And then, gradually, you feel your senses returning. The first thing you are aware of is the sound of somebody crying. Multiple somebodies. For one terrifying moment, you think it is your companions. Then you remember the children. They are still with you, and many of them are crying.
"What's happening?" says one.
"I'm scared!" cries another.
"I WANT MY MOMMY!!" Unmistakably Gerdi.
Next comes touch--an unpleasant chill to the air--and smell--musty decay. Finally, your vision clears and you can see where you are.
You are standing in the ruin of what was once a very grand house. Most of the roof is gone, open to the dark sky and odd, lavender light above. The broken-out windows are supplemented by crumbling holes in the stonework of the walls. What furniture remains is broken and ruined, tumbled amids the remnants of once-opulent tapestries.
A glance out the windows shows that you are on the second floor of this structure, although at first glance you don't see any stairs leading down.
Lorth Tuesday June 13th, 2006 1:55:39 AM
Lorth goes on the alert, something is wrong. He unsheathes his sword and readies his shield. Then he looks around to make sure everyone is accounted for.
Any d20+10=23 d20+10=22 d20+7=14 Tuesday June 13th, 2006 11:26:01 AM
Any comes back to his senses to find They are no longer where they were intending to go--or are they? He looks closely at the surroundings. Is this Mistress Dulcet's house? If so where is she, and what has happened here? If not where has the group come?
Suddenly a thought comes to Any's mind, a remembrance of the pain he just experienced. Harvest! He looks quickly around and finds her, and a relief passes through his mind, easing some of the tension that was there. He then checks on all of the others, and their conditions.
"Where are we? Is everyone okay?"
There, he has vocalized the question foremost in his thoughts. He continues to look around, and as he does so he tries to console the children.
"Come gather in here all of you. Please be calm, and we will find out where we are so that we can get you back to your families. At least we are not in that cave."
He again turns to the others,
"Do any of you understand this? We should find out where we are, scout the area, and find a secure place to camp if necessary. Do you agree?"
Spot 23 listen 22 diplomacy 14
Harvest d20+14=15 d20+14=29 d20+6=16 Tuesday June 13th, 2006 11:28:00 AM
"Lets all be seated, Children," Harvest Moon calls to them. "Arminas Calaelen is a ranger and he can help us find our way home. But for right now, this appears an old house, and some of the floor may not be safe. So let us all be seated while we inspect the area first."
She smiles, taking in all of the children. "Lets see how still and quiet we can be for one minute, alright? Start ... now."
Harvest turns to Anthos, exchanging a look. Only the depths of her eyes reveal her concern. Then she looks about her, glancing out the window. A mist clouds her eyesight, but her ears, compensate, picking up the slightest of sounds. Where are they? Harvest searches the outdoor view for a landmark that might tell her where in the Wold they may be.
Bralin d20+7=17 Tuesday June 13th, 2006 11:59:09 AM Falling...crying. Crying?
Bralin's eyes pop open. He is not tumbling down the precipice. That was the past. The crying of the children, that is the present.
Like Lorth, it takes the dwarf maybe a half second of uncertainty before he's pulling his shield around to his left forearm. Tis change. Change is bad.
Quickly he scans the room, searching for the foe. [Spot 17]
Harvest and Any have taken to calm the children. Bralin nods. He has not the skills. Any asks a question. "Aye," the dwarf replies. "We must find a way down."
The warrior carefully works his way to the right, looking for a stairway. "Tread with care. The floor is not stable," he warns.
His axe slides with practiced ease into the palm of his hand.
Arminas d20+10=28 d20+10=22 d20+7=18 Tuesday June 13th, 2006 7:11:10 PM
Looking about, Arminas is glad to see the sky once again. He whistles, hoping that Ewan will hear and come. Though this does not look to be the correct location, still he hopes.
Hearing Harvest calm the children, he smiles at them.
"Don't worry, I have led a dwarf through Culverwood forest, I can find our way back home."
He looks about, and suggests to Bralin. "Perhaps some of us should go to the ground and have a look around. Maybe tracks will be found that will provide a clue."
He takes out his grappling hook.
"I can lodge this and we can climb down the rope. When we know it is safe we can bring the children down."
Meanwhile, Arminas looks about at his surroundings.
Actions Listen 28 Spot 22 Search 18
DM Kathy Tuesday June 13th, 2006 11:31:42 PM
Quickly, you adjust to your new surroundings. Lorth readies a shield and does a quick headcount. Everyone is here--wherever "here" is.
Any tries to gather the children together. They are confused and frightened, and not all of them follow Any's lead. Shy Nelle comes easily enough, and Kiara takes Hmanny's hand and leads him closer. Turi and Naki approach too, although they seem inclined to want to stay near Harvest as well.
But Dolo seems too frightened to move, and Devrin is clearly reluctant to leave his side. Cerina is looking around uncertainly. Lirena is clinging to Arminas for all she's worth, and Gerdi likely hasn't heard Any's instructions over the sound of her own howls.
Harvest asks the children to sit, but only Nelle, Kiara, and Hmanny obey right away, although Devrin kneels next to Dolo. She then suggests a "quiet" contest, which is probably a good idea if she can pull it off. Unfortunately, Gerdi is still wailing loudly, and although the other children aren't making a lot of noise, they are clearly unsettled by the fuss Gerdi is making. Dolo and Hmanny, the next youngest, look especially inclined to follow her example and start crying again.
Harvest looks around, trying to figure out where in the Wold she may be. She recognizes nothing, not the ruined house, or the odd, pale, spindly vegetation around it. Most especially she does not recognize the lavender-colored moon she now sees low in the sky. The Wold does not have a lavender moon.
Bralin also readies his shield, then he and Arminas begin looking for a way down. Arminas is severely hampered in this because Lirena is clinging to him with a grip of iron.
You all see something, a kind of tumbled darkness, in one corner of the building that could be stairs. Before you can investigate, however, you see something else. Several somethings, flying, approaching fast. You look around and realize how vulnerable your group is, under an open roof with numerous holes in the walls.
As the things get closer, you can see what they look like. They are small, about the size of dogs, and they look like hideous, distorted human heads suspended from leathery wings.
Cerina screams.
Bralin (AC 23, 65/65 hp, Divine Favor) d20+2=8 Wednesday June 14th, 2006 8:48:01 AM
Bralin spins on the group of children, intending to cow them into obedience. But the sight of the fear filled Cerina gives him pause. [Intimidate 8]
"Go with Harvest. To yon corner," he says hesitantly, while pointing to the darkened corner that might have stairs, and at least has cover.
The dwarf spins again, now all business. He utters what sounds like a grunt, but in fact is a activation phrase. Unseen beneath his dark plate, a tattoo glows. [Brahamah Tattoo - Divine Favor]
Bralin places himself 10' from the group of children. Close enough to help, far enough to make him the first choice in any attack.
Lorth AC 21, HP 68 Wednesday June 14th, 2006 9:38:40 AM
Lorth knows all to well when Bralin switches into battle mode.
He looks about and sees the things approaching quickly when he hears Cerina scream.
He immediatley moves to Cerina's side intending to protect her (move action), while quickly chanting a spell. (Protection from evil)
In a calming voice he says, "Do not be afraid. I will not allow them to harm you. Lets move near the rest of the children now." (Aura of courage +4 save vs fear 10' radius)
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP) d20+3=7 d20+7=21 Wednesday June 14th, 2006 10:01:28 AM
The howling of Gerdi takes all hope of these creatures passing without noticing the group. Any does not have the heart to yell at the children to teel them to be quiet and sit down Initmidate 7), so instead he uses his most soothing voice, his Bard training coming in to play, and asks the children to follow Bralin's request, and sit down in the corner.
This done, his weapons come in to his hands almost unbidden, sword and dagger ringing slightly as they come free of their sheaths. He steps to a position towards Bralin, where he can defend the dwarf's leftflank. As he does so he begins to sing,
"Though far from home, our souls have flown, We will find the path, through delf and chaff, To take us where are hearts do dwell. We have travelled here, from our country dear, But we shall not stay, we will not stray, And fear our hearts will quell."
