night sky but the pure white of holy light. His eyes glow with the golden light of the thousand suns, and the horrible voice that you will miss forever but you feel has always been there in your head speaks again.
"I DO NOT ASK FOR HOMMAGE, I DO NOT ASK FOR PRAISE, I DO NOT ASK FOR WORSHIP YET THESE THINGS YOU THINK ARE OF VALUE TO ME? MY SERVANT GRAYMASH HERE RUSHES INTO BATTLE HEEDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES AT TIMES AND YET HE PRAISES ME. WHAT GOOD DO THESE THINGS DO? HOW DO THEY BALANCE THE UNIVERSE? HOW DO THEY SERVE THE GREATER GOOD, OR THE GREATER EVIL? WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU SERVE, WHAT PURPOSE WOULD GRANTING YOUR REQUEST SERVE? ALL MORTALS FROM THE MOMENT OF THE CREATION OF THIS FOOLISH SPELL COME HERE AND ASK FOR THE RETURN OF DEATH TO LIFE. THIS ONE YOU WANT..."
The dead form and soul of your friend rises from the water dry and whole. He finds he can now speak.
"TO TURN BACK HIS DEATH FOLLOWS AN UNATRAL PATH. ONE OF YOU TELL ME, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I GRANTED EVERY PRAYER FOR THE RETURN OF A DEAD LOVED ONE? WHAT WOULD THE ULTIMATE CONSEQUENCE OF THAT ACTION BE? YOU ARE ALL MORE THAN YOU SEEM, ONE OF YOU TELL ME."
Tishe' and Stripes Tuesday March 14th, 2006 4:28:28 AM
The words roll over the brown-haired girl as she continues to stand frozen in fear and awe.
And as the Dark One's words wash over her like the ocean, a flicker of animation wells up. She is afraid, certainly, and with good reason. So why does she suddenly get the feeling that Gargul is speaking like a tutor trying to lead particularly dense students to the truth?
And with that thought, Tishe' regains some of her fire. Not enough to banish her fear, but enough to speak in spite of the fear within her.
"D-Dark One. If a thread is never cut, then there would be no death and the tapestry would be a mass of knoted threads. without balance."
Still sweating, Tishe' takes a breath and speaks again. "But if a thread is cut too soon, an entire tapestry may unravel. Was... was Ulgren's cut too soon?"
Mac (Sub/Al) Tuesday March 14th, 2006 11:55:02 AM
"Meaningless." Broad nostrils flare as Mac raises his head to look up at that great god.
"Death would become meaningless. Without respect for death, there's no respect for life. Without respect for life, the bonds we have with each other are gone."
"We help each other ... care for each other because we don't have forever on this Wold. We fight so that all can make the best of the time they have. We fight so that other people have a chance at happiness in the time they have here."
"Ulgren, he's one of us. It's something he fights for too. Respect for Life. Respect for Death. If his time's up, then it's up. His life wasn't wasted. We know that. I know that. I respect it."
"But you don't have many defenders. You might think of that."
Mac (Sub/Al) Tuesday March 14th, 2006 11:55:02 AM
"Meaningless." Broad nostrils flare as Mac raises his head to look up at that great god.
"Death would become meaningless. Without respect for death, there's no respect for life. Without respect for life, the bonds we have with each other are gone."
"We help each other ... care for each other because we don't have forever on this Wold. We fight so that all can make the best of the time they have. We fight so that other people have a chance at happiness in the time they have here."
"Ulgren, he's one of us. It's something he fights for too. Respect for Life. Respect for Death. If his time's up, then it's up. His life wasn't wasted. We know that. I know that. I respect it."
"But you don't have many defenders. You might think of that."
Trellus Tuesday March 14th, 2006 5:50:23 PM
Still on one knee, Trellus winces at Mac's words. The cleric is not in a clear frame of mind, but he's pretty sure that response won't be well received.
At least Gargul has asked a question he thinks he can answer. WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU SERVE?
"Lord Gargul," he replies, still afraid to look up at the imposing form before him, "we are the Bloodpack, sworn to protect the Sargass. We are told our land faces a great danger, one that would enslave all our people. A slave does not serve Life or Death, he simply exists, which is no purpose. We are sworn to prevent that. Ulgren is sworn to prevent that."
The cleric of Domi is certain he could say that better, but his mind flails for a conclusion. It fails him, again.
"We need him," he finishes lamely.
Trellus Tuesday March 14th, 2006 5:50:23 PM
Still on one knee, Trellus winces at Mac's words. The cleric is not in a clear frame of mind, but he's pretty sure that response won't be well received.
At least Gargul has asked a question he thinks he can answer. WHAT PURPOSE DO YOU SERVE?
"Lord Gargul," he replies, still afraid to look up at the imposing form before him, "we are the Bloodpack, sworn to protect the Sargass. We are told our land faces a great danger, one that would enslave all our people. A slave does not serve Life or Death, he simply exists, which is no purpose. We are sworn to prevent that. Ulgren is sworn to prevent that."
The cleric of Domi is certain he could say that better, but his mind flails for a conclusion. It fails him, again.
"We need him," he finishes lamely.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday March 14th, 2006 8:01:58 PM
Gilan looks up at the god that is before them and rolls his eyes with the response from Mac. "That bites grass." He mutters under his breathe and then listens as Trellus speaks up. He nods his head as one has put thier true purpose here into the fore ground.
With a little bit more nerve than he is actually feeling he speaks. "What Trellus says is right...a new threat has come to the Plains...the Oglian by the old name. They once enslaved a nice portion of the peoples here but they were driven back underground." He swallows hard as he tries to keep his thoughts in line and not falter now. "We have a shot at slowing them down at least...here and now...but we need Ulgren's help." With a look around at the others he feels his own resolve eroding around him. "We are Pack...Family...maybe a hope that we have not realized yet?" Some of this is starting to bother him too. Some had just joined up with them and only fought in a few battles but...yes they are family in the truest sense of the word. Still that answer that he just gave does not seem to be enough.
Ciaran does nothing but whine a little as he closes his eyes to not see, but yet still see.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday March 14th, 2006 8:01:58 PM
Gilan looks up at the god that is before them and rolls his eyes with the response from Mac. "That bites grass." He mutters under his breathe and then listens as Trellus speaks up. He nods his head as one has put thier true purpose here into the fore ground.
With a little bit more nerve than he is actually feeling he speaks. "What Trellus says is right...a new threat has come to the Plains...the Oglian by the old name. They once enslaved a nice portion of the peoples here but they were driven back underground." He swallows hard as he tries to keep his thoughts in line and not falter now. "We have a shot at slowing them down at least...here and now...but we need Ulgren's help." With a look around at the others he feels his own resolve eroding around him. "We are Pack...Family...maybe a hope that we have not realized yet?" Some of this is starting to bother him too. Some had just joined up with them and only fought in a few battles but...yes they are family in the truest sense of the word. Still that answer that he just gave does not seem to be enough.
Ciaran does nothing but whine a little as he closes his eyes to not see, but yet still see.
Grymash slowly rises from his crouched position. Gargul's words confuse him somewhat. A little too cerebal for him to fully comprehend. Only that his god didnt approve of his tactics, if that is what you call them, back in the previous battle. Grymash curses himself under his breath. His anger has always been an issue for him. Like a creeper, a monster, just below the surface waiting to strike out at anyone who dares tread above him.
"Master, Gry try ta be like Lord Gargul. Gry, like double axe, tries ta bring balance to da land. The half-orc slowly spins one blade of his double axe and presents it to Gargul. "Dis side brings death to treadles dat it touch." Then he presents the opposite blade, "Dis side protects life from treadles dat wish hurts on Gry's pack an friends. Gry try ta keep da balance, but Gry fail Gargul, Gry fail packmates. It be Grymash dat should be dead, but Ulgren die in Gry's place. Maybe to make balance, natural an rights, Gry should take Ulgren's place. Will dat makes Ulgren's path natural agains?" Grymash then holds out his double axe with both hands and offers it to his Lord Gargul. "Grymash ready ta make wrong be right. Gry's blood for Ulgren's blood."
Anuk Tuesday March 14th, 2006 9:47:43 PM
Quietly, Anuk says, "We do not ask only for love or friendship. If that was so, I would be asking for...for the return of my father. But to do that would be selfish...an imbalance. We ask this together as a pack because we need Ulgren with the pack so that we can fight to maintain the balance that Trellus and Gilan speak of."
HE (gargul) Tuesday March 14th, 2006 10:35:57 PM
The giant fish swims nowhere as he listens to the pack. The swirl of black spreads though him till the star covered fish ungulates before you again. The voice comes again, this time softer as if from your heart and less from your head. A tentacles from the great catfishes mouth stretches out and lifts Grys head.
"you are not to worry about the great balance gry. you are to worry about the small one within yourself. you can not defend anyone if you are dead. then where would the wold be? a life for a life doesn't restore the balance. be strong gry, learning when not to fight, and when not to kill is the most important lesson i wish you to know. i am proud of you my son." As the voice chooses that word it is claer it is not the religious implication that is ment in the inflection, but the bond of blood, the bond of pride. The bond of a true father.
The tentacles come out and join with others; each touches Gilan, Anuk or Trellus in the chest, lightly as if holding a hand over their hearts. Softly the voice comes to all of you again.
"you three have strong hearts but lead with passion and not reason. slavery is not the end of life or the beginning but it creates struggle to force the best from life and therefore the best of death. slavery is the antithesis, the death of freedom and from the ashes of that death is birthed a bird of liberty that is more beautiful to behold than any other. it may even be perhaps me who awoke your long dead enemy from slumber to challenge you. perhaps if you are not up to it then the plains deserve what is coming. what makes you think i would oppose that? you come begging for a life to help you in a conflict that i may not wish you to win. your hearts betray your lack of reason. more importantly you have not found the answer to the question. what purpose do you serve? we need him does not answer anything other than your selfish desire to have something back. your answers are less than the true strength of the hearts they came from. listen to that heart and find the answer to my question. you will be pleased you did."
Turning to Mac the great eyes fall upon him. The voice still soft now has a heard edge.
"you have knowledge but little wisdom. do you know the difference? i shall illustrate it for you."
Suddenly all the group finds themselves staring out through the eyes of Mac as a small child. they can feel his breath and smell as he smells. His mother is standing over him and is talking to him and pointing to an iron skillet she has over the fire.
"Don't touch that skillet darling, its very hot and will burn you. Its dangerous, make sure you don't touch it." She says as she walks away.
Gargul's voice speaks.
"NOW YOU HAVE KNOWLDGE LITTLE ONE!"
Your eyes all watch as she leaves and you feel the rumbling in your tummy as you think of the bacon fat she has frying in the pan. It would sure taste good. In hunger little Mac reaches up and grabs the pan handle and then begins to scream in pain. You can all feel every painful moment. In a panic he flips the skillet over onto himself and hot grease runs down his leg. He flails about and grabs some water throwing it onto his leg. The water only makes the burning hot oil spread further as Mac screams in pain flailing about and screaming until finally he passes out. The world goes black for all of you. In the blackness the voice comes again softly, like a caress in the darkness.
"and now you have wisdom little one. use it well and remember."
Suddenly you all find yourself back in front of the great catfish. Everyone seems to be all right. Hands ok, legs ok, except . . . Mac's leg. There is a very large scar there where you don't ever remember one before. It is an old scar, and ugly. He must have had it most of his life, but why is it no one remembers it? Perhaps they just never really paid attention.
"mac" the voice comes again. "what makes you think i need defenders? and what makes you think you defend me? are you even sure what i am? do you even begin to comprehend what i am and what i do? i am life and death. there is nothing anywhere that i don't touch. NOTHING."
Then lastly the eyes turn on Tishe'.
"you my dear," a beautiful laugh rumbles through the universe. "i like you. you have wisdom and spirit and fire. you will do well to begin to carry what you have learned and will learn out to others and make them understand purpose. you have come closer to the understanding of what i have placed in your lap than many ever do in their whole long lives. if a thread is cut too soon then indeed the tapestry may unravel, and if it is never cut it can indeed cause a tangled mess. but sometimes we mend the thread we weave so it can continue to make its pattern. that can be done now. i find joy in you and resolve to keep a close eye on you. A tentacle comes out and gently rests on Tishe's hand. There beneath the touch burns the mark of Gargul, given from the god himself. "you may wear it for all to see, or keep it hidden so only those who know of it will see it. it is your choice. it is my gift to you."
Finally turning to the pack he speaks.
"NOW SOMEONE ANSWER ONE FINAL QUESTION. HOW MANY MORE TIMES WILL YOU ALL STAND BEFRE ME LIKE THIS? IF I GIVE YOU THIS AGAIN HOW DO I NOT FEEL LIKE YOU WILL BE HERE AGAIN IN A MONTH OR A YEAR ASKING AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGIN. WHAT DO I TEACH YOU BY THIS? IF THIS IS SO EASY THEN WHAT DO YOUR LIVES REALLY MEAN? WHAT WORTH IS SACRIFICE? HOW MANY MORE TIMES WILL I BE SUMMONED TO SEE YOU ALL BEFORE ME BEGGING FOR THE LIFE OF ONE OF YOURS. TELLING ME YOU NEED HIM? TELLING ME HOW DESPRATELY YOU NEED HIM FOR SOME MISSION YOU ARE ON? DO YOU THINK THERE IS ANYTHING NEW IN YOUR ARGUMENTS? HOW MANY OTHERS DO YOU THINK I HAVE HAD BEFORE BE THAT HAVE SAID THE SAME WORDS. WHAT DOES MY GIVING YOU WHAT YOU THINK YOU WISH TEACH?" It is difficult to know for sure but it almost sounds as if the voice of the god gets tired suddenly, as if the gound here is stale and untasteful, as if no one has yet to truely answer this question."HOW MANY MORE?"
Jake Wednesday March 15th, 2006 1:42:38 AM
Jake doesn't answer the God's question. He doesn't think they should come back, even to plead for the life of their companion... he can't possibly justify it to a God. And if he were to die, he can't see himself asking to come back... break all the rules, just to live. Well... maybe he could, but he's not sure, at the moment, how he could justify it.
Ulgren d20+8=28 d20-1=8 d20=7 d20+8=12 Wednesday March 15th, 2006 8:03:51 AM
The mage appears suddenly and yet is still not there. Ulgren bows respectfully to Gargul (Will DC 28, natural 20). "Stop my lord, I would not have my friends forced to answer." Ulgren steps forward to stand between Gargul and his packmates, "The truth is we will come as often or as few times as we feel we must. We are bound to each other, some more than others, in ways that are difficult to explain and simple to see. My friends come today out of respect in the very least and out of love at the very most. To them there was no question of whether or not they should face you again my Lord. They felt they must." Ulgren turns to his friends, "Thank you for coming. I know that this has been hard for you." Ulgren turns back to Gargul and waits.
Flea d20+3=17 Wednesday March 15th, 2006 8:56:44 AM
The gnome doesn't move. On her knees, her eyes cast down, she tries to be as inconspicuous as possible. She wonders if, when it is her time to quit the Wold, she couldn't just sneak into the realm of shadows and avoid an interview with the god of life and death. Maybe Domi will let her live with him? Even though Flea had never been partial to any god before, Trellus' god has always been there for her in times of crisis.
The drama of little Mac plays out in her mind's eye, and the gnome understands the practical lessons. Unfortunately, wisdom had never been the rogue's forte, and she can't draw any correlations between what the great black fish is trying to communicate. If only Bodhi were here. He would make it all clear and help her understand! Flea sighs. The sound is enormously loud in her ears, and she looks about startled.
HOW MANY MORE TIMES WILL YOU ALL STAND BEFRE ME LIKE THIS
The god's thoughts boom into her head.
WHAT DOES MY GIVING YOU WHAT YOU THINK YOU WISH TEACH?
Flea's knees are starting to hurt. Her eyes roll up to fix the dark god. It is impossible. Staring at the ground, she answers Gargul as best she can (diplomacy=17).
"Mr. Gargul, sir," she starts, "we come to see you...because we can, sir." Her voice is a mere whisper. She continues a little louder, "in this magical Wold the path to the Shadowlands runs both ways and some...by your grace...take the route back." Flea wonders if any they have slain have ever petitioned Gargul to return, and she shivers. "Mercy for Ulgren and a boon for the Bloodpack...a kindness...we ask you, because, we are sorry that the lesson is so hard to learn and we are so slow to learn it. Let the drow walk the return path with us, and together, we will try again."
Mac (Sub/Al) Wednesday March 15th, 2006 11:18:39 AM
The minotaur looks down at the scar on his leg. He shakes his wooly head. If the gods have no understanding of wisdom, what sort of Wold is this to live in?
"You may not need defenders," Mac's voice is flat and emotionless, "but life does. All people should be allowed to live life to its fullest, because death comes when it comes."
"If you're life too, then I guess that means you need defenders. I don't know what you are. I only know life."
"You asked what would happen if you granted every prayer for the return of a loved one. Again, I tell you plain and simple, death would lose its meaning. And if death loses its meaning, life would lose its meaning too."
"If you are life," he points at the scar on his leg, "and this is what you teach, this is what you wish me to believe life is, then you are not someone I would wish to see again."
Mac turns his back on Gargul.
Trellus Wednesday March 15th, 2006 12:40:56 PM
Again, Trellus winces at Mac's words. And again, the cleric is quickly forced to move on and think on the words of the god. My heart knows the purpose I serve? Trellus can't concentrate. The overpowering presence of Gargul makes it too hard to think of anything other than that great fish.
How many more times? "I..I..I don't know," he stammers. If Gilan, or Anuk, or Gry, or any of them fall, won't Trellus be back? "We are one. If one falls, aren't they rest of us oathbound to at least attempt to garner his or her return?"
The blond man is certain Gargul has heard those words many times before as well. He thinks, and makes a decision. There is but one commitment he can make.
"I can say only this - should I fall and enter your realm, I will accept that fate. I ask my packmates not to make this journey on my behalf."
Anuk d20+4=17 Wednesday March 15th, 2006 1:27:02 PM
The horrifyingly gentle rebuke from the god goes through Anuk's soul at the touch from the tentacle. "You lead with passion and not reason..." Is that not the best that is within us...our passions? Reason may lead us in deciding what to do, but passion will always be why we do things. Always. "Look into your hearts...". Isn't the heart the home of passion? The place where we draw the strength to do something beyond ourselves?
Mustering what courage he can (will 17), Anuk responds, "How many times? My heart tells me that I will face you as many times as the pack needs me to. If that is the selfish answer, then I am selfish. I will always accept your answer, Lord Gargul, but I will also always ask the question if that is what my heart leads me to do."
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday March 15th, 2006 1:38:40 PM
The words are overpowering, amazing, awesome. A faint smile crosses the plain-faced woman's mouth at the Dark One's response to Grymash; he is a simple soul with a huge heart, she thinks.
The experience of Little Mac burns her mind as well as her leg, and Tishe' tries to understand the will of the Catfish who is beyond understanding. Tishe' has ever searched for knowledge, but experience garners wisdom. She thinks about one of her mother's own sayings, "No matter what others say, most people have to touch sawgrass themselves." Mac's answer is enough to whip her head around and stare at the minotaur. Moving over she puts a small hand on his burly arm.
"Machasthai, you're playing with the grease fire right now." urging him with her eyes to not challenge the god and blow thier chance at getting Ulgren back.
And then Gargul speaks to her. ME? squeaks a little voice inside her head. She doesn't understand much of what the Dark One tells her, though her heart leaps at the mention of mending a thread. (Ulgren! her heart surges)
And then the tentacle. And the MARK. And her eyes are full of a confused wonder. And for another time in the Bloodpack's memory, Tishe' is rendered speechless...
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday March 15th, 2006 1:58:50 PM
Gilan listens and experiences the things that are presented to him by Gargul. As he does he tries to ponder what it is that he has been told. He realizes that he does react more than think things through. Does that mean that at times he is just like Gry when he rages?
With a last look at Gargul as he makes the last question know he cannot help but answer honestly. "Lord Gargul...I am sorry to say that I will most likely come to you many times. Your judgement will I respect and if you turn me down than there must have been a reason or I asked for the return of someone thats' time was up." The ability to get this spell cast is both a boon and a curse all in one. He knows that Gargul has better things to do and should not be answering every little petition.
With a heavy sigh he shakes his head. He had thought of this very spell some weeks after he was found and brought to Rattledam. It would have gotten him his parents back...maybe...but even if he could he was scared of what would happen after. Tears fall from his face as memories flood him of his parents and he hopes that they are doing well here with Gargul.
Grymash Wednesday March 15th, 2006 7:36:13 PM
Grymash doesnt know what he can add to what has already been said, but he turns to Gargul and simply adds, "Gry would take everys chance Gry could get to come and be in Gargul's place. Gry time wit Gargul be worth lots more than dragon hordes gold ginglies."
HE (gargul) Thursday March 16th, 2006 12:45:56 PM
As Mac turns he finds that he has turned right around to face the God. There is no looking away from something you dont wish to see. The great fish's voice is so soft and so sad now that one can barely hear it.
"they all believe that it is the others that know only love but there is nothing of struggle in that love." The great tentacle comes out and raises Macs head. "the scar is a gift, all gifts can be left here, take it or not. but my last words to all of you are to listen to your words, you say you respect life and therfore you respect death but then you say that youll be here as many times as you have to. life and death they are the same. they are the same. how do you equate a respect for this by saying that it dosent matter. how can you respect it if you know it holds no bounds and you will all die old and toothless in bed just by use of a spell. you poor mac have missed the point entirely, so if you wish do not take the scar with you. in fact perhaps i can better teach some of you what i mean this way. The great fish closes his eyes and opens them, slowly. They are white and cloudy again. The voice booms. "SOME OF YOU ARE NOW CLOSED OF FROM THE RELEM OF THE SHADOW LANDS. YOU ARE CLOSED OFF FROM DEATH. I WILL NOT TAKE YOU NO MATTER WHAT. YOU WILL LIVE UNTIL YOU ARE SO OLD AND TOOTHLESS THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE LESSON I NEED TO TEACH. SOME OF YOU ARE STILL OPEN TO DEATH. SOME OF YOU CAN DIE AND WILL DIE. SOME OF YOU ARE NOW IMORTAL. YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE NOW DIFFRENT FROM YOU. KNOWLDGE AND WISDOM MAC, KNOWLDGE AND WISDOM."
With thats suddely all of it is gone and you find yourself back where you started. Your friend stands alive with you.
(OOC: Please post for your DM Mack and Tishe' your choices for your physical appearance. They become perm. after that post. It was fun. Ill talk to your DM as soon as they e-mail me and they will send out extra exp. well played all.)
Mac (Sub/Al) Thursday March 16th, 2006 1:17:59 PM
Mac looks down at the scar, still upon his leg. The memory that is his, and is yet not his.
The god is gone. But his packmates remain. That's the important thing. The things that are no longer worth saying to gods, he would still say to his packmates. They are still important.
"Thank you, Tishe'," he says first. "I understand your concern. I ... " The minotaur lowers his eyes. "You are important to me too."
His feelings are his own. But they are his packmates.
"When the gods understand no more," he says, "there is cause for despair."
The minotaur returns from his packmates to the setting. There were rapke. And Barons.
Flea Thursday March 16th, 2006 5:14:02 PM
"Immortal? Not die? NOT DIE!" The great fish is gone, and the words come out in a burst of excitement. Flea reaches her arms out in front of herself and turns her hands over to examine her palms. "Tishe! Tishe!" she calls excitedly, "which one is my life-line? Is it long?" Distracted and excited the gnome goes from pack-mate to pack-mate, to see if they look any different.
Eventually she reaches Ulgren, and reaching 'round his legs, she gives him a hug. "We've got to get you one of these!" the gnome opens the collar of her leather armour and peels back the fabric of her tunic until the bright red of the dragon's tear shines out. "Hey, guys? Watcha' think? We've got to get Ulgen a dragon's tear so he can feel the heart touch!
Grymash d4=1 Thursday March 16th, 2006 7:55:18 PM "Thank yooz Lord Gargul. Gargul be wise an fairs," says the barbarian cleric as that world disolves away and becomes the Living Wold once again. He turns to his Bloodpack and looks Ulgren up and down. "How Ulgren feel ... how yooz doin'? Welcome back. Theres maybe sick feelin' for uh little time while Ulgren's body becomes more livin. Here, drinks some water. Dat will help."
Grymash turns back to to the direction where his lord Gargul once was. Immortals, he thinks. He never imagined Gargul would have given such a test. Grymash then does the only thing he could think of to determine if he was cursed with immortality. He draws one of his daggers and grabs the blade with his left hand. Gry then pulls the dagger away to see if it drew blood. All blood flows to Gargul. If blood does not come, Gry will know that Gargul rejects it. He will know if he's mortal or not. (Damage: 1 point.)
Jake Thursday March 16th, 2006 9:03:21 PM
Jake nods to himself...the God's right, he figures. "if ah die, my life was worth living...is it?" He wonders. What has he accomplished? Well, quite a bit. And he's pretty sure he, unlike some others in the pack, has one or two offspring running around the world, somewhere. But..he'd also like to maybe live a bit longer, and do a few more heroic things. And find a few more females. He takes off his hat and grips it nervously. He hopes he isn't one of the immortal ones...
As Ulgren seems okay, he gives the dark elf a congratulatory return pat on the back. "Nice to see you up, darkear... Uh, you might not want to drink that waterskin if you still have it."
And later, as they prepare to leave, Jake consults Trellus somewhat privately. "Ah know when ah die, ah'm gonna go up and meet Domi, probably.... Uh, hey Trellus... is anything wrong with that god of luck? Ah kinda liked one story ah heard about him, but another story said he was ...well, evil or something." Jake looks pretty unsure about Wardd, as religion isn't something he knows much about. "Or there's Flower...but she sounds like a god for girls and wusses..."
Gilan and Ciaran Friday March 17th, 2006 2:54:33 AM
Gilan nods his head to Gargul and then thinks on what has been said. Do they truely understand what it is that the god has said. He knows that Tishe' is right about the weave and everything but he cannot also forget that they have a debt to the Plains. "Is it not our duty to protect her...did we not take an oath." He is muttering to himself as he tries to figure it out. Ulgren was needed but if Gargul had refused than he would have went with the decision. Death is sacred as is life...but this death feels unnatural to him but than again he is not too sure anymore.
When he finds himself back in the coastal village he looks around to the others. "You don't suppose that some of us are really immortal?" He swallows hard as he watches Gry pull out a dagger and test the theory. "Oh what have we done...or was it a lesson in disguise?" He does not seem too sure either way and he is not about to test this theory by actually killing himself.
Anuk Friday March 17th, 2006 12:38:48 PM
When it's over, Anuk blinks repeatedly in the sudden brightness. As his eyes adjust, he looks around and the first thing he can focus on is the dark form of the drow. "Ulgren? You're back!" He gives the dark elf a wide grin, pleased to see his friend returned to life. "I'm with Flea...we need to help you find a dragon tear."
His thoughts race over the conversation with the god. "I still don't know what it is Gargul wanted us to understand...but then, who can know what goes through the mind of a god? Immortality without youth? Who did he choose? How will we know?"
Tishe' and Stripes Friday March 17th, 2006 10:39:31 PM
Quietly, with a bemused smile over her face, Tishe' sits in the Sargrass cradling her hand with the unblinking eye of Gargul staring out at the Wold.
She pats her hand on Mac's large one in acknowldegement of his presense, but doesn't move, as Tishe' is totally engrossed in her new knowledge. And bewildered by her comprehension.
"Is it that the gods don't understand or that we don't understand the gods?" She turns her head to look at Mac. "I know how little I know, which may be why I'm so interested in everything. If I don't know everything, I don't understand everything, and so I have much, much more to learn."
And then she sees the reason for thier travel to Gargul's place, standing in the 'grass. Immediately, Tishe' is up and runs to him to give Ulgren a big hug, the large ugly hi-eena cavoting around them. "Welcome back, sweetie, we needed you." Disengaging, she thinks about the Tear. "A Tear of the Dragon would have helped give Ulgren strenth and endurance during the battle, but he still won't be able to feel a Heart-touch", she says sadly. "Not until we get him back to Rattledam."
At this time, she's not thinking of the fishing village, the Barons, or anything else other than her pack.
Mac (Sub/Al) Saturday March 18th, 2006 8:56:32 AM
"Maybe," Mac replies. His head turns from side to side in thought. "Maybe the gods don't listen. Or maybe they don't care. Or maybe it's me that doesn't listen. Or maybe I can't care even though I want to." His brows lower. He searches the area around them once again, as though casting for enemies.
"All I know, Tishe' is what I know right now. When the future comes, I'll know something different. But until then ... "
Mac opens his mouth wide and shakes his head as if to clear the conundrum. But, what's true is true, and there is one truth that is here and now.
Mac's heavy footfalls follow Tishe, then they come to a stop a respectful distance behind.
"Welcome back, Ulgren," the minotaur smiles.
[ Back to you, Graham. Hope you had a honeymoon to remember. -- Al ]
Trellus Saturday March 18th, 2006 2:43:40 PM
Gargul is gone, and the Ulgren is back.
Trellus is very, very quiet. The cleric stands there, arms folded, staring at a spot in the dirt with a furrowed brow. He stands there for quite some time, trying to understand it, trying to figure it out.
Some are immortal, some will die, and some are cursed to grow older and older? Based on Flea's reaction, the blond man realizes not all of the pack understood there are three possibilities.
Trellus' mood is uncharacteristically muted as he responds to his packmates. His answers are delivered in the soft monotone of someone with something else on his mind.
"Gry, I don't think that's gonna work. I think you're gonna bleed no matter what."
To Flea - "It'd be shady, but Grandmaw gave us the Tear, not the monks. We're not gonna get another one of those.
To Jake - "Gargul rules the other side, dude. He's who you see no matter who you're patron god is. Wardd's not evil, I don't think. He's just real unpredictable." For the first time, Trellus breaks into a grin. "Weft and web with you, I guess."
To Gilan, he just shrugs. "I don't know, Gil. I just don't know. That whole pattern was pretty sunbaked. Truly."
Trellus offers his hand to Ulgren. His smile returns again in genuine affection. "Welcome back, dude. Howdya feel?"
Grymash Saturday March 18th, 2006 7:19:32 PM
Grymash turns and grunts with confusion. "Well, whut ever Bloodpack be, one thing be true. Weez all needs ta train ta be better warriors. Gry think weez all haves fightin' lessons everies morn an evenin'!" Grymash pulls out a quarterstaff from his magic quiver. "Hmmm, Gry gots only one battle stick, weez need ta git mores!"
Now, where were we? (ADM MikeK) Sunday March 19th, 2006 2:13:57 PM
As the white mist rises and then dissipates, the Bloodpack is left standing in the small square of the fishing village. Many questions remain. Mac and Tishe continue to carry the marks "gifted" to them by Gargul. And everyone wonders about the meaning of his final words. Have some of the Bloodpack truly become immortal? Many questions.
And yet, with the questions comes one answer. Ulgren is alive and returned. The drow stands hale and hearty alongside his packmates. The sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world slowly intrude on the senses.
Rayla's droning incantation has been in the minds of all. Now it stops. The mist rises, and the Bloodpack finds they have been away long enough for a group of 20 or 30 villagers to encircle they and the Barons, observing the proceedings with unfeigned curiosity. With the disappearance of covering mist, the observers gasp as one. The fisher folk scratch out a hard living on the seas. They've experienced life and death, storms and struggles, and now some creature is crushing their very homes. Few events remain to the Wold that would impress such a hard-bitten crowd.
However, bringing a corpse back to life qualifies.
They stare open-mouthed at Ulgren, some even half reaching toward the drow. Their eyes slowly rove over the Bloodpack, and then the Barons, and finally settle on Rayla. For the crowd has done the math, and they realize the import of this event faster than the Bloodpack, faster than Rayla herself.
An older woman steps into the circle, "My son," she implores the Baron. Another, younger woman -- "My husband." Now, more and more folk come forward, pressing toward the cleric of Gargulus. All have a story. All plead. All want. "My son" - "My husband" -- "My wife" -- "My daughter" -- "My father" -- "My mother" -- "My teacher" -- "My friend". Everyone has someone they want back.
Rayla pales slightly as the crowd presses in. Her twin companions again reach for swords, but more nervously than before. The crowd is growing. Even the rapke begin to slowly step back, their heads swaying from threat to threat.....
