A new beginning. (DM Jim) Wednesday May 24th, 2006 12:43:03 AM
Morning comes a little too early for everyone as the WLAers had brought out some good glassgrass wine, green gnomish and an amber brose. The partying had went on well into the night as the fishermen would be up the next day for the first day of fishing in a long time.
As the group wakes they find Graze in the main room of the Mug having a light breakfast and obviously nursing a hangover. He looks up at the group as they come down and then motions Trellus over. He holds out a rolled piece of paper for him to take. "That Rayla left this before she left for you...it is a map to thier village." He stabs at the eggs on his plate and then pushes the plate away...deciding to eat some bread and drink a little weak ale.
Wandering outside will lead you to the WLA members as they prepare to be off. Grainz nods to each of you and then moves over to address the group. "We are going to look into the crab ordeal for you...just remember to stop in at an official office to register with the League and Guild." Soon his group is moving off along the coast in the direction that they hope will lead to answers or maybe Marli had divined something from Domi on this.
An older man comes forward just before the Pack is to leave and eyes Jake as he moves to stand before him. "Jhana says that you agreed to marry her two days ago on Lookout Hill." He points a thumb at his daughter, a pretty young brunette with pouty lips and big blue eyes. Those that can remember the past week will remember that Jake was often in the company of this young woman. The man looks Jake up and down and then sighs. "You are not the ideal match for my daughter but she loves you and I think you know each other very well." You cannot miss the point to that last little bit.
Ulgren Wednesday May 24th, 2006 8:42:01 AM
Ulgren smiles as he and his packmates take the oath an d become members of the WLA and a slightly bigger smile as he is taken in as a member of the SMG. Afterwards Ulgren looks upwards, and smiles as tears run down his face. "Sorry I have been so distant," the mage says to his friends, "but this training has had me bushed." Ulgren looks around but hopefully all this training is worth it. The next morning Ulgren carefully packs his bags and memorizes his spells. "Umm Jake, marrige?" the drow whispers, I think I can conjure a mount to get you out of here, just say the word."
OOC Ulgren hit 8th level. Adjusting his character sheet today.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 24th, 2006 6:02:39 PM
Gilan glances to Trellus as he most likely moves over to see Graze. He instead moves over to stand near Flea. "So...looking forward to returning home or are you ready to get rid of me?" His eyes twinkle with mirth as he jokes around with the one packmate that he has offered his home to. "Believe me...I know that you would throw me out of my own home in a flash if a certain gnome showed up?" He lays a hand upon her shoulder as he chuckles lightly at his own joke. He fingers the faded blue ribbon in her hair, if she is wearing it, and shakes his head. "How are those ribbons I gave you holding up?" He dearly cares for the young gnome and hopes that she is happy with her lot in the Pack.
Ciaran nudges his way between the two and looks up at both with expectant eyes. He can feel the bond that they share and all he wants it a little attention of his own. An itch on his ears could use some scratching if one of them will take note of the twitch of his ears.
Standing outside the Mug he moves over to shake hands with Grainz, Kertan and Marli. He is proudly displaying the blue badge upon his green armor. "I will try my best to be worthy of this honor." He moves back to let the others have a few words with the WLA members if they want. Then he hears the bombshell that Jake is to marry or at least that is the direction that it seems to be going.
Rolling his eyes he looks first to Jake and then to Trellus. He uses his friends favorite saying when things are not going the way they should. "Light." Looking around at the crowd they are drawing he shakes his head and sends Ciaran off towards the grass with a hand signal. "Well...do we leave him here or bail him out again." He whispers it just loud enough that Jake can hear him and Trellus who he is standing near. Now they need to get Jake out of trouble again...which brings a smile to his face. "Same old Jake." He laughs a little about it but tries to cover most of it with his hand.
Trellus Wednesday May 24th, 2006 9:08:54 PM
The cleric indeed converges on Graze, and takes the paper. Curious, he opens it up and reads the contents to the pack.
Outside, he shakes everyone's hand again. "We'll be at Hook City as soon as we can," he promises Grainz.
Then, the girls father shows up. The blond man shares Gilan's look, and his own "Light" sounds at the same instant as the druid's. A similiar half smile graces his face as well. But other than that, Trellus doesn't say a word.
Its a non-tactic he's used many times before. And a clear signal to his childhood friends that he intends to let the half-elf twist for a bit.
DM NOTICE Wednesday May 24th, 2006 9:27:43 PM
Wanted to let you know that storms are moving in again so I will most likely make my DM post tomorrow morning sometime.
If anyone has a problem with my late posts or me posting after 10:00PM, please let me know.
Jake Thursday May 25th, 2006 12:24:59 PM
(Sorry I can't post immediately, I'm busy in Canada but will post as soon as I can, a nice long post!)
The old ball and chain. (DM Jim) Thursday May 25th, 2006 1:05:23 PM
It seems that most of the pack is going to let Jake flap in the wind for awhile on this one. Noone speaks up to take Jake's side in this little story and Jake himself is silent. Maybe his mind is working overtime with trying to come up with a way out of this. He has had practice but not for awhile...since leaving Rattledam for so long.
Jhana moves over and circles her arm around Jake's arm, taking his hand as she does. "You said you would marry me Jakie." She is a foot shorter than Jake so is looking up into his face with those pouting eyes and lips. It does not help that the dress she is wearing is cut just low enough to expose skin and she is close enough that Jake can see...
The WLA group has moved out by now and are long gone down the beach. You cannot see them from where you are standing near the Mug.
You do notice that several of the young woman of the village seems jealous of Jhana and you wonder how many of them Jake might have told he loved them. There is that cute freckled redhead that Trellus had stayed with a few nights and she is even now trying to get his attention. If you pay attention you may notice that her father is frowning at this display of emotion from his daughter to one not of the village. But you can also see him appraising the possibilities...seeing as how Trellus is a cleric of Domi.
Mac Thursday May 25th, 2006 6:02:47 PM
Packed for the road, Mac pauses while the good-byes take place. Except they are not good-byes.
After a long silence of his own, to Trellus he says, "The Lady Baron... the rescuing of the children... you swore a promise."
Grymash Thursday May 25th, 2006 7:19:53 PM "Hmmmm," mumbles the half-orc. "Ya knows ... if more girlies show up claimin' Jake, weez maybe need ta divy Jake up ta keeps thems from fightin'!" Grymash draws a dagger along with a big goofy grin on his face. He gently and playfully twirls the knife between his fingers. "Whoz ever gets ta cut, da other gets ta pick which half ... dat only fairs!" Grymash continues to grin, but now many yellowish tusk and teeth are showing. Evidentally very proud and tickled of his rapier wit.
Jake Thursday May 25th, 2006 7:48:22 PM
Acceptance into the WLA is greeted by whoops and cheers by the young half-elf. Then, the bad news comes along. Ulgren whispers to Jake and for the first time since they'd gotten the heart-touch ability for the pack, Jake uses it to send a silent affirmative message. To the entire pack. PREPARE TO RUN! is the message he empathically sends over the link. Meanwhile, though, he's fast-talking the father and daughter. He lets the pack get a bit of distance, a head start on him. While speaking to the villagers in thanks. Telling Jhana how pretty she is and how much she means to him, and him how he'll take care of her and promise to be a good husband... Then Ulgren will summon his mount, and before anyone can react, Jake jumps up! "Heigh Ho, Bloodpack away!" And he starts dashing off after his packmates. He turns, waving his hat to the villagers... "Ah'm sorry, Jhana, but ah have to follow my packmates..."
Trellus d20+10=29 Thursday May 25th, 2006 8:31:53 PM THAT'S your smooth-talking exit?!? Trellus wonders incredulously.
"I'm sorry," he apologizes to the gathering crowd. "Jake just isn't a good fit for marraige. He's likely to go Walker at any moment." To forstall any other efforts, the cleric decides to go for the ol' standby.
"We love it here. We really do. You dudes have treated us like packmates. So much so that Anuk has decided to remain to help you. But we can't all stay. Like Mac said, we promised to help the Barons. They have children missing, and we've got to help them, as we helped you. Please. We must go. Think of the children." [Diplomacy 29]
With that, Trellus waves, turns, and trots toward the Baron Lady.
"Let's weave, dudes."
Ammendment. (DM Jim) Friday May 26th, 2006 2:20:03 AM
Though Jake tries to send out a heart touch to the rest of his pack, but Ulgren, none of them feel a thing from him. Jake is not aware of any of this...though he will notice that noone moved.
Gilan and Ciaran Friday May 26th, 2006 4:10:45 PM
Gilan rolls his eyes at the way Jake attempts negotiations. "Light." He looks over when Trellus starts talking and thanks Domi that at least one of his friends has a brain. "That boy is going to get us killed yet." As Trellus starts to leave Gilan gives a curt bow to the villagers and then turns himself to leave. Part of him is wondering just how far they will get before someone tries to stop them. "Just when you could truely use a Baron and one is not around." He gives a short whistle that brings Ciaran back to his side, now that they are twenty feet from the villagers.
Ulgren: Mount Tuesday May 30th, 2006 12:12:18 PM
An Ulgren smile at Jake and with a flourish conjures a mount. The drow then swings up in the saddle and waves to the villagers, "Thanks, you have been wonderful." Ulgren then rides towards the plains and the groups promise to the baroness.
having problems pulling up my character sheet. Will post spells tonight.
Grymash Tuesday May 30th, 2006 7:26:57 PM
Grymash looks at Jake staring back at him ... as if he was trying to tell him something. "What!?" The half-orc thinks for a bit and continues in a lower voice, "pack betters get gute an gone, now!"
Into the Grass. (DM Jim) Tuesday May 30th, 2006 8:34:22 PM
The older man seems at a loss for words as the pack say their final farewells and then move towards the grass. By the time that he is able to get his voice back the pack is well into the grass and moving away from the village. "That dirty skunk...if he comes back to this village he will marry my daughter." He stomps off with a determined look upon his face but also a hint of a smile.
Trellus is leading the group for once as he still has the map tucked into his belt. There had been other more pressing things to deal with. The group has traveled at least fifty feet from the village and into the grass. It had appeared to Trellus that this Baron village is sort of northeast from thier current location.
Flea d20+9=10 d20+11=20 Wednesday May 31st, 2006 7:43:33 AM
Flea shakes her head, and then rubs the back of it, in unconscious immitation of two of her pack-mates. "Dirty skunk," she mutters, repeating the words of the man from town as she turns to follow her friends back into the grass.
Flea will trail along behind the others, keeping an eye on the backtrail. Her mind is pre-occupied, wondering what a certain gnome is up too and wondering, too, if he still thinks of her, so whe doesn't catch much (spot=10, nat. 1, Listen=20).
Jake Wednesday May 31st, 2006 12:33:55 PM
Jake is happy to be off again. "Too much time spent cooped up in one town... it's time to hit the road my friends!" He laughs lightheartedly, and uses a stick of super-hard, dried glass as walking stick to gain a bit of distance. The half-elf glances at the village as it sinks into the distance, grinning wistfully. "Well, so far, travelling outside of rattledam, we've seen angry crabs, evil ants, dragons, gods, even snow! What do you guys think will be next on the menu?"
Mac Wednesday May 31st, 2006 5:42:40 PM
Mac paces on at the tail of the pack, prepared to pick up stragglers. At Jake's question he quickly replies, "Lava?", not that he has seen anything like that since... the soot.
Trellus Wednesday May 31st, 2006 9:34:56 PM
"Half-elf", Trellus responds with a grunt and a slightly disbelieving shake of his head. "Light, Jake. It don't take much thread for you to make a twisted mess, does it?"
The cleric figures he can crash through Grass just as easily as the next dude, especially with Anuk staying behind. So, he takes an occasional glance at the map and blunders on ahead.
Unless someone else is willing to volunteer.....
Tishe (sub MikeK) Wednesday May 31st, 2006 9:36:14 PM
A bit saddened by the departure of Anuk, and a bit cross at the idiocy of Jake - boys, hmph - Tishe stays near the middle and lets her mind wander.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday May 31st, 2006 10:04:56 PM
Gilan stays near Trellus as the travel along through the grass most of the time. He does fall back on occassion and check upon the others.
Slipping up next to Flea he shoots her a smile. "Thinking about Bodhi?" He figures as quiet as she has been lately it has to be the reason. He wonders how easy it would be to get back to this Ice Vein so that she could see the gnome again. He lays a hand upon her shoulder as they move along. "I have been thinking about how to send him a message...I am still puzzling it out but have a couple of ideas." He gives her a smile as he moves off to check on the others.
Ciaran stays on by Flea's side and leans lightly into her. For some reason he can feel the sadness that touches her...most likely through his brother, but it is still there.
A few days travel. (DM Jim) Thursday June 1st, 2006 12:39:21 AM
The group has been moving now for three days and have made it a fair piece from the coastal village. According to the map the village that you are traveling too is nearer the Crystal Mountains.
It is after noon on the fourth day of travel when you hit a patch of short grass. Directly in the middle of it is what appears to be a dragon. It is not moving and is gray in coloration with wings spread as if in flight or getting ready to take off. The mouth is open as well as if it has let out a roar or breathed death upon something.
The grass around this odd statue does not seem to be harmed in anyway. In fact nothing seems to be out of place here and there is a sense of peace about it.
Trellus Thursday June 1st, 2006 8:46:20 PM
"What in the Wold is THAT?" Trellus wonders aloud. The cleric looks right and left and right again across the short grass, checking for some sign of, well, somebody.
At a loss, he turns back to the gnome. She's keeps telling him this is what she does. "Flea? Think you can check it out?"
If she agrees, he lays a hand on her shoulder, whispering "Domi protect you." [Domain Feat - Protective Ward: +9 bonus on next save roll] "Gry, watch the right side. Mac, watch the left."
Trellus keeps an eye on the rogue/bard.
Tishe Thursday June 1st, 2006 8:46:59 PM
The small, brown haired girl watches curiously.
Ulgren d20+15=20 Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:03:59 PM
The drow falls quickly into the steady moving that is required to move across the plains. the mage makes sure to keep his water skin handy and drinks only a little at a time to spread it out. Ulgren spends much of his time talking to Tishe' about spells and componets but makes sure that he gets to know each of his packmates better. As they come across the gray colored dragon teh mages gasps and begins wracking his mind for any lore he might have on a creature such as this, <Knowledge Arcana: DC 20> Spells Memorized: 0- Messagex2, Pestidigitationx2 1- Mage Armorx1,Mountx1,Shieldx2, Roses Tempx1, Enlarge personx1 2- Scorching rayx3, Blurx2 3- Fireballx2, Hastex1, Dispel Magicx1 4- Envenerationx2, Leomoundsx1
having problems pulling up my character sheet. Will post spells tonight.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:37:44 PM
Gilan keeps pace easily with the rest till they reach that clearing. He takes in the sight and then shakes his head. "Is that a statue?" He does not move any closer but lets Flea do her job as Trellus asks her about it.
Ciaran stays near his brother's side and looks up at him. He is wondering why everyone is looking at this thing so strangely. Really he does not smell anything.
DM post maybe a little slow as I will be needing reactions from a few different people before moving on. :)
Flea (Protective Ward) d20+23=32 d20+14=29 d20+9=18 d20+13=24 Thursday June 1st, 2006 11:57:46 PM
"Uh, yeah. Sure." Flea answers moving from the back of the line to stand by the leader of the Bloodpack.
The rogue accepts the cleric's protection and moves cautiously towards the stone dragon, circling in such a way that she approaches it from behind and to one side, opposite to where it may be staring with its stoney eyes. The rogue is very careful with her approach, in case there is some sort of trap
From Trellus-Protective Ward: +9 bonus on next save roll
Mac d20+6=25 d20+1=8 Friday June 2nd, 2006 12:15:37 AM
Looking and carefully steping wide around the left side of the statue, Mac keeps his eyes and ears keen. [Spot:25, Listen:8]
The Stone. (DM Jim) Friday June 2nd, 2006 1:42:02 PM
Flea slowly circles the dragon as she stays as much hidden as possible in this open area. But the thing never moves and as she draws closer she would guess it to be a statue. There are no obvious traps or anything of the like around or on the statue.
The others wait silently at the edge of the grass but are more than ready to come to Flea's aid if this turns bad.
If Flea gets close enough to the front to see the things mouth she will have noticed the glint of something inside the mouth.
Jake d20+7=12 d20+2=20 Saturday June 3rd, 2006 5:35:04 AM
The half-elf sees the thing and is impatient to move forward...but Flea is the sneakiest, he knows. He draws his sword and shield and stands ready, ears and senses poised... (listen 12, spot 20)
Trellus d20+7=16 d20+7=26 d20+7=25 Sunday June 4th, 2006 3:26:42 PM
The eyes of the cleric are fixed on Flea and the statue the small gnome circles.
He wonders about the statue, searching his memory for any stories or tales about it. [Knowledge Arcana: 16 Knowledge Religion: 26 Knowledge Sargass Plains: 25]
Ulgren Sunday June 4th, 2006 10:06:56 PM
The drow takes a few moments to cast an extended Mage Armor on himself and then watches the dragon as Flea makes her way around the dragon.
Tishe' and Stripes (SteveK is back) Sunday June 4th, 2006 11:16:50 PM
Keeping as quiet as she may, Tishe' crouches in the grass with Stripes, idly rubbing at a bruise from the bastard sword practices and climbing walls.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday June 5th, 2006 8:09:48 PM
Gilan watches and waits with the rest of the group, though he finds it hard. One hand rests between the shoulders of Ciaran as if set for an attack. In fact from the look, both are ready to make an attack as if reading the other. "Surely it sensed her...or is it truely stone?" He is muttering low to himself but the people to each side of him will hear.
Flea (Protective Ward) d20+9=25 Monday June 5th, 2006 11:05:40 PM
Flea circles the stone statue with care, then spots something in it's mouth (Spot=25, should be good enough?) "Hey guys," she calls to her friends, "look at this!" The gnome moves towards the statue, and reaches out towards the shiny thing in it's mouth...
DM Sanity Info:
From Trellus-Protective Ward: +9 bonus on next save roll
Grymash d20+2=16 d20+5=16 Monday June 5th, 2006 11:47:29 PM
(sorry for not posting. Ive been feeling under the weather lately. walking pneumonia to be exact.)
Grymash moves forward with the rest with his double axe now drawn. He sends a silent message to Flea saying, "be quick an dodgy flea. not all dragon be nice likes grand maw!"
(Spot 16, Listen 16)
Snap Dragon. (DM Jim) 2d6(4+4)=8 2d6(4+4)=8 Tuesday June 6th, 2006 1:56:45 AM
Flea notices the red gem inside of the thing's mouth. The gem must be at least two feet inside of the mouth and down the thing's throat. She is close enough to realize now that the thing is most definitely a statue as it has not moved.
The rest of the group hang out around the edge of the grass till Flea speaks up. Grymash is the first to move in a little ways as he mentally sends a message to Flea.
As Flea's hand nears the dragon's mouth she notices nothing out of the ordinary. Her eyes continue to scan for danger that does not present itself. No more than her hand, up to her wrist, gets inside the things mouth and it snaps shut. Otherwise the dragon does not movea muscle in any other way.
Reflex DC 16 or get your hand caught in the thing's mouth and 8 damage is taken. Your hand will then be caught and an additional 8 damage will be dealt to your wrist.
I assume that Grymash is not sending a message through the heart gem but is just thinking?
Trellus Tuesday June 6th, 2006 8:36:19 PM
The statue snaps shut and Trellus involuntary flinches in sympathy with the rogue.
Should she be caught, he rushes forward to help.
Should she escape, he waits anxiously.
Flea (Evasion) d20+11=20 d20+6=16 d20+15=26 Tuesday June 6th, 2006 10:54:37 PM
"Oh no you don't" squeels the rogue as she quickly draws back her hand. (Reflex=20, Sleight of Hand=16). Tumbling out of the way (Tumble=26), just in case, the rogue pops up somewhere near Trellus. Flea unclasps her hand, and looks down...
Had she been fast enough to snatch the shiney trinket from the dragon's jaws?
Grymash Wednesday June 7th, 2006 12:19:15 AM
Grymash also flinches when the jaws snap shut. He forces himself not to charge on the statue. The statue not showing any other aggression helps fortify his will. But his gloves creak under the strain of his grip on his weapon.
Mac Wednesday June 7th, 2006 2:00:43 AM
Mac has begun estimating how much force it might take to move the form when he hears a noise and sees Flea retreating (gracefully and apparently intact) towards the rest of the pack.
Tishe' and Stripes d20+6=10 d20+6=19 Wednesday June 7th, 2006 6:28:08 AM
a 'snap' is heard over the 'grass, and Tishe' quickly looks up from her reverie with Stripes.
Whew! Flea is safe, but this is obviously a trap of some kind, and deliberately placed in the party's path.
Looking around, the spellweaver looks to see if they are in another ambush (Spot: 10, Listen: 19)
"Could it be Barons or the underground slavers that put this trap in our way?" she wonders aloud.
