Samule the Shade II [DM Inge] Tuesday May 16th, 2006 6:04:00 AM Dietrich is the first to react to Samule the Shade. With a soft voice filled with fear he answers explaining more about this place and about the Huntsman.
Olyn and Vorelle tend to Berlon to see if he's hurt or to find out why he's in such bad shape suddenly. Berlon huffs and puffs heavily trying unsuccessfully to catch his breath.
"As usual *huff huff* we have *wheeze* a bigger problem *huff huff* Selling that ruby *achem* that ruby *wheeze* may have been a bad idea..." the cleric says. After a few moments strength returns to his legs and he's able to stand up again. Still wobbeling slightly, but slowly he feels stronger once again. Whow! What a rush!!
Theodore turns a perplexed look to Vauhwyt as he understands that this is half of Samule the Fence, a friend of Vauhwyt. The liontaur is visibly moved when she realizes that this is what remains of her friend.
"Samule! Samule! Is it you?"
She moves to pick up the cloth and hold it carefully.
"How did this happen? How did you come to this place? Oh, Samule!"
The liontaur's eyes are moist.
"yes Vauhwyt. It is I, Samule.", the shroud whispers.
"Boss," says Mookie, "Get a grip!"
"Oh yes," she answers Mookie, dabbing at her eyes. "I just can't believe it!"
"Good answer Boss! I don't believe it either! Look what he did to Berlon. This talking hankerchief thing might not even be Samule! Don't blow your nose on it, Boss!"
Mookie hops toward the shroud in his master's hands. "Prove it! Prove you are who you say you are!"
Vauhwyt, for once, does not hush her bird.
"What proove do you want Vauhwyt? Weren't you the one to come into my store selling a red ruby carved like a skull? Didn't you wave your Wolves ring to me? Didn't you asked me to buy a nember of item you looted lately?" and with that Samule the Shade sums several of the items Vauhwyt wanted to sell to Samule the Fence. "What more proove do you want?"
Then the shade seems to turn to Mookie and says :"I did not hurt that man", he clearly speaks about Berlonm, "That Blade belongs to my Master... He will search for it..."
Theodore shakes his head. "Well, let me tell you something, buddy. "We'll sure think twice before doing business with you, again."
Quickly Samule the Shade answers Theodore: "You MUST understand that I am bound to this place by my Master and disobeying Him... I just dare not. He means you no harm. He got intrigued by those who found such interesting artifacts like the red ruby skull! He promised me He would not hurt you!!"
Rose doesnt like what she hears about the cloak saying he was supposed to bring them to the cabin. "The huntsman wants us at the cabin, and you were supposed to bring us here?" She says.
Again Samule the Shade:"No No No! I had to summon the mysts that brought you here. He will find you. I don't need to bring you anywhere! But I betrayed my master... I brought you here as he demanded me to do, but I knew Vauhwyt and her friends would be able to free me from this treacherous realm. He will NEVER release me, but you can take me to the Inn. That's the only safe place!! PLEASE take me with you and free me from this nightmare... I beg you... "
Vauhwyt (enlarge) and Mookie (enlarge) d20+8=13 Tuesday May 16th, 2006 7:35:08 AM
"Go to the inn! Go to the inn! Rawwk! Rawwk! Wee-oo!" Mookie says like a parrot. "That's all we keep hearing! Maybe we should NOT go to the inn! So far this whole place has been a trap!"
"Well," says Vauhwyt, "We should at least check out this place. What's inside, Samule?"
She circles the building, looking. Then she climbs -- hind feet on the ground, forepaws on the building, to see the roof. (Climb 13)
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght Tuesday May 16th, 2006 8:19:43 AM
Dietrich listens to all the confusing stuff. Itīs hard to know what to do and whom to trust. The gypsies seemed to be trueful at least. And they donīt have any other reference in this horrible realm besides the inn anyway.
The warrior also listens to the part about the Huntsman not wanting to hurt the party. Interesting, but we better donīt test it.
At last, Dietrich takes care of more immediate practical problems. He wraps the powerful sword in his blancket and puts it away. Than he asks the shroud again (though equally shocked about the revelations, but this will be dealed later with):
"Is there any other way to that inn besides this forest? Who were that gypsie girl? How does she fits in to all this?"
To his friends he says: "We canīt cross this forest unless we have more silence magic. Vauhwytīs plan could be useful for short distances, but we would advance slowly and making lots of noise, just begging to get caught by the Huntsman.
I see the following options for the moment: 1) We find another way to the inn, that doesnīt pass through the deadly trees. 2) We invert the game on this Huntsman and do what he doesnīt expect: attack. We could ambush him. Also, we have his sword. 3) We use ilusions and tricks to make him think we moved in a certain direction, while we go the other way. 4) We wait to see what he wants and negotiate with him.
I donīt think the fourth option is realistic, and I donīt like the second option either, as we donīt know the enemy. So Iīd propose a mixture of the first and third option, if possible."
The Huntsman's Blade Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:59:53 AM Dietrich wants to wrap the blade in his blanket, but much to his own and especially to Berlon's surprise the blade won't come loose. Berlon's fists remain closed around the hilt!!
Rose Tuesday May 16th, 2006 3:33:14 PM
Rose is still putting her gear back on, but when she sees Vauhwyt start to climb on the shack she says "Vauhwyt, you're going to make it fall. Wait until we're not near it!" Rose says as she hurridly moves away.
Theodore and Macaw d20+6=24 Tuesday May 16th, 2006 9:33:39 PM
Seeing Berlon unable to extricate himself from the blade, Theodore hurries over. "Let me see if this helps."
Bending over his friend, Theodore casts dispel magic on the blade. (Dispel magic check is 24)
Vorelle d20+11=30 Tuesday May 16th, 2006 10:44:55 PM
Vorelle is now seriously worried about Berlon. He not only seems ill, but now appears unable to release his grip on the sword! And, if nothing else, the gnome is going to get awfully tired lugging around a human-sized sword.
Vorelle tries once again to figure out what might be wrong with Berlon.
[Heal check 30]
Olyn Wednesday May 17th, 2006 1:05:22 AM
Attempts to cast Remove Curse on Berlon.
Berlon (33/39) Wednesday May 17th, 2006 1:12:47 AM
"Super fantastic," Berlon deadpans as he stares at his clenched fist; the irony being that it is neither super nor fantastic.
"Well, I don't have anything to deal with this right now. Maybe back at my lab I could think of something." He wrinkles his large nose as he stares at his hand. "Why do I always get stuck holding the sword?" he mutters to himself.
"And my vote is for the Haul To The Inn option. If the Fence crosses us, we can deal with him. If he doesn't cross us, he can help us get back here, should we feel obligated, or insane, or otherwise get hit in the head with a coconut and decide coming back here would be a good idea while the people of the city still need us."
He touches his free hand to his lips.
"Am I talking a lot all of a sudden? I hope that's not the sword..."
Helping Berlon and tough decisions [DM Inge] d100=25 d4=1 Wednesday May 17th, 2006 7:30:41 AM
"Go to the inn! Go to the inn! Rawwk! Rawwk! Wee-oo!" Mookie says like a parrot and with that the raven seems to capture the thoughts that race through the minds of some. Vauhwyt gets intrigued by the wooden shed and checks inside... At the end, she gets on her hind feet and climbs with her forepaws on the building!
"Vauhwyt, you're going to make it fall. Wait until we're not near it!"Rose says as she hurridly moves away.
Just in time! As Vauhwyt crashes with her forepaws on the roof, a few beams break and part of the roof collapses. Vauhwyt is not hurt because of this though and luckily Rose was fast enough to get out of there!
"This shed is deserted Vauhwyt" Samule the Shade says, "Who would want to live in this dreaded place anyway! But before it used to be His place. Now He lives in the Hunting Lodge. Don't worry, you won't find anything in there. He is extremely meticulous and won't leave anything behind. "
While Vauhwyt and Rose play with the completely abandonned shed the rest is worried about Berlon.
Both Olyn and Theodore seek a way to get this blade away from Berlon.