Any's song is meant to ease the minds of the children as much as it heartens his companions, and he sings with a soft powerful voice. There is not time for more.
Inspire courage +1 to will save +1 to attack
Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) - Change by Kelly d20+10=14 d20+10=16 d8+4=5 d20+10=30 d20+10=26 d8+4=8 Wednesday June 14th, 2006 10:19:36 AM
Arminas sees the creatures flying toward him. The look unnatural, they look to cause harm to the children. His decision is made, he will stop them.
In a firm voice he yells at Lirena:
"Go with Harvest, NOW!
His bow comes up, and he draws a silver arrow from his quiver. Taking aim at the front creature, he lets the arrow fly. The danger to the children is more than he can stand. Now is the time for heroic action. The shot flys straight and true. Pulling another silver arrow, he let's it fly at the creature.
Actions 1st arrow Hit AC 14 USE HERO point to redo 1st attack Hit AC 30 (perfect 20 - critical check Hit AC 26) Damage 8 x 3 = 24 HP Damage 2nd arrow Hit AC 16 Damage 5
Harvest (AC19, HP 42/42) d20+1=18 Wednesday June 14th, 2006 10:26:34 AM
"Come with me." Harvest herds the children toward the corner with outstretched arms. "I will try to find you a magic place in which to hide, while we convince these things that it is unwise to attempt us harm."
In the corner of the room indicated by Bralin Stoneminder, the small brown girl draws a scroll from her haversack. She reads from the scroll and the words, though difficult, present little challenge. A rope rises from the floor to a height of six feet. It disappears into an invisible trap door.
"We are a group now," Harvest calls to the children. "We must help each other. One by one, climb up into the shelter. Ceria, help Gerdi up into the shelter first. Lirena, you will go next. Turi, Naki we will stand watch while the others climb to safety. Nelle, Kiara, Hmanny, follow Lirena. Devrin, Dolo, please help Ceria. We must go up into the shelter quickly. Calmly, but quickly."
Rolls and Actions Caster Level Check for Scroll of Rope Trick 18 (vs DC4)
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM)
DM Kathy d20+3=9 d20+3=10 d20+3=13 d20+3=13 d20+3=8 d20+3=17 d20+3=4 d20+3=17 d20+3=5 d20+3=21 d20+3=21 d20+3=4 d20+3=11 d20+3=7 d20+3=13 d20+3=5 d20+3=18 d20+3=13 d20+3=15 d20+3=10 d20+3=7 d20+3=21 d20+3=5 d20+3=21 d20+3=9 d20+3=16 Thursday June 15th, 2006 1:20:34 AM Bralin directs Havest and the children to the corner where the stairs are (hopefully). He takes up a defensive position in front of them and activates his tattoo.
Any helps Bralin's efforts, using his trained voice to get the children to move, and beginning a song to hearten his allies. He draws his weapons and takes up a position near Bralin.
Lorth moves to calm Cerina and get her to move over with the other children. He casts Protection from Evil [on who? yourself or Cerina?].
Arminas has to get tough with Lirena to get her to let go, but he needs both arms if he is to use his bow. He succeeds in getting her to let go, and gets off two shots. The fist shot spears through the eye of one of the creatures and all but rips it in half. The second shot badly wounds a second creature.
Harvest moves into the corner, urging the children to come with her, calling them by name. She pulls out a scroll and casts a Rope Trick, then directs the children into the extradimensional space. There isn't room for all of them, so she directs Turi and Naki to wait with her.
Devrin has to pick Dolo up and carry him bodily, but all of the children get over into the corner. Acting on Harvest's instructions, Cerina tries to help little Gerdi up the rope. But Gerdi kicks and cries. She doesn't want to go up the stupid rope. She wants her mommy! She wants to go home!
Looking around uncertainly, Lirena begins to climb the rope. She was supposed to be next, after all, and Gerdi obviously isn't going anytime soon. Kiara, still holding Hmanny by one hand, reaches out to steady the rope for Lirena. It seems the children are, tentatively, starting to work together.
In the next moment, though, the flying creatures are on you. One of them opens its mouth and gives a horrifying shriek! The unnerving sound seems to penetrate to your very marrow. Cerina, in the act of trying to lift Gerdi up the rope, suddenly stops, freezes, as if paralyzed with fear. Lirena, halfway up the rope, also freezes in place.
[Everybody (except Lorth who is immune to fear) make a Will save, DC 12. Since I haven't had time to make a map, I'm going to give everybody the +4 bonus for proximity to Lorth. Also, everybody gets +1 from the bardsong, for a total of +5 to your normal Will save.]
Even as the one creature shrieks, others are swooping down to attack you. Three try to bite Bralin but can't get through the dwarf's armor. Four more go after Lorth, with equally poor results. Three attack Any, with no success. Thanks to his archery, only one goes after Arminas, but isn't quite able to score a hit. Two target Harvest, and miss; two others miss Florin.
Others, however, are swooping down on the children. Gerdi cries even louder as she is bitten. Quiet Hmanny lets out a yell, and bats futilely at one of the creatures as it bites his arm. Kiara and Nelle are also bitten, and cry out for help.
[OOC: Work is crazy this week and I haven't had time to map this. I'm going to give everybody the benefit of the doubt about positioning, spells, attacks of opportunity, etc. There are dozens of these things, so it would be easy (say) to target an area-effect spell to affect many critters and no friendlies. I'll have a map just as soon as I can.]
Lorth AC 21, HP 68 d20+11=16 d20+6=8 d8+5=8 d8+5=6 Thursday June 15th, 2006 6:56:09 AM
(OOC: Sorry, Protection from evil on Lorth)
Lorth ignores the bats biting him, the children are in danger!
He can easily reach a height of six feet, so he moves over to the rope trick and begins pushing children through the hole one by one. (If this is possible, not sure if you can be forced into the extra dimensional space. If this is not possible he does this...)
Lorth moves over to the children, he then attacks the nearest bat like creature that is attacking one of the children. (OOC: As soon as he kills one he moves onto the next. Hit AC: 16 & 8, DM: 8 & 6)
DM Kathy [additional] Thursday June 15th, 2006 8:37:31 AM
Forgot to mention this in my post, but when you get over to the corner, those are stairs you saw.
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+8=23 d20+8=19 d20+3=18 d8+4=7 d8+4=9 d4+4=8 d20+10=19 Thursday June 15th, 2006 9:45:41 AM
Any goes into a flurry of attacks, his sword and dagger sweeping among those creatures attacking him.
His song continues to sound, giving hope to those who hear it, but taking on a more martial tone,
"Ware my friends the enemies bite, Be calm, secure, and take no fright. We shall prevail, we will not fail, Our enemies shall all take flight.
Our swords are sharp and do impart Grievous wounds, and so take heart, They are done, and so will run, Else feel the sting of our fell dart."
Then amidst his attacks he hears the children begin to scream. Out of the corner of his eye he sees Lorth and Harvest both there. The best thing he can do to help is dispatch as many of these creatures as he can, as quickly as he can. With grim determination, he settles in for the next round of attacks.
Will 19 Inspire courage +1 will save, +1 ATT Hit AC 23, 19 18, doing 7, 8, and 9 HP DAM, sword -dagger- sword total DAM=26 HP
Bralin (AC 23, 65/65 hp, Divine Favor, Inspired, Pwr Atk[5]) d20+13=27 d20+10=16 d10+13=14 Thursday June 15th, 2006 10:32:03 AM
Fixated upon the approaching enemy, Bralin barely notices the sounds emanating from them. [Will 27]
Like Any, the dwarf concentrates on killing the creatures, while his comrades see to the security of the children.