Mac Thursday June 8th, 2006 5:13:27 AM
"Might be a lost Dragon's Tear?" Mac ventures.
Jake Thursday June 8th, 2006 7:21:40 PM
"Flea!" Jake automatically yells in surprise/shock, but then looks grateful. He steps forward to meet the halfling and rustles her hair happily. "Looks like ya kept all yer fingers..."
All fingers present and accounted for (ADM MikeK) Thursday June 8th, 2006 8:55:50 PM
Grymash - Wisdom check 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { Flea doesn't react in any way to the Heart Touch, which is unusual for her}
Faster than thought, the diminutive gnome snatches her hand away as the stone jaws snap shut. Breathlessly, she opens her fist to reveal....
nothing.
The jaws of the statue open, and the red gem still beckons from deep inside the throat of the statue. Flea figures she'd have to get her arm in up to her shoulder in order to reach it - And that just ain't gonnna happen with it snapping shut like that.
Tishe' and Snout Friday June 9th, 2006 3:39:49 AM
The brown eyes light up when Mac mentions a Dragon's Tear. "Amazing thought! Could Grand Maw have placed this here for Ulgren?"
"Ulgren! Perhaps you should try getting the gem."
To better explain herself, Tishe' shucks her tunic and shows the red tear-shaped gem embedded in her chest just over her bound breasts. "A dragon gave each of us this magical gem. It lets us help each other with strength and health and lets us talk like a Message spell, too."
Trellus Friday June 9th, 2006 2:17:08 PM
Trellus is relieved Flea is OK, but just a tad skeptical about Mac's idea.
"Dudes, we're the middle of the sunblasted Grass. The odds of just happening on a Tear are," the cleric's eyes flick to the sky as he tries to come up with a suitable description. "Well, not very good," he finishes lamely.
Still, if it IS a Tear.
"Maybe we can shine some light down there and get a better look," he suggests.
Flea Friday June 9th, 2006 6:27:24 PM
Flea looks to her empty palm, and sticks out her lower lip in a pout. "Must be loosing my touch," she mutters. The rogue stands beside Jake, and sulks as the others talk strategy.
Tishe' and Stripes (2nd Post) Friday June 9th, 2006 11:30:16 PM
OOC: DFR3 is over. Tishe' is going to have the 2,700gp per person to the Bloodpack. Is that 'just' gold or experience too? :) Pending DM approval...
"We could check to see if the gem is the same colour and shape as a Dragon Tear." suggests Tishe', "and how many dragon statues (or anything looking like a dragon and not a Sarg Moth) have you seen on the Plains?"
"Maybe Grymash can see if the statue looks like Grand Maw?" Uncharacteristically, the short girl giggles. "He got the closest look of her after all."
Thinking...... (ADM MikeK) Sunday June 11th, 2006 8:56:22 PM
As an annoyed Flea mumbles to herself, Trellus and Tishe discuss how to find out if Mac's idea is correct.
Meanwhile, Mac, Grymash, Ulgren, Jake, and Gilan keep their thoughts to themselves.
Flea - Int check 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { the stone inside the statue's mouth does seem to resemble a Tear in its size, shape, and color. }
Grymash thinks this is highly unusual. Flea didn't hear his silent message! The half-orc whispers to the others. "Flea no hear Gry talk! An Gry no hear Flea talk! Whut dis be?" Grymash answers Tishe by saying, "Gry no think it be Grand Maw! Grand Maw be prettier ... an moves more! Dis dragon no be movin'! Look! Grand Maw moves a lots!"
(Search 18, examining the dragons details. Nat. 20.)
Flea d20+3=12 Monday June 12th, 2006 9:22:06 PM
Flea stops grumbling, and frankly, the rogue's curiousity gets the better of her. Slowly the gnome circles the statue, on tip-toes, in order to see inside the thing's mouth. "Look! Look!" she calls out, pointing. "I think Mac is right!" Flea tugs at her leather armour, and then the ties at her shirt, in order to reveal the red gem embedded in her chest. "It looks just the same!"
Int. Check=12
Tishe' and Stripes Tuesday June 13th, 2006 3:18:05 AM
Tishe' cocks her head to one side and wonders about Grymash's comment. "Well of course the real Grand Maw would move more than a statue, but why do you say she moves lots if..."
Blushing deep crimson, the brown-haired girl abruptly stops wondering and becomes intensely interested in the types of grasslings at her feet.
Jake Tuesday June 13th, 2006 3:32:01 PM
Jake looks at Flea somewhat worriedly. Maybe Flea's a doppleganger or shapechanger, sent to infiltrate them! Doesn't make much sense, but the heart thing isn't working? Jake sends out a heart pulse to her, trying very hard. If there's no response, he tries sending a pulse out toe ach other member of the team, then everyone at once...
"Do we really need this gem? It's probably magical and evil, otherwise nobody'd leave it here."
Grymash Tuesday June 13th, 2006 8:22:24 PM "Uhh!?" wonders the dim half-orc. "Ohhh! Yeah ... moves lots, much lots, hee hee!"
Trellus d20+12=18 Tuesday June 13th, 2006 8:56:30 PM
"I dunno, Jake" the cleric replies dubiously as he hears Flea's agreement with the taur. "Maybe Mac is on to something."
Trellus approaches the statue, motioning for Ulgren to do the same. He looks over to Grymash with a frown as well. Something about Flea is bugging the half orc too?
One thing at a time.
"Whaddya think?" he asks the drow. "Any ideas on how to get past that trap?"
The blond man gives the statue the once over, but has a hard time concentrating. [Spellcraft check 18] Tishe has given him a visual image he's finding very difficult to block out.
How about that? (ADM MikeK) Tuesday June 13th, 2006 9:02:01 PM
Grymash quietly voices his concerns regarding Flea. Jake sends out heart touches to everybody, only to find nobody is reacting to them.
While that is going on, Tishe and Grymash have a rather interesting misinterpretation of each other's words.
Meanwhile, Trellus and Ulgren approach the statue. The cleric tries to figure out how to broach the trap. Suddenly, Ulgren solves the dilemma by casually sticking his hand down the statue's throat, grabbing the gem, and hauling it back out again.
The statue's jaws never move.
In his hand, Ulgren holds what looks all the Wold like a Dragon Tear.
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday June 14th, 2006 3:30:25 AM
Blushing all the way down to her bared chest, Tishe' is oblivious to the goings on around her. Instead, she is trying VERY hard to block out the picture forming in her mind of Grymash and GrandMaw being an... intimate couple. She mumbles something about "Lari" and blushes still further until it would be difficult to see her ruby Dragon Tear on her ruby-flushed chest.
Knowing something is bothering his human without any notion of what it is, Stripes the hyena hovers and whines encouragingly.
Trellus Wednesday June 14th, 2006 12:25:33 PM
Trellus cannot believe Ulgren is doing what he's doing. "Dude! Are you," he begins angrily. But, as he speaks, the drow is already withdrawing his arm. With the gem. The cleric's voice falls and he finsihes the sentence with a quiet, disbelieving, "sunbaked?"
"Um, OK then. Guess we're done. Let's weave."
Trellus pulls out the map, and heads off in the direction of the Barons.
Flea Wednesday June 14th, 2006 5:36:23 PM
Open mouthed, Flea stares at the drow as he removes the gem from the stone dragon's mouth. "How'd you do that?" she asks, then turning to follow Trellus, she skips along beside him, asking, "How'd he do that?"
Flea moves back and forth between her pack mates as the marching order forms up. Suddenly animated she asks, to no one in particular, "and where are we off to now? What next? Tunnels? Rattledam? Baron's? The weird lady with the dogs?"
Grymash Wednesday June 14th, 2006 7:23:10 PM
The half-orc is perplexed. Flea should have heard him. So he tries it again .. but mentally louder! Pointing at Flea very forcibly now, Gry lets out ..."FLEEAA!! DO YAZ HEAR DA WORDS COMIN' OUT OF GRY'S HEAD?!!" The throbbing veins on his forehead is the only indication of his mental volume.
What up with Grymash? (ADM MikeK) Wednesday June 14th, 2006 8:21:46 PM
Ulgren quietly slips the stone into his pack. The drow has apparently not quite decided if he wants a rock sticking out of his chest.
Trellus starts walking toward the grass, obviously with some kind of destination in mind, although Flea isn't aware of it.
Flea would like to know how Ulgren managed not to get his arm chopped off. But no one is answering.
No one is answer Grymash either. But, its becoming seriously apparent to the whole pack that the half-orc has a problem. Fists clenched and neck muscles straining with effort, the barbarian is staring down Flea as if trying to squash her with his mere thought.
The half-orc isn't a loremaster, but even he can tell his little gnome friend has no idea what he's doing.
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday June 14th, 2006 10:57:41 PM
Moving through the Sargrass seems to calm Tishe' somewhat. She recovers herself and is generally pleased about the satisfactory end to the dragon statue episode. "Seems that there was some dragon magic involved that would only give the gem to Ulgren. No fault of yours, Flea." she continues consolingly and then looks at Grymash.
Seeing the half-orc going through the beginning stages of apoplexy, the small woman is alarmed. "Grymash! What's wrong! Trellus! We need a healer here!" The plain-faced woman moves to put a hand on Gry's green arm in concern.
Jake Thursday June 15th, 2006 12:29:55 AM
"No, Gry's all right... It's just, um, the heart touch thing isn't working. Ah mean, ah tried it on you guys, and it didn't work for me...here or back at the village, ah guess? And now it didn't work from Gry to Flea, huh? So, something must be wrong.. It could be 'cause we got so far from home, or it could be something happened to the druids themselves..." Jake looks at the others, and realizes he's speculating when they should be the ones who always speculate such bad stuff. Usually, Trell or Gil says something like that. It's his job to say what follows, which is, "aww, dust, it's probably nuttin' but some magic messed up or something." Jake also examines the dragon tear. "So, what are we gonna do with these ones? Implant 'em again? That sounds kinda greedy. Think they'll fix the missing heart link?"
(To remind all those who forgot what Dragon Tears do, like I did:
The Tears of the dragon
Once the gem is "installed or implanted" into the chest the character's will have the following abilities.
As a standard action, the Tear bearer will be able to send a message like the message spell in PhB 3 times a day. The message can only go to other characters who have the tear imbedded in their chests.
Any character who has been graced with a tear will be able to tell the general health and emotional state of another tear wearing character
Once per day, as a standard action, any Tear bearer can send strength and/or hitpoints to another character with the tear. It can only be sent on a 3/1 ratio. Example would be Grymash could send 3 strength points to Anuk and Anuk would receive one. Same with hitpoints,
The recipient's temporary hit points and strength will fade after one hour.
People who send strength with get it back naturally 1 point per day. A restoration spell will restore it but only after it has faded from the character who received it. Hitpoints sent can be recovered immediately by means of healing spells/potions.
If a character dies, while implanted, all the others will feel immense pain and take 5 points of permanent hp loss. Only a wish will restore these lost hitpoints.)
Flea Thursday June 15th, 2006 2:18:06 AM
"What'd I do? What'd I do?" cries Flea, as she backs away from the red-face half-orc.
Without taking her eyes off Grymash, Flea hears what Jake has to say.
"What do you mean it doesn't work anymore?" she asks. Moving her tunic so that the gem is exposed, she knocks on its gleaming red surface and then squeezing her eyes shut, she tries to send out the heart touch. The rogue stands very still, eyes shut, waiting for the strange, but comforting sensation of her friends' responding messages.
Mac Thursday June 15th, 2006 7:06:30 AM Curious... the taur muses to himself.
After a few moments he begins to chuckle, then laugh... louder and louder. Just when it looked like he was about to settle down he spies Gry about to burst blood vessels or worse... and he starts laughing all over again - but even louder!
Eventually he drops to his knees, laughing so hard he's fighting to draw breath. Rolling over onto his back he draws one deep breath, and waits for the laughter to die down, or to see Gry again.
Ulgren Thursday June 15th, 2006 9:50:45 AM
Ulgren takes teh gem out of his pack and looks at his friends, "You actually placed this in you chest?" The drow shakes his head in surprise. "If your tears aren't workign does that mean mine won't? Because if thats the case there is no point in placing one in my chest, is there?" Ulgren waits on a replay as he studies the gem.
Trellus Thursday June 15th, 2006 11:41:37 AM
Turing, Trellus' heart sinks as Gry looks like he's getting all shuttlecocked. Unlike Tishe, he makes no hasty moves toward his friend, and he definitely doesn't touch him.
As Jake speaks, the blond man starts figuring it out. And quickly tries some experiments. Trellus tries the heart touch with each of his packmates, and then tries a message via the Tear to Flea.
He frowns at Mac. Its not really that funny. But he doesn't say anything.
And then a thought occurs to him. "Maybe its not working because we don't all have one," he comments while looking at Ulgren.
Mac (additional post) Thursday June 15th, 2006 7:27:27 PM
In amongst the subsiding laughter Mac interjects, "Maybe its not working because of something that happened at the fishing village. Heck, maybe its the price the Gargulus Girl put on us for not responding soon enough for her liking!"
OOC: It is good to be happy when things go right. Mac wasn't initially laughing at anyone in particular, but once the humour took hold and he saw Gry it just escalated. The topic of Grand Maw had nothing to do with it - perhaps that was just bad timing.
A mystery within an enigma (ADM MikeK) Thursday June 15th, 2006 9:04:42 PM
The resolution of the mystery of Grymash's behavior only leads to a greater mystery. After some quick experimentation, it becomes obvious that neither the Heart Touch, nor the Dragon Tear are effective any longer. Not even questioning thoughts toward Anuk are answered, and everyone becomes aware they cannot sense each other as before.
Several packmates offer various explanations, while Ulgren questions the need to go through with his own implantation.
Somebody is gonna have to do something eventually, unless the Bloodpack wishes to join the unspeaking statue in its eternal vigil.
Tishe and Stripes Thursday June 15th, 2006 10:21:57 PM
With some experiments and conference (assuming trying all the different powers of the Dragon Tears), Tishe' comes up with some conclusions. "The Dragon Tears and the Heart-touch of the Circle have spun thier picks since Ulgren has been with us, so it is not because he is not implanted. Besides, being implanted with a Dragon Tear wouldn't affect the heart-touch at all (which is from the monks in Rattledam, Ulgren.)".
"Weaveing the same, the Dragon Tear worked when fighting the slavers since I spun my health to Grymash during that fight. Has anyone successfully picked either since our visit to Gargul's Domain? [OOC: I'm assuming a 'no' here] Then that is our answer to the problem. Now," and she pauses to look at the others "I don't know of any way to string this loom, so let's not get shuttlecocked in the middle of the Sargrass, and continue our walk to the Baron's stronghold."
She stands and readies herself for travel. "Ulgren, I would recommend you put the Dragon's Tear on your chest like the rest of the pack. If nothing else, it would mark you as the Bloodpack and currently weaving on the same loom as the Barons. Otherwise, they may think you are a lone prariepig to be taken."
Grymash d20-2=4 Thursday June 15th, 2006 10:38:21 PM "BLLAAAGGGHH!!" erupts the bulging-eyed half-orc. Grymash seems to deflat before everyones eyes. "AAUUGGGHKK! ... pooyie!" He brings his big hands up to his face and starts rubbing his aching head. "piggie dumps ...Gry no get da think-talkin' ta work!! Been tryin' all dis time ta send thinkin' words ta Flea! Owww, Gry think me broke sumethin'."
(Int check: 4) Grymash pauses only to catch his breath before thinking to ask, "Whut weez been talkin' bout? Gry's head hurts."
Ulgren Friday June 16th, 2006 9:07:56 AM
Ulgren smiles at Tishe', "if you say so." The drow places the tear in the dead center of his chest, takes a deep breath, and pushes straight in.
Trellus Friday June 16th, 2006 2:21:30 PM
The blond man watches intently as Ulgren installs the gem. When the drow is done, Trellus exhales slowly. He hadn't even realized he'd been holding his breath.
"Well," he mutters, "here goes nothin'"
Trellus sends a heart touch to Grymash, and then a message to Flea - Can you hear me now?
Gilan and Ciaran Friday June 16th, 2006 5:56:44 PM
Gilan looks around at that rest of the group with thoughts of his own. He watches as Ulgren places the gem into his chest and then gives a smile. "I think that makes it extra official...Ulgren is truely one of us and noone can argue that point." With a look to Trellus he indicates the map at his belt. "Guess you should show that to everyone here so that we all have an idea of where we are going...I for one am interested."
Ciaran just stands near his brother's right leg and watches everyone as they go about their own business. He does not understand anything that is going on and is not sure he ever will with this pack.
Tishe' and Stripes Friday June 16th, 2006 11:29:38 PM
Tishe' is pleased that Ulgren marks himself like the rest of them, but is more impatient to be off and getting to the Baron's stronghold.
She keeps her equipment about her and patiently waits for her packmates to begin the trek.
The Mark of Blood. (DM Jim) Saturday June 17th, 2006 1:17:38 AM
The group starts a discussion on the possible reasons for the inability to use the heart-touch or speak through the gems. Many ideas are thrown out but none of them can be proven at this time but one...that Ulgren is ungemed.
Ulgren looks to the rest of the group and then places the gem to his chest. As he gently presses it to his skin he feels the sudden burning sensation that spreads out across his skin. Even if he pulls away the gem continues to settle into place and the burning slowly increases. Then as if it has always been there the burning stops and the gem is flush with the rest of his skin, with only a slight raise where the gem is located. The burning is gone and a soothing cool is replacing it, with a sense of peace as well.
Trellus concentrates on his own gem and tries to send out a message to both Flea and Grymash. Though he watches them closely neither of them seem to react to his mental question.
Grymash finds that his head is still hurting from thinking so hard at Flea. If he did not know better he would think that he had just drank a small barrel of glassgrass wine...warm that is.
Most of the group is a little disturbed by the way that a power has stopped working. Others seem to be trying to put more pressing matters ahead of it. Maybe they can work it out as the group moves along. Speaking of which...Trellus knows that they must continue to head in a northeasterly direction for a good distance more.
There was money gained for the DFR 3 from two different players. I am going to award it to the group at this time and you can do shopping if you want. Be warned that I will not approve any new purchases till we reach the Baron Village. I will also be needing updated Character Sheets from everyone as well.
Tishe' - 2700 gold per Bloodpacker Gilan - 3600 gold per Bloodpacker
Those were the rewards for the two Bloodpack members that were in the DFR 3.
Jake Sunday June 18th, 2006 3:55:26 AM
Jake gives Gry a light slap on the back of his hard skull. "Stop thinkin' so hard, Gry, ya know it ain't good for yer health." He glances over and nods to Tishe.. "Yah, yer probably right. We'd better head on, anyways..." He takes a stalk of grass and chews on the end, pondering. "Hmmmm, so, what do you think we'll find next? Care to place a bet? Barons or monsters?"
Flea d20+9=11 Sunday June 18th, 2006 9:04:19 PM
Disconcerted and distracted, Flea ques up, and follows the leaders out into the Sargrass Plain. After one last glance over her shoulder at the stone dragon,(Spot=11) her thoughts turn inwards.
Maybe something happened to Grandmaw? she thinks, as she glances covertly at Grymash. Maybe the dragon magic is dead? Better not say anything to the half-orc!
As Flea marches along, she wonders if she would know if something ever happened to Bodhi, in the gods forsaken place his party called Ice Vein.
Mac Sunday June 18th, 2006 9:17:23 PM
Mac falls into step near the rear of the pack, feeling just a little pleased that he has gotten something right.
Tishe' and Stripes d20+6=21 Sunday June 18th, 2006 11:22:42 PM
Putting a stray lock of wavy brown hair behind her ear, Tishe' falls in the trek through the Sargrass. Keeping her crossbow loaded, she scans the grass for any signs of danger. (Spot: 21)
Pacing easily beside her, Stripes complements his human's watchful silence.
Gilan and Ciaran d20+10=20 d20+10=28 d20+3=6 d20+3=8 Monday June 19th, 2006 5:16:38 PM
Gilan falls into step with the rest of the pack. He thinks over the past few events that have happened and wonders how soon the tears and heart-touch stopped working. Lost in though he does not pay attention to much or at least it appears that way to him. He does pass along the lines of his packmates and sees what they have to say...asking each the following question. "When did you last use the tear or heart-touch and it worked?" Otherwise he tries to keep a check upon his packmates to make sure they are holding up well in the heat.
Ciaran is more worried about dangers than anything else and keeps his attention focused upon the grasses themselves. He knows that his brother has other problems and he is filling in for that lack of attention.
[Gilan listen 20 and spot 28] [Ciaran listen 6 and spot 8]
Grymash d20-2=16 Monday June 19th, 2006 8:10:52 PM
Grymash darts Jake a hard stare after he re-adjusts his helmet from his little slap. Gry's thoughts quickly change to visions of pulling someones undergarmets up in a violently taut and painful way. But like most his thoughts, they soon pass.