Olyn once again is disturbed by the loss of his God and his Remove Curse spell fails. Berlon had hoped the cleric would manage to help him break free from this cursed blade. (3rd lvl spell -- 60% failure chance -- I rolled 25)
"Super fantastic," Berlon deadpans as he stares at his clenched fist; the irony being that it is neither super nor fantastic.
"Well, I don't have anything to deal with this right now. Maybe back at my lab I could think of something." He wrinkles his large nose as he stares at his hand.
But wizards don't count of the divine... they rely on themselves and on their study... they need not to prey to any god for their powers...
Theodore attempts to dispel the magic that is cast upon this blade... with this spell he can suppress all the magical properties from the sword for a short period of time, after whish the blade will recover on its own...
IT WORKS!!!
Theodore's powers seem to be strong enough to suppress the sword's powers and instantaneous it falls from Berlon's fist!!
With a metal clang the blade falls to the ground... a light russtle seems to go through the crystal forest but nothing more. The blade seems to be temporarily deactivated... and Berlon is free... Vorelle is happy to see that Berlon isn't hurt in any way. Maybe he's a little shaken, but not hurt.
With this blade matter resolved, the Shroud identified and the shed partially destroyed the party now considers all options.
1) Find another way to the inn, that doesnīt pass through the deadly trees. 2) Invert the game on this Huntsman and do what he doesnīt expect: attack. We could ambush him. Also, we have his sword. 3) Use ilusions and tricks to make him think we moved in a certain direction, while we go the other way. 4) Wait to see what he wants and negotiate with him.
"My vote is for the Haul To The Inn option. If the Fence crosses us, we can deal with him. If he doesn't cross us, he can help us get back here, should we feel obligated, or insane, or otherwise get hit in the head with a coconut and decide coming back here would be a good idea while the people of the city still need us." Berlon concludes. Dietrich don't believe they can doublecross the Huntsman nor does he want to wait for him asking nicely what he wants. Even though the fact that apparently the Huntsman doesn' mean harm is intriguing, just waiting here for him does not sound like the best plan...
Now Samule the Shade sees the opportunity for you to help him "Do not follow the path as the trees seem to grow above that deliberately. I will show you the Huntsman's path... the path He follows when passing through this forest..."
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Wednesday May 17th, 2006 3:20:25 PM
Theodore is relieved to see the sword fall from Berlon's grasp. "Do we leave it here, or find another way to take it with us? Just don't pick it up with your hands."
"I think our best bet is to the inn," says the skinny wizard. "That's where we were headed, anyway. The only question is, do we trust Samule? I think we can. Or rather, I think we have to."
Rose Wednesday May 17th, 2006 6:35:40 PM
Rose lays a blanket out on the ground with some rope. She'll then cast mage hand and move the sword onto the blanket, wrap it up and tie it. leaving a good length of rope to drag the sword with.
Berlon - 33/39 Thursday May 18th, 2006 12:10:46 AM
Berlon seems shocked as his fist suddenly unclenches. "Way to go, Theo!" he beams.
"We can't leave this here. We need to wrap it up like Dietrich suggested and maybe.... let Theo take it?"
The gnome turns to the mage, "Don't take this the wrong way, Theo, but, er..." Berlon chooses his words carefully, "do you even know how to use a sword? You might be, well, safest..."
"And I still have a silence spell available should we find ourselves underneath sharp things again. Or coconuts."
"Hmmm..." he ponders...
Vorelle Thursday May 18th, 2006 1:29:48 AM
Vorelle is confident that she can move quietly enough to avoid bringing down more showers of crystals. She knows, though, that her friends don't have the same skill.
"H-how l-l-l-long d-d-does it l-l-last?" she asks of the silence spell.
Vauhwyt Thursday May 18th, 2006 6:09:45 AM
Vauhwyt wonders aloud about other options. "Is there a path that leads to this wrecked hut? Is there any other way to go?"
"Samule, when were you stuck herre? How long ago? Vorelle, can you see tracks of the person who brought Samule here and left without him? Which way did that person go?"
With the enlarge spell expired, Vauhwyt sends Mookie aloft to fly straight up a few hundred feet, look around, and come right back. The sorcerer liontaur watches her familiar anxiously as he leaves her (99% of the time, Mookie stays in arms reach).
Regarding the sword, she congratulates her friends. "Theo, Rose, you guys are great!" If no one else wants to, Vauhwyt will carry the sword by the rope.
"Berlon," she asks, "what was up with that sword? Did it affect you like that because you are good, do you think? Could an evil person use it? Or someone else? What was wrong with you while you held it?"
She asks Samule, "You were touching the sword with no ill effect, right? So if I wrapped my hand in you, could I hold the sword and use it with no ill effect? What do you know about this sword? Did the enemy use it in battle, or is it just a trap?"
In the back of her head, Vauhwyt wonders if she could fool the sword with her Use Magic Device ability.
Finally, she agrees with Berlon. "If we can take a short cut through the forest with a Silence spell, that's better than walking along Mr. Hunt's personal path."
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght Thursday May 18th, 2006 8:01:47 AM
Dietrich is again happy to see the problem of the sword solved. He also congratulates Rose. Leaving the sword behind for this Huntsman to use against them just doesnīt look like a good idea, and touching it seems dangerous.
The warrior listens to Samule and his friends. Heīd agree with the shortcut and silence spell, but he doesnīt believe this is possible. The forests seems to be big enough, and how long can such a spell last?
"I think weīll have to trust Samule and follow the safe path. We canīt afford to get stranded in the middle of the forest after the effects of the silence spell wane. This would mean certain death. We should keep the spell for an emergency.
But Iīd also suggest that we make the Huntsman think we took another way. We could open some paces of forest (using Vauwhytīs method) in the other direction, than Vorelle could move a little further and plant some false signs that we passed that way. Meanwhile, the party trys to leave as quick as possible thruogh the secret path. And Vorelle moves after us, hiding our signs."
The knight just has another question for Samule though: "What about that girl and the gypsies? How long ago were they here? Which way did she take?" After all, theyīre heroes and canīt just leave the little child here.
Directions [DM Inge] Thursday May 18th, 2006 9:31:33 AM
Everyone is happy to see the blade fall from Berlon's little fists. Not only would the human sized weapon have been a terrible drawback, it's magical abilities remain clouded for our friends. Rose quickly lays a blanket on the ground and with a Mage Hand spell she moves the Huntsman's Blade onto the blanket. Now it becomes easy to either drag the sword behind you or to just pick it up.
Berlon suggests Theodore should carry it. After all, he can't wield a sword so maybe that will be the safest person to carry it?
Vauhwyt ponders the effect of the sword and if she could wield it with Samule's help. Technically Samule wasn't holding the blade. He was spiked with it to the wall. The "ill effect" of that would be a new gap in his farbic self. So far no one knows what happened to Berlon when he was holding the blade...Samule the Shade is no glove either, and what BAB would Vauhwyt use if it is in fact Samule who will wield the sword... strange... too strange... very risky too...
"I've lost track of time in this realm. It's as if time has no meaning in this place. The moon never decends, nor is there a sun that would appear. In Lady Fidelia's realm day and night are insignificant. He brought me here after I lost that Gypsie girl. I had to guard her even though he knows well enough that I can't do much... thanks to Him. He wanted to Hunt her..."
Vauhwyt wonders if Vorelle would be able to see where the Huntsman came from. Maybe they are able to find another path without help from Samule the Shade. Some would favour taking their chances with a silence spell while others would take the Huntsman's path anyhow and play tricks on him to make him think they went the other way...
"We came from there and He left in that direction..." with a tremendous effort the shroud seems capable of lifting what looks like a sleeve pointing in the opposite direction. "I don't know where the girl went to... we weren't yet in this forest when I lost her and I haven't seen the gypsies..."
Ultimately Vauhwyt sends Mookie aloft to fly straight up a few hundred feet. Carefully the raven flies untill he reaches the top of the canopy... up there, the scenary is even more amazing!! Mookie gasps at such beauty. Soo beautiful and yet soo deadly these trees can be, but Mookie is the only one to really admire the canopy from above!