"STOP!" Rayla commands. "I only had the one spell. I cannot do this again." The spell casters of the Bloodpack note she did not see fit to add the word "today" at the end of her statement. Her words have the desired effect, as the crowd is momentarily deflated. Rayla is quick to grasp the opportunity. She hisses a quick phrase at Trellus. "When you are done here, follow this path to our stronghold. You will be met and given directions. I have word, cleric of The Protector."
Without another sound, the Barons rapidly mount their rapke, and bound away from the village. The villagers stare silently at them, especially Ulgren. They are obviously trying to decide what to do with the group.
Flea d20+1=7 Monday March 20th, 2006 12:08:37 AM
Flea feels trapped as the needy crowd pushes forward. She is caught between her pack-mates and the strange barons who Bloodpack have given their word to help. Doesn't anyone see her? Flea gives someone in front of her a push (Strength = 7) "Hey! Look who you're stepping on!" she yells.
Jake Monday March 20th, 2006 12:15:59 AM
Jake looks apologetically at the crowd. They need so many people back...but in his heart of hearts, he can't help but wonder how come he feels that the bloodpack members deserve it whereas most people don't... Or od they? Guess that was Gargul's position. But anyways... "Let's go into town, guys."
Tishe' and Stripes Monday March 20th, 2006 4:46:06 AM
The brown-haired girl's internal reverie is broken by the surge of the crowd, the Baron's words. (Baroness? Tishe' wonders with a very inoportune thought)
She involuntarily shrinks behind Mac, her eyes searching out her senior druid. "Gilan", she whispers urgently, "we've been talking about heart-touches and the Tears where the Barons could hear us!" She is very worried about what secrets they betrayed.
Stripes stands beside his human, once more on familiar ground, and growls at anyone outside the Bloodpack that gets too close.
Trellus Monday March 20th, 2006 12:00:20 PM
The transition from Gargul admonishing the Bloodpack for returning time and again to this crowd of villagers planning to do just that is overpowering to the young cleric. He stands there, his face a mask of sadness, as his mind boils all the opposing (and yet valid) points of view. This bites grass he decides.
Even though she's a Baron, Trellus can't help but feel some empathy for Rayla. He nods understandingly at her comment and hasty retreat. Someday, Domi willing, I'll have that power, he realizes. How will I choose when to use it? What is the cost to the caster?
More unanswerable questions.
Trellus turns to the Bloodpack. "Jake's right," he states. "We better get out of here. Let's weave for the Mug."
If the crowd permits, Trellus pushes toward the larger building.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday March 20th, 2006 3:21:47 PM
Gilan can feel the sudden press of bodies and it is not to his liking. He is not sure why he does it but he bares his own teeth and a low rumble starts in his throat. At his feet Ciaran is doing much the same thing and his tail is almost straight out.
With the retreat of the Barons he can feel the tension still in the air. For some strange reason he feels for the Baroness, even if the spell was payment for something they had agreed to do. With his teeth still bared he glance around to the Bloodpack. "To the Mug then and see this mayor." His hands twitch as he so wants to change his shape and run these people off.
He settles for at least a few minutes as he hears Tishe' and shakes his head. "Secrets are hard to keep sister and they know a lot about us already...know thy enemy they say." He will move along with the group, when they decide to make it to the Mug. Ciaran continues to growl as he stocks away with his brother, stiff legged.
Anuk d20+3=15 d20+4=16 Monday March 20th, 2006 6:23:28 PM
The press of the crowd keeps Anuk wary, and he does his best to protect Flea from the eager villagers trying to get to the barons. (str check 15, dex check 16), though he is sure not to get too aggressive with anyone. "Watch it, friend," he says to a large and careless man who gets too close. He plants himself in place, making something of a human wall between the man and the gnome. "You okay down there, Flea?"
When and if the crowd disappates Anuk moves to the Mug with the rest of the pack.
Mac Monday March 20th, 2006 7:18:42 PM
With Ulgren back, Mac's mind turns to the conversation he was having prior to the Barons' arrival. Hearing Flea's yelp he reaches down and lifts the gnome up to his shoulder - above the crush - and asks, "What with Ulgren better and the Barons gone, weren't we about to get a drink?"
He follows Gilan and Ciaran, leaving a wide wake for Tishe' to follow in.
Wisdom... he thinks to himself as he walks. The paces stretching the scar on his leg bringing the word back into his mind. It is a distraction from the scars that run from his neck to his waist. "Wisdom..." he says aloud and unaware.
Grymash d20=18 Monday March 20th, 2006 9:35:55 PM
Grymash turns to address the mob of villagers they begin to group around them. He puts on his priestly hat, in a matter of speaking, and tries to comfort them in the same matter Gargul comforted him.
"Peoples ... be not sad for those dat be gone. For theyz be not gone! For Gry be wit Gargul an saw da wonders an pretty things dat be wit them. Theyz be at peace an rest in paradise. There be joy in dat place ... happyness all 'bout. No mourn themz for when time comes ta die yooz be wit them agains an be wit thems forever."
(Diplomacy check: 18)
The Mug (ADM MikeK) Monday March 20th, 2006 10:24:07 PM
The pressing of the crowd is enough for Flea to get a bit claustrophobic. She yells out and shoves out at the nearest leg. "Huh?" a man exclaims, and looks down. "Oh. Sorry." The man stops, and is embarrassed enough that he forces everyone else to go around as well, giving the gnome some much needed space. The look Anuk gives them is also quite helpful in forcing them around.
Stripes and Ciaran make it clear they don't want any strangers any closer. The strangers all take the hint, and steer clear.
Jake suggests heading into the village. Trellus concurs.
Tishe wonders aloud if the Bloodpack has given away any secret advantage with their words. Gilan, after growling a bit at the crowd himself, replies the Barons might know about it already.
Mac picks Flea up and heads for the mug. The few villagers left hastily give him a wide path, and any danger of a stampede is over.
Surprisingly, Grymash calmly addresses the crowd, extolling for them the joy and peace their loved ones are now experiencing. And the crowd listens. They turn away, looking thoughtful as they return to their homes and occupations. Grymash realizes his words have had some effect here.
The Bloodpack makes its way into the small square and enters the large wooden building where the wooden mug-shaped sign hangs over the door. Inside, the single great room fills most of the lower floor. A bar is on the right side of the room, with a swinging door behind that probably leads to the kitchen. A stairway climbs the wall on the left, leading upstairs. The center area is occupied by tables and flat benches.
At the center table, two men look up from the animated discussion they've been having. Both are standing at one table, with one leg perched on the bench (Captain Morgan style). They had been leaning in to each other, forearms resting on the raised thigh of the perched leg. Both are older men, but not old. Their faces are weathered and lined by the elements and the cares of time.
One wears simple clothing and carries a spear in his right hand. His face is leathery, and quite tan. He wears the expression of someone normally quite sure of himself who now finds himself in unknown waters -- cautious, careful. Tishe immediately marks him as a fisherman.
The other man wears masterwork breastplate and carries a longsword in a well worn scabbard. His face is also weathered. But his eyes, a fierce blue, show none of the hesitation of his comrades. He moves as if armor and sword are familiar friends, and the Bloodpack recognizes the look of a veteran who has seen his share of battle. The man's left arm is missing, removed just above the elbow. Although his skin has healed around the bone, the ripped shards of the man's left arm guard bear mute testimony that the wound is recent.
Both men, along with the dozen or so other patrons of the Mug, silently look at the Bloodpack, waiting.
Flea Monday March 20th, 2006 11:58:56 PM
Perched on Mac's shoulder, Flea grabs hold of one of the taur's horns to steady herself. "Whew! That was close!" she says twisting 'round to watch the crowd left behind. Turning back towards where the party is going, Flea volunteers, "let me buy you a drink Mac." Smiling down at the ranger, she adds "you too, 'nuk!" Then, ducking under the mug shaped sign over the door, she calls to her pack-mates, "first round's on me!"
Inside the tavern, Flea releases Mac's horn, and carefully slides down the taur's length, careful not to pull at her friend's fur. Jogging up to the bar, she places some gold coins on the counter. Hooking a thumb over her shoulder to indicate the Bloodpack she announces, "I'm paying!"*
*(OOC: DM let me know if 20 GP is sufficient to buy a round for the Bloodpack. If not, let me know the amount, and I'll deduct accordingly.-Carla)
Anuk d20=10 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 10:28:08 AM
"Shady! Thanks, Flea," Anuk happily responds. A drink does sound good about now. It's been an interesting afternoon.
Anuk's eyes adjust once more, this time from light back to darkness. He follows Flea over to the bar, but while she talks he watches the patrons who are watching him and the pack. "Hello, friends," he calls out. "Don't let us interrupt your conversation...just here for a little drink, is all." (diplomacy 10) He hopes that his voice conveys a friendly tone. Better to let Trellus or one of the others do the talking...he's always been a bit better dealing with strangers.
Tishe' and Stripes Tuesday March 21st, 2006 2:51:12 PM
Wondering about all the amazing things that have happened, Tishe' puts a hand on Stripes as they follow Mac to the sign of the Mug.
Inside, as her eyes adjust to the light, she looks around and then leans in towards Trellus. "That man with a spear, he's a fisherman. Sails a boat out on the salty water and catches food to bring back to the village." The girl notes the missing arm and says louder to include the others in on the conversation. "Looks like they must be talking about giant 'crabs', Trellus. I bet we can help!"
Mac d20+5=18 d20+1=2 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 7:03:39 PM
Mac helps Flea ferry the drinks to a table, ackowledging the two gentlemen with a closed-lipped smile. Once seated (or propped by the table otherwise) Mac sips at his ale and tries to casually watch the proceedings.
Spot:18, Listen:2
Bringing Galea out of hiding and sensing ale would not make a good kitten drink, he calls to the barman for a milk in a shallow bowl.
Grymash Tuesday March 21st, 2006 7:29:54 PM
Grymash thinks to himself, "Wow!" A thoughtful exchange of words did what his axe cou.. well, his axe could have fixed the problem with the oncoming crowds, but it would've been a whole lot bloodier. But still, it felt very good to protect his pack and not have to get all sweaty and covered in muck and gore. It was very gratifying indeed. Maybe, just maybe, the axe isnt the cure all for every situation that arises. Gargul has taught him well. After coming to this ground-breaking conclusion the big half-orc says a short, silent prayer of thanks to Gargul.
A genuine smile forms across his face. The first time in a long while. The darkness for now has given way to a rising sun. And ohh, how pretty all the colors are.
Trellus d20+7=12 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 7:36:10 PM
Noting the expression on Grymash, Trellus matches the half orc's grin and claps him soundly on the shoulder. He doesn't say anything. He doesn't need to.
Entering the Mug with the rest of the pack, he nods in agreement with Tishe. The blond man notes with wry amusement that the talking appears to have been delegated to him.
"Many shadows," he greets the two men. "We're the Bloodpack, from...uh, from out there (points toward the Grass). We're a bit lost, and looking for a way home. We heard some dudes out front saying something about giant crabs? Maybe we can help each other out?"
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday March 21st, 2006 7:36:53 PM
Gilan enters the Mug with the rest and smiles as Flea offers to buy drinks. "Something with no alcohol there Flea." He has never been much for the feeling that it gives him...that loss of control. He looks to the men as Tishe' points them out and nods to them as he looks for a barmaid or maybe he will move straight to the bar.
Either way he will see about getting some fish if they have some ready to eat or get some cooked up. "That fish does not have to be fully cooked...just sear it on both sides really." As he is walking away to the table the rest are moving to he stops to add a little more. "Enough for two...maybe some bread and fruit if you have it." He flashes a pair of gold pieces to either the owner or the barmaid.
Ciaran follows along with his brother, taking no note of the looks that he is most likely getting. He will slip to the side of his brother's chair and lay down upon the floor.
Graze (ADM MikeK) Tuesday March 21st, 2006 8:26:23 PM Flea -- 20 gp will buy a round for the whole place!
Most of the Bloodpack nod politely at the locals and move to a side table. A serving girl, a half elf by the look of her, approaches the table. She stays on the side opposite Ciaran and Stripes, and takes quite a few glances at Mac. Gilan asks for some fish, bread, and fruit. The girl nods. Mac asks for milk, and produces Galea from his pocket. This earns him a sunbeam smile from the girl, and she nods again. Flea asks for a round for the Pack, and that receives yet another nod. Jake doesn't say anything, but he gets a shy smile anyway. Then, the girl moves off to get their order.
Trellus addresses the two men at the center table. They look at the group, turn to look at each other, and then look at the group again. Shrugging, the sword wielder steps down and approaches the group. The fisherman quickly follows suit, although he chooses a different path so as to arrive alongside the first man instead of following him.
They size up the group for a moment before the swordman speaks. "You know, you folks get a dwarf monk, and you'll have the full set." The comment earns a chuckle from the gallery, while the man's eyes flick from hero to hero, gauging the group's reaction to his jest. His manner is casual and easygoing. But his right hand never strays to far from the sword at his side. He's not threatening, just instinctively careful. By contrast, his partner is becoming increasingly nervous in the presence of the rather imposing figures cut by Grymash and Mac. He clutches his spear in an inexpert grip, and tries to back away without appearing to back away.
The first man ignores him. "I'm Graze," he says neutrally. "You folks appeared from Out There with him [thrusts his chin at Ulgren] in a bag, had words with the Barons, disappeared in a fog bank, and then reappeared ready for stepping out. Not a bad 20 minutes of work." The man's gaze is still analyzing, trying to take your measure.
"Now, its true we got us a situation here." - The remark earns Graze a couple snorts of derision. "Situation?!?" The spearman grunts caustically. "We got us a flippin' disaster."
Graze gives him an annoyed look, and continues -- "but how do we know we can trust you to help? You ever seen a Crab? You got any idea what's going on here? I don't need any more people cutting out on me right now."
Ulgren Tuesday March 21st, 2006 10:18:20 PM
Ulgren blinks, breathes and nearly faints as his soul is reunited with his body. Ulgren nods at his speaking friends but lacks comprehension as the roar and press of the crowd cause the young mage to shake his head. Ulgren stumbles towards The Mug with the rest of his friends unable to speak as his dark eyes soak in the life around him. Ulgren slides leans against the table and has time to look at each of them and utter, "Thanks you," as the swordsman arrives at the table. Ulgren glances at the man and his companion before smiling to his friends and smiling broadly. "You guys are unbelievable." The drow continues almost ignoring the swordsman, "You are my friends, family, my life. I haven't felt this, well good since I lost my family and arrived in this part of the wold. I..., I..., I..." Ulgren stops and tears moisten his eyes. "Thank you again." Ulgren reaches out and touches each of the pack, grasping their hands in turn.
Flea d20+3=21 Tuesday March 21st, 2006 10:21:09 PM
"A round for everyone it is then!" announces the rogue (Diplomacy=21) adding, "and make mine a Flaming Green Gnomish if you can!" Flea grins at the solemn group in the tavern. It has been a long time since she has had the opportunity, or a reason, to smile.
When the half-elf serving girl hands out the drinks, Flea lifts hers up and toasts the dark drow, "to the return of a true, wise friend." Putting down her mug, she pokes the magicker in the ribs, asking, "you knew we were coming for you, didn't you? We always do, you know!"
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 12:43:55 PM
The plain-faced girl leans into the dark elf's embrace and gives a hug back. "We are warp and weft, Ulgren, and we will go to the Lands of Rest and back for a packmate."
Her eyes shine at the triumph they have had but quickly return to the fisherman and Graze. She frowns, and her mind goes over everything she has seen and heard about.
"No", she admits, arms folded under her breasts, "I have never seen a Crab. I only know that they are big and obviously mean and that the Bloodpack helps out the good people of the 'Grass. That one" (and she points at Mac) "jumped into a great ranthom to save two comrades. And the rest of us are the same. We will not run from a fight that needs fighting."
"So", she continues with hands on her hips and chin out, "you need help. Maybe if you tell us the kind of help you need, we can see if the Bloodpack can do something about it!"
Stripes is not around his human. Sniffing the air, he has found the entrance to the kitchen, and the hyena has discovered that being swallowed by another animal and flying around the grass has made him hungry.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 2:50:20 PM
Gilan looks up as the two approach and then he listens to what is said. He does not voice anything himself as he has never seen a crab but he has heard of them. Usually they are only about the size of a man's fist at the biggest, unless it is some dire version.
He picks up the mug that was set before him and raises it in a toast with Flea. He does sniff it first and finds it to be filled with water. "To Ulgren." He takes a nice long drink and his tummy rumbles.
As he sets the mug down he looks to the swordman. "We were told that your village needed help...so we came...but if that information is wrong then we will be leaving with the morrow." He was never one for beating around the grass and when a Bloodpacker offers help it is not given lightly...or to run away.
Jake Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 3:40:26 PM
(Afraid I don't have much time to post today and might not be able to post later...) Jake orders "Whatever's local...which includes you..." he grins and winks at the serving girl. When the others take a joke at them, Jake chuckles with the locals. "Y'all shoulda seen that Ice Pack..."
Anuk Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 4:30:43 PM
Anuk takes the mug served to him, raises it once in Ulgren's direction, and throws his head back as he drains it. "Ulgren, Flea and Tishe are right...we'll go anywhere for a packmate. Or, for that matter, for just about anyone who realy needs our help. Speaking of which," he turns to the men. "Where do find one of these...uh...'crabs'? A closer look would probably help us know what kind of help we can offer."
Trellus d20+7=21 Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 4:42:18 PM
Trellus clasps Ulgren's forearm to his own and maintains the hold as he looks the drow in the eye. "Dude, you're Bloodpack. That makes you weft and web with the rest of us. A long time ago, we were just piggies, we left a packmate behind. We didn't know any other way. But now...we never leave a packmate. Never." The cleric continues to hold Ulgren's gaze, and then, very slowly, winks at him.
With a happy laugh, he breaks his grip and has a mug.
Trellus is in a good mood, and Graze's approach doesn't phase it much. He looks up from his spot on the bench.
"Dude, we just want to go home. But we don't know where that is. We're hoping you can help." The blond man waves a hand toward Tishe. "Like she said, we're the Bloodpack. We don't run, we don't quit, and we don't lose. You dudes seem like decent folks that got a serious problem. We'll help. You want some kind of promise? Fine. I serve Domi the Protector. In his name I offer the strength of our arms and the protection of our shields."
Trellus takes a swig.
"We don't know what a crab is. Show us. Tell us what you know so we can help. We're not asking for any reward other than knowledge of where in the Grass we are."
Mac Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 6:49:38 PM
The taur raises his mug of ale. "To Ulgren! May he stand at the end of future troubles on his own two feet!"
"Can't say I know much about crabs, 'cept for what one of my aunts used to say about a soup, and that a good sized one just overfilled a dinner plate. Never ate one myself."
"Just how big are your crabs?" he asks, looking from Graze to the fisherman.
Grymash Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 8:17:46 PM
When the bartender asks Grymash what he wants, he smiles and replies simply, "Yes! Dat will do!" He then eyes the wall behind the barkeep with all the bottles and kegs.
Crab People (ADM MikeK) Wednesday March 22nd, 2006 9:48:48 PM
Ulgren is sufficiently recovered from his post death experience to thank his packmates for standing before Gargul for him. The rest of the Bloodpack is more than happy to have him back, with many a toast drunk in his honor.
Jake's comment to the waitress earns him another smile, but she doesn't say anything as she leaves.
Flea buys a round for house, instantly making everyone a lot more friendly-like. Grymash doesn't quite get he's gotta buy just one drink at a time. The bartender ends up mixing two Flaming Green Gnomishes, one for the gnome, and one for the half-orc.
Nearly everyone has a comment or two for Graze's uncomplimentary talk. He holds up his hand, palm forward, in a placating gesture. "I'm sorry if I touched a nerve there, but ya gotta understand, we had them Barons and the folks down Rockhome way say they was gonna help, and then turn tail as soon as they saw these things. We're just a bit leery about offers now. But you got the fire, I can see that." He sighs. "For all our sakes, I hope you're up to it."
A voice at the door pipes up. Its Haks, the militia man. "I say they's just what we need, Graze." Spear man grunts at him "Why's that?" "These here adventurers had words with the Baron Lady. Guess they ain't likin' each other too much." Haks answers. "So?" "So they's all ready to throw down with three barons and their rapke like it was a barfight or something. An' Baron Lady was talkin' bout how these had took out theirs twice already. If'n they got no problem jumpin' three rapke, I say they'll stick around for the Crabs."
Graze gives the group another look, and comes to a decision. "Troyle, get a crab out here."
The barkeep duck into the kitchen, and returns holding a large kettle pot, which he sets on the table. Inside is a crab. Its the size of a dinner plate, orange, flattish, with a bunch of legs, and two nasty looking pincers. Seeing the looks on the Bloodpack, Graze is quick to point out "This is your everyday, ordinary crab. We fish 'em out of the sea and sell 'em to a merchant vessel who unloads 'em at Hook City. Good eatin'."
"A couple weeks ago, this guy's Grandpappy and a few friends come climbin' out of the ocean. Those things are a good 15' tall, maybe 25' around. They can reach WAY out with them claws, and they are just plain mean. One of 'em chased our cleric near 200' and ripped him in half when it caught 'em. We've never seen nuthin like it."
"Sharlon has," the spear man says. "Sharlon's just telling stories," Graze says dismissively. "She's a bard, whaddya expect?"
Spear man shakes his head. "She's been down south. You ain't."
Graze waves him off. "Anyway, we don't know how many there are, but we been attacked four times since by four or five or six of these things. They show up at night, rip up the buildings, attack anything that moves, and then disappear back into the sea. A really big fire is the only thing that seems to make 'em want to go around anything."
Flea Thursday March 23rd, 2006 12:46:54 AM
When the local yokel starts going on about the 'crabs' that have been terrorizing the village, Flea punches Jake in the arm, and gets a bad case of the giggles. "You keep making time with that half-elf girlie, and you'll be callin' on the cleric about 'nits' too!"
Before the rangy fighter can retaliate, Flea makes off with her empty mug. Passing Trellus and Gillan on her way to the bar, she pauses, "didn't we promise to help the baron lady find some of their folk who were kidnapped by some Ooly...Oogly...Oglian things?" The rogue furrows her brow before continuing, "you think we can do both?"
Tishe' and Stripes Thursday March 23rd, 2006 7:01:25 AM
The brown-haired girl furrows her brow at Flea's comment; they did promise to help with the Oglians...
"But these people need help now." Tishe' tries to emphasize. "We know the Oglians are keeping thier people like cattle so there is probably some time. And we would have to go to the Baron's House first. Imagine what we can learn about the Barons there!"
Her eyes brighten at the mention of Hook City. "My home! I'm sure we could find passage to Rattledam from Hook City. All we have to do is put these Giant Crabs on the run, rescue Barons from the Oglians and then take passage on a passing ship to Hook City and on to Rattledam!" In her enthusiasm, Tishe' ignores the fact that she has probably outlined a couple months' journey...
"I think we need all the information we can get. Let's get this Shaylan." She turns to the cook. "And how do you open their armor to eat it?" Perhaps there is some weakness in the hard-looking shell.
Anuk Thursday March 23rd, 2006 10:42:01 AM
"Hey Flea...any chance you could bring another back with you? Thanks!" Anuk calls out. Glass grass, ice wine, green gnomish...he forgot how good this stuff tastes. With a satisfied grin he turns back to the conversation. "We do owe the barons, but don't forget that the manfri said we were needed here. I think Tishe' is right...let's do what we can here and then deal with the Oglians."
He looks down at the crab in the pot and tries to wrap his head around the idea of one that would be nearly as big as a ranthom. With his courage growing as the green gnomish settles into him he says. "Hmm...maybe one of these things would make a shady pet to take with us on the way to the barons? Whaddya think, Gry?"
Trellus Thursday March 23rd, 2006 4:25:18 PM
Trellus looks curiously into the pot, and frowns at the sight of the critter inside. Like Anuk, the cleric is having some difficulty trying to extrapolate what's in front of him into something the size of this room.
"The claws are probably as big as this table," he muses.
Hearing Tishe's remark, Trellus shares a look with Gilan. Both know most of the traders that show up at Rattledam originate at Hook City. We get to Hook City, and we're in the shade, he thinks.
"I'm with Anuk," he answers Flea. "I told her we'd help. I didn't say when. 'Sides, I ain't too keen on her thinking she can lead us around like the beaters back home."
The blond man addresses Graze. "Looks like we gotta be ready to react fast, but also need to be able to go a few nights with nothing happening. Have you got some kind of watch or warning system or something?"
To Ulgren - "Anything we got for that?"
Grymash Thursday March 23rd, 2006 7:24:45 PM
Answering Anuk, the barbarian says, "Hmmmm, Gry think dat be gute idea. But Gry wonder... are this be a youngin' of da big ones? Dat may be why thayz come ta dis town!"
Ulgren Thursday March 23rd, 2006 7:26:41 PM
Ulgren smiles at each of his friends and raises his glass of water to each of them. "No, Trellus I don't have any type of alarm spell sorry. Not to mention that I need to memorize spells if I intend to be of any help at all." Ulgren looks around and finds the quietest spot around, if none are available Ulgren will try to rent a room. "I can memorize as many fire type spells as you want but I am going to take the time to convert as many of these scrolls to spells as I can." Let me know when you are ready.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday March 23rd, 2006 7:58:47 PM
Normally he would agree with Trellus on most thing but this time around he must disagree. "As for helping the Barons...children are involved and I will not leave them to those Oglian, if I have a choice." He remembers many of the things that he had read on lore of the Plains back in Rattledam. What he remembers is not pretty. "Do you know what the legends say they do to people they catch...slaves yes, if they can work...otherwise food." He swallows hard as he tries not to think of kids in that kind of a fix.
With a shake of his head he returns to the matter at hand. He stares at the crab in the bucket and laughs. "Does not seem to bad when they are that size...but the size of this building." Looking to Ulgren he nods his head. "Not that I know much about your spells...but I would suggest lightning for these sea creatures...soften them up with a little shock and then cut them up...might feet this village for awhile as well." He looks to the others around them, that includes the villagers. "Unless of course they are toxic or mutated...it could just be natural growth."
Jake Thursday March 23rd, 2006 10:56:06 PM
"Ye're right, ah've heard about them diseases and stuff... never had none of them in Rattledam, though, what with the priests and the small environment." Jake ponders that. It's such a nice home, Rattledam...totally protected, completely isolated, everyone living without disease or whatnot.. (except for the occasional ones the Pantheon priests can't guard against.)
Mac Friday March 24th, 2006 2:49:03 AM
"Ah dunno - 200 feet of chasin' after a cleric doesn't sound entirely nat'ral." says Mac poorly mimicking Jake as Galea continues to lap away at her milk.
Turning to Graze he asks, "How regularly have these Crabs been showin' up?"
Tishe' (Second Post) Friday March 24th, 2006 3:42:56 AM
"I can set up Alarm spells starting tomorrow, and perhaps Ulgren and I working together can come up with some other magical aid. Certainly Ulgren's fire spells will be useful here; Graze said that they didn't like big bonfires."
A Place to sleep (ADM MikeK) Sunday March 26th, 2006 8:25:26 PM
Flea notes that the Bloodpack has promised to help the Baron's find the children taken by the Oglian. Tishe, Anuk, and Trellus would rather just help out the village. Gilan has reservations about the cleric's position, and reinforces the need to track down the Oglian. Eventually, all seem to agree on helping out the villagers first and then the Barons.
Mac and Gilan express doubts that the creatures are entirely natural.
Tishe and Ulgren start planning spells that will need to be memorized.
Gry, of all people, brings up a possible motive for the crab's appearance.
Graze takes it all in, and starts answering questions as best he can. "Sharlon ain't here. She's down south somewheres. She ranges up and down the whole coast sharing stories and swapping tales. She's got a couple whoppers 'bout fantastic monsters that attack the shorelines. The towns are always way down south, never anyplace we've actually heard of. I never take no stock in 'em."
Spear man grunts at him. "I gotta whopper 'bout gigantic killer crabs. Think you'll believe that one?"
Graze gives the fisherman a sour look, but continues on. "Like a said before, these things started showing up a couple weeks ago. Till then, we'd never seen nuthin' like it."
The fisherman answers Gry's question -- "They ain't kin. The big ones gotta diff'rent shape shell. Pointier. Eyes is wrong too. Big ones got a bit o' smarts to 'em. Not much, but not as plain dumb as this thing."
Graze nods along, and then carries on from where he left off. "They were last here two nights ago. They show up at night, looks like. You can stay upstairs. We gotta couple rooms."
This pronouncement gets the attention of the bartender the man earlier called Troyle. "Now hold on," he begins, but Spear Man cuts him off. "They gotta stay sumplace, for free I'd say."
Troyle puts his hands on his hips. "They drive off the Crabs, free is fine. They don't, I want some money."
Spear Man guffaws once and shoots back, "Troyle, they don't drive off the Crabs and you gonna find the Mug in pieces round your ears and your head on some Crab mantle."
Troyle fumes a bit, but has no answer. He waves his arm toward the stairs and stomps back into the kitchen. "I got food to make," he grumbles. The line is apparently an old standby, as the crowd in the hall give an obligatory chuckle.
Graze returns to the topic at hand. "We got watches set up with the militia. We got us a big bell we sound off when someone sees 'em. You do what you need to upstairs, and if you hear bells, get to the beach."
Spearman adds, "Jes follow the screamin'". Which earns him another look, but Graze's face says its most likely a true statement.
Tishe' and Stripes Sunday March 26th, 2006 10:18:41 PM
The girl pushes a stray lock of wavy brown hair behind an ear as she listens to the byplay of the villagers. "Looks like we get to talk to Shaylan when Shaylan is ready to listen." she tells Stripes, who is sniffing around for scraps and bones.
"I don't think we need anything fancy, we walk the Grass after all. For food; I've never tried crab..."
Curiouser and curiouser. There are some tales of giant sea animals down south and this is the first time of giant sea animals this far north. Why IS it that the crabs are coming ashore here. "Have the fishermen noticed any changes in the animal patterns in the water? And has the village recently gotten any new addition that might be a lure to the crabs?"
Answers or no, it looks like they'll camp here until the bell rings...
OOC: spell list forthcoming
Flea Monday March 27th, 2006 7:51:15 AM
Flea gets serious. She tries to remember how long it had been since the party had met the strange fey nature creature with his giant spider. "I wonder if these giant crabs have anything to do with that Ebyron guy?" she asks, "I wonder if we did the right thing back there?"
"Well, what's done is done," she concludes as she yawns mightily, and retrieves her pack, ready to to upstairs and catch a little shut-eye.
Anuk Monday March 27th, 2006 11:18:16 AM
Anuk drains another drink while listening to Graze's story. "Sir," he says when the talking is through, "I can't promise you we'll beat these crab things, but...well...we'll stay for the fight. At the first sound of bells or screamin', we'll be there. It's what we do."
Jake Monday March 27th, 2006 6:02:30 PM
A question has been nagging him ever since they first saw the Barons.. Jake breaks in rather angrily. "Why are you guys all grass-twined with the Barons?! Don't ya know the evils they do, the people they kill and enslave, the awful stuff they dun with disease and stuff? Are you their servants, or what? Ah don't get it, and don't see where'n ya can all be cozey with them unless yer a bunch of bootlickin' piggie dumps..."
Ulgren Monday March 27th, 2006 7:05:29 PM
Ulgren retreats to a quiet room or corner if no room is available and looks over his spellbook and then his scrolls. The drow quietly contemplates each scroll and the amount of time that ittakes to scribe them Ulgren finally settles on the first scroll and begins scribing. Ulgren begins scribing in the following order: Locate Object(2 hours), Mirror Image (2 hours), Color Spray (1 hour), and Feather Fall (1 hour). If there is not enough time Ulgren will scribe what spells he canin the time allotted. Ulgren then ensures his spells are ready and awaits the giant crab.
Trellus Monday March 27th, 2006 8:16:55 PM
Trellus wishes he could get hold of this Sharlon dude. Maybe she could help figure out why this is happening.
Guess we just wait, then he decides.
The cleric pauses long enough to hear the answer to Jake's question before going upstairs as well.
A place to stay (ADM MikeK) Monday March 27th, 2006 8:36:10 PM
Tishe asks if anything has changed in the water that might account for the crabs. The fisherman (his name still has yet to be mentioned) shakes his head. "Been jes' the same as always," he responds.
Flea asks her pack if maybe Eberyon has something to do with this. There is no good answer to that question, though.