As the Bloodpack continue on through the Sargrass, his attention falls upon the large, serated dragon fang hanging on a leather cord around his neck. Red scaly hide remains wrapped tight around its thick base serving as its loop. Stray memories begin to flutter back of an epic battle. Almost like a dream, but way too real. Even in the cool of night, the fang stayed warm to the touch. Like a torch whose Flame was just snuffed out. Grymash smiles. These are bloody memories for sure. "Hmmm, blood ... and fire," he mutters.
Tishe' and Stripes Monday June 19th, 2006 10:51:38 PM
Tishe' is also thinking hard on when the last time she has successfully used a Dragon Tear or Hearttouch. She looks around startled when Gilan asks her much the same question. "Ummm... I gave health to Grymash when battling the slavers, and I tried to give health to Mac when he was caught in the crab claw, but I can't remember if it worked."
[DM: I really can't remember....]
Ulgren Monday June 19th, 2006 11:02:51 PM
Ulgren takes a deep breath as the gem finally settles into his chest. The drow falls into place with his comrades, rubbing his chest slightly as he follows his packmates.
A Dome of a Different Type. (DM Jim) d100=54 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 12:25:34 AM
The pack has been moving through the grass now for at least four days with no sight of anything...hostile or otherwise. It is getting late into the morning, about noon, when the pack sees something in the distance.
In the distance the group can make out what appears to be a dome in the high grasses ahead. It is still about a mile away but easy to make out the upper parts of it in some of the shorter grasses you pass through. From this distance you can not make out a lot of detail but it does appear to be shaped like the top of the dome that covers Rattledam...your home.
The past few days have also yielded a few answers to some questions that have been passing throughout the group. The last time anyone remembers using a heart-touch or the gem for any reason and it working was during the crab fight. The person that used the gem then was Tishe' and she sent healing to Mac that sustained him in the fight.
Spot DC 18:If you succeed.Highlight to display spoiler: {You spot a couple of grass pods just exiting the ground ten feet away. They look like glasswine pods but you are not sure as to what color it is.}
Mac d20+6=10 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 3:43:59 AM [Spot:10]
"Rattledam?" the taur wonders. "Looks better without the fires an' havok!"
Fixed by DM Jim as requested. I think this is what you wanted Graham?
Trellus d20+9=29 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 10:43:11 AM
Trellus continues to work the heart-touch mystery as the Bloodpack walks toward the Baron Lady's home. One evening, he pulls Gry's dagger and draws it across his own forearm - not too bad, but enough to bleed.
"OK dudes, everyone take turns trying to send me healing - Gry first, then Jake, Gilan, Flea, Mac, Ulgren, and Tishe." When that reveals whatever it reveals, the cleric will ask Gry to cut himself, and attempt to use the Tear to heal him.
-- The dome comes into view. "I don't think its Rattledam, Mac", Trellus answers doubtfully. We'd a hit a farm or something by now."
The cleric looks around carefully, trying to spot something familiar looking. [Spot 29, nat 20] "Say, are those glasswine pods?" he asks, pointing to a couple pods about ten feet from the pack.
Jake d20+4=12 d20+7=14 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 12:13:21 PM
"Ah can't tell, Trell, but it looks like some kinda place. Wha do ou think, shortstuff?" Jake casually asks Flea, and will give her, if needed, a boost onto his or Mac's shoulders if she needs a better vantage point.
He also tries Trell's experiment, with only a little enthusiasm.
Gilan and Ciaran d20+10=30 d20+10=15 d20+3=4 d20+3=20 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 5:15:16 PM
Gilan had stopped for a few minutes to take in the view of the dome shape in the distance. It looked like Rattledam's dome or at least from here it did. "We cannot be that far off course...could we?" He does not believe that this could be Rattledam...I mean they have been traveling in the wrong direction for some time now.
Gilan also spots a couple of bladders near them that maybe grasswine. Great, two different things of interest and how much time do they have to investigate both? "Should we check out those bladders and the grass that they grow from...remember how brittle they are." It is a warning that he really did not need to give but you could get shredded pretty good by the crystal grass that most of the wines are made from.
Ciaran is suddenly too interested in an itch to take notice of much of anything. He chew at it as he now has a few spare minutes with everyone stopped.
[Gilan - spot 30 and listen 15] [Ciaran - spot 4 and listen 20]
Flea d20+9=19 d20+4=7 Tuesday June 20th, 2006 11:23:53 PM
Flea winces when the cleric cuts himself. She does as he asks, and tries to focus on healing the blonde man's cut. The rogue has a flashback of the pack's audience with the grey-eyed lord of the realm of shadows, and she wonders if somehow she has let her pack down, and Gargul is punishing her.
Flea accepts Jake's boost, and looks at what he is pointing at. The rogue thinks on some of her recent knowledge (Bardic Knowledge=7) but then tales of things on the Sargrass Plains are pretty thin, and she had only just started her study of poetry and song.
Instead she spots some pod things (Spot=19). Pointing them out to the thin fighter from the vantage point of his shoulders, Flea asks, "Jake, what do you make of those? You figure glass grass?"
Discoveries. (DM Jim) Wednesday June 21st, 2006 12:50:42 AM
Trellus decides to try a little test and soon he is bleeding lightly from a cut upon his hand. Though all of the group tries as they might Trellus finds that the wound does not close. This is starting to get just a little annoying and worrying to all the pack in turn.
Almost all the pack spots the two bladders a short ways off. Only Gilan moves forward to have a look as the others go about thier business. He does not draw too close as he does not want to disturb the bladders, as they could be water or something even better.
The dome in the distance is still too far away to get a good idea of what it looks like or if there are any farms closeby it. Despite the best efforts of Flea she is unable to come up with anything about the dome or other domes in the Plains...then again very little if no information is ever given in Rattledam.
The group now has two choices it looks like...check out the two bladders or go onto the dome. Either way things have most definitely gotten interesting, some of it not for the better.
Knowledge(nature) or Survival DC 14 to identify the grass and the bladders as amber colored grasswine...though it will need to be processed to make it true wine.
Continue to let me know what you do about the tests?
Ulgren d20=9 Wednesday June 21st, 2006 10:48:45 AM
Ulgren plods along through the grass oblivious to anything other than the people around him. It's not until Trellus asks the mage to send him some healing that the drow is realizes that they have been moving for awhile. "Sure Trellus, how do I do that?"
Email Address....DM Jim Wednesday June 21st, 2006 12:39:57 PM
For those of you that may not have it in your address book or had something happen to your addresses. My address is.....Chosen_Demon@hushmai.com.
Don't forget those CSs as we will be needing the updated ones very soon. :)
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday June 21st, 2006 1:07:34 PM
The tests are disturbing, especially in light that Tishe' could use the special powers of the First Circle and the Dragon Tear during the crab fight but not after. "That leaves joining the Woldian League of Adventurers as the only thing that could have interfered. That or something as yet unexplained."
But if none of them could figure it out in four days, they would have to wait until the Baron's Stronghold was visited and the underground slaves rescued.
Tishe' isn't interested in the glass grass, and concentrates on the dome. "It is unusual that the Baron's would use the same style of building as the Monks.", she muses. "But we need to talk."
She gathers her packmates together with her eyes. "We're here to fulfill a debt to the Barons, not to join thier side. I think it best if we keep our ears and eyes open and our mouths shut. We don't want the Barons to know anything more about Rattledam from us."
A stray lock of brown hair moves in front of her eyes and she absently tucks it behind one ear.
Trellus Wednesday June 21st, 2006 4:25:48 PM
Trellus shakes his head slowly at Tishe's comment. "Not yet," he responds. "I healed dudes at the raider fight. You healed Mac at the crab fight, but you can't heal me." The blond man considers the problem for a moment, unconsciously rubbing his hand along the back of his neck.
"So lets try this. Mac, can you scratch yourself? Then we try to heal him. Me first, then Gry, Jake, Gilan, Flea, Ulgren, and lastly Tishe. Anybody that does heal him, try sending him a message too."
-----
At the bladders, he nods. "These ain't going anywhere. Let's weave toward the dome. Keep shuttlecocked dudes."
Trellus heads for the dome.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday June 21st, 2006 7:53:12 PM
Gilan listens as he looks over the pods and smiles. "Amber grasswine...this is a rare one." He is talking more to himself but he figures that the others will hear him.
When it is his turn to heal anyone he tries his best to send some of his own hit points to that Bloodpack member.
Ciaran decides to lay down and take a short nap though anyone with sense of animals will see his nose and ears twitching. An obvious sign that he is not really sleeping or napping at all.
Answers and the Dome. (DM Jim) Thursday June 22nd, 2006 12:58:03 AM
Seeing as the group has some time they spend a little longer in testing out the healing powers and message powers of both the gem and heart-touch.
Mac takes the offered dagger and cuts himself upon the hand, something shallow that bleeds but is not dangerous. Then the healing begins from the Bloodpack. Trellus tries to send healing first and the cut does nothing but bleed a little more...no healing. Then Gry gives it a try and he feels the drain on his own life as he gives to Mac and the wound closes.
Noone else needs to send healing to Mac now as his wound is gone and but he does find that Gry is able to speak to him...mind to mind...if only a short message.
The dome still waits in the distance but the group has had a breakthrough on their other problem. Now what is the cause of it and how badly effected are they.
Jake Thursday June 22nd, 2006 2:49:39 AM
"Well, dust, let's go look at that blasted dome, ya think? Ah mean, it could be something interesting. Maybe a Walker home, or a Baron outpost, or more of those crazy Ants..." Jake draws his shield, figuring it's better to be safe than sorry. "Hey, it's gotta be 'cause of Gargul...he probably broke the bond when we talked to him, ya guys weave?"
Trellus Thursday June 22nd, 2006 4:23:06 PM
"Hold that thread, Jake" Trellus says. "I want to know who can work this pick. Especially before we go sticking our noses into strange places."
"Now, since Gry sent a message to Mac, we can test that way instead of cutting everybody up. So - One at a time, send a message to each one of the others. Tell the pack who you're sending it to, and work your way around. I figure if you can talk, you can heal."
The blond man starts, calling each packmate by name, and then trying to send Can you hear me? to the person.
Ulgren Thursday June 22nd, 2006 4:59:09 PM
Ulgren shrugs as his question is skipped. "Tishe'" the drow says softly, "can you hear me?" the drow sends.
Grymash d20+2=18 d20+5=11 Thursday June 22nd, 2006 8:24:47 PM "Gute!! Mac can hear Gry's head!" Grymash then turns and looks around. "Hey, dat be uh dome!? Weez be theres already?"
(spot 18, Listen 11)
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday June 22nd, 2006 10:58:27 PM
Gilan shrugs as he turns to each packmember in turn. "Got it Trell." He calls them by name and then tries to think a simple hello to each one of them. He does feel a little funny standing here trying to think to his packmates when they are only a few feet from him.
Ciaran cocks his head to the side and looks at the group as if they have gone mad. He finds this pack even more confusing at times...but what can you do.
The Tear and The Heart. (DM Jim) Friday June 23rd, 2006 12:49:08 AM
With a little more testing the group is soon finding out that this affliction is not effecting all of them. Tishe', Mac, Grymash and Ulgren all seem to be able to communicate through the Dragon Tear...so it reasons that they can still make use of the heart-touch as well.
With a look around the Plains it is sound to say that it is getting late into the day...the sun is already dipping low in the sky. You are also starting to lose the light though it is not that bad yet and you figure that you could get at least an hours travel in. This should bring you almost to the dome...though some predators of the Plains come out at this time.
Jake is ready to move out and draws his shield to help in protection as he is maybe getting a little nervous...this has been a little too easy. Just one biting statue and nothing else to slow them down...the Plains seems to be playing nice this day.
Tishe' and Stripes Friday June 23rd, 2006 12:50:16 AM
[OOC: Edited because I was typing the same time as the DM... :)]
"Ulgren, it is part of the magic of the Dragon Tear that allows you to send healing and strength across the bond between all who have it." she pauses and thinks. "It could very well be part of the gifts the Dark Lord gave to us during the conversation in his realm."
But for now, it is enough to know that the dome is near and the pack doesn't have to spend another night out in the Sargrass. Nothing has bothered them so far, but why tempt fate?
As she walks, she glances at the Mark of Gargul on her hand. The four of us are different. Different races, origins, attitudes. Mac even talked back to Gargul so shouldn't he be part of the other group? And I ate at the village, danced with them... she shakes her head, not being able to see any logic. Yet.
Jake Friday June 23rd, 2006 2:15:26 AM
"Uh oh, guys, it's beginning to get shady! I mean, in a bad way! The sun's going down, and ... well, we might not get to the dome and search it. I say we deal with this later, heck, we'll just have to be careful about healing from now on..." Jake tucks his hat down and prepares to lead the way towards the dune, determinedly.
Ulgren Friday June 23rd, 2006 10:58:07 AM
Ulgren takes in the explanation that Tishe' gives and nods his head, "Remeber the curse that Gargul lay upon us? Could this be part of it we feel the heart touch because we are still alive and you guys can't because, umm you don't need to?"
Trellus Friday June 23rd, 2006 2:15:55 PM
The blond cleric turns and looks at Ulgren. He looks at him for a long time. After a while, it becomes apparent that Trellus really isn't looking at anything, his eyes just happen to be pointing in that particular direction while the rest of him is seriously devoted to working out the implications of the drow's last statement.
And from a very personal standpoint, he doesn't like them. He doesn't like them at all.
I don't need healing? Because...... Because I can't die. But, I cut myself. It hurt. I bled. I healed it with a spell. Being hurt and being dead aren't the same thing. I can be hurt without dying? So, I can be truly twisted without dying? Squashed by a ranthom? Cut open by a rapke? Grow old and feeble? But not die......Sweet Domi's Light.
No, Trellus definitely doesn't like the logical path he's on.
His eyes blink, and he returns to the here and now. Not something to share, he decides.
"Um, let's not weave that thread right now Ulgren" he says at last. "C'mon dudes. Jake's right, let's get over to this dome."
Trellus moves, a bit more quickly than usual, toward the new adventure.
Mac Friday June 23rd, 2006 6:39:49 PM
"Mind your footing!" Mac calls ahead.
Thinking for a while he adds, "I still think it has something to do with the fishing village... or villagers." He doesn't get any more specific as he makes some pace through the grasses towards the dome.
Tishe' and Stripes Friday June 23rd, 2006 10:59:57 PM
[OOC: Edited because I was typing the same time as the DM... :)]
"Ulgren, it is part of the magic of the Dragon Tear that allows you to send healing and strength across the bond between all who have it." she pauses and thinks. "It could very well be part of the gifts the Dark Lord gave to us during the conversation in his realm."
But for now, it is enough to know that the dome is near and the pack doesn't have to spend another night out in the Sargrass. Nothing has bothered them so far, but why tempt fate?
Gilan and Ciaran Friday June 23rd, 2006 11:29:50 PM
Gilan shakes his head as he wanders along with the rest of the group. Thinking back over what happened at the village he cannot think of anything that would have this effect. "You thinking some kind of drug in the food or drink or maybe some supernatural act by the villagers while we slept?" Really he cannot see how the village would be connected...though he can see thier meeting with Gargul being possible as the cause.
Ciaran paces along with the rest of his new pack as he noses around a little now and again. He seems to be adapting quickly to the heat and overall lay of the Plains.
Dome of IronHome. (DM Jim) Saturday June 24th, 2006 1:07:01 AM
The group paces through the grass all of them are thinking over what all this might mean. At the same time they ponder the dome in the distance and what that could mean. So many questions and so few answers...it is as if they are back in Rattledam before the monks.
The sun has set and the buzz of insects is starting to echo across the Plains. Soon they will be out in force and the group will need to find shelter or try to keep from giving off the scent of moisture.
You find that the dome is growing as you get nearer to it and it is just as tall and big as the one that covers what you call home. Still in the now dark it is hard to tell much of the make of it, at least from the outside. You must be no more than twenty feet from the dome now and you can see six torches flickering near the dome, but are too high to be people outside of it.
Hairs stand on the back of necks as you get the feeling that you are being watched though noone calls out. The closer you draw to the dome the more the feeling increases. The group is now within fifteen feet of the dome when there is a call from the structure and a bolt slams into the ground very close to the group...it is obvious that someone missed on purpose. "Who comes to IronHome at this time of night? Answer quick and do not lie or the next one is through your throat." The voice is most definitely feminine in quality but hard as Gry's head.
Trellus Saturday June 24th, 2006 5:25:05 PM
Trellus takes a step to his right, and stomps the bolt further into the ground. His response matches the unseen person's tone.
"You asked us for help, Baron. We are the Bloodpack. Twist us, and we might just decide your kids aren't worth the effort."
Jake d20+5=9 Sunday June 25th, 2006 2:29:09 PM
Jake really doesn't like the idea of helping the Barons out, one bit. He twists awkwardly, looking about, just hoping they're trying to sneak up on them and betray them or something..
Tishe' and Snout Monday June 26th, 2006 12:00:12 AM
Stripes begins a low growl, feeling the surprise and fear and anger in his human. She puts a comforting hand on his head, but it does nothing to lower his hackles. There is danger out in the dark, and Stripes will defend against it.
His human, Tishe', speaks to the packleader in a low voice "They may not be expecting us if Rayla hasn't returned."
Mac Monday June 26th, 2006 4:14:19 AM
"I for one will think more kindly when we're more comfortable - indoors." Mac adds at a hush.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday June 26th, 2006 3:02:08 PM
Gilan stops when the bolt slams into the ground and turns his eyes to the dome. He knows that he will never see anything with his human eyes and any shapechange could be counted as an attack.
He looks to Trellus and shakes his head, knowing that normally Trell would be a little more diplimatic. With all the stuff going on lately he has too much on his mind to think totally straight. He lays a hand upon Trell's shoulder. "Remember the village was attacked...they would be on edge as much as Rattledam would be in the same situation."
Ciaran scans the dome as well, his eyes seeing better in the dark. He does not see anything near that would be a threat but he can feel it none the less. His own hackles are raised and a low rumble sounds in his throat that those nearest him would be able to hear.
Grymash Monday June 26th, 2006 7:19:39 PM "YEAH!!" shouts Gry, simply, in response to Trellus' answer to the Baron's question.
Tishe' and Snout Monday June 26th, 2006 11:41:46 PM
On edge, the girl and her hyena wait tensely in the growing dark.
A Simple Mistake. (DM Jim) Monday June 26th, 2006 11:44:08 PM
A small crack in the dome appears as you see a body slip out. The light disappears just as fast as a young female in dark armor comes towards you at a fair clip. In her hands is a crossbow with bolt already loaded and more than able to use it.
As she pulls to within ten feet of the group she stares at the group for a few seconds and then holds up her hand...she twirls her hand with her pointer finger in the air. The crack once again appears in the dome and you see the first appearance of a smile upon her face. "I am sorry...Rayla said that your group was coming here but we have been on high alert since the attack." She glances around as if the Oglian were about to pop out of thin air around her. "They have attacked twice more since Rayla, Bikle and Zak left to seek out help." She motions you to follow her back to the dome though she stays beside Trellus to talk. "We are a village of about three hundred with only twenty hunters...thirteen now since the attacks."
If you follow along you will notice as you draw closer that the dome is actually pitch black and sheds little light. The torches are places in holders high upon the dome walls that must only be accessible from the inside. The dome is actually as big as your home of Rattledam or as far as you can tell so far in the dark.
[Alternate email...lugnut7@earthlink.net]
Jake Tuesday June 27th, 2006 12:46:21 AM
Jake doesn't like this one bit. "We're heading into a trap, Trellus, I just know it..." He looks at the woman. Not bad looking, though... Dark hair that draws the eyes, and a look like she knows what she's doing... We have seen the enemy, and she's kinda shady...
Trellus Tuesday June 27th, 2006 7:42:33 PM
"They're warped up alright," he answers Gilan, and then grins at his friend. "So, you're saying twisting 'em more ain't the shadiest path? Yeah, OK."
Jake has got a point, though. "Just keep shuttlecocked dudes. Get inside, stick together. Don't go chasing any women just yet."
Walking beside the girl, he is a bit puzzled. If she was trying to mislead him, you think she'd use more believable numbers.
"Thirteen warriors?" he responds in disbelief. "In that thing?"
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:37:51 PM
Gilan shakes his head. "Not at this time anyways." He lets a smile slip across his face as he laughs a little. Looking to the woman as she shows up outside he shakes his head again. "Think she would have brought a few more with her...either we are no threat or they think they are really good." That will have to wait as she starts to speak and he turns his ears to listen.
As they walk along he has to agree with Trellus on that last comment. "How do you protect a dome this size with that many hunters?" It just does not seem possible and he starts to wonder himself if this is a trap. Trell's advice seems to be a lot wiser now and he does not really see a reason to split up anyways. Looking over at the woman he indicates the darkness and asks a simple question. "Will we be seeing the leader here tonight or tommorrow...and will Rayla be there?" It had appeared that she was a trustworthy person...for a Baron that is...though a couple of things still bother him about that. "Why do you say hunters and not Barons." He cannot help but put a little venom behind the word as he says it.