After what seems like an eterity to Vauhwyt, the raven comes down carefully.
"Boss, looks like we're in the center of this mess but thank goodness the forest does not appear to be too big west to east. But it is a lot longer from N to S. How about the short pain? Put me in y're pocket boss and get a move on it... I think them clerics can find some new silence spell no? After all, why else did we bring them here", probably followed by a Hush from Vauhwyt herself.
The good thing is, you're halfway there if you continue west. The trail the Huntsman took goes north and south. He left in northern direction...
But at last our friends seem to get to an agreement. They will continue heading towards the Inn. Both the gypsies and Samule the Shade gave the same directions on that one so it could be correct... Now which way will you go? The westward trail or the huntsman's trail? Dietrich is worried about the girl, but without clear direction where do they need to look?!?
Olyn Thursday May 18th, 2006 11:52:00 AM
Let us head for the Inn.
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Thursday May 18th, 2006 1:10:57 PM
"Yes, to the inn," agrees Theodore. Whether they take the Huntsman's trail or forge their own is a decision he'll leave in more capable hands.
Taking the end of the rope that secures the cursed sword, Theodore will drag the blade behind him.
Loretta d20+8=14 d20+8=9 d20+10=22 d20+6=25 d20+10=17 Thursday May 18th, 2006 5:07:01 PM
Piper dives very fast down to the group. "Did you see how fast I dived? She asks Mookie "Come race me."
Rose gets ready to go "Come on time to go" As soon as everyone is ready she'll have Piper fly to keep an eye out and start on the way.
Berlon - 33/39, Bull's Str 5m Thursday May 18th, 2006 10:50:24 PM
Berlon raises a finger to comment on Theo's sword on a string strategy, but thinks better of it.
"I... I'd rather not talk about it," Berlon says regarding his experience with the sword. "Although that ruby you sold... Samuele, what exactly was it?"
"And let's go. We need to go. The longer we wait around to more likely we are to bump into this Huntsman. Let's try to avoid that."
If the group decides to go the way of the crystal canopy, Berlon will cast Silence to keep the group quiet.
WAITING FOR MORE POSTS Friday May 19th, 2006 4:42:48 AM
comon guys. I leave at 15.30 local time and want to get a post in. You have about 4 hours and 50 minutes left minus the time I need to make a post which varies from 0.5 to 1 hour...
hurry up.
Also the last one that posts needs to make the choice!! Through the forest or the Huntsman's path :-D ... or else I will choose ;-)
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+15=26 d20+10=14 Friday May 19th, 2006 5:54:12 AM
Mookie is breathing hard (can birds pant?) "I'm ... pooped!" the bird gasps, after his long flight. "Piper, why ... don't you go ... race through ... those trees ... by yourself ... while I cheer you on ..."
"And make sure ... that you sing ... loudly ... so we know ... where you are."
Mookie plops down on Vauhwyt's shoulder, a wicked smile in his eye.
Vauhwyt ignores that and focuses on the news from above. "Come on! The way through the trees to the west is short! If the spell works, let's just walk silently due west through the forest."
"If Berlon's spell piffles, we'll take the other path."
Then, as Dietrich suggests, Vauhwyt works with Vorelle to make it seem like the party went some other way.
Finally, if Berlon's spell works, she goes west through the woods. If the spell fails, then she goes with the group on the path. Either way, she scouts ahead (with Vorelle?) like before -- Move Silent 26, Hide 14.
Piper Friday May 19th, 2006 6:36:58 AM
Piper looks at Mookie "You're tired?" She asks "You used to race me all the time, I guess riding in that stuffy pouch all the time has made you lazy, and hey aren't you heavier than you used to be?" Piper knows she can say this because Mookie cant catch her.
Piper then flies over to Theo and Macaw "Macaw, come fly with me! Mookie cant cause he's lazy from being carried all the time. Come on, Please!!!" Piper will keep bugging Macaw until he either flies with her or has a good reason not to.
Quietly out of the crystal forest [DM Inge] d100=79 Friday May 19th, 2006 9:12:04 AM
[Berlon's silence spell chance : 79 - SUCCES]
Piper and Mookie start fooling around under this dangerous crystal canopy and Piper even challenges Macaw to join them. Mookie seems to have gained some weight as the lazy bird is constantly carried by her master yet she's cunning enough to offer Piper a challenge!
"Piper, why ... don't you go ... race through ... those trees ... by yourself ... while I cheer you on ...And make sure ... that you sing ... loudly ... so we know ... where you are."
The wicked smile on his face says it all...
"Macaw, come fly with me! Mookie cant cause he's lazy from being carried all the time. Come on, Please!!!" Piper keeps bugging Macaw but by doing so the raven makes a lot of noise, and once again the trees rustle. Good thing that there's no trees hanging over your heads here...
While the birds are fooling around, Berlon refuses to talk about what happened to him when he was holding the blade. He does ask Samule what that Ruby was.
"There wasn't anything magical about the skull, but... My master and especially The Collector have a craving for skulls..." as Samule notices the wrinkles appearing on several faces he goes on "The Collector is he who guards the entrance into The Dark Lady's castle... you DON'T want to encounter Him! He collects skulls..."
"To the Inn!"
With that our friends finally decide the Inn seems their best plan.
Vauhwyt leaves everything up to Berlon's succesful casting of a silence spell to decide which way to go. Berlon concentrates and senses some lingering powers from his God. Suddenly everything becomes quiet around all of you.
Luckily the ravens are quiet too... only Piper seems eager to fly ahead of the group...
The spell lasts for 6 minutes and carefully our friends walk through the forest following the path (not the Huntsman's) westward. Above their heads the canopy closes and thick branches work their way crossing the path high above your heads. But under cover of the spell, no sound can be heard, nor do the trees rustle.
4 minutes later you see the edges of the forest and a few moments later you come to the end of the path... you have crossed the forest!
Like a wall of crystal the forest behind you stretches north and south. Ahead of you a field of musshrooms painted by the lavender moon expands beyond the horizon.
They waft forth delicate odors pleasing to the palatte... cinnamon, ginger, clove and jasmine, chamomile and sweetshade, apple blossom and lemon zest. The smells are comforting, gently taking your memory to warm cozy kitchens, hearths with ale in the hands, snuggles in a downy bed. The field is a place to relax and forget your worries.
"The Inn lays due west from here"
So far, no trace of the Gypsies nor the girl nor the Huntsman...
Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: {you get the feeling that someone is watching you... as you turn around and face the forest you notice a wolf coming out of the crystal forest on silent paws. The wolve's coat is deep black in the lavender moonlight. Its eyes reflect the moonlight giving them the appearance of glowing embers. He moves slowly, majestically, and with seeming intellect, not making any violent moves.
The wolf looks straight at you... as if he's guarding you... ready to protect you... he moves his head slowly down blinking once with his black eyes... a token of friendship? The others have not spotted the wolf yet and it's up to you to notify the rest... or not...}
QUESTIONS :
- who has the blade and how do you hold it or where do you store it - Do you take Samule with you? Who holds him
loretta Friday May 19th, 2006 4:32:36 PM
per theo's post he's dragging the sword behind him. As we hadnt started yet Piper was talking to her brothers near the shed where there were no crysta trees, she's smart enough to be quiet when around those trees.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday May 19th, 2006 8:29:38 PM
Vauhwyt is glad to carry her friend Samule around. She ponders tricks she could play with a talking handkerchief. Hmmm.
She asks Theo if he is okay with the sword.
She suggests that the party cross the field one person at a time, with a rope, so that if the mushroom spores are dangerous, only one person is affected, and that person can be dragged back.
