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The Journey


DM Kathy 
Thursday July 13th, 2006 11:51:21 PM
You spend an anxious but ultimately uneventful night in the front room of Baelfred's house. You worry about the strange environment, the denizens of this place, your host (what's he up to?), and the group of children you are trying to protect. Even Harvest and Any, snuggled comfortably together for much of the night, find it difficult to relax.

You do rest, however, and everyone is able to heal natrually [everyone regains their level in hit points]. The lavender-colored moon arises again, and Baelfred comes out from his chamber and starts building up the fire. You realize that this is it. This is all the "morning" there's going to be, and the moon seems to be the only sort of light in this strange world. No wonder the plants are so sickly and pale.

Florin is able to complete his morning rituals, although he, too, finds that his connection with his god is much weaker here.

The children need to be roused; they are accustomed to waking up to sunlight, not pale moonlight. Some are cross, a few are tearful, and all look bewildered to still be here. Surely this was some sort of nightmare they were having.

Eventually, however, the begin to straggle down the ladder, looking for breakfast. Baelfred has not made anything, and Kiara, who made last night's dinner, seems busy getting herself and Hmanny ready for the journey. It is Cerina who fills the big iron pot with water and sets it on the fire, although she looks uncertain as to what to do next.

Ghostly Gerdi is nowhere to be seen.

Lorth 
Friday July 14th, 2006 9:00:37 AM
Lorth gets his equipment ready to move. He checks everything then stowes all of in its proper place.
Sadly Lorth is no cook and he cannot go to Cerina's rescue and help her out.

Any  d20+10=14 d20+10=14
Friday July 14th, 2006 10:58:41 AM
Any rises with the first noise in the morning, smiling at Harvest as he does so. He goes to Cerina's aid, pulling out some cracked meal to make a porridge for the morning.

"I'm afraid it will have to be a little thin this morning. I don't have quite enough for this many mouths."

So saying dumps the entire contents of the bag, adding a pinch of salt to the mix, and instructing Cerina to stir it occasionally for a few minutes. He also produces some dried apples. He takes a handful, chops them into smaller pieces, and adds them to the pot.

"That will at least give this a little flavor. Let's get have everyone to roll up their bedrolls, and get ready to leave, and by the time they are ready, our breakfast will be too."

He sets the example by quickly storing his gear, and then brings out his few utensils to share around with the group, again making sure that all the children and others eat before taking his share.

Even while going through this ritual, he is constantly aware of what is going on around him, watching out the door occasionally for signs of trouble.

Spot 14
listen 14

CDM Jerry [DM remove after a week] 
Friday July 14th, 2006 12:49:45 PM
Kelly B. I got a returned email from you today. Please email me and make sure I have your current email and that it's accepting emails from me. ;)

Harvest  d20+14=19 d20+14=19
Friday July 14th, 2006 1:35:07 PM
Harvest stirs with Any's movement. Her eyes open, and she takes his hand and presses it between hers, holding it close for the first moment of the day.

The first hour of the day, Harvest devotes once again to Alemi. despair Such is the feeling. And the feeling wakens the fiercely stubborn streak within Harvest Moon. She struggles with herself, with the impulse to scream and rant at the Wold, with the need to strike back at the things around her.

When Harvest joins the others to break the fast, she does so with a feeling of fatigue. But the simple act of eating is restorative, the ever so slight tang of apples is a branch to which to cling as she is swept down the river of this first day trekking through the land of Koshe Marr.

"Naki, Turi," she asks as Harvest Moon shoulders her haversack for the trip, "please tell me what you have learned so far?"

Rolls and Actions
Spot 19
Listen 19

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Bralin 
Friday July 14th, 2006 4:11:55 PM
Bralin rises and immediately withdraws his obsidian sphere. He spends a silent, immobile hour staring into it, seeking to link with all the gods.

After, he gets up and looks around. And cruises over to Florin. Turning, he stands next to the elf for a silent moment, taking in the sight of the children preparing for thier meal.

"The girl is not here," he quietly points out. There is no need to elaborate on which girl he's talking about.

Should Florin leave the cottage to search, Bralin goes with him.

Arminas  d20+11=21 d20+13=27 d20+10=25 d20+10=21
Friday July 14th, 2006 4:52:45 PM
Arminas eats a bit of porridge, but the food does not satisfy. Thoughts turn to his time in prison, awaiting to be made a slave. This land has the same feel, no joy in birds or trees.

He takes his cloak off and walks to Lirena, wrapping the cloak around her he says:

"We will move soon. Remember if danger comes to lie very still, with the cloak around you. It will hide you while I kill what threatens."

He then gathers his gear and walks to the door.

"I will wait outside."

He steps out, and takes in the surrounding in the pale light.

Actions
Hide 21
Move silently 27
Spot 25
Listen 21

OOC: My e-mail server is down. If you need to contact me try: kbringhurst@yahoo.com


Florin Jadenth  d20+3=22 d20+4=10 d20+3=6
Friday July 14th, 2006 10:25:12 PM
Florin frowns when he notices Gerdi missing and nods as Bralin mentions it too. With some worry he turns to the kids first and speaks up to them, "Everyone, last night before you went to sleep did any of you see Gerdi? Did any of you notice her leave or go some place during the night at some time?"

Florin looks to Harvest and the others depending on what the kids say and speaks to them, "I know we need to move but I ask you spare a couple moments for me to check for her."

Florin will head outside and begin looking for Gerdi.

(Spot:22 Track:10 if he notices anything Listen:6)

Arminas (2nd illegal post) 
Saturday July 15th, 2006 12:24:13 AM
When Florin goes outside and begins looking about for tracks, Arminas will ask him who he is trying to track. In response to 'Gerdi' he says:

"Well, I have done a bit of tracking in my day, and never yet have I been able to track a ghost. They don't leave footprints or anything else. Didn't Harvest make a big deal about you being in charge of Gerdi?"

DM Kathy 
Sunday July 16th, 2006 11:50:25 PM
Lorth makes his preparations. Much as he would like to assist Cerina, he doesnt' know anything about cooking. She seems to appreciate his attempt anyway.

Any helps get a porridge going with some grain and some apples. He gets out utensils and stays alert for signs of trouble.

Now that she's gotten the idea, Cerina adds a bit more to the porridge. She tosses in what Baelfred called ghaan flour, plus salt and some more dried fruit. The resulting porridge is both tasty and filling, although the two different grains give it a kind of odd texture.

It is Bralin who notices that the little ghost is nowhere to be found. Florin steps outside to look for her, and enlists Arminas to help. But the ranger cannot track a ghost.

Arminas again wraps Lirena in his cloak. The pretty youngster smiles gratefully, but seems anxious about something. Absently fingering the cloak, she says, "You are going to get us home safely, aren't you?"

Harvest eats her breakfast somberly, but it seems to cheer her. She asks the two boys what they have learned.

"I learned that the sun is really good," says Turi. At his brother's snort, he explains. "I mean, I always knew it was good, but I didn't think I'd miss it this much. This world doesn't seem to have a sun. That's what makes the plants all spindly and sick-looking and the vegetables are really gross." He looks abashedly at Baelfred, belatedly realizing that his remarks may not be taken in the spirit of scientific discovery. "I--er--sorry, Master Baelfred. They're just not what we're used to. And the moonlight is all weird and makes it hard to see. So I miss the sun."

"I learned how important bowls are," says Naki. "And spoons, and knives, and things. I never really thought about them, but we didn't have them last night and it was kinda hard to eat."

One by one, the children straggle down, eat some porridge, and make ready to leave. All appear sleepy and disoriented. Nelle goes straight to Any and shyly takes his hand. Devrin steps up next to Bralin, a slight smile on his face.

Florin asks about Gerdi. "She wasn't sleepy," sighed Devrin. "I don't suppose she gets sleepy, now."

"She was making noise," adds Lirena with a pout.

"She was bein' even naughtier than me," says Dolo.

"So I asked her to leave," Devrin says. "I asked as nicely as I good, but I think she got upset anyway. She just disappeared. Poof! I haven't seen her since."

Baelfred is moving about, making his house ready for his prolonged absence. He puts out the fire and closes the draft in the chimney. He makes sure the shutters are securely in place, and turns to you. "If you're all ready," he says, "we'd best be on our way. The young ones are right and we don't get any sun," he smiles at Turi and Naki, "but since the moonlight is what we have we'd best take advantage of it."

Lorth 
Monday July 17th, 2006 8:24:00 AM
Lorth takes some porridge when offered. "This is quite good.", he tells Cerina between mouthfuls, "Thank you for making it."

Lorth notices Gerdi's absence but thinks of it more as a boon. "Perhaps she found her way.", he says to Bralin.

He then gets his gear together and waits to move out. He makes sure Gerdi's body is wrapped well and ready to be carried.

Harvest  d20+14=23 d20+14=23
Monday July 17th, 2006 10:07:39 AM
Harvest Moon smiles at both Turi and Naki and hugs them to herself. "And do you know one other thing that you have learned? You have both learned to Observe. You are both very good students and are very Observant. That is important in life. And that is important in fighting too. It is easier to defeat your opponent, if you know your opponent."

"Now, let us prepare for our journey. We must take special care today. Today our opponent is this land of Koshe Marr. We must learn in what ways it is dangerous and in what ways it is not. Observe Master Baelfred well. He knows this land, and we may all learn from him."

"Paladin Florin," as the children prepare for the journey, Harvest has a private word with the protector of Domi, "the danger that is not seen can be greater than that which is watched nearby. It is as I thought. Gerdi has become a being of unknown powers with the character of a stubborn child. Please be watchful. We must protect the other children."

Haversack already upon her back, the brown girl peeks out the door for a look around.

"Do we wish to delay our departure so that we may search for Gerdi?" she asks.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 23
Listen 23

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Arminas  d20+11=23 d20+10=24 d20+10=20
Monday July 17th, 2006 11:08:17 AM
Arminas is packed and ready to travel. His attention turns from the strange new elf Florin to the upcoming trek. Rather than going inside to prepare the children, he decides to leave that to the others. Instead, he stays watchful just outside the small house.

Actions
Hide 23
Listen 24
Spot 20

Spells
Entangle x 2

Any  d20+10=27 d20+10=28
Monday July 17th, 2006 11:20:38 AM
Any helps to clear away the remains of breakfast, placing the cleaned pots, pans, and bowls into his haversack. Thinking about the different types of beings that inhabit this World, he lifts the symbol of Domi that hangs by a chain inside his tunic, and brings it out to hang visibly on his chest. He is no cleric, but perhaps this will help--who knows?

"We should be on our way. Does everyone have their gear?"

Any checks to make sure each of the children has the little packs that were made up for them. It is not much more than a meager bedroll for each, but even carrying this much will lessen the burden for the others, and will seem too much for those not used to carrying a pack.

He double checks to make sure nothing has been left behind, then approaches Bralin and the others.