Jake changes the pattern by asking about the Barons. The question get Trellus' attention, and the cleric listens in. Graze shrugs, "We hear a story or two, but the Barons have never done nothing to us." "Cept buy our catch," the fisherman cuts in. "You ask me, they good folks. They show up, pay a fair price, and leave afore they wear out their welcome. You don't screw around with the rapke, sure enough. But you leave them alone, they leave you alone. Works for me." Graze nods. "We really never had a problem with 'em," he confirms.
The Bloodpack is pretty tired out, and soon everyone is moving upstairs. The rooms turn out to be two large common rooms, each taking up half the floor. Bunkbeds line the walls, all of them configured for a human sized occupant. Except for the occasional elf, the town appears to be populated solely by humans.
Each room was occupied by a couple of locals, but when the Bloodpack enters one of them, its occupants decide to move across the hall. This gives our heroes a large 30 x 30 area with 12 bunkbeds lining the walls. They can be moved, and shoving three together will give Mac someplace decent to lie down. There is also a table and some benches in the middle of the area. It ain't much, but its got four walls, a roof, and a door. Windows in one wall overlook a rocky beach and the ocean beyond. Its utterly dark.
Please list watches. Assume you make it through the night and give spell lists as well.
Grymash Tuesday March 28th, 2006 2:06:52 AM
Grymash takes one of the more sturdier bunks and begins to prepare for the night. Other than oiling down his blades and armor, he decides to do a little reading from his book of Gargul before falling asleep.
Tishe' and Stripes Tuesday March 28th, 2006 5:16:56 AM
Tishe' comes to the sleeping room with a mind full of questions. "Hmmm, the Barons pay for what they want from these folk? Makes me more and more interested in visiting this Baron stronghold before going after the Olgian. Well, after the crabs anyways." she smiles and sits tailor fashioned on one of the bunks.
"Now then! I memorized four Identify spells this morning in the Grass, so let's check some of our winnings!"
Tishe' will Identify the first four things that people bring her (using up her spells and 400gp worth of pearls in the process)
Not a strategist, she takes whatever watch she is offered. And in the morning she memorizes spells. (OOC: when morning comes, I'll put her new spells on here. Til then, she's still on her old ones from the morning in the grass after the battle.)
Stripes hops up on the bunk where Tishe' sleeps and curls up like a very large lapdog at the foot of her bed. Ah, food and a den. What a good pack!
Mac (still available in the regular size) d20+5=8 d20+1=10 Tuesday March 28th, 2006 7:03:53 AM
In the room Mac takes the time to reorganise his pack, some beds, and places what might need to be grabbed in a hurry if the alarm goes up this night. Only once all preparations are complete does he relax and chat, play with Galea before she retires to the safety and comfort of the carrier.
Watch Checks: Spot:8, Listen:10
Anuk d20+12=22 d20+12=14 Tuesday March 28th, 2006 11:35:56 AM
Sleepy, sleepy, sleepy. The fine drink and dark atmosphere have done their work on Anuk and he's ready for some sack time. "A bunk?" he exclaims when they reach the room. "Light, how long has it been since I slept in one of those?" The softness of the mattress is a welcome contrast to the hard ground and soon he's snoring contentedly, waking only when it's time for his watch in the middle of the night. (takes the 2nd watch)
Spot 22, listen 14
morning spells: entangle, magic fang
Jake Tuesday March 28th, 2006 5:34:24 PM
(I wanna head off to Catacombs. I think I have enough to afford a little bonus thingie...) "You guys don't mind, ah think ah'm gonna tour this town a little before ah come back to rest. Ah... hey, Anuk, ah don't hardly ask for no favors, can y'all take my watch tonight, if'n ah might be a little too drunk or ..er, away or something."
Flea d20+9=22 d20+11=18 Tuesday March 28th, 2006 7:37:31 PM
In the big room Flea finds a corner in which to drop her pack. She sprawls on the floor, leaning against the HHHaversack, with her hands behind her head, staring at the cieling, and thinks. Flea thinks...and thinks...and thinks...until it feels like her head is going to explode. Sleep doesn't come easily.
The rogue volunteers for a middle watch, since she doesn't need too much sleep. During the watch she confides to her watch-mate (Anuk? Mac? Grymash?) her secret worries about the affairs of the Plains and Rattledam. "What if the Barons aren't all that bad? What if that's just what the monks of Rattledam teach, because...because they are afraid? What if the monks are the beaters?"
At least protecting these coastal folks from dangers that come from the sea is good. Isn't it? Flea wishes it were simpler to tell right from wrong, and the good-guys from the bad-guys.
Spot=22 Listen=18
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday March 28th, 2006 8:24:54 PM
Gilan has been silent through most of this conversation as he has been studying the crabs and thinking along the lines of combat. That hard shell will be something that could cause a problem but at least they do have soft spots.
He too is curious about this crab and will most likely settle for a little stew made from them or whatever turns up for supper. He shares a nice portion with his wolf which he notices draws some attention but nothing bad. Well these people do see rapke and bounders on a regular basis...most likely.
When it is finally time to turn in he moves upstairs with the rest of the pack and yawns. "I will take an late watch if that is ok...I can use the time to commune with Mother Wold." Looking to the bunks he shivers and then throws out his blanket upon the floor. If anyone asks he will comment on how he cannot sleep as well in a bed anymore...the ground or floor seems so much more comfortable.
MikeK - Can take back over April 2. If the battle has started can you drop me a line of what you decided to use for the crabs. Want to get a feel for them so that I can plan out strategy for the crusty crustaceons. :)
Ulgren Tuesday March 28th, 2006 10:04:21 PM
Ulgren takes the time to watch over his friends as they prepare to sleep and lay out watches. "I would prefer to take the first watch if I may, and the second as well since I have prepared my spells already." Ulgren continues to scribe as many spells as he can until called by the town or until his time to rest.
Trellus Wednesday March 29th, 2006 9:28:33 PM
Trellus sloughs off his equipment and collapses heavily into one of the bunks. "oooohhhh yeah," he breathes. "I needed that."
He takes note of all the watch offers and spits them back. "OK, Ulgren and Mac, me and Anuk, Gry and Flea, Tishe and Gilan." He doesn't mention Jake. As soon as he heard "ah'm gonna tour this town a little", the cleric put a big mental line through his friend's name.
If the night is uninterrupted, Trellus prepares he spells the next morning.
Good Night Moon (ADM MikeK) Wednesday March 29th, 2006 9:44:36 PM
Jake heads out to "explore" and finds many willing escorts. What he doesn't find is an entrance to the Catacombs. DM JimW told us the town was too small.
Ulgren scribes his scrolls, while Tishe offers to identify some of the loot OOC - I don't know what they are, so we'll need to wait on that.
The rest of the Bloodpack prepares itself and gets some sleep.
The night passes without incident. Everyone memorizes spells, and Ulgren has time to scribe the scrolls he wants. It appears there will be a day to plan and prepare.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday March 29th, 2006 10:29:57 PM
Gilan spends his night in restful sleep, till it is his turn to take up watch with Tishe'. He sits and talks with her most of the rest of the night to morning. He has not had a chance to talk of druid stuff with her and he has a feeling that changes will be happening soon.
When the sun is finally starting to come up he makes his way outside to greet the sun as he normally does. His morning devotions and song to the Wold Mother brings him a little more insight into his surroundings...the sights and morning sounds are way different than home and then there is all that water.
At last he makes his way back into the Mug and takes a seat at a table. He catches one of the few passing barmaids. "What do you serve usually for breakfast?" He will order whatever sounds good or sample a few different things that he has never had before.
Drop a note with your next post people as to what you want to identify and I will drop a note as to what you have. I just need to know what it is that you want to look at.
Tishe' and Stripes d20=18 Wednesday March 29th, 2006 10:36:42 PM
Morning dawns bright and refreshing, Tishe' is reluctant to get out of bed. "Last bed I slept in was mother's guest bed in Hook City" she complains good naturedly.
When she does rise it is with her morning devotions to Mother Wold (and a small penitent prayer for Father) and she studies her spellbook in the bright sunlight.
After getting a good hour in, she'll tell the others the spells she's selected and adds, "Ulgren's fire spells should be handy. I figure animal affecting spells can affect giant animals, and if it doesn't, I'll form summoned creatures out of those spells instead. " "With the two alarm spells, we can put them on the beach and bookend the village or place them more towards the middle; I just don't know."
And she will Identify a fifth magic item.
The remainder of her day will be spent in learning the village layout so they can best help defend, and in reassuring the shyer people that they are only dangerous to giant crabs (using prestidigitation to entertain (Perform untrained: 18)
Spells Memorized
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm, alarm, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
Ulgren Thursday March 30th, 2006 7:32:44 AM
Ulgren sleeps through the last watch and wakes at dawn stretching and then quickly standing up. Ulgren walks to his corner and waits on his packmates to awaken and quickly falls back into scribing more scrolls into his spellbook. Blink (3 hours) and True Strike (1 hour), Resist Energy (2 hours), Darkness (2 hours). If additional time exists after those are finished the drow will scribe, Summon Monster III (3 hours), Polymorph (4 hours) and Unseen Servant (1 hour). After 16 hours of scribing scrolls Ulgren closes hsi spellbook and sighs knowing that the work was well worth it.
Anuk Thursday March 30th, 2006 12:25:59 PM
After TWO watches in the middle of the night Anuk wakes up slowly. His eyes sting as he blinks in the morning light. "So...any luck, Jake?" he asks with a tired grin when the half-elf stumbles back in. He yawns and stretches, remembering what details he can from the conversation the evening before.
"Well," he says when discussion turns to how best to deal with the crabs. "Ulgren's got fire and I've got my electric bow. Maybe we create a wall of fire on the beach and then flank it from the sides?"
Grymash Thursday March 30th, 2006 7:39:58 PM
As soon as Grymash gets up, he prays, has a bite to eat and then draws out his double axe and his battle stick (quarterstaff). "Ok ... it be time for Fightin' Training. Bloodpack be outsides in little bits. Time ta get beat on!"
Once outside, Grymash goes into some warm up exercises. Then starts in a routine of spinning, slicing and jabing with his double axe. Those big, heavy blades are nothing but a blur.
Trellus Thursday March 30th, 2006 9:28:39 PM
Trellus looks over the magic items that have not yet been identified:
ring(faint abjuration) ring(moderate transmutation) pair of boots(faint transmutation) pair of boots(faint abjuration and transmutation) amulet(moderate transmutation) amulet(faint transmutation)
"OK, since Tishe can Identify 5 items, lets do everything except the faint ring. You can use the pearls we got off the Raiders, so we really don't lose any money."
Talk turns to preparing for the crabs, whenever they come. "Let's find out where the Watch is, and if there are any places an Alarm spell might help," he suggests. "I like the Wall of Fire. Maybe we should try to keep them from going back into the water. Lets go through this just once, and kill 'em, and not have to wait around for them to come back."
Trellus turns to Jake. "Dude, I think I gotta way to give you the ability to cast a Strength spell on yourself whenever you want. Whaddya think?"
The blond man doesn't follow Grymash outside. He sees no need to get smacked around by his packmate.
The Day before (ADM MikeK) Thursday March 30th, 2006 9:33:43 PM
Gilan grabs some breakfast, and Grymash some excercise, and the rest of the Bloodpack makes plans.
A quick look around reveals the beach north of the Mug is sandy. A rock outcropping at the mug signals a change, and a rock face meets the water south of the Mug, and encompassing the majority of the town. The crabs have been coming up on the rocky shore, and that is where the watch is posted. No one is really watching from the Mug north or south of the southern most home of the village, about a half mile down the shoreline.
Time moves quickly. Please assume the whole day is moving by.
Ulgren Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:34:08 PM
Ulgren finishes scribing his scrolls and feels a large sense of accomplishment. The mage has rested and based on advice from his packmates takes the time to memorize a slightly different set of spells. Afterwards the mage walks down to the common room, orders supper and engages in some good old fashioned people watching.
Tishe' and Stipes Thursday March 30th, 2006 10:58:22 PM
Tishe' uses five of the pearls to Identify the - ring(faint abjuration) - ring(moderate transmutation) - pair of boots(faint transmutation) - pair of boots(faint abjuration and transmutation) - amulet(moderate transmutation)
She leaves the amulet(faint transmutation) and the last pearl for another day.
For the other treasure, the Bloodpack is getting ready for a battle and may need all the help they can. She suggests to pass out the scrolls in case they need to be used, and consider them party treasure.
6 hold person scrolls(arcane), she passes two to Ulgren, two to Flea, and keeps two herself 2 displacement scrolls(arcane), passes one to Ulgren and one to Flea. "I can't use Illusions" she explains. 2 neutralize poison scrolls(divine) she gives to Gilan and Trellus one each 4 ccw scrolls(divine) she sorts one each to Trellus, Gilan, Grymash and Tishe'
For plans, Tishe' pipes up but once. "I've got a water breathing potion. How many other water breathers do we have? If they retreat, how do we follow the crabs?"
The remainder of the day is spent getting knowledge of the surrounding terrain and entertaining the people who could use a little amusement.
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm, alarm, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III 6 cmw potions, 3 levitate potions, fly potion 6 white pearls(estimated value 100gps/gem)
Anuk d20+12=13 d20=10 d20+12=18 d20+12=28 d20+14=25 d20+9=12 Friday March 31st, 2006 10:46:28 AM
Responding to Tishe's comment about water breathing, Anuk says, "Water breathing spells could come in handy...wish I could help out there. I think Trellus is right about trying to keep them from going back into the water once they're on land...can we make 4 walls of fire? Box 'em in somehow? I'm figuring these things probably can't fly." Another thought occurs to him, "I wish I'd thought of this this morning, but can anyone here speak with animals? Maybe we can get some kind of idea what they're looking for right from them?"
He watches the whirling death Grymash calls 'fighting training' and says, "Thanks for the offer of practice, Gry, but I'd rather not be bruised up before the fight. Here...hit this instead." He spends time with Gry tossing old boxes, bits of wood, and whatever else he can find at the hulking cleric of Gargul for him to slice into, hopefully helping him hone his already keen reflexes.
He spends much of the day exploring the town, casually eavesdropping on conversations to see if any mention of the crabs comes up.But his mind is elsewhere and he can't seem to concentrate on whatever information he manages to pick up. (listen 13 - nat 1) Instead he recalls Gargul's promises of enforced immortality, and wonders what that might mean when the next fight comes.
Finally, he decides on the direct approach wanders into some of the towns small stores, spending money freely on a few trinkets and asking people present about what they've seen and heard when the crabs were here (gather info 10).
Lastly, he spends time wandering the coastline, looking for clues about these giant creatures. Something this big must've left some sort of trail or something, he thinks.
Spot 18 Listen 28 Survival (track) 25 Search 12
Gilan and Ciaran Friday March 31st, 2006 11:01:32 AM
Gilan spends most of his day pacing along the beach. He is looking to see where the crabs have come out at exactly. He hopes to figure how to set up some good ideas for battle. Ciaran paces along with him on the beach, enjoying the sand between his toes as well.
He shows up later at the Mug and moans as Gry announces it is time to spend a little time training. Since noone else seems ready to get the grass kicked out of them he moves to get pull a staff out of his pack and shakes his head. "Guess I will be first." He moves outside and just hopes that Gry plans on taking it a little easy.
He comes back in a lot later sore and bruised from his boute with Gry. "Remind me not to do that again." He hurts all over and Ciaran seems to think it is funny though he cannot laugh. You can see this grin on his lupin face and the sparkle in his eyes. Gilan flops down in one of the seats in the Mug and listens to the others. "I will need to figure out what I can take to help in that area...plus there are forms and help that we can call upon that should be able to help in the water...just remember the salt." He leans back as a cool mug of water is slipped onto the table for him. He takes a comforting drink and sighs but still hurts. He will take one of the scrolls so that he can make use of it during the battle. "Hang onto the Neutralize Poison and I also have a waterbreathing potion." He pulls it out and lays it upon the table.
Identified Items Ring of Protection+2 Ring of Improved Swimming Boots of Elvenkind Boots of the Winterlands Amulet of Health+2
Jake Friday March 31st, 2006 2:09:24 PM
Jake gets back to the group at breakfast, and looks, as expected, in a great mood. "Hey, darlin', er, sir, could ah get me some of that drinky stuff?" He rejoins up, sitting next to Anuk and Ulgren, and proceeds to vociferously recite his most recent adventures in last night. (To keep things all "PG", I will skip most of what he says. But needless to say, it is way too dirty for public consumption, and he doesn't mind saying it one bit.) "---so then I got up, and ah said to mahself, 'Ah'd better get outta here before her husband...' but looking back at her, had to revise that, 'er, father, gets back here'. But as ah was headin' out the door, her mother---" (Initially, I was thinking that's about all he could say, but then I figured that he probably sat out of reach of Gry and Mac, and the others lack the intimidation factor to get him to shut up. Or, they would be shocked into listening by what happens next. So, his escapades would probably continue.) "---So I got up again, now trust me, ah'd never been in a situation like this, so ah was uncertain what to do. But ah said to mahself, well, what's the reason we're outta Rattledam, but to explore foreign lands---" (Now by this point, anyone in the pack might be tempted to walk off. After all, Jake may be approaching the height of the story (to him), but to them it's already gone through more convolutions than Soap did. However, I hasten to remind you, Jake has a perform of +10 and a diplomacy of +12, so he can be quite the orator when he wants.) "---so I managed to get outta there without a scratch. Good thing ah always carry some rope with me, though." Jake finishes up and takes a sip of grass-dew. "So, what's the plan?"
Flea Friday March 31st, 2006 6:47:27 PM
Flea listens to Jake, and just shakes her head.
Grabbing something off the breakfast table, she heads down to the beach. Taking off her magic boots and packing them carefully in her HHHaversack, she carefully rolls her leggings up over her knees. The rogue proceeds to walk along the edges of the surf, enjoying the day, and the roll and roar of the surf.
"Dude?!!" Trellus breaks in on his packmate's extra long and extra interpersonal story. "You listening?"
"I said I think I gotta way to give you the ability to cast a Strength spell on yourself whenever you want. Whaddya think?"
Later, as he inspects the beach with Gilan and Anuk, he thinks back to the little scene. "Sunbaked ... " the cleric mutters to himself, and continues his search for places to set an Alarm spell.
Grymash Monday April 3rd, 2006 7:59:20 PM "Hey! Dudes? No packers wanna get some trainin'? Gilan do gute! Gilan got in some gute hits! Uhh sorry for dat lump. Gry be sure yooz would ducks down. No worries, Gilan do mores gute tomorrow!"
A turn for the worse. (DM Jim) Monday April 3rd, 2006 10:22:31 PM
Three days have passed and the group has had the chance to go over every inch of the beach...several times. The training continues and despite the bumps and bruises, Gilan is there everyday to take his licks.
There is a lot of beach to cover and those that know about alarm spells know that they cannot cover all of it. Still there seem to be certain areas that the crabs seem to emerge from the water. It is easy to set up the spells every night before the pack falls into sleep. With the help of the pack the small village has also been able to improve on thier own watches and to sound the alarm better.
Those that tour the beach find that it is not hard to find the path that the crabs take but they end some five feet from the waters edge. The incoming tide washes the prints away but it is not hard to figure the general path that is taken to exit and enter the water.
Jake is constantly being persueded by the young woman that he was caught with. The father is present several times giving him glaring looks but also seems to have a slight smirk as well. Jake does not seem to notice most of this though as it is a game to him but some of the others may sense some things going on.
Many things can be found washed up on the beach and the group that does walk it everyday find many of the following...shells, driftwood, seaweed, small crabs and an occassional bottle. Some things good for decorations and the like, some that maybe useful for use in making stuff.
The fourth day is wearing on and the villagers are starting to feel a little better. Some whisper that the presence of the Bloodpack has scared off the giant crabs, but others seem to see it as a little too convenient. It is just one of those nights in the Mug that a young man is seated talking with four others. He keeps shooting the Bloodpack dark looks and several times he motions in that direction. With a little more drink he becomes a lot louder with his talk and finally he turns in his seat to glare in the Bloodpacks' direction. "It was these filthy ones that started this whole thing. Bet they will show back up in a couple days after leaving to demand some reward and they will kill the crabs...oh and those beasts will have come back to attack our village." He is well into his drink and a lot of this is slurred. "Ya notice the attacks stopped when they showed up." Several of those inside the Mug have started to look in the Bloodpacks' direction and nodding heads.
Anyone that wants to craft anything...magical or mundane...can work on them over the three days.
Flea Monday April 3rd, 2006 11:49:02 PM
The rogue spends a lot of time alone down along the shore. She collects little bits of glass remnants worn smooth and deposited at the edge of the surf. Sometimes she just sits in the sand, leaning against the bulk of her pack and staring out at the rolling waves.
Anuk Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:34:00 AM
Anuk notices the glares and nervously grins while giving a friendly wave back to the locals. "What gives with the animosity?" he says in a low voice to Trellus. "You'd think it'd be shady to be attack-free for a while."
Ulgren Tuesday April 4th, 2006 11:15:28 AM
Ulgren enjoyed the respite scribing new spells into his spellbook and people watching. The drow spent several hours each evening watching the crowds in the common room of "The Mug" nursing his bruises and lumps from Gry's lessons each morning always vowing to not offer to spare. Ulgren was in his usual corner table when the drunk man begins to spew his accusations. The drow sprang to his feet and approached the man, one hand in his component bag and the other held near his rapier. "My pack have not and will not ever cause harm to you and yours for profit." Ulgren flatly stated, staring at the drunk intently, silver eyes flashing. "If anyone here wishes to believe that we are the cause of your misfortune, stand announce it and be a man about it. However remember this, we have stayed because we were asked. We didn't know why we were pointed in this direction, but in this direction we came. You asked for help and we agreed to do whatever we could." Ulgren looks at the drunk and his four friends , "If you choose to listen to a man who gets his courage from a bottle so be it. I'll be outside if anyone wishes to pursure this matter further." Ulgren slid his goggles over his eyes and stalked outside where he stood facing the door. Once outside the drow cast an extended Mage Armour and continued to wait.
Trellus (Sub/Al) Tuesday April 4th, 2006 11:24:40 AM
The cleric shrugs his shoulders.
"It's peace, 'Nuk," he replies. "Peace can shorten memories some."
Trellus shrugs again.
"Or it could be Jake."
"Just a minute, Ulgren. Lets not have weapons here."
Trellus stands, taking his mug of ale with him. He walks over to the table at which the man is sitting.
"What makes you say that, Friend? Why don't I buy us another round and we can talk about it. Mind if I sit? You know, talking over problems seems to me to be a much better idea than stirring up hate and discontent. Especially when you consider that if we are the one's who sicced those crabs on you we'd have to be pretty powerful. Powerful enough to take whatever we wanted, I'd think. Powerful enough, I'd think, that you wouldn't want to go picking a fight with us in a tavern."
"Good thing we're peaceable folks, isn't it? I think that all in all it's best to just enjoy our drinks and talk."
"I'm Trellus. What's your name?"
Jake Tuesday April 4th, 2006 7:51:41 PM
Jake doesn't hear the insults, as his attention would probably be focused on another object of desire. Maybe even a new one, as time does pass quickly, and perhaps there are more interesting objects to be found in this village. In any case, right now he'd probably merely be scouting, preparing a battlefield, and the like.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday April 4th, 2006 8:16:49 PM
Gilan looks to the five men seated at the table and a low rumble begins in his throat. He has been feeling a little odd lately...like a more primal side has been coming out of him. Many of his little trips to the beach leave him wandering the great stretch of it, several miles from the village.
As first Ulgren and then Trellus come forward to comfront the men, though with different tactics...he cannot help but want to just rip some limbs off...maybe crunch some bones. "Would be fun to cause a little hurt." This comes out as an almost hiss as he glares down the men.
His pack having spent so much time with him have noticed suttle changes in his behavior and appearance. Getting meat that is only partially cooked, the rumbles of anger from his throat and his new wilder appearance. That is the most noticeable as his eyes have taken on a more wild look, his nails have grown into what could be called claws and if anyone cared to pay attention...the prominence of his canines, both lower and upper.
Got Crabs???? (DM Jim) Tuesday April 4th, 2006 11:12:21 PM
Graze enters the door and hears part of the comments thrown out by the young man, but he hangs back. He wants to see how the Bloodpack deals with it and he smiles as some seem to want to bash some heads, while the one who he guesses is the leader tries a little diplomacy. In his younger days he would have been one of those that knocked the man's block off.
The young man looks up as Ulgren comes over and speaks. Laughing in the drows face he still slurs his words some. "Bah...anyone can speak those words...I say you are no better than a mercenary." He looks back to his four partners who are snickering about the whole deal. "I say nothing will happen till they leave...then the monsters attack again and they come back to bleed us dry." He laughs again but it quickly dies as Ulgren speaks again and the man turns red with anger. "I will see you outside drow." The last is spit out and is more of an insult.
As Ulgren moves outside of the Mug and waits for the man, most likely with his cronies...Trellus is quick to step in to head things off. Still the young man is not about to take up anyone of an offer, not even for free booze. "Or maybe you are lackies of someone...he would not mind if you died...means more for him." He stands with a swift move and looks to the door. His four buddies stand as well and you can tell that things are going to go bad here.
The five of them roughly push past Trellus and head for the door, only to find it blocked by Graze. Graze has a cold look upon his face and a club in his good hand. The bartender has also shown up, a little off to the side, with a club of his own. Graze speaks in a clear and level voice but never takes his eyes off the young man. "Marcus...you don't want to do this. You are drunk and I will not allow this to happen." His eyes rove over everyone in the bar, taking note of those with drawn steel. "I will not allow these strangers to be hurt...they offer to help...they are under my protection and we have gone several days before with no attacks." Marcus makes a move to shove past Graze who steps to the side and the club finds the back of the man's head. Marcus goes out like a light and his four friends back up, their hands help before them. The bartender steps over shaking his head and then motions the four to their friend. "Take him home boys and let him sleep it off." Graze catches each of thier eyes as they step forward and life the lifeless form of thier friend. "You touch that man out there and I will hang everyone of you." His tone and manner brooks no arguements and the men nod as they swallow a lump. Ulgren will see the four men come out of the Mug holding their unconscious friend between them. They look sheepishly at the drow and then continue on into the night.
As things settle down Graze moves to the table that the Bloodpack is seated at. "I am sorry about that...Marcus is a good man, but has a fondness for the drink and trouble." Slipping the club back into his belt he runs his hand through his hair and sighs. "I will see you in the morning." With that he moves back outside of the Mug and most likely to his home.
With things more or less under control now and the hour getting late the bartender comes over. "Please feel comfortable here and don't take it personally...it is nice to be free of attacks at least for awhile. My wife and I actually sleep better knowing that you are here to help." He gives you all a smile and then moves off to get some sleep.
Jake finds himself caught by a young redhead near the door before he has a chance to retire for the night. She is plying him with her charms and seems to be getting somewhere with them.
It is early morning, maybe around five, when the alarm bells go off. Then the peaceful morning is brought to a crashing halt by the sounds of a scream of pain, followed by several more screams. They all seem to be coming from outside of the Mug and down near the beach.
Jake needs to make a Diplomacy DC 16 or end up going home with this young lady. Also a Spot DC 14 to see an older man in the corner of the room watching the two of you with some interest.
Need a watch order. Do those that have last watch, do this outside or inside of the Mug? If outside the beach is a fair piece away and not easily seen from the outside of the Mug. You could also spend watch on the balcony of the second or third floor, which would allow you to see out to the beach and part of the sea.
Spot DC 12 to notice that four others have drawn steel in the Mug. Sense Motive DC 12 to realize that they are on the drunk man's side.
Tishe' and Stripes Tuesday April 4th, 2006 11:43:47 PM
Dazed by Jakes incredibly long and lewd yarn, Tishe' shakes her head, "I feel I've lost a day of my life right now."
The three days pass quickly for the young girl, who also practices with her oaken quarterstaff with Grymash, Gilan, and Ulgren. After all, if she gets too hurt, Grymash can heal her up again!
Not present in the tavern at the instigation (taking a bath, you know) and following the same watch schedule from the first night, Tishe' is awakened by the bells, the watch, and Stripes yipping at the foot of her bed. She chucks her night pants and loose shirt and quickly girds for battle; bracers, cloak satchel, and 'grass pants o' plenty. And she is ready to run out of the Mug.
Outside, Tishe' (followed by a faithful Stripes) collects her bearings and, with the others, heads towards the fight.
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm*, alarm*, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
NOTICE!!!! (DM Jim) Wednesday April 5th, 2006 5:04:00 AM
Just thought of something that I thought I should point out as both DM and a player.
I gave three days downtime. That mean that if you want the rest of those items could be identified if you all want. Just let me know if you do and Tishe' could cast the spell if she wants.
Just an idea if the group would like to make use of any of the items in this battle. :)
Trellus (Sub/Al) d20+9=27 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 12:54:10 PM
Trellus shrugs. Some dudes just have no sense no matter how much you talk to them. And better Graze handle this than having more bad feeling fall on the Pack.
"Thanks," Trellus waves as Graze leaves the Inn. "See you in the morning."
Jake doesn't seem too interested in casting his own spell. And the others in the Inn, they all look ... hostile is a good word. (Spot 27)
Trellus shakes his head. Some days, you have to wonder whether it's worth getting out of bed.
"I'm gonna call it a day," he informs the Pack. "I'll stand last watch." From the table, he picks up one of the magic items, the Ring of Improved Swimming. "I'll take this for now. Anyone wants it more, speak up." And he slips it on his finger.
The cleric wakes for last watch. As the morning, he wanders outside. Praying to Domi, Trellus makes a few adjustment in his spells for the day. And that's where things find him when the Alarms go off and things just start happening.
"Knew it couldn't last. Just as well." The alarms will call the rest of the Pack. Trellus casts a spell on himself before heading down to the beach.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM)
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, u-Owls Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Grymash Wednesday April 5th, 2006 8:02:37 PM
After things calm a little, he turns to his packmates and says, "Gry be proud of yaz who be trainin' fightin' and taken ya lumps. Yooz dudes get betters real gute!" The half-orc then points to a lump on his own head. "Looks, one of yazz got Gry wit da battle stick!! Gry no remembers who, but Gry say dat be shady. Yooz be beaters in no times at all!" Holding up a mug to the barkeep, Grymash anounces, "Brings more drinks for da Bloodpackers ... on Gry!!"
Anuk d20+12=23 d20+2=16 Wednesday April 5th, 2006 8:06:27 PM
Anuk, wary of Marcus and his friends (spot 23, sense motive 16) keeps a hand on the hilt of his longsword until the confrontation is over. "Well spoken, Trellus," he says to the cleric and raises a mug in his direction. "I'd rather save the fight for the crabs." When it's time to rest, he sleeps hard with the exception of his watch in the middle of the night. In the morning, the screams bring him awake quickly. "Light," he mutters as he dons his armor and weapons. "Looks like the town's lucky streak just ran out." He charges out into the early morning air toward the beach.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday April 5th, 2006 10:40:46 PM
Gilan shakes his head as he feels a little better at the way things were handled. He gives Graze a nod of his head and then slowly stands so that he can head to bed himself. "Think I will turn in as well." With that he moves off to his room for a little rest.
With no real watch orders he is up early the next morning before the rising of the sun. He had been talking to Trellus about the meeting that they had with Gargul. He had a feeling that things were not as they should be but was wondering if the cleric felt the same.
With the sound of the alarms he gives Trellus a wide grin. "Seems that we may get to work off a little steam after last night." He casts a simple spell upon himself as he races along with Trellus.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) Wednesday April 5th, 2006 11:04:19 PM
[OOC: Yes, can Tishe' Identify the rest of the stuff, and first person to claim will grab it for the battle?]
Tishe' grabs the Ring of Protection +2 and puts it on, and then casts Mage Armor from a scroll onto Mac (+4 armor bonus) to give him a little more protection.
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm, alarm, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
Get the butter sauce or Bloodpack sushi. (DM Jim) Wednesday April 5th, 2006 11:18:17 PM
Tishe' is the first of those not on watch to be awakened. Her companion Stripes is at the end of her bed and yips at her to get up. The sounds of battle spring her into action and she hurries to get dressed. She gets outside to see Gilan and Trellus already racing down to the beach and the sound of fighting.
Trellus had slipped the ring for swimming onto his finger with no arguements from the others. His night had been rather restful and he was eager to take last watch. Gilan is with him on last watch and they both go about thier morning prayers. Still most of the other part of their watch was taken up by talks of thier meeting with Gargul.
Grymash had called for more drinks and with usual abandon he fell to sleep upon the table. The innkeeper just smiled and shook his head as he let the Bloodpack know that it was ok. Gry hears the pounding in his head early in the morning or at least that is what he thinks it is...or was that the warning bell??