Rose d20+4=15 Friday May 19th, 2006 9:29:53 PM
Rose pipes up "I agree with Vauhwyt and I'll go first as I'm the lightest." She'll get rope from someone as her rope is being used for the sword and make sure that the rope is fastend in such away that she can easily be dragged back, she'll also have the others check the knots & stuff on the rope as she knows she's not very good with them.
use rope: 15
Olyn d20+3=5 Saturday May 20th, 2006 10:51:42 AM
Just follows along, loaded crossbow in hand.
spot: 5
Vorelle d20+10=16 Sunday May 21st, 2006 2:06:25 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Fascinated, Vorelle returns the wolf's gaze. She wonders who the wolf is and what it's doing here. She decides not to tell the others, at least, not yet. She's afraid that Dietrich will see the wolf as a threat, and that Vauhwyt will do something rash.
Reluctantly, she tears her eyes away from the wolf and follows the others toward the Inn. Every once in a while, she glances over to see whether the wolf is keeping pace with them. }
While walking with the group, Vorelle keeps an eye out to see whether the Huntsman's or the girl's tracks intersect with the route the party is taking. [Search 16]
Theodore and Macaw Sunday May 21st, 2006 1:38:12 PM
Macaw tries to ignore Piper, but when the bird becomes to bothersome, Macaw drives his sibling off with a nip.
Theodore trudges along through the crystal forest, dragging the cursed blade behind him. When they come upon the fields of mushrooms, he pauses.
"I wish I had a fireball spell to clear out this field," he says. Otherwise, he waits and watches as Rose attempts to cross the fields.
Berlon 33/39 Sunday May 21st, 2006 10:03:17 PM
Thankful his silence spell worked, Berlon ponders over matters with Theo. "No no, Theo. While it's a good idea, I don't think we want to be drawing any attention to ourselves. The sooner we get out of here the better." He then looks down at the sword and frowns. He then moves on according to the plan.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght Monday May 22nd, 2006 8:18:17 AM
Dietrich is more than happy to leave the dreadful forest. Though these mushrooms donīt look friendly either. Also this talking about a Collector doesn't please the knight at all.
He waits to see what happens with brave Rose.
OOC: Did we do the trick of trying to lead the Hunstman the other way or not? Vauhwyt agreed to that the last turn, but the DM post doesnīt say anything about it.
BigTim Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 1:03:59 AM
((No DM post today? another holiday?))
A new companion? [DM Inge] Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 11:15:19 AM
DM ooc: Hey guys. I'm awfully ill at the moment... I have been throwing up nearly every half hour since last night. I am at home and will do my best to post. Please forgive me if I fail to make a post. Thanks. Inge
As the party comes to the clearing and faces the mushroom fields, Vauhwyt suggest to cross the field one by one, maybe with a rope in between them. An idea that appeals to most. Theodore drags the Blade behind him and just to make sure, Rose checks the knotts to make sure it is secure.
"I wish I had a fireball spell to clear out this field," Theodore says but Berlon quickly replies to his friend "No no, Theo. While it's a good idea, I don't think we want to be drawing any attention to ourselves. The sooner we get out of here the better." He then looks down at the sword and frowns. He then moves on according to the plan.
Vorelle hesitates a little, but then follows the group...
You have only just started to move out when suddely you can hear a terrifying howl behind you!! Turning around you qiuckly try to grasp the situation...
A majestic wolf howls and growls looking at Vorelle and then looking up north along the crystal forest! THERE!! Hidden among the trees a group of 10 Goblins is preparing their bows and crossbows to attack you!!
Again the wolf howls... this time he deliberatly howls at the Goblins when...
CRASSSHSHHHH
Large crystal branches fall from the sky on top of the Goblins... a massacre!! Nearly all are dead, and the remaining two run into the woods... followed by the sound of breaking glass. You wonder if they will ever make it...
Again the Wolf looks directly at Vorelle... Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: {Did the Wolf just save you and your friends?!? It sure looks like it!!}
Very slowly the wolf steps forward... bowing his head to Vorelle, carefully awaiting the reaction of her friends. (the wolf stands 25 ft away from Vorelle who was the last in line)
Olyn Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 11:29:07 AM
Turns, crossbow in hand, loaded, but not menacing...prepared tho.
and waits, looking at Vorelle questioningly.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 12:58:43 PM
Dietrich is surprised by the sudden appearance of the wolf. At first heīs ready to attack, but it seems the wolf has saved them from the goblin attack.
But the knight remains untrustful and ready for a fight. In this strange place better trust noone. Who knows if what they saw was real? Heīll wait for Vorelleīs reaction.
OOC: just reminding about the last OOC question made... thanks
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 3:42:23 PM
Theodore puffs his cheeks out, and Macaw keeps a sharp eye on the furry canine. "What's going on, Vorelle? Do you know...him?"
Vauhwyt Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 5:20:27 PM
Vauhwyt sees the goblin massacre and smiles. She watches the wolves and admires their tactics. She wishes she had a steak to throw to them. She thinks about ways to carry a side of beef in her pocket and to keep it fresh and not weigh her down. "Hmmm." she thinks. "I wonder if this would work?"
She is ready to fight, but keeps her spear pointed at the sky and does not stand aggressively.
She takes her Talking Handkerchief out of her pocket and asks, "Samule, my two-dimensional friend, do you know anything about these mushrooms? Or these wolves? Or goblins?"
Vorelle d20=11 Tuesday May 23rd, 2006 11:32:13 PM
[OOC: Get well soon, Inge! And drink a lot of water. When I had my really bad bout with sickness, I had to go to the emergency room the next day from dehydration.]
Vorelle takes a couple of hesitant steps toward the wolf. "Th-th-th-thank you," she says, her voice barely loud enough to be heard. She looks hard at the wolf, trying to figure out what it wants.
[Sense Motive 13 or Wild Empathy 17, take your pick. ]
Rose Wednesday May 24th, 2006 2:49:56 AM
Rose looks at the wolf longingly, she really wants a wolf, or bear, or lion, or some animal like that to ride. But it looks like it likes Vorelle and not her so she starts to creep across the field.
A new companion 2 [DM Inge] Wednesday May 24th, 2006 1:08:56 PM
The howling of the wolf and his way of saving the group from the Goblin attack makes all of the party turn around and gaze at this wonderful creature which -- much to Rose's envy -- seems to have chosen Vorelle to follow.
All stand at guard, weapons ready, though not trying to look menacingly at the Wolf.
The Wolf waits for Vorelle and as she goes near to thank him the wolf bows his head and comes to stand at her side, his nose pointed towards the musshroom field. Vorelle, with all her experience with wild animals has never seen anything like this, but from the Wolf's behaviour she can tell that this creature us ready to follow wherever she may go.
Vauhwyt questions Samule to whoom he quite disrespectfully refers to as his "Talking Handkerchief". This sounds more like a witty remark from the ever talkative Mookie but this time it's the liontaur herself though we all know it is meant lovingly as well.
"Samule, my two-dimensional friend, do you know anything about these mushrooms? Or this wolf? Or goblins?"
[b]"These musshroom fields are found all over this realm. They bring forth the most pleasant smells causing adventurers to lower their guard... that is possibly their biggest danger... But so far I have never heard about other risks."
"This Wolf? I have never seen this wolf but then... I can not travel much by myself anymore since my dreadful choice I made in front of Him..."
"The Goblins? Ah yes... these lands are inhabited by all sorts of folk. Mostly Goblins and Trolls. All work in favour of their Dark Mistress the Lady Fidelia. They probably figured she would be most pleased with a new and fresh blood... Good thing this Wolf saved you from them... I would not want to end up in Her hands... I'd rather see my soul torn in three instead..."
While Vauhwyt talks to his handkerchief and Vorelle bonds with the Wolf, the rest of the group await for what will come next. The Wolf however moves a few feet away from Vorelle to join the others, and clearly planning to go through the Musshroom field. It looks back at Vorelle. The ranger can read "are you comming?" in the Wolf's eyes.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght Wednesday May 24th, 2006 4:12:29 PM
Although the fighter wasnīt particularly afraid of a bunch of goblins, heīs glad to have gained an ally, at least it looks like that from Vorelleīs reaction and the behaviour of the wolf. Heīs also glad to hear from Samule that the mushrooms are not dangerous themselves, with poisonous odors and stuff.