"Gerdi's body will need to be a shared burden, unless one of the Paladin's is able to summon their steed to this strange place. Paladin Lorth, Paladin Florin. Would you make the attempt to call your steeds? I do not know if they can cross to wherever it is that we are, but we can hope. Regardless, we need to be moving soon."

Any then moves over near Harvest, sharing a touch and a glance while they await the results of the attempted summoning.

Spot 27
Listen 28

Florin Jadenth 
Monday July 17th, 2006 1:56:53 PM
Florin nods to the words he gets from the others and when Harvest speaks to him he nods and sighs gently, "I know, I had just hoped. Maybe a fools hope but still. I'm sorry for failing in my duties to watch over her better Harvest and do hope she does not mean any harm rather it be intentional or not to the group or kids."

Florin looks to Bralin also while some of the group is away from the kids, "We will have to watch for Gerdi and be weary. She might be a threat now if she feels turned against or such. I do not like the thought but we need to steel ourselves to what might have to be done." Florin looks to Harvest and nods to her, a understanding nod of Harvest's ways and thoughts and hopes she does not judge him to harshly on this.

Florin readies himself to move out and looks to the group before speaking, "To hit ghosts and such a magical weapon is usually needed. Do we all have such a weapon? I have a single spell that can be used to make a weapon magical depending on how my spells work here."

Florin also closes his eyes and calls out mentally for his horse Ajax, hopeing his dearest friend will answer and come to his side, "Come to me Ajax. If you can please come to help us in this time."

Harvest (2nd llegal Post) 
Monday July 17th, 2006 2:20:42 PM
Harvest Moon shakes her head and places a hand upon the paladin's arm.

"No one is harmed. You have failed in nothing," she replies.

"But we must give great consideration to delaying our departure in order to search her out. Not only is she our responsibility, in spirit as well as body. But as a young child as well as a spirit, she may become confused and frightened if she finds herself abandoned. She may also become an angry spirit because of this."

"Balance that against the well being of the remaining children. That, and the possibility that we may not have the ability to find a spirit at all."

"Master Baelfred," Harvest Moon turns to their guide, "how much time do you think that we may spare this ... morning?"

Bralin 
Monday July 17th, 2006 4:35:50 PM
Dervin tells his story about Gerdi, and Lorth comments that mayhap she has moved on.

Bralin isn't convinced, and shakes his head slightly at Lorth's words.
"Tis likely the night's keening was the child," he replies sadly.
Tis a cruel land, this Koshe-Marr, he thinks to himself.

Harvest asks to search for the girl. Bralin is not sure about that tactic.
"If she simply disappeared, finding her will require us to call out, which we cannot do."
Why not is perfectly obvious, so the dwarf doesn't feel the need to explain.

"Mayhap, we can circle this cottage at a quarter mile 'ere departing south. We may hear her. If not," Bralin shrugs hopelessly. There are no good choices. He has not felt so lost since before The Chamber. Tis a feeling he does not relish.

DM Kathy 
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 12:01:00 AM
You all make your last-minute preparations. Lorth makes sure Gerdi's body is well-wrapped and ready for transport. Any checks to make sure the children have all their meager possessions. Arminas keeps a watchful eye open outside the house.

Florin attempts to call his mount. Ajax arrives, looking restless and uneasy. He picks his hooves up, one at a time, as if he doesn't like being in contact with the ground. He snorts and tosses his mane. But he also gives Florin's shoulder an affectionate nudge.

Everyone is concerned about where Gerdi might be. Harvest and Bralin are beginning to wonder how long you can delay your departure to look for her, when her ghostly figure comes shooting up out of the ground.

"It's so great down there!" she calls excitedly. "I saw lots of worms!"

"Worms?" Dolo repeats, obviously interested. "Show me."

"C'mon!" Gerdi calls, and vanishes into the ground again.

Dolo looks at the ground sadly. "I can't," he says.

Gerdi surfaces again, more slowly. "Maybe later," she says, seemingly unconcerned. Looking around at the group obviously ready for travel, she says, "Where are we going?"

"We're going to the Inn," says Turi. "Come with us!"

"A trip!" the ghostly figure skips over to stand near Cerina. "Where is the Inn? Is it nice?"

Baelfred clears his throat. "If we're all ready," he says with a bewildered glance in Gerdi's direction, "we'd best be on our way. We've many miles to go."

Posting Report For 
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 5:00:49 AM
Game 9 for the week of July 10 - 14

Name MTWTF

DM Kathy XXXXX

Harvest XXXXX
Bralin XXXXX
Armernae XXXXX
Any XXXXX
Lorth XXXXX
Florin XXXXX

Adm Ceil - Very good game, But their Adm did not do the report.

Lorth 
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 7:49:23 AM
Well Gerdi seems to be in good spirits, that is well, thinks Lorth.

Lorth hands the burden of Gerdi's body over to Florin, to put on Ajax. Lorth will delay calling Tobiasz until some of the children get tired of walking, then he will summon Tobiasz for them. Tobiasz can easily fit two children at a time on his back.

Harvest  d20+14=32 d20+14=32
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 8:09:33 AM
Relief floods Harvest Moon, painting a smile upon her face. She shares a look with Paladin Florin. His charge has arrived.

She takes up Any's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze as they all head out the door in the wake of Master Baelfred.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 32
Listen 32 (I seem to be on this streak of doubles.)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Any  d20+10=17 d20+10=12
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 10:18:36 AM
Any is relieved when the spirit of Gerdi shows up. All is ready now to proceed. He returns the squeeze to Harvest's hand, then nods to Baelfred to lead the way. He lets himself fall back to the rear of the party, trying to keep all of them in sight in this strange land. He finds the moonlight a little disturbing still, and has trouble focusing his mind.

Perhaps if he hummed a light tune from home, the sound would help everyone feel more at ease. He does not want to sing out loud for fear of attracting unwanted attention. Perhaps even humming is not the best idea. He restrains himself, and will allow his music to wait untill a more fitting time.

Spot 17
Listen 12

Bralin 
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 3:15:14 PM
"Aye. Let us be off," Bralin agrees.

The dwarf steps out of the cottage, and lets the entire group pass him by. He will stay in the back, keeping an eye on the rear and the flanks.

Arminas  d20+11=22 d20+6=18 d20+10=29 d20+13=18 d20+10=15 d20+10=30
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 3:21:35 PM
The trip starts, and it seems that the spirit of Gerdi has decided to rejoin them. As the children emerge from the house, he motions for Lirena to come close.

"Remember, the cloak can help hide you and keep you safe. It works best if you hide before they get a chance to notice you, so be quick about it if the time comes. Don't worry, I will protect you. I will stay near the front, looking for danger."

Arminas then takes the lead if possible, moving ahead of Baelfred when possible. He scouts for dangers and looks for tracks of other creatures as well.

Actions
Hide 22 (moving at 15 feet, which is probably the speed for the dwarves and children) if moving faster Hide= 17
Knowledge nature 18 (if it applies)
Listen 29
Move silently 18
Spot 15
Survival (tracks) 30 (nat. 20)

Spells = Entangle x2

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 5:16:03 PM
Florin shakes his head but is happy when Gerdi shows back up and looks to Dolo, speaking to him first, "Dolo, I want you to stay near Harvest there ok? She'll keep you safe while I watch over Gerdi."

Florin looks to Gerdi only after getting the wrapped body of her's on his horse and working at securing it to the saddle, using his lance thats attached to the saddle to help and smiles as he pats his horses neck, smiling at the breast plate it wears and glad for the armor since he is worried of the dangers in this land, "Nice to see you to Ajax. Is a stange land that we all will be happy to be out of."

Florin looks to Gerdi, "Gerdi, I need you to stay with me okay. We'll be behind the group alittle bit." Thinking and seeing how this might go over since Gerdi might not want to be away from her friends he smiles, "You see, we do not know how the presence of my horse will be taken in this area and I need you to help me keep watch. Can you help me out?" Florin hopes his tactic works on persuading Gerdi and looks to the others for aid in his persuade if need be.

DM Kathy 
Tuesday July 18th, 2006 11:30:23 PM
At last, you are underway.

Arminas is at the front of the group, scouting a trail and keeping his eyes peeled. Baelfred walks a step or two behind, pointing out the general direction the group needs to travel.

Behind them is Lorth, and, after about midday, Tobiasz with a couple of the children on his back.

Next comes the biggest group of children: Kiara and Hmanny, holding hands; Lirena, carefully keeping the overlong cloak off the ground; Nelle, close to Lirena so that she, too, can wrap up in the cloak if necessary; and Cerina, helping the younger girls and occasionally drifting forward to talk with Lorth.

Next comes Harvest with Turi and Naki.

The rear of the group was a little disordered at first, with Any, Bralin, and Florin all trying to take up the rear. Finally, Any moves forward to walk near Harvest.

Bralin takes the rear of the main group, with Devrin walking next to him. Devrin has also taken charge of his little brother, sometimes holding Dolo's hand, sometimes carrying him pig-a-back. From this position, the youngster can occasionally turn and wave at Lorth.

Lorth trails the main group by about 20 feet, in an effort to keep Gerdi from the rest of the group. The little girl was actually amenable to hanging back with him. "I can help!" she replies to his question. "I can watch good. Watch this!" With that, she begins to fly upward, stopping to swoop and hover about 30 feet off the ground. "Look at me!" she cries excitedly. "Look how high I am! I can see everything!"

She swoops down again to hover near Ajax, who rolls his eyes nervously. "You have a pretty horse," she says. "What's his name?"

The kids are farm kids for the most part, and used to working hard. They have surprising stamina for their age. But they are small, and their little legs tire more readily than yours. Having Tobiasz helps, and the older kids pitch in and help carry the younger ones for short distances. Nevertheless, your progress is very slow. You stop for a pebble in a shoe, a broken jacket-lace, several blisters. And potty breaks. Lots and lots of potty breaks.

You also have to stop occasionally because some denizens of this strange land have come too close to the group. A couple of times, Baelfred and Arminas hustle the whole party into what cover you can find while a group of trolls or goblins moves by, going about their business. One of the groups has a couple of human peasants with them, dressed similarly to Baelfred. The trolls slap them and order them around.

Fortunately, none of the groups see you. But between the delays, and the slow pace to accomodate the kids, you don't cover as much ground as you're used to.

Lorth 
Wednesday July 19th, 2006 7:59:27 AM
Lorth tries to make sure that all the tired children get some time to ride on Tobiasz's back.

He feels guilty for not being able to help the peasants from the trolls, but he reminds himself that the children are his number one priority.

Any  d20+10=23 d20+10=23
Wednesday July 19th, 2006 9:09:06 AM
Any moves along with the group. It is slightly irritating to allow a group of trolls go by with what appears to be human slaves among them, without doing something about it, but the group has it's own charges to think of. The children must come first, and they don't want anymore casualties.