Ciaran follows along with his brother as he tastes and smells the new smells that eminate from inside the dome. He does not really like the smell that much but mixed in is the smell of good things to eat.
Grymash d20+2=16 d20+2=10 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 10:53:18 PM
Grymash has never been known as a smart half-orc, even among other half-orcs! Asking him to remember something he did yesterday or several days before and you're usually answered with a vacant stare. Asking such a question of the half-orc would more than often draw out his ire. This 'weakness' irritated Grymash immensely and many a soul felt the half-orc's wrath for reminding him of it. Even though burdened with many failures of memory and all things academic, Grymash seemed to possess a keen awareness of self, the world around him, and what lurks in the hearts and souls of man. This intuition, this instinct, often made him distrusting of others. Since having been lied to and betrayed before, he is predisposed to assume the worst until proven otherwise. Even though this solitary woman has emerged to welcome them, he knows there are probably hundreds of arrows and bolts trained on his head.
(Sense Motive: 16, Spot: 10)
Tishe' and Stripes d20+8=26 d20+8=22 Tuesday June 27th, 2006 11:20:11 PM
Hackles raised and on high alert, Tishe' and Stripes stay close to the other packmates and enter the dome. (Listen: 26, Spot: 22) She has also noticed the wording of the woman. "Hunters, packmates, not warriors, that could be their name for rapke mounted Barons, and have different names for others."
She also looks for evidence of attack. Surely if the Oglians have attacked the place three times, that there is some damage around the town.
Stripes pads close to his human, sniffing low and eyes open, together they are a good pack.
Ulgren Wednesday June 28th, 2006 6:03:06 AM
Ulgren says little carefully watching the surrondings for signs of previous attack and damage. The mage carefully looks over the woman. Ulgren says little in hopes that Trellus can lead them through this safely.
Flea Wednesday June 28th, 2006 7:50:16 AM
"Magicks," mumbles the rogue. "I bet they have lots of white handed tricks."
Flea is slowly coming the the realization that although combat on the Sargrass Plains is primitive and often brutal, it is far overmatched by weird magics. Flea's hand rests lightly over the wand at her belt, as she enters the tomb-like place.
Mac d20+2=20 d20+6=22 Wednesday June 28th, 2006 8:04:24 AM
Mac heads in. There is enough talking going on.
He listens and watches. [Listen:20, Spot:22]
OOC: Moving house. Be back ASAP.
Sleep, Rest and Meet in the Morning. (DM Jim) Wednesday June 28th, 2006 4:52:54 PM
The woman does not break her stride as she is asked questions. She nods her head and takes the time to answer them as she walks, not fast but at a fair pace. "Our village is mostly farmers, ranchers and vineyard growers...we have little use for a lot of soldiers. What few hunters we do have here, protect us and hunt up food upon the Plains to be eaten and supplement our own stocks." Looking back to Gilan she nods her head to indicate him. "Some of our hunters are of his stock...druids I think you would call them...they help us to gather those grasses that can be eaten." As you near the dome you can now tell that it is made of a dark metal for sure. It does not appear to have had any damage that would have allowed anyone in. "Since it is so late you will meet the Elder in the morning and as to Rayla, she is out with the twins checking on the Oglian...watching the cave they came out of and to see if they will launch another attack." She lets out a rush of air as she enters through an opening in the dome with the rest of the pack. "They should return by tomorrow morning or noon at the latest and we have a hut set up for you to stay in if you want. Turning to take the group to the east she stops in front of a large building that will most definitely house all of you and then another group your size as well. "We here are not really Barons but under their rule...every year during the BloodMoon they come and we send twenty of our youth with them to be trained. We are no more true Barons than a half-elf is a true elf." She slides apart the curtain the covers the opening of the building and motions you in. "If you have need of food or drink please ask...I will post a hunter in training here to see to your needs."
Despite what you may have thought the inside of the dome is at least twenty degrees cooler than the outside, even at this time of night. There are several torches set up that give low light to the inside of the dome. Looking up you can see the stars through the dome and you wonder how this metal dome allows the sight of stars. Going back to your entrance to the village you could only count ten hunters on duty, not counting the young lady that came out to get you.
In the far distance of the dome you hear a number of drums being beaten to an even tempo. Once in awhile you hear the sounds of wailing as well. Incense can be caught upon the air of the dome every once in awhile but it is gone as fast as you smell it.
About fifteen minutes after the young woman hunter leaves another younger boy shows up. He must be all of fifteen and just a little bit afraid as he comes into the hut or notices they group still outside of it. His eyes grow wide as he swallow a couple of times. His mouth opens but no sound comes out but a strangled sound and you notice that sweat has broken out on his head. You have seen prairie pigs caught in the light of a torch look this way...just before you put a spear or arrow into them.
Tishe' and Stripes d20+12=14 Wednesday June 28th, 2006 11:59:00 PM
Looking at her packmates, Tishe' then looks at the building and shrugs. "We dyed the wool, now let's see what threads we can spin." And she goes inside to make herself comfortable. No good at making a fire or cooking, the spellweaver finds a nice spot on the floor. Resting easily on the ground with Stripes curled up as a back-rest, she takes out her drop spindle and keeps her hands busy making thread (Weaving: 14) while her mind is in a whirl.
"A metal dome, like our grass one. Which is the copy and which the original? We need to be ready to confront the Oglian at a moment's notice, but not run out as individuals. We should move at Flea's pace. Under the Barons but not of them. I wonder if they would turn to more gentle allies if given the chance? And what about these 20 trainees a year?" Her mind flits from subject to subject, and her mouth follows without rhyme or reason.
Stripes however, is content to be a backrest. When the juvenile arrives, the hyena raises his ugly head briefly, then goes back to napping.
Trellus d20+8=18 Thursday June 29th, 2006 11:57:01 AM
The cleric tries to take it all in.. not barons but under their rule. OK, that helps make some sense of this.
He enters the large hut and looks around. Its defensible, and that kid out front sure ain't a guard.
"The Barons probably take some quota and just haul 'em off," he responds to Tishe. "Let's not go running off anywhere tonight," he tells the group cautiously.
The 'hunter in training' appears at the door, and Trellus stifles the urge to yell 'Boo' at him. Kid would probably spring a leak right there.
"Hey dude, warp down," he says gently to the boy. He approaches slowly, openly. "We ain't gonna hurt you, truly." [Diplomacy 18 (+2 if they worship Woldian gods, -1 if Marteaus)]
He listens for a moment. "What's with the drums?" he asks the kid.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday June 29th, 2006 10:38:37 PM
Gilan continues to listen and then shake his head. After the young woman leaves he looks to Trell and nods his head. "Seems they supply the Barons with soldiers for protection maybe?" Though from the sounds, the Barons don't exactly do a good job of it.
He looks up to spot the kid as he comes in thier direction. That kid is too green to put on guard duty and to have him watch us is even worst. Surely these people know who we are and what we represent to those that protect them. He gives the kid a smile, not realizeing that his new teeth maybe even spookier on the kid. "Take it easy kid...we don't bite...well at least not all of us." His grin widens as he speaks...not realizing that his banter is not going to help. "Do you have a name?"
Ciaran looks up from the spot that he is laying and looks the kid over. With a sniff he lays his head back down, realizing that this kid would run at the smallest show of agression from him...heck the kid was about to run now.
Tishe' and Stripes Friday June 30th, 2006 12:03:52 AM
Thinking about the insense, drums, and wailing, Tishe' looks up and wonders; "It almost sounds like a funeral, doesn't it?" she glances at the boy for confirmation.
Jake d20+6=16 d20+10=22 d20+18=24 Friday June 30th, 2006 6:23:10 AM
Jake speaks after a bit. "So...these Barons aren't really Barons. That is, we're in baron's territory, but the barons aren't bothering to protect them. And they're playing up to us, asking us for help, when the Barons are away. And we're trusting them to stay on our side, not betray us and turn us in to the Barons...and why are we helping them, really? Because we're the nice guys? Sounds like we're getting weaved by these people. They get everything out of this, and have every opportunity to backstab us... "And if we do help them, how's it gonna hurt us, guys? To the Barons, it'll look like we're invading their territory. In fact, if we help these guys and the Barons find out, they might get suspicious of this town and destroy it too. To the druids, it'll look like we're helping the Barons. "Yet we'll help them anyways, 'cause we're heroes. Ah dunno, guys, it sounds like we're getting totally waxed. Either that, or demand they keep us totally secret..." Jake stops and falls silent.. "Plus ah figure they're listening to us right now... that's what ah'd be doing if I was them." Then the boy enters. As the others speak up to the boy, Jake simply grins and offers the youngster a seat, scooching over. He pulls out a deck of cards, and shuffles it once or twice with one hand, showing amazing fingerplay, then in a little flick of the hand, the cards disappear. "Whoops! Where did they go... Oh, hey..." He reaches out and snatches one from behind the kid's ears. "Jack of hearts, huh? Looks like you'll be lucky with the ladies, kid. Well, when you're a bit older maybe." (Sleight of hand DC 16, or Perform 22... Either way, Diplomacy 24 on my attempt to make friends with the boy.)
Tishe' and Stripes Friday June 30th, 2006 11:07:36 PM
Tishe' watches with amusement Jake's slieight of hand mastery.
Tishe' and Stripes Monday July 3rd, 2006 2:13:50 PM
It is fascinating how the cards seem to float in the air like they are never coming down.
Night and Morning. (DM Jim) Monday July 3rd, 2006 11:08:20 PM
The young man smiles sheepishly though you notice that he does look to both sides, looking for an escape route or for unseen attackers. "My name is Digun." He seems to settle out as Trellus speaks to him and soon he is talking a little more freely. "The drums are for those that died and those that are supposed dead." Looking to all the Bloodpack he takes a seat near Jake as he motions and scoots over. "We have lost seven hunters all together...three in the first raid and the last four never returned when a group of hunters in training decided to search out the Oglian." With that last he once again looks around as if expecting on of the large giant ants to appear and snatch him up. With no further questions seeming to come he is soon taken in by Jake and his slight of hand. He blushes as Jake comments on girls and then shakes his head. "Rayla would beat me senseless as I am engaged to her cousin." You get the sense that he is enamored by this young woman that he speaks of as his voice takes on a husky quality and he gets this far away look in his eyes...Jake knows this look well.
The night passes easily with the young Dugin talking to the group and getting to know them. Even though you are thought by some to be the mortal enemy of the Barons, this young man seems to be in a state of hero worship of all of the group. He is quick to get food and drink as well as other things if the group is in need of things.
Tishe' and Stripes Monday July 3rd, 2006 11:24:22 PM
With the young man settling down, Tishe' will take the opportunity to ask him questions and tell of her travels to him in turn. While she will not mention Rattledam other than a place she visited once very briefly (which is the truth!), she is willing to talk a long time about HookCity on the banks of the Hook River on the north border of the Sargrass.
"When is the BloodMoon when the Barons will come for trainees?"
"You seem to know who we are even though we have never been here. What stories are there of the Bloodpack?"
As usual, she misses all of the romantic overtones in the conversation.
In the morning, she'll break her fast on whatever is available, spending an hour in contemplation of the wonders of Mother Maab with spellbook in hand. Only then is she ready to meet the Elder.
Trellus Tuesday July 4th, 2006 9:58:31 AM
The cleric listens to the boy's stories, but doesn't really pay much attention to him once Jake starts in with the tricks. Since both the boy AND Jake are now occupied, Trellus can turn back to the thornier issue of where these folks fit into his Wold-view.
While Jake and boy play, the blond man goes to talk with Gilan and whoever else is in the area. "Gil, these dudes are not the Barons we've woven with before," he remarks. "Sounds like they get kidnapped and brainwashed or something." Trellus ponders the question a while. "I wonder if maybe the monks could help protect these villages. That'd help these folks and dry up the Barons at the same time. Totally shady."
He sets standard watches through the night, and come morning, dutifully prays to Domi for spells and strength for the upcoming day. The cleric casts protective spells on his armor and shield, and then walks over to the rest of the group.
"These are for you dudes," he says. Trellus hands each member of the Bloodpack a platinum ring, dark red in color [50 gp value]. "Flea's ribbons are getting pretty chewed up, so I thought I'd take a turn." He grins. "Plus, I gotta spell I can cast using these rings that might protect you if things get totally twisted."
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday July 4th, 2006 8:08:43 PM
Gilan looks up as Trellus comes over as he eats an apple that the young kid had brought in earlier with some other fruit. Looking to Jake as he mesmerizes the youth with his own tricks he shakes his head. "Jake has other uses than chasing woman it seems." He laughs under his breathe as he does not want to disturb the youth and Jake.
With the question posed he takes another bite from the apple as he takes the time to think. "It might be possible but the real problem is distance...this village is too far away from our home to get real help." He cannot see Galafar being on the right side of helping these people out. "I doubt that you could talk the monks into helping...even Malafret would be hard to convince into the need to help here...the council sees what they want to see only." He did not want to say it so bluntly but he already knows that all the pack realizes this.
Taking another bite of the apple he chews it for awhile and then shakes his head further. "How many here do you think would wish a different life...do the Barons have men here that noone knows about? I doubt that they do not already know that we are here." With a real laugh that he does not care draws the youth's attention he tosses the last of the apple to the side. "Do you actually think the Barons would mind us killing ourselves or two enemies killing each other...the Bloodpack and the Oglian killed off or mortally wounded...probably would be a dream." He thinks of the rest of the village for a few minutes and shakes his head. "Either way we do them a service...getting killed, killing the Oglian and saving this village." For himself the bigger picture is that they must do what is right even if it helps out thier enemy. "If it was adults lost to the Oglian, I would not mind letting the Barons fend for themselves...but the children are innocent in this."
Ciaran has fallen asleep with his head upon his brother's pack. He lightly snores and kicks in his sleep as if chasing something. He looks so peacefull and not the savage that he can be in battle.
Jake d20+10=22 Tuesday July 4th, 2006 10:25:47 PM
He stops to pour the kid a little cup of glass grass and enjoys some for himself from his own mug. Jake relaxes the kid with some disarming jokes and a few tales about their previous fights. Like, the ant creatures in their caves... "Dozens of them there were, each the size of that wolf right there. And each could tear a person in half with its big, nasty pincers. Not only that, but they were smart, too... As we came rushing in, we tumbled into cunningly designed pits. Nonetheless, Gry led the way, and Trellus kept up Domi's healing on us, and we plowed right into their hives!" (perform 22) Jake almost physically relives the final fight, then talks enamoredly of the strange diamond, that released the captured being... "Ya know, what? That wasn't half as exciting as the time we all rode dragons, though... but that's a good story for another time. But it isn't all exciting and happy.. we've also seen some of the horrible things the Barons do. Destroying the most precious life of the plains, using force to control everyone... It makes me sad, seeing people live under their thumb." Jake sighs, feeling some pity for the town. Jake goes back to a more comfortable subject...girls. "So what's this girl's name ye're getting hitched up to? She have a sister?" he nudges the kid, grinning. "Actually, that woman, Rayla, she wasn't so bad looking... But, you've gotta watch out those bossy women. They're too much trouble if you don't lay down the law..." He grins at the kid.
Tishe' Wednesday July 5th, 2006 2:44:31 PM
[OOC: Oh, dear we do seem to still have a posting problem.]
Grymash Wednesday July 5th, 2006 7:51:28 PM
Grymash emerges from an outhouse looking fatigued and rubbing his eyes. As if having spent the night in the little wooden structure. "Uhhh!" is all he can say as he tries to shake a little sense back into his head. "Uhhh... yooz dudes hungry? Gry be starvin!"
(sorry, hadnt had access for the past couple of days.)
Flea d20+23=43 d20+14=33 d20+11=13 d20+9=15 d20+4=10 Wednesday July 5th, 2006 9:52:57 PM
Flea sits quietly in a dark corner of the dark building set aside for the pack's use. She studies Trellus' gift as she listens to those wiser than she speculate about the provenance of the metal dome that lets the stars shine through, and the strange folks who seem like those back in Rattledam but who pay a tribute of youths to the Barons.
With a few graceful movements of her hands, the rogue casts the simple spell that sets four glowing spheres of light to dance in a 10 foot radius in front of her. "Not much different then home, you know," she says, unconsciously referring to Rattledam. "Sending packs out onto the plains to face Bounder, and Rapke, and all manner of other beasts? For what? For some ridiculous cycle that keeps creating more things with razor teeth and crushing rolling legs and screams? For some golden door we never get to look behind?" It is unclear if the gnome is referring to the Bloodpack or the hunting party on the plains beyond the great metal dome. Flea flicks a hand and the spheres move as if riding the current of a breeze, before settling down once again. "Who is this 'Elder'? She asks, ignoring the boy Jake is joking with, "some beater monk?"
*******
Flea will accept whatever watch is assigned, but instead of sleeping when it is her turn, she will slip outside. Staying in the shadows of dwellings and such, she will creep as far as she dares in the direction of the sounds of drums and wailing cries to learn what she can of the happenings in the night.
Hide=43, nat. 20! Move Silently=33 Listen=13 Spot=15 Bardic Knowledge=10 (to recognize/understand anything of the drums/wails)
Wails and Woes. (DM Jim) Wednesday July 5th, 2006 10:54:47 PM
The youth looks to Tishe' and blushes slightly as he speaks. "They say the Bloodpack is full of giants, who fight like demons from the beyond. That they come from a city much like out own with a dome of grass." He sighs as he settles back upon the bench and seems to ignore Jake's question of his bethroved. "The Barons say that you are thier enemy but that you fight with honor. It is really kind of strange but they seem to respect you as much as fear you...though that is tinged with hate as well." He falls silent as he picks up a piece of fruit and takes a bite of it. "Despite how much the Barons may hate you...they sent use to you so that you could help us out." He falls silent as that is about all that he has heard and most of it is fairy tales to what he sees before him...though Grymash does fit part of what he has heard.
As the night finally falls the youth falls into a light sleep. The rest of the pack falls asleep as well though they do stand their watches. Hostile territory is not the best of places to let down your guard.
During her own watch, Flea slips out into the village proper and makes her way through the shadows. As she nears the sight of the wailing and drums she notices the torches are set up and burning here...not much shadow to hide in. Still from her place she is able to make out the forms of several women in a large building. She sees no bodies in evidence but can tell easily that the women are moarning for lost loves.
Flea notices that a hawkish nosed woman of maybe late twenties is presiding over the women. You can make out the eye of Gargul but it is not the same as the one that Grymash wears...it is of the old Gargul. Once or twice she seems to look in your direction but does not move out of the building or even seem to acknowledge that you are there.
The next morning comes maybe a little faster than you had planned. There were no incidents during the night and the watches saw nothing of note. At about ten the young female hunter that brought you in shows up and looks over the group with a critical eye. "The elder will see you as soon as you are ready." She does not move from her spot near the door but does dismiss the young Dugin.
Tishe' and Stripes d20=12 Thursday July 6th, 2006 12:09:59 AM
Feeling that this is a more formal occasion, Tishe' decides to put away her Walker clothes, and get out her buff robes of airy plant-wool. Giving Stripes a quick brushing, she removes her oaken staff with a green gem at the tip from her pants 'o plenty and tries to create a serene and in control glide to meet the Elder. (Perform: 12)
Not wanting to lead in a diplomatic discussion, she keeps back, allowing the silver tongued Trellus and Jake to take the lead. Tishe' and Stripes are content to hang back in the shadow of the comforting Mac and Grymash.
Jake Thursday July 6th, 2006 6:57:33 AM
Jake's interested by the fact that the Barons are impressed by the bloodpack, and their reputation is fearsome. It's great to be so shady, he thinks to himself, wrapping up after his watch that night. In the morning, he feels pretty fine. Time to talk up to these elders...though Trellus seems to have it pretty well in hand. Where Trellus has a silver tongue filled with niceties and formalities, Jake's tongue is like a snake slurping down honeyed glass grass. He'll only speak if they need to make a point, or something interesting is left unspoken.
Trellus Thursday July 6th, 2006 10:59:46 AM
Trellus can only nod in agreement with Flea. The Bloodpack sure spends a lot of time getting led around by their nose.
Its something of a comfort to realize the Barons have plently of respect for them, if nothing else.
That morning, the cleric takes his spells, and immediately casts protections on his armor and shield. [Magic Vestment - extended with Rod, recast same using Pearl of Power]
"All you dudes ready?" he asks his friends. "OK, let's go see this beater." He waits a couple beats before adding (with a grin) "And see how sunbaked we really are."
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday July 6th, 2006 4:06:36 PM
Gilan is up early as usual and goes about his morning prayers with Ciaran. After a short amount of time he is back inside the building they are using. He does not try to change his appearance much, just straightens the long tail of hair that hangs down his back.