[Atk ac 16 for 14 hp damage]
Divine Favor (2/10): +1 atk/dam Inspire Courage: +1 will save, +1 atk Power Attack: -5 atk, +5 dam --- Spells Prepared: (d) = Domain Spell 0 -Detect Magic, Light, Read Magic*, Guidance 1- Bless, Detect Evil, Protection vs Evil, Magic Stone (d) 2- Hold Person, Sound Burst, Identify (d)
Harvest (AC19, HP 42/42) d20+11=30 d20+7=24 2d4(4+4)+5=13 d20+7=8 d20+7=20 d20+7=19 2d4(1+2)+5=8 2d4(1+4)+5=10 Thursday June 15th, 2006 11:23:30 AM
The horrific shrieks of the flying skulls roll harmlessly from Harvest Moon's stubborn psyche.
"Paladin Lorth, can you lift the children up into the shelter?" she calls over her shoulder. "The ones unmoving first. Do you see the opening? It is only 6 feet off the ground."
Harvest draws her spiked chain. This time it is charmed with magic, and she is now accustomed to the chain.
"I will attempt to clear space for you to lift the children, Paladin Lorth. Turi, Naki pull the other children in behind us so that Paladin Lorth can lift them to safety. If you must, strike or kick one of the skulls. It may retreat."
The brown girl sends the serrated links of chain toward one of the skulls attacking a child. Even before becoming aware of the results of her attack, she settles into a pool of calm. She is the center of a ten foot circle, her reflexes are tuned to all who travel through her space. The chain turns, awaiting all foes who would dare approach.
Rolls and Actions Will Save 30 (Even without bonuses)
Attacks below have been adjusted for Inspire Courage. I forgot about that when I rolled. Hit Skull attacking a child AC25, Damage 14hp damage
Potential AoO's from Combat Reflexes. Applied against any Skulls who fly through Harvest's 10-foot threat range. ===================================== Hit AC8, (Nat 1) Hit AC21, Damage 9hp Hit AC20, Damage 11hp
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration, On Going)
Arminas (AC 22 HP 33/33) d20+10=19 d20+10=18 d20+10=13 d8+4=8 d8+4=8 Thursday June 15th, 2006 6:21:59 PM
Arminas concentrates on the creatures who are flying towards the children. He pulls another silver arrow and lets it fly. It strikes the creature. Another arrow follows.
Save = 19 1st arrow HIT AC 18 Damage 8 2nd arrow Hit AC 13 Damage 8?
DM Kathy d20+3=22 d20+3=22 d4=3 d4=4 d20+3=17 d20+3=9 d20+3=23 d20+3=9 d4=4 d20+3=12 d20+3=23 d20+3=17 d20+3=18 d4=3 d4=3 d4=4 d20+3=6 d20+3=10 d20+3=16 d4=2 d20+3=7 d20+1=14 d20+1=11 d20-3=11 Friday June 16th, 2006 1:29:10 AM Lorth moves over to the corner and begins lifting children into the Rope Trick. [You can do this, although I'm going to call it a move action to lift one child] He grabs Dolo first; he's one of the younger, more vulnerable children, and he is neither paralyzed nor being bitten. [You figure it's a bad idea to shove one of the creepy flying heads in with the children.]
Any continues to sing as he attacks with sword and dagger. Three times his weapons flash, and three creatures lay dead at his feet.
Bralin stands his ground and cleaves another of the flying things.
Harvest pulls out a spiked chain and begins defending the space where the children are. She deputizes Turi and Naki to help keep the others back. She attacks with the chain, and takes out one of the creatures.
Arminas fires twice and fells two of the beasts.
Unfortunately, the flying head things just keep coming. There are still dozens of them, and because they fly, it is difficult to defend an area by blocking them out.
Another of the beasts lets out that horrific shriek, and now Hmanny and Nelle also seem paralyzed with fear. [Another Will save, DC 12; same bonuses apply]
Other creatures fly in to attack. Two target Lorth, and actually manage to score hits. Lorth, take 7 points of damage and make a Fortitude save.
Arminas is only attacked by one of the beasts, but that one proves to be very lucky and manages to sink its teeth in. Arminas, take 4 points of damage and make a Fortitude save.
Bralin's foes miss him completely, and Any is not targeted this round. Harvest takes two of hers out with attacks of opportunity.
But the children are still vulnerable. Gerdi cries out again as another creature bites her, and the first one bites again. The creatures attacking Hmanny and Nelle now have free rein, with their victims paralyzed, and they, too, go in for second bites. Another creature just misses Kiara; Turi proves too nimble for yet another one.
The children are not idle. Kiara picks up a broken leg of furniture and begins waving it at the flying heads. Her attacks are ineffective, but she is trying. Devrin reaches out and grabs the creature that is biting Nelle. He succeeds in pulling it off her, and now holds the writhing horror by its batlike wings. Turi and Naki also grab improvised weapons, and seem to be trying to imitate Harvest's fighting style.
But as valiant as you all are, these things threaten to overwhelm your group with sheer numbers. And it seems as if even more are coming.
Bralin (AC 23, 65/65 hp, Divine Favor, Inspired, Pwr Atk[5]) d20+13=16 d20+10=29 d10+13=14 Friday June 16th, 2006 8:26:26 AM
[Will 16] Bralin brushes off the creature's screams again. But the dwarf sees their current tactic is unworkable. Tis too open here.
"Down the stairs! Seek cover! he roars. The dwarf moves into the children, brushing aside one of the creatures attacking the paralyzed Nellie. [atk ac 29 for 14 hp damage]
Bralin engulfs the girl with his shield arm, intending to pick her up and carry her down the stairway.
Divine Favor (3/10): +1 atk/dam Inspire Courage: +1 will save, +1 atk Power Attack: -5 atk, +5 dam --- Spells Prepared: (d) = Domain Spell 0 -Detect Magic, Light, Read Magic*, Guidance 1- Bless, Detect Evil, Protection vs Evil, Magic Stone (d) 2- Hold Person, Sound Burst, Identify (d)
Lorth AC 21, HP 68/61 d20+11=20 Friday June 16th, 2006 8:57:39 AM
Lorth ignores the creatures biting him, the children are the number one priority...
Lorth grabs the two closest children and puts them into the rope trick.
(Fort: 20, Use his entire round to move children)
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+10=20 d20+10=19 d20+10=30 d20+8=27 d20+4=23 d8+4=5 Friday June 16th, 2006 10:01:09 AM
Any turns to help get the children to safety. If any creature gets in his way, he will attack with his sword. He drives the creatures off of Gerti, and lifts her into the rope trick. Then, standing guard for Lorth, he brings the others in as they come within reach.
Continuing his song, Any passes information with his lyrics,
"Children! These creature shall not win. Come to me, safety lies within. Harvest! Arminas! Target the beasts, Do not let them continue to feast. Let's clear them awayfrom the children here, And do not give in to the projected fear."
Will save 20 Spot 19 Listen 30 Hit AC 27 for 5 HP DAM OOC Ignore the 23 forgot to change dice roller to D8 :o)
Harvest (AC19, HP 42/42) d20+16=28 d20+8=28 d20+8=16 d20+8=14 d20+8=26 2d4(3+3)+6=12 2d4(4+2)+6=12 2d4(2+3)+6=11 2d4(1+2)+6=9 Friday June 16th, 2006 11:30:22 AM
The second screech has as much affect as did the first. Still, Harvest Moon chews at the corner of her lower lip as her eyes flick to the ever increasing number of the flying skulls. Can they protect the children? Even within the Rope Trick? Where would Naki and Turi go? Would it be better to flee instead? Is flight even a possibility?
"Bralin Stoneminder," she calls, "I do not believe that we can outrun them. Do you see a position more easily defended down the stairs?"
Once again, Harvest attempts to keep as many children as possible within the sweep of her chain. Heedless of her own safety, she strikes at another skull that attacks a child, and then waits for others to move in such a way as to draw a reflexive attack of opportunity.
Rolls and Actions Will Save 28
Hit Skull attacking a child AC28, Damage 12hp damage (I'm assuming that these things are immune to Critical Hits.)