Anuk is woken from his own sleep, partly by Stripes who's annoying yip was more than most wanted to hear this early in the morning. Another side of him had heard the bells and awoken to them as well. He is soon battle ready and beside Tishe' as they race out of the inn. He sees Gilan and Trellus already on the way to the beach.
Ulgren, Flea and Mac are the last to awaken. Mumbling about getting awoken this early they too get ready though a little slower than the rest and then head down. Much yawning goes on as they move though with the day being way too early.
Jake went home with the young lady that had been plying herself to him all night. He is loathe to get out of bed as he finds himself next to her. Still the alarm bells ring out and he suddenly starts. Did he bring any gear with him???
Trellus and Gilan make it to the beach, still at least sixty feet from the battle. Their eyes take in the situation with practiced ease. Five soldiers are facing off against two huge crabs, another one is scuttling up onto the beach and there is another just out of the water. Six soldiers are laying around on the beach, some screaming and some not moving at all. The crabs are huge and must stand at least ten feet and about sixteen feet across from end of shell to end of shell.
Battle map will be in the email soon. It is starting to storm here and I need to send it out after that. I maybe late posting tomorrow as well as it is suppose to storm here as well.
Al/Sub for Trellus - OoC Wednesday April 5th, 2006 11:27:55 PM
Could you send a map to me too? changa@charter.net
Jake Thursday April 6th, 2006 3:25:07 AM
Jake, luckily, tends to follow the motto be prepared. yah, right. As it is, when hearing the battle, his first reaction is to surge with an eagerness for battle. These past few days have been fun, but underneath all that fun-loving, Jake also loves battle. The fun of facing off with an opponent, and feeling the thrill of not knowing whether or not he'll be able to avoid the next blow... The pain as he's caught off guard, the swiftness of time as the battle is joined... All of this means that Jake has left his gear packed, readily in the inn. It only takes him a minute or so to run back to the inn, grab his gear, and dash off to see the battle.
(I assume this means I'll probably arrive about 5 rounds into the battle... Up TO DM!)
Trellus (Sub/Al) Thursday April 6th, 2006 11:23:54 AM
"We got to buy some time, Gil." Trellus says after surveying the situation. "Buy some advantage for those dudes down on the beach, and some time for the rest of the Pack to get out here."
"I'll try and slow one of them down a bit. See if there's anything you can do to occupy the others."
Trellus calls on Domi to shake up one of the crabs, then he moves 30 feet closer to the beach.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Doom on one of the crabs currently engaged. Will Save vs DC18 or be Shaken (Duration 8 minutes from Wednesday April 5th, 2006 10:18:17 PM)
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, u-Doom, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, u-Owls Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Grymash d20-2=14 d20+2=21 Thursday April 6th, 2006 9:22:51 PM "Huhh!!!" mumbles the half-orc as he lifts his head from the bar room table. His matted hair is partly sticking to the wooden surface. A combination of past spilled drinks and Gry's drool from his slumber. "Whuh datt!!??" the barbarian barks. (Int check 14, Wis check 21) He quickly stands to his feet and shoves his helmet over his head. The front door barely has time to open before the swift-footed Grymash goes rushing through it on his way to the beach. "CRRAABBBSSS!!!" he yells as he draws his double axe from his magic quiver.
(position where you think Gry should be.)
Gilan and Ciaran [barkskin] 8d6(5+2+6+2+5+1+6+2)=29 Thursday April 6th, 2006 10:46:01 PM
Gilan just nods to Trellus as he takes in the scene before them. He shakes his head as he tries to figure out what would work best. Making a quick decision he feels that rush of nature filling him as he points a finger towards the two crabs closest together and engaged by soldiers, but not catching them in the blast. A pillar of flame slams into the ground with what he hopes will be a nice effect.
Ciaran growls at his side as his brother begins the distance smash. His hair is raised and he seems eager to enter the fray as well. Both him and his brother have a slight wooden look to thier skin and fur.
[flamestrike - 29 damage or Reflex DC 20 for half]
I will be making a post tomorrow instead of today and then a make-up one Saturday. I am trying to get a workable map that will allow you to give position changes. Just that I do not have a map making program and have to do stuff the hard way.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) Thursday April 6th, 2006 11:12:52 PM
The brown-haired girl is outside when Anuk and then Grymash burst out of the door. The others are still coming through, but Tishe' calls worriedly. "Try and delay until the rest of the Pack get together. A braided rope is stronger than a thread!"
She pelts off (full run move) to see what the situation is at the beach.
Growling and yipping, Stripes easily keeps up with his human, the sounds of battle fill the air as his pack goes to protect the den of this fish-smelling pack. "Yip, yip Yip-YIP!"
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][600 rounds] +4 armor bonus
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm*, alarm*, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended) Thursday April 6th, 2006 11:49:49 PM
Ulgren wakes up and darts for the door thankful that he doesnt have to grab any armour only his belt holding rapier and crossbow. The mage pauses for an instant to cast an extended Expeditious retreat on himself and moves 30 feet towards the beach.
Anuk (HP 52/52, AC 21) d20+12=26 d20+12=13 Thursday April 6th, 2006 11:53:24 PM
"Got it...no charging in too early...", Anuk replies to Tishe as he heads toward the beach. "We'll wait for you before we get too close!"
He follows Trellus and Gilan's trail, casting an eye on the scene to take it all in.
Spot 26 Listen 13
Crab Fight - 1. (DM Jim) d20+9=21 d20+9=11 Friday April 7th, 2006 3:26:23 PM
Jake is up with a start and eager for battle, but he finds that he is not ready for that. At least he has the common sense to put on his clothes before he rushes out of the house and to the inn. Once inside he races up the stairs to get ready for the battle, cursing his luck.
Trellus calls for support for the soldiers that are in a bad way. He calls upon the powers of Domi and tries to hamper the closest crab. Afterwards he moves forward and closer to the battle.
Grymash comes charging out of the Mug with an intent to destroy something. His double axe appears in his hand and he moves forward but does take the time to look over things. Though he is yelling all the time about crabs.
Gilan simply nods to Trellus as they usually have no reason to talk during battle. He calls down a pillar of flame upon the other crab that the soldiers face. He is hoping that Trellus can slow the other one and he can work on this one. Ciaran stays at his side fur still standing and growling, more than ready to enter the battle.
Tishe' has the same idea as most of the pack, delay the monsters for the rest to get there. She runs further out onto the beach to check out and see where she can be of help at. Stripes follows her yipping all the way.
Ulgren comes out of the inn and casts a simple spell upon himself. He also moves further down the beach to have a look at the problem. This time he plans to not be part of the dying though.
Anuk trails Gilan and Trellus as the move down the beach and to the battle. His bow is in hand and he is ready to start a missile barrage when needed and he is in range.
Mac and Flea both stop right outside the door of the Mug. They cannot believe the carnage that is taking place and they freeze for a couple of seconds.
Everyone can see the four soldiers, being led by Graze...who you had not recognized before. They are fighting for not only their own lives but those of family and friends in the village. Before your eyes one of the soldiers is lifted up in a large claw, while the other claw reaches down and neatly takes off his head. The crab waves the body around as if in victory. "Fall back...fall back!!" These are the words you hear Graze hollering as he himself falls back. His soldiers do the same but one takes a nasty hit as he does.
The crabs continue to move forward and pursue the soldiers up the beach. Soldier2 is struck again by a large claw and he appears to be slowing in the fight. The other two living soldiers are able to fend off the claws but for how long is the question.
The crab that Trellus tried his spell on does not seem to be effected. In fact he thinks he felt the spell just bounce off the things hard shell.
Jake will be able to get into the battle in 3 more rounds.
Map is in the email.
The last amulet that was not identified was an...Amulet of Natural Armor+1.
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67) (Sub/Al) d20+13=30 d8+2=9 d20+8=28 Friday April 7th, 2006 3:56:06 PM
"Dudes, I think we got Spell Resistance here."
"Spell up with protection, I think we're gonna have to whack these beaters down."
Trellus lifts the symbol of Domi and a giant hammer appears next to the nearest crab. The hammer whacks down on the shell.
Rolls and Actions Cast Spiritual Weapon at K14 Hit C2 AC30 Damage 9 hp Against Spell Resistance 28 (Nat 20)
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 8/8 round from Friday April 7th, 2006 2:26:23 PM)
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, u-Doom, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, u-Owls Wisdom, Spiritual Weapon (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
OoC - Nice Map, Jim.
Jake - Round 1 Friday April 7th, 2006 7:35:23 PM
Running, running, running... Jake is reminded of those races they used to do around the Rattledam village. Or, more likely, those times he'd be running to avoid punishment...
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended) d20+7=26 d20+7=10 2d6(4+1)+7=12 2d6(3+2)+7=12 Friday April 7th, 2006 10:37:26 PM
Ulgren moves 45 feet forward to O22 where the drow mage rapidly drops both hands to his side and rapidly raises both causing a shimmering Wall of Fire to raise up from the sand from A9 to Y9. The wall springs forth on C1 and C4 (SR 26 and 10) for 12 points of damage each.
Mac (AC:19, HP:74/74, Shield of Faith (+2)) Saturday April 8th, 2006 12:24:04 AM
In the few seconds he has paused at the door he reflects on the last few days. His not taking offence at the drunk - letting those that can talk it through. His not joining in the fighting training - only because he had a question he had to answer. How do you defeat something that is armoured, the size of a small building, and has claws the size of... what... a fully grown wolf?
Trellus' last words cut through the reflection. He steps 30' forward from the doorway (from T32 to U26) and drinks the one potion he didn't pocket (Potion of Shield of Faith (+2)) before speaking. "Ready... go with the Make Big Stick on Gry, me an' anyone else whos going with the 'whack these beaters down' plan. An' try to come at them on an angle!" "Nice fires guys!"
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) Sunday April 9th, 2006 3:07:53 PM
Rooting her feet in the sand, Tishe' calls upon the power of Mother Wold to protect the soldiers so bravely defending thier homes. Her eyes glaze and her hands whip up in a holding pattern to point towards Crab2. "Animal of water and land, be rooted like the grass and do..not..move!" (Casts Hold Animal DC 14)
Stripes keeps up his yips and calls to gather the rest of the hunting pack. He will let none of these things come near his human while she's doing her part.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][559 rounds] +4 armor bonus
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm*, alarm*, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
Gilan and Ciaran [barkskin] 8d6(6+5+6+3+2+4+3+5)=34 Sunday April 9th, 2006 6:24:22 PM
Gilan shakes his head as Trellus speaks. "I don't think so...my spell was effective...I had to of resisted." Calling on the Mother to help him once again he pulls up the power to drop another pillar of fire.
As the pillar slams into crab1, hopefully with some effect. He shakes his head as he looks to Trellus. "I am out of spells that will damage from a distance...I fear that I will need to close before long." He looks over the crabs with a slightly feral grin. Just looking he can tell they have the reach on any of them but he would need to chance it.
[flamestrike - 34 damage or Reflex DC 20 for half]
Graham - Lets look at officializing the taur changes after this combat is over, which will be the end of the module. As for the height, weight and loss of darkvision will be easy. If you need you can make some reference to your height and weight in a post, kind of a put it out on the table type of thing. Darkvision can be taken care of when you take a watch outside...we will kind of pretend that Mac has never been able to see in the dark. Lets try to keep it as out of game with the changes as possible when we can. None of this, "He I us to be able to see in the dark...what happened?". That could get hard to deal with in-game wise.
MikeK - You did not receive a copy of the battle map? I was sure that I sent it out to you as well. Do you want me to send you the old one or wait for the one for Monday's battle update?
Thanks for the play on Trellus during MikeK's absence Al. Well done.
Anuk (HP 52/52, AC 21 - manyshot, precise shot) d20+8=19 d8+2=3 d8+2=6 d6=5 d6=6 Sunday April 9th, 2006 10:14:41 PM
Anuk pulls up short alongside Gilan and Trellus (P23). "I agree, Gilan...we will need to close soon. I'll see if I can soften him up a bit more before then." He nocks two arrows and with a single shot they whiz off towards the giant crab(C1), crackling and humming as they go.
Bonuses and stuff: Attack = +8 (BAB +1 for mw arrows -4 manyshot) Dmg = +2 Str bonus Precise shot: can fire into melee without penalty
Grymash (ac23, hp94, bulls strength) Monday April 10th, 2006 7:52:09 AM
The half-orc moves in as close as he can get without getting within reach of the giant ocean beasts. To avoid allowing the crab to take advantage of its superior reach. During which he casts a spell. His bulk seems to grow a little.
(cast Bulls Strength)
Flea (AC 21, 53 HP-Hasted) Monday April 10th, 2006 7:57:17 AM
Flea clicks the heels of her boots* together and sprints towards the beach after he pack-mates, one of her wands gripped tightly in her hand.
DM Sanity Info:
Position: Move 40 ft. (2x base speed) to Q26
Right hand, wand of Magic Missile
*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 1/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Crab Fight - 2. (DM Jim) d20+9=28 d20+9=29 Monday April 10th, 2006 11:08:03 PM
Trellus calls out about spell resistance so that the others are warned. He then calls up a hammer that takes a wack at a crab2. Though the hammer smashes into the shell it appears to have done no damage at all.
Jake is busy inside The Mug getting his gear together and prepared for the battle. He mutters all the time he is moving and making sure that he does not forget anything.
Ulgren moves further foward and then calls a wall of fire into being that crosses over two of the crabs. His hope is to slow down the crabs for the soldiers to fall back.
Mac has a few seconds of doubt as he looks at the large monsters before the pack. Still he cannot stand by and let innocents be hurt. He drinks down the only potion that he has in his hand as he calls out for a little making big magic.
Tishe' follows along with the rest of the group in trying to slow down the monsters that have found their way onto the beach. He friend is right at her side, not about to let anything get to her if he can help it.
Gilan adds his two cents on the spell resistance as he own spell seemed to have gotten through. He calls forth another pillar of flame and then starts to think about more direct combat methods.
Anuk pulls forward to stand near Gilan and Trellus. He lets off a pair of missiles at a crab1, trying to soften it up further. That is the plan that he has as he comments about those that will be needing to get closer real soon.
Grymash races forward to get a little closer to the fight. He casts what would be a simple spell that leaves his body aquiver with power, as muscles swell in size.
Flea activates her boots and springs down the beach after her packmates. In her hand is one of her wands that she is hoping will do some good in this fight.
The soldiers once again pull back as the try to keep the crabs busy and let those more trained for this into the fight. Graze looks to the group as another of his men goes down and gives a wane smile. "Fall back to the pits and use those crossbows." He now only has two guards that are moving away with him to man the crossbows.
All of the crabs charge forward as if nothing had happened to them. Two of the crabs(1&2) both nearly run over the two soldiers that are in front of them, trampling both soldier with sharp feet.
Crabs AC - 20
Jake has 2 round left to enter battle from The Mug.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) Monday April 10th, 2006 11:20:56 PM
"Well, that didn't work", mutters Tishe', and now the crabs are closer and there are none of her summonings about to help her friends. "Which can be soon corrected", she says again, and begins the weaving of a complicated spell.
Weaving a pattern in the air with hands and voice, Tishe' calls across the magical barriers of the Wold for a Celestial companion (Summon III)
Stripes stops yipping, but moves in front of Tishe' with hackles raised, ready to leap forward if a crab gets too close.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][558 rounds] +4 armor bonus
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm*, alarm*, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
Grymash (ac23, hp94, bulls strength) d20+10=11 d20+10=22 d8+26=30 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 12:43:04 AM
Grymash takes a more tactical position in front of Ulgren and out of the forward charge of the giant crabs (moving to O-20). "Ulgren, get backs!!" He readies his double axe and waits to receive the oncoming crustation. (Ready an action: when crab moves into reach, Gry will swing his axe.)
(Power attack -7hit/+14dam, twohanded. HitAC: 11, hero point reroll: 22. Damage: 30. double axe is a +1 weapon, if it matters.)
Flea AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=22 4d4(4+3+2+4)+1=14 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 6:18:12 PM
Flea doesn't like the looks of the crab-thing on the far left. It might make a run for the village, or worse, try and flank the party. The rogue aims her wand (UMD=22) and firey balls of magical energy streak towards the creature (14 pts dmg. from magic missile to C4) Flea reaches for her other wand, the healing one, with her left hand.
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 9/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 3/50 charges used
Gilan [HP: 69/69 - AC: 22] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength] Tuesday April 11th, 2006 6:57:12 PM
Gilan smiles as he pulls up more power from Mother and channels it into another spell. He can feel his own muscles swell with power as they increase in size. His eyes sparkle as he looks over the crabs and decides on his next move. "Not going to be pretty."
Ciaran hunches himself as he makes ready to throw himself into or out of the fight. He can tell that his brother is about to do something that maybe crazy but he does not care. Ciaran also feels his own body fill with power as his own muscles expand with new power. A low growl rolls from his throat as he takes in the crabs.
Mac (AC:20, HP:74/74, Shield of Faith (+2)) d20+15=28 3d6(5+2+2)+12=21 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 7:05:28 PM
Waiting as long as possible for any magical augmentation that might be coming his way, Mac then moves 25' and sizes up his crabby opponent with a swing of his greataxe (hits AC:28 for 21 damage - not counting any mods for spells not cast yet)
Notes: Movement - U26 15' to S24, then 10' to S22, where Mac also occupies T22 with reach to hit. Weapon - Large Adamantine Greataxe +3
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer, Spt Wpn?, Owls Wisdom) d20+13=27 d8+2=3 d20+8=9 Tuesday April 11th, 2006 8:04:04 PM [OOC - Jim, if the crabs did succeed in a resistance check against the hammer, the spell would be dispelled and the hammer would disappear. The resistance check is only against the first blow.]
Trellus looks about in disgust. Spells not having any effect is not something he's used to. "I don't think we can weave with all of them at once," he says. "Concentrate on these two (C3 and C4) right here."
The cleric casts a spell to help his friends out. [Prayer]
If Spiritual Weapon still active - Hit C2 AC27, Miss nat 1 Damage 3 hp
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 2/8 round) Prayer (Duration 1/8): +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Note of Importance. Tuesday April 11th, 2006 9:30:56 PM
Just to let you all know, in case you want to change a post. You should be aware of the following that should be obvious but I may not have said plain.
1) Crabs have 15' reach. 2) No spell resistance at all. 3) Crabs do have damage reduction 10.
I am also holding off on a post in case a few of the late ones want to jump in here and do something. :)
DM Jim
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Wall of Fire, Haste (extended) Tuesday April 11th, 2006 10:24:56 PM
Ulgren shakes his head and mutters, "thats not good." The drow stops concentrating on the wall of fire and moves to U22 where he grasps his Rod of Extend and casts Haste on himself and six of his packmates: Mac, Grymash, Trellus, Anuk, Gilan, and Flea. The mage then shouts out, "Its the best I can do for a group so use it well!"
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4 - dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=15 d20+13=31 d8+5=11 d8+5=6 d6=4 d6=1 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 12:01:08 AM
"Shady, Ulgren...thanks! We're gonna have some good eatin' after this is over. YAAAAGGGHHH!!" Zipping along, the newly hasted Anuk moves forward toward a crab in front of him (C4) until he is about 30' away (not sure where the crab has moved to at this point), nocking and firing 2 arrows at a time when he gets there. The first set of arrows goes wide, but the second find their mark.
"How's that feel?!"
Attack 1: Hits AC 15 Attack 2: Hits AC 31 Arrow 1 damage 15, Arrow 2 damage 7.
Bonuses and stuff:
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste)
Prayer (1/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (1st round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4) - prayer, haste, manyshot]
Crab Fight - 3. (DM Jim) d20+14=25 d10+3=9 d10+3=11 d20+14=27 d20+14=28 d20+14=28 d20+14=23 d20+14=34 d20+14=26 3d6(3+2+3)+8=16 3d6(6+4+5)+8=23 3d6(2+6+2)+8=18 3d6(5+3+2)+8=18 3d6(4+4+5)+8=21 5d6(6+4+6+1+1)+8=26 d20+24=35 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 12:54:33 PM
Tishe' is confident in her abilities to call up help and she can see that it is going to be needed. So she concentrates on getting in a summoned creature that can lend a hand. Stripes moves in front of his human and stands his ground.
Grymash moves in front of Ulgren and plants himself for the attack that will come at him. As he studies the crabs he knows that they will have the reach on him...heck they even have reach on Mac.
Flea makes her decision and fires off a series of missiles from the wand in her hand at the closest crab4. As she does she reaches for the other wand that she has, feeling that healing maybe the order in a few minutes.
Gilan knows that his next move will be to close and close fast. He casts the same spell that Grymash cast a few minutes ago. Ciaran drops into a crouch as he makes himself ready to follow his brother.
Mac waits for as long as he can and feels no spells coming his way so he does what he can. He moves and then slams his axe into the shell of the crab. He will notice hairline fractures in the shell but not much else.
Trellus calls upon a prayer that will aid his friends as he can see this will not be an easy one. It appears that magic will not be the save all and that bothers him. He calls out orders as he hammer slams into the crab again but with little effect.
Ulgren can see that more is going to be needed and he calls upon his own powers to speed up his friends. Several of them feel the effects of haste take effect upon them.
Anuk fires off a series of arrow. One skids off the crabs armor but the other two hit home, but the damage seems minimal.
The last of Graze's soldiers have been neatly ground into the sand to leave bloody stains. Graze himself falls back to an area that he had prepared earlier. He comes up with a crossbow and fires off a single bolt at the closest crab. "Rally to me." You hear the call but know it is not for you as you notice another six soldiers come out of the nearest house. It seems that Graze had been prepared.
Crab1 moves forward but seems a little disoriented with all the little things running around on the sand. Though the crab does turn when it feels the bite of a bolt into its flesh.
Crab2 moves forward and takes a swipe at Gilan with it large claw [hit: 27 and damage: 16].
Crab3 moves forward but not into range for Grymash to take a swing at the crab. Still it can reach him with it's greater reach and a claw swishes out at Grymash [hit: 28 and damage: 23].
Crab4 finds that it does not have to move as Mac comes to it. As he moves within range the crab takes a swing at him [AoA - hit: 28 and damage: 18]. Without a sound it throws another pair of assaulting claws at him [hit: 23/34*crit26* and damage: 18/21*crit26*].
Mac needs to make a Grapple Check versus 35 or be caught in the things right giant claw.
Jake is almost ready to enter the battle with 1 round left. As you can see he is at the door and should step out with my next post then he can make a move.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+10=16 5d6(4+3+4+3+1)=15 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 6:06:02 PM
(OOC: MAC has a Mage Armor spell on from when stepping out of the tavern)
Tishe's weaving done, a Celestial Bison appears directly in front of C3, well within its 15' reach. The bison blows and immediately attacks
Concentrating on C3, she strikes with a lightning bolt for 15 damage
Stripes stops yipping, but moves in front of Tishe' with hackles raised, ready to leap forward if a crab gets too close.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][558 rounds] +4 armor bonus Augmented Celestial Bison: AC 13 HP 47 A +10 D d8+11, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm*, alarm*, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt, fly, summon III
Just moved this post after my DM post for ease of reading. ~~ DM Jim :)
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4-dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=31 d20+13=16 d20+9=11 d8+5=8 d8+5=9 d6=4 d6=4 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 7:39:18 PM
From his position on the beach, Anuk continues to rain arrows on the crab (C4), but most of the arrows continue to bounce off the thing's shell.
Atk 1: hits AC 31 for 25 pts (Arrow 1 - 12 pts, Arrow 2 - 13 pts) Atk 2: hits AC 16 Atk 3: hits AC 11
Bonuses and stuff:
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste)
Prayer (2/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (2nd round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Grymash (ac26, hp61/94, bulls strength, prayer, haste, fighting defensive) d20=1 d20+10=23 d8+24=28 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 7:59:10 PM
(my readied action was meant for the crab's claw when he reached in to attack)
Grymash growls as anger begins to swell within him. Must keep control, must keep control as long as he can. He then attempts to feign one direction (Bluff check: 1) only to defensively roll around the other way and avoid an oncoming claw. Once in reach, Grymash strikes at the beast with his double axe. (move P-17)
Will make the change. Was not sure if you meant the whole crab or just the claw.
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer 2/8, Spt Wpn 3/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste) d20+13=22 d8+2=9 d20+8=13 4d8(4+4+2+7)+7=24 Wednesday April 12th, 2006 8:29:52 PM This is gonna get totally bright, Trellus tells himself. We need to get bigger.
"Gilan? You still got that Enlarge Person wand? Gry and Mac are gonna need it." And Jake too, if he ever gets out here.
Gry is hit. Trellus moves in to help, trying to come in behind the barbarian. Maybe the crab will be too occupied.
[Move to Q19, pulling out CCW wand. Cure Gry for 24 hp]
Spiritual Weapon - Hit C2 AC22, Miss ac 13 Damage 9 hp
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 2/8 round) Prayer (Duration 1/8): +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Gilan [HP: 69/85 - AC: 22] and Ciaran [HP: 96/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] Wednesday April 12th, 2006 8:55:23 PM
Gilan skitters back as he casts yet another spell as he glances sideways at Trellus. "Nope gave the wand to someone else...Tishe' I believe has it now." He watches the crab as it moves and shakes his own head. Will they never get a break.
"Next round I am taking the fight to them...no matter the consequences." He lets a hand touch Ciaran for only a second as he can know the position of his brother. Ciaran can feel his brother tense and knows the time for attack is coming soon.
Tishe' (second post) Wednesday April 12th, 2006 11:14:59 PM
"I've got the wand! Maybe I can make Mac big enough to have the crabs at a disadvantage!" (That is, if he survives long enough, she thinks to herself)
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) Thursday April 13th, 2006 9:00:00 AM
The drow shakes his head and begins to move towards the relative safety of his packmates when Trellus calls out for Mac and Gry to be enlarged. The drow abrubtly turns and moves to O21 where he extends one hand and casts Enlarge on Grymash. "I got Gry," the drow cries out as if the now overly large halforc was easy to miss. "Get Mac if you can or I will in a minute."
Flea ( AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=32 4d4(3+4+2+1)+1=11 Thursday April 13th, 2006 9:53:26 PM
Flea stays out of the way of the giant crabs and aims here wand. Whispering the trigger word she fires another series at the creature giving Mac a hard time. (UMD=32, 11 pts. dmg. C4.)
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 9/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 3/50 charges used
Crab Fight - 4. (DM Jim) d20+14=33 d20+14=29 d20+14=19 d20+14=21 d20+14=20 3d6(3+2+3)+8=16 3d6(5+1+4)+8=18 3d6(4+3+4)+8=19 3d6(1+3+6)+8=18 3d6(4+5+1)+8=18 d8+4=6 d8+4=10 d8+4=10 d8+4=6 d8+4=9 d8+4=6 d8+4=9 Friday April 14th, 2006 2:53:13 PM
Tishe' calls forth a bolt of lightning that rips into crab3 flesh. While her celestial bison slams into the crab as well, but cannot get a solid hit.
Anuk fires off a series of arrows, most clatter of the crab4's shell but two slam home. Though the arrows do little damage on thier own, the shock that follows passes over it's shell.
Grymash had smashed into the things claw last round but it was not enough to stop it. This time around his bluff is not enough to fool the crab2, though he does move in and take a swing at the crab. His blade bites into crab flesh.
Trellus calls out about the enlarge wand but finds that Gilan does not have it. He moves and taps Gry with the feel good stick. His hammer takes another swipe at the crab2 but misses this time around.
Gilan backs off out of the way of the crab1 and casts yet another spell. Ciaran falls back with him as he watches the crab1 with hackles up. They are both prepared to throw themselves into the fight the next round and forget the concequences.
Ulgren is able to get to Grymash without getting hit. He then enlarges the half-orc with one of his own spells, hopefully freeing Tishe' to get to Mac.
Flea once again aims her wand at crab4 and sends a series of little missiles slamming into it. She is hoping to give Mac a little help with his own crab.
Mac is stuck in the giant claw that decended on him. He seems too stunned to do anything as the crab lifts him off the ground.
Jake is standing in the doorway of the Mug and ready to fight. He just needs to cover all that ground and get into the battle for sure.
Crab1 seems to stop and just stare at the men that are gathering with crossbows.
Crab2 moves to follow Gilan and Ciaran as they pull back a little further. A pair of large claws shoot out at Gilan as Ciaran tries to run interference [hit: 33/29 and damage: 16/18].
Crab3 finds the now enlarged Grymash to be a nice target and both claws tear at him as well [hit: 21/20 and damage: 18/18]. Grymash finds himself being hit ahead of his moving in on the crab3 [AoA - hit: 19 and damage: 19].
Crab4 is holding Mac in one of it's claws as it flops him around a little like a doll. It does not do anything else though or even do any damage to him. It is almos like a kid playing with a new toy.
Graze and the six militia men that came out to meet up with him, each pull up a crossbow and bolts fly. Unfortunately all the bolts bounce off of crab1's armored shell.
Because of a mistake on my part I had to go back and figure in damage from past Spiritual Weapon damage. Sorry about that MikeK.
Good to go Jake.
Will try to get a map out between storms.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+10=27 d8+11=18 d20+4=8 d20+4=5 Saturday April 15th, 2006 5:40:24 AM
The brown-haired girl begins to reach into her pants o' plenty but stops. With Mac off the ground in the giant crab's claw, there is no way that the spellweaver will be able to touch him!
Tishe' thinks furiously and tries something different. Feeling the life drain away from Mac, Tishe' calls upon the power of the Tear of the Dragon (free action) and sends healing to the taur. (Mac gets 10 hit points, Tishe' loses 30)
The brown-haired girl then puts her hands in her pockets. "Blue ribbon scroll!", she tells her pants, and the hand with the Mark of Gargul comes out with a scroll tied with blue ribbon. Opening the scroll, she utters the final command phrase, and activates the Summon Monster V. (5th level spell: 8 fail). Feeling resistance, Tishe' makes a heroic effort to call forth a large monster (Hero Point reroll), but fails utterly (5th level spell: nat 1!) The scroll turns blank and the spell is lost, too much for the HookCity mage.
The augmented Celestial Bison snorts and whacks the giant crab he is up against, his massive head striking with a sharp cracking sound for 18 points of damage.
Stripes stops yipping, but moves in front of Tishe' with hackles raised, ready to leap forward if a crab gets too close.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][557 rounds] +4 armor bonus
Augmented Celestial Bison: AC 13 HP 47 A +10 D d8+11, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Arcane White; message, dancing lights, prestidigitation, flare, light Red; alarm*, alarm*, shield, identify, mount Orange; rope trick, glitterdust, scorching ray, web Green; lightning bolt*, fly, summon III
Gilan [HP: 101/101 - AC: 24] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 96/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] Saturday April 15th, 2006 9:19:22 PM
Gilan back up out of the crabs reach with a feral grin. His body starts to melt as he slowly stoops to put his hands upon the ground. A spiny ridge pops out along his back as fur pops out all over his body. As he fully takes on the form of a large lion, you can tell that this is no ordinary lion but something more primal. The bony ridges above his eyes and around his shoulders tells of something a little more prehistoric.
Letting out a roar he challenges the crab that is close to him. He moves from foot to foot as if readying himself for something that will most likely put him into a fierce fight with the huge crustaceon.
Ciaran does not even seem to care that his brother just changed forms. He knows his brother in all forms that he takes just by his smell and something deeper. Ciaran sets himself to follow his brother into battle.
Jake Sunday April 16th, 2006 4:50:24 AM
Jake rushes across the field to end up next to Trellus this round. "Ah'm here!" he announces to the pack, and grins at them all. "And ready!" he continues, drawing his sword and regarding the crabs. "Ah... what the heck are those things?" He finishes...not perhaps the best finish ever.
Flea ( AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=32 4d4(2+4+2+1)+1=10 Sunday April 16th, 2006 9:28:09 PM
"Mac!" cries the gnome, "fight back!" Aiming her wand, the gnome seamlessly discharges another series of missiles at her foe, taking care to avoid the minotaur in its grasp. (10 pts. magic missile dmg. C4)
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 11/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 3/50 charges used
Grymash (ac25, hp85/94, bulls strength, prayer, haste, enlarged, fighting defensive) d20+15=34 d20+15=32 d20+10=24 2d6(6+3)+25=34 2d6(5+6)+25=36 2d6(4+2)+25=31 Monday April 17th, 2006 7:50:07 AM
Grymash grins after realizing his increased size, and the fact that all the crab's attacks missed him. Also, Grymash greatly appreciates the 'feel good' magic from Trellus. He then turns to the crab with renewed confidence, "Now yooz crab gets ta pick on uh beater yooz own size ... stupid piggie!" The half-orc unleashes a barrage of deadly attacks of his own.
[HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4-dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=29 d20+13=32 d20+9=17 d8+5=11 d8+5=11 d6=1 d6=1 d8+5=11 d8+5=8 d6=4 d6=6 Monday April 17th, 2006 10:57:17 AM
"Mac!" Anuk watches in horror as the body of the taur flops this way and that. With lightning speed another series of arrows is loosed on the crab (C4).
Attack 1: Arrow 1: Hits AC 29 for 12 pts (11 pts +1 electrical) Arrow 2: Hits AC 29 for 12 pts (11 pts +1 electrical)
Attack 2: Arrow 1: Hits AC 32 for 15 pts (11 pts +4 electrical) Arrow 2: Hits AC 32 for 14 pts (8 pts +6 electrical)
Attack 3: HIts AC 17
53 pts total (41 pts +12 electrical)
Bonuses and stuff:
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste)
Prayer (3/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (3rd round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Ulgren: AC 19 Hps 33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) Monday April 17th, 2006 9:30:43 PM
Ulgren does his best to back away from the giant crab and moves behind Mac where he casts his last Enlarge on the taur. "Be careful big guy." Ulgren then faces the crab and shakes his head, "man these guys are huge."
Crab Fight - 5. (DM Jim) d20+14=19 3d6(3+5+5)+8=21 d20+20=30 d20+14=28 d20+14=25 3d6(2+3+2)+8=15 3d6(5+6+3)+8=22 d20+14=27 d20+14=33 3d6(5+4+4)+8=21 3d6(3+2+3)+8=16 d20+20=26 d20+20=28 d20+14=25 5d6(3+3+2+4+6)+8=26 d8+4=11 d8+4=12 d8+4=8 d8+4=7 d8+4=11 d8+4=8 d8+4=11 Monday April 17th, 2006 11:53:59 PM
Tishe' can see that using the enlarge wand will not be possible so she goes with another idea and sends healing into Mac through her gem. Though she tries to call forth another creature with a scroll she is unsuccessful. He celestial bull is able to smash into it with a good whack. Stripes stays in front of her though to protect her from harm.
Gilan falls back once again and then changes into a more combat oriented form. He lets out a roar as he challenges the crab. Ciaran falls back as well as he waits for the true fight to begin.
Jake rushes down the beach and is able to reach the side of Trellus with a slightly abashed look. At least he is finally here but he is not sure what is going on for sure.
Flea uses her missile wand to once again slam the crab that is now holding Mac. She does not have to worry too much about hitting him as the missiles swerve to hit the crab dead on.
Grymash is able to dodge all the attacks thrown at him. He then unleashes a series of attacks of his own. He yells as he attacks though it is obvious the crab does not understand.
Anuk watches as Mac is lifted and then shooken like a rag doll in the crabs grip. He fires off a series of missiles hoping to get his new friend free.
Ulgren moves over to get at Mac but is unable to do so as he cannot reach the taur while he is being held. He waits and watches as the big crab flops Mac around.
Mac finds himself flopping around and unable to do much as the large crab snaps at him with it's free claw.
Trellus is a little surprised with the turn of events and fails to make a move this round. Or maybe it is the fact that Jake just showed up and he is thinking of pummeling him.
Graze and his men fire off another barrage of bolts at the retreating form of crab1. A few of them find flesh but do not seem to do very much harm to the huge crab.
Crab1 scuttles over in the direction of the now enlarged Grymash. It hurtles a single claw at him as it tries to grapple him [hit: 19 and damage: 21 ; grapple: 30].
Crab2 moves forward a little and once again swipes at Gilan with it's greater reach [hit: 28/25 and damage: 15/22].
Crab3 does not seem overly concerned about Grymash having gotten any larger as it makes a grab for him with both claws [hit: 27/33 and damage: 21/16 ; grapple: 26/28].
Crab4 lines Mac up and throws him at Tishe', which sends him through Ulgren as well [hit: 25 and damage: 26 , half if Reflex DC 22].
Grymash is still a size category smaller than the crabs. If both crabs are able to grapple him then he will be unable to attack as the each pull on him. :)
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+6=26 d20+4=20 d3=2 d20+8=16 d20+8=14 d20+10=12 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 6:04:39 AM
Uncannily aware of what's going around her, Tishe' senses the crab's attack and jumps out of the way, only getting spun around by Mac's Huge body flying through the space (natural 20!)(13 damage)
Continuing her spin and backs up to clear some fighting room with Crab4 (move back 30 feet). While moving, she puts her hand in her pocket for "the green ribbon, please" and another scroll appears in her hand.
Gripping the scroll tightly, Tishe' feels that her luck must be better than last time, and activates the summoning spell from the scroll (success! 20)
Immeidately, she calls the Summon Monster IV spell to bring her more Celestial Bisons and two more appear and immediately attack Crab4! Bison 2 strikes at the hard shell (AC 16) and Bison 3 runs towards a leg (AC 14) both missing
Bison 1 tries to attack and is again thwarted by the many legs and claws of Crab4 (AC 12)
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][557 rounds] +4 armor bonus
1 Augmented Celestial Bison [2 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 47 A +10 D d8+11, damage resist 5 SR 8 2 Celestial Bison [7 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8 3 Celestial Bison [7 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Grymash (ac23, hp48/94, bulls strength, prayer, haste, enlarged) d20+22=41 d20+15=29 d20+13=18 d20+13=29 d20+8=19 d8+15=21 d8+15=19 d8+10=18 d8+10=16 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 8:04:24 AM
Crab1 makes a futile attempt to grab the enlarged half-orc. However crab3 puts on a better performance.
(Opposed Grapple check: 41)
Grymash smiles a little when the crab tries to grapple him. He finally gets to use his spikey armor spikes for the first time. They attempt to pierce the tough shell of the giant crab. There's always room for armor spikes. He proves not to be a very pleasant thing to grab hold of.
Jake (AC 28, hp 59/59) d20+12=31 d10=6 d6=4 d6=3 d6=5 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 6:29:01 PM
Jake shows up and examines the situation. Those bisons have gotta be Tishe's usual magic. And hopefully, they'll keep the fourth crab busy and out of the battle a bit. Two of the crabs are picking on Grymash, and the other is engaging Gilan. He's gotta help either the half-orc, who is clobbered if he's outnumbered, or the druid...who has a big dog aiding him. So, it's to Grymash he goes rushing. Seeing the ferocious assault Gry launched on one of them last round, Jake rushes in to try and help finish that one off. He's now sweating a little from all this running, and it's a good warmup for a battle to get his blood pumping. He crosses the distance, making a V-line for the crab's blind spot at its rear. It probably gets a chance to swing at him as he enters its reach (provoking an AoO). But, as he moves into flanking position, he grins and picks out some weaker looking tendons. He jumps forward and slashes deep into this sensitive area, then twists his sword around in the wound just slightly before withdrawing it. (with flanking bonus, hit AC 31. I did 6 base damage, 4 freezing damage, 8 sneak attack from flanking damage, 2 specialization damage, 1 enhancement damage, 4 strength damage. 25 damage total! Hoodyhoo!) Hopefully this finishes off the crab, leaving Gry the chance ot deal out his great punishment to the other crab with his axe.
Jake Tuesday April 18th, 2006 6:31:02 PM
(I just realized.. something in grapple can't be attacked by another person ulness with a small weapon... So I might not be able to attack the crab. If this is the case, assign my entire action to the other crab Gry is fighting, the one that isn't grappling. I think Gry can probably finish off that one crab by himself, and Jake can distract the other crab's attention to himself...)
Stephen ooc. Tuesday April 18th, 2006 8:50:09 PM
(In grappling, only the "grapplers" are restricted to use of only light weapons. Any other combatants, that arent grappling or being grappled, have no such penalty. In fact, non-grappling combatants get bonuses to hit opponents that are grappling because grapplers cant apply their Dex bonus to AC from outside attacks.)
Jake ooc Tuesday April 18th, 2006 9:21:07 PM
(sweet! I get free sneak attacks against those guys? I never realized that rule. Kinda makes thief-y guys more interesting.
Gilan [HP: 86/101 - AC: 26] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 96/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] d20+20=25 d20+20=40 d20+20=37 d20+15=22 d20+19=23 d20+19=25 d6+8=13 d6+8=12 d8+4=6 d6+5=6 d6+5=6 2d6(5+6)+8=19 d20+15=17 d8+10=13 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 9:50:07 PM
Gilan, in his new form, takes the first hit from the crab but is able to dodge to the side of the second attack. With another primal roar he throws himself into the battle, easily covering the ground and pouncing onto the back of the crab. His teeth and claws go to work upon the thing as he vents all his flustration.
Ciaran finds that he is now able to move in and follow the attacks of his brother. The crab being distrated by the dire lion gives him the advantage of not getting hit for moving in on the huge crab.
[Gilan - hit: 25/40*crit37*/22/23/25 and damage: 13/12*crit19*/6/6/6; Ciaran - hit: 19 and damage: 13]
Graham - What you have said about Mac seems about right to me. Though you do not need to play with the new AC and HP if you don't want too...at least not yet.
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4-dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=28 d20+13=16 d20+9=12 d8+5=12 d8+5=8 d6=1 d6=3 Tuesday April 18th, 2006 11:45:47 PM
"Good to see you here, Jakey!" Anuk calls out. With Mac free of the crab's claw and Tishe's bison, Anuk continues his attacks on the beast, hoping to bring it down soon.
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 prayer)
Prayer (4/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (4th round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer 4/8, Spt Wpn 5/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste) 4d8(4+7+8+4)+7=30 d20+13=33 d20+13=23 d20+8=27 d8+2=7 d8+2=8 d8+2=9 d8+2=6 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 12:42:46 AM
Trellus taps Gry with the healing wand again.
[CCW wand. Cure Gry for 30 hp]
Spiritual Weapon - Hit C2 nat 20, crit threat ac 23 Damage 7 hp, 24 if critical 2nd attack hit ac 27, damage 6 hp
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 2/8 round) Prayer (Duration 1/8): +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Mac (HP:-2/84 -- unconscious, prone, etc) Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:46:07 AM
Reaching the end of his airborn arc, Mac is winded by his landing and his face poughs the sand.
OOC: If I was playing with the new stats, etc, Mac would already be dead.
Crab Fight - 6. (DM Jim) d20+9=20 d20+18=38 d20+18=28 2d8(2+6)+12=20 4d8(4+2+6+2)+12=26 d20+14=30 d20+14=30 3d6(4+1+6)+8=19 3d6(6+3+4)+8=21 d20+20=38 d20+18=35 3d6(1+4+3)+8=16 d20+20=35 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 3:17:20 PM
Tishe' is able to spin out of the way of Mac's flying body, but still she catches at least part of his fist as he passes. Still she is able to move back and pulls a scroll as she moves. She summons up another two bisons, that leaves three of them attacking the crab...to little effect.
Grymash finds that he is able to slip out of the grasp of both crabs with all their attempts. Still the one that comes the closest to grabbing him gets a nice bit of ripping damage from the spikes.
Jake slips around and comes at the crab and it being distracted by Grymash does not get a swing at him. He cuts in at the legs and other tender parts that he can see and does a nice bit of damage.
Gilan's new form allows him to charge the beast that is ahead of him with a fury of primal rage. Though his claws and teeth are not too effective upon the things shell, it is a distraction to this crab for both Ciaran and others that may want to get at the crab next. Ciaran finds that he cannot get a hold on the crab and does little more than knock some sand off the things leg.
Anuk calls out to Jake letting him know that it is good to finally see him in the action. He pulls up his bow and fires off a series of missiles at the crab that had just thrown Mac through the air. His first two missiles hit while the other two just bounce off the hard shell.
Trellus throws some healing into Grymash as he pulls back a little from the fight. His hammer slams into the crab another two times and finally it drops from all the wounds.
Mac finds himself flying through the air and though he does his best to not flail around, he does catch Tishe' on his passing. He literally flattens Ulgren though as he passes, knocking the poor drow off his feet. He lands in the sand with a sickening thud and does not move.
Flea is horror struck by the flight of Mac through the air and does nothing this time around. It is all she can just to not cover her mouth with her hand.
Ulgren is neatly flattened by the flying Mac. He tried to get out of the way but found that his move actually put him in the flight path of a huge creature. He is now spitting sand as he lays on his face, having turned as he fell to catch himself.
Graze and his men holds off on thier round of attacks as they know that firing into a melee is not good for anyone. "Hold you fire men till on is alone...do not shoot those that have come to help us." You can tell that there is a sense of pride in Graze's voice as he speaks of the Bloodpack.
Crab1 decides that it would rather see Grymash in the dirt as it tries to trample him into the sand [hit: 38*crit28* and damage: 20*crit26*, Reflex DC 25 for half].
Crab2 flings it's own claws over it's very back to get at the crazy cat that is upon him [hit: 30/30 and damage: 19/21; grapple: 38].
Crab3 is neatly beaten into the sand by the last two blows from Trellus's spiritual hammer.
Crab4 scuttles forward after the now prone drow that is laying in the sand. A single claw drives in at him [hit: 35 and damage: 16; grapple: 35].
Crabs AC - 20 DR - 10
This has been a stormy past few days. I am hoping that it does not continue this trend but it is in the forcast. I will try to keep things rolling though.
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer 5/8, Spt Wpn 6/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste) 4d8(8+1+4+5)+7=25 d8=6 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 6:57:22 PM
"Jake, you and Gry take on this new treadle (C1). Tishe or Flea, get Mac back up."
Trellus moves to the drow thats in trouble and taps him with the wand. [Move to s22] [CCW wand. Cure Ulgren for 30 hp]
The Spiritual Weapon hovers by his head, waiting for a signal to find a new target.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 2/8 round) Prayer: +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Flea ( AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=27 d8+1=7 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 7:45:47 PM
Flea watches in horror as Mac becomes a victim of the crab's awful game of bowling. Seeing that she is closest and has her healing wand at hand, she moves quickly to his side and activates the wand in her left hand (UMD=27, CLW=7 health restored to Mac) hopefully restoring the fighter to consciousness.
DM Sanity Info:
Position: R27
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 11/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 4/50 charges used
Ulgren: AC 19 Hps 33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) d20=18 d20=4 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:21:48 PM
Ulgren rolls over spitting out sand as the crab scuttles over and plucks the mage off of the sand. Ulgren screams in pain as the crab grapples him and waits for release.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+10=15 d20+9=20 d20+9=22 d100+9=79 d8+9=11 d8+9=13 d20+4=12 4d6(6+1+2+1)=10 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 10:57:42 PM
Calling out in the musical language of the Celestial, Tishe' directs her summoned creatures. "Get that crab, stay in front of it, and don't let it get near the buildings!"
The celestial bisons shake thier shaggy head and do thier best to comply with blunt, horned heads. Bison 1 moves in front of Crab4 and attacks (AC 15) Bison 2 flanks the beast (AC 16) striking a leg (11 points) Bison 3 runs at the other side (AC 22)and also strikes damaging another leg (13 points)
(OOC: ignore the d100, I was rolling damage. :)
Tishe' looks over and sees Flea getting Mac back on his feet. Good! Now it is time to save the newly returned mage. "They are not supposed to like fire, so lets see if this scares it enough to drop Ulgren!" Hands weave in a pattern reminiscent of tongues of flame, and then stab out to point at the crab. A ray of fire stabs out at the monster's eyestalks (AC 12 touch, 10 points) (another useless roll!)
Then she moves over to Mac, pulling out a potion from her pants o plenty. "Here's some healing, just what you need!" she tells the prone 'taur.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][557 rounds] +4 armor bonus
1 Augmented Celestial Bison [2 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 47 A +10 D d8+11, damage resist 5 SR 8 2 Celestial Bison [6 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8 3 Celestial Bison [6 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Gilan [HP: 46/101 - AC: 26] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 96/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] d20+24=39 d20+20=30 d20+20=31 d20+20=21 d20+15=22 d6+8=14 d6+8=11 2d6(5+5)+8=18 d8+4=8 d20+17=23 d20+12=23 d8+10=17 d8+6=14 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 11:23:08 PM
Gilan is just able to dodge the crab as it tries to grab him. With another roar he tears at the crab with claws and teeth. He then bounds away from the crab and down towards the water.
Ciaran goes in for another attack upon the crab as well. He can at least try to distract it some so that his brother can do more damage. He then backs off some and waits to see what the crab will do next.
[Gilan - hit: 30/31/21 and damage: 14/11/8; grapple: 39 ~ Ciaran - hit: 23/23 and damage: 17/14]
Jake d20+12=24 d20+7=13 d10=6 d6=4 d6=3 d6=3 Wednesday April 19th, 2006 11:56:39 PM
Man, these shells are hard! Still, flanking the crab with Gry will provide Jake a chance to go for those softer spots. And whereas Gry's way is brute strength, precision and nipping down should take down this crab on Jake's side... Jake slashes at the delicate fleshy parts, twisting his sword cunningly to bend and actualyl slide underneath the shell. All part of finding those weak points... (Flanking attacks, hit AC 24 and AC 13, I'm pretty sure I missed on that second one. On the first, I did 6 base damage, 4 freezing, 6 sneak attack, 2 specialization, 4 str, 1 enhancement damage, total of 23 damage. Sweet :) )
Mac Thursday April 20th, 2006 9:42:17 AM
Feeling a friendly tingle from Flea's wand, Mac stands, taking the healing potion {I have no idea what sort} Tishe' has offered and quaffs the contents. New HP:5+Tishe's potion.
"Thank you." he says, spitting out what sand the potion didn't was down.
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4-dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=15 d20+13=32 d20+9=26 d8+5=10 d8+5=12 d6=5 d6=4 d8+5=10 d8+5=7 d6=2 d6=2 Thursday April 20th, 2006 11:06:05 AM
"Light...this is not good," Anuk mutters. Mac bowled over, Ulgren face down. "Let Ulgren go!" he shouts over the din of battle and releases another torrent of arrows on the giant crustacean.
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 prayer)
Prayer (4/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (4th round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Grymash (ac23, hp32/94, bulls strength, prayer, haste, enlarged) d20+7=24 d20+14=30 d20+14=22 d20+9=29 d20+9=29 2d6(2+3)+27=32 2d6(6+3)+27=36 2d6(6+3)+27=36 2d6(6+1)+27=34 2d6(1+5)+27=33 Thursday April 20th, 2006 7:57:05 PM
(Reflex: 24. almost but not quite there :(
(BTW everyone, you can avoid attacks of opportunity if you close in on the crab by taking only 5-ft steps. That's what Gry is about to do. It also helps that he now has a 10-ft reach.)
Grymash agrees with Trellus and turns to crab1. Taking only a 5 foot step forward (N18), he launches his axe into the beast with a series of deadly blows.
(Powerattack -6hit/+12damage, twohanded. Strike 1. HitAC: 30. Damage: 32. Strike 2. HitAC: 22. Damage: 36. Strike 3. HitAC: 29threat, 29crit!!! Damage: 36+34+33=103. Total Damage: 171. Crab1 must make Fort save DC 15 or die instantly from massive damage.)
(dang, rolled two natural 20's in the same attack. would've loved to see the damage from two crits, instead of only one :)
Crab Fight - 7. (DM Jim) d20+14=31 3d6(1+3+3)+8=15 d20+20=28 3d6(4+1+2)+8=15 Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:24:25 PM
Trellus calls out orders as he moves to tap Ulgren with his cure wand. His hammer hovers near him as he moves waiting for orders.
Flea moves to help out Mac as she watches him get used for bowling. A wand from her hand is enough to bring him back to his senses at least.
Ulgren rolls over in the sand spitting sand as well. He then lets out a scream as the crab grapples him. He can now only wait to be used as a missile or die.
Tishe' calls out orders for her bison to take it to the crab that now has Ulgren in it's grip. The flank it as she sends out a ray of fire at the crab, but it bounces harmlessly off it's shell. She does give a potion to Mac as well so that he can take it.
Gilan sends another series of attacks that are less than effective but at least distract the crab. He then bounds away, though he knows that he will suffer for the retreat. Ciaran makes another pair of bites at the crab's leg, then backs off as well.
Jake cannot believe how hard the shells are as he hammers into the next shell with Grymash. He tries to find and succeeds, in finding weak points in the things defense.
Mac slowly rises as he gets enough healing from Flea to get him moveing. Then he takes the single potion that was given to him by Tishe' to wash down some sand he ate earlier. He spits out sand and he looks the situation over.
Anuk sees Ulgren in trouble and Mac getting to his feet. To help out he fires off a series of arrows at the crab holding Ulgren, hoping to get him released.
Grymash listens and agrees with Trellus on moving to the next crab. He takes a single step forward and unleashes a nice series of attacks.
Graze and his men hold off on thier attacks till the last second and then fire off a volley of bolts at the crab that Gilan and Ciaran just abandoned.
Crab1 is neatly ripped apart by the combined efforts of Jake and Grymash. It is Grymash's axe that really tears the beast open and leaves it slumping to the ground.
Crab2 takes a crazy swing at Gilan as he retreats [AoA - hit: 31 and damage: 15]. Then it charges forward at the wolf that just retreated before it [hit: 28 and damage: 15, Reflex DC 25 for half].
Crab3 continues to bleed out spilling some black slime out upon the sand.
Crab4 backs off from the fight with the appearance of fire from Tishe'. Unfortunately as it goes it takes Ulgren with it as he is still gripped in it's claw. The biggest majority of it's body is now through the wall of fire that Ulgren summoned up earlier, though Ulgren is on this this side of it.
Crabs AC - 20 DR - 10
Flea ( AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=30 4d4(4+3+2+1)+1=11 Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:47:00 PM
Flea opens up her stance, her right arm outstretched in the direction of the crab holding on to the drow magiker. Balls of magical energy fly from the wand striking the crab. If her aim is true, the Magic Missiles should sever the clawed arm holding the mage. (UMD=30, 11 pts. MM dmg. to Crab4)
DM Sanity Info:
Position: R27 (unchanged)
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 12/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 4/50 charges used
Ulgren: AC 19 Hps 14/33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) d20=2 Thursday April 20th, 2006 10:51:10 PM
Ulgren shudders as the huge crab begins to take him through the wall of flame knowing what fate is awaiting on the other side. Ulgren can only squirm, (escape artist untrained 2) and pull on the crab's claws as he is being carried from his friends.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+10=21 d20+9=20 d20+9=12 d8+11=15 d8+9=14 d20+4=22 Thursday April 20th, 2006 11:24:49 PM
(OOC: Ulgren, DMJim said you are grappled, not pinned, you can still cast spells with a Concentration Check!!)
Tishe' smiles a quick one at Mac who drank her special Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds (3d8+10)
"After them and never mind the wall!" the brown-haired
The celestial bisons bellow a deep "Bwoo-ah!" and are after the crab. Bison 1 moves in front of Crab4 and attacks (AC 21, dam 15) Bison 2 continues to flank the beast (AC 20) striking a leg (14 points) Bison 3 also flanks (AC 12) but only harries the crab.
A look of horror covers Tishe's face. This side of the flaming wall is safe, but it's going to fry Ulgren! "I need to dispel it!" She brings another scroll out of her pants o plenty and opens it, reading the activation word and targeting the wall to come down. (Dispel 22)
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][555 rounds] +4 armor bonus
1 Augmented Celestial Bison [1 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 47 A +10 D d8+11, damage resist 5 SR 8 2 Celestial Bison [5 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8 3 Celestial Bison [5 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Mac 3d8(6+7+8)+10=31 Friday April 21st, 2006 10:43:13 AM
Potion from last round heals 31 damage (Nice!)
Mac sees his crab making for the water. He can't catch it this round, but he makes a 60' dash straight down towards the shore.
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer 6/8, Spt Wpn 7/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste) d20+8=24 Friday April 21st, 2006 11:29:03 AM
The crab lifts Ulgren up and away from Trellus and then scuttles down the shore and into the fire wall!
Light, he never survive that.
Like Tishe, Trellus tries to bring down the wall. [Dispel Magic 24] Then, he tears after the crab.
[Move 30' + whatever the haste spell gives me.]
The Spiritual Weapon continues to hover.
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 2/8 round) Prayer: +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic*, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C4-dodge) - prayer, haste] d20+14=23 d20+10=13 d8+2=9 d8+3=4 d6=3 Friday April 21st, 2006 2:45:49 PM
"I said put him down! Light, why don'tcha listen?!!" Anuk yells. His eyes follow the crab (C$) as it scuttles away with Ulgren and he sends two more arrows after it.
Attack 1: hits ac 23 for 7 pts (4 pts + 3 electrical) Attack 2: hits AC 13
Haste (5th round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Gilan [HP: 40/101 - AC: 26] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 81/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] d20+9=23 d20+17=35 d20+12=31 d8+10=11 d8+6=12 3d8(1+2+5)+8=16 d8=2 Friday April 21st, 2006 3:59:52 PM
Gilan holds his ground as he pulls upon nature to aid him at a point of great need. He feels the healing wash over him as he lets out a roar. His powers seem awfully weak to him and he does not feel too much healing flow into his body.
Ciaran hops back forward and once again tears into the crab, trying to buy his brother some time.
[Gilan - hit: // and damage: //; grapple: ~ Ciaran - hit: 35/31 and damage: 11/12]
Jake (AC 28, hp 59/59) d20+12=13 Friday April 21st, 2006 6:02:32 PM
Gotta help Ulgren, he thinks to himself. And this might be the last chance they get before the thing scuttles off into the ocean. So he charges after the creature. And he misses horribly. Sigh. (Rolled a natural 1...)
Crab Fight - 8. (DM Jim) d20+14=28 d20+14=16 3d6(3+2+2)+8=15 3d6(3+4+2)+8=17 d20+20=29 d20+20=36 Saturday April 22nd, 2006 1:41:59 PM
Flea fires off a series of magic missiles from her wand hoping for a lucky shot. Though the missiles do slam into the crab they do not sever the claw like she hoped.
Ulgren flops around a little ineffectively in the crabs claw. He does not seem to remember that he can still cast from this position...though it would take some concentration.
Tishe races down the beach a little ways while digging around for a scroll. It comes to her hand and she quickly pulls it up and reads. To her surprise and relief the wall comes down and that solves one problem at least. Her bison chase down the crab and continue to assault it.
Mac is up and potion drank as he sees the situation. He full out races after the crab trying to cut it off before it can reach the water.
Trellus is angry to say the least that the crab is running away and with a packmate to boot. He takes in the scene but what stops him is the fire wall and he casts a spell to get rid of it. The wall goes out just a few seconds before he finishes his own spell and he races down the beach as well.
Anuk cannot believe that the crab did not listen to him to drop Ulgren. He fires off another pair of arrows at the beast but only one hits as the other glances off the things shell.
Gilan turns and casts a healing spell upon himself but finds that it is meager to say the least. Ciaran continues the attack to keep the crab busy with other things.
Jake races down the beach after the crab as well but finds that he is just a little short of being able to reach the crab and help Ulgren.
Grymash is dumbstruck by the events that are going on around him and was that Ulgren character running off with one of the crabs??? He cannot figure out why the drow would want to keep the fun of that one all to himself, but at least he still had a crab of his own to hit on.
Graze holds up his hand to stall his men as the crab is now back in melee and they cannot risk it.
Crab1 is dead.
Crab2's eyestalks take in the wolf before it and then sends claws in to deal with it [hit: 28/16 and damage: 15/17; grapple: 29/36].
Crab3 is dead.
Crab4 backs off some more and is not hurt as bad as the fire falls, that it was moving through.
Crabs AC - 20 DR - 10
Will be sending out two maps this time around as the crab has gotten to the water and is in it. The water now that the crab is in, is only four feet deep.
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 14/33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) d20+9=15 d20+9=22 Saturday April 22nd, 2006 9:49:17 PM
Ulgren grimaces as the crab continues to carry him away. The mage grasps at straws and with a near superdrow concentration (DC 15, Heropoint 22) cast web on the ground beneath the crabs feet.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+11=17 d20+9=24 d20+9=16 d8+9=13 d20+5=16 Sunday April 23rd, 2006 5:08:45 AM
Elated that Ulgren wasn't fried by his own wall of fire, Tishe' is worried that even if the Crab doesn't crush the elf, he's going to drown in the sea.
She watches as her celestial bisons splash in the shallow water, all still flanking and attacking Crab4. Bison 1 lowers its head but misses (AC 17) and fades away. Bison 2 follows the Crab into the surf(AC 24) and gores the shell. (13 points) Bison 3 runs into the surf, but is caught up in breaking wave and fails to connect (AC 13).
Ulgren is going to need to breathe if he goes underwater! Tishe' weaves a quick spell on herself (Fly) and rises into the air and after Ulgren. As she moves,she digs out of her pants o plenty just the potion she needs (bless those pants!) and tries to pass it to the dark elf.
"Ulgren! It's a potion to breathe underwater!"
Stripes whines a little at his human rising into the air, but is heartily glad that he's NOT following her. But it looks like the prey is taking a packmate! Stripes charges (100' move) into the surf and tries to worry at a leg. (AC 16)
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][554 rounds] +4 armor bonus Fly [50 rounds]60' base movement
1 Augmented Celestial Bison [0 rounds left; disappears]: AC 13 HP 47 A +10 D d8+11, damage resist 5 SR 8 2 Celestial Bison [4 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8 3 Celestial Bison [4 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer 7/8, Spt Wpn 8/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste) d20+9=21 4d8(4+3+2+5)+1=15 Sunday April 23rd, 2006 10:19:37 PM
This is getting totally twisted. Ulgren is getting his thread cut, but they can't ALL go to his rescue, or the other crab'll eat the town.
"Gry! You and Gilan stay on that one up there!" Trellus yells over his shoulder. He doesn't bother to check if they do it, he's too busy racing after Ulgren.
Under the effects of the drow's Haste spell, Trellus scoots across the sand, nearly to the shoreline before pulling up. He casts a spell, causing a ray of bright light to spring from his palm and fly at the crab.
[Move to H19. Cast Searing Light. Hit ac 21 with ranged touch attack for 15 hp damage (no save)]
The Spiritual Weapon winks out.
------------------------
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon (Duration 2/8 round) Prayer: +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon* (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic*, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Gilan [HP: 59/101 - AC: 26] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 66/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] d20+18=22 3d8(5+3+3)+8=19 d20+13=22 d8+10=17 Sunday April 23rd, 2006 10:23:14 PM
Gilan once again focuses on healing but still finds that it is not too strong. He looks back up in time to see his brother being lifted off the ground in the claw of the giant crab. A low growl of rage starts deep in his throat as he closes a little upon the creature.
Ciaran finds himself at the mercy of the crab as he is lifted off his feet. Still he decides to have a go at the things claw and arm in hopes of getting it to let go.
[Gilan - hit: // and damage: //; grapple: ~ Ciaran - hit: 22/ and damage: 17/]
Flea ( AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=31 4d4(3+2+3+2)+1=11 Sunday April 23rd, 2006 11:57:52 PM
Ulgren is gone! Dragged into the sea! As others go the the drow's aid, Flea turns her attention to the nearest crab and looses another charge from her wand. (UMD=31, 11 pts. MM dmg. to Crab2)
DM Sanity Info:
Position: R27 (unchanged)
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 13/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 4/50 charges used
Jake (AC 24, hp 59/59) d20+8=14 Monday April 24th, 2006 1:12:33 AM
Jake runs at the creature as much as he can, then pulls out and throws his dagger in a desparate, hopeful attempt to hit the creature and put him down! To no avail of course, because the waves chop up his aim. He probably loses the dagger into the salty waters. Damn!
Grymash (ac19, hp48/110, rage, bulls strength, prayer, haste, enlarged) d20+15=34 2d6(6+5)+33=44 Monday April 24th, 2006 1:26:06 AM
These crabs gotta die NOW!! One crab threatens the village. The other is pulling Ulgren into the ocean. The situation infuriates the half-orc. And he charges into crab that is closest to him. Tearing into him with all his wrath.
(Charge +2hit/-2ac. Powerattack -7hit/+14dam, twohanded. HitAC: 34, natural 19, almost a crit threat, darn! Damage: 44.)