Looking to Trellus he shakes his head. "No matter how respected they may find us...they also consider us enemies...so why choose us?" He does not voice much of anything else as he takes a little of the food brought in for breakfast. Otherwise he lounges around and spends time talking to Ciaran.
When it is time to go he stands with Ciaran at his side. He does glance to Trell and gives a smile. "We like trouble and you know it." He touches the ring that was given to him by Trell yesterday night. It's blood color stands out next to the silver one that he already wears upon that finger. "Thanks again for the ring Trell." Looking around to the others he wonders if they are all ready and maybe as worried about this as he is.
Flea Thursday July 6th, 2006 6:35:54 PM
Flea hears Gilan's comment, and decides to answer. "They choose us for the same reason the Rattledam monks sent us out onto the plains in the first place. Most of us aren't really from around here," she says, " 'cept maybe Trellus, and Tishe', sort of. Most of us are foundlings or run-aways after getting into trouble at home." Flea digs her toe into the dirt of the ground, "look, Gry here was 'dopted. So was Jake, until his family kicked him out. You an I fell off a boat. 'nuk did something bad, but wouldn't talk about it. The others too, Ulgren, Mac, they're all misfits. If something happens to us, no one would really care, would they?"
Flea plays with the fringed edge of the scarf tied 'round her waist, adding, "All we have is each other."
When the female hunter shows up, Flea lines up her her pack.
Tishe' and Stripes(2nd Post) Friday July 7th, 2006 12:16:08 AM
Introspective for a moment, Tishe' thinks about what her pack is saying. She touches the scarlet sash that Grymash gave her and the bloodred ring that Trellus gave and unconsciously rubs the ruby Dragon's Tear embedded in her chest.
All misfits. Always in trouble. And the barons respect them. This was a very good idea, she thinks, coming and learning more about the Barons. There is so much to think about.
And then a new thought. "Trellus, you and your family is from Rattledam and not a foundling? Maybe they knew my mother!" The spellweaver becomes very excited. "Oh, when we get back to Rattledam, I have to meet your parents!" Her brown eyes are bright with the thought of tracking down her ancestry.
Argue Between the Heads. (DM Jim) Friday July 7th, 2006 2:18:10 AM
With the whole pack ready to move out and see this elder, the female hunter moves out of the building the group had slept in. They pass through the village with many stares and whispers from those that live there. Many of them are hard at work in fields or herding prairie pigs out so that they can feed. The one oddity that you pass that draws your attention is a fenced in area that currently has about a dozen rapke in it. A pair of youths look up as you are passing and wave at the female hunter who waves back, shaking her head and smiling. As your group passes they go back to thier duties of cleaing two of the rapke in the pen.
At last the steps of the female hunter slow and you can hear voices raised in anger ahead. Ahead of you is Bikle and Zak leaning against the wall of a building. It is Rayla, an elderly man who is leaning heavily on a cane and a hawkish nosed younger woman that are the cause of the commotion. Also present but nearer the elderly man is another young woman who is shaking her head at the whole thing. As you get even closer you notice that the young female near the elderly man touches his should lightly and leans in to whisper in his ear. The arguement is suddenly stopped as all four of the people turn to look upon the group and the female hunter.
It is the young woman at the elderly man's side that speaks first and motions the group even closer. "Come closer Bloodpack and meet Elder Deegan...he wishes to speak with you and I suppose that you would have questions of him as well." She wears her raven black hair loose and bits of it blows across her face in the morning breeze. The elderly man locks his gaze upon the group with curiousity and a little bit of envy. Though the years have caught up with him, you can tell by his movements and stance that once long ago he was a fighter. "My granddaughter speaks the truth Bloodpack...though I can tell that you do not want to be here." There is a hint of laughter in his voice that just seems to put you at ease.
Rayla has moved off to the side to stand near her two fellow hunter. She does not seem to be happy as she does this stiffly and the heels of her boots bite into the ground. Bikle and Zak just seem to be amused by the whole proceeding as they each have smirks painted upon their almost identicle faces. Lastly is the hawkish nosed woman who flips back her blonde hair with an air of superiority. She seems to be even more upset than Rayla does and she is currently shaking her head. Her eyes do sweep the group with a mixture of curiousity, hope and something else that a finger cannot be put on.
Elder Deegan waits for the group to approach as close as they want and then he inclines his head. "It is good to meet the Bloodpack." With a wave of his hand to each person in turn he makes introductions and you notice that the female hunter that led you here is not present any longer. "This is my granddaughter Jalian and Bertina the witch woman...I believe that you already know Rayla, Bikle and Zak...three of our best hunters." The woman, Bertina, turns her head as her name is spoken and her eyes linger a little longer on Flea and gives her a knowing nod. Jalian just nods her head to the group as she continues to hold the elbow of her grandfather.
Twenty feet from the group, perched upon a pole dedicated to Gargul, is a black raven. The banner that flies upon the pole is the older form of Gargul that you have seen before. It seems that these people pay worship to the old Gargul, before he became a good god.
Jake Friday July 7th, 2006 5:09:59 AM
Jake grins and steps forward, deciding to throw in a burst of civility. He takes off his hat and bows, "Thank you, Elder Deegan, for your kind words of welcome, and may ah speak for the Bloodpack in saying that we are delighted to make the acquaintance of your village. For myself in particular, ah must note with delight that though beauty rarely blooms in the endless Plains, this fine city has produced many wonderful blossoms that speak for the best of womankind." He glances, as he says this, to the fine femme with the shining black hair, the haughty hawkish-nosed blonde, and of course the huntress who escorted them. He grins, and speaks a bit easier, dropping a bit of the formality. "At least working with y'all to save yer children will be easy on the eyes. Anyways, here's Gry Mountainback o'Gargul, Trellus o'Domi, Mac's the minotaur with the horns, Gil and Tishe weaves the grass, Ulgren's as shady as they come with magic, and our little lady Flea, oh, and ah'm the real slim shady Jake O'Connell."
(I'm pretty sure that's it......gha, this'll bite if I miss someone.) "Seems you fellers around here tend to worship Gargul," he says, as a way of starting up conversation. "Gotta say, he's pretty impressive when you meet him..."
Tishe' and Stripes d20+6=17 d20=4 Saturday July 8th, 2006 12:24:18 AM
Keeping the ugly-headed hyena close to her side, Tishe' follows the young hunter and watches the village (Spot: 17). The brown-eyes widen then narrow at the sight of the penned rapke in the middle of the village. She uses the 'Tear to message Mac, "there must be some way to ensure they only scream on thier riders command, or they would be away from the village."
As they approach, something clicks in Tishe' that this is an odd group. Were they arguing about the Bloodpack? If so, they all seem pleased that we are here... She shakes her head and follows Jake's lead, giving a bow at the waist to the Elder and a smaller one for the lady and Rayla.
"We made a promise to Rayla", Tishe' says, pointing her hand marked by Gargul at the three hunters, "help for help. Rayla honored her promise, and we will honor our own."
She glances at her packmates, and, never able to keep her curiosity in check, she bluntly begins the questions. "What can you weave us about the Oglians and the piggies they stole from you? Any information could prove the master thread." (Diplomacy 4)
Trellus d20+7=14 d20+8=13 Saturday July 8th, 2006 6:34:32 PM
The cleric follows the young woman escorting them to "The Elder", carefully taking in everything he can about the village around him. The Rapke pen is a definite eye opener. If these dudes aren't really Barons, what's with the Rapke? Trellus watches the pen curiously as the pack passes by, trying to determine if these animals are "normal" or the malevolent ones he's seen Barons ride before. [Knowledge - Sargass: 14]
Tishe blurts out another of her odd questions. "Huh? Oh, uh, my grandparents were foundlings. My folks were born in Rattledam. Why would they know your mother?"
With the arguement stopping suddenly upon their arrival, it doesn't take a lot of guessing to figure who they were arguing about. Not Rayla's idea. OK. Or the other lady. Hmm
Jake jumps right in with the introductions, followed by Tishe's demand for information. Jake did OK, but Light, Tishe wasn't much help. "Many shadows, Elder," the cleric responds. "I must admit, we're surprised to be here in these circumstances." He nods at Rayla and the other two. "Your warriors seems pretty capable. We're curious as to why you asked for our aid." [Diplomacy 13]
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday July 8th, 2006 9:11:58 PM
Gilan follows along his eyes trailing along the village to take it all in. The sight of rapke in a pen and youths tending them makes his wonder as to what this village really is. How is it that they keep rapke and still say they are not Barons.
His attention is drawn to the sound of voices raised in anger or dispute. Taking in all the group that is waiting for them he keeps back just a little and does not say anything. He is happy to see that Jake makes introductions in as polite a manner as possible. He hides a smile as Tishe' blurts out her own questions and stifles a laugh.
While the others ask the questions he turns his own attention back to the rapke pens that they had seen earlier. His mind wanders over the looks of those rapke and the behavior that is suprising.
Ciaran stays at his side and seems content to just watch. He has never understood the way humans greet each other. Why can they not just sniff...well enough of that. He tilts his head up to look at his brother and licks his hand.
Off the Hook. (DM Jim) Saturday July 8th, 2006 9:38:43 PM
Elder Deegan smiles at the comments of Jake and then looks sideways at his granddaughter. "If you are interested my granddaughter here maybe looking for a future husband." Jalian blushes fiercly as her grandfather speaks so bluntly and she averts her eyes as to not have to look at anyone. Meanwhile Bertina turns a withering glare upon the elder as she shakes her head...seriously upset about something. Elder Deegan seems to not notice any of it as he listens to the questions and raises an aged hand to stall anything else. "I know of the conditions and that is what we are argueing about. I am releasing you from your obligation and ask you to do this one for the sake of the youths that are missing and for the Plains." He looks to Rayla who is now scowling at the elder and shaking her own head. The twins break into light laughter at the discomfort of their fellow hunter but are cut short as she whirls upon them.
Elder Deegan looks to Bertina who is also scowling even more than she had been a few minutes ago and shakes his head. "I told you that I make the decisions...my granddaughter and I have talked about this at length and it is not right to force them...even if we rendered them aid first." He turns back to the Bloodpack and gives you a light smile. "Yes...the Oglian. As you may have read and heard in legends...they were a race of ants that ruled the lower world of their catacombs. When an opening to the surface was found they moved to the surface to make raids upon the humanoids of the Plains. It took centuries to drive them back into the ground as all the inhabitants of the Plains came together to accomplish this feat. And yes that means that even the Barons joined in to help out." Looking to Rayla he waves her off with a simple signal, which she follows and is soon gone. "During all the time that they were able to get to the surface they killed many humanoids for food but it was only in the last few years of that time that they started to capture some alive...we only can suppose that it was for breeding purposes. These ants are not dumb but intelligent and the ones that attacked our village were very intelligent. It was magic that gave them the opening in the dome that protects our village and magics that allowed them to get away just as easily." He stops for a few minutes as Jalian leads him to the side to sit in a chair that is nearby, but she stays near his side. He pats her hand gently as he sighs and settles into the seat.
Jalian speaks up as her grandfather relaxes a little bit. "The youths that went missing are some of our hunters-in-training. Seems they thought they could scout out the Oglian and then return...thus securing thier status in the village and becoming full-fledged hunters." Her brow furrows in disapproval as she shakes her head at the foolishness. "They of course were not ready for this and when we sent four of our hunters after them...noone returned. We can only figure that they are lost in the cavern that opened, dead or taken as breeding stock for the Oglian. As to why we do not take care of this ourselves...that is simple, we have no hunters to spare in case they attack again." There is a humph from the side as Bertina shakes her own head. Jalian scowls again as she looks to the witch woman with great disapproval. "Grandfather leads and you do not. When the time comes I will take his place as his only living relative and you will serve me as you have served my grandfather." There is a look of pure murder in the eyes of Bertina that is gone in an instant.
Bertina speaks now with a voice full of scorn and a bit of anger as well. "They will not attack us again. As for help...I have said that I can get that for us." She looks sideways at the Bloodpack and then smiles. "Use what means you want." With that she walks away from the meeting, her raven settling upon her shoulder as she leaves.
Elder Deegan can only shake his head at the play between the witch woman and the soon to be leader of the village. He does not envy his granddaughter in any way. Bertina is a trying one that he has had to stand upon but she can do it. "The Barons send us to you to get help. I know not why they did not send riders of their own but instead instructed us to find the Bloodpack. I have released you from your debt of service to Rayla and IronHome...you are free to make your own choice." He squeezes Jalian's hand as he watches the group closely. "You must do as your heart guides you...we have survived almost certain destruction before...we will survive again."
Trellus and Gilan will realize that the rapke that are pened up are not of the same ilk as the Barons ride. These ones do not have the taint of evilness around them. In fact thinking back the ones that Rayla and the twins ride do not give off that aura either.
Trellus d20+5=18 Sunday July 9th, 2006 10:13:26 AM
Trellus notes with surprise and interest that these dudes have managed to domesticate wild Rapke without doing that 'evil aura' pick. Visions of the pack riding rapke mounts triumphantly into Rattledam flash through his head.... Shady. That would TRULY twist Galafar
The cleric's eyebrow goes up when Elder Deegan releases them from their promise. If he were a monk, Trellus would figure he was getting played - the ol "I release you so now you feel even more obligated to perform this service" ploy. But Deegan only knows them from rumor. He might be serious. [Sense Motive 18]
Trellus actually nods at the actions of the hunters-in-training. The story is not unlike a certain pack's own unauthorized first journey outside a town. Rayla's reaction makes sense too. She's jealous of the opportunity. Bertina though. That one wants to be in charge. She's gonna be trouble.
Back to the point of all this. We gotta do this, but we don't need to let them know we gotta do this.
"Elder Deegan, we thank you for releasing us from our promise. We seem to have much to learn from each other. I've heard stories of the Ogilan, none of them good. I agree, someone should go find out about them. As you need your remaining hunters for defense of your town, The Bloodpack will still help find the children."
Tishe' and Stripes Sunday July 9th, 2006 3:17:26 PM
The brown-haired girl knows there isn't time to talk of foundlings and parents now, so she gives an 'we'll talk later' look at the blonde cleric of Domi. She also looks quizzically at him when it sounds like he is reluctant to go after the children. Hmm, must be some ploy, she thinks. And since they are going anyways, it is useless to repeat what Trellus has already said.
"Is Bertina the representative of the Barons here in IronHome?", she wonders aloud. "It would make sense why she doesn't like us. It also fits the superior arrogance of the Barons we have met." As usual, Tishe' has no clue as to the impact her words may have on nearby listeners. "IronHome itself is lovely. I had no idea..."
Stripes butts his head against Tishe's hip demanding some attention, and the young wizard scratches the oversized head.
Flea d20-1=18 Sunday July 9th, 2006 11:53:56 PM
The gnome siddles over beside Grymash when the pack goes by the rapke pen. She stays on the side of the half-orc that is farthest away from the penned up creatures. During the meeting with the council or sorts, Flea looks to each speakers face, Deegan, Jalian, Jake, Trellus, in an attempt to discern their motives. When the witch woman looks at her, Flea recognizes the woman from the ceremony the night before. The gnome meets the other's gaze with her own pale blue stare, and tries to figure out her intentions as well (Sense Motive=18).
When Trellus has said his piece, the rogue slips over to his side. "What about a reward?? she whispers to the cleric. "Ask them for a reward!"
Jake Monday July 10th, 2006 6:51:53 AM
Jake spends his own time smiling at the ladies, while paying attention to the older man. Lotsa good lookin' femmes here...and he wonders whih one he'd have to choose in an emergency. Or first... "Not to brag, but we've fought these ant creatures before.." he grins confidentally, his own little piece added, and lets the others set conditions and such.
Gilan and Ciaran Monday July 10th, 2006 7:54:44 PM
Gilan crosses his arms across his chest as he listens to all that is going on. Now what is this man playing at? Could it be that Elder Deegan is a nice guy after all and he wants help that has no strings attached to it.
He cannot fault Trell for his thinking and keeps himself quiet as he studies the elder and the other present. The soon leaving form of the witch woman sets his hairs to standing on the back of his neck but that is an internal problem of this village and none of his. "Trell...should we get a guide to the entrance or just the direction?" He does not really care either way as he is sure they can find this entrance.
Ciaran continues to stand near his brother with little thought of moving. Maybe if some food was offered he might go to get a piece of meat but that does not seem to be coming anytime soon.
Grymash Monday July 10th, 2006 9:53:57 PM
Grymash half heartedly listens to the stories of the Elder. These are things of life and death and Grymash is well versed on the subject. What draws the lion's share of his attention is the pen of rapke. He's always hated them. Merciless and vicious, they killed without want or need, just for delight borne of the darkest evil. To look upon these here, he is shocked and amazed to see them in such a state. His normal urge would be to slit their throats. Grymash has those feelings still, but for a different reason. For these powerful creatures to be tamed, killing them would be a mercy.
In a low voice he asks Flea a question. "Whut Flea think bout them rapke? Gry wonders what magic da hunters use to break der spirit."
Mac Tuesday July 11th, 2006 4:34:15 AM
Mac stands patiently... ...looking at the rapke, but has no idea about training one. ...following the conversations as best he can, but knowing better than to speak just yet. ...glaring at Jake when he mentions meeting Gargul. ...imagining just how broken a rapke could get if he tried sitting atop one.
OOC: back from the silence!
Let it Commence. (DM Jim) Tuesday July 11th, 2006 2:05:04 PM
Elder Deegan nods his head in understanding as he takes note of some of the people looking in the direction of the rapke pen. "Beautiful creatures are they not." There is a hint of pride in his voice as he speaks and a bit of shame as well. "That is one reason that the Barons took our little village in. We have always raised rapke or at least for as long as I can remember as a wee lad. Each rapke you see there has a rider and they are just as wild as thier Plains born counterparts...the real difference is that these ones seem to imprint on a single rider for life." He shakes his head and his brows furrow. "Well that is not totally true...the Barons take wild ones too and they imprint on their riders as well." He starts to cough lightly and covers his mouth with his hand. The hand upon his granddaughter's slackens and soon there is an audible snoring coming from the chair.
Jalian waves over the twins who soon have the elder held between them. They carefully make their way to what appears to be a larger hut in the middle of the village...obviously the elders hut. "Please forgive my grandfather...he tends to do that in meetings as well." She sighs and looks a little bit sad as she knows that one day he will not be around. "Still, he tells me that if I am to take his place as head of the village I need to learn to assert myself." She motions the group to follow her though she stays near Trellus's side so that she can speak to him. "My grandfather is earnest with his release from the pact between yourselves and Rayla. If you walk away now he would not hold it against you and neither would I. I know that in your eyes we must seem like the enemy and to help your enemy is a hard thing." She stops speaking for a few minutes as she looks over her village and laughs. "Still...you would most likely like a reward for your services to the village as it will stand. So I will make it known that you are to keep all the things that the Oglian ran off with." She looks to Trellus with a look that she is looking for intelligence. "Yes they took more than bodies when they came here...they took some magic as well as well as other things of value....though I am not sure why, I have a guess." You notice that she is leading you to a side building that attaches to the worship building. Flea will notice the larger building as the one that the drums and incense was coming from last night, as well as where she saw Bertina.
She enters the smaller shed and motions you to still follow her. Once inside of the building you notice laying on a platform the large body of an ant. Just a cursory observation tells you that it is at least six feet long and stands four feet high, with wicked mandibles and an obvious stinger on the tail end. "This was left when they attacked us. Though Bertina has studied it a little we are no closer to an answer than our ancesters were." Pointing to the corner she gets you to notice a large basket. "It was carrying this on it's back, all harnessed on." She glances around to make sure that no prying ears are near to hear what she is about to say. "Bertina is not a Baron or a spy...or at least we do not think so. She was born here just like I was. She just has her own plans for her future but underneath she is a good woman." She waits to see what the pack will have to say and see if they will still help. She also needs to know if she needs to make any preparations for them.
My posting may slow down a little as we are having some storms roll through. That is why no DM post yesterday and it the storms are likely to continue today and tomorrow. Still I will try to get DM posts in anyways.
Trellus Tuesday July 11th, 2006 9:05:10 PM
The blond cleric's response to Flea is a silent look over at Ulgren. As far as he's concerned, they've been rewarded already.
To Gilan, he answers. "If they got someone they can spare, a guide would help."
Trellus is very startled when Elder Deegan just goes to sleep like that. Jalian seems to take it in stride though, so he goes along, falling into step beside her as they head for the temple or whatever.
He nods, and shoots Flea a wry smile as Jalian offers the reward. Score one for the gnome.
they took some magic as well as well as other things of value....though I am not sure why, I have a guess she says. She's also evaluating him. Just like Galafar always does. Trellus does his own evaluating right back. This girl is gonna have to keep the thread on Bertina wound tight, or the Bloodpack could come back - probably tore up - to a bad welcome. "What would that guess be?" he responds.
They enter the room, and see the critter. Trellus rubs the stubble on the back of his neck, pondering it. "Whaddya think, Gil?" he asks, before shooting a question at his hostess. "Did you notice any kind of mind control, the ants taking over the mind of people and making them do stuff or anything like that?"