Potential AoO's from Combat Reflexes. Applied against any Skulls who fly through Harvest's 10-foot threat range. ===================================== Hit AC16, Damage 12hp Hit AC14, Damage 11hp Hit AC26, Damage 9hp
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration, On Going)
DM Kathy [additional] Saturday June 17th, 2006 5:22:34 AM
Justin, it's good to see you [and Florin] back in action.
Your group is standing in the ruin of a once-fine house being attacked by creepy flying head things. There are lots of them. Some of your companions are trying to get the kids into the comparitive safety of a Rope Trick spell, the tricky part being that there isn't actually room for all of them in there.
Since I don't have a map yet, I'm being pretty liberal about positioning, etc. So you can make ranged attacks or cast spells without fear of Attacks of Opportunity, or you can wade into melee.
Arminas (AC 22 HP 29/33) d20+9=16 d20+5=17 d20+10=25 d20+10=16 d8+4=12 d8+4=10 Saturday June 17th, 2006 4:17:06 PM
Arminas tries to follow Bralin's directions to retreat, but he will not leave if any of the children are exposed. He steps back towards the group, firing two arrows at the creatures attacking Hmanny and Nelle as he moves.
"Bralin, we cannot leave these children. Can we move the Rope Trick?"
Actions Will save 16 Fortitude save 17 1st arrow Hit AC 25 Damage 12 2nd arrow Hit AC 16 Damage 10
Florin Jadenth d20+12=17 d20+7=23 d8+5=6 d8+5=8 Saturday June 17th, 2006 8:13:56 PM
(Thanks Kathy. One last favor please. Could you send me a copy of Florin's CS. I forgot to ask that before. I can make a really good guess on the attack for the moment but not sure on hitpoints or AC at the moment.)
Florin moves in to help his friends. He clutches his medium shield in one hand that has the symbol of Domi on it and in his other hand is his trust mithril longsword, the high Woldian runes on the blade glowing faintly in the light that spells out the sword's name. Florin attacks the nearest enemy...thinking he might beable to do something like a protection from evil spell or something if that will help so calls over to Bralin, "Bralin, would a protection from evil or such spell help?"
(Can hit AC:6/8)
DM Kathy d20+3=20 d20+3=20 d20+3=15 d20+3=22 d4=3 d20+3=19 d20+3=14 d20+3=9 d20+3=12 d20+3=17 d20+3=20 d20+3=20 d20+3=18 d20+3=21 d20+3=17 d20+3=16 d20+3=13 d20+3=6 d20+3=16 d20+3=6 d4=4 Sunday June 18th, 2006 11:14:53 PM Bralin, seeing the odds you face, calls for an orderly retreat, grabs Nelle, and starts down the stairs.
Lorth grabs the paralyzed Lirena and shoves her in the Rope Trick. Then he grabs Kiara. "Noo!" shouts the normally-obedient hmana girl. "Hmanny! Hmanny!" She struggles in Lorth's grasp. The paladin's strength overmatches her, though, and he pushers her into the Trick.
Still singing, Any moves to Gerdi and drives two of the creatures off of her. [That's a full round worth of actions; you can pick her up next round.] He notices that Gerdi has stopped crying and is lying very still. She looks pale.
Harvest uses her chain to protect the children, and calls to Bralin to find a more defensible position. [The creatures are subject to critical hits, but they only have 5 hp each, so it's splatted either way. :) ]
Arminas also targets the creatures attacking the children, taking two of them out.
Florin lashes out with sword and shield, also taking out two of the flying heads.
But they keep coming. Thanks to Harvest, fewer of them are getting close to the children, but there are still a few over there. Devrin still clutches the one he plucked off Nelle, looking around, uncertain what to do with the thing. Turi and Naki are still battling as well.
Lorth takes another bite (3 points damage and a Fort save). Another creature bits the paralyzed Cerina. She lets out a strangled yelp, but still seems unable to move.
Bralin heads down the stairs, and finds the ground floor, too, is in ruins. It might prove more protection against the flying heads, but there are still a lot of holes in the walls.
As he is assessing the area, a human man in rough peasant clothes comes bursting through the front door of the ruined house. Only Bralin can see the man, but all of you can hear him. "Fools!" he cries. "What do you think you are doing? Get to cover, quickly! This way; follow me!"
Lorth AC 21, HP 68/58 d20+11=19 Monday June 19th, 2006 8:28:48 AM
Lorth ignores the thing that bites him. (Fort: 19) He now has a dilema, if he follows the man to safety the children in the rope trick will be left behind. Lorth decides he will not leave. "Get the children down to safety.", he says quickly. "Harvest please attend Gerdi, I will follow with the ones that are now in the rope trick." Lorth touches Cerina and draws from Gargul's power. (Lay on hands for 5 points, standard action) He then climbs up the rope into the rope trick.(Movement action)
Harvest (AC19, HP 42/42) d20+8=21 2d4(2+3)+6=11 d20+8=18 d20+8=27 d20+8=24 2d4(1+4)+6=11 2d4(4+1)+6=11 2d4(2+3)+6=11 Monday June 19th, 2006 10:17:01 AM
"Children, go down the stairs! Follow Bralin Stoneminder! Paladin Lorth will protect the ones already up the magic Rope!"
Harvest quickly searches out the children, their positions and conditions. Nelle is with Bralin Stoneminder. Dolo, Kiara and Lirena are in the Rope Trick with Paladin Lorth. Turi, Naki, Devrin, and Hmanny are on their feet and still possessed of mobility. Gerdi is unconscious and Cerina appears trapped in a form of paralysis.
"Anthos, we must act quickly." Harvest spares another glance for Gerdi's pale form. "I suspect that there is a poison in the bite of these skulls. We must work quickly to treat it. Arminas Calaelen, can you take Gerdi below to Bralin Stoneminder. Paladin Florin, please take Cerina upon your shoulder as well, she cannot move."
The brown girl aims the tip of her chain at the skull in little Devrin's hands. It bursts and dies.
"Devrin, follow Bralin Stoneminder down the stairs, please. Naki, Turi, please, take Hmanny and go with him. Protect the others. I will follow shortly."
Harvest backs away, covering the retreat. The whirling chain attempts to cover both the entrance of the stairwell and the entrance of the Rope Trick at the same time.
Rolls and Actions Hit Skull Devrin is holding AC21, Damage 11hp
Potential AoO's from Combat Reflexes. Applied against any Skulls who fly through Harvest's 10-foot threat range. ===================================== Hit AC18, Damage 11hp Hit AC27, Damage 11hp Hit AC24, Damage 11hp
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration, On Going)
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+8=27 d20+8=28 d20+8=14 d8+4=8 d4+4=5 d4+10=11 d4+10=13 d20+10=23 d20+10=24 Monday June 19th, 2006 11:10:09 AM
Any can see that it will take too long to get the children into the rope trick. Then he hears a voice from below, talking to Bralin,
"Fools! What do you think you are doing? Get to cover, quickly! This way; follow me!"
Harvest instructs him to pick up the girl Gerti, and without a second thought, he does so, heading down the stairs, herding the children still capable of movement ahead of him.
"Come children, quickly! It is not safe here!"
Upon arriving at the bottom of the stairs, he is confronted with a peasant in ragged clothes. This must be the person who spoke to Bralin.
"There are more of us coming. How far to the place you will lead us?"
He sets Gerti down, freeing himself to protect the group if any of the creatures come into this lower level. If he sees any he will attack and destroy them.
Inspire courage 5 more rounds Attack-- hit AC 27 and 28 (ignore last roll) Damage 8 and 5 HP DAM Spot 23 Listen 24 OOC I keep forgetting to change the die roller value :o)
Arminas (AC 22 HP 29/33) d20+11=23 d20+11=29 d8+4=6 d8+4=9 Monday June 19th, 2006 3:06:46 PM
It looks like Any has taken care of Gerti, so instead Arminas decides to take rear guard. He talks to the children:
"Quickly, follow Harvest."
Then with a look of concern he adds to Harvest: "What of the rope trick, can it be moved?"
Regardless, he decides to let the children move down in front of him. He targets two more of the creatures with arrows. Killing them both.