He keeps his eyes and ears open, and works as best he can to ease the burden of the trek from the children--tending to their minor bumps, scrapes, and blisters--trying to keep them moving. The pace is painfully slow, and there is still no end to this journey in sight.

Any contemplates what they might do if they cannot find a way to return to their own Wold. It is not a comforting thought, and he does not express it aloud, and in fact pushes it to the back of his mind. They must not fail!

He keeps up his attention to trouble, and continues with the rest.

spot 23
listen 23

Harvest  d20+14=24 d20+14=32
Wednesday July 19th, 2006 11:44:56 AM
Long ago and far away, Harvest Moon lost the shame of her naked body that many others still seem to hold. The body is what it is. It does what it must and there is no sense in hiding these things.

And yet the way others feel about these things is the way that they are as well. And if the girls cannot be convinced to all take bathroom breaks together instead of stopping at separate times, then it cannot be helped. Harvest accompanies each girl to sufficient cover and stands watch while they take care of the things that the body requires.

Under the lavender moon, Harvest spies out unique things at the side of the road. A colored stone. A piece of wood shaped like an eagle. A smooth seed pod. To each child, she gives an item. "You can show this to your mother when we return," she says to each. Along the road. At the many stops. And after the times in which they are forced to hide from the terrible creatures of this land.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 24
Listen 32

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Arminas  d20+11=15 d20+6=21 d20+13=20 d20+10=15 d20+10=30
Wednesday July 19th, 2006 12:36:46 PM
During the rest stop, Arminas notices that Gerdi has taken to her ghostly form. She now is comfortable both in moving through things and flying up into the sky. She does not seem to be taken by evil influences as Harvest worried about, not yet.

Lorth and Harvest are nearby, so Arminas voices his thoughts to them:

"Perhaps instead of Gerdi being a problem, she has become an asset. She can be very handy at looking over the terrain from on high, warning us of coming trolls or other creatures. Of course, she may be spotted as well. Can she make herself transparent? I leave this up to you, as I am not familiar with ghosts or small children. Though I think perhaps ghosts must be easier to deal with."

When the group has finished resting, Arminas will again take his scouting location at the front.

Actions
Hide 15
Knowledge nature 21 (if it applies)
Listen 29
Move silently 20
Spot 15
Survival (tracks) 30 (nat. 20)

Spells = Entangle x2

Bralin  d20+6=9 d20+7=16
Wednesday July 19th, 2006 2:27:48 PM
As Florin is covering the rear, Bralin moves to the right flank. He paces the large group of children, staying some 30' to their right side.

He doesn't speak to Devrin, or anyone else for that matter. And the slow pace of the children makes his own short legged pace comfortable.

Bralin's eyes betray is apparent ease. They move constantly, scanning the horizon on the right side of the group - front to back, front to back, front to back.

[Listen 9
Spot 16]


Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday July 19th, 2006 9:35:21 PM
Florin smiles as Gerdi is pretty cheerful and is also glad she has taken to being a ghost well for the moment atleast.

When asked Florin pats Ajax on the side and smiles, "His name is Ajax. My best friend and known the longest among those here excpet the dwarf there Bralin. He might not be as handy in a fight but still a good fighter and has the fighting spirit of a good warrior inside him." Florin looks to Ajax and smiles using his link to Ajax to explain that Gerdi was a good ghost and to stay calm.

Thinking Florin looks to Gerdi, "Hey Gerdi, with your new abilities would you try something for me? I think you are quite gifted. Will you try to go invisible for a moment or something like that? I just want to see if you can so no worries."

DM Kathy 
Thursday July 20th, 2006 12:36:14 AM
Though a few of you feel the urge to stop and help the human serfs, cooler heads prevail and you stick to protecting the children. Baelfred seems puzzled by your concern. "If you work you stay out of the cooking-pot," he explains. "Seems preferable to me."

Gerdi seems puzzled at the question of making herself invisible. "I'll try," she says finally. She shuts her eyes tight and puffs out her cheeks. If she had any breath left, she'd be holding it. But she doesn't vanish, and remains just as transparently visible as before. "This is a stupid game," she decides crossly, and flies forward to see what Nelle and Lirena are doing.

"They're riding the other horse," she announces, flying back to Florin. "I wanna ride your horse. Can I ride?"

She can't, of course, and that makes her even more unhappy. She trails dejectedly behind the group, weeping and sniffling. She wants to be picked up and carried, and of course that isn't possible either, so she cries harder.

After about 9 hours of travel, all the children are tired and a little snappish. Turi and Naki have had two slap-fights in the last hour, and there have been a half-dozen arguments about who gets to ride the horse next. Devrin has refused to carry Dolo again, and the little boy's sobs of protest provide a counterpoint to Gerdi's continued crying.

You judge that it is well past time to make camp, but you have few options for a location. You have left the "farmland" and are now on a broad, flat, open plain with little vegitation.

However, Arminas is able to find a surprisingly good campsite in a little hollow sheltered by rocks. There is no ready source of water, but it is an otherwise good site: protected, defensible, and large enough for the whole group.

The kids pretty much drop when they get to the site, although Cerina, Devrin, and Kiara make some effort to help set up camp. It's clear, though, that they're very tired.

The lavender moon is low in the sky, although you figure you have an hour or two of moonlight left. It was about this time yesterday that you first entered this strange world.

Lorth 
Thursday July 20th, 2006 8:26:00 AM
Lorth replies to Arminas, "I afraid Gerdi wouldn't understand the concept of being quiet. I suggest we only ask her to do something like that is the situation is dire, or it doesn't matter if she is seen."

When Lorth gets to camp, he pats Tobiasz, "Thank you my friend, go get some rest.", he says then he dismisses him.

Lorth puts out his bedroll for Cerina and sleeps on the ground if she decides to use it.

Any  d20+10=29 d20+10=16
Thursday July 20th, 2006 11:28:41 AM
Any once again is grateful for the presence of Harvest. The little monk's wisdom and caring shows in everything she does. Her diversions help the children to forget their own troubles for a short time, but by the end of the day, all are tired and cranky.

Thanks to Arminas, a suitable, if not comfortable, camp is made.

"I'm afraid we should have a cold camp tonight. We do not want to attract too much attention. I will warm what food we have with a spell, and each person can decide what they would like it to taste like."

Any uses his prestidigitation to warm, and change the flavor of, the trail rations for each person. This done he lays out his bedroll, and offers to take first watch, unless someone else prefers this. He helps each child to find a spot for their bedroll, smoothing the ground as much as possible for them. Then he will watch untill time to wake the next, then retire.

spot 29
listen 16

Harvest  d20+14=22 d20+14=16
Thursday July 20th, 2006 11:31:12 AM
At least the spirit of Gerdi had not become angry.

"You have done well, Paladin Florin," Harvest Moon gives a short word of encouragement to the protector of Domi, "in keeping the spirit engaged and away from the others. I know it is a difficult task."

There is a sense of weariness to this day. Perhaps it is this land. Though Harvest holds the strong suspicion that it is traveling with the children that is proving even more tiring than traveling to Rowena with prisoners had been.

It would be very pleasant now, to remove herself to tasks mindless and routine. To forage for food. To prepare the evening meal alongside Anthos. And yet, there are other things that should be addressed. Things that may aide their survival in this land where Trolls rule and human life is measured in the ability to be of greater use alive than as food. With containers ready, Harvest creates two gallons of pure water, and then moves on to other things.

She eyes the two brothers. Their weariness may be of benefit in what she is next about to do. They would be in greater connection with their immediate feelings.

"Turi, Naki," she calls, her voice is even and dispassionate, "you wish to learn to fight. We will begin now. There is a proper way to strike if your intent is to inflict harm. A slap is ineffective. You will learn another way, and you will use it from now on."

Harvest Moon shows both brothers the way to form a proper fist. She shows them both how to snap a punch with the force of one's weight behind it.

"Now you will strike one another," she commands. "Turi, you will remain still and you will not defend yourself. Naki, you will strike your brother as I have taught you as hard as you can. After that, you will change places as Turi, you will attack and Naki you will receive the blow."

Harvest observes the faces of the two brothers as they execute her commands. She watches for hesitation on the part of the attacker. She watches for the fear and pain on the part of the victim. And heedless of all complaints and crying, she insists that they do as she commands.

Afterwards, Harvest Moon brings both brothers close and holds them, wiping away any tears.

"You have learned two important things today. You have learned that in fighting, it is often important to be able to take a blow and continue fighting, than it is to fight itself. And you have also learned that one's heart makes it more difficult that one would expect to harm a living thing."

"You are good boys. Both of you. Come, let us eat, and then rest. We must walk again tomorrow."

Rolls and Actions
Spot 22
Listen 16

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, uCreate Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Arminas  d20+11=24 d20+10=12 d20+10=28
Thursday July 20th, 2006 12:28:11 PM
Arminas nods in satisfaction at the campsite. Trees are preferable, but in this foresaken land rocks will have to do.

Speaking to Bralin, he says:

"You of course are in charge of our strategy in battle. I come to you to mention that while this hollow provides good cover, it also keeps us from seeing what may come. I suggest that those who can hide well spend their watch nestled in the rocks up high, looking and listening. I plan on doing so."

Arminas then eats some food, but does not care to change the flavor.

"Bland food for a bland world. It will keep our hearts focused on our return to our Wold. The food then will be all the more satisfying."

He then walks over to Lirena, and talks softly to her.

"Lirena, it is best when sleeping in dangerous lands to sleep off to the side of the group, but not by much. Look here, see this crevase in the rock. Take my bedroll and nestle in there, keeping the cloak wrapped well around you. If we are attacked, lie very still. I don't want to worry you, but if some are taken captive it will be helpful to have some free and uncounted in the night."

Arminas again takes watch during the darkest of the night, the middle watch. He climbs to a high crevase in the rock, where he can see out and stay well hidden. He stays in his hiding place, unmoving even when he does not have watch.

Actions
Hide 24
Listen 12
Spot 28

Spells = Entangle x2

Bralin 
Thursday July 20th, 2006 3:59:04 PM
The defensive position is quite a bit better than Bralin expected in this land. His head bobs a good three times in appreciation of Arminas' skill.

"Aye" is his response to the ranger's watch suggestion.

Mostly he concerned about how the children impact the group's defense. The dwarf has no experience dealing with companions utterly incapable of defending themselves. And must they speak, cry, or whine so?

Bralin's eyes move toward their coming path. Antother day's walk should at least make the children too tired to do much talking.
Except Gerdi.

Not for the first time, his mind wanders to the problem of defending a spirit from other spirits. He still has no answers.