When the wolf seems to take the lead, Dietrich agrees to follow, though still a little reluctant.
The knight proposes the usual marching order, with Vorelle just after the wolf, scouting and looking for dangers ahead (flesh-eating plants, whatever...) The main group follows some paces behind, with Theo and Rose in the middle, a front and a rear guard.
Finally, Dietrich wonders if theyīve tryed to mislead the Huntsman after all....
Rose d20+8=25 d20+8=15 d20+8=14 d20+10=22 d20+6=10 d20+6=14 d20+5=14 d20+10=27 Wednesday May 24th, 2006 8:50:10 PM
Rose is creeping across the mushrooms, she doesnt like the fact that anything can see her so she tries to stay hidden.
Piper flies overhead keeping an eye out for danger. If she see's anything she'll call out a warning to Rose and the others.
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday May 24th, 2006 9:31:18 PM
If Vorelle trusts the wolf, then Theodore does, too. He follows the rest, dragging the sword behind him.
Vorelle d20+11=25 d20+11=20 Wednesday May 24th, 2006 11:41:11 PM
Seeing how the rest of the group trusts her, Vorelle feels an overwhelming weight of responsibility. If she misread the wolf's intentions, then she just put the entire group at risk.
She looks again into the wolf's intelligent eyes, though, and has to believe that he is helping them. Perhaps his intentions are not good, but they are at least not ill.
So reasoning, she begins following the creature through the mushroom fields. As she moves, she keeps an eye and and ear open for trouble.
[Spot 25, Listen 20]
Berlon 33/39 Wednesday May 24th, 2006 11:58:29 PM
"Trolls? GOBLINS???" The gnome's eyes gloss over at the words. But before he can elaborate, he turns to watch the wolf slowly move away.
"There's an old gnomish proverb. Roughly translated, it means 'Always follow the least stupid person.'"
With that, he proceeds to follow the wolf as close as possible without offending the creature...
Olyn d20+4=6 d20+4=23 Thursday May 25th, 2006 12:25:52 AM
remembering his dream back in the Wolf's house, Olyn seems to distrust this new creature. spot 6
tries to get a feeling from the Wolf. sense motive 23
will keep his crossbow ready, waiting for the Wolf to betray the group.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday May 25th, 2006 1:40:15 AM
Vauhwyt thanks Samule, and her eyes get a distant look when she hears there are many goblins about. "Killing goblins is my specialty," she mutters.
She is happy to trust the wolf if Vorelle does too. "Next time save some goblins for the rest of us to fight," she says softly to the canine.
She goes where Dietrich suggests -- usually in advance of the front, with Vorelle.
Jillia [DM Inge] 2d4(4+1)=5 Thursday May 25th, 2006 11:57:44 AM
Dietrich is glad to have gained ally, at least it looks like that. A little reluctant though the warrior decides to follow the wolf. Meanwhile he thinks back on how they left the Crystal forest, and whether their decoys would be sufficient to fool a hardened Ranger like the Huntsman... Vauhwyt's plan had a lot of merit. Just before taking cover under Berlon's silence spell the liontaur destroyed another piece of the canopy in the opposite direction... hopefully that will trick... Him...
Steadily the group now begins to cross the field of Musshrooms. Rose dislikes the fact that she can be seen so does her best to stay hidden. Piper flies above the group keeping an eye out for danger...
Theodore takes comfort in the fact that Vorelle seems to trust the Wolf - if she does, Theodore trusts him as well. Crossing the field he continues to drag the powerfull Huntsman's Blade behind him. Here and there it sticks behind a few musshroom making them break...
Vorelle feels an overwhelming weight of responsibility for if she misread the Wolf's intentions she has put the entire group at risk... Still, it feels like the Wolf means them no harm. But then the ranger notices the trail the blade leaves behind! Even if the Huntsman would be fooled by Vauhwyt's cunning plan, the trail of broken musshrooms the blade leaves behind can even be followed by a blind man!!
"Always follow the least stupid person" ... with this thought Berlon follows the Wolf. Olyn however distrusts the creature especially since his dream at the House of Wolves. He attempts to get a grip on the Wolves mind. The Wolf appears to be loyal and ready to guard the group. Olyn can not sense any hostile or devious schemes the Wolf may plan... he means you no harm... not at the moment...
And so the group steadily advances through the field.
Lovely smells caress their noses leading thoughts back to the good days they had in the City. To pleasant evenings around a campfire. A deliscious meal with an abundance of ale and wine. The warm feeling you get in the morning when you wake up with the smell of newly baked bread or pancakes, warm milk with honey... Like in a dream the group wanders on...
The landscape ahead of them barely changes... Behind you the forest becomes smaller and smaller. North of you the dimly lit castle looms menacingly. Soon you will reach the top of the hill hoping to see that famous Inn in the distance.
Then suddenly a young girl comes running over the hill ahead of you!! A billowing blouse held tight by a heavily embroidered vest - this must be Jillia! Strong and supple legs moving quickly under a full skirt, her chest heaving, lips parted from strenuous running. Her face is full of fear and dried tears and she stops in exhausted despair on seeing her way is blocked. She stops about 30ft in front of you... her eyes capture those of Olyn... caught by the exotic appearance and beauty of the Half-Elf her moist and sensual lips form the word "help".
Chasing her is a keening howl and the sound chills you to your very soul ( everyone Will Save DC 13 or be panicked for 5 rounds).
The baying is followed by a large, slavering canine form bounding over the hill. It sees but ignores the heroes and bounds in gleeful leaps towards the girl, its red tongue lolling over black lips. The girl staggers back, her swaying hips swirling the skirt around smooth ankles, a sculpted hand rising to her throat to ward off the slavering jaws.
The Shadow Mastiff does not stop on seeing the party, but leaps purposefully to tear down the girl standing defeated before the heroes. The look in her eyes says it all (Sense Motive DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: { she has tried her utmost and it will soon be over... }.
The Shadow Mastif is only 60ft away from the girl and closing... closing FAST...
Berlon 33/39 AC 20 d20+8=10 d20+8=26 d20+3=16 d100=38 Thursday May 25th, 2006 12:33:05 PM
Berlon hears the howl, but is able to maintain his composure. He's been afraid much too much recently. (Will Save 26, Hero Point used)
Seeing the look in the girl's eyes (Sense Motive 16) Berlon rushes up to her and touches her forehead. Pointing to the Dietrich, he casts Sanctuary on her, and whispers to the girl to run to the protection of the others. He then turns his direction toward the onrushing beast.
(OOC: What is the wolf doing?)
Sancutary (lvl 1 success check = 38)Duration 6 rounds, subject can not be attacked unless attacker makes Will Save 14
Vauhwyt (AC19 HP34) and Mookie (AC15 HP17 hiding) d20+7=16 d20=5 d20+3=18 4d6(4+5+1+4)+2=16 d20+3=17 2d6(4+1)+1=6 d20+19=36 Thursday May 25th, 2006 5:48:18 PM
Vauhwyt hears the baying, but she touches a deep inner well of sacred calm and reserve, and the sound does not frighten her (immune to fear effects). Mookie shudders at the evil dog's baying, but is unaffected (Save 16).
Vauhwyt moves 40 feet forward, so that she is between the girl and the hound. She sets her spear against its charge (readied action).
She watches the ravening beast advance -- but her untrained eye does not sense anything (rolled a 5 on the sense motive check).
If the beast charges forward, then when it is 10 feet away, Vauhwyt makes her readied attack with the set spear. Then, if it continues to attack, she makes an attack of opportunity as it moves from 10 feet to 5 feet away (AoO for leaving a threatened square).
Set spear attack: hits AC18 for 16 hp damages (double damage with a set spear) or 10 damages if it is advancing but not charging.
Attack of Opportunity: hits AC17 for 6.