He points to the stinger. "That thing poisonous?"
Jake d20+10=16 d20+8=24 Wednesday July 12th, 2006 8:13:48 AM
Jake lets the others talk and listen, and finds himself wandering away from the others. So while everyone's heading one way, he's just heading the other, half-noticeable (Hide 16 as he moves athat way). Attracted to the rapke pen... He's half heard what the elder said about thema ll, and at first anger at the villages for raising them for the barons had turned to a sort of curiousity. The way they put it it's almost as natural as being part of the Plains themselves...well, there's different ways of being part of the plains, he reminds himself. Not everyone has to be a druid, like Gil. He finds himself near enough to be able to even approach one near the fence, and does so in a disarming enough way that he might actually be able to feed it. (Animal Handling 24)
Gilan and Ciaran d20+19=27 d20+19=30 Wednesday July 12th, 2006 9:26:58 AM
Gilan slips inside of the building with the rest and then takes a closer look at the Olgian that lays upon the platform. "If the stories are to believed and I do not doubt some of history...I would say this is nothing but an enlarged ant." He lifts legs and checks out the head of the beast with growing interest. "These front feet are almost like hands and from the looks I would gather that they have more than just insect intelligence." His surprise is growing by the minute as he inspects the large insect more closely.
Not waiting for an answer from Jalian he moves to the back of the insect and checks out the stinger. Most notibly he is looking for a gland that would indicate poison. Looking to Tishe' he cannot help but smile and indicate the insect. "You love a mystery and this is one of the greats." His own excitement leads him to not even notice that Jake is missing from the group.
[knowledge(nature) 27 and knowledge(Plains) 30]
Tishe' and Stripes Wednesday July 12th, 2006 3:41:56 PM
Tishe' absently nods her head in response to Gilan, her mind already taking in the giant ant on the table. "The stories I remember of the Oglians say that they were ant-like, not giant ants. I don't think this is an actual Oglian."
"They also took magical items, and we have to assume deliberately. If so, they can identify magic and either use it or make use of it, and either answer leads us to a race that can manipulate things like the ant-taurs we fought in the Scab." Tishe' cocks her head and tucks a stray lock of wavy brown hair behind an ear. "And if Oglians are the same race, then they would be able to mind-control normal giant ants to be thier troops."
Stripes doesn't like the dead insect on the table and growls, but his human barely notices, her brown eyes are alight with the possibilities.
Mac Wednesday July 12th, 2006 6:04:56 PM
Mac nods slowly. "Obliged or not, I'm in."
Flea Wednesday July 12th, 2006 8:01:12 PM
"I dunno, Gry" Flea answers the half-orc. "Must be some powerful magiks, anyway, I would think."
When talk turns to the ant-creatures, the rogue looks at her feet. Much as she is nimble, and clever, her mind was no match for the magiks of the ant creatures. The rogue blushes at the remembrance of what she had done to Trellus' wand, and she nervously twists her newest ring.
The Enemy Revealed. (DM Jim) Wednesday July 12th, 2006 9:49:03 PM
As the Bloodpack goes over the Oglian with a fine-toothed comb, Jalian listens with interest to your observation. "Bertina says that the stinger is indeed poisoned...though this one is not as toxic...she sermises that the others maybe more toxic. As to the things they took...lures and maybe to use." She steps closer to the dead ant and looks at it with a critical eye. "This is an Oglian of that we are sure...they seem to have classes when they attacked...this one was a worker or carrier as that is all that it did, but there were others with real useable arms that could make use of weapons other than these natural ones." She taps the pinchers and points to the stinger to get her point across.
Gilan and Tishe' both have found a series of rather nice poison glands upon the end of the ant. It seems that the ant has a variety of different types of toxins in this one caste.
Jalian laughs lightly and then shakes her head. "The ants did not seem to be able to control others but the worked as a unit...defeating some of our best defenses...I would guess that they can communicate between each other." She glances around the room and notes that one of the group is missing but does not give it much thought. Surely this group would be more worried than they appear if his absence was a big matter, though she does comment. "Where is the handsome one with the funny hat?"
Jake back outside and at the corral finds that he is able to get close to one of the rapke that is near the fence. One of the lads looks up as he offers it a bit of food and wanders over that way. "That one belongs to Rayla and is gentler than the rest." The rapke has taken the food and is currently chewing on it as it stares at Jake with large eyes. "You have an interest in rapke and how to raise them?" The boy seems genuinely interested in not only Jake's interest but also in the stranger himself. He cannot wait to tell all his friends that he got to talk to one of the living legends...the giants of the Plains.
As the group continues to look over the Oglian, Jalian smiles. "I heard something about a guide...Rayla would lead you to the entrance but she will need to return her right after." She cannot help but be worried about the safety of the people that she is soon to lead. "We must be ready for an attack." As soon as the Pack is ready to leave Jalian will have Rayla waiting for them at the front gate and will lead them there herself.
This ant is not like the ones at the Scab. This one is almost no different than a real ant but it does have a pair of legs in the front that are able to crudely manipulate things. A true Oglian, according to legends, are much like the ants from the Scab but a lot bigger and smarter.
Jake Thursday July 13th, 2006 6:46:27 AM
Jake glances at the kid with an amused, sly smile between feeding the monstrous beast a handful of proferred sluggy mass. It doesn't even bite his hand, that's how careful this thing is...though the smooth packer doesn't leave enough prairie pig left on his hand that he risks getting too close to its razor sharp teeth. "Yah...was a time when ah remember, chasin' after prairie pigs like you prob'ly do for mah elders, and the thing always had to watch out for was the big bad rapke. Was told if we went outside the nest and saw one while running around, it'd be the last thing we'd see. Saw some from far away e'en so.. Ain't till ah was in the pack and we were fightin' 'em that ah got this close to one before. Was probably one of the scariest fights ah remember... But y'know, when ah'd see one from far away, ah'd always be amazed by 'em. They're just wonderful, amazing creatures... "Ya know, ah finally did see one of them creatures ah read about in a book...a horse? Ain't nuthin' half-compared to a rapke. Rapke'd eat one of them in ten seconds. Ah admire you people for being able to ride 'em, but you're also half-crazy if you can do so..." Jake grins over at the boy. "And a GIRL rides one of these, ah find that especially hard to believe...ah mean, they're too soft and breakable, ah can't imagine one---" Jake, now on one of his favorite subjects, chatters for a bit about women... and lets the boy choose the next topic, really.
Tishe' and Stripes Thursday July 13th, 2006 4:36:01 PM
The plain-faced woman listens to Jalian's words and tries to imprint them into her mind. "Better and worse than the ant-taurs at the same time", she murmurs. "Well, there's nothing else to do than to begin weaving. The faster we string the loom, the sooner there is good cloth."
Tishe' will gladly accept Rayla as a guide, but then looks around at Jalian's words. "Funny hat? Jake? Where IS Jake?" In the presence of the ant, the small woman forgot all about her other packmates.
Stripes, not liking enclosed spaces, leads his human out of the room and into the light of IronHome.
Trellus Thursday July 13th, 2006 5:18:23 PM
The cleric gives a business-like nod as he absorbs the information from his packmates and Jalian.
"OK Dudes, we're dealing with big honkin smart bugs with hands and poison stingers. So they can likely weave with weapons, magic, an' spells just like us. We gotta figure their tunnels are trapped, and they got a plan to defend it."
Trellus flashes his trademark 'this will be fun' grin.
"So, no problem."
The blond man is still chuckling as he accepts the offer of Rayla as guide. And then looks around in confusion when she asks about Jake. Trellus rolls his eyes. "Weaving trouble, no doubt," he answers with a sigh. "Let's go see where he got off to."
Trellus leaves the room, and heads back into the open.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday July 13th, 2006 6:08:21 PM
Gilan is caught up in what Jalian is saying about the ants and the possible use of the things they took. "Shinies are always tempting." Touching the stinger lightly he tests it's sharpness and pulls away a finger that is bleeding. "Man that thing is sharp." He wonders how well it will do against armors and decides not to test his idea as he knows Trell will not like it.
He is only half listening when Jalian mentions what can only be Jake as he nods in agreement with the others for a guide. "Rayla seems a reliable sort...if not a little upset about our deal being broken." Only when Trell and Tishe' comment about Jake being gone does he look around and notice that it is true.
"Light." He takes the single word from his friend's speeches and then uses another in his next. "That dude just cannot stay out of trouble." He flashes a grin to Trell as he follows him out of the building and into the light. "Lets find Jake then Trell and use some of this daylight." His hand absently finds the head of his brother as he searches the area for Jake.
Ciaran looks up enjoying the attention to his ears. His tongue lolls out the side of his head as he leans into his brother's leg.
Flea Thursday July 13th, 2006 7:14:44 PM
Flea's face visibly brightens when there is mention that these creatures don't seem to exercise mind control as part of their combat tactics. The gnome square's her shoulders, and follows her pack mates outside.
Grymash Thursday July 13th, 2006 8:25:08 PM
Grymash looks up from contemplating the complexities of his navel and answers Trellus' remarks with a simple, "YEAH!!" He then flicks away whatever contents he procured and starts in on sharpening his double axe with his whetstone. Sparks trail off his blade with every stroke.
Preparing to Move Out. (DM Jim) Friday July 14th, 2006 12:58:35 AM
With a last look to the Oglian that lays in the building the groups moves outside to look for Jake and most likely save him...from himself. Jalian follows you out and looks around herself as the rest of the group look for Jake. From this building noone can see the rapke pens where Jake is standing and talking to the youth. It appears that Jake is nowhere to be found and that leads you to many ideas...most involving the young woman of this village.
Jalian does motion over one of the villagers to have them go and find Rayla and have her waiting at the front gates for the Bloodpack, with her mount. The villager races off to find the hunter and deliver the mesage as Jalian shakes her head. "Shall we head back the way we came...maybe your man is along that path." Looking to Trellus she falls into step with him still talking a little. "So does this Jake have a wife or girlfriend where he comes from?" It appears that yet another woman is smitten with the shadowy Jake.
Over at the rapke pen Jake is talking to the young lad that comes over about this and that, till the talk turns to his favorite subject...females. The youth looks to Jake with a certain show of respect. "If you are looking for a good wife, Jalian is going to be needing a husband before long." Looking both directions he gives an impish smile. "I also hear that Bertina the witch woman is looking for a suitable match as well." For some reason this raises some laughter from the youth as he goes back to scrubbing the rapke.
Shortly the form of Rayla appears in the distance heading for the rapke pen at a fair clip. She glances to the form of Jake and the youth with a perterbed shake of her head. As she draws nearer she puts her hands on her hips and stops to look at Jake and the youth. "Saddle my rapke boy and be quick about it." She then turns to Jake with a little bit of a surprised look. "I though the Bloodpack was meeting me at the front gate?" Leaning upon one of the post of the pen she looks Jake up and down and then snorts. "Didn't get lost did you?" She laughs lightly though you can see she arches an eyebrow looking for an answer.
Tishe' and Stripes Friday July 14th, 2006 2:45:25 PM
If they are getting ready to go to the grass, Tishe' would like to have a few minutes to herself and change. First chance she gets, the plain-faced woman disrobes from the formal mage attire and gets into her much more useful and comfortable tunic and leggings. Pushing her wavy brown hair into a ponytail at the base of her neck, she retrieves staff and crossbow, and is ready to be with the others at the front gate.
Stripes takes his opportunity to renew his acquaintance with the other members of his human's pack. He sniffs and rubs against Flea, Grymash, Mac, Trellus, and Gilan, but then stops hesitantly at the wolf. Ciaran is an animal of the pack that is very much like Stripes himself. Cautiously, he lowers his head and smiles, offering a sniff as invitation to become closer to this other four-footed packmate.
Jake Friday July 14th, 2006 2:51:47 PM
"Couldn't help but admire the rapke, miss," Jake replies, smiling slightly. He leans against the post next to her, just near enough to be comfortable without being so far away as to indicate an uninterested presence. He waves over at the rapke, with a swish of his fingers indicating them, "Always been impressed by them...one time when ah was a kid, ah saw a herd of bounders milling about, and suddenly a pack of rapke came in, terrorizing 'em into a stampede.. Ah hid in the grass and they ran right over me, not seeing me. That was the closest ah'd gotten to a rapke till now, ah suppose. And they're quite different when calm." He smiles and turns his attention back to her, fully, with a killer smile. "Ah'm impressed that you can ride one. Well, not just that you can ride one, but that you're brave enough to. Then again, you know how the most bright and attractive grasses are the ones animals avoid eating? Perhaps there's something there..." He smiles at her, and suddenly asks, "Oh wait, we're meeting at the front gate?" He glances towards that area, then back to her and smiles. "Well, ah guess there's no rush."
Grymash d20+6=12 Friday July 14th, 2006 7:29:55 PM
Grymash accepts Stripe's affections and returns them in kind. However, for a brief moment the half-orc pauses to admire the animals more "succulent" qualities. He licks his jowls and his tusks rise from under his lips like flora welcoming the first drops of rain. He quickly shakes his head to gather his senses. "Dudes ... when Gry gonna gets some eatin'!?"
(Will save 12)
Flea Friday July 14th, 2006 7:31:56 PM
The gnome follows her packmates, keeping a distance from the rapke pens. As the party waits at the gates for stray members, she smiles at the ugly face of Tishe's strange dog-friend, and reaching our both hands gives it a good scratch behind it's ears and on the top of it's hard skull.
Trellus Friday July 14th, 2006 8:44:58 PM
Trellus frowns, "The dude's gotta be around here somewhere," he says dubiously. "Not even Jake would, uh, go visiting when we're about to go shuttlecocked." However, the blond man's tone doesn't quite match the conviction of his words.
He follows Jalian toward the gate, eyes moving around the village. We don't see him by the time we get to the gate, he tells himself, then we start rethinking these Baron's intentions.
"Hey Mac, Gry. How loud can you dudes yell?" he asks. "Think Jake might hear you?"
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday July 15th, 2006 12:52:22 AM
Gilan follows along with the others as he keeps his eyes open for Jake but see nothing at the moment. He reaches down to scratch the head of the hyena of Tishe''s. He watches the play between his wolf and the hyena with a shake of his head. "Be nice Ciaran." He does not doubt that his brother would have been nice anyways but it is always good to reinforce such things.
Ciaran takes the the hyena with a large lick on the side of the muzzle. It seems that Ciaran thinks of the other animal as part of his pack. As the move to the gate he splits his attention between his brother and his new friend.
The Old Jake. (DM Jim) Saturday July 15th, 2006 1:02:26 AM
As the group moves towards the gates with Jalian the come across Jake near the rapke pen. He is standing with Rayla at the side and seem to be deep in conversation. It also appears that Jake is putting the moves on the hunter as well.
Rayla looks to Jake with a smile and then looks to see how the boy is doing with her mount. "He chose me the day he was hatched so it is no surprise that I can ride him. He is a little gentler than most of the rapke in this pen but still not to be taken lightly." She takes another look at Jake and sighs. If she only had the time she would have shown this young man a thing or two about riding. "I was found by one of the hunters-in-training and told that I was needed at the gate with my mount. I was to guide the Bloodpack to the opening of the Oglian tunnels and then return here." She looks up and waves to Jalian as she spots her with the rest of the group. About that time the youth comes out with her mount, saddled and ready to go.
Most of the rest of the trip to the gate is spent in silence as the Baron villagers wonder if they will see the Bloodpack again. Jalian does not see them as bad people and wonders what it is about them that makes the Barons hate them. At the gate she turns to the Bloodpack first. "I hope to see you again...with the youths that disappeared or at least with some word of their fate." She then turns to Rayla with a slight smile. "Rayla...lead them as instructed and then return here with all haste. We must not be caught unawares and with part of our strength missing." She gives the other woman a quick hug before ordering the gate open.
Rayla leads the group out of the gate and to the south into the Plains tall grasses. She takes it slow for the pack to keep up with her. The morning is wearing thin as she slows and points in the direction ahead of her. "The entrance is another three hundred feet directly ahead and then down a light slope...you cannot miss it." She waits for you in case you have any final words before she heads back.
Spell lists will be needed.
Trellus Saturday July 15th, 2006 4:45:54 PM
Trellus can't help but marvel. "Put the dude on an island in the middle of the sunbaked ocean, and he'd still find a girl," he murmurs softly. He pitched his voice low so Jalian wouldn't hear. Its likely only Grymash and Mac did.
At the gate, he grins confidently at the girl. "We'll find 'em," he says.
As the Bloodpack follows Rayla, the cleric's demeanor shifts into "Grass" mode. Eyes and ears alert, he's constantly looking around, tracking packmates and companions. You pay attention out here, or really bright picks tend to happen.
Trellus is all business by the time Rayla drops them off. He asks a quick question - "Do they guard the entrance?", and then waits pointedly for her to leave. He's beginning to feel more at ease around these 'almost Barons', but not enough to let her see them gearing up.
Once she's gone, the blond man breaks out a wand and casts a spell on each member of the pack. [Neutralize Poison - duration 70 minutes]
He has more prep work, but it depends on whether the entrance is guarded.
Spells in Effect: Neutralize Poison - 70 mins Magic Vestment - Shield Magic Vestment - Armor
Mac Saturday July 15th, 2006 9:02:12 PM
No sooner does Mac deeply inhale to bellow for Jake, than the pack runs across him. The long exhale follows.
Walking through the grass, he remains alert and ready, but still not very talkative.
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday July 15th, 2006 10:16:59 PM
Gilan follows along as the make their way through the grass. He had been only able to shake his head earlier at Jake. Little did he know that Trell was saying what he was thinking about the smooth talker.
As Rayla moves away from the group he looks to Trell as he starts to prepare for the fight to come. He waves off the protection from poison with a knowing smile. "I have no need for that when it is natural poisons." He has found that in the last couple of weeks he can shed poison as easy as the Manfri weave through the grass.
Looking to Flea as Anuk is no longer with them he waves in her direction. "Should we let Flea sneak up to the ridge and have a look?" She would be the easiest to sneak up there and have a look to see if they posted guards. She could also make it back to them with the least problems as well.
Tishe' (AC19, HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 31/31) Sunday July 16th, 2006 6:04:41 AM
The pack is together and moving through the 'Grass, and Tishe' moves through the stalks with Stripes on her heels constantly on alert for any activity.
At the Oglian entrance, the small woman does have one question for Rayla. "How many were taken? I don't want to search for fifty when only ten went underground."
Taking her cues from Trellus, she also waits until the pack is alone before bringing out magical support. She casts Mage Armor on herself with her extend rod, and shares with Stripes.
"Flea, I can cast Longstrider on you if you want to keep your boots for emergencies"
"And we don't know how long we're going to be underground, so conserve your magic", she tells her packmates.
Stripes waits for the others, content to let the pack sort out the hunting order.
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Flea d20+23=40 d20+11=25 d20+9=23 d20+14=24 d20+13=31 Sunday July 16th, 2006 7:31:57 PM
"Thanks Tishe', but I'm good for now," answers the gnome. "Never ran out of magic yet," she answers, pointing to her embroidered boots.
Nodding as Gilan speaks, she tries to catch Trellus' eye. If the cleric of Domi gives the okay, the rogue will scout ahead and check out the entrance for the group.
The rogue is nearly invisible (Hide=40) in the grasses, and only the sharpest of ears will pick out her silent padding (Move Silently=24). He keeps her ears (Listen=25) and eyes (Spot=23) open to any sounds. The closer the rogue get to the entrance, the more her vigilence turns to searching out any warning devices or traps (Search/Detect Traps=31)
Jake Monday July 17th, 2006 1:23:15 AM
The thin half-elf grins as the others approach and points over to the rapke. "Hey, look...they're tame. And they don't seem as bad as the Barons..." He is generally quiet as they walk on out and through the grass, though he throws smiles and looks both of the gals ways. AT least leaving the city leaves only one to focus his attention on. And when she finally drops them off, he nods and waves to her. "Next time, you'll have to show me how to ride one of them... we'll all swap some glass grass with yer town, and tell ya about the time we flew on dragons!" Jake turns his attention to the others. Taking up their cues, he draws his sword and shield. He checks his gear out and feels pretty good. "Okay, let's get ready to rock them... If they're like the others, they'll have plenty of pits and stuff..."
Posting Report (ADM MikeK) Monday July 17th, 2006 4:27:30 PM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of July 10-14
Name MTWTF
DM JimW OXXXX
Trellus OXXXX
Tishe OXXXX
Jake OXXXX
Gilan OXXXX
Grymash OOXXO
Mac OXOOX
Flea OXXXX
Ulgren (walkabout)
[X = post, O = no post]
ADM MikeK Note: Ulgren is on walkabout pending computer issues.