Bralin takes second watch.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday July 20th, 2006 7:39:35 PM
Florin looks to the others as they move along and tries to comfort Gerdi none the less as she is crying, "Now now Gerdi, calm down please." Florin looks to Gerdi and thinks over things before speaking more, "I know you have to of noticed the special things you can do that the others can't. Well, when you got those gifts you lost the ability to do other things. I know it sounds cruel but it is the way of life. Your a good girl Gerdi and I still need your help. See your crying is worrying Ajax. You don't want him to think he did something wrong do you?"

At the camp Florin looks to Harvest and nods at her words before speaking to her, "She is a good ghost from what I've seen and I do hope she stays that way. Is hard to keep her away from the kids though, I'm not sure how to stop a ghost in any easy and non threatening way."

Florin will prepare his bed and also rub down Ajax before smiling and whispering to his friend, "Good boy Ajax. You should go rest now and I will see you come morning. Rest well my friend." Florin pats Ajax's head just before Ajax vanishes.

DM Kathy 
Friday July 21st, 2006 12:26:56 AM
Tired and a little discouraged, you help prepare the camp for the night.

Lorth lays out his bedroll for Cerina. She thanks him shyly, and moves to sit on it. She seems a little distressed to be putting him out, but not so distressed that she refuses his offer. Shortly after dinner, she curls up and sleeps.

Any uses his Prestidigitatin spell to warm and flavor the trail rations. Even though they are tired, most of the kids think this is a great game. Some flavors are trickier than others. Hmanny requests the flavor of "hmama's fresh-baked bread," and you have to guess at what that's like. Most of the children opt for sweets: Dolo wants his to taste like cherry pie, and Nelle wants honeycakes. All of them find that flavor and texture are two different things, but they seem to enjoy their meals nonetheless.

Harvest shows Turi and Naki how to punch for real, something their parents may not thank her for. They show predictable reluctance to hurt one another, but in the end exchange body blows. There are no actual tears, but both young combatants look very sober after their lesson. "Will you show us more if we're good?" Turi asks.

Arminas makes plans to watch the camp, and helps Lirena find a spot to hide. The pretty girl gives him a brave little smile. "I'm going to be a champion hider after this," she says.

Bralin takes second watch, fretting about how to defend the youngsters. At least they don't make their incessant noise when they're asleep.

Florin faces a difficult task keeping the ghost of Gerdi in check. He thinks perhaps he has hit on something, though, when he tells her she is scaring Ajax. For her whole short life, Gerdi has largely had people catering to her whims, afraid of her flashes of temper, swayed by her forceful personality. Not once has anyone hit on the idea of making her responsible for another's welfare. Which is a shame, because it works like a charm.

Gerdi stops sniffling, looking wide-eyed at the horse. "Sorry, Ajax," she says. She tries to pat him, but her hand passes right through, and Ajax starts at the odd sensation. Gerdi's transparent face crumples, and the tears start again, but she doesn't howl. She sniffs, gathers her composure, and says "Sorry, Ajax. I didn't mean to scare you."

Baelfred, for his part, assists Any in his task of making sure all the childrens' bedrolls are laid out and comfortable. He declines the prestidigitated rations, and indeed doesn't eat at all. "I'll have something later," he says, still busy with bedrolls.

You keep watch throughout the night. It is an uneasy night, filled with strange sounds. Bralin spots some menacing-looking doglike creatures off at a distance, but fortunately they do not bother the camp. "Morning" comes with more of the sickly lavender light. Once again, the children are difficult to rouse, and a little grumpy at the lack of real daylight. "I miss the sun," sighs Devrin.

Lirena is examining the sad tangle of her curls. "Does anyone have a comb?" she asks, without much hope in her voice.

Lorth 
Friday July 21st, 2006 8:42:02 AM
Lorth waits till the children are asleep then he asks Baelfred, "I've noticed that you don't eat anything at all, at least not in front of us. Is something wrong?". Lorth wakes him if required. "One cannot walk all day, then not eat."

Lorth tries to remember if Baelfred takes drinks during the day, or goes without.

Something is amiss, he thinks...

Any  d20+5=13 d20+5=20 d20+10=29 d20+10=26
Friday July 21st, 2006 9:07:35 AM
Any listens to Lorth's question. He too is suspicious of Baelfred, and has been from the beginning. The fact that Baelfred is holding something back is what caused that suspicion to begin with.

He thinks of what their guide has told them of this world. COULD Baelfred be a reluctant vampire, or some other denizen similar? There is no sun to keep him from moving about during the day. Such a thing could be possible. If he does not approve of his condition, perhaps he feeds only on animals. It is something to consider.

Any tries to recall methods of dealing with the undead, if that is what they might have to do (knowledge 13). He vaguely recalls that a Holy symbol helps in some way, but will it in this land seemingly forsaken by the gods? He will think more on this. He also pays close attention to Baelfred's answer, listening for the lie in his voice (sense motive 20).

Any rises in the morning, and once again helps the children make up their small packs, this time allowing them to do more of the work, and guiding them where needed. Once breakfast is over, he suggests that they move on as quickly as possible. He keeps his eyes and ears open for any signs of trouble.

Spot 29
Listen 26

Harvest  d20+14=17 d20+14=20
Friday July 21st, 2006 10:47:20 AM
"Everyone should learn to defend themselves," Harvest Moon replies to Turi and Naki. "Yes, I will show you more."

Night in this land is terrible. Where the day is lit by the moon, the night is lit by nothing at all. It is little wonder that the gods shun this place.

Morning comes. The moon rises. Harvest spends time again finding her bond with Alemi. Today, there is a desperation as she reaches out, a sense of fear that she might not, this time, find the god there at all. The desperation is only underscored by her tremendous relief at the small far off touch of the divine presence that does finally come through to her. There is an anxiety in this. An anxiety that she tries her best not to show.

These days in Koshe Marr have called for watchfulness. Watchfulness of not only the land about them, but of her companions and the children themselves. Harvest Moon watches and listens.

"Come, children," Harvest gathers her flock to one side, a place apart, as both Anthos and Paladin Lorth speak to their guide. "Let us gather here and prepare our packs for today's walk. Remember to help each other bind their packs well. A pack that is poorly bound will be uncomfortable and make walking more difficult."

Harvest continues to observe. Everything.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 17
Listen 20

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Bralin 
Friday July 21st, 2006 4:39:38 PM
The watch passes, revealing to the dwarf there are more dangers ahead.

He doesn't answer Devrin. Bralin literally has spent years without ever seeing the sun. To be honest, he'd be happier without that sickly moon hanging up there as well.

He makes his morning communion with The Chamber, and prepares to leave.

Lorth's question of Baeford is rather interesting, and Bralin turns slightly to get the answer.

Arminas  d20+11=13 d20+10=16 d20+13=24 d20+10=16 d20+10=30
Friday July 21st, 2006 5:14:13 PM
Arminas climbs down from his rocky perch and gets a small bite to eat. Hearing Lirena's plea, he says to her:

"I do not have a comb, but perhaps Any does. He seems to preen as much as my friend Ewan does. Any, do you have a comb that Lirena can borrow?"

Arminas is also interested in Baelfred's answer. Perhaps instead of being led to safety they are being lead to slaughter. Arminas shivers at the thought. The children must be protected.

Turning to Baelfred, he adds:

"I am still somewhat confused as to why you came to the ruins and found us. It seems a dangerous place to visit. What was it you were doing there?"

Actions
Hide 13
Listen 16
Move silently 24
Spot 16
Survival (tracks) 30 (nat. 20)

Spells = Entangle x2


Florin Jadenth 
Friday July 21st, 2006 8:49:12 PM
Florin tends to his morning traditions and prays to Domi and once again does his workout with his mithril longsword, the Woldian runes spelling out "Glimmer" glowing faintly and lastly a more muscled workout with his greatsword.

Florin looks to Harvest and ponders sometime asking her to train with him. He knows little of hand to hand combat and learning basic stuff would be nice. With this thought in mind he moves over by her and the children and speaks to her, "Miss Harvest. I do not mean to bother you but I was wondering if next time I train in the morning if you might join me? I know little of the hand to hand arts, my sword skills are far better. Any basics you might beable to pass on to me would be good and I also believe in keeping the body as well as spirit in shape."

Hearing Lirena he turns and digs in his backpack and pulls out his personal grooming kit and holds it out to her, "Here you go miss. I believe there is a stream over there also but please ask someone to go with you if you go over there for we do not know if something is in the water."

Florin hears the comments made to their guide and stays out of it for the moment and then looks to the others, moving over to Bralin and sitting down by him and talking to him, "Was pondering something my friend. Since I left the statue you made me back in the Float, would you make me another small statue? I'll pay for the stone if you let me know how much you need." Florin smiles and speaks to Bralin more, "I'm learning the silver working and armor smithing trade. Maybe I can make you something sometime. I've never did get to ask much about your home either. Would you be willing to tell me what it was like where you come from Bralin? I've heard dwarves know how to craft some marvelous items, stone, metal and other types."

DM Kathy  d20+16=28 d20+16=24
Sunday July 23rd, 2006 11:16:56 PM
Lorth is the first one to grow suspicious that Baelfred isn't eating. Come to think of it, you're not sure if you remember him eating anything at his house, either, although he did have food there.

"Nothing's wrong," he says reassuringly in response to Lorth's question. He shrugs, "Living here, I guess we get used to getting by with less food. I've never seen folk eat more than once a day."

Listening to him, Any believes that Baelfred is telling the truth. Certainly it makes sense that the humans who live here would get less to eat, and would become accustomed to it. And Baelfred is rather thin.

Sensing that he is upsetting you, Baelfred picks up a piece of twice-baked bread and a few strips of dried meat. "I'll eat now, if it'll make you feel better," he says, and begins munching.

Any tries to think of tales he's heard of undead, but they all get kind of jumbled together in his mind.

Arminas asks Baelfred how he came to be at the ruins in the first place. "I was coming back from my work," he replies. "Torrgh and Gngtha rounded up a bunch of us and made us mend one of their fences. Something had crashed through it."

"Anyway, I was headed for home, past the ruin, and I noticed the Varguilles were more active than usual. 'Baelfred,' I said to myself, 'they've got some pour souls trapped in there.' So I looked, and there you were. You're lucky I came along."

Harvest helps get the children settled, then helps them get underway in the morning. Her bond with Alemi is still faint, but thankfully still there. Bralin and Florin likewise find their links faint, but still working.

Lirena uses Florin's comb to untangle her curls, then hands it off to Nelle. Nelle gives it to Kiara, and so on. By the time you are ready to depart, most of the children have managed to tidy themselves somewhat. Turi and Naki wear their hair short enough not to need combing, and Dolo's talent for messiness defies all attempts to tidy him. Devrin gives up, laughing, after about ten minutes. "I know when I'm beaten," he says. "I'm sure my little brother is under there somewhere."

"I'm wight here," Dolo says impatiently.

At last you are underway, taking up roughly the same order as yesterday. Your route continues to follow the open plain, which soon gives way to a series of deceptive swells. From a distance, the plain still looks flat; it isn't until you crest one of the little rises that you realize you weren't seeing the whole picture.