Mac (HP: 36/84) Monday April 24th, 2006 2:49:30 AM
Still trying to closer with the decamping Crab, the unhasted taur moves another 60' towards the waterline
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C2-dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=25 d20+13=25 d20+9=19 d8+5=6 d8+5=7 d6=1 d6=6 d8+5=7 d8+5=9 d6=2 d6=5 Monday April 24th, 2006 12:04:24 PM (ooc: forgot to forward the new map to my work so I don't have it with me, but if I remember correctly, Anuk is within 30 feet of C2. If not, then the bonuses for point blank shot and bracers of archery do not count. -3 to hit, -2 to non-electrical damage)
"Light, I hope Ulgren's thread ends up whole and unbroken..." When many of the pack dash to the surf, Anuk thinks about the last time the electricity from his bow mixed with water out on the plains. Might work on the crab, but could fry Ulgren just as well.
He makes a decision and turns in place to fight the crab confronting Jake and Gry (C2). "If this one goes down quickly, the whole pack can work together on getting Ulgren back," he thinks.
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 prayer)
Prayer (5/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (5th round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) Monday April 24th, 2006 11:51:22 PM
As Tishe' flies she looses a quick prayer to Mother Wold that the crab won't disappear in the waves before she can get off another spell...
Crab Fight - 9. (DM Jim) d20+14=19 3d6(5+6+5)+8=24 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 12:04:21 AM
Ulgren is able to cast a spell that should have put a web that would trap the crab or at least slow it down. Unfortunately the web has nothing to hold onto and rolls gently with the tide. Maybe it will still slow the crab as it moves further into the water.
Tishe' races forward with the help of a fly spell to get to Ulgren. She holds out a potion for him to use in case he goes into the water. The bison once again engage the crab in a game of tag as they all try to ram it with horns. Stripes rushes off after his human, but is glad that she did not use that air spell upon him.
Trellus moves forward as he calls out orders for the disposal of the rest of the crabs. He stops and aims his palm at the crab, sending out a ray of light at it. His hammer winks out as he moves as well.
Gilan tries again for healing and is less than satisfied with the results, but cannot delay any longer as he moves forward a little in the direction of the crab. Ciaran gets a grip on the crabs arm and chews away though he is not too happy with being caught.
Flea turns to the remaining crab that is not taken down to the sea and points her wand at it. With a short word she sends another series of magical balls slamming into it.
Jake races forward and palms a dagger as he goes. He pulls back and lets it fly but finds that throwing while in water is not so easy. The light waves make him throw high and the dagger sails past the crab and into the sea.
Grymash moves into the crab that remains upon the beach. His axe cuts deep and though it is not what he had wanted it is still a telling blow.
Mac can do little but chase after the crab that holds Ulgren in it's claws.
Anuk decides to help out with the one that remains upon the beach. He is not too keen on what his arrows may do when the come in contact with water and that is what Ulgren is in. A series of arrows streak off to help Grymash bring down the crab.
Cursing under his breathe Graze is not happy to see a crab gettin away and the fact that it is hauling off a valiant combatant is not much help. He continues to hold his men from shooting as they have no clear shots.
Crab1 is dead.
Crab2 turns ever so slowly with Ciaran trapped in it's claws, but when it reaches the almost all the way around mark...Grymash finds a wolf missile flying at him [hit: 19 and damage: 24, reflex DC 24 or be knocked prone]. Ciaran flies some fourty feet before landing hard in the sand.
Crab3 is dead.
Crab4 is struck by the ray of searing light and it shrieks in pain. Ulgren is jerked up and over the crabs head and the crab's claw comes open. This sends Ulgren flying through the air and out to sea.
Ulgren - Dex DC 18 to grab the bottle, Concentration DC 22 to cast a spell, Dex DC 16 to hold onto the bottle if you get ahold of it.
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 14/33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) d20+9=13 d20+9=22 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 5:40:34 AM
Ulgren attempts to grab the bottle as he goes flying in the air but misses and instead manages to cast levitate on himself, (Concentrate DC 22). The drow looks around as he hovers in mid air and wills himself to go up 10 feet. "Thanks Tishe!" ulgren says with a smile, "sorry I didn't catch that potion."
Anuk [HP 52/52, AC 22 (23 vs C2-dodge) - prayer, haste, manyshot] d20+13=14 d20+13=17 d20+13=28 d20+9=14 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:29:15 AM
Anuk continues to fire off more arrows at the crab, but in the scuffle and commotion, sand flies up in his face and all his shots go awry. "Gyaagghh!!" he yells out in frustration, cursing his poor aim.
Attack 1: hits AC 14 (nat 1, blecch!) Attack 2: hits AC 17 Attack 3: hits AC 14 (ignore the 28 result - it's a misroll as I forgot to change the bonus for the third attack)
Bonuses and stuff:
Attack = +13/+9 (BAB +1 for mw arrows +1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 haste, +1 prayer, -4 manyshot)
Dmg = +5 (+1 w/in 30ft Point Blank Shot +2 Str bonus +1 w/in 30 ft Bracers of Archery, +1 prayer)
Prayer (6/8): +1 to atk, dmg, saves, skill checks
Haste (6th round, not sure how many rounds left): move double speed, 1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 atk, +1 AC
Precise Shot: can fire into combat w/o penalty
Gilan [HP: 59/101 - AC: 26] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 42/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] d20+20=29 d20+20=26 d20+15=16 d20+19=22 d20+19=24 d6+8=9 d6+8=13 d8+4=8 d6+5=6 d6+5=7 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 3:07:55 PM
Gilan snarls as he rushes the distance between himself and the crab. He once again throws himself upon the things back. Claws work as do teeth as he looks for openings in the things armored shell.
Ciaran smacks into the sand and the air is knocked out of his lungs. There is a puff of sand as he lands, but he still moves a little. He slowly and shakily rises to his feet.
[Gilan - hit: 29/26/26/22/24 and damage: 9/13/8/6/7; grapple: ~ Ciaran - hit: / and damage: /]
Jake (AC 28, hp 59/59) d20+5=6 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 4:21:45 PM
Jake glances over his shoulder to see if the others are doing okay. One last crab, and everyone's gaining up on it now. Might as well go help Ulgren, who might be unconscious or need help... (Gonna help Ulgren get back to shore, and keep a watch for more crabs. Ugh, spot 6)
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Prayer 8/8, Spt Wpn 1/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste) d20+13=23 d8+3=7 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 10:14:00 PM
The sight of Ulgren floating safely up in the air elicits a sigh of relief from the cleric. He turns his head in time to catch Grymash's latest series of blows, and immediately stops worrying about the crab on the beach.
Which leaves one.
"Uh, Jake? You think maybe you should kill the big honkin' crab before walking around it?"
Trellus casts another spell. Again, Domi's Hammer appears and strikes out at the crab.
[Spiritual Wpn hit ac 23 for 7 hp] ------------------------
Active Effects Owl's Wisdom (Duration 8 minutes from Tuesday April 4th, 2006 10:12:21 PM) Spiritual Weapon Prayer: +1 Luck bonus atk, dam, saves, skill checks w/in 40' of Trellus. Foes -1 on same.
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon** (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic*, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+9=23 d20+9=22 d8+9=11 d8+9=13 5d6(5+3+6+2+1)=17 d20+5=15 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 11:29:14 PM
Only two bison left, and they thrash the sea to foam trying to get at the huge crustacean, both striking true. Bison 1 has disappeared Bison 2 (AC 23) headbutts the shell. (11 points) Bison 3 (AC 22) gores a leg (13 points)
Tishe' is happy and a little envious that Ulgren could keep his head and cast spells while flopping about, she knows that she herself has trouble in not getting distracted... But now's not the time! she thinks sternly to herself. Gathering her thoughts, the pearl on her armband flashes, recalling a spell to mind. Hands as deft as a Rattledam weaver direct the energies to the crab in a bolt of electrical energy, striking the crab where it is exposed from the water. (17 points)(trying to keep it a line attack instead of the underwater area attack feature)
Stripes cavorts in the rolling surf and tries to worry at a leg (AC 15), but only gets a mouthful of salty spray.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][554 rounds] +4 armor bonus Fly [50 rounds]60' base movement
2 Celestial Bison [3 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8 3 Celestial Bison [3 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 39 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Mac (HP: 36/84) d20+8=12 Tuesday April 25th, 2006 11:58:29 PM
With Jake stepping out of the way Mac charges 35' and swings a mighty blow at the crab.... that misses.
Crab Battle Finale. (DM Jim) d20+9=18 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 12:47:37 AM
Ulgren snatches at the potion but misses. Thankfully he is able to get a spell cast and finds himself levitating in the air. He still carries the momentum of getting thrown but at least going out to sea will not be a wet thing.
With all the movement and stuff Anuk finds it hard to concentrate upon his aim. All of his arrows go wide and he curses for it.
With his brother being thrown through the air he cannot hold back any long. With a rush he lands upon the crabs back and tears into it, but does little more than leave little marks in the shell. Ciaran lands heavily in the sand but is able to get back to his feet...if a little shakily and slow.
Jake pulls back just a little from where he is standing as he sees Ulgren continue out over the water. Well at least not fallin he will not get wet.
Grymash finds himself easily stepping to the side of the animal missile. He returns the favor in kind and tears into the crab, which falls at his feet.
Trellus is happy to see Ulgren is safe for the time being, though his spell did not stop his forward movement. He tries to get Jake to keep his mind on the crab as he calls up another hammer to smash at it.
Tishe''s two bison continue thier assault with a little more success this time around. Without a second thought she brings forth a lightning bolt that strikes the crab true. The crackle of it passes along the crab and settles into the water at it's feet.
Mac charges forward as Jake moves a little and finds his axe missing it's mark.
Flea had been about to hit the crab on the beach with another volley of magic but it is now laying lifeless upon the beach. So she moves down the beach and towards those in or at the water's edge.
Graze slowly comes out of the pit with his men behind him. He has a weird look on his face but it is shaking in surprise and relief.
Crab1 is dead.
Crab2 is dead.
Crab3 is dead.
Crab4 slumps into the water as the lightning rolls over it. This last bit was too much for the crab and it is dead as well.
Jake, Mac and Stripes need to make a reflex save for half damage from Tishe''s lightning bolt. They were standing in the water when it went off. Reflex DC 17 for 17 points of damage or half that if passed.
Ulgren is currently fourty feet out to sea and still moving. Levitate does not stop forward movement just allows for control of up and down movement. :)
Spot DC 22
Mac (HP: 28/84) d20+5=21 d20+5=12 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 5:59:16 AM
Mac leaped as the lightning arced out, but failed to notice anything out of the ordinary. He tries to gain purchase on the shell and drag it back to shore.
Jake d20+7=14 d20+5=19 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 6:47:44 PM
Yowzas! Jake gets nipped by the lightning bolt and turns to glare back at..well, whoever sent it. He didn't really see who did, but is sure it was a mistake...but still feels a bit of a jolt from that! Jake heads back to shore and goes over to the crabs. Gotta make sure they're dead, after all... Tho he isn't the one who would really know. (reflex save 14 spot 19)
Grymash (ac21, hp24/110, rage, bulls strength, prayer, haste, enlarged) d20+16=34 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 7:25:43 PM
Naww... Grymash aint done. He continues to hack and mutilate the crab bodies ... severing all legs and claws. Bits and shards of exoskeleton continue to fly in all directions. Dropping his axe, Grymash then grabs a hold and begins to attempt to pry open the crab's "head" area like a footlocker.
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Spt Wpn 1/8, Owls Wisdom, Haste, Air Walk) Wednesday April 26th, 2006 8:23:16 PM
Domi's Hammer returns to Trellus' side as the last crab falls. The blond man's head swivels right and left, checking the condition of his packmates. Except for Ulgren, no one is in immediate difficulty.
And even Ulgren isn't in that much trouble. I wonder how well he swims, the cleric wonders with a half grin.
He casts a spell on himself, and jogs through the air to retrieve the levitating drow. [Cast Air Walk - Haste also still in effect, so should be able to run him down and drag him back]. ------------------------
Active Effects - Owl's Wisdom Spiritual Weapon Haste Air Walk
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon** (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic*, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk*, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Gilan [HP: 59/101 - AC: 26] [wildshape: dire lion] and Ciaran [HP: 42/96 - AC: 27] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:01:58 PM
Gilan slowly slips back into his human form and slides down the now dead crabs back. He lands lightly in the sand and steps away from the crab. With a sigh he takes a seat in the sand and feels the adrenaline slowly wearing off.
Ciaran comes over and lays down with his head now in his brother's lap. The poor wolf seems as badly wore out as he is.
Flea d20+12=20 d8+1=7 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 9:59:12 PM
Flea circles in towards her group as they start to assemble at the water's edge. She sticks the wand in her right hand through her belt, and moves the one in her off hand over to the right. "Who's wounded?" she asks, looking around to see who is most in need of healing.
Flea will start with Mac if he is in range. (UMD=20, CLW=7 pts health restored to Mac.)
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 13/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 5/50 charges used
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 23/31) d20+6=19 d20+3=8 d20+3=10 Wednesday April 26th, 2006 11:18:28 PM
Despite her best intentions, a electrical charge flares in the water and snakes out to Stripes and her packmates. Jumping high out of the water, the hyena YIPs and plunges back into the surf. (8 points rounding down) The bedraggled, stiff-legged and very ugly looking dog gets out of the water and begins to futilely cleaning his fur.
Both bisons feel the charge fully, but being Celestial beings, are somewhat immune to electricity (5 resist vs elec). Without an enemy to assail, they too come out of the water.
Tishe' is already hovering with her flying spell over the dead crab. "No problem getting Ulgren back. Trellus, save your spell!" she calls out in an I-got-it voice. The arcane druid flies over the water to do a pickup mission with the dark elf.
"Hi sweetie. Would you like to come back in now?" She jovially asks as Tishe' extends and arm to tow Ulgren back to shore.
Spells Active Mage Armor [on Mac][552 rounds] +4 armor bonus Fly [48 rounds]60' base movement
2 Celestial Bison [2 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 27 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8 3 Celestial Bison [2 rounds left]: AC 13 HP 27 A +8 D d8+9, damage resist 5 SR 8
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Break out the brews... (DM Jim) Thursday April 27th, 2006 1:49:53 AM
The party winds down as the last crab is dropped into death. Trellus and Tishe' both take off and soon have Ulgren back over dry land.
Mac drags the crab carcass back up onto the beach a ways. He is helped out as the water rushes back in each time and only has to hold the crab so that it is not sucked out to sea.
Grymash tears into the last crab that he killed with his axe and finally uses his hands at the last. As the shell comes apart he finds a piece of belt laying at his feet, with odd little compartments on it.
Gilan and his brother sit in the sand relaxing as they come down from the adrenaline rush that they have been feeling.
Flea moves down the beach and touches Mac with the healing wand she holds as he drags the crab along.
Jake heads back up the beach towards the closest crab and plunges his sword into what he figures is it's brain. He leans on the sword out of exhaustion and to add leverage to the stab.
Anuk also drops to the sand and into a seated position. He is happy to be alive and all the pack in the same condition.
Graze sends the men of his off to tell the village about what has happened. He then moves down onto the beach himself and laughs lightly. "Ya sure did not run." He is beaming with pride as he moves around to have a look at the crabs, his head shakes several times.
The real silence of the moment is broken as you hear clapping from the upper part of the beach, some ten feet from where Graze had set up his pit. Standing in the sand are three figures that are all clapping. You do not notice them as being part of the village and in fact they look like hardened adventurers.
The older man in a breastplate and sword shakes his head as he moves down onto the sand. "Admiral...rather good show really." He comes over and toes a crab with his boot as he looks to the mess that Grymash has made. The other two follow along behind him. The female shakes her head as well as she takes in the battle scene with a critical eye. Emblazoned on her right breast is the symbol of Domi and above that is a blue medal. The last is a wizard, though not an old one, that has his hands clasped behind his back. He shakes his head as he mutters to himself. He also bears the same blue medal as the female but also hanging from his neck is another silver medal.
Everyone - Spot DC 22
Gilan [HP: 59/79] and Ciaran [HP: 42/80] [barkskin, bull's strength, bear's endurance] Thursday April 27th, 2006 4:56:03 PM
Gilan does not really note anything as he sits in the sand relaxing. He has a few healing spells and figures that his packmates will move back up the beach soon and they can start the real healing. His hand continues to stroke the hair on the head of his brother as he just takes it easy. He does comment to Flea as she passes him. "Send some over to me...I can do some healing...that way you do not use up all the charges in your wand." He gives her a smile and a thumbs up.
Ciaran seems happy enough to be with his brother and does not seem worried about the people that have wandered down onto the beach. He does wonder if he will get any fish bits later for all his hard work.
Trellus (AC19, HP 67/67, Owls Wisdom, Haste, Air Walk) d20+10=18 Thursday April 27th, 2006 9:12:37 PM
Seeing Tishe head out for Ulgren, Trellus stops and returns to the beach.
"Gil is right Flea," he agrees. "Let's save the wand charges for the next fight. Scrolls and spells dudes."
The cleric breaks out his stash of healing scrolls - Never use these - as Graze approaches. "I'm sorry dude," he apologizes sincerely. "But we just couldn't take all four on at once. How many did we lose?"
At the sound of the clapping he looks up. And frowns slightly. Trellus isn't about to happily give up lives and blood just for somebody else's entertainment.
"You dudes coulda helped," he comments sourly. His dark blue eyes take in the symbol of Domi on the woman. "And you still could," he adds, nodding toward his bleeding packmates. [Spot 18] ------------------------
Active Effects - Owl's Wisdom Spiritual Weapon Haste Air Walk
Spells Prepared: d -- domain spell u -- used 0 - Create Water (x3), Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic 1 -- Shield of Faith (x2), Obscuring Mist, Doom*, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear, Sanctuary(d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration, Owls Wisdom*, Spiritual Weapon** (x2), Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic*, Waterbreathing, Prayer*, Searing Light*, Magic Vestment(d) 4 -- Air Walk*, Inflict Critical Wounds, Freedom of Movement, Spell Immunity (d)
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 23/31) d20+4=8 Thursday April 27th, 2006 11:26:52 PM
By the time Tishe' and Ulgren return to the beach, her bison have all disappeared back into the golden realm from which they sprung. She is tired, but elated, knowing of the good work they have done for the village.
Yet something keeps nagging her... "they are only animals, these crabs. They wouldn't attack only to destroy, that is not the Mother's way. We need to see if they were sent or guided or something."
Settling on the beach, Tishe' notices the three figures, but doesn't recognize the badges (Hook City Knowledge: 8) They don't look hostile, so she scoots up to them before landing on the sand, her wet and bedraggled hyena at her side.
"Many shadows." She frowns at Trellus' comments: could these people have only watched the battle and let the guards die? "Or could you have heard the battle and have only now come to see the pattern revealed?" Her hand with the mark of Gargul pulls back a lock of wavy brown hair to tuck behind an ear.
Stripes sees his human come back to dry land and then go.... go over to a strange pack! He trots over to protect his human in case these others want to growl over thier rightful kill.
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Anuk d20+12=32 Thursday April 27th, 2006 11:43:58 PM
Sitting in the sand breathing heavily, Anuk surveys the carcasses. His stomach growls in the morning air, his hunger reminding him that they have not yet broken their fast this morning. He notes the three approaching strangers (spot 32 - nat 20 *now* I get a nat 20 :-S), and -- thinking of the delicious crab dinner the night before -- calls out to Trellus, "Ask 'em if they've got a few pounds of butter!"
Jake Friday April 28th, 2006 3:51:07 AM
Jake wipes a bit of sweat from his face and looks at the newcomers. He immediately goes into ready position for another fight and moves forward, between them and the others... He goes within 10 feet of the three then stops. "Who the dust are you treadles?" he challenges them. "I mean, ah recognize yer armor as that of my pal Trellus here, but y'all are being mighty arrogant, treating these crab things like some kinda game."
Mac (HP: 35/84) d20+5=10 Friday April 28th, 2006 6:43:19 AM
Spot:10... still nothin'
Beaching the crab carapace, Mac walks a little town side of it, takes the tap of Flea's wand with a "Thanks" and something nearly a smile, and sits down to examine the fallen enemy. He sees the old-timer new-comers talking to some of his packmates as he sits, but isn't paying them all that much attention.
With his axe resting across his bracers and his knees, he wonders why the crabs did what they did, why he was so ineffective against it, and what possible wisdom there is to gain from all of this.
"...useless." he mutters beneath his breath.
Ulgren : AC 19 Hps 14/33 Mage Armour (extended), Expeditious Retreat (extended), Haste (extended) d20=14 Friday April 28th, 2006 7:32:46 AM
Ulgren takes Tishe's hand with a smile, "thanks much. I would have hated to get to far out." Ulgren is guided to dry land where he gratefully drops his levitate spell and moves over to his packmates. The drow mage gratefully accepts healing from whomever prior to the clapping of the strangers, "Who are they and what do they want?" Spells Memorized: 0- Lightx2 Message x2 1- Mage Armorx1*,Shieldx2,Enlargex2**,Expeditious Retreatx1* 2- Scorching Rayx3, Webx1*, Levitatex1* 3- Lightening Boltx2, Hastex1* 4- Wall of Firex2*
The meeting, the preposal. (DM Jim) Friday April 28th, 2006 2:46:46 PM
While some of the group talk to the strangers that appeared, others of the group just relax and take it easy.
Anuk does notice the glint of light off of steel as he takes a seat on the sand. It came from crab2 and when he moves his head to either side, he notices the wink of light again.
The man in the breastplate, who is obviously the leader, gets a grin upon his face. "We made it to the village a little while ago. So we came straight to the beach when we heard the fighting. This gentleman here and his fellow militia men were dug in that pit with crossbows and it appeared you had things well in hand." His hand moves to indicate Graze as he talks and then he turns back to Trellus. "It was informative for me to see your group in action as I suppose you are a group." He takes in all the memebers of the pack standing or sitting on the beach and nods his head. "My organization does not let in those that do not show the right...attitude and spirit." He turns to look at the mage who nods his head. With a slight nod to the woman, she starts to move out to the rest of the group that is injured. "How about some healing for say 1000 gold...a group rate if you will." He watches intently as he asks this question of Trellus.
The wizard looks out of the battlefield and shakes his head as he moves off. Anyone watching will notice that he moves to stand near Ulgren and Tishe' who are standing so close together. "You are both wizards are you not?" He looks to Tishe' and gives her a smile. "I see that you also study the ways of the druid." He holds out his hand to each of you without a sign of malice. "I have a proposition for the two of you...should you be interested. You both have shown yourselves to be highly trained and loyal to your group...I would like to extend an invitation to join a League that would further your abilities and goals." His sharp eyes do not miss a beat as the watch you carefully. He seems to be further taking in your character and force of will.
I will be allowing everyone to go to the Catacombs in this bit of downtime. You can buy and sell as normal and then I will have you stuff delivered to you. Yes, that means that soon you will have access to a Catacombs Branch Office. Happy Days are here again. :)
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 10/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 23/31) Friday April 28th, 2006 11:45:58 PM
Nodding at the man's words, the short human girl turns her head aside to Trellus and Jake. "See? They got here at the end of the battle. And look!" she brightens, deliberately misunderstanding the lady cleric, "they're even offering to give us a thousad gold to get healed." She smiles with a sense of michief, "though I don't know what healing they will need."
When the one with two badges comes up to Ulgren and Tishe', Stripes issues a low continuous warning from the back of his throat. Tishe' lays a hand on the bristling back but doesn't correct her companion.
She listens with many glances at Ulgren, a frown of concentration and slight mistrust on her face. "The Bloodpack weaves to protect the Sargrass Plains and all its inhabitants. Assistance would be shady, but would you then string our loom for this help? And why ask us? You don't know us, and we could be whitehands or the night's soil. And so can you for that matter."
But Tishe's curiosity is always strong, and the bait is too tempting. "What kind of League?"
Stripes sees his human come back to dry land and then go.... go over to a strange pack! He trots over to protect his human in case these others want to growl over thier rightful kill.
Druidic 0; detect magic, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Flea d20+4=21 d20+11=15 Sunday April 30th, 2006 11:50:45 PM
Flea looks at the blue pins worn by the critical strangers. She eaves drops (Listen=15) on the conversation of the magic users, and tries to remember if such a league as the one of which he speaks, features in any of the poems or songs she has started to study. (Bardic Knowlege=21)
Anuk d20+9=16 d20+12=27 Monday May 1st, 2006 12:36:36 AM
The sparkling light catches Anuk's interest. "Whaz'zat?" he mutters quizzically, a wide grin breaking across his face. Ignoring the conversations on the beach, he moves closer to the crab, trying to spy out the source of the reflection.
Search 16 Spot 27
Mac (HP: 35/84) d20+5=24 Monday May 1st, 2006 7:10:11 AM
Standing up from his position on the sand, Mac looks out to sea and then along the beach [Spot:24]
Trellus Monday May 1st, 2006 4:08:34 PM
Trellus draws himself up in front of the warrior and cleric. The blond man is getting his fill of secretive, authority types - and these three have 'beater' written all over them. Still feeling the rush of the battle, Trellus' blue eyes flash in annoyance at the man's comments.
"We're not a 'group'. We're a pack - weft and web. And if you dudes want money for your healing picks, we'll take care of it ourselves. Thanks anyway."
The man turns to attend to his friends.
Jake Monday May 1st, 2006 5:59:26 PM
Jake choruses with Trellus, "Yah! We're a pack... the Bloodpack. Toughest pack ever was or is. We fight the Barons and everything that threatens the plains and Rattledam." But curiousity changes his tone as he asks, "But who are you guys, and what's this league you say you're with...?"
Ulgren Monday May 1st, 2006 8:06:08 PM
Ulgren watches the newcomer closely and nods his head at the league, "What are the goals of this league and will they interfere with me and my pack?"
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 20/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) 3d8(3+1+1)+5=10 Monday May 1st, 2006 10:08:27 PM
While she waits, Tishe' takes out a CSW potion and quaffs it, sharing the magical energy with Stripes (10 healing)
OOC: wow, two 1s!
A small test. (DM Jim) Monday May 1st, 2006 10:13:34 PM
The man that is standing near Trellus shakes his head as he laughs. "Well spoken young man and that is the first of tests that you will need to pass." He nods to the female cleric who moves around adding healing to those that need it. The man tries to stop Trellus and then extends his hand. "Please let us heal you up while we talk. The name is Grainz and I work for the Woldian League of Adventurers or the WLA for short...well actually I am an officer in the League." He surveys the battlefield with a critical eye as he talks. "We watched the last part of the fight so that we could see if you were worthy of admission into the WLA...we have already talked to some of the villagers and they say that you agreed to help...without asking for pay." A new smile passes across his face as he looks Trellus up a little more. "That in its own is a plus as it shows your true nature." He clears his throat as he coughs a little into his hand. "What we are offering is a membership to the group...we only take those of moral character, that fight for what is right and our missions never will come between any oaths you have taken for Rattledam." The way he says that you get the feeling that he knows where your town is at...maybe he has been there.
The wizard standing by Tishe' and Ulgren back down the beach nods his head in understanding. "Yes it is true that either of us could be whitehands...but let me tell you that this is the night soil." He holds out a hand as he indicates his medallion with the other. "The name is Kertan...I am a member of the WLA and the Star Mage Guild...you may have heard of us before in passing." He almost laughs at the idea of interference. "Oh, are group is for the good of the Wold and I doubt that our missions would go against your own loyalties." With a small sense of pride he gets a far off look in his face. "We even note some of the strongest adventurers in the Wold with both organizations...some Platinum Dragons and The Chosen of Domi are some of our newest." He tries to make it seem natural as he nods his head. "We would like to welcome your group into the group as well.
Flea is sure that she has heard of both organizations before. They both fight for good and the betterment of the Wold. It is said that some of the greatest heroes of the Wold have been members. She also remembers that there are benefits and extra training to be had for members.
Anuk wanders over to the crab that sparkles. When he gets over there he notice the blade of a weapon sticking out of the shell a little ways. The light must have been reflected by this weapon.
The cleric, who has not introduced herself, has moved among the pack. She gives out enough healing from a wand to heal everyone back to full hit points. You will notice that she makes it a point to help out the animals as well and despite their wildness they do not seem to mind her touching them.
Tishe' (AC 18 HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC 15 HP 31/31) d20+4=21 Monday May 1st, 2006 10:55:58 PM
Tishe' widens her eyes in surprise (Know: 21). "The Star Mages Guild. There is rumor in HookCity that there is a Star Mages Guild outpost in the city." That and the evidence that they are familiar with Rattledam and 'grass lingo make Tishe' easy and willing to trust them.
She listens to Flea explain about the extra training and support and is excited, but then concerned. "To get most of the benefits from the WLA or the Star Mage Guild, we would have to train there, wouldn't we? How far is it to the nearest training site? That may be a big problem, you know."
Tishe' notices that two of the crabs have items stuck in their shell. "Let's check the other two. Maybe there is a clue as to why the crabs did this!"
Stripes allows the cleric of Domi to heal him and gives a head butt of affection.
Anuk d20+3=8 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 12:55:33 PM
"Shady!" Oblivious to the conversation, Anuk pulls on the hilt of the sword, working to free the weapon from the crab's corpse. There is nauseating squishing and sucking noise as he twists and turns the hilt.
Str check 8
Grymash ( hp24/94) 2d8(8+1)+3=12 d8=5 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 2:55:13 PM
As soon as the spell breaks and Grymash begins to sink back down to his normal size, his rage seems to fade away as well. While kneeling down to wipe his hands clean with beach sand, he sees the piece of belt that caught his eye more clearly. Gry reaches for it, but suddenly feels an irritating pain ... his wounds from battle. The buzz from adrenaline wearing off allows the pain to return. He mutters a few holy incantations and touches one of his wounds (cast Cure Moderate Wounds). The healing energy feels good. But then his attention turns back to the belt. "Whut dis be?"
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 6:17:20 PM
Gilan continues to sit on the sand as he relaxes from the fight. He does look up when the cleric shows up and he says nothing as she heals him. He does watch her though as he looks to see what Trellus is doing and listen in a little. "What is this WLA exactly?" He seems a little interested if not a little suspicious as well.
Ciaran does not seem to mind as the woman heals him as well. He even licks her hand and does not move from his brothers side.
Remember that the cleric is moving around and healing everyone. That is unless they turn her away that is.
Mac Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 7:46:27 PM
Mac makes his way back towards the bulk of the pack on the beach, saying, "I'm not seein' anymore crabs, but there's plenty of big, blue and wet out there to hide in."
He tries to pick up on the conversations, and thanks the healer with the reverence due a high(er) ranked speaker of the words of Domi.
Flea d20-1=7 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 9:46:04 PM
Flea remains unconvinced as to the true motives of these strangers with the blue badges. The party had encountered too many bad guys masquerading as good, and vice versa. Why the rogue was even now questioning the legitimacy of the monks of Rattledam and their suppression of all that was foreign. Hadn't they just encountered a vampire creature that had treated them with respect, and a baron who had healed one from the pack? Flea scrutinizes the blue-pin-wearers, (Sense Motive=7) but they puzzle her exceedingly.
Turning her back on the strangers, she goes to see what Anuk and Gry are up to, calling out, "need any help?"
Ulgren Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:15:12 PM
Ulgren accepts the healing from the cleric with a smile and a slight bow, "thank you." Ulgren then shakes his head, "Star Mages? I haven't heard that name in a while." The mage then turns to his friends, "what are you doing?"
Trellus d20+5=15 Tuesday May 2nd, 2006 10:31:33 PM
Anger and adrenaline slowly fade, replaced by curiousity. Trellus watches the woman heal his friends, thoughtfully chewing on the inside of his cheek.
The actions of Grymash and Anuk draw his attention, and allow the young man to avoid answering Grainz for a couple more seconds. "Hey, Jake. 'Nuk and Gry have found some loot inside a couple of them crabs. Can you an' Mac check out the rest?"
Grainz can't be put off any longer, and maybe he ain't the beater he set himself up to be [Sense Motive 15]. "Well, that's more shady," he responds carefully, before extending his hand. "I'm Trellus. I don't think I heard of the WLA in Rattledam. So Gilan's kinda got a true thread. How can you help us there? And what're you gonna want in return?"
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 12:03:11 AM
"I wonder why the crabs attacked the village repeatedly. It didn't look like hunting, and animals don't destroy for the fun of it, so they must have been sent or controlled. And these items may give a clue as to who and how."
Finds and the possibility. (DM Jim) Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 12:57:10 AM
Kertan nods his head in response to Tishe''s question. "Normally your training would take place at a branch of the WLA or the SMG...but you happen to have found an officer of the WLA and I am a high enough ranking member of the SMG to give you the night soil in training." He seems to think a little more explaining is in order. "You see I use some magic that is given to member of the SMG and I accelerate training...so that it only takes about a few days in real time and you get the benefits of several years of training." He looks back up the beach at his commander and hopes he is having as much luck with the others.