Hit 1st Arrow AC 23 6 damage Hit 2nd Arrow AC 29 9 damage
Florin Jadenth Monday June 19th, 2006 10:13:29 PM
Florin grabs up Cerina after moving to her and will make his way to the others and looks to Harvest, "Ready to move." Florin keeps the lady he carries on his shield arm's shoulder so his sword is still free.
(Kathy, just wanting to make sure you knew. Florin had his shield but both attacks was with his sword.)
DM Kathy d20+3=22 d20+3=20 d20+3=13 d20+3=4 d20+3=17 d20+3=21 d20+3=7 d20+3=10 d4=1 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 1:21:55 AM
Hearing the man below, Lorth makes a decision to stay with the children in the Rope Trick. He begins climbing in, only to find Kiara trying to climb out. "Hmanny!" the girl calls. "Hmy brother! I have to stay with him!"
Harvest destroys the creature that Devrin is holding, and calls for the children to head down the stairs. She takes up a rearguard position, trying to protect both the stairs and the Trick.
At Harvest's direction, Any picks up the unmoving Gerdi, and begins carrying her out. She doesn't stir.
Arminas begins to follow, also helping to cover the retreat by picking off a couple of the flying heads.
Florin picks up Cirena, and begins carrying the paralyzed teenager down the stairs. She is not quite fully grown, but nearly so, so it takes a lot of his concentration.
At Harvest's urging, Turi and Naki begin moving down the stairs, with many glances back over their shoulders at her. "You're coming with us, right!" one of them shouts. It's not precisely a question.
Hmanny seems gripped by the same paralysis that affected Cerina, Lirena, and Nelle. Realizing this, 12-year-old Devrin awkwardly picks up the younger boy and starts down the stairs with him. Devrin is a strong enough lad, but Hmanny's weight slows him down a bit.
Below, the man in peasant clothing urges you on. "Quickly now!" he says. "Out the front door, turn to your right and run! Run as fast as you can! I'll be with you, show you where to go."
"It's not far," he says in response to Any's query. "Though whether it's too far is up to all of you. You need to move fast." With that, he takes you out the ruined front door of the house. "Run!" he says again.
The flying heads are still harrassing those left on the second floor, Harvest and Arminas. Despite her best efforts with the chain, one of the creatures wins through and manages to bit Harvest (1 point damage and a Fort save). Arminas is also attacked, but not hit.
The heads seem to sense their prey is getting away, and begin flying around the house in widening circles. Harvest and Arminas realize it's only a matter of time before the creatures find the fleeing group.
Lorth AC 21, HP 68/58 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 7:45:12 AM
Lorth quickly grabs Kiara and puts her on the ground. "Run to Harvest, she will get you to Hmanny.", he says. Then he climbs up into the rope trick to retrieve the last two children. If he has time, he grabs one of the children in each arm and jumps out of the rope trick, 6' to the floor.
Harvest (AC19, HP 41/42) d20+6=25 d20+5=20 d20+8=25 d20+8=22 d20+8=10 d20+8=26 2d4(1+4)+5=10 2d4(4+1)+5=10 2d4(2+3)+5=10 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 9:13:48 AM
"I will follow," Harvest Moon replies to the twins Turi and Naki. "Please protect and guide the others until I and Paladin Lorth can catch up with you."
A sharp sting ... And a feeling. The brown girl shakes off the invasion of her body, but spends a mental moment to examine the feeling. Poison? If so, it will be important to know, as it has, no doubt afflicted the children who have been bitten as well.
"Kiara," Harvest instructs the girl as Lorth lowers her from the Rope Trick, "Hmanny is down the stairs. He is having difficulty moving. Please help Devrin to carry him to safety."
Harvest holds her position. Her eyes flit from one of the flying skulls to another. The chain sounds a whir as it rides its arc. "Please tell Turi and Naki," she calls over her shoulder, "that Paladin Lorth and I shall be down presently."
Rolls and Actions Fort 25 Heal 20 (To recognize what provoked the Fortitude Save.) Hit AC25, Damage 10hp
Potential AoO's from Combat Reflexes. Applied against any Skulls who fly through Harvest's 10-foot threat range. ===================================== Hit AC22, Damage 10hp Hit AC10 Hit AC26, Damage 10hp
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration 5/5 Rounds)
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+8=12 d20+8=11 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 10:33:27 AM
Any is torn between following the man immediately, and protecting these children, or going up the stairs to help Harvest. He quickly decides that Harvest is quite capable of holding off these creatures, the children are not. As more of the chidren come down the stairs, he moves them after the man.
"As fast as you can, go out the door and turn right. I will be with you! Everyone help those who cannot continue on their own. Let's go! Run!"
Any's sword stays ready to fight off any of these beasts that get too close, while Gerti rests in his left arm. If any of the skulls things get close enough, he will strike.
Inspire courage +1 to hit +1 to will save. 4 rounds left
Arminas (AC 22, HP 29/33) Tuesday June 20th, 2006 10:41:56 AM
Arminas is now ready to run after the others. As the children are helped down out of the rope trick, he urges them to run.
"Quickly, follow the others. Don't worry, if one comes after you I will shoot it down."
He then runs with the children.
Bralin (AC 23, 65/65 hp, Divine Favor, Inspired) d20+5=24 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 10:56:17 AM
Wordlessly, Bralin stows his axe. With one hand, the dwarf grabs Hmanny from Dervin and flings the paralzyed boy over his shoulder. [Strength check 24].
With Nelle over one shoulder, and Hmanny over the other, Bralin powers after the stranger. "Follow," he tells Dervin.
Florin Jadenth Tuesday June 20th, 2006 4:32:44 PM
Florin continues moving with the lady he is carrying on one shoulder and looks to Bralin since he knows him best and speaks to him as he moves, "If we have to defend a area the stairway would make a nice standing place since they wouldn't beable to come to many at a time at one person. I do not know which of you give the orders Bralin my friend but if it comes to it I offer to hold the stairs if need be. These things can fly and that gives them a advantage on us running with injured people." Florin says this more as a comment then like he is giving any orders since he has just joined the group he sees it not as his place to be making any real choices beyond suggestions. He grins even knows it can't be seen through his vizor helmet as he does not mind protecting those who needs it, such is the place of a follower of Domi and he is one of Domi's most devoted from the Floating City let alone he hopes to prove himself to this group also.
DM Kathy Wednesday June 21st, 2006 1:26:20 AM Lorth sets Kiara down, and helps Dolo out of the Rope Trick. The six-year-old eagerly scoots down the rope and starts down the stairs, calling for his brother Devrin. Lirena still appears paralyzed and will have to be carried, but Lorth can grab her, too, this turn.
Harvest continues to cover the retreat, as she sends Turi and Naki, then Kiara, on their way. She realizes that the creatures do carry some kind of poison, which appears to be some kind of irritant. It would, Harvest, surmises, make the wound harder to heal. Her swinging chain accounts for another of the creatures, but their numbers don't seem very diminished.
Arm concentrates on getting the children to safety, trusting Harvest to look after herself. Still carrying Gerdi, he urges the others to run as fast as they can.
Arminas follows Kiara down the stairs, bow ready to take out any of the flying heads that come too near.
Bralin sheathes his axe and takes Hmanny from the struggling Devrin. Even under the weight of both children, the dwarf is not noticably slowed, and chugs determinedly along with the rest of the group.
Florin offers to help cover their retreat, but, apart from the stairs, there don't seem to be any natural bottlenecks along the route.
The children, unburdened by weapons and armor, run with the peasant man, most able to keep up readily. Kiara puts on a burst of speed to run next to Bralin. "Hmanny!" she calls to her unresponsive brother. "Hmanny, are you all right?" The boy, seemingly still paralyzed, does not reply.
Devrin hears his brother Dolo calling him and slows up so the younger boy can catch him. Arminas, pelting down the stairs, nearly plows into the pair of them.
Turi and Naki run easily, but take turns looking back to see if Harvest is coming.