So it is that you hear the conflict before you see it. There is the sound of running footsteps, and a cry of pain or fright. You crest the top of another rise and see the cause of the sounds.

In the hollow is a dark-haired human man, wearing a blue tunic and blue trousers. Although both garments appear a little the worse for wear, they are clearly far better than anything you've seen on the local peasants. On the ground nearby is a backpack with a few items of standard traveling gear clearly visible.

Coming toward the human man are 5 humanoid figures. They look like animated corpses, with leathery, desiccated flesh drawn tight across their bones. Their mouths are filled with sharp, needle-like teeth.

Even as you watch, the human man speaks an incantation and holds out his spread hands. Fire jets from his fingertips, singing the two closest creatures. They pause momentarily, but it is clear that the man is hard-pressed.

[Brian, you are free to start posting. You've used up a Burning Hands. :) Map to be emailed.]

Lorth 
Monday July 24th, 2006 8:40:25 AM
Lorth turns to Cerina, "Please, stay here with the others,", he says.
Then he quickly removes any children on Tobiasz and mounts, taking up his lance. (Or if Tobiasz isn't summoned yet, he calls him)
Looking to Bralin he waits for a signal to attack the undead looking things.

Harvest Moon (AC23 , HP 42/42)  d20+7=17
Monday July 24th, 2006 10:35:15 AM
"Naki, Turi," Harvest Moon gives the orders quickly and succinctly, "we will stay with your friends. I will stand between you and those creatures. But I will not be able to watch you at the same time. Protect your friends. From their own selves as well as from other creatures. Ensure that they stay in a group. If any tries to stray, or flee, stop them. Take care with Gerdi. Do not anger her."

Harvest steps forward and eyes the five creatures, drawing upon the teachings that she once learned of all things that are an abomination in the eyes of Lord Gargul. From her haversack she draws a wand, and a word covers her in a sheath of invisible armor.

Rolls and Actions
Knowledge Religion 17 (To determine what type of Undead these are and info about them.)

Movement and Position
5-foot step to H3

Active Effects
Mage Armor (Duration 1 hour)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) 
Monday July 24th, 2006 12:31:49 PM
Arminas crests the hill, and can see that the man is under attack from what clearly are the undead. A glance behind at the children though gives Arminas pause. This man needs help, yet the danger to the children should the undead turn towards them is too great.

Arminas moves his hand, with a motion that wills the plants beneath the undead and the man to start to grow and entangle them.

"I have asked the plants to hold them, beware entering the area. Kill with arrows and stones."

Actions
Cast Entangle - 40 foot radius centered on undead # 1

Spells = Entangle x 1


Any (AC 23 HP 40/40) - sub Kelly 
Monday July 24th, 2006 1:49:09 PM
The children need courage and comfort. Any brings his lute to his hands and strums, a song of courage springs across the meadow.

OOC: Sorry, I could not make up the words like Lyle does.

Action
Inspire courage +1 Hit +1 Will save

Bralin (ac 23, 65/65 hp, inspired) 
Monday July 24th, 2006 1:58:12 PM
Harvest, Any and Arminas are staying close to the children. That is good.

Bralin weaves his way through the group, getting about 15' ahead of Arminas. His axe finds its way into his hand.

"Wizard!" he bellows to the man below. "To us! RUN!"

"Should the creatures escape yon spell," he tells the two paladins, "run them down."


Davros AC14(18w/ shield) hp29/29?  d20+15=32
Monday July 24th, 2006 7:16:25 PM
(OOC:my first ever game post-WHOOHOO!)

Davros finds himself beset by foul creatures.After getting off a fire spell,he realizes that the creatures will not give up so easily.Calm and collected he gestures a quick defensive spell(shield- cast defensively DC16 rolled 32) and then hearing the sound of possible aid,moves toward the nearest person.

moves: 30 feet to:K13
active effects:shield-5 minutes

day's spells:
0th:read magic,flare,mending,mage hand
1st:burning hands-u,magic missle x2,shield x2(1used)mage armor
2nd:scorching ray,web,mirror image,levitate
3rd:fireball,haste,dispel magic

OOC:have I been damaged by the creatures?

Florin Jadenth  d20+4=13
Monday July 24th, 2006 9:59:15 PM
Florin watches and frowns as he sees the undead and pulls his longsword, Glimmer humming in for a moment as it clears it's sheath and he moves forward, "In some cases waiting is not in my blood."

Florin strides out, sword and shield ready. He calls back to Gerdi since she is suppose to be under his watch, "Gerdi, stay back with the others and keep watch over them. Do not for any reason come forward."

Florin readies himself for battle, gripping his sword and shield.

(Knowledge Undead:13 for current enemy)

(Welcome to the game Brian.)

DM Kathy  d20+3=15 d20+2=20 d20+2=20 d20+2=17 d20+2=21 d20+2=22
Monday July 24th, 2006 11:51:03 PM
Lorth moves to help Lirena and Nelle off of Tobiasz. He grabs Lirena first, and helps her off. Seeing what he is trying to do, Cerina steps up and pulls Nelle off the horse, which gives Lorth enough time to get mounted this round. His lance, however, will have to wait until next round.

Harvest deputizes Turi and Naki to look after the others, then pulls out a wand and uses it to cast a spell. She tries to think of what manner of creatures these could be, but draws a blank.

The strange wizard, Davros casts a spell, even pressed by the creatures. Then he moves away. But as he leaves the threatened area of Creature #2, he provokes an attack of opportunity! The creature attacks, but misses.

Arminas speaks an incantation, and the poor, sickly plant life suddenly grows and attempts to tangle all creatures in the vicinity. Unfortunately, that includes the wizard! Davros, make a Reflex save during your next turn or be entangled.

Any begins an inspirational song, to comfort the children and bolster his allies. Everyone is +1 to attack, damage, and Will saves against fear effects.

Bralin moves forward, ready to challenge any of the creatures that escape the Entangle.

Florin readies his sword and shield and moves forward, telling Gerdi to remain where she is. [OOC: you're on foot, right? Not mounted on Ajax?]

Acting on what she'd practiced, Lirena grabs Nelle and wraps up with her in the cloak. Both girls watch, wide-eyed, from within its concealing folds. Baelfred steps protectively in front of the children, while Kiara drags Hmanny over to huddle close to Cerina. Devrin, carrying Dolo on his back, moves up next to Turi and Naki. Those two, charged by Harvest with keeping everybody together, look up to find their work mostly done; the children are moving together for protection, with Baelfred in front of them.

Gerdi, clearly curious, drifts forward to hover above the group. For the moment, however, she doesn't say anything.

The first of the creatures does not seem to be entangled [at least, I assume a 20 Reflex save is good enough], and goes slogging through the growth in pursuit of the wizard. Fortunately, the plants slow it down to the point where it can't attack this round.

The second creature also appears unaffected [another 20! sorry!], and it, too, moves determinedly toward the wizard.

The third creature is alsso unaffected [I assume. Entangle is a 1st-level spell so a 17 is probably good enough. Let me know if it isn't.]. It also moves, although whether it's going after the wizard or the rest of the party is anybody's guess.

The fourth creature saves too! [Sorry! I'm just glad these aren't attack rolls.] It moves up behind the third creature.

The fifth one saves with a natural 20, and also moves up.

Arminas knows that his spell will again try to entangle the creatures, since they have not yet left its area. Hopefully this time the plants will have more success.

[Map to be emailed.]

Harvest Moon (AC23 , HP 42/42) 
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 12:12:14 AM
"You are good boys. I will return shortly," says Harvest Moon. She gives Anthos a smile, then draws a second wand from her haversack. Thus armed, Harvest rushes over the bleak terrain to Bralin Stoneminder's side. (G9)

Rolls and Actions
Draw Wand of Disrupt Undead

Movement and Position
Move to G9

Active Effects
Mage Armor (Duration 1 hour)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Posting Reports For 
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 6:16:02 AM
Game # 9 For the Weekof July 17, 2006

Name MTWTF
DM Kathy XXXXX

Lorth XXXXX
Harvest XXXXX
Armines XXXXX
Any XXXXX
Bralin XXXXX
Florin XXXXX

Adm Ceil Very Good,

Lorth AC 19, HP 68/64 
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 8:16:46 AM
Lorth takes up his lance and then heeds Bralin's instructions. He urges Tobiasz to move a bit closer to the fight in case any of the undead leave the entangled area. (Move to 6L, 6M, 7L, 7M)
As soon as any of the undead break out of the plants, Lorth plans to charge them...

Bralin (ac 23, 65/65 hp, inspired)  d20+5=16 d20+7=26
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 11:51:13 AM
The mage is trapped. In Bralin's experience, a mage is unlikely to possess either the strength or reflexes to escape. A change in tactic is required.

The platemailed dwarf steps to the edge of the spell effect, grabs the wizard, and attempts to rip him free of the vegetation.
[Move to J12. Strength check 16]

He eyes the attacking creatures, trying to identify them.
[Knowledge Religion check - 26]
He will quickly call out any relevant information that springs to mind.

Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33) - editted for inspire courage  d20+10=13 d20+10=16 d8+5=8 d8+5=13
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 1:11:47 PM
OOC: Reflex Save for Entangle DC 14, Spell was centered on # 1, so area of effect should come closer to the children. He was trying to make it difficult for the creatures to move towards the group if they save.

Arminas smiles as the plants twist and grasp at the creatures. They do not have the intelligence to try and flee the area, that is good. With a fluid motion, his bow comes into his hand an arrow quickly nocked. Stepping 5 feet forward puts the undead creature (#3) that appears to be coming towards the children within close range. His arrow flies followed by another.

Actions
Entangle active (Reflex Save DC 14) 19 rounds remaining
1st Arrow Hit AC 13 Damage 8
2nd Arrow Hit AC 16 Damage 13



Any (AC 23 HP 40/40) - sub Kelly  d20+8=15 d4+4=8
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 1:25:59 PM
Any continues his song, inspiring the children to be strong and the party to protect them. Yet, with almost a magical ability, the lute is quickly replaced in his hand by his sling. The sling sings as it spins, adding to the words that he sings. Then the stones flies towards creature number 1.

Action
Inspire courage +1 Hit +1 Will save
Sling Hit AC 15 Damage 8

Davros AC18 Hp29/29  d20+5=19 d20+15=17 d20+5=21 d4+1=4
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 6:11:41 PM
Davros is startled by the sudden attack of the grass and plants but manages to avoid them for now.He is amazed to see the lumbering undead forms easily avoid the brambles also.Davros is too hard pressed to look around so he focuses on his attackers.Still not satisfied with his defenses, he begins muttering the incantation of another spell(cast defensively DC17 rolled 17)as he finishes,4 additional wizards appear-all identical to the first! Nearly losing the concentration to cast the spell, Davros stumbles back away from the attackers (move to J12 reflex 21 if needed) and into Bralin. [/b Give me some room and I will drop fire down upon them!]

active effects:
shield 4min,9rounds
mirror image 5 min -4 images remaining

Florin Jadenth-AC:20-HP:60 
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 8:57:27 PM
Florin could pulls his bow and help out but knows that this would take time and just mean him having to ready his shield and sword again so waits for the undead to move into combat range...he doesn't really want to go into the entangle area inless he has too.