The Entrance. (DM Jim) Monday July 17th, 2006 10:37:40 PM
Rayla turns in her saddle to look at Trellus and shrugs her shoulders. "They seem to have sentries at times but at others the entrance is not guarded." Turning her head to Tishe' she thinks for a few minutes and then speaks. "There should be four adult hunters and six hunters-in-training that are lost in that cave...that and about twenty villagers." Her eyes take on a haunted look as she speaks the next bit, not really liking the idea. "Though they were taken at least a week ago and most likely will not be there if the stories are true." She then moves off into the grass and is soon lost from view.
As the group prepares themselves for what is to come...the decision is made by Flea to scout a little bit ahead. She wants to check out the entrance to the colony and see if it is guarded. Moving along through the grass as quiet as the shadows, she comes to the top of the hill. She has gone to her belly and is crawling though as the last five feet to the slope is cleared of grass.
Looking down the slope she can see one ant much like the one that lays back in IronHome. Flanking it is a pair of ants that stand at least as tall as Mac. They look like the ants they faced near the Scab but larger and armed for trouble. The entrance is some hundred and fifty yards from her hiding spot at the top of the slope and the grade will not be one you would want to take at a run. The entrance itself is in a bowl really and no matter what you will have to charge this entrance.
The rest of the group waits for Flea to return and worries about her all the time. They are also thinking of Ulgren who stayed behind in IronHome. You remember that Jalian asked him to help out with a few divinations and maybe some protections for the village as well.
Flea(Spot 16)Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that both of the taur type ants have at least six javelins at their sides. They also carry a large wicked looking spear as well. You can see nothing else of note on them at this distance.}
Flea d20+9=24 Monday July 17th, 2006 11:22:21 PM
Spot=24
Flea returns to the pack, employing the same sneaky tactics on her return in order to avoid detection. She tells her companions about everything she saw including the two taur type ants guarding the entrance with at least six javelins at their sides and a large wicked looking spear as well. Plus, the third ant that is there as well.
Mac Tuesday July 18th, 2006 3:34:53 AM
Listening to Flea intently, Mac nods and waits for his chance to join in. "That doesn't sound like the full strand - prob'bly some number nearby, inside awaitin' the call... we need quick an' quiet here.
Trellus Tuesday July 18th, 2006 9:52:27 AM
"OK Dudes, inventory time. We gotta get down there and take them out really fast. Unless Tishe or Gilan got a Silence spell, I'm not sure we can do it quiet. We do it fast enough, it might not matter.
I got one invisibility potion, 3 fly potions, and an Air Walk spell.
Whaddya you dudes got?"
Tishe' (AC21, HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 31/31) Tuesday July 18th, 2006 1:39:36 PM
The brown-haired woman shakes her head, "I don't have any useful potions or scrolls for this, but the entrance is within my range to weave a Web spell. That will stop them from getting reinforcements or running for help!"
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday July 18th, 2006 2:22:38 PM
Gilan is also listening to the report from Flea and shakes his head. "I did not think to take any spells of that nature...most of mine are combat oriented or healing related." It does not look like the rest have much in the way of help either...so they will have to wing it as normal. "I can increase movement speed for two people but some of my others should wait till we are inside." He lays a hand upon Ciaran and calls upon the powers of Mother to aid his brother in the coming battle.
Ciaran takes this all in stride as he feels the tingle of magic. His brother's magic always feels so primal, touched by the Mother of all.
Jake Tuesday July 18th, 2006 3:01:14 PM
Jake shrugs. "Ah suppose magic is more clever, but ah'm prone to rushin' in fast without it. Besides, Ulgren ain't here, he's the real mage ain't he? Still... hey, we should buff up a little before we go in. Especially on Gry... He's always hearing the howls of Gargul." Jake grins and lightheartedly punches his half-orc bud on the shoulder. "Don't run on in this time, Gry... stay with us."
Flea (2nd illegal post) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 12:28:04 AM
I got 2 potions invisibility an' a spider climb.
Plan of Attack. (DM Jim) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 1:47:10 AM
The group discusses the plans that maybe useable to gain access to the caves behind the ants that guard it. Buffing is spoken of as well so that the group can cut through the monster that much faster. At least it appears that there will be a little time to think this over.
Trellus Wednesday July 19th, 2006 8:18:11 AM
The cleric grins at Flea. "Shady!"
And then lays out his thoughts. "Ok, Jake, Gry, and Mac fly invisible down there with Gilan, who does that bird pick.
We'll give you a bit of a head start and then the rest of us will start moving down the hill. Once they focus on us, you dudes rip 'em. Mac take one, Gry take one, Gil flame the little one, and Jake clean up."
He looks up.
"Whaddya think?"
Tishe' (AC21, HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 31/31) Wednesday July 19th, 2006 12:48:35 PM
"Sounds shady to me!" agrees Tishe'. Without any prep spells to cast, she will wait for the others to go invisible. On Trellus' word of 'go', the bruisers will invisibly fly down to the side of the Oglians, and on a count of 30 (i.e. five rounds) she will move over the lip to expose herself to sight and plans to cast a Web right in the tunnel entrance.
Stripes stays quiet and behind his human, guarding her back.
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Mac Wednesday July 19th, 2006 5:01:16 PM
"Shady, Trellus." Mac awaits the spells.
Grymash (ac24, evil26. hp104. prot. from evil) d20-2=13 Wednesday July 19th, 2006 7:39:59 PM
Grymash takes the potion from Trellus. He mutters in a deep low voice, "hmmm ... no be lookin' at Gry juice!"
The barbarian cleric also remembers the ants from the Scar. How they tried to take control of his mind, and how Gargul protected him (Int 13, to remember).
Again in the lowest of tones, "dudes ... gry remembers how da ant people try to get into gry noggin. gargul protection magik messed up da ant magik. gry think weez make da protection magik, as much as pack can!" Grymash then mutters a few words of power and he touches himself. His body becomes enveloped in a faint glow and then disapears. "Yeah, shady ... like dat!"
Gilan nods to Trell as he looks to the others. "So we will make a sneak attack upon them." The grin upon his face tells you that he is more than ready to start the little party. Looking to Ciaran he points to Tishe' as he takes the large wolf's head. "You stay by Tishe' and protect her." He knows that Tishe' can look after his wolf and communicate with him if needed.
His shape ripples and distorts as he slowly slips into the form of a large hawk. Standing on the grounds of the Plains he makes no noise as he hops from foot to foot. He is as ready as he will ever be.
Flea Thursday July 20th, 2006 12:07:24 AM
The gnome more than willingly holds out the two vials of Invisibility for Jake and Mac to take. "Been holding on to these a long time, an' haven't really needed them myself."
When her packmates have taken the potions off her hands, she draws her to wands from her belt.
Silent and Deadly. (DM Jim) Thursday July 20th, 2006 1:15:02 AM
The pack has finally gotten themselves ready to start the assault upon the ants at the entrance. As Mac and Gry float down invisible they move into position and wait for the fun to begin.
A hawk flies out and over the bow and the ants look up, the two pointing at it but indicating nothing else. Though it must seem strange to them they make no other moves as they continue thier vigilance.
The time is nearly there to start the assault. All that is needed is for the rest of the group to top the slope and start their way down.
Hit Points and Armor Classes will need to start appearing, thanks.
Jake (AC 28, hp 59/59, invisible, flying) Thursday July 20th, 2006 9:03:08 AM
Jake gulps down the potion, and floats nearby Gry... He makes sure to go just alittle slower than the two invisible warriors might go, just so that they can trim the grass hard, and he can just follow after sweeping it up. He eyes the ant creatures as he gets closer, not liking them one bit. They look too...intelligent is the word he wants to use, but it's not really. Too much like bugs! Never did much care for bugs, other than as a meal.
Mac (AC:22, HP:90/90) Thursday July 20th, 2006 9:46:13 AM
"Thanks Flea!" Mac replies as he receives and drinks from the vial. "Do your wurst!" he says as he fades from view.
Trellus (ac 22, hp 79/79, Mgc Vstmnt, Neut Pois, Owl Wisdom) Thursday July 20th, 2006 10:37:23 AM
Trellus grins back at Gilan. "Truly. Time for us to get the jump for a change."
To Grymash, he replies, "We don't think these ant dudes got that pick. But better safe than sorry, so drink up."
The cleric waits patiently for Grymash, Mac, Jake, and Gilan to go through their preparations, and quite literally disappear. During the short interval, he pulls out his Metamagic Rod for one last use this day, and casts a spell to enhance his spellcasting power on himself. [Cast Owls Wisdom -- extended]
At the count of 30, the blond man stands up with a curt "Lets weave", and starts moving down the hill as quickly as he can. [Move 60'] As he heads for the ants, he calls over to Tishe. "Tishe, remember - only you can heal Mac or Gry with this thing." The blond man taps his chest meaningfully.
He turns his attention on the ants. OK Dudes. Let's see what you got
-------------------
Spells in Effect: Owls Wisdom -- 20 min Neutralize Poison - 69 mins Magic Vestment (+2) - Shield Magic Vestment (+2) - Armor
Tishe' (AC21, HP 53/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 31/31) Thursday July 20th, 2006 2:03:48 PM
The brown-headed mage nods as her packmates fade out one by one. "Illusions I can't weave, so it's shady we have some potions!" she pronouces in a satisfactory manner.
Tishe' keeps her own count and is pleased when she is down to three when Trellus says its time to go. Touching her Dragon Tear, she nods, knowing that she will also feel thier relative health through the gem as well.
And then... it's over the top! Skidding down the slope for 30 feet, Tishe' puts on the brakes and weaves a quick pattern with her hands. A hundred and fifty feet away, sticky strands of a gigantic Web block the entrance of the Oglian tunnel. "There is no escape that way, ant-taurs!"
Stripes easily keeps his four feet on the steep slope, keeping pace with his human. Hackles rise and a growl verberates from his throat.
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, *Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, *Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Gilan [HP: 97/97 - AC: 20] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 24] 9d6(6+2+2+4+4+6+2+5+3)=34 Thursday July 20th, 2006 5:53:04 PM
Gilan cannot help but call out what would be a laugh in his hawk form as the webs go up. Though he is visible to the enemy he is not worried too much. Flattening his wings he falls into a dive as he calls upon the powers of Mother Wold. Wings flip out to brake his fall and to punctuate the end of his spell. "Kkkrrrreeeeeeeeee!" Within a few seconds of his battle cry a pillar of flame dances down upon the middle worker ant.
Ciaran slides along the slope after both Stripes and Tishe'. He pulls up to flank on her other side as she stops to use her spell. His own eyes searching the area for the best path to the enemy.
Grymash (ac24, evil26. hp104. prot. from evil2) d20+15=35 d20+15=25 d20+15=19 d20+10=11 d20+10=30 d20+10=25 d8+8=12 d8+8=10 d8+8=15 d8+4=8 d8+4=10 d8+4=12 d8+4=8 Thursday July 20th, 2006 8:25:23 PM
Grymash waits unpatiently for the first sign from the others to start his attack. His grip on his double axe tightens.
WHEN/IF the antmen first begin to react to Gry's invading packmates, he will strike one of the larger ones with a flurry of blows with a speed that surprises even himself.
Oglian Entrance. (DM Jim) 5d6(1+1+2+3+6)=13 5d6(2+3+4+2+4)=15 d20+14=22 d20+14=17 d20+5=23 Friday July 21st, 2006 1:06:42 AM
The first blow is struck fast as flames slam into the ant in the middle of the group of three. Mac and Grymash have moved into place near the ants and are ready for thier part in the engagement. Jake hovers nearby as well but waits to make an attack hoping to finish off something the bigger guns have nearly killed.
Grymash is the first of the melee men to enter the fray as he becomes visible, slamming his axe home several time into the Oglinan on the right side, two hits getting through.
Trellus, Tishe'and Flea have started over the hill. This has prompted the ants to start moving as well into some form of attack. Tishe' gets out her web spell and neatly seals off the entrance to the caver. There will be no retreat.
The two ants on the sides move ever so slightly, despite the attack from Grymash, and javelins come up. They both send a javelin in the direction of the three driving down the slope towards them. The distance is impossible and the javelins seem to slowly lose flight as they get a little closer, then the strangest thing happens. Both of these weapons suddenly burst into streaks of lightning that slice through the three humans and two animal companions coming down the hill(damage1 - 13, ref DC 14 for half and damage2 - 15, ref DC 14 for half).
As the middle ant is hit, there is a whoosh of exhaled air heard by Mac, Grymash and Jake. Then there is the sudden smell that burns the eyes, nose and throat of all those not Oglian within twenty feet(fort DC 20 or lose 1d3 combat rounds). The ant turns in the direction of Grymash who has just become visible and takes a bite at him with powerful jaws and follows it with a sting of it's tail(hit: 22/14 and damage: none/none).
Battle map will be a little delayed as I need to put it together, sorry.
Ant-Taur(Oglian) AC 22
Mac (AC:22, HP:90/90) d20+9=25 d20+17=22 3d6(3+5+6)+10=24 d20+12=24 3d6(2+2+5)+10=19 d20+9=21 Friday July 21st, 2006 3:12:58 AM
The stench of breached Ant-Taur isn't pleasant, but Mac keeps his cool and full attacks the other Ant-Taur. Hits AC:22 for 24 damage, AC:24 for 19 damage, and (perhaps stupidly) a Horn gorn, that just misses the mark.
Jake (AC 28, hp 59/59) d20+12=15 d20+7=23 d6=3 d6=6 d10=3 Friday July 21st, 2006 7:36:12 AM
Jake uses the opportunity of his invisibility and position to unleash a furious and surprising series of attacks upon the centaur-ant-thingie. "Taste this, ya grassbiter!" he chirps happily, enjoying himself so far. The overeager fighter winces though as his first blow goes miles over its head. "piggielickin-" he mutters as he swings back, hitting it only once. (Miss on AC 15, then hit on AC 23... Only did about 17 damage on that hit too. But a good start nonetheless!)
Trellus (ac 22, hp 59/79, Mgc Vstmnt, Neut Pois, Owl Wisdom) d20+6=12 d20+6=18 Friday July 21st, 2006 2:16:04 PM
Ow.
Trellus really hadn't anticipated the ants could reach out and touch them all the way over here. He learns quickly enough from the first lightning strike to avoid some of the second. But still, that HURT! [Reflex 12 and 18]
The cleric grins evilly. Ant dudes got other things on their minds now. He keeps moving down the slope.
-------------------
Spells in Effect: Owls Wisdom -- 20 min Neutralize Poison - 69 mins Magic Vestment (+2) - Shield Magic Vestment (+2) - Armor
Tishe' (AC21, HP 40/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 10/31) d20+6=15 d20+6=18 d20+5=16 d20+5=6 4d4(1+4+2+2)+4=13 Friday July 21st, 2006 3:38:31 PM
Gently arcing javelins turn into an electric storm that rips around Tishe' and Stripes! Amazing luck lets Tishe' avoid most of the charge (6+7 dam), but the ugly Stripes takes the full brunt of the second javelin (6+15 dam). The lightning storm is too much for Stripes and he quickly scrambles up the slope and over the lip to be hidden from view!
Continuing to move down the slope, the mage fishes out of her Pants o Plenty a wand and puts her mark on Grymashes Oglian. "I'll weave against the wounded to help drop them faster!", she calls to Trellus as four missles of energy strike the ant-taur. (13 points)
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, *Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, *Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Gilan [HP: 97/97 - AC: 24] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 24] d20+9=27 d20+9=21 Friday July 21st, 2006 8:20:03 PM
Gilan finds the sight of lightning rolling over some of his friends and his brother to be maddening. As he goes back into a dive he only stalls this time to slow his decent. Once again his shape cracks and pops as he takes back his human form. With a savage snarl he pulls the scimitar from his hip, his shield already out. "Lets dance." His eyes are alight with something akin to animal rage.
Ciaran twists his large body this way and that as the lightning slips around him. Somehow the large wolf is able to dodge every last shred of the electrical power that the javelins became. A low rumbleing growl starts in his throat but he does not leave the side of Tishe'.
Late DM Post. Saturday July 22nd, 2006 12:37:46 AM
Will make a DM post tomorrow so that I can get a couple of more post from players. I will also be sending out a battle map as well.
Grymash (ac24, evil26. hp104. prot. from evil3) d20+12=22 d20+15=30 d20+15=22 d20+10=15 d20+10=28 d8+8=13 d8+8=16 d8+4=11 Saturday July 22nd, 2006 2:50:34 AM
(Fort save: 22)
Grymash snorts and spits within the toxic cloud that continues to assault every hole in his head. However, he fights off his gag reflex to continue his onslaught on the ant creature.
Oglian Entrance, 2. (DM Jim) d20+14=34 d20+14=28 d20+14=31 d8+4=10 2d8(5+1)+8=14 d6+2=8 d20+16=19 d20+16=28 2d6(3+2)+8=13 d6+2=4 d20+16=19 d20+16=32 2d6(1+2)+8=11 d6+2=6 Saturday July 22nd, 2006 10:23:54 PM
Mac is able to fight off any effects of the stench that suddenly fills the air. His axe bites into the other Oglian on the other side but his horns do not find anything to hit.
Jake appears out of nowhere to assault the same Oglian that Gry had hit earlier. He misses with his first hit but the second is well aimed and scores a hit upon the hard carapace of the ant.
Trellus continues his charge even though he is struck by the first wave of lightning head on and is grazed by the second one. He hopes that the bugs have enough problems to worry about for now.
Tishe' is able to avoid most of the damage as she pulls out a wand. She launches off a volley of missile at the Oglian that Grymash attacked earlier. Maybe she can pick off the more hurt ones and stop the fight a little faster. Her companion, Stripes, is not so lucky as he eats a lot of the damage from the lightning. He bids a full retreat back up the slope and will wait for things to cool down.
Gilan feels rage burning inside him and lands back upon the Wold. His shape is already shifting as he pulls the scimitar from his side. He now has other ideas than just flying around and hitting from a distance. Ciaran is able to avoid all the lightning and stays near Tishe' for now. He is kind of torn is looks like to join the fray and obey his brother's call to protect this packmate.
Grymash snorts and spits as he slams his axe back into the Oglian before him. He does not even notice that it is not the same one as before. To him this one is as good as the one that can wield weapons.
Flea is stuned by the sudden arrival of lightning into the game and stales out on the slope.
The Oglian nearest Gry tries to take another bite out of his leg and the stinger once again comes into play(hit: 34*crit28*/31 and damage: 10*crit14*/8*Fort 16 vs poison*).
The taur-Oglian brings the spear from it's side stabbing in at Jake with more skill than a dumb insect, the stinger that accompanies it drips a fluid(hit: 19/28 and damage: 13/4*Fort 18 vs poison*).
The other taur-Oglian is busy wielding it's own spear against Mac who has struck it from invisibility. The spear stabs in first only to be followed by a stinger(hit: 19/32 and damage: 11/6*Fort 18 vs poison*).
Jake, Mac and Grymash find themselves once again assaulted by the triple whoosh of gas. It seems that a defense mechanism is built into the Oglian that attempts to burn you eyes, nose and throat(Fort DC 24 or lose 1d3 attack rounds). As the stinger sinks into flesh you hear the sizzle of something burning and the smell of burnt flesh as well.
Ant-Taur(Oglian) AC 22 Ant(Oglian) AC 20
Battle map in the mail.
Tishe' (AC21, HP 40/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 10/31) 4d4(2+3+1+4)+4=14 d20+10=19 Sunday July 23rd, 2006 5:41:44 AM
Thankful the Oglians are all engaged and can no longer throw the javelins, Tishe' is still concerned that they are rather bunched up. She continues down the slope, but angling to the left to clear her line of sight (15' down, 15' left). Activating her wand once more, four more streaks of energy impact A3 (14 damage)
Stripes hides in the tall grass over the lip of land, licking his burnt flesh, the smell of ozone in the air. (Hide: 19)
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, *Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, *Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Flea (Hasted)( AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=30 4d4(1+4+4+1)+1=11 Monday July 24th, 2006 12:21:46 AM
Flea clicks her heels together and makes up for any wasted time as she hustles after her packmates towards the tunnel entrance. She aims the wand in her right hand discharging it easily (Use Magic Device=30) and sending missiles of magical energy at the enemy (11 pts MM dmg to A2) attacking Mac.
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 13/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 5/50 charges used
*Boots of Speed-p. 250 DMG guide-act as though affected by a Haste Spell...p. 239 PHB) 1/10 rounds (not required to be consecutive rounds)
Mac (AC:22(23 vs A3), HP:84/90) d20+9=28 d20+9=18 d20+17=30 3d6(1+5+3)+10=19 d20+12=19 d20+9=23 d8+5=12 Monday July 24th, 2006 4:45:17 AM
Fort(Gas):28 - Saved! Fort(Stinger):18 - Barely Saved!
The spear thrust glances off his steelgrass chainshirt, but the stinger hits home, and Mac attacks A2 again. His first swing hits AC:30 for 19 damage, second swing misses, but the horn gorn hits AC:23 for another 12 damage.