Mookie hides behind Vauhwyt (Hide check 36)
Spells used: 3 of 6 1st level spells 0 of 6 cantrips No spells currently active
rose d20+7=27 d20+4=22 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d20+8=25 d20+10=11 d20+6=23 d20+4=18 d20+6=7 d20+10=25 Thursday May 25th, 2006 7:16:22 PM
Rose sees the girl running towards her and wants to help. She immediatly points her finger at the dog and mutters a few words. Two bullets of red fly from her finger striking the dog. Rose then gets to work untieing the rope that she was wearing incase the mushrooms ended up being poisonous.
Piper flies in a large circle overhead looking to see if any other threats are around. If she sees one she'll let the group know
rose Will: 27, NAT 20!!! +2 more against fear. sense motive: 22 magic missle: damage 3 & 5 total 8 listen: 25 spot: 11
Olyn ac24, hp65 d20+7=16 d20+6=24 d20+6=19 2d8(7+4)+2=13 Thursday May 25th, 2006 8:06:41 PM
Shaking off the magical effect from the incoming beast, and seeing the look of a child with elven blood like himself, Olyn moves to position himself beside the girl, he brings up his crossbow, and lets off a shot. hit ac 24, possible crit, hit ac19, crit. for 13 points of damage.
Light Crossbow is magical, +1.
Olyn then tells the girl to get behind him and prepares to intercept the beast on the girls' behalf.
Olyn Thursday May 25th, 2006 8:07:22 PM
ac is a 22, not 24, not using the shield atm.
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) d20+7=11 d20+7=11 Thursday May 25th, 2006 9:41:07 PM
The horror of the oncoming monster is too much for Theodore. He snaps. Dropping the rope his hands, he bolts. His eyes are wide with terror, his breath comes quick to him as he flees. (Will save 11)
Above, Macaw has the same idea. The bird takes to the sky, flapping away from the imminent combat. (Will save 11)
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 57/57] d20+3=23 d20+10=12 d20+5=9 Friday May 26th, 2006 1:26:43 AM
Vorelle barely registers the eerie quality of the creature's howl (Will save 23, natural 20!). Hoping to at least slow the beast down, she pulls out her bow and fires twice. She is hurried, however, and both are terrible shots.
[Quick Draw bow and take a full-round attack action; two attacks. Hit AC 12 and AC 9.]
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 of 60, Bullstrenght d20+5=18 d20+7=9 d20+8=19 d8+5=6 Friday May 26th, 2006 8:08:56 AM
1) Seeing the trace the evil sword is letting behind, Dietrich asks Vorelle to try to hide it. At least as much as not to be evident at once.
2) Continuing the march, suddenly the girl appears and a terrible beast behind her. Dietrich keeps his control at the horrible sound (will 18), but, though trained, canīt read the signs (sense motive 9...).
He had his longbow ready for exactly that kind of situation, and lets the arrow fly:
Hits ac 19, damage 6
The warrior lets the bow down and fast-draws the greatsword, moving forward to meet the hound. He moves in a way as to get to the beasts flank.
Inge Sunday May 28th, 2006 8:46:13 AM
Friday post in progress. Next week I'll be back at work. Considering the fact that till wednesday I wasn't able to eat anything I hope things still went fairly well.
Post will be up in the next few hours. I will post again on monday if you all managed to post by then. Thanks a lot!
Dave J Sunday May 28th, 2006 1:13:46 PM
Inge - Hope you feel better! As a reminder, this weekend is Memorial Day Weekend in the states, so posting might be spotty on monday...
"MORE ARE COMING!!! MORE ARE COMING!!!!!" [DM Inge] [will save vs Sanctuary] d20+5=24 Monday May 29th, 2006 1:59:21 AM
Watching the Shadow Mastiff closing in on Jillia, Berlon rushes forward to protect the girl. His God doesn't fail him in times of dire need, and a succesfull Sanctuary will hopefully save Jillie from the Hounds.
[wolf will save vs Sanctuary = 24 -- SUCCES]
Vauhwyt too is unaffected by the fearful howl as is Mookie. As the liontaur watches how the Hound charges forward to kill Jillia she steps in between them readying her speer for the charging Mastiff...
Before the Shadow Mastiff reaches Vauhwyt, Rose launches two magic missiles! Both scorching the creature's fur making the smell of burnt flesh surpassing that lovely scent of the musshrooms.
Olyn runs forward with Vauhwyt and once he is in between Jillia and the Hound he fires twice with his crossbow... both bolts stick in the hounds chest followed again by an agonising howl...Vorelle and Dietrich attempt the same thing, but Vorelle's arrows both miss while Dietrich's one hits the feral creature...
Enraged, the wolf crashes on Vauhwyt's spear howling in terrible pain! Growling madly the mastiff now attacks Vauhwyt!! This allows the liontaur to take another hit at this hound of hell...
The Shadow Mastiff suddenly stops growling... blood drips from his fur and the dim light in his eyes becomes dull... defeated the wolf drops at Vauhwyt's paws and dies...
Piper flies higher and as the raven can see over the hilltop he screeches and quickly dives towards Rose... "MORE ARE COMING!!! MORE ARE COMING!!!!!"
Thedore shudders in fear; unable to act properly. Jillia does not run further, but instead clinches to Olyn's clothes begging him to help her... oh even her voice sounds like a gentle song and Olyn is touched by the way her moist full lips form each and every word. Much rather would he look at them peranently instead of fighting wicked Hounds...
Then following Piper's warning 6 more Shadow Mastiffs come striding over the hill top lolling their lips at the sight of Jillia...
As they stride in and out of shadows they seem to dissapear completely... Gradually the draw near as they begin to encircle you remaining at a distance of 40 ft. Only 3 can be seen now while the others are hidden away in the shadows...
Jillia shudders in fear as she watches the Hounds draw near and clinches even more to Olyn...
Yet all this time, the wolf besides Vorelle remains fairly calm. He growls now and then but doesn't leave Vorelle's side...
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20+8=18 d8+5=9 Monday May 29th, 2006 8:05:46 AM
Dietrich is satisfied to see the first beast die without causing the groiup any harm, and with Jillia in safety now.
When heīs warned about more hounds, he shouts to his friends:
"Keep together, protecting your flanks, donīt let them fall on our backs! Take the long-range weapons!
Donīt waste your magic yet!
Letīs continue moving towards the inn! Clerics, can you do something about Theo?"
The warrior sheaths his sword (fast-draw feat) and takes the longbow again. He fires at the weakest looking nearest hound:
hits ac 18; damage 9
Then he continues moving towards the inn, keeping his place in the protective circle formed around Rose, Theo and Jilia. If the hounds come into hand-to-hand combat range, heīll fastdraw the sword to fight.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 57/57] d20+10=29 d8+1=7 d20+5=16 d8+1=9 Monday May 29th, 2006 12:58:20 PM
Vorelle fires again, this time with more success. If possible, she then moves forward with the group as Dietrich said.
If the group can't move, she instead takes another shot at the same target she hit before.
[First shot hits AC 29 for 7 damage. The second shot, if taken, hits AC 16 for 9 damage.]
Olyn Monday May 29th, 2006 3:49:17 PM
looking at the girl and then at the surrounding animals, Olyn closes his eyes.
praying as hard as he has ever prayed and with as much devotion as he can muster, Olyn asks Wardd to please let his next spell be a success. saying that the life of his child depends on it.
*Casts Summon Monster 3, Celestial Hippogriff*
if successful Olyn asks the creature to carry the girl above out of harms way and to follow us when we head out. the round before the spell wears off, I will have it land next to me and carry the girl myself.
if it fails, I curse Wardd for leaving the group in a time of need and carry the girl myself, having her climb onto my back, holding herself tightly on by wrapping her legs around his waist and arms around her shoulders.
BigTim please roll your spell chance yourself. Otherwise if they constantly fail when I roll them you might blame me ;-)
Rose d20+8=13 d20+10=29 Monday May 29th, 2006 4:44:40 PM
Rose quickly casts a spell on herself to help in the battle. She then looks around and listens to any problems.
listen: 13 spot: 29
Rose hp: 32/35 AC20 Monday May 29th, 2006 4:47:20 PM
oops forgot hp and spell info & stuff
Berlon 33/39 AC 20 - Sanctuary 5r d100=100 d20+5=20 6d8(6+2+4+8+4+6)=30 Monday May 29th, 2006 4:56:31 PM
The gnome first moves back towards the rest of the group into a defensive position.