Any glances over and catches a glimpse of Gerdi running, her eyes wide with fright, her chubby little legs pumping for all she's worth. Which is a little odd, considering that he's carrying Gerdi's limp body in his arms. When he looks over again, he doesn't see her.
The peasant man is leading you through what must pass for underbrush in this strange world. The plants are sickly, spindly things that don't provide much cover--but they do provide some. And what little cover they provide is welcome, because a small group of the flying heads has definitely seen the fleeing group. "Quick! Quick! Run!" the peasant man urges.
Lorth AC 21, HP 68/58 Wednesday June 21st, 2006 7:15:28 AM
Lorth carries Lirena and runs for the stairs, if he overtakes any of the children he picks another up. If he can't pick them up he runs with them, never letting any fall behind. He glances back to make sure Harvest is following, although she could probably overtake him easily if she wanted.
Arminas (AC 22, HP 29/33) Wednesday June 21st, 2006 9:31:46 AM
Arminas continues shepparding the children towards the relative safety of the brush. He slows as he comes upon Devrin and Dolo.
"Quickly now, we must follow the others."
Arminas urges them along, taking a hand and pulling if necessary.
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+9=25 d20+9=12 Wednesday June 21st, 2006 10:20:02 AM
[italic]What is going on here!?[/italic]
Any was carrying Gerdi , and then suddenly she was alongside, and then she was gone! Any wonders if this girl might have some type of magical powers that are presenting themselves under the girl's stress.
There will be time to consider this later. For now, he continues to run, trying to keep the children in front of him. The other members of the group all have the same idea, and it really does not seem to be a problem keeping the children running from these terrors.
He looks back to see if Harvest is coming, and then decides that once the children are safe, he can go make sure that she is safe also.
His sword stays in his hand keeping these flying beasts at bay. He will strike at any that get too close.
Inspire courage +1 to hit +1 will save 3 more rounds Hit AC 25 and 12 for a minimum of 5 HP DAM If you need me to roll damage I can do so
Harvest (AC19, HP 41/42) d20+8=26 d20+8=22 d20+8=25 d20+8=26 2d4(3+1)+6=10 2d4(2+4)+6=12 2d4(3+2)+6=11 2d4(4+1)+6=11 Wednesday June 21st, 2006 10:54:00 AM
Paladin Lorth comes down out of the Rope Trick with Lirena, and Harvest makes one last quick mental tally of the children before following in the paladin's wake.
She strikes about her with the spiked chain, weaving a net of protection for her charges as they head down the stairs.
Rolls and Actions Hit AC26, Damage 10hp
Potential AoO's from Combat Reflexes. Applied against any Skulls who fly through Harvest's 10-foot threat range. ===================================== Hit AC22, Damage 12hp Hit AC25, Damage 11hp Hit AC26, Damage 11hp
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration 4/5 Rounds)
Bralin (AC 23, 65/65 hp, Divine Favor, Inspired) Wednesday June 21st, 2006 12:24:48 PM
Bralin runs, plowing through the underbrush as he follows the stanger.
The dwarf ignores the cries of the child running with him. The objective - get the children to a defensible position - is paramount.
Florin Jadenth Wednesday June 21st, 2006 8:50:05 PM
Florin continues to follow the others and glances back once to see if everyone is coming and making it okay. If he notices anyone slowing or stopping near him he will speak to the child, "Come on, we have to keep moving till everyone is someplace safe. Everyone will be okay but we have to keep moving for the moment."
Florin frowns some as he shifts the child he carries and hopes that everything does turn out right. He personally would not run from a fight but in this case it was for the best.
DM Kathy d20+3=22 d20+3=7 d20+3=17 d20+3=17 d20+3=13 d20+3=15 d20+3=16 d20+3=11 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 12:43:16 AM
Your group is now strung in a line, running for whatever safety the man is offering.
At the front of the line runs the man in peasant clothes, glancing back from time to time to urge you all to hurry.
Bralin puffs behind him, carrying Hmanny and Nelle. Kiara runs beside him. She seems oddly reasssured by the dwarf's gruff manner--or perhaps she is saving her breath to run. At any rate, she asks no more questions and concentrates on keeping up.
Next comes Any, carrying Gerdi's still form and wondering if he imagined seeing her run alongside the group. Surely he must have.
Turi and Naki run side by side behind Any, reassured now that they see Harvest following. Near them is Florin, carrying the paralyzed Cerina. Only now the teenager stirs in his hold. "I-I can run now," she gasps. "Put me down."
Arminas is next, with Devrin and Dolo. Devrin is keeping up well enough, but little Dolo is having trouble. Arminas and Devrin each grab a hand and drag the little boy along.
Next comes Lorth carrying Lirena, who was also paralyzed. However she, too, seems to be moving now.
Harvest brings up the rear, swinging her chain to discourage the flyers.
But it's hard to protect the group when you're all strung out like this, especially since most of you are carrying kids. They flying heads come racing after you, although you seem to be able stay ahead of most of them.
A few, however, fly in to bite at the party. They are not much of a threat to the armored adventurers, but the children are another story. Kiara cries out as she is bitten, and a few of the other children shout and bat at the flyers as they get close.
"Just a bit farther!" gasps the man in peasant clothes.
[OOC: let me know if the following is helpful.]
Kid Roster:
Cerina, 14 - crush on Lorth Devrin, 12 - hangs out a lot with Bralin Kiara, 10 - hmana, not attached to any particular party member Turi, 10 - fascinated with Harvest Naki, 9 - Turi's younger brother, also fascinated with Harvest Lirena, 8 - spends time with Arminas Nelle, 7 - follows Any around Hmanny, 6 - Kiara's younger brother, also not attached to anyone in particular Dolo, 6 - Deverin's younger brother, drawn to "Fwowin" Gerdi, 5 - has interacted with everybody
Lorth AC 21, HP 68/58 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 7:39:41 AM
Lorth will continue to carry Lirena unless she asks to run by herself. He follows the others as quickly as he can, he doesn't bother trying to defend himself but uses all his effort on running.
Harvest (AC19, HP 41/42) d20+6=19 d20+8=15 d20+8=28 d20+8=15 2d4(4+2)+6=12 2d4(2+1)+6=9 2d4(2+4)+6=12 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 9:24:32 AM
Harvest Moon darts ahead glancing up to find the source of the odd lavender light. Where could they be? As she scoots quickly across the ground, the brown girl polls her knowledge of geography. Where could they possibly be?
She slows when in the midst of the greater number of children. Whipping the chain around, Harvest Moon works to protect their small caravan.
Rolls and Actions Knowledge Geography 19 No Standard Action Attack Double Move instead (80ft)
Potential AoO's from Combat Reflexes. Applied against any Skulls who fly through Harvest's 10-foot threat range. ===================================== Hit AC15, Damage 12hp Hit AC28, Damage 9hp Hit AC15, Damage 12hp
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration 3/5 Rounds)
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+9=10 d20+9=27 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 9:51:57 AM
Any keeps Gerdi cradled in his left arm behind his buckler, hoping that the small shield will offer her some protection. His focus is on the peasant man ahead of the group, and keeping the group together and running.
He receives some small relief when Harvest exits the building behind him, and allows that portion of worry to move to keeping these beasts at bay. He keeps as close as he can to the children in front of him striking at any that get too close.
Inspire courage +1 to hit +1 will save 2 more rounds Hit AC 10 and 27 for min of 5 HP DAM
Arminas (AC 22, HP 29/33) Thursday June 22nd, 2006 1:20:19 PM
Arminas pulls little Dolo along, and tries to encourage him.
"Just a bit further now, you are doing great. Hurry now."
Looking back, he can see that Lirena is doing better. He calls to her:
"Lirena, you can do this. Remember to help watch, I need you."
Arminas hopes that they can find safety soon, and that answers come quickly as to where they are.
Florin Jadenth-AC:20-HP:60 d20+12=21 d20+7=8 d8+5=10 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 4:15:24 PM
Florin lets Cerina down now as she speaks and speaks to her quickly, "Keep running with the others and do not look back or stop till your safe with the others."