Florin looks to Bralin and smiles before calling out to him, "Becareful Bralin, don't want you getting stuck in there."

DM Kathy  d20+2=17 d20+2=19 d20+2=5 d20+2=13 d20+2=3 d20+1=19 d20+1=8 d20+1=20 d20+3=10 d20+3=10 d10=9 d4=1
Tuesday July 25th, 2006 11:46:26 PM
[OOC: When I drew out the Entangle, I centered it on where #1 was at that time. #1 has since moved.]

Harvest pulls out another wand and moves to stand next to Bralin.

Lorth edges Tobiasz closer to the Entangle, ready to strike at any of the undead who venture out of the spell.

Bralin moves up and grabs the wizard, attempting to assist in pulling him free. He also gives some thought as to what kind of undead these are. He believes they are called Wights, and recalls that they have the power to drain the very life force from their victims [i.e., they drain levels].

Arminas steps forward and fires two shots. The first is not quite good enough to work through the leathery skin, but the second shot is a clean hit that does a lot of damage.

Any continues to sing as he slings a stone at another of the creatures. He, too, scores a clean hit that damages his foe.

Davros casts another spell and is immediately surrounded by four identical figures. Which is the real wizard? It is impossible to say. That accomplished, he stumbles out of the entangle, crowding Bralin. [The two of you occupy the same square and are now Squeezed; -4 to hit]

Florin stays where he is, waiting for the undead to come to him.

Baelfred begins herding the children back, away from the fight, but still within an easy distance for you to protect them. He watches the battle with concern, but seems disinclined to join in.

The entangling grasses and weeds try once again to immobilize the Wights. Three of them are stuck! They try to break free. One of them succeeds, but needs a full round to do so. Next round, the plants will again have the opportunity to entangle the creature.

Two of the creatures, however, were nimble enough to avoid the entangle a second time. They move out of the Entangle area, one on each side of Bralin and Davros. They each take a swipe at the wizard. The first one succeeds in striking one of the duplicate images, which promplty winks out. The second one manages to target the actual wizard, but its blow misses. [3 images, plus the real Davros, remain]

Wight 1: out of the Entangle, 8 hp damage
Wight 2: out of the Entangle, undamaged
Wight 3: Entangled, 13 hp damage
Wight 4: Entangled, undamaged.
Wight 5: not entangled but still in the area of effect, undamaged

Lorth AC 19 -2 charging, HP 68/64  d20+14=32 d8+3=4 d8+3=8 d8+3=11
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 7:58:09 AM
Lorth rears Tobiasz and charges, "Gargul guide my lance", he intones...
(Move to 16b, 16C, 17b, 17c, Ride by attack, Spirited charge, up to a double move)
Lorth barrels down on wight (1), plunging his lance into it.
(Smite evil. +12 to hit +2 for charging. Hit AC: 32 Damage: 33 1d8+3x3 spirited charge + 10 smite evil)
He then continues on, to set up for his next attack.

Bralin (ac 26, 65/65 hp, inspired, cmbt expt)  d20+11=15 d10+7=9
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 9:57:32 AM
Lorth thunders past on his steed in an impressive attack.

Hoping the paladin has dispatched one foe, Bralin moves to disentangle himself from the wizard. He steps to one side.
[5' step to I 12]

"They are wights," he informs the group. "Their mere touch drains one's life force. Beware."

Heeding his own advice, Bralin keeps his axe weaving in front of him in a defensive pattern, knocking away the reaching claws. An opening appears, and the dwarf strikes quickly before pulling back again.
[Combat Expertise: +3 AC, -3 to hit
Attack Wight 2. Hit ac 15 for 9 hp damage]

Harvest Moon (AC23 , HP 42/42)  d20+8=19 d20+2=17 d20+8=24 2d4(3+3)+6=12
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 10:52:32 AM
Wights! The same creatures that Lorth's father had been turned into! Bralin Stoneminder's news is disturbing.

Harvest Moon quickly changes strategies. It would be up to the fighters to destroy these undead. She relinquishes the wand of disruption in favor of the long spiked chain and stepping up beside Bralin, swings its length out to catch the undead thing around the ankle. (Move to H11, Attack Wight2) With a sharp tug, she pulls it off it's feet, then stands ready to attack should it attempt to rise. (AoO if it rises below) With this undead creature, she need not hold back, it would be a mercy to send it on to oblivion.

Rolls and Actions
Drop Wand of Disrupt Undead
Touch Attack Wight2 AC19
Trip 17 (vs DC11, I believe)

AoO Attack vs Wight2 Hit AC24, Damage 12hp

Movement and Position
Move to H11

Active Effects
Mage Armor (Duration 1 hour)
Inspire Courage (On going)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33)  d20+10=20 d20+10=28 d8+5=11 d8+5=13
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:13:05 AM
The plants are doing an excellent job, when this is over Arminas makes a mental note to learn more of the plants that can grow in such dim light. Yet for now, there are wights to kill. If they were to touch the children, Arminas shudders as he brings an arrow up and releases it at wight #3. Time to kill this one. If he is still up, his second arrow also strikes him. If he goes down, then the second arrow will strike #4.

Actions
Entangle active (Reflex Save DC 14) 18 rounds remaining
1st Arrow Hit AC 20 Damage 11
2nd Arrow Hit AC 28 Damage 13

Spell's prepared = Entangle


Any (AC 23 HP 40/40) - sub Kelly  d20+8=16 d4+4=8
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:17:27 AM
Any continues to sing loudly, bolstering the courage of the group, with particular emphasis on helping the children cope with the terrible sight of the wights.

His slings spins over his head, and he lets another stone fly at wight #4.

Action
Inspire courage +1 Hit +1 Will save
Sling Hit AC 16 Damage 8

BrianZ (AC 18 ,Hp 29/29)  d6=2 d6=4 d6=1 d6=1 d6=5
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 3:50:32 PM
Davros mutters a word of thanks to the dwarf he found himself stumbled into and then takes a step back.(moves to I 11)

"Wights! the foul creatures must be destroyed!"

Davros weaves his hands in an intricate pattern in the air and a tiny ball of flame streaks out towards the undead.(Fireball target square o14 DC19 Ref half dmg:13)The tiny flame erupts briefly in a large blast that engulfs several of the creatures.

The spell was not as destructive as Davros had hoped.Thankfully these strangers have intervened or surely these creatures would have been his end!

Active Effects:
mirror image- 4 min/9rounds 3 images remaining
shield -4min/8rounds

Florin Jadenth-AC:20-HP:60 
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 9:43:39 PM
(OOC:Forgot to look at the map and would have to log out and back in to see it so I'm just guessing on my post and position here.)

Florin notes that the undead are having problems so now he plants his sword point first into the ground near him and moves his shield so he can ready his comp. longbow, deciding that he can atleast pepper them with some arrows before they close in and this might help weaken them.

DM Kathy  d20+3=15 d20+2=17 d20+2=15 d20-1=12 d20+1=3 d20+2=14
Wednesday July 26th, 2006 11:42:26 PM
Lorth uses his Paladin training to charge Wight #1 and strike it a devastating blow. The creature crumples to the ground, no longer moving. He continues his charge, getting ready to turn around again. But this takes him past Wight #2, provoking an Attack of Opportunity! The creature swipes ineffectually at the Paladin, unable to do much more than touch his armor. [OOC: Ride-by Attack only negates the AoO from the creature you're attacking. Other opponents on the same line still get their AoOs.]

Bralin extracates himself from his crowded position and attacks Wight #2, taking care to ensure that he will be hard to hit in return. He lands a solid blow on the undead creature.

Harvest drops her wand and takes up her chain, moving up behind Bralin to strike at the Wight with her greater reach. She tangles her chain around the Wight's ankles, then neatly yanks it off its feet.

Arminas, determined to keep the creatures from the children, fires two more shots at the Wight he wounded earlier. He needs both shots to do it, but he succeeds in killing the creature.

Any continues to sing, and slings another stone. It hits with a solid "thunk!", doing a good amount of damage.

Davros steps back and casts a spell into the Entangle. A ball of fire flares for an instant, and then is gone. In that instant, though, it damages the desiccated flesh of the Wights.

Florin, seeing that the Wights are unlikely to reach his position, changes weapons.

The kids and Baelfred stay where they are. Faintly, over the noise of the battle, you can hear Baelfred talking to them in soothing tones.

Wight #2, realizing that Harvest will smack it again if it gets up, instead tries to attack Bralin from its prone position. All it can do is tap the dwarf's armor.

Wight #4 is damaged and entangled. It tries to break free, but fails.

Wight #5 is somewhat less damaged, and had broken the entangle last round. The plants again wrap themselves around its withered legs, but can't quite hold on. The Wight begins to move slowly, slogging through the entangling plants. It emerges from the tangle to stand near Davros, and glares at him menacingly.

Wight #1: Dead
Wight #2: Prone, 9 damage
Wight #3: Dead
Wight #4: Entangled, 21 damage
Wight #5: Out of entangle, 13 damage

Lorth AC 19 -2 charging, HP 68/64  d20+11=28 d8+3=4 d8+3=10 d8+3=11
Thursday July 27th, 2006 7:55:47 AM
Lorth urges Tobiasz on once again. "Again my friend, we go for another pass." Steadying his lance he charges wight #5, attacking it as he passes by.
(Move to K7, L7, K8, L8, will provoke AOO from the prone wight #2)
(Hit AC: 28 (added +2 to hit for charging), Dm: 25)

Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33)  d20+10=28 d20+10=28 d8+5=13 d8+5=9
Thursday July 27th, 2006 9:22:04 AM
The wight (#5) steps free of the entangle and glares at the mage, yet there is no one between the wight and Arminas and the children. This one must die, and quickly. Twice arrows fly from his bow, both strike true.

From the corner of his eye, Arminas sees Lorth and Tobias charging the wight.

Actions
Entangle active (Reflex Save DC 14) 17 rounds remaining
1st Arrow Hit AC 28 Damage 13
2nd Arrow Hit AC 28 Damage 9

Spell's prepared = Entangle

Bralin (ac 23, 65/65 hp, inspired, pwr attk)  d20+9=24 d10+12=18
Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:52:38 AM
As the wight is pulled down, a feral grin breaks across Bralin's face. The dwarf shifts the grip on his axe, and brings it around in a whistling arc that starts from the ground behind him and ends in the undead's head.