Berlon then clasps his hands together, making what seems to be a desperate plea to Alemi. His whispers come in gnomish, which he only does rarely.
With that, he lets out a yell and casts his arms wide. A ray of purplish light bursts from his hands and heads towards the closest mastiff!
Searing Light Level 3 spell check = nat 100 Range 160', no saving throw
Ranged touch attack (target's armor, dex and natural ac bonuses do not apply) hits AC 20.
If the shadow mastiff is especially vulnerable to light, attack does 30 dge (6d8) if not, it does 12 dge (3d8).
rose info Monday May 29th, 2006 5:08:55 PM
Rose hp: 32/35 AC20
Active spells shield: negates magic missile, +4 cover bonus to ac lasts 30/30 rounds
spells remaining cantrips: message, ray of frost, acid splash level 1: expeditious retreat level 2: scorching ray, see invisible
Vauhwyt (AC19 HP34) and Mookie (AC15 HP17) d100=60 d20+3=7 Monday May 29th, 2006 9:59:21 PM
Vauhwyt takes out a scroll (move action) and reads it (standard action). Her armor does not inhibit her (60% roll for spell fail). An Unseen Servant appears.
She commands it to help Mookie with the Bag of Tricks. Mookie and the Servant get ready.
She still has her spear in hand -- if a hound moves within a threatened area, she will take an AoO: Miss.
closer... and closer... [DM Inge] 1d100+20=78 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 7:35:50 AM
Even though the Wolves do not appear to attack right away and remain focussed on getting to Jillia, Dietrich continues to fight them off. Still he warns his friends not to waste too much magic just yet... who knows what lies ahead?!?
"Keep together, protecting your flanks, donīt let them fall on our backs! Take the long-range weapons! Donīt waste your magic yet!" he shouts. Ah the thrill of the battle brings out strategic combat tactics. Now you all remember why Dietrich once joined your ranks!
Dietrich's longbow sings once again followed by a snarl from one of the Hounds. Instead of retalliating, the shadow mastiff remains at the same distance. Blending in and out of shadows as he trots in the circle.
Vorelle joins the ranks as Dietrich advices and fires twice at a mastiff closest to her. Both arrows strike and another howl follows... yet still no counter attack...
Praying as hard as he has ever prayed and with as much devotion as he can muster, olyn asks Wardd to please let his next spell be a success... It looks like Wardd finally listens to the Half-Elf!
(Spell chance: 1d100+20 = 78 (a one time +20 bonus thanks to RPing)
(the celestial Hippogriff will appear at the beginning of your next round. So right now there's no creature to pick up Jillia. You must give orders to the creature at the beginning of next round)
Rose protects herself with a Shield spell and looks and listens to find any problems...
Berlon also joins the group in the protective circle and makes a desperate plea to Alemi... he lets out a yell and casts his arms wide... a ray of purplish light bursts from his hands and heads towards the closest visible mastiff!! Yet the mastiff is not particularly vurnerable to light thus takes 12Hp damage...
Vauhwyt summons an unseen servant to help Mookie and then readies her spear... waiting for the Wolves to attack...
But they do not close the circle... instead even as you steadily begin to work yourself to the top of the hill, they remain at the same distance...
Suddenly a horn bells nearby... a mournful sound echoiing across the mushroom moors... The sound moves so that it is difficult to tell from what direction the bugle comes from. Soon other sounds are heard coming through the wilderness.
At Vorelle's side the Wolf's hackles rise and a growl of warning escapes its muzzle as the sounds draw closer... and closer...
M1: 9HP damage M2: 16HP damage M3: 12HP damage
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20+8=17 d8+5=11 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 8:15:32 AM
Dietrich continues moving with the group towards the inn. He sees his friends casting spells with some apprehension. Surely the magic will help now, but heīs a feeling the party is going to need everything they have later on, and it seems that steel is just enough for these mastiffs.
"Spare your magic, letīs just use the long-range weapons!" (looking at Berlonīs crossbow...)
The sound of the horn predicts trouble ahead. The knight has hunted often enough to guess that the horn belongs to the owner of the hounds. More of them will appear soon.
"Concentrate your fire!" With that, Dietrich fires again at M2: hits ac 17, damage 11
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 57/57] d20+10=23 d8+1=4 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 9:10:06 AM
Vorelle fires at the same wolf Dietrich targeted. It's not a bad shot, but the arrow doesn't bite especially deep. She continues moving forward.
[Hit AC 23 for 4 damage.]
Olyn Tuesday May 30th, 2006 12:19:10 PM
placing the girl on the back of the Hippogriff, he says to the girl: hang on tight, he wont drop you.
saying to the summoned friend: Carry her above safely, out of reach and follow us.
Hearing the bellows of what to Olyn sounds like a "Hunting" horn, Olyn blurts out: It's the hunter, he found the kid, RUN FOR THE INN !
and Olyn Runs with the group.
Rose d20+10=25 d4+4=5 d4+4=5 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 3:15:36 PM
Rose quickly draws her bow and fires at one of the dark dogs as she follows the others.
attack: 25 damage: 5, used hero point same damage
Rose Tuesday May 30th, 2006 3:17:35 PM IGNORE LAST POST USED DARK FAE INFO NOT DIRT CITY INFO, NEW POST BELOW
Rose quickly casts a spell so she can keep up with the others, as she follows them she draws her bow and an arrow so she will be ready to fire next round.
cast expeditious retreat on self
Rose hp: 32/35 AC20
Active spells shield: negates magic missile, +4 cover bonus to ac lasts 29/30 rounds expeditious retreat: +30' for 30/30 rounds
spells remaining cantrips: message, ray of frost, acid splash level 1: none level 2: scorching ray, see invisible
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Tuesday May 30th, 2006 4:00:45 PM
(OOC - Does the panic end with the death of the Mastiff? I would assume so.)
Back to his normally fragile senses, Theodore moves with the rest of the group, picking up his pace when he hears the horn.
"This is a horrible, terrible place," he says to no one in particular.
Vauhwyt (AC19 HP34) and Mookie (AC15 HP17) (Unseen Servant, Expeditious Retreat) d100=24 d20+27=37 d20+12=15 d100=73 d20+6=7 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 10:02:47 PM
Vauhwyt sees that Olyn has gotten the girl to safety. And he is right! The Hunter is coming! Well, with the girl flying away, there is no reason to stick around.
First, she calls out to Rose, "Good idea!" She casts Expeditious Retreat on herself (spell fail roll 24 is A-OK).
"Hang on, Mookie!" she shouts. Then Vauhwyt obeys Olyn and runs toward the inn. (If she is not sure of the direction, she asks Samule.)
Of course, that means she runs right toward the ring of hounds surrounding the group! At the last moment, she gathers her mighty leg muscles beneath her and LEAPS over the enemies!
Jump check (at +27) is a 37. The liontaur leaps 37 feet forward and nine feet up in the air! As she flies over the hounds, she twists and turns to avoid them: Tumble check 15 is just the DC needed to do so!
Landing on the other side, she hits the ground running (total move this turn is 70 feet).
Finally, Mookie and the Unseen Servant pull a trick from the Bag of Tricks -- a Boar! Mookie places it between the hounds and Vauhwyt. The Boar charges a hound -- but a natural one on the charge is a clear miss!
Berlon 33/39 AC 20 - Sanctuary 4r d100=74 d20+8=11 d8+2=4 Tuesday May 30th, 2006 10:19:33 PM
"Yeahhhhh..." Berlon says to Dietrich, "the crossbow is mainly just for show. Have you actually ever SEEN me hit anything with it?"
"And frankly, I'm tired of being afraid, and of political intrigue, and alternate dimensions with spooky critters..."
He holds his arms outstretched to either side.
"Either that or I just know my short little legs aren't going to outrun ANYTHING. Maybe THIS will buy us some time."