Anuk finds that he has to work a little more careful to get the dagger out as it is actually sticking out blade first from a fleshy area. As he works on it he soon pulls out the whole dagger but there is a part of an arm holding it, from hand to elbow is still there.
Grymash after his healing finds that laying on the ground is that piece of belt with strange little compartments on it. Opening the first he finds a vial in it, snug and safe in the little pouch. The others reveal a few more potions...with his hands full he could count his toes and only have one toe left that is not a potion.
Flea moves over to help out Gry who is at a different crab than Anuk. There is a lot of crab guts on the sand near the half-orc's feet and Flea is sure that she notices something in it.
Trellus and Gilan both put the simple question to Grainz as Trellus directs the others to check out all the crabs.
Grainz nods his head as he looks to the area and then decides to just answer here. "Well we can offer you training...both in the use of weapons and the different talents that you have or may want to improve. Now normally we would train you at an academy but since there is none around here...I am willing to train you here in this village." He looks the cleric up and down with a critical eye. "We can teach you to climb better, swim better or even handle wild animals...plus a few other things along those lines. I can also offer your combat training in a few unique weapons...things that may normally not be available to you." Running his hand through his hair he continues. "The WLA may contact you sometime in the future to complete a quest now and then for us...but this will always be for the betterment of the Wold. Now what I mean by quest is maybe stopping an evil dragon that is terrorizing a village, rescue hostages from some slave race or even something as simple as delivery of an artifact or dowry to another nation." He gives you a smile that tells you that he will not hold anything back and tell you everything as straight as possible. "We fully disclose all mission information to our members if they join and you do not have to accept every mission that we offer...you do nothing that would go against whatever code you happen to follow." He takes the hand and pumps it a few times. "There is one little drawback to doing this here...it is not totally sanctioned by the WLA but they will take my judgement into account. That means that you will need to go to the WLA office at a later date to fully enroll...that does not mean that you will not be member now or the skills that I teach you will not count." His face takes on a slightly more perterbed look as he speaks the last. "It is just that you will need to go there and officially sign and take the pledge." He lets go of your hand as the female cleric moves back to take her place by his side.
Her hands are clasped behind her back and she takes the lot of the group in with a single glance. "They are worthy of this...I could feel it as I healed each of them as well." She looks to Trellus with a smile. "This one here is touched by Domi as the half-orc is touched by Gargul." With a finger she points out Tishe' and Mac as well with another slight smile. "They are both touched by Gargul as well...the woman carries his mark upon her...I could feel it." Looking back to Trellus she once again smiles, then laughs. "They have paid at least twice I would figure for thier dedication to the Wold...Domi's will has sent us here for sure." She does not elaborate anymore on that as her hands slip back into a held position behind her back.
Please note that each of you has earned 1000XP for this little battle and Hero Points should be coming soon as well.
Anuk Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 11:06:13 AM
Anuk's grin suddenly turns to a small frown. After a moment's reflection he sits on the ground and sets to work cleaning both the dagger and the remains of the arm, finishing by tearing cloth from his cloak and wrapping the arm in it. When he's done, he takes the arm and dagger to Graze.
"In all the excitement after the fight, I'd, uh...I'd forgotten the cost to the people of your village," He says quietly. He hands the cloth-covered remains and the dagger to Graze. "You and your men were brave...this man was brave. His effects should, uh...I think they should go to his family."
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 10:37:55 PM
Gilan listens with a little interest and then shakes his head. "Sounds like a shady deal." He glances to Trellus to see what he has to say as he watches the rest of the group dealing with the crab remains. He strokes the head of his brother as he looks to the sand. "What will this cost if we wanted to join up and how would we get this training that you mentioned?" With another smile he laughs as he scratches his brother's head. "Some of that sounds like what we have done already." Parts of it sound a little ironic to him that they will have to maybe take on a mission like some they have already done.
With a sour look he wrinkles his nose. "We have a slaver mission anyways...with that group of Barons." He did not really want to bring that up with the glow of victory still riding high for them. "It is kids after all...at least we can go better prepared...maybe." The one thing that he knows about ants is that they live underground or in a hill...kind of a hive complex really and that means a big job. Could be trouble for them that will change a few things...a trip to the Catacombs maybe in order, if they find a branch.
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday May 3rd, 2006 11:58:24 PM
The woman's head whips up, wavy brown hair flying about as if she were Stripes catching a scent. "Better prepared...", she echoes Gilan. "These Walkers are offering for us to become warp and weft of a bigger pack, one that wants to do for the Wold what we are trying to do for the Sargrass. Why! It's not like this is all one side of the tapestry either. If we join, they can call on us, but we can call on them, too!"
Full of mercurial enthusiasm, Tishe' troops around and goes to the wizard. "I would weave my thread with yours to become a part of the Star Mages. And the League as well."
Stripes senses that his human has accepted these hunters-of-a-strange-pack and, remembering the touch of the other female, relaxes. He sits on his haunches and cleans himself.
Jake Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:10:32 AM
"Shady!" Jake chirrups. He shakes hands with the big guy, and takes a gander at the lady. She's probably not exactly the fantasy-type warrior he was envisioning, decked out in chain bikini or whatnot. Those adventure books of his had rather exaggerated illustrations. None of his packmates ever looked like THOSE girls, in any case. "Say, are there other packs in the WLA? Ah mean, packs from Rattledam or the Plains..."
Mac Thursday May 4th, 2006 3:06:04 AM
Following orders, Mac heads back over to the crab that tossed him, and begins fairly systematically opening and emptying it. Early in the process he considers that this crab didn't rend and eat anyone during the combat, and thus anything they might find in here ::squelch:: must be from some past attack.
Grymash Thursday May 4th, 2006 2:45:13 PM
Grymash doesnt understand what these strangers are talking about, or how they know so much. However, his instincts dont preceive them as threats so he sees no need to be on guard. He continues to look at the small items he found and wonders what he could do with the crab bodies. It would be a shame for them to go to waste.
Flea Thursday May 4th, 2006 8:00:36 PM
The rogue pulls her hooked hammer from her belt and starts to work her way through the guts. Something catches her eye, and she tries to hook it with her weapon.
Trellus Thursday May 4th, 2006 8:23:45 PM
The blond man chuckles lightly at Grainz's comments. "Dude, 'not totally sanctioned' ain't a problem for us, truly."
He looks around at his friends a moment, gauging their reactions. "OK, so you got us interested. My folks sell pottery. Dad says 'Get em interested, then give 'em the price.'"
He gives the pair a look.
"So, what's the price?"
Spoils and costs. (DM Jim) Thursday May 4th, 2006 11:45:38 PM
Graze looks to the dagger that is being offered to him and shakes his head. He does take it for a few seconds to look it over and then laughs. "Ya gotta be jokin me son...noone in the village can afford that." He hands it back to Anuk with a sad look upon his face. "Ya may never find the owner." He indicates the bundled arm with a slight frown before adding more. "Noone in this village has that kind of wealth...you find something of interest besides a regular weapon...it not belong here."
Flea thumbs through the guts looking for exactly what it was that drew her attention and comes up with a little something on her hammer. While she is doing that the others are searching the rest of the crabs as well. Several of you find other things but some have grizzly reminders of their past owners...a pair of boots with feet and part of a leg in them, a head that once probably wore that necklace and another hand with a ring upon it. Flea pulls up a small pouch on the hook end of her hammer but the bag is half eaten through and a number of gems fall out of it, to scatter upon the sand.
Graze moves further down onto the beach and looks over the crabs with a critical eye. Tishe' is doing much the same and though they can find nothing wrong with the crabs...they are clearly some kind of mutation. Maybe that mutation is only with it's size and Graze is wondering about the possibility of getting them for meat. He looks to Tishe' and smiles. "Think young Trellus would consent to the village having these...you can keep the rest...the meat would be a big help for the village." He turns a gaze back to the crabs and then slices off a chunk with a dagger at his side. He takes a small taste of the meat and then his smile widens. "Best I had for a while." He eats down the last bit of the meat in his hand, which was not a large piece.
Grainz looks to Trellus and then counts out the members of the pack. He seems to be doing some quick checking in his head and then turns to the cleric. "Figure a total of around 65000 gold for the lot of them normal...if they can reach journeyman that is...plus 2000 for the SMG." The cleric just nods her own head as she has also done the math in her head, though she has an idea of what Grainz has in mind. He turns back to Trellus and nods his head. "How about a group rate of 40000 for the whole lot of you...that includes memberships for all of you to the WLA and for the two wizards in the SMG?" He waits to see if this is acceptable to the young man and then shakes his head again. "Want to go back to the tavern...I can buy you all a drink and you can talk it over in the cool of the building?"
Treasure dagger ring amulet orange gem(3) dark blue gem round white gem necklace boots blue gem(4) vials(9) platinum(500)
Tishe' and Stripes Friday May 5th, 2006 12:01:46 AM
Tishe' turns her warm brown eyes upward to look at Graze. "I think weaving a crab feast is a wonderful idea; it will get the people feeling better than they have in a long time. And it's not like we can haul a couple tons of crab meat around with us, there is plenty to share." Taking her eating knife, she emulates Graze and cuts a piece of crab flesh and tastes.... salty, light, fluffy... good!
Tishe's face falls at the mention of the price. Wow! That's a lot of grass! The best suggestion she has heard was talk it over at the bar during the feast. "Oh yes, no hasty decisions, and we can properly distribute our winnings."
Tishe' will cast a Detect Magic on all the crab contents found.
Jake Friday May 5th, 2006 1:02:33 AM
Jake looks over at the crab eagerly, but holds himself back. "Forty thousand? Ah don't think we have that much money..." Or maybe we do? He checks his pockets. "Ah only have a few thousand, myself...and ahw as hoping to make a trip to the catacombs...But if this organization is all ya say it is.." He sighs, unable to decide.
(40k gold is a lot of money...)
Trellus Friday May 5th, 2006 10:39:47 AM
Trellus' mouth drops to the sandy beach, and he stands there for several moments, shocked into speechlessness.
"Forty THOUSAND?!?" he manages at last. "Domi's Light, dude."
He looks around again, seeking some kind of inspiration. None appears to be forthcoming.
"Uh, I think a drink or two -- or twelve, he thinks to himself -- is totally called for."
As they walk back to the Mug, the blond man quietly asks Flea, "so how much is all them gems you found worth?"
Gilan and Ciaran Friday May 5th, 2006 11:35:05 PM
Gilan stands but remains silent as he hears the price. Any other time he would have been wondering how they would come up with that kind of money...right now he is thinking of something to drink and maybe something to eat.
He follows along with the rest of the group as he tries to figure out what to have. He can easily come up with his share of the cash if the group decides to join up.
Ciaran stands as well and follows along after his brother. He can already feel the way his brother is acting and figures that food is sure to come. Maybe a large piece of meat and a few bones or better yet...a large bone with meat still on it.
Mac Sunday May 7th, 2006 4:10:16 AM
Mac watches Flea and Tishe' examining and identifying the treasure with interest. Whilst it is mostly pretty stuff, he doesn't see it helping make up the 40 thousand gold the Officer mentioned. Still, someone mentioned drinks...
OOC: If this stuff survived consumption by the crabs due to its magical properties, then their past 'meals' may have been some seriously equiped dudes.
Slow and steady. (DM Jim) Monday May 8th, 2006 2:36:42 PM
Grainz takes the group back into the village, heading for the Mug. He leads the whole lot into the tavern and soon has the first series of drinks layed out on the tables with large pitchers for refilling. He sits and drinks of the cool ale as he listens the the general chatter inside the tavern, most of it being about how this group of strangers beat the crabs.
Back outside Graze is leading the older members of the village in the cutting up of the crabs for a large feast this night. He is also rather happy about the fact that it will allow the village to have food for several weeks after as well...and trade goods as well.
Tishe' is seated at one end of the table that everyone is drinking at with the stuff they got off the crabs before her. She has divided it into two parts...magical and nonmagical.
The female cleric seats herself at the table and takes a long drink of the ale as well. She looks to Grainz and shakes her head. "Remember our mission...we cannot spend too much time here." She takes another pull from the mug and then looks to the group. "The name is Marli by the way and as you may have noticed...I serve Domi and to some extent Gargul."
The wizard, Kertan, has taken a seat by Tishe' and is currently looking at the loot that you won as well. "This maybe one of the most stimulating part of adventuring for a wizard...making guesses about stuff before you identify it...not that I am right very often and some things are rather complex to be figured out." He does not interfere or touch anything as he watches Tishe' and possibly Ulgren go about their business. He is rather surprised when Gilan, who he would guess to be a druid drops off a scroll case and gives Tishe' a wink.
Treasure dagger ring amulet orange gem(3) dark blue gem round white gem necklace boots blue gem(4) vials(9) platinum(500) (magical is italic)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Ulgren Monday May 8th, 2006 11:10:48 PM
Ulgren shakes his head softly side to side when the price of admission is mentioned. "That leaves me out," the drow whispers to Trellus as he heads up to the inn for a drink. Ulgren smiles at Kertan, "I am Ulgren D'athen, and make very bad guesses. I prefer the scroll to the usually off the mark guess."
Flea d20+9=26 Monday May 8th, 2006 11:28:06 PM
Flea stoops to pick up the gems that tumble out of the deteriorating pouch. She pockets them and any other small items that she might find, then troups along with the rest of her pack back to the local watering hole.
Taking a seat next to Trellus, Flea orders a Flaming Green Gnomish, if the barkeep knows how to mix the famous drink. If they don't know what she is talking about, she'll order a nice Asildurian red..."I wonder if they have chilled Ice Wine?" the gnome thinks with some melancholy. With a drink within reach, the rogue gets to work estimating the value of the gems (and any other items) found.
(Appraise=26)
Tishe' and Stripes Monday May 8th, 2006 11:54:44 PM
Glancing around at all the magical treasure, "nice picks, packmates!", Tishe' wonders what the mage means. "How can you identify something without the spell? I mean, is it skill or luck involved in naming a magical item?"
She smiles at Gilan and gives him a fond pat on the arm as the scrollcase clatters down. "What a sweetie.", she comments to no one in particular. And then focuses on the magical items. The gems are obviously for Flea to appraise, and platnuim is self-evident, but for the rest...
"The dagger probably enhances battleskill, and the vials are almost certainly potions... Gilan! can you look at the potions?... But as for the rest, there are so many possibilities..." She shakes her head. Concentrating her detect magic spell, she tries to guage the auras of the items to see if they are weak, moderate, or strong, as well as school of magic. Using the detect spell to the fullest extent will give her a better understanding of where to start.
Tishe' begins talking to herself as she concentrates on the items "after all, conjuration can summmon or heal, abjuration would protect, transformation would change..."
The plain-faced girl's mind is also on the 40K required to join. She glances at Kertan out of the corner of her eye. "You mentioned that we could join two ranks in the WLA. What if we only join the first one?"
dagger ring amulet orange gem(3) dark blue gem round white gem necklace boots vials(9)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Druidic 0; detect magic*, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Mac Tuesday May 9th, 2006 9:03:02 AM
"Marli, I am Mac. I follow Domi, and Gargul... well... I think I'd benefit from sitting down with yourself and Tishe' to talk about Gargul, and wisdom."
As his attention turns back to the bounty he think out aloud, "Whoever they were, they were willing to pay thousands of gold for a magical dagger instead of a couple of gold on an ordinary one. Gems are worth several hundred gold, and they had magical gems?! Maybe 40,000 gold isn't so out of reach..."
He pauses for a moment and asks, "Are these vials all the same? I mean, do they have the same stuff in them?"
Gilan d20+14=21 d20+14=18 d20+14=20 d20+14=19 d20+14=31 d20+14=15 d20+14=34 d20+14=32 d20+14=18 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 12:44:06 PM
Gilan stands and moves back down to the other end of the table. He takes a seat as he pulls the tattered piece of belt to him that holds the vials. "On it Tishe'." He takes out all nine potions and starts by checking their basic colors to see if any are the same or appear to be the same. As he works he does not say much as he is intent on his own work.
[spellcraft 21/18/20/19/31/15/34/32/18]
Anuk Tuesday May 9th, 2006 1:57:35 PM
Anuk follows Grainz and the pack into the Mug, but his thoughts remain on the beach and the men outside. Since finding the severed arm, he has seemed melancholy and lost in thought. He stares at the dagger for a while and sighs.
"We killed those crabs, but how many more are there below the waves?" he says, almost to himself. "Whatever's driving the crabs, they're killers. Someone's gotta protect these people against whatever comes next."
He's quiet for some time and then his big toothy grin opens across his face. "I've come to a decision," he announces. "I'm...uh...I'm gonna be staying here for a while. Drinks are on me, tonight!"
Trellus d20+12=14 d20+12=19 d20+12=21 d20+12=22 d20+12=23 d20+12=13 d20+12=21 d20+12=21 d20+12=27 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:13:52 PM
The blond cleric mingles with his packmates, both to get their take on the WLA offer, and to see what the goodies are.
"Maybe Graze'll take the non-magical stuff," he mentions to Anuk and Gilan. "He can't get twisted about that, can he?"
He takes a while to look over the potions with Gilan, but his mind keeps wandering: [Spellcraft 14/19/21/22/23/13/21/21/27 (jeez)]
After a cursory inspection, he blurts out "I think I'm in. These dudes may be the waxed pick we need to weave a way past the beaters back home. We can get reliable information from good guys, instead of this...this...whatever it is the monks are giving us."
Trellus' thoughts are rolling all over the place. It takes quite a while for Anuk's comment to register. He gives the ranger an arched eyebrow. "Whaddya mean by 'a while'?" he asks suspiciously.
Mac (illegal additional post) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:32:51 PM
"But Anuk, we're tracking the children down - we're gonna need you!"
Flea (illegal 2nd post) d20+2=15 d20+2=15 d20+2=17 d20+2=8 d20+2=19 d20+2=6 d20+2=5 d20+2=18 d20+2=21 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 8:42:30 PM
Flea perks up when Tishe' talks of potions. "I can help there, too!" she volunteers. The rogue handles the vials carefully after Gilan has checked them out. She unstoppers each vial, and her sensitive gnome nose goes to work. Each vial is recorked after a quick sniff.
Skills-alchemy=15, 15, 17, 8, 19, 6, 5, 18, 21.
Flea tries to remember other potions she has sniffed. She is sure to recognize the smell of almonds that comes with a curative spell. There are a few others that she is familiar with, but some that would be foreign as well.
Grymash d20-2=5 d20+2=4 Tuesday May 9th, 2006 10:26:51 PM
Grymash downs another ale. He hasn't had too much to say about the goings on between his packmates and the strangers. He still doesnt understand what they are talking about. However, a question does finally float to the surface. "If thays want ta give da bloodpack 40 teenzies gold ginglies, then why no let thems? Heck, Gry could use 'nuther pair boots for feet an uh keg o' glass grass! Dat be gute pay for killin' da crabbies."
(Int check 5. Wisdom check 4)
Loot and talks. (DM Jim) Tuesday May 9th, 2006 11:29:03 PM
Flea fingers the four blue gems and after a few tests she knows for a fact that each one is a diamond. Her eyes widen as she takes in each ones pure color and flawless surface and makes a few mental notes...5000 for each gem if she is not mistaken and she feels that she is right on the mark.
Tishe' takes to the treasure with some gusto. She has always liked a puzzle and this is a good one that nets the group something nice in the exchange. Her spell still working allows her to come up with a few more tidbits about the goodies.
Ulgren sits and watches Tishe' though he does introduce himself to Kertan. Not being as new to the pack he does not realize that the scroll case dropped onto the table contains scrolls that he could make use of.
At the other end of the table Mac sits down to talk to the young cleric and the leader of this small group. He does some thinking outloud about the cost of joining and some stuff.
Gilan checks over the vials one by one and comes up with only three that he can identify out of the nine. He growls at his own inabilities but passes the others onto anyone that wants to try.
Anuk drops a small hint that he may stay on at the village for awhile to help out here. He has had enough of the grass and would welcome some time to study the waters here...maybe make some drawings for later use.
Trellus stands, partly to get information about the goodies but also to find out what the others think about the WLA. Plus it gives him a chance to think this through. He does stop off to have a look at the last six potions but comes up with only one that he is able to figure out. The comment by Anuk does put him on the prod.
As both Trellus and Gilan pour over the potions, Flea gives them what aid she can with her alchemy skills. Though she is not able to help out much for Gilan, she is able to point out some oddities to Trellus that allows him to identify yet another potion.
Grymash is having a good time drinking and though he does not understand all that is going on...he just cannot see why it would be bad to take the money. If the poor half-orc only realized that he will be paying a percentage of this money instead.
Kertan looks to Tishe' with a smile and goes through some quick figures. "That would cut your cost a great deal but not allow as many benefits...making it to the second tier in trainin will toughen you up and allow you to take more damage(aka Toughness feat)." As he runs through the numbers a little more he looks down to Grainz and gets his attention. "What about 14000 gold if the first tier alone is taken?" He has included the fee for the SMG as well in there but does not mention that as of now.
Grainz looks up at Kertan and takes in what the mage is saying with a nod of his head. "We could do it for that much for the whole group...except for Anuk there if he would rather wait. If he joins too that would raise the price a little and that would get you the basics in the WLA, plus access to the SMG for the two mages." He glances to Marli and nods his head again. "We can take a few days here and then go after the slavers in the area...I am sure that band has not moved that far off."
Marli shakes her head and then smiles slightly. "You are right...they like to pick off stray groups for slaves anyways." She laughs lightly as she turns to Mac to talk to the minotaur. "That is the reason that there is only three of us traveling this direction." She rummages through her pack and tossed a set of manacles upon the table before her. They clatter and then come to a stop, though it is not hard to tell they are made from a strange black metal. "We got these a couple of weeks ago when we got the job. Seems the slavers in question use only the best manacles to hold their slaves." You can tell that she takes it personal that anyone would sell another person as a slave.
Treasure dagger[moderate transmutation] ring[faint abjuration] amulet[moderate transmutation] orange gem(3)[moderate conjuration] dark blue gem[moderate magic] round white gem[strong transmutation] necklace[moderate transmutation] boots[faint transmutation] blue gem(4) [i]vial vial vial levitate potion levitate potion vial daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) (magical is italic)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Mac Wednesday May 10th, 2006 1:21:01 AM
"Nice!" chimes in the taur as he looks at the manacles. "We came by a set of these a week or two back - got them packed away in our room at the moment - and my family are all sorts of smiths, but I don't recognise the metal. What can you tell us about it?"
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday May 10th, 2006 1:45:07 AM
Oh, there are so many things to talk about that Tishe' is having a hard time concentrating on any one subject! Treasure, slavers, crabs, Anuk, and joining groups, oh my!
For the groups, Tishe' siezes on Trellus' comment with gusto and ponders the words of Kertan. "Brilliant! Er, I mean... Shady!", exclaims the brown-haired mage. "We've been wondering if the monks have only been showing us one side of the tapestry for a long while. With an independant source, we could verify and be sure we are helping the right people! And perhaps we will be able to pay the entire 40,000 gold with the gems we have found..."
Tishe' sees with relief that Mac has taken the slaver talk by the horns, and is confident that if they took out the slavers.... "If we took care of your slavers," she says to Marli, "I wonder if you could check out where the giant crabs are coming from so we can do the quest we promised for the return of Ulgren from the Lands of Rest? That way, we can get two bounders with one arrow!"
Trellus is confronting Anuk, and Tishe' also is sure the cleric can find out what pick the ranger is on better than herself. If there is one thing she doesn't know, it's how to handle people!
So the plain-faced girl goes back to what she is good at, and concentrates on the magic: "well, to identify these will take the rest of the day (casting time is an hour for Identify) so we may as well get started!
It is morning, so Tishe' can study spells and take all Identify spells for her Red Spells. So she can (thoughout the day) Identify the Dagger, Ring, Amulet, Orange Gem, and Dark Blue Gem.
"Ulgren", she asks, "could you Identify the Round White Gem, Necklace, and Boots? You can weave your own spells, or use Gilan's Identify scrolls." She hands Ulgren the scroll case with four Identify scrolls.
dagger[moderate transmutation] ring[faint abjuration] amulet[moderate transmutation] orange gem(3)[moderate conjuration] dark blue gem[moderate magic] round white gem[strong transmutation] necklace[moderate transmutation] boots[faint transmutation]
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(4)]
Stripes sits down and enjoys immensely the feast after the hunt; cracking shell with powerful jaws and eating succulent flesh.
Druidic 0; detect magic*, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Jake Wednesday May 10th, 2006 5:21:04 PM
Jake sits over by Tishe and boredly watches her go about identifying stuff. "You know," he suggests, "there's a quicker way to identify stuff, just get Gry to try putting it on. Last time worked out pretty well..." he chuckles.
Jake seems pretty at ease, and heads back to the bar while the others divide up the treasure. He comes back with a waitress, who he has bribed with a gold to take drinks over to the hard-working packmates.
Flea Wednesday May 10th, 2006 7:11:22 PM
After a study of the gems, Flea's eyes widen when she recognizes the treasure that has landed in the party's lap. Although she hasn't picked up all the details of membership volunteered by the folks from that 'league', the gnome does fancy thier cool blue badges and wouldn't mind the prestige of sporting one on her cloak.
"Psst!" she whispers, "Trellus!"
When the rogue has the cleric's attention, she beckons him down to her level, and with a hand to her mouth, she whispers in his ear the estimated value of the gems she has appraised.*
*(4 gems x 5000 = 20,000 GP)
Trellus Wednesday May 10th, 2006 8:26:38 PM
Trellus grins at Flea. "Shady!" he whispers back.
He lets Tishe and Ulgren at the magic while he mosies back over to Grainz. Anuk is staying, which bites grass. But with he and Ulgren out, 40K doesn't look like a great bargain any more.
The blond cleric tries to block Anuk's imminent departure out of his mind, and quietly works with the seasoned fighter. "I'm thinking we got seven interested in joining," he says. "How 'bout 31?"
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 10th, 2006 8:57:13 PM
Gilan looks to Ulgren as he takes a sip of the cold fruit drink before him and then wonders. "Why would you not be able to join...surely you will get a share of what we have here." He cannot understand why the wizard would turn down this opportunity unless he is planing something else.
Looking to Trellus he speaks a little louder so that the blonde cleric can hear him. "Try 35 and we will get Ulgren in somehow." He already knows how they will go about doing it but does not want to say at this time.
Ciaran is quietly sleeping at his brothers feet as he waits for the food to start flowing. His own nose has picked up the scent of something that smells very good.
Like most of Gry's ideas, they usually come to him dead on arrival. Without thinking too hard about what Flea was suggesting, "Shady ... Gry can put on an see wha...!? HEY! Gry NOT be doin' dat agains!! Gry keepin' all Gry's pieces parts dis time!! NO WAY! Any one try dat wit Gry will gets uh slobber knocker!!" The half-orc clinches his white-knuckled fist and shakes it a few times for all to see before retiring back to his drink. After taking another gulp, Grymash mutters, "Grymarsha wus most pretty girl in da pack anyways ... jus make Flea jealous!" (Bluff: 18) Gry puts up a rather convincing front in trying not to show a smile and give away his little joke.
Ulgren Wednesday May 10th, 2006 10:59:37 PM
Ulgren whispers to Trellus, "I am interested but I lack the funds to cover my fee." The mage then smiles at Tishe', "I can identify the other items in the morning, no problem." The drow then turns and listens to the rest of the conversation.
Anuk Thursday May 11th, 2006 12:08:36 PM
After a few drinks, Anuk stands up from the table. "My friends," he says with a smile as he raises a new mug of green gnomish with his gloved hand, "to the Bloodpack!" He drains the mug and puts down and looks around at everyone.
"Protecting people is a shady thing, and I really do think I'll be of help to these good folks, but...light, I'll miss you all. Trellus...thanks for all the waxed picks during our fights. Your head's always been in a shady place, 'dude'. Gry...thank you for your constant protection and your big heart. Gargul is proud of you. Watch your back when Jake's around, eh? Speaking of whom...Jake, thanks for keeping things...uh...'interesting'. And best of luck with every lady you meet from here on out. Watch out for their fathers. Flea...thanks for your friendship...I'm glad you came to Rattledam. I hope your thread crosses with Bohdi's again someday. Gilan, you are the night soil, my friend. Keep your ties to mother Wold strong. And thank you for the gift box for my pens...I'll always use it. Mac, you came to us right when we needed your strength. Thanks for your bravery and your comradeship. I'm glad to have known you. Tishe', thank you for your uncommon sense. Keep those celestial bison coming and keep Jake in line, would you? And Ulgren, thanks for the shady fire picks. You've woven tightly with the pack in such a short time it's like you were here all along."
He gives everyone a grin, but there is a hint of sadness behind his eyes. He produces a pouch of coins, removes two of them and gives them to the bartender. Then he places the bag with the remainder of the coins on the table (248pp), along with the knife he found in the crab on the beach. "I hope this helps you on your quests. I can't see that I'll need it here." He clasps his hand over his fist and gives a slight bow. "The land, my life, my friends. Farewell. I hope our threads cross again. Oh...and someone kick Galafar in the rear for me when you get back to Rattledam." He winks and then turns and exits through the door of the Mug. As you hear his footsteps fade off, each pack member feels a farewell heart touch from the stocky ranger.
The feast and farwell. (DM Jim) Thursday May 11th, 2006 1:04:21 PM
As the day wears on a little further the group talks over thier plans and the village folk mainly leave you all alone. Though many come over and offer thanks for saving thier village and all. A certain female from the previous night comes over and seems to be stuck to Jake and many notice a smiling father in the corner.
At last Anuk makes his true intentions know. He drinks one last toast to the group and then makes a small contribution to the funds. With a last hearttouch to the group as a whole he wanders out the door and further into the village. He had made a deal with one of the locals to stay at his house. The man has no family and had been welcome of the company when Anuk had offered.
With a little bit more of a heavy heart the pack goes back to their dealings or at least might. As the day wears on further the pack find themselves swept up in a large outdoors cookout of crab meat. Large fire pits have been set up to cook the meat on with a large supply of vegetables.
Grainz moves over to stand by Trellus as he looks out over the festivities. "I would like to see those manacles...you may have settled our mission for use." He looks to the blonde cleric with a smile. "If that is so...we could check into the will behind the crab if you want." The other two members of his group are off talking to the villagers already. Soon the mage is casting a series of spells that delight the children with images of the fight upon the beach.
Treasure keen dagger+2 ring of protection+2 amulet of health+2 orange elemental gem(2) orange gem[moderate conjuration] dark blue rhomboid ioun stone(alertness) pearl of power(3rd) periapt of wisdom+2 boots of elvenkind [i]vial vial vial levitate potion levitate potion vial daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) blue gem(4)
[Gilan's Scroll Case - identify spells(0)]
Went ahead and used up the identify scrolls of Gilan's to identify a further four pieces of treasure. That only leaves one piece left and the potions that we could not identify.
Tishe' and Stripes Thursday May 11th, 2006 4:05:30 PM
Farewells are never Tishe's strong suit, and besides, she had stayed behind with the Manfri for a couple of days so could hardly try and make Anuk stay. Still, there was a comforting presense about the quiet ranger with the ashen-gray hand.
"As a shuttle through the loom", she formally tells Anuk, "you move away from us this day, may you touch our threads again." She smiles and is comforted by the hearttouch, and wonders what will happen to the Tear of the Dragon that is embedded in the ranger's chest.
With the majority of the magic identified, (and told to everyone) Tishe' waits for others to make thier selections since she gave up the ring+2 for the Peripat of Wisdom +2 from Grymash...
Stripes keeps eating.
Druidic 0; detect magic*, detect magic, read magic, create water 1; detect animal, hide from animal, speak with animal 2; hold animal*, animal trance
Trellus Thursday May 11th, 2006 8:13:59 PM
The blond man grasps the ranger's forearm and pulls him close. "Walk in the shade, Anuk," he says as his eyes well up.
It takes Trellus quite a few moments to trust himself to speak after Anuk's departure.
"OK," he tells Grainz. "We're all in, all the way."
He looks over the crab treasure. The pearl is of interest, but Ulgren might make better use of it. He waits to see if the drow makes a claim.
"Mac, if you ain't got a ring like that, you should probably take it," he suggests.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday May 11th, 2006 11:40:58 PM
Gilan clasps Anuk in a hug of his own and just barely keeps himself from making a fool of himself. "Your thread will always be with us no matter the distance...I am sure that we will see each other again one day." He lets the man go and moves back from the others. If anyone notices the few tears that swell in his eyes he will pass it off as he got some sand in his eyes.