[Power attack, -5 to hit, +5 dam]
[Note - PHB 151: prone charaters take -4 to attack and -4 to AC]

[tk wight #2 - hit ac 24 for 18 hp damage]

Harvest Moon (AC23 , HP 42/42)  d20+8=20 2d4(3+1)+6=10
Thursday July 27th, 2006 12:40:12 PM
Harvest steadies her nerves as Paladin Lorth and Tobiasz thunder directly over them.

Arminas Calaelen and Bralin Stoneminder deal with the remaining two undead who remain free of the entangling plants. There is one left.

Harvest Moon rushes to the edge of the entangling plant mass, placing herself between the wight and the children behind her. She stands ready to attack the creature as soon as it draws within range of her circling chain.

Rolls and Actions
AoO Attack vs Wight4 Hit AC20, Damage 10hp

Movement and Position
Move to K11 (Directly over Wight5)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (Duration 1 hour)
Inspire Courage (On going)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Davros AC18 Hp29/29  d20+6=11 d8=3
Thursday July 27th, 2006 4:50:17 PM
Davros sees the situation appears to be under control.Having been freed from immediate danger,he gets his light crossbow out and fires at the wight that is still entangled.(attack: hit ac11 dmg3 )Davros speaks to those nearest him: "You have my heartfelt thanks for your aid."

effects:
mirror image-4min 8rounds
shield-4min 7rounds

movement:unchanged

Any (AC 23 HP 40/40) - sub Kelly  d20+8=12
Thursday July 27th, 2006 7:05:33 PM
Any continues to sing, inspiring courage in the children and his friends. His sling spins around him, as he takes careful aim at the entangled wight. Letting the stone fly, his song takes on a sense of urgency as the stone misses its mark.

Action
Inspire courage +1 Hit +1 Damage +1 Will save
Sling Hit AC 12

Florin Jadenth-AC:20-HP:60  d20+13=15 d20+8=25 d8+5=6 d8+5=12
Thursday July 27th, 2006 9:12:42 PM
Florin notices the remaining wight and quickly moves his dark wood comp. longbow up and fires off two arrows at it. He frowns some since his first arrow is pretty off but the other one is decent.

(Can hit AC:15/25 Damage:6/12)

DM Kathy  d20-1=4
Thursday July 27th, 2006 11:35:16 PM
Lorth takes another charge, provoking a truly feeble attack from the prone Wight. His lance rips through what's left of Wight #5, leaving bones and shredded skin in its wake.

Arminas goes to take aim at Wight #5, but Lorth has already cut it down. Instead, Arminas fires at the still-entangled Wight #4. Both arrows pierce the creature, and it goes down.

Bralin steps up and swings his axe at Wight #2. The results are not pretty, but are very effective. The undead creature's head comes off its shoulders, and it stops moving.

Harvest steps up with her chain, Any slings another stone, Davros lets a bolt fly, and Florin fires his bow, but their attacks are not needed. The undead have been vanquished.

The wizard turns and offers his thanks to the group. He sees an odd assortment of adventurers, accompanied by what seems to be some sort of school outing.

A thin man in peasant clothes stands amidst the children. He looks pleasant enough, although quite unremarkable with is brown eyes and thinning brown hair.

The oldest of the children is a girl of around 14. She is at "that awkward stage" and not especially attractive--especially after a day in Koshe-Marr.

The next oldest is a handsome, outgoing boy of about 12, who is holding a grubby-faced 6-year-old boy firmly by the hand. The younger boy bears a passing resemblance to the older one.

There are two boys of around 10, both with short hair and gray eyes, as alike as two peas.

There's a girl of around 10, weaing an oddly old-fashioned cap and apron with her very plain dress. She has one arm wrapped protectively around a boy of around 6, whose clothes have a similar old-fashioned look to them.

There are two small figures wrapped up in an adult-sized cloak. The cloak seems to blend into the terrain, so it is very hard to make out the exact details of these children.

Hovering over all of them is a small, ghostly figure resembling a little girl. Perhaps she is friendly. Or perhaps the group simply hasn't seen her yet....

[Feel free to add a character description to your next post. It'll help Brian, and honest, it'll help each other, as we tend to forget what our companions look like. At least, I do. :) ]

Arminas (AC 22, HP 33/33)  d20+10=11 d20+6=16
Friday July 28th, 2006 12:01:52 AM
The elven ranger swings his bow to his back, a satisfied look upon his face. His clothing seems to blend with the forest, at least what a forest should look like. Here, he seems to stand out amidst the sickly vegetation.

Addressing the mage, he says:

"You sir are welcome, though in truth my main goal was to protect these children. Will you excuse me while I check upon them?"

Arminas then walks up to the group, and looks to count. He was planning on making a point of not seeing Lirena and Nelly, when he realizes that he actually cannot see them (rolled a nat. 1 on spot).

"Lirena, where have you gone?"

When she unwraps herself from the cloak, he adds:

"Excellent hiding. In truth I could not see you. As you can see, we do what we can to protect you. No worries."

"Now then, does anyone care to look at these plants with me? See how they move and grab. Even the plants here hate the foul creatures."

Arminas carefully studies the plants, trying to determine the type and how they live in such poor light condition.

Actions
Entangle active (Reflex Save DC 14) 17 rounds remaining
Spot 11 (nat. 1)
Knowledge Nature 16

Spell's prepared = Entangle


Lorth 
Friday July 28th, 2006 10:42:24 AM
Lorth returns to the group and drops off of Tobiasz's back. He returns his lance to its place and gives Tobiasz a quick pat. "You preformed excellent.", he says in his horses ear.

He then helps the children who's turn it is to ride Tobiasz back up and thanks Cerina for helping remove them when the fighting began.

When that is all done he introduces himself to the mage.

Bralin 
Friday July 28th, 2006 11:25:54 AM
Bralin stows his axe, and turns to the wizard behind him. Encased in dull black platemail, there isn't much to see of the dwarf other than a bulbous nose and a long black beard tied into two strands flowing from beneath his helm.

"Why do ye travel these lands alone?" he asks bluntly.

Harvest 
Friday July 28th, 2006 11:37:18 AM
As the final undead falls into the writhing mass of pallid vegetation, Harvest Moon takes in a deep breath of relief. The brown girl then turns to the man who had been beset.

"It is no more than we must do for one in such danger as you were," she replies to his thanks. The five-foot short girl inclines her head, and the crest of hair that arcs from her forehead to come down over one eye, bobs with her movement. Her small hands, still holding the links of chain before her, are almost hidden within the big oiled sleeves of her dark brown jacket.

"But we must be quickly on our way," Harvest continues as she coils the length of the chain. "The sounds of combat may have caught the attention of one of the trolls we have seen along the way, or some other creature of this land."

"Peace be with you," she says and turns to retrieve her wand from the place at which she had dropped it before returning to the children.

Active Effects
Mage Armor (Duration 1 hour)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Davros 
Friday July 28th, 2006 7:03:11 PM
Sensing, more than seeing that the excitement is over,a small clean rat crawls out from a fold in Davros's cloak and crawls up to sit on his shoulder.You get the distinct impression that the rat thinks it has a much greater stature than it really does.The man standing before you is dressed in dark blue clothing.The outfit appears of fine but practical quality.He is tall and has dark brown hair.He has an experienced and educated air about him but when he speaks you can tell he is comfortable and at ease.

"I must thank you once more for your aid.I was examining some of the local plants and the wights caught me by surprise.My name is Davros Sapphiredge.Why was I traveling alone you ask? I was out walking late last night and a heavy fog came up upon me and swirled all about me.For several minutes, I was unable to see anything so I continued walking, hoping to get out of it.When the fog cleared I was in this strange place.It is nothing like my home."

"So what are you doing here with all of these children...and do you realize that there is a ghost floating above them?"Davros appears perplexed that no one seems concerned about the presence of the ghost

actions:
As Davros speaks he picks up anything he may have dropped and gives the rat a tasty looking piece of cheese.

Arminas - illegal second post 
Friday July 28th, 2006 7:58:45 PM
Arminas is bent down examining the plants, when the stranger they rescued says:

".....blah....blah....I was examining some of the local plants...blah...blah"

Looking up, he meets his eyes with a cold stare.

"Do you know of these plants? How do they live with only the light of the pale moon? Can they provide food?"

Apparently, Arminas does not seem to interested in the rest of the man's story.

Florin Jadenth 
Friday July 28th, 2006 9:58:10 PM
Florin puts his bow up and sighs since he had expected the enemy to get closer but is okay that they didn't also.

Florin moves to greet the new man and holds out his hand to him, "Greetings, my name is Florin Jadenth."

Any  d20+5=11 d20+10=13 d20+10=25
Saturday July 29th, 2006 2:09:54 PM
"Greetings Davros! My name is Anthos, but you may call me Any. It sounds like you have been transported to this foul realm in a manner similar to ourselves. You appear to be familiar with magic. Your powers could aid us in leaving this place. If the others are agreeable, would you like to travel with us?"

While awaiting this stranger's reply, Any checks the surrounding countryside, looking for any signs of trouble.

He moves over next to Harvest, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder, he gives her a questioning look to see if his proposal meets her approval. He then waits for the others to chime in with their opinions.

Sense Motive 11 (guess not)
Spot 13
Listen 25

Harvest (2nd Illegal Post) 
Sunday July 30th, 2006 1:05:26 PM
Harvest Moon turns to listen as the man named Davros Sapphiredge tells his tale. Walking through a mist to arrive strangely in this terrible land. Stranger things yet have happened to them. And yet this place, by its nature, calls for caution. Master Baelfred is already a mystery. And it is yet unknown how the spirit of Gerdi may act.

But if this man is not from this land, can they truly abandon him here?

Harvest places her hand gently atop Any's. His touch upon her shoulder is filled with warmth and comfort.

"Yes. Please, Davros Sapphiredge. If you wish a way out of this land, we seek a place that Master Baelfred calls 'The Inn.' He tells us that in that place is a way out of Koshe Marr."

DM Kathy 
Sunday July 30th, 2006 10:56:18 PM
Arminas goes to where Lirena and Nelle are hiding. They're doing a very good job of it. When he calls out to them, they fling off the cloak, giggling a little. Lirena, a very pretty girl with tangled brown curls, takes Arminas by the hand. Nelle, a younger dark-haired girl, moves over toward Any.

Arminas is very interested in the plants. They are pale and spindly, as plants will get when they do not have enough light, but otherwise they seem to be thriving here.

Lorth dismounts and introduces himself to the stranger. Any and Florin likewise introduce themselves. Bralin and Harvest are a bit more reserved, wanting to hear more from this stranger.

Davros answers their questions and describes the strange circumstances that brought him to this realm. His description has many things in common with how the rest of the party arrived here. As he speaks, he feeds a well-kept rat.