Florin turns and keeps his sword ready for any flyers that come to close. He will try and slow the things down some also and he glares through the slits in his helmet as he prepares his sword and makes swings at the ones moving in.
(Can hit AC:21/8 *nat:1* Damage:10/miss)
Bralin Thursday June 22nd, 2006 4:24:30 PM
The dwarf keeps running.
DM Kathy d20=15 d20=15 d20=1 d20=9 d20=19 d20=12 d20=14 d20=13 d20=1 Friday June 23rd, 2006 1:56:07 AM
Lirena stirs a little in Lorth's grasp, but doesn't actually try to get down. It's probably just as well; the 8-year-old isn't heavy enough to slow the paladin, and might have trouble keeping up.
Harvest gives some thought to the odd, lavender-colored light. The source is clear enough; a lavender moon hangs overhead in a twilight sky. But Harvest knows very well there is no place in the Wold with a lavender moon in the sky.
Any keeps a tight hold on Gerdi, who hasn't moved since he picked her up.
Arminas and Devrin hustle Dolo along. The little boy is running for all he's worth, but he's clearly tiring.
Florin sets Cerina on the ground and turns to fight off the flying heads. The teenager begins to run with the others.
Bralin keeps running. The two children he carries are beginning to stir, perhaps throwing off the effect of the paralysis.
The peasant man zigs abruptly, leading you out of the brush. He puts on a burst of speed, clearly heading for a small cottage about 100 feet away. It's a humble dwelling, apparantly built from scavenged materials, but there are no holes or gaps in its construction. It looks wonderfully flying-head-proof.
Of course, you have to get there first.
The children follow the peasant man, trying their best to imitate his burst of speed. The flying heads are having a hard time keeping up. Sensing their prey slipping away, two of them open their horrific mouths and let out screams!
[Everybody make a Fortitude save, DC 12, or be paralyzed with Fear. Paladins are, obviously, exempt.]
Little Dolo is stopped in his tracks. He stands, unable to move. Hmanny freezes again in Bralin's grasp. Turi stops running so abruptly that his brother leaves him behind--but not for long. Naki circles back. "Turi!" he cries, tugging at his brother's hand. "Turi, we have to go! Turi, what's wrong?"
The other kids seem unaffected and continue toward the humble shelter.
Lorth AC 21, HP 68/58 Friday June 23rd, 2006 8:01:58 AM
Lorth scoops whatever child he comes up to first in his free arm and runs for all he is worth to the man's cottage. He quickly places the children inside when he gets there. He means to immediately turn around and gather up whatever children are left outside as soon as he can. But he hopes, that they are already taken care of by the rest of his friends.
Arminas (AC 22, HP 29/33) d20+10=15 d20+2=22 Friday June 23rd, 2006 9:41:49 AM
Arminas skids to a halt as Dolo stops, frozen in fear. He tells Devrin:
"Run as fast as you can, I will carry Dolo."
Arminas then picks up Dolo and carries him as fast as possible to the cottage.
Actions Fortitude save 15 Strength check 22 (perfect 20)
Harvest (AC19, HP 41/42) d20+6=24 d20+2=13 Friday June 23rd, 2006 10:24:38 AM
"Run, Turi. Run." The chain goes slack, held in but one hand as Harvest Moon snatches Naki up off the ground. "I will take your brother. Follow Bralin Stoneminder. Run."
She slows her pace and trails just behind the boy to ensure that he makes it safely to the shack.
Rolls and Actions Fortitude Save 24 (Kathy, wasn't this a Will Save before? See: Friday June 16th, 2006 12:29:10 AM) STR 13
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM) Inspire Courage (Duration 2/5 Rounds)
Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)(Inspire Courage) d20+4=15 d20+3=22 Friday June 23rd, 2006 11:05:11 AM
Any shakes off the scream of the flying skulls, and continues to run for the shack. He sees the others pick up those children who are affected, and lends a hand to those who are lagging with the long run.
"Come along, all of you! Just a little further! Run as fast as you can!"
Upon reaching the hut, he sets Gerdi down inside, and then goes back out to protect the rest of the group, allowing them to focus on getting the children inside rather than on the flying beasts.
Inspire courage +1 will save +1 to hit 1 more round Fortitude 15 Strength 22
Bralin clamps onto the stirring children, ensuring they do not inadvertantly work themselves free of his grasp. Spying the dwelling, he nods to himself. A defensible position is most welcome.
The flying heads scream. The dwarf ignores them.
He powers on toward the building.
Florin Jadenth d20+12=22 d20+7=14 d20+5=16 d20+5=7 d8+5=7 d8+5=7 Friday June 23rd, 2006 11:01:57 PM
If he sees that he can still help cover the retreat of the group some he will stand his ground and continue his slashing at the skulls. He wants to help protect them and maybe lessen the number of floating skulls...he also isn't sure how effective they will be with his heavy armor if they attack him.
(Can hit AC:22/14 Damage:7/7 please ignore the d20+5's they were a missroll)
DM Kathy Sunday June 25th, 2006 11:17:46 PM Bralin and Any get safely into the house, carrying Gerdi, Nelle, and Hmanny. Kiara and the man in peasant clothing are with you.
Lorth, still carrying Lirena, reaches down to pick up Dolo, but finds that Arminas has beaten him to it. He considers picking up Turi, but the older boy is going to be heavier, and Lorth is already carrying one child. Harvest is able to pick up Turi, and all three of you rush into the house. Cerina, Naki, and Devrin come in with you.
Florin is the last one into the building, ducking through the door just ahead of one of the flyers. The peasant man slams the door behind him, shutting out the flying head.
The heads flap around the outside of the house, letting out their shrieks as they can't get inside. It's not an effective tactic, though, since anybody paralyzed would out of danger until they snap out of it.
[OOC: I did call for a Will save before, but it was supposed to have been Fort all along. My bad.]
You have barely caught your breath when Gerdi comes through the wall.
She comes right through it, as if it weren't there. It is unmistakably her, although she looks transparent and insubstantial. There are ghostly tears on her face and she looks very upset.
"You guys just ran off without me!!" she cries, outraged. "You ran and left me and I was really scared!" She bursts into loud sobs.
Chaos reigns in the little house. Lirena screams. Kiara starts to cry and hugs Hmanny tightly. Devrin leaps to his feet, stepping protectively in front of Dolo. Nelle faints. The man in peasant clothing backs away, looking from the insubstantial little girl to the still form in Any's arms. Cerina gasps and goes pale. "Wh-wh-what's going on?" she asks, her voice sliding dangerously close to hysteria.
It's a very good question....
Kid Roster:
Cerina, 14 - crush on Lorth Devrin, 12 - hangs out a lot with Bralin Kiara, 10 - hmana, not attached to any particular party member Turi, 10 - fascinated with Harvest Naki, 9 - Turi's younger brother, also fascinated with Harvest Lirena, 8 - spends time with Arminas Nelle, 7 - follows Any around Hmanny, 6 - Kiara's younger brother, also not attached to anyone in particular Dolo, 6 - Deverin's younger brother, drawn to "Fwowin" Gerdi, 5 - has interacted with everybody
Lorth Monday June 26th, 2006 8:16:58 AM
Lorth doesn't understand what the apparition is, so he ignores it, as it seems harmless and Cerina is close to hysterics, which is not something they need to happen.
Lorth moves over near Cerina and takes her hand motioning her to sit. "Cerina", he says in his most calming voice. "We are safe now, try and take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves, you must be strong. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe." Then he adds, "Are you physically hurt?" Looking over her quickly for wounds.
(If Cerina is hurt, Lorth will use his lay on hands ability to heal her, he then moves from child to child and heals them if they need it, until his power runs out. 13 points left for today)
Any Monday June 26th, 2006 9:46:58 AM
Any looks at the apparition, then he looks at the small form in his arms. He quickly feels for a pulse.
Is it a magical representation of the little girl? Is this a ghost? Has he been carrying a lifless body?
If he finds no pulse he immediately casts CMW hoping to bring the child back to life, and unite body and spirit.