Ciaran can feel the sense of loss, not only from his brother but the rest of the group as well. He cannot figure out why one of the pack would leave unless it was a time to die or he had broken some pack law.
As Gilan watches the others and has got himself back under control he shakes his head. "The pack will never be the same till he comes back...but we all must walk our own path when the time comes." He moves back over to look at the loot and wonders if Anuk will truely stay in this small village for long. Though he looks over the boots for a few minutes he does not say anything as they are really for sneaking and that is not his forte.
There is nothing of great interest to Gilan in the pile.
Mac Friday May 12th, 2006 1:07:21 AM
Mac wraps Anuk up in a bear hug. Before the ranger leaves he says to him, "I have a favour to ask of you. Will you keep Galea with you? Being lugged around the plains is no life for a kitten...". It is as far as he gets before he chokes up and falls silent.
When Trellus mentions the ring, he checks with Tishe' (who was going to get Gry's +1 ring after he gets the +2 ring from the slavers) to see if she wanted the newly identified +2 ring.
Tishe' (2nd Post) Friday May 12th, 2006 3:15:03 PM
the brown-haired girl gives Mac a warm smile and a dip of her chin to indicate he should take the ring. After all, he has people smacking him around a LOT more than she does! :)
Jake Saturday May 13th, 2006 12:47:10 AM
Jake gives Anuk a good handshake, clasping his packmate's hand and grinning at him. "Weave it shady, ya crazy walker," the tanned half-elf comments. "I know you'll come along back...you did before. Hey, you're blood no matter how much dust ya grind." Jake reaches into his pack and pulls out one of his wineskins. "Here's a bit of some of that sweet old glass grass, just to tidy yourself over." Jake wanders over to Tishe and considers her list. "If'n we're ta take some of the items here, I'd take the dagger normally, but ah'm thinking I'd rather trade it in for a few good throwing weapons. Ah'm thinking something weavy, like hammers or little axes. As it is, just count me out of this round of selection... Ah'm needing some cash, especially if ah'ma gonna join this league."
"Hey, while we're here, I saw one of those places that do tattoos and was thinking of getting one on my arm, what do you think, Trell?" Since tattoos would be scandalous back in Rattledam, Jake just can't help but mention this.
Meat and potatoes. (DM Jim) Saturday May 13th, 2006 6:25:28 PM
Grainz nods to Trellus and then motions the wizard and cleric to him. "Starting tomorrow morning we begin the training for this pack." He then looks to Trellus. "It will take about four days to get in all the training that we have to offer your group...this is normally at least six months of training in all." As he takes a bite of crab from off the plate that he is holding he smiles at the celebration that is going on. "Your pack has done a good thing for these people." Kertan looks to all the pack and then nods his head in understanding with what has been decided. "I will have the necessary spells ready for the next few days then." Marli persus her lips and then nudges Trellus with one hand as she looks him straight in the eyes. "I would also like to see those manacles that were mentioned in the morning if possible." She is hoping that maybe the ones that the pack took are going to be from the group that they were hunting for.
The party continues with many of the villagers coming over to congratulate and thank the pack for what they have done. Finally the village elder makes his way over with a small pouch in his hand. "It is not much but we would like to offer this to your group." He holds out the small pouch to Trellus after speaking and the smile that is upon his face speaks volumns.
Granz comes over and shakes his head. "I might have originally thought you would run...but ya proved me wrong." He holds out a hand to Trellus to shake with a bigger smile than you have seen this man give since you came here. "With the crabs gone...maybe we can get things back to normal and do some fishing." After shaking hands with Trellus he will move around to all of the pack in turn and offer thanks and shake hands.
The young woman hanging on Jake, Dinae, keeps close to him through the night and does not seem to be going to leave his side. Many of the other young woman are pouting about this as they wanted to have a chance to spend some time with him as well. Soon a dance is started with several of the older seaman playing on an assortment of odd instruments.
At around midnight the party breaks up and everyone moves off to get some sleep. Jake will find that Dinae still has a hold on him and gives him that come with me look. Many of the others in the pack find that they are also being watched by the young females of the village as well. Some are even approached for dances before it is time to go to sleep, some seem willing to invite the boys back to thier houses. Tishe' finds that a young man has been watching her all night long with doe eyes. He does get the nerve to ask her to dance but when it is time to go home he only wishes her a goodnight and if he can see her tomorrow. Flea finds that she is also a source of interest to some of the young men who watch her as she moves around. Still most of her attention is taken by the youngsters of the village that ply her for stories and tales of daring.
Treasure keen dagger+2 ring of protection+2 amulet of health+2 orange elemental gem(2) orange gem[moderate conjuration] dark blue rhomboid ioun stone(alertness) pearl of power(3rd) periapt of wisdom+2 boots of elvenkind vial vial vial levitate potion levitate potion vial daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) blue gem(4)
[i]You can post for the nighttime events and then to early morning. I will then start the training and get us through that as well.
Start your training back from 3rd level up to your current level. You will get access to both feats for joining the WLA and making it to journeyman. Those that joined the SMG will gain all the benefits of that from 3rd level up to your current level as well. Any questions please email me and I will take get into more depth if needed.
Mac d20+14=17 Saturday May 13th, 2006 9:30:05 PM
"I've got 'em Trellus!" Mac makes for their room, grabs the 5 sets of manacles, pausing briefly to reflect on the empty space where Galea's carrier sat, and brings them back to the table. He takes one in his hands and examines the black metal. [Weaponsmith check: 17 - sigh]
Mac (illegal additional post) Saturday May 13th, 2006 9:51:28 PM
Not entirely convinced that was the last of the crabs, but not sharing those thoughts with the celebrations underway, Mac takes up a position near the bell. Using the arctic gear on and off for warmth, he settles down for a night of light napping and watching.
Tishe' and Stripes Sunday May 14th, 2006 1:18:10 AM
The brown-haired girl enjoys herself at the party. She eats more than she should of the delicate crab meat, and accepts dances from the young man as well as dragging any of her 'pack who want to dance as well, smiling and stepping to the unfamiliar tunes and patterns. Mindful of her disasterous alcohol episodes with Jake's glass wine and a dream about something called a Flaming Green Gnomish, Tishe' keeps hydrated by cool water and lightly flavored cordials.
She doesn't notice any glares from girls or eyes from men until near the end of the night, when that nice dance partner bids her the good night. Oh my... The man is looking at her the way that girl is looking at Jake. The way boys used to look at Tishe's sisters but never at her. Blushing furiously, she stammers "I-I'll be in the village for a few d-days. Training. I'm sure you will see me. Er, Excuse me, but I need to talk to Gry." And she beats a hasty retreat to the side of the half-orc.
Soon after, Mac leaves the festivities, and Tishe' follows him out into the clear night. Seeing his intent, she nods, and joins his watch. Stripes pads beside her, and she affectionately rubs the hyena's ugly head. She passes the time talking to Mac about the stars, about her family in HookCity, about her very pretty sisters who always had boys following them. "I never had a boy follow me around", she comments frustratingly, "and I had my magic so was happy about not having the distractions. But since I went to Rattledam, there's been that Blackpack boy, Curli the faun, and now this fisher boy." She shakes her head. "I'm just a plain, dumpy girl; why are they trying to complicate my life!" A score of emotions are running across her face from flattered, to embarrassed, to puzzled, to frustrated.
Stripes sits close and offers what comfort he can to his human, not understanding why she is upset after the recent mating rituals of the fishpack.
Trellus d20+10=22 Sunday May 14th, 2006 9:42:38 AM
The blond haired man's head bobs up and down as he listens to Grainz. "Shady," he replies. "We're looking forward to it." When Mac appears with the manacles the trio is interested in, Trellus looks on with interest. "So what is that stuff they're made of, anyway?"
The village elder tries to give him something. Trellus grins, but covers the man's hands in his own and closes them back over the pouch with a shake of his head. "Thank you, truly," he responds politely. "But we have already recovered a great amount from the crabs themselves. Please keep it. You may have need of it later." [Diplomacy 22]
Graze comes over and the cleric laughingly returns the handshake. "I told you dudes, The Bloodpack doesn't run. We're were happy to help. Light, it led us to these three here."
The party starts getting under way, and Trellus notices that he's getting noticed. The evening is promising to by very shady indeed. Before everyone starts splitting up, he hunts down Ulgren and asks if he can take a shot at identifying the remaining potions and that last gem. "In the morning, if you can. No hurry."
With that last bit of business out of the way, the young man turns to enjoying some of the other benefits of being famous in a small town. He dances, he drinks. After a bit of drinking he tries his hand at singing. And he's more than willing to accept invitations.
Its a truly waxed evening.
Jake d20+18=27 d20+10=20 Sunday May 14th, 2006 11:58:39 PM
Jake enjoys the night immensely, buying drinks for villagers to get friendship, probably getting drinks bought for him by grateful people, and all in all making good friends. His friendly and easygoing nature excels in this environment, and he meshes with the townspeople like he was one of their own. Soon he's telling them stories, like of the time Grymash greedily tried a magic item and got turned into a woman, and the follow up joke about how he tricked a gnome in love with Flea to put on the belt to "grant him great powers in combat". He keeps on telling stories and drinking with just about everyone, and making sure to dance quite a bit with his current paramour.
(Perform; storytelling: DC 20 and Diplomacy DC 28 :D)
He also spends time trying to pull the other packmates into the fun. "Hey, GRY! Gilroy here says that he thinks Mac's stronger than you. I think you two should have an arm-wrestling contest to prove who's stronger!" He will also take bets, putting money on his personal favorite, Grymash, 'cause he's never seen the half-orc get beaten. Though the huge minotaur probably has his own supporters... Jake can't help but notice Tishe has a dancer and there's an amused glint in his eye when he manages to bump into her just as she's about to head after Mac. "Hey, Tishe! Ah think that boy over there thinks you're mighty cute. I'll make sure to tell him what kinda grass ya like and stuff. You want me to tell him you think he's cute? Okay!" And before she can respond he's off, his (Current) girlfriend pulling him off to dance.
And he can't help but notice hte attention the other packmates are getting. He gives Trellus some pointers and compares notes with the blond cleric on wihch girl to go after.
He also tries to draw the other quieter members into fun. The dark elf, who he tries to get to dance and show some moves, or maybe some magic tricks. Or Gilan, who he tries to convince to dance...and so on.
Flea Monday May 15th, 2006 12:55:48 AM
The gnome listens quietly as Anuk tells the pack about his decision. She doesn't say or do anything until just before he leaves. then she runs at the curly haired human and hugs him around the legs. "Don't go!" she cries piteously. "We need you! I-I-I need you!"
But the young man's mind is made up, and eventually Flea lets go, and watches as he makes his way through the village with the guy who is going to take him in.
Flea isn't in much of a mood to party, but the rogue's mood brightens when she spots the booty. Nothing specific calls her name, but everything must be touched and examined.
Ulgren d20+5=21 Monday May 15th, 2006 7:59:37 AM
Ulgren finishes identifying the items with Tishe' and looks up in time to hear Anuk's words of farewell. The drow's eyes well up, a pit forming in his stomach. The mage rushes over to him, "You are my family, my brother, my life, I'd give mine for yours." The mage stands a bit straighter, "I will miss you. A part of me will stay here with you." Ulgren gives Anuk a smile and a hug, "May the gods watch over you." Ulgren forces himself to turn to the task at hand, "I will memorize identifies in the morning to help with the rest of the potions and the last gem." Ulgren shakes his hand at the sight of the items laid across the table. "That pearl could come in handy, but I will defer to Trellus." The mage smiles as the festivities began and gets drawn into dancing by Jake and doesnt do half bad for his first time. The drow manages to avoid and invitations to anyone hut and eventually heads upstairs to bed.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday May 15th, 2006 12:57:09 PM
Gilan is quick to shake hands with Graze when he comes over to him. He cannot help but turn red at the thanks and all. Really it had been nothing that him and the pack have not done for others.
Through the night he spends his time drinking with the locals as he gets to know stories of the area...not that he will be able to relate any of them in Rattledam. With a little egging from Jake he finally consents to dance with a few of the women that ask him...though he does not take anyone up on thier offers of company.
After some time and when things start to wear down, he finds himself back out on the beach staring at the sea. Ciaran is by his side and watches the moon both in the sky and in the water. It is a nice night and he knows that tomorrow will start a routinue of training that he has not seen before. He lets his hand drop to lay upon the wolves head. "Tomorrow brother our lives will be different...but at least we will always be one." He scratches the spot behind the ears and smiles as the wolf looks up to him.
Tonight they will sleep outside upon the beach and be woken in the morning by Mother kissing them with morning light. He can feel that things have started to change with him...his appetite and tastes have started to change...he has also noticed a slight change to his teeth, more pronounced canines. It was strange but it felt natural...like he had always been this way.
One item and four potions remain to be identified. If anyone else has Spellcraft, a 25 will identify some of the potions...you just need to roll once for each potion.
Ulgren: 2nd illegal post d20+14=34 d20+14=20 d20+14=27 d20+14=18 Monday May 15th, 2006 10:43:25 PM
Spellcraft checks for the 4 potions :34, 20, 27, 18.
Train hard, train fast. (DM Jim) Tuesday May 16th, 2006 12:22:54 AM The Night Before Grainz and Marli both come over and take a look at the manacles with a professional look. As the compare the two sets of manacles that each group had they finall nod thier heads and seem to have an even more satisfied look upon thier faces. Grainz speaks up and Marli nods in agreement. "This is most definitely the group were had been looking for...you beat them all...killed them I would figure." It is not a question but a statement of fact really. He cannot believe their luck. Marli speaks up with a hint of amusement in her voice. "The metal is adamantine, an extremely strong metal and a rare choice for any slaver. You may notice those little markings on the manacles?" She points out a part moon and star on each manacle of the groups as well as the ones the WLA have. "These all belong to one group and they have been more successful than any other group...with them out of the way the slave trade will halt a little." It appears that the group has unknowingly done a mission for the WLA without even knowing it.
That Morning Those of the group that are not up early the next morning find that there is a pounding at thier room door. When it is finally answered Grainz is standing in the doorframe with a wide smile. "It is a fine morning for training and nearly seven...you should be out of bed by now...we train hard and we train fast." He moves back down the stairs and you do not hear much more out of him as he goes but... "Training time boys and girls."
Marli is down at the beach that same morning and is rounding up those that decided to keep vigil on the ocean or just spend the night there. To those that maybe there and not up she just holler at in a military tone. "Come on you lazy sacks of bones...the Wold waits for noone...it is time to start training." She waits long enough for them to get up and then marches back towards the houses and the inn.
Kertan collects the rest of the group from various houses or at least those that went home with villagers. His banging on the various doors rouses some of the villagers from thier sleeps, though they do not seem angry. "Time for training...fall out in front of the inn." He just gives that little bit of advice as he moves from house to house.
Back at the inn you find that all three of the WLA members are there but in a lot different clothes than earlier. Grainz and Marli are both wearing protective gear and Kertan is dressed in normal clothes. Leaning against the wall are a number of longspears, bastard swords and shortswords...of the practice variety. Grainz steps forward as if he is drilling a squad of troops. "Today we will starty your training with one of the following weapons...I know that some of you can use some of these weapons already so you will most likely choose the bastard sword which is not so common." He walks back and forth in front of the group with a big smile upon his face. "I want you to try out each weapon and see what fits you and that is the one that we will train you to use...unless you already have a preference." He waits for all of you to make a decision and pick up a practice weapon.
As weapons are chosen you find that you are soon in mock personal battles with either Marli or Grainz. They run you through the drills a number of times and though you get many bumps and bruises, you find that you are learning. When at last Grainz calls a quit to the training you feel like you have been at this for at least three weeks, but as you wipe off sweat it is only nearing noon.
Grainz nods his head in a satisfied fashion as he wipes off himself. "A very good morning of training...you are doing well...all of you." He moves back towards the inn and shakes the sweat from his hair. "We will break for four hours to get lunch and any private matters...then we will start training in your skills...which you had better think about and tell me what you want to do at that time." He moves on into the inn and leaves a tired bunch in his wake.
You now notice that a group of villagers, mostly admirers from the night before, are standing around or seated upon the sand watching you. Many of the seem to be admiring the athletic bodies that they are getting to see more of today than last night...or at least for some that is.
Treasure keen dagger+2 ring of protection+2 amulet of health+2 orange elemental gem(3) dark blue rhomboid ioun stone(alertness) pearl of power(3rd) periapt of wisdom+2 boots of elvenkind bless weapon oil bless weapon oil bless weapon oil levitate potion levitate potion levitate potion daylight oil daylight oil greater magic fang+5 potion platinum(500) blue gem(4)
All the treasure is identified. Ulgren was able to identify two of the potions through Spellcraft and I figure that he will identify the other two by spell when he gets a chance. The gem he also would identify with a spell. So there you have it...all the treasure is ready for sell or division.
OOC Tuesday May 16th, 2006 6:43:12 PM
One last question before I post the proposed distribution: Are we trading in the manacles, and if so, what are they worth? The manacles have an inherent value based on function and material (the latter I have no clue about), or a value based on them being 10lb of Adamantine (which I also do not have a price for). If we keep it, then as one option Mac would be willing to make each packmate a dagger - given time and access to a forge.
Grymash d20=7 Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:05:10 PM
Grymash enjoys the training sessions. He also likes that he doesn't have the responsibility of planning a training schedule for his packmates that regularly joined him during his morning workouts. Using the bastard sword was a treat. He had never used one before. Gry also made sure not to be too gentle with Jake. Especially after his night of storytelling. Though he does feel kinda bad for stepping on his chest after "accidentally" knocking him to the ground. "OOPS! Sorry 'bout dat!"
(Bluff check: 7)
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:59:07 PM
Gilan finds that the long spear is a nice weapon but he doubts that he will be able to use it much as it would be against the code he lives by. He puts everything into the workout that he can, just as if he was working out with Grymash.
As that part of the training is finished for the day he feels more tired than he has in a long time. When Grainz gives them some time off to eat and rest he is happy but the idea of coming back and working more leaves a bad taste in his mouth. Leaning the spear up against the inn he moves slowly inside. "Man...that was intense and I feel so tired." He slips into a seat in the Mug and sighs as it is cooler in here than outside. The training in the sand had made it all the harder.
When he finally gets a serving girls attention he orders some food and some cool juice. As he sits and waits for it to be brought he closes his eyes and leans back in the chair.
Ciaran whines from his spot on the floor and wonders when his brother will get him something to eat. After all he has not eaten since breakfast and he is hungry again.
Jake Wednesday May 17th, 2006 3:42:51 AM
If anything, Jake is actually giving pointers on bastard sword use to the others. (Exotic Weapon Prof in it, Weapon Focus, AND Specialization :P ). For him it's actually more than just a weapon, it's an extension of his arm. He enjoys using tihs time to get back at Grymash, making sure to use the wooden bastard sword to poke the half-orc a few times when he's still clumsily swinging, or to tap him on the side of his rather hard skull teasingly. Since he also knows how to hit those particularly-sensitive spots (using sneak attack rogue ability) he hits Grymash softly, but just in the rigth place to make it felt.
Mid-practice, he strips off his armor, and after a second, his shirt, showing his rather well-pronounced muscles. Since he's not a brute or overly muscled, he looks damned good, and he knows it. But he's also being rather vain...who else would practice wearing only a loincloth and a hat? Still, if you got it, flaunt it.
If anything, the practice is quite enjoyable to him overall. He's not used to the running and forced exercise by others, but he does keep himself under a heavy regimented exercise. This one's just a bit more fun, and interactive. He takes it seriously, putting all his effort into the tough exercises, but can't help but mix it with some goofing/showing off. Like, grabbing Gilan and rubbing his head furiously with his knuckles, "where'd you get them teeth, huh?"
Trellus Wednesday May 17th, 2006 7:58:23 AM
Trellus enthusiastically throws himself into the training with the bastard sword. For the cleric of Domi, the chance to just work without thinking much doesn't come around much anymore.
He dutifully follow Grainz's instructions and happily swings the unfamiliar weapon around and around. He notices the looks of some members of the audience, but doesn't think much about it. This morning isn't for thinking, its for doing.
Lunchtime rolls around, and the blond haired man drops down beside Gilan for some food. He eats quietly for a few minutes, gathering his thoughts. Back to thinking, he mutters wryly to himself.
"Hey Gilan," he starts. "I been wondering, how much info have the monks ever given us? I mean, they've been spoonfeeding us our entire lives. And now...I dunno...I don't think we're getting the true thread. I'm thinking maybe we get more outta these WLA guys. Maybe we actually talk to that Baron Lady. Maybe we ask the manfri on our own. Maybe...maybe Rattledam ain't the place we should be. Maybe we'd protect the Grass better from someplace else."
Trellus lowers his head and thinks some more. Its the first time he's ever mentioned leaving Rattledam, and the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes he's likely the only person in the pack with anything to leave.
"Maybe we just start our own town," he muses.
Mac Wednesday May 17th, 2006 8:40:54 AM
Mac takes up a large Bastard Sword in one hand, and spends the morning getting used to the oversized weapon - the arcs, parries and thrusts. Grainz will no doubt need to impart some lessons here as Mac occasionally treats the tip of the bastard sword like a rapier. He lets Jake and Gry have their fun, but he's trying to gain all he possibly can from the training - even to the point of pushing the envelope.
As they break for lunch, he approaches Grainz and answers his question: "Climbin' please."
At lunch he eats what might normally be two portions for the taur, but still engages in the conversations at table.
More training. (DM Jim) Wednesday May 17th, 2006 5:27:27 PM
Grainz moves into the Mug as well and with his two companions they settle in for some food and rest as well. There is only one large table that all the group can set at and now it does not bother them to share it.
As the group goes about relaxing the serving girl brings around several pitchers of cool juice, beer and a light wine. She also has several platters of bread, cheese and assorted fruits brought to the table as well. She looks to all those present as they settle in. "For lunch we will be serving either a nice crab stew or lightly fried prairie pig in an apple sauce." She waits to see what everyone is looking to have and will bring it out.
Grainz looks to the group with a smile on his face as he takes a small bite of bread. "So...has anyone figured out the next part of your training for today." He glances to Mac and inclines his head. "Kertan will have a nice wall for those that want to practice climbing on and over the next few days we will work with several different types of wall actually." Kertan nods his head as he speaks up. "I have a wall of wood spell ready for today...I think I will try a stone wall tomorrow and work my way up to ice at the end." He chews on a piece of apple as he thinks a little more on it.
adamantine manacles should be worth roughly 300gold/manacle. I just noticed that you cannot truely figure that out with the DM book. Sorry about that.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 17th, 2006 11:06:55 PM
Gilan punches Jake in the shoulder as he comes into the Mug. "I think it is my connection with Father coming out." He simply shrugs as he cannot phrase it any better than that.
As he sits he opens one eye and looks to Trellus to see if he is serious. He sets forward and opens both eyes now. "I believe the council is telling us only what they want us to know...they may have good reasons for it...but I also know that they are isolationists in many ways." He rubs his shoulders and thinks over what else he can express in this matter. "They seem to fear change...something I cannot figure out...all things change...ask Tishe'...the tapestry is always changing as it is woven." He looks to the others to see if anyone else wants to say anything. "I also believe they hide a big secret that they fear...that is one reason they will not allow any trees to be grown outside the dome." Looking to Grainz and the others two he shakes his head with a sigh.
He looks back to Trellus as he reaches down and scratches his brother's head. "I doubt that the WLA has any more answers to some of the secrets that the council hides...I doubt that the council would tell anyone much of anything." He picks up a piece of apple and takes a bite out of it, chewing it slowly. "I am not sure that I want to settle down yet...but a new base of operations would not be a bad idea...the council have threatened us often enough and I doubt it is idle threats." He eats the rest of the apple as he gives a half-hearted smile. "The only one that I fear disappointing is Malafret...she has been nice to all of us...but I wonder just how much we can trust her..." He lets it hang there as he takes up a hunk of bread and takes a bite of that. He slips a few things from one of the platters onto the floor for Ciaran to eat.
Glancing to Grainz he nods his head. "Grainz...I would like to work on my animal handling skills after our break...if you have any ideas." He knows that he has a better chance of working with animals than most being a druid...but he could use some more skill in that area.
Trellus Thursday May 18th, 2006 8:19:04 PM
The cleric leans back, and runs his right hand over his short haired scalp several times. "Crab," he replies distantly to the several girl. "And, uh, I'll try climbing, too," he says in response to Grainz.
But mostly, he's thinking about home, and the monks, and what Gilan's saying, and what it all means. "Yeah, I know the Woldian League won't have many threads here. Its just.....I mean, light, I am so tired of being led around by those beaters. Malafret is shady, I guress... I dunno."
Trellus gets a far off look as he stares at the wall over Gilan's shoulder.
"Wouldn't it be totally shady if we found someplace with Grass and trees and water and people and just had a place to stay? Our own place? No beaters, no Barons, no Raiders. Just us, and our families and friends and we just protect our own and The Land like we see fit. I mean, who put the monks in charge anyway?"
The crab arrives and Trellus sets into it. It's truly tasty, and he stops daydreaming long enough to enjoy it.
Grymash Thursday May 18th, 2006 8:24:43 PM
Grymash continues on with his training. He finds it most enjoyable. Watching the others try and hit one another. He really enjoys dodging Jake's sneaky little jabs. The barbarian's 'uncanny' ability to 'dodge' such attacks has aggrivated many a rogue. Opponents of Gry learn rather quickly it is very hard to catch him flanked or flat on his feet. :)
The training days. (DM Jim) Friday May 19th, 2006 11:36:22 PM
Grainz just nods his head in understanding of the groups wishes. He will have things set up for the group and their continues training.
After about four hours the group finds themselves back outside and with more training. Kertan has set up a wall as he was asked and those that requested more training in climbing are soon at it. Gilan runs through the paces with Ciaran and several other wild animals that are brought into being.
The next three weeks continue like this with combat training in the morining and skill training in the evening. Each night the members of the Bloodpack find themselves exhausted but feeling better about what they can do.
The morning of what would be the beginning of the fourth week Grainz is up and seated at the table downstairs in the mug. He looks up as each packer comes down for breakfast and he smiles. "We will hold the ceremony for your full induction into the WLA and SMG an hour before lunch...then we will celebrate for the rest of the day." He has not spoke of anything beyond what his group is currently doing with the Bloodpack but you have a feelig that they will look into the crab dilemma.
Jake Saturday May 20th, 2006 2:09:01 AM
"Not head back to Rattledam? You guys gone totally walker on me? Rattledam's not only where our bosses live, it's our HOME. We fight on the plains FOR Rattledam, not because we're from it. Heck, ah ain't seen much on the plains worth fighting for more than Rattledam. Perhaps we should head back and...well, I dunno. Amelioriate them, submit ourselves to their judgement. I mean, we HAVE been gone a long time... We should head back as soon as possible. I miss home, sorta."
Jake has enjoyed these last few weeks. Training is pretty good practice, and if anything, they've been working more as a group then since they were first bloodpack. Since hten he's broken up with the first girl, having found her a bit TOO clingy for his tastes. For a while, it even seems he even stays away from the girls of the town, but then it turns out he was just keeping up that front, and secretly at night sneaking out to a secret hideout point to meet a girl. When news of this comes out, he's kinda embarassed, because this girl is kinda unnattractive. Well, many mixed-races are.... The next girl, however, is a far better looker...and so it goes on. And, to boot, occasionally he can sneak an attack past Gry's barbarian trained defenses by feinting. (Bluff +10, so nyah nyah!) (I like this ooc back and forth poking ;-) )
Trellus Sunday May 21st, 2006 8:51:57 PM
Trellus cocks his head and listens with some surprise as Jake calls to head home. He hadn't expected the half-elf to be so attached to Rattledam. After all, it wasn't like the dude was the settling down type. Of course, Jake right. There ain't much else on the Grass worth defending.
But the blond man can't shake the feeling there is more and the monks won't show them.
"We're going back, Jake," he answers placatingly. "We train here. We weave this pick for the Baron Lady. And then we come back here, get a boat for Hook City, and hop a trader back to Rattledam."
"I'm just saying it'd be a lot shadier if the monks weren't trying to sunbake us all the time. I mean, these folks got a shrine up to their god at least. You seen any shrines to Domi or Gargul in Rattledam?"
He muses for a moment. "Wonder what would happen if I told them I wanted to build one?" The very thought of Galafar's reaction brings a huge grin to Trellus' face.
"Oh, I'm sorry dudes. Anuk leaving has got me all twisted. Let's go get to work and climb these walls."
Induction Ceremony. (DM Jim) Monday May 22nd, 2006 11:16:48 PM
Grainz is standing outside of the Mug with Kertan and Marli, all now dressed in the full uniform of a WLA member. Pinned upon Grainz's chest is a red medal that identifies him as an officer in the WLA, while Kertan and Marli wear the blue pins. Kertan is holding a box in his hands that has a number of small blue badges on it and a pair of medallions.
Grainz steps forward and sweeps up all of the badges in his hand as he steps forward to stand just in front of the group. "All of you will swear the oath that all new members must swear." He puffs his chest out a little as if he is truely happy with todays work. "Please repeat the following after me and insert your name into the oath..."I, ......, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."." As each of you finishes the oath he moves down the line slowly and hands each of you a blue badge in turn. "Though we have no outpost in this part of the Wold...it will be a better place to have members of your caliber here to carry out its protection." He then steps back and nods his head.
Kertan steps forward now with the two medallions clasped in his right hand. He stops before both Ulgren and Tishe' in turn. "You are both now a brother and sister to me in the Star Mage Guild...when you get a chance visit our branch in Hook City, when you visit the Woldian League of Adventurers." Over the past few days he has explained many of the advantages to both packers and what they may do when the find a branch.
The rest of the day is spent in celebration of the newest members of the WLA and SMG. The village seems as happy to have the Bloodpack around as anyone. As the day wears on Graze comes forward to see what the pack will do in the morning...will they be leaving the village and will they return someday to visit.
Trellus Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 8:11:54 PM
Trellus gives an easy smile as Grainz inducts them into the Woldian League. "Thanks, Dude," he tells the instructor. "We're looking forward to dropping in on Hook City as soon as we can." Cause that's the way home. he finishes to himself.
When Graze comes by, the cleric nods. "We gotta go drop in on the Baron Lady. We owe her a debt. After that, we were hoping we could come back here and catch a ride to Hook City."
Grymash Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 9:14:30 PM "Gry, Gry, do be solemonumlie swears ta hold up da ideals of da uhh ... League, an ta pro...protects da innocents an battle evils where Gry finds uhhh ...it. Yeah, dat be right... where Gry finds it!"
Grymash likes the blue metal ... all nice and shiny. However, Gry does prefer the other color and he thinks about asking later on if he can trade his blue one for a red.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 9:45:39 PM
Gilan gives Grainz a nod as he presents him with the blue badge. He repeats the oath that was given to all of them. "I, Gilan, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it." Taking the badge he afixes it to his steelgrass armor as he waits for the others to receive thier honors.
That night is one of revulry that Gilan has not had the chance to participate in for a long time. He dances with the young ladies and swaps stories with the local fisherman.
Later before it is time to head to bed and being very tired he finds Trellus. "So...we go to help out this village then." He watches the others as he speaks. "Then to Hookcity?" He glances to Ciaran who is now getting scraps from the few children in the coastal village.
Flea Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 10:31:25 PM
The rogue has been very quiet during the week of training, and all ears when the folks from the WLA would just stand around and talk about...stuff. There is something straightforward and honest about this group and its ideals. Even the oath...it just made sense to protect the innocent and combat evil...not like that weird stuff she had to swear to avoid the monks and their brainwashing back home.
Home
Was Rattledam Town under its strange woven dome really home anymore? How long had it been since she had slept in that little bed in Gilan's hut. The gnome's eyes slide over to the druid. He seemed okay, now, but recently he had been behaving so weird. Maybe he wouldn't want to share his hut with her anymore? Maybe he would want to be alone with that wolf of his?
"I, Furtif Aeanora Flibbertigibbit, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."
Flea looks down at the shiny blue badge, and admires how nicely it contrasts with her Shadow Armor. A little whistfully she thinks of the cute gnome guy she had met back when the party had got sucked into some portal. I wonder what Bohdi would think, if he could see me now? she wonders to herself. Then, with a sigh, Flea squares her small shoulders and joins the revellers.
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