Trellus (ac 22, hp 59/79, Mgc Vstmnt, Neut Pois, Owl Wisdom,Spt Wpn) d20+12=14 Monday July 24th, 2006 1:48:42 PM
. . Note - Remember, everyone is under the effect of Neutralize Poison spell.
Trellus makes a face. These dudes should be very dead by now, and they're all still fighting - even the one Gry's ripping up.
The cleric descends another 30' and then pulls up to cast a spell. Maybe just a little more will free Gry up. Domi's Hammer appears above Grymash's opponent, and swings wildly at the ant-taur. [Cast Spiritual Weapon - attack ac14] ------------------- Spells in Effect: Spritual Weapon -- 10 rounds Owls Wisdom -- 20 min Neutralize Poison - 69 mins Magic Vestment (+2) - Shield Magic Vestment (+2) - Armor
Jake (AC 28, hp 55/59, neutralize poison) d20+9=28 d20+9=26 d20+4=11 d10=8 d6=5 d6=5 d6=4 Monday July 24th, 2006 5:28:34 PM
Jake luckily manages to turn his face and hold his breath as the noxious gas is let loose, but somehow holds down the grass he'd had for lunch. He focuses on the one he's flanking with Gry now, taking a whopping swing at it and getting those weak spots in. His first swing is an excellent strike, nearly taking off one of its pincer thingies on its mouth. The half-elf cuts deep, and has to tug hard to pull his sword out. The reverse cut is shallow and weak in comparison. (fort save DC 28 against gas, hit AC 26 and did 32 damage f(8 slashing, 5 power attack, 5 bonus, 5 freezing, and 9 sneak))
Posting Report (ADM MikeK) Monday July 24th, 2006 6:50:31 PM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of July 17-21
Name MTWTF
DM JimW XXXXX
Trellus XXXXX
Tishe XXXXX
Jake XOXXX
Gilan XXXXX
Grymash OXXXX
Mac XXXXX
Flea XXOOX
Ulgren (walkabout)
[X = post, O = no post]
ADM MikeK Note: The fight is on! Ulgren is on walkabout pending computer issues. 7/25 - edited to account for late Monday posts by Grymash and Gilan. Cool! -- mikek
Grymash (ac24, evil26. hp72/104. prot. from evil4) d20+12=20 d20+12=25 d20+15=28 d20+15=26 d20+10=30 d20+10=20 d20+10=26 d8+8=14 d8+8=16 d8+4=10 d8+4=12 d8+8=10 d8+8=14 Monday July 24th, 2006 9:30:05 PM
(Fort save against poisonous bite: 20) (Fort save against noxious gas: 25)
Grymash grimaces in pain from his wounds and chokes a little more on the gas, but continues on with his attack. The bloody swings of his double axe fan the poisonous mist into a torent storm of death.
Gilan [HP: 97/97 - AC: 25] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 24] d20+10=14 Monday July 24th, 2006 10:16:06 PM
Gilan moves forward to engage the ant-taur that Jake is facing off against. He tries to avoid getting hit as he knows the other creature has the reach upon him.
His scimitar cuts through the air as he slices at the Oglian with a single minded purpose. "Abominations." He cannot help but say this one little word as he attacks. He growls as his attack comes up short from hitting the Oglian.
Ciaran keeps to his word and guards Tishe' though he is missing out on a good fight. Oh, he would love to have a little fun as well.
Oglian Entrance, 3. (DM Jim) d20+16=19 d20+16=23 d20+16=24 d20+16=31 d20+16=33 2d8(3+1)+8=12 2d8(8+8)+8=24 2d8(5+2)+8=15 d6+2=4 d6+2=5 d6=6 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 12:50:10 AM
Tishe' fires off another barrage of magic missiles as she moves to a clearer area. She is worried about bunching as that has gotten the group into trouble in the past. Stripes continues to stay ducked down upon the top of the slope and out of sight.
Flea activates her boots and takes off down the slope. She uses the wand in her hand to send a series of magic missiles to slam into the ant-taur by Mac.
Mac takes the cue from his friends and slams first his axe and then his horns into the Oglian before him. Though he knows he has mighty swings there the damage is not what he expects...in fact most of his damage thus far has seemed to be soaked by the things hard carapace.
Trellus cannot figure out how the ants are still standing with the pounding that they are taking. As he moves further down the slope he calls upon help in the form of a hammer of Domi. It swings wildly at the Oglian as it passes the shoulder of the half-orc, Grymash.
Jake is able to fend off the gases of the combined ants as he launches another series of attacks. This time he changes his focus to the one that Grymash is attacking. Even though he should have the advantage, flanking with his buddy he finds that the Oglian seems to sense him there. Still he is able to dig several furrows in the things shell.
Grymash finds himself feeling the effects of the combined gas but it is not enough to put him out of the game. His axe shoots out for another series of attacks upon the ant Oglian before him. His last strike neatly splits the things head in twain.
Gilan comes forward to join the fight and though he tries to at least buy time...that is all that he does. His scimitar does nothing else as the hard shell turns it away. Ciaran stays near Tishe' and waits for his chance.
The non taur type Oglian near Grymash drops to the ground, it's head neatly split...like a pudding.
The taur-Oglian near Mac brings it's spear into play once again at Mac and follows it up with a sting(hit: 23/24 and damage: 24/4*Fort 18 vs poison*).
The other taur-Oglian turns it's full attention on Jake as he stops being a threat. Spear and stinger try to impale the man as the Oglian fights to the death(hit: 31/33 and damage: 15/5*Fort 18 vs poison*). As Gilan moves into range the Olgian turns it's spear in his direction(hit: 19 and damage: 12).
Once again Mac, Jake, Grymash and Gilan are assaulted by the sudden burst of that burning vapor. This time it is even worse as the one Oglian dies(Fort DC 26 or lose 1d3 attack rounds). Once again the stingers leave behind a burning in the wounds that is not due to poison.
Mac, Jake and Grymash each take an additional 6 points of damage this round.
Also you are immune to poison per the spell cast by Trellus.
Hive mind gives the Oglian immunity to sneak attacks as they cannot be caught unawares as long as two Oglians are present, though invisibility negates this.
Ant-Taur(Oglian) AC 22 Ant(Oglian) AC 20
Battle map in the mail.
Mac (AC:22(23 vs A2), HP:50/90) d20+9=26 d20+9=24 d20+9=29 d20+9=27 3d6(1+2+2)+26=31 3d6(2+2+4)+26=34 3d6(6+5+1)+26=38 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 4:21:27 AM
Save vs burning vapour(26). Save vs poison(24).
Mac attempt to summon a mighty blow with which to cleave through the ant-taur's tough shell (Power Attack).
His first swing hits AC:29 (CT! hits AC:27) for 31+34+38 = 103 damage. What remains of A2 needs to make a Massive Damage Fort(15) check or die.
Confidant this has dealt with this opponent, Mac moves to provide Jake a flanking attack against A1.
Trellus (ac 22, hp 59/79, Mgc Vstmnt, Neut Pois, Owl Wisdom,Spt Wpn) d20+12=17 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 3:25:22 PM
The blond head of the cleric bobs in satisfaction with Mac's blow. That should take of that one, leaving just one. Much better.
Trellus maintains his position and directs Domi's Hammer to the last remaining ant taur. Then he reaches back into his HHHaversack and withdraws a spell scroll [CCW].
The hammer swings with a lot of energy. [Attack ac 17]
------------------- Spells in Effect: Spritual Weapon -- 9 rounds Owls Wisdom -- 20 min Neutralize Poison - 69 mins Magic Vestment (+2) - Shield Magic Vestment (+2) - Armor
Tishe' (AC21, HP 52/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 22/31) d20+13=24 2d8(2+7)+3=12 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 6:08:21 PM
They aren't going down fast because they are protected by thier natural armor... "just like the giant crabs!" shouts Tishe'. "We have to bypass or overcome thier extra thick shells!"
Taking a careful look at the effects of her and Flea's magic missles (Spellcraft:24), Tishe' tries to guage whether the armor can be bypassed by magic. She looks to see Mac's ant-taur too, for the minotaur has that adamantium axe, doesn't he?
Not wanting to waste magic, Tishe' instead pulls a potion from her pants and quaffs the liquid (heal 12 points) and shares the magic with Stripes.
Stripes feels the healing flow through him and knows his human is taking care of him. Now it is time for him to return the favor. The hyena once more scrambles over the lip and heads towards his human (50' move)
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, *Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, *Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Gilan [HP: 97/97 - AC: 25] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 24] d20+10=28 d20+10=23 d20+5=14 d6+4=7 d6+4=5 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 6:37:18 PM
Gilan finds himself enveloped in the cloud of burning stench but staves it off, with pure force of will. With another growl her returns the favor as his scimitar cuts in twice at the Oglian.
Ciaran can feel the shift in the battle and a low rumble can be heard from him as he charges forward. There is weakness in the enemy and he has all intents in helping to bring it to an end now.
Grymash (ac24, evil26. hp66/104. prot. from evil5) d20+12=13 d3=2 Tuesday July 25th, 2006 8:43:54 PM
(Fort Save 13, natural 1. Can not act for the next 2 rounds.)
Grymash finally succumbs to the toxic vapors and becomes too nauseous to contine his attack for the moment.
Flea (AC 21, 53 HP) d20+12=29 4d4(2+4+3+1)+1=11 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 12:10:41 AM
Once again the wand is discharged (UMD=29), and once again balls of energy fly towards the enemy, only this time Flea targets Jake's nemesis. (11 pts MM dmg to A1)
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 14/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 5/50 charges used
Oglian Entrance, 4. (DM Jim) d20+9=16 d20+16=28 d20+16=17 2d6(6+6)+8=20 d6+2=5 d20+16=25 d20+16=33 2d6(4+2)+8=14 d6+2=8 d6=3 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 12:17:42 AM
Mac tears into the ant-taur again with a little more ferocioty. Despite his best efforts the ant does not succumb to the large rends in it's armor.
Trellus cannot believe his eyes as the ant-taur near Mac is still on it's feet and fighting for it's life. He directs the hammer to swing at the other ant-taur near Jake, but it misses.
Tishe' figures out part of the problem as the armor turns part of the damage. It does not appear that even the adamatine axe is good enough to do that. She watches as the magic missile slam into the ant-taur that Flea fires off and finds they seem to have a normal effect. She decides to down a potion and lend part of the healing to Stripes as well. Healed, Stripes comes back down the slope to aid his sister.
Gilan brings his scimitar to bear upon the ant-taur by Jake but is only able to irritate it with his attacks. Most of his damage is reflected by the hard shell. Ciaran charges forward to harrass the Olgian and help in his own way.
Nose, throat and eyes on fire...Grymash finds that he cannot help out this time around. He can only try to steady his breathing and try not to pass out with the gases.
Flea fires off the magic missile wand again that is in her hand. All of the missiles strike dead on as they weave around the form of Jake.
Jake is frozen for a few minutes as he sees the massive damage but no dead ant-taur Oglian. This is just insane and this is only a warm-up they know.
Regular ant Oglian dead.
The ant-taur Oglian near Mac is fading a little but there is still fight there as the thing brings spear and stinger to bear upon the taur(hit: 28/17 and damage: 20/5*Fort 18 vs poison*).
The ant-taur Oglian near Jake takes the opportunity in the lull of the fight to take another stab at Jake with both spear and stinger(hit: 25/33 and damage: 14/8*Fort 18 vs poison*). After all the other person that attack it is a minor annoyance at best.
Once again Mac, Jake, Grymash and Gilan are assaulted by the sudden burst of that burning vapor. This time it is even worse as the one Oglian dies(Fort DC 22 or lose 1d3 attack rounds). Once again the stingers leave behind a burning in the wounds that is not due to poison.
Mac, Jake and Grymash each take an additional 3 points of damage this round.
Also you are immune to poison per the spell cast by Trellus.
Hive mind gives the Oglian immunity to sneak attacks as they cannot be caught unawares as long as two Oglians are present, though invisibility negates this.
Ant-Taur(Oglian) AC 22 Ant(Oglian) AC 20
Battle map in the mail.
Jake (AC 28, hp 27/59, frozen 2/3 rounds) d20+9=19 d3=3 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 3:18:20 AM
(For some reason my post didn't go through. But here it is, pretty much from last round. I was frozen that round, so...) Jake, unfortunately, takes in the gases and is too irritated to continue his attack. He is getting pounded, too, but luckily brings his shield to bear, stopping a very dangerous blow.
Mac (AC:22(23 vs A2), HP:25/90) d20+9=16 d3=1 d20+9=12 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 3:59:20 AM
Save vs burning vapour(16 - 1 round). Save vs poison(12).
Mac also succumbs to the vile vapours.
Trellus (ac 22, hp 59/79, Mgc Vstmnt, Neut Pois, Owl Wisdom,Spt Wpn) 10d6(6+4+4+4+1+6+1+5+6+2)=39 d20+12=18 d20+6=19 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 10:44:42 AM Domi's Light! Trellus thinks. We got the jump on just three of 'em, and they STILL put Gry, Mac, and Jake out of action.
His friends are in danger, and Trellus decides its time to step up. He weaves his hands together and calls out an incantation. As he finishes, a column of fire slams down from the heavens, engulfing the two remaining ant-taurs. [Flame Strike centered between the two ants - catch both of them without catching Mac, Gilan, or Jake. 39 hp damage, Reflex 21 halves.]
The cleric then moves in. [30' move toward ants]
Domi's Hammer keeps swinging at A1. [Attack ac 18/19]
------------------- Spells in Effect: Spritual Weapon -- 8 rounds Owls Wisdom -- 20 min Neutralize Poison - 69 mins Magic Vestment (+2) - Shield Magic Vestment (+2) - Armor
Tishe' (AC21, HP 52/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 22/31) 4d4(1+4+1+4)+4=14 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 4:06:24 PM
"Magic cuts thier threads just fine!" shouts Tishe', giving her packmates the information she has learned. She stays put, as she is at a perfect distance for her spells and support for her friends, but not too close to become part of these clouds of noxious and acidic vapors.
Her wand targeting Mac's ant-taur, she lets fly four missles (14 damage)
Stripes moves to protect his human's back and growls at the Oglians.
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, *Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, *Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Grymash (ac24, evil26. hp63/104. prot. from evil6, succumbed to poison gas2) Wednesday July 26th, 2006 7:49:41 PM
Grymash continues succumbing to the succumbering effects of toxic gas. Gry cant help but think succumbingly, "how succumb dis always be happens ta Gry!"
Gilan [HP: 97/97 - AC: 25] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 24] d20+10=21 d3=3 d20+15=32 2d6(6+2)+10=18 Wednesday July 26th, 2006 10:09:22 PM
Gilan sputters and closes his eyes as the burning starts. He knows that he is at the mercy of the Oglian that he faces if it wants to take advantage.
Ciaran comes in fast and hard as he comes in beside his brother. He can feel the pain that is coursing through his brother, along with the little taste of fear. Jaws snap at the ant to help keep it at bay.
[Gilan - hit: / and damage: /] [Ciaran - hit: 32 and damage: 18]
Oglian Entrance, 5. (DM Jim) d20+5=15 d20+5=9 Thursday July 27th, 2006 12:18:08 AM
Will the combined storm of fire, magic missiles and the teeth of Ciaran the last of the two ants go down. The awful smell of that foul gas that the Oglian let off fills the air and those that feel it's effects stagger out of the area.
As the group pulls themselves together you survey the three dead Oglian and thier weapons. The cave entrance is also still covered by the web that Tishe' called up. It is time to take stock and figure some things out. It is easy to see why the village of IronHome was taken so easy and why the Barons had such a time.
The effects of the gas will wear off in a couple of minutes as the outside air clears it up and you are able to breathe in clean air again.
Jake (hp 27/59) Thursday July 27th, 2006 4:38:31 AM
When Jake recovers, he curses somewhat. "Man, they almost had me there! Another round and ah'd have been antbait." He regards the fallen enemy and nervously taps their shell with the tip of his sword. "Harder then steel... Man, there's gotta be something that can cut through this stuff. You know, like something harder than this shell... or, hey, we could make weapons FROM the shell...no, wait, that'd take too long. Oh well." Jake shrugs and blinks. "Or armor...these'd make pretty tuff armor, too." After testing a few weapons on them, Jake will wander over to the others... "Oh, hey, Trell or someone, tap me with the happy stick if y'all can?"
Mac (HP:25/90) d20+12=21 Thursday July 27th, 2006 7:19:33 AM
Mac pats Jake on the shoulder. "Me too on both counts!" He settles in to more closely examine the weapons. (Craft(Weaponsmith) check: 21)
After a few moment he asks, "Was there some magic stopping our blades from harming them? I can't understand it otherwise."
Tishe' (AC21, HP 52/53) and Stripes (AC20, HP 22/31) d20+13=31 d20+8=20 Thursday July 27th, 2006 3:39:50 PM
"They seem to be armored like the giant crabs from the village." thinks Tishe' out loud. "But I am less worried about thier armor than the acidic odor they send out. Can you imagine being trapped in thier tunnels with that stuff?"
She looks at Trellus. "I'm all for hitting hard and fast and finding prisoners, but I don't think we'll succeed without some defense against the ant-gas."
She does wonder if the ant-gas is magical or natural (Spellcraft: 31, Know(nature): 20)
She doesn't offer taking down the web until someone else suggests it.
Stripes moves to protect his human's back and growls at the Oglian carcasses.
Druid Spells 0- Know Direction, Detect Magicx2, Mending 1- Longstrider, Faerie Fire, Speak w Animals 2- Fog Cloud, Summon Swarm
Arcane Spells White -- Acid Splash, Read Magic, Lightx2, Prestidigitation Red -- Grease, Summon I, Shieldx2, *Mage Armor Orange -- Glitterdust, See Invisibility, *Webx2 Yellow -- Summon III, Dispel Magicx2
Gilan [HP: 97/97 - AC: 24] and Ciaran [HP: 80/80 - AC: 24] Thursday July 27th, 2006 6:40:33 PM
Gilan coughs out the last of the gas as he listens to the others talking. His eyes are still watering and he cannot help but want to rub them. "That gas could be a problem...then again it could be something they would not use in the tunnels." It is only a guess but he does not want to be on the receiveing end of that...no matter the form.
Looking to Trell he nods to Jake and Mac. "Want to save normal magics and use the wand...I have a couple of extra potions as well." He looks to Gry and laughs lightly. "That smelt worse than Gry after one of his training sessions." He is comfortable in waiting to see what else will be thought out. "If I had different spells we could maybe hold them at bay or a spell to control wind would help as well."
Ciaran wipes his nose as he catches a whiff of the gas. He sneezes a couple of times and then backs off from the area till the gas clears out.
Flea d20+12=31 d20+12=26 d20+12=27 d8+1=3 dd8+1=8 d8+1=5 Thursday July 27th, 2006 7:22:10 PM
The rogue catches up with the rest of her paty, tucking one of her wands in her belt, she twirls the one in her left hand. "You don't look too good, Mac," she says, then taps the minotaur with her wand - 3 times for good measure.
Use Magic Device=31, 26, 27 Cure Light Wounds=3, 8, 5 for 16 HP restored
DM Sanity Info:
Right hand holds wand of Magic Missile(7th level) 14/50 charges used Left hand holds wand of CLW 8/50 charges used
(OOC: Assuming we'e not in combat rounds at the moment. DM please adjust if we are.-Carla)
Trellus (ac 22, hp 75/79, Mgc Vstmnt, Neut Pois, Owl Wisdom) 4d8(4+1+5+3)+7=20 d8=7 3d8(8+4+3)+5=20 3d8(7+3+2)+5=17 3d8(2+1+7)+5=15 d8=5 3d8(4+8+6)+5=23 3d8(3+6+8)+5=22 3d8(2+7+2)+5=16 Thursday July 27th, 2006 8:05:36 PM
Trellus dismisses Domi's Hammer while breaking out some spell scrolls. He may be needed his wands down in that hole pretty bad, and doesn't want to use them if he doesn't have to.
Jake - CCW for 26 hp healed Mac - 2xCSW for 37 hp healed
Then he goes to the wand (CSW) 4 charges used -
Mac 19 hp healed Gry 45 hp healed Trellus 16 hp healed
"I got no picks against that gas," he responds glumly. "But they'll know something is up before tomorrow morning." The blond man stares at the webbing, hoping for inspiration, and finding none.
"Guess we go careful," he says finally. "If things get all twisted, we get out."
------------------- Spells in Effect: Owls Wisdom -- 19 min Neutralize Poison - 68 mins Magic Vestment (+2) - Shield Magic Vestment (+2) - Armor
Grymash Thursday July 27th, 2006 8:40:37 PM
Grymash still coughs off the gas. His eyes are even more red than they normally are. His snout runs freely with.. well, you know! After hearing that his odor being compared with this awful stench, he cant help but retort with a snort, "Huh! Gry's stink smells an eats like honey when compares ta dis piggie flop!!"
Gry smells one of his blades and his face contorts with an expression of great displeasure. He begins wiping down his weapons and gear.
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