If there is a pulse, he will ask the other children,
"Has Gerdi ever shown any magical abilities before? Do her parents have any such abilities?"
Once this issue is settled for the moment, he turns to the man and asks,
"Where are we, and what are those things that chased us?"
Harvest (AC19, HP 41/42) d20+7=12 Monday June 26th, 2006 10:49:26 AM
Eyes closed in relief, Harvest Moon hugs Turi to her in a flood of emotion before lowering his feet to the ground. She collects Naki as well and hugs them both before releasing them both.
She stands and looks about, counting the children once again, running through the names.
Then little Gerdi comes running through the wall. Gerdi who nestles so still within Anthos' protective arms. As a former follower of Grim Gargul, Harvest can think but one thing.
"Gerdi?" Harvest falls to her knees and whispers the little girl's name. "Please, come here, Little One." A tremor comes to Harvest Moon's voice as she calls the spirit to her. Tears breach the levee of her eyes, and warm salty tracks roll down her face. The Wold fades, the movments of the others, screams of the other children, all becomes an indistinct background. There had been a chance to save the little one. Paladin Lorth had requested it of her. It would have take but a moment.
"Anthos," her voice is deep and rough with emotion, "Little Gerdi ... is she ... is she well?"
Rolls and Actions Knowledge Religion 12
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM)
Bralin (Sub/Al) d20+5=19 d20+4=14 Monday June 26th, 2006 11:09:23 AM
This place appears safe to release the children. Bralin does so.
"Lorth, do you detect aught of Evil about?" Bralin asks as he paces the dimensions of their sanctuary watchful and alert. The dwarf eyes the bard wondering if he will take the lead in matters of discovering the nature of the man who lead them to this house.
(Spot 19, Listen 14)
Florin Jadenth d20+4=5 Monday June 26th, 2006 4:40:32 PM
Florin looks to the ghost or what he thinks is a ghost but for the life of him he is having problems figuring out if she is a ghost or not. (Knowledge Undead:5 nat:1)
Florin shakes his head as he hopes the child is able to be helped but he is use to seeing a ghost since he came from the Floating City where Daphne is in the GG.
Florin hears Bralin's question to Lorth though and does this first as he calls on his ability to detect evil and will report what he senses or finds from this.
Arminas (AC 22, HP 29/33) d20+8=28 Monday June 26th, 2006 7:45:54 PM
Arminas runs into the room and places Dolo on the floor.
"He is paralzed. Will someone with skills of healing please check him?"
Arminas looks about the room, checking the security of the place.
Search 28 (perfect 20)
DM Kathy d20=8 d20=13 d20=8 d20=18 d20=11 d20=18 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 1:15:38 AM Lorth sits Cerina down and speaks to her, trying to calm her. He then turns his attention to healing. Cerina does have a bite on her, as do several of the other children. As Lorth moves from child to child, he notes that some of the wounds, although minor, do not seem to want to heal. He can tell that his healing magic worked, but stubborn wounds on Cerina and Kiara remain.
Any looks at the apparition, then feels for a pulse in the little form he holds. He finds no pulse, nor breath either. The little girl is dead.
Harvest's relief that Turi and Naki are okay turns to chilling horror when she sees the transparent form enter the room. Harvest give it some thought, and believes the apparition to be some sort of undead. She's unsure exactly what, though.
Bralin sets Nelle and Hmanny down and begins looking around him. He asks Lorth if there is evil about.
Arminas likewise sets Dolo down and calls for one of the healers to check on the boy. He begins looking around at the house.
It's a humble dwelling, but sturdy enough. Arminas looks carefully, but sees no cracks or holes that any of the heads could get through. The group of you are crowded into the small front room, which boasts a rough trestle table, two benches, and a settle drawn up in front of the fireplace. A rough partition separates this room from what are presumably sleeping quarters in the back. Slats nailed to one wall form a ladder up to an attic or loft.
Florin begins reaching out with his inner eye, trying to detect if there is evil about. Now that he is looking, he sees evil everywhere, so many auras that it's difficult to focus. None of the auras is especially powerful [nothing greater than Moderate], but the sheer number of them is a little overwhelming.
Cerina does an admirable job of calming herself, though she's still a bit clingy with Lorth. Turi and Naki return Harvest's fierce hug and stay with her, one on either side, their thin arms wrapped about her. Nelle and Lirena are crying softly, clinging to each other. Devrin stays between the ghostly apparition and his brother Dolo, who is now beginning to stir. Kiara still holds Hmanny tightly. All of the children are looking at the strange, transparent creature who looks so much like Gerdi.
Harvest calls the little girl over to her, and she comes, holding out her arms. "I was so scared!" Gerdi wails, trying to catch Harvest's hands in hers. But her insubstantial hands slip right through Harvest's, and the monk finds the touch of those icy little fingers more than a little creepy.
Lorth Tuesday June 27th, 2006 8:06:14 AM
Seeing Florin concentrate, Lorth decides to let him report on their surroundings. "My healing seems to have little effect on these bites", he says, "Cerina and Kiara, let me know if your wounds change in any way. Perhaps they will heal on their own." Lorth then watches the apparition with curiousity, he turns to the man that led them into his home... "Good sir, have you ever seen anything like this, before? We are obviously not from around here, in fact if you don't mind, where exactly is here?"
Any Tuesday June 27th, 2006 9:46:52 AM
OOC-- Any already asked some questions, and performed some actions to which you did not respond. Did he cast a CMW? Did it have any effect? Did the man answer any of my questions?
Any is confused. He cannot tell if his healing has done anything for the little girl Gerdi. Will his magic even work in this strange place? To test this question, Any Chants and tries to produce a light spell on the end of his bow.
Turning to the man,
"My name is Anthos. My friends and I have evidently been sent here by some error in a magical spell. Who are you? Where are we? Is this the Wold, or some other place? What are those things out there, and what can we do for those bitten?"
Anthos realizes he has bombarded the man with many questions, so he pauses awaiting his answers.
Arminas (AC 22, HP 29/33) d20+10=14 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:37:12 AM
Arminas looks about the room, and seeing the rough ladder on the wall says:
"Do you mind, I need to check our defenses."
He then climbs the ladder to the loft.
Spot 14
Harvest (AC19, HP 41/42) Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:38:08 AM
All must pass from this Wold. It is the way of things. And yet why must they rip at those around them with this wrenching pain called Grief as they depart for the Realms of Gargul? The sharp tingle at her fingertips. No touch. No warmth. The cold reaches to chill her soul.
"Gerdi ... " Harvest Moon stumbles through her thoughts and words. The little one reaches to her. So full of need. Harvest Moon blinks and more hot tears squeeze from the corners of her eyes. "Gerdi ... Little One. You must pass on. It is the decree of the Gods."
"Anthos ... " In the bard there is comfort. But what must be done, must be done. Duty will not be denied.
"Paladin Lorth, please help me," she calls out, despair circling like a wolf at the edges of the firelight. "You are still with Gargul. Please help me to send her ... to ease her ... to sleep."
Rolls and Actions
Active Effects Rope Trick (Duration 3 hours from Tuesday June 13th, 2006 10:31:42 PM)
Bralin d20+5=19 d20+4=20 d20+7=9 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:42:09 AM
(Spot 19, Listen 20)
Bralin looks around, establishing that the room is secure. The apparition of the dead girl is most bothersome, as is Lorth's inability to heal.
The dwarf moves over to Cerina, and tries his own healing spell. [Cure Minor Wounds over Light] Bralin turns back to Harvest and the apparition, vainly trying to recall some reason for Gerdi's spiritual presence [Knowledge: Religion - 9]
"Harvest, had she the ability, she would be gone," he responds quietly.
This is not right.
He turns to the local, awaiting an answer.
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Spells Prepared: (d) = Domain Spell 0 -Detect Magic, Light*, Read Magic*, Guidance 1- Bless, Detect Evil, Protection vs Evil, Magic Stone (d) 2- Hold Person, Sound Burst, Identify (d)
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