With that he makes a wave of his hands like he was taking a swing of a mace.
Level 2 spell success roll = 74
With that a familiar shape of purple energy forms and attacks the creature Berlon wounded earlier. After that he will make sure he is in position next to Dietrich.
Spiritual Weapon, 6r, range 160', attacks as spell not weapon
Spiritual Weapon (mace) attack hits AC 11 for 4 dge.
It's... it's... MAD JACK!!! [DM Inge] mastiffs targetted (d6=6 d6=2 d6=4) mastiffs that attack Boar (d6=2 d6=1) d20+7=18 d6+4=5 d20+7=22 d6+4=8 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 9:16:39 AM
Steadily Dietrich continues to lead the group towards the Inn. The Shadow mastiffs continue to circle around you blending in and out of shadows, yet none engages... ain't that weird?!?
Again he advices his friends to spare their magic yet not everyone seems to care. As a matter of fact, just as Dietrich finishes his second warning out of nothing a beautifull Celestial Hippogriff apears... partly horse partly a giant eagle the magnificent beast obeys Olyn and allows Jillia to sit on top. Then the Celestial Creature's massive 10ft wings carry Jillia high above you all...
Vorelle and Dietrich concentrate their fire on the Hound Dietrich targetted as well. But because they are cosntantly blending in and out of shadowns both are not certain it's still the same Mastiff they target... Vorelle's arrow is well aimed yet not very painfull yet Dietrich's arrow makes the mastiff growl loudly...
Upon hearing the bugle Olyn blurts out: "It's the Hunter! He found the kid!! RUN FOR THE INN!!!"
Rose quickly casts a spell so she can keep up with the others readying her bow for next round.
With the first Mastiff dead Theodore returns to his senses and moves with the rest of the group. "This is a horrible, terrible place" he says to no one in particular... with that he captures the essense of this dreadful place...
Then Vauhwyt leaves the group?!? Much faster than the others with help of a spell the liontaur jumps over the Shadow Mastiffs. The ones below her jump up to reach for her, but they can't jump that high! The others can see the wolves hesitate, uncertain how to proceed next... they keep with the rest of the group.
Mookie, aided by the Unsees Servant pulls a trick that summons a boar. The Boar charges but gruesomly fails.
Berlon mocks Dietrich's advice and knowing he's not going to outrun anything the Cleric summons a spiritual hammer. Still he's not certain he targets the same Mastiff, but never the less the hammer misses. As the mastiff dissapears again in the shadows the hammer returns to Berlon. Ready to be used again next round.
The Boar summoned by Mookie finds itself immediately under attack of 2 Shadow Mastiffs.
M2 hits AC18 for 5HP M1 hits AC22 for 8HP Boar down to 12HP
As you all have nearly reached the top of the hillock two riders come from the other side looking down on you... Between them they hold an Elf. They remain in position, holding the Elf spread-eagled between them... an obvious threat of what will happen if anyone attacks or tries to get away... Olyn recognizes this Elf as an adamant supporter of the Fey King during the convention in the Gigling Ghost...
Besides the riders 6 more Mastiffs appear. Each carrying a goblin between their fangs.
Then a third rider comes to the Hillock... tied to a rope a human warrior is dragged behind him...
That warrior! It's... it's... MAD JACK!!!
M1: 9HP M2: 16HP M3: 12HP M4: M5: M6: 6HP ...
[Inge OOC: Guys welcome back our friend DaveT alias Mad Jack!!]
Olyn Wednesday May 31st, 2006 12:58:31 PM
thinking of the girl's safety Olyn continues running for the Inn, knowing the summoned Hipp only has a few more rounds before it must land and put her in harm's way.
and says: let the elf die. he was one of those who summoned the Fey King.
Dietrich; AC 19, HP 60 d20+4=16 d20+8=16 d8+5=7 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 2:12:43 PM
Dietrich swears his lung off, when he sees Vauhwyt simply rushing forward into the hounds. "Ļ#%Ļ%$&Ļ%"
The knight sees the other beasts appearing and Mad Jack. He shouts to his friends:
"Weīre not going to outrun the dogs! Keep together! Weīll have to fight them anyway, so letīs do it in the best way! We canīt simply leave Jack behind either."
He assesses the situation (military knowledge 16) looking for a defensible position, with rocks or similar to cover their flanks and back.
The warrior shoots again at the mastiffs: hit ac 16, damage 7
"Continue moving together and firing! LEtīs take a good defensive position!"
If they donīt attack, the better, at least some should die before coming into contact.
OOC: in the DMīs last post, M1,2 and 3 still have exactly the same amount of damage, although Dietrich just hit one for 11 dmg and Vorelle also hit. Just asking if thatīs right.
Inge: True. Dunno what I did with the HP's!?!!
M1: 9HP M2: 21HP (Rose did 5HP damage) M3: 12HP M4: M5: M6: 15HP (due to the shadow blending, you and Vorelle both shot mastiff 6 instead of mastiff 2.)
Rose d20+8=25 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 3:21:35 PM
Rose hears Berlon say that he cant outrun the dogs and quickly runs back to him. "Why didnt you ask for help?" She asks as she taps him with a wand. Then thinks to herself Next time we get a day off I'm making a wand of expeditious retreat, and thinking better about what to take.
listen: 25
Rose hp: 32/35 AC20
Active spells shield: negates magic missile, +4 cover bonus to ac lasts 29/30 rounds expeditious retreat: +30' for 30/30 rounds shield on berlon: negates magic missile, +4 cover bonus to ac lasts 10/10 rounds
spells remaining cantrips: message, ray of frost, acid splash level 1: none level 2: scorching ray, see invisible
Mad Jack Wednesday May 31st, 2006 6:32:42 PM
Finally a chance to rest. Maybe they have reached their camp. He is to tired to lift his head to look around.
Vauhwyt (AC21 HP34) and Mookie (AC17 HP17) (Unseen Servant, Reduce Person, Expeditious Retreat) and Boar (HP12 of 25, AC16) d100=97 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 7:04:13 PM
Vauhwyt sees Mad Jack and knows that running away is not an option. She casts Reduce Person on herself (97% spell fail is A-OK) and then moves moves within 50 feet of a hound.
Mookie calls the boar to him, so it takes a withdraw action and moves closer to Vauhwyt.
Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+12 (25 hp) Initiative: +0 Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares) Armor Class: 16 (+6 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 16 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Gore +4 melee (1d8+3) Full Attack: Gore +4 melee (1d8+3) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Ferocity Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +2 Abilities: Str 15, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 4 Skills: Listen +7, Spot +5 Feats: Alertness, Toughness
Berlon 33/39 AC 24 - Sanctuary 3r, Shield 10r, Spiritual Weapon 5r d20+8=20 d8+2=3 d20+5=20 d10=10 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 7:18:37 PM
Berlon thanks Rose for the gift, but seems to be more concerned with the new events going on. With a point of his finger the Spiritual Weapon again attacks one of the dark beasts, hitting AC 20 for 3 dge.
He then takes a shot with his crossbow, his aim seems to be a little bit better than usual.
Heavy Xbow attack hits AC 20 for 10 dge.
Theodore and Macaw HP 21/26 AC 16 (mage armor) Wednesday May 31st, 2006 7:21:33 PM
"Jack!" he hollers. He looks back and sees his friends going in different directions.
"Let him go!" Theodore yells at the horseman holding Jack. The thin mage moves closer to Jack.
Vorelle [AC 17; HP 57/57] Wednesday May 31st, 2006 10:59:39 PM let the elf die...
Vorelle turns and looks at Olyn, not quite believing it was her friend who spoke such harsh words. She looks back to the riders on the hill, who now have Mad Jack in addition to the unknown elf.
Vorelle stays her hand and does not fire another arrow. She can't be responsible for the deaths of the hostages, even if some of her friends may feel differently.
She sees Theo start toward the horseman and Jack. If she can [OOC: I have no idea where we all are in relation to each other], Vorelle reaches out and catches hold of Theo, although she doesn't try to physically restrain him.
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