Any invites the newcomer to join the group, and Harvest, despite her initial reservations, backs him up.

The man in peasant clothing comes up to Davros. "I am called Baelfred, sir," he says. "As Mistress Harvest says, I am leading them to the Inn, a place of refuge from which they can return to their own world. They are from a place called the Wold."

Glancing around, he adds, "and if I may say, good folk, it is perhaps time to move on. Best not to linger near the scene of a battle."

Posting Report For 
Monday July 31st, 2006 7:09:17 AM
Game #9
Week of July 24, 2006

Name MTWTF
DM Kathy XXXXX

Lorth XXXXX
Harvest XXXXXS
Arminas XXX2X
Any XXXXOS
Bralin XXXXX
Florin XX2XX
Darros XXXXX

Lorth 
Monday July 31st, 2006 7:49:00 AM
Lorth nods at Baelfred and get ready to move, "Come with us Davros, we can speak more while moving."

Moving to the group of children he makes sure they are ready to move then takes Tobiasz's reins and leads him in the direction they where going...

Bralin 
Monday July 31st, 2006 11:19:47 AM
The dull black helm bobs once as Bralin nods in acceptance of Davros' story.
"Ye are trapped, as we are," the dwarf informs him. Hearing the wizard's question regarding the ghost, Bralin sighs before replying sadly and quietly - so the children cannot hear -
"The girl is with our party. She was killed. Gargul's power is weak in this land. The dead cannot go to him. Tis...disturbing."

With these final words, Bralin turns from Davros, and resumes his movement forward, guarding of the right side of the group.

Harvest 
Monday July 31st, 2006 12:20:24 PM
Harvest gives a squeeze to Any's hand before detaching and moving to the body of one of the fallen Wights. She kneels next to it, making a careful examination. Once assured that it is dead, she calls the two boys, Turi and Naki.

"This is death," she says to them. "If you wish to learn to fight, then you must know that what you sow is pain and the possibility of death."

"Look upon it. Touch it. If you wish to be prepared to kill, then you must also be prepared to face death." Harvest grasps the head of the Wight by the hair and lifts it so the boys might see. "Death can be terrible. There is a think within our bodies that looks upon Death, and recognizes that we too will someday die. To some people that is so strong that their will cannot overcome it. These people often become sick."

"Remember that fighting is more than striking with fist or weapon." She eases the Wight back down to the ground. "Fighting begins in your mind. It begins with what you are prepared to do and what you are prepared to face. A good person does not wish to cause pain to another. You must overcome this by knowing the righteousness of your cause and the place of things within the Wold."

"And once you know these things, and you learn that you do not wish to fight, it still takes a strong and courageous person not to. Come, let us go."

Active Effects
Mage Armor (Duration 1 hour)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Any  d20+10=22 d20+10=20
Monday July 31st, 2006 3:39:27 PM
Any listens while Harvest and the others talk to the newcomer and the children.

"Fighting is not always a clear cut thing. Those we fight sometimes look just like us, but their way of thinking and living in the World is different. Some people think that if they are strong enough, they can take whatever they want from those who are weaker. Its is against these types that many fight, seeing this behavior as unjust--or not fair.

There are some creatures, created by evil and magic, that are against man as a whole. These that we just fought fall among that group.

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I do not enjoy fighting, but have taken to it to overcome people and creatures like this. I fight to maintain the balance, and preserve freedoms. As Harvest has mentioned, when you fight, you take the chance of injury and death yourself, and you accept that sometimes some creature might die. You try to avoid this if possible, but do not cringe from it if necessary."

Any then walks silently beside Harvest, watching for any signs of trouble.

spot 22
listen 20

Arminas(Sub post)  d20+10=16 d20+10=17 d20+10=20
Monday July 31st, 2006 3:44:58 PM
Arminas walks with Lirena,

"You did well hiding with Nelle back there. That is good. That is what you shall do anytime there is trouble, I will protect you, and help you return to yur family."

Arminas moves out to help scout the way with Baelfred, his bow at the ready.

spot 16
listen 17
survival 20

Davros  d20+6=23
Monday July 31st, 2006 4:08:34 PM
Davros neatens up his clothing,brushing off the dirt from the battle.He gladly shakes hands with any who offer.

"I would be glad to travel with you.There is safety in numbers after all,especially in this place.I am from the Wold also,specifically a region known as the Cinnamon Valley."
"The girl Gerdi-her spirit is stuck in this place?Is there nothing that can be done for her?Davros is saddened by her loss and her continued presence here.Stuck.Not being able to return to the Gods.

As they walk,Davros moves closer to Arminas to speak with him further.
"You did not show much interest in my story even though it bears similarity to your own.But I will answer your questions anyway.(knowledge nature check 23)The plants seem to have adapted to this strange light.It is not normal sunlight but it would seem that they have been used to it for a long time.As to whether or not any of them are edible,Davros smilesI can think of one way for you to find out..."

[ Edited by Al: The slash(/) goes before the "i" in the closing tag, Brian. ]

Florin Jadenth 
Monday July 31st, 2006 4:28:38 PM
Florin looks to Gerdi and moves over towards her, "You did well Gerdi. Thank you for watching over Ajax for me during the fight also."

Florin pets Ajax and smiles as he nods to the others, "I'm readyu to move on when the rest of you are.

(Kathy:Ajax would most likely be carrying Gerdi's body. Forgot to mention that in my previous posts.)

DM Kathy 
Monday July 31st, 2006 11:48:39 PM
Harvest and Any spend some time talking with Turi and Naki. Both boys are looking wide-eyed and solemn by the time the lecture is over. As the group gets underway, the two boys stick together and seem to be avoiding Harvest.

Arminas praises Lirena, who positively basks in it. She skips along with the other children as if you were on a picnic instead of a desparate trek to escape the horrors of this place.

Florin likewise praises Gerdi before resuming his position at the back of the group. The little ghost comes with him willingly enough. "Those were bad things," she says decisively. After a moment, she adds, "but I wasn't a-scared."

Lorth and Bralin offer some explanations to the newcomer, and prepare to resume their journey.

Davros goes over what he knows of the plants, and speculates that there is a surefire way to find out whether they're edible. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, young master," says Baelfred affably. "This here is Chokebloat. It probably wouldn't kill you," he continues thoughtfully, "but you'd wish it had.

"But there are edible plants in this land," he continues as you set off on your way. "Fleshroots are filling, though some don't like the taste. There's silverleaf, of course. Ghaan corn is hard, but it can be ground into flour."

With Baelfred and Arminas near the front of the group, you continue on your journey. As you travel, Davros is able to make the acquaintance of all the children [see list below].

About midday, Baelfred calls a halt. "My friends, thank you for bringing me along with you," he says. "But I have a confession to make. There's something I haven't told you." He sighs. "I said that the Inn would get you home, and it will. Alas, it is no way out for me. I was born in Koshe-Marr, so the magicks at the Inn are not open to me. Unless--" he looks at you, like a man hardly daring to hope. "There is an item whose magic can mask my origins temporarily. Long enough, I hope, for me to escape this realm.

"The item is hidden not far from here. Legend has it that it is protected by traps, but surely such brave and resourceful adventurers could find their way around such."

He looks around at you. "I ask much of you, I know. But will you do this thing for me? Will you get this item, and free me from this realm?"

Kid Roster:

Cerina, 14 - crush on Lorth
Devrin, 12 - hangs out a lot with Bralin
Kiara, 10 - hmana, not attached to any particular party member
Turi, 10 - fascinated with Harvest
Naki, 9 - Turi's younger brother, also fascinated with Harvest
Lirena, 8 - spends time with Arminas
Nelle, 7 - follows Any around
Hmanny, 6 - Kiara's younger brother, also not attached to anyone in particular
Dolo, 6 - Deverin's younger brother, drawn to "Fwowin"
Gerdi, 5 - Ghost. Has interacted with everyone, but the party has made her Florin's responsibility.

Lorth 
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 7:41:28 AM
Lorth listens to Baelfred's plea then adds, "Baelfred, I will certainly help you attain this item to get you out of this cursed realm. However, how far is the inn from here? Perhaps we could go to the inn first and return the children. Or if nothing else, leave them at the inn in safety, then return here to get this item. I do not relish the idea of taking them someplace which is lined with traps."

Harvest 
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:17:33 AM

"We cannot leave the children until they are safely home."

The simplicity of the statement belies its finality.

"But have faith in our word, Master Baelfred. As Paladin Lorth has said, we will return to help you. You may guide us to the Inn where we will return the children to their parents. You may chose to remain here or to return to your home. Either way, we will return to help you."

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Any  d20+10=26 d20+10=25 d20+7=15 d20+5=15
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:31:21 AM
Any nods in agreement with Lorth and Harvest. He would leave no creature stranded in this accursed land.

He knows in his heart that it could never happen, but the wish to cleanse this land of all it's evil influence still remains.

"I echo the sentiment of my friends. We will help you, but only once the children are safe. For now, that is our foremost task and goal. You say that you have not been completely honest with us, but even now I feel as if you are hiding something from us. Yet, we will help you as we have said, once this main task is finished."

Any keeps alert watching for signs of trouble.

Spot 26
listen 25
bluff 15
sense motive 15

Arminas (sub post)  d20+10=20 d20+10=30
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 10:35:59 AM
Arminas listens to the others,

"There is nothing more important than saving the children. I have given my oath that they shall be returned safely, and I am not an oathbreaker. If the others choose to help you after the children are safe, then I will help also, but not before."

That said, Arminas moves back to the front, scouting the way and watching for trouble, seeking to fulfll that oath.

Spot 20
listen 30

Bralin 
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 11:44:33 AM
Bralin says nothing. He reached the same decision for the same reason already stated by the rest of his companions, and has nothing to add.

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 2:42:54 PM
Florin looks to their guide and nods at the comments made by Lorth and then the others before replying, "I have to agree on this. We will be much more effective if the children are seen to first and then we can help you. You are a good man and probably know this as well sir."

Davros 
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 4:48:26 PM
Davros agrees with the others and will help also. His magic knowledge will likely come in handy to retrieve the item. However, will the children be safe?

"Baelfred, tell me more of this magic,that I might collect my thoughts about it and see what I can recall of it from my training."

Day's spells remaining:
0th:read magic, flare, mending, mage hand
1st:magic misslex2, shield, mage armor
2nd:scorching ray, web, levitate
3rd:haste, dispel magic

DM Kathy  d20+16=18
Tuesday August 1st, 2006 11:53:11 PM
Baelfred listens to your replies.

"Alas, Master Davros," he says. "I am neither mage nor scholar. How it works I cannot say. Indeed, it may not work at all. The legends say, though, that none born in Fidelia's Realm can escape through the Inn, save that they drink from the Still."

"I agree," he continues, "it would be terrible if anything were to happen to the children. I am as concerned for their safety as any of you.

"However, to go all the way to the Inn and back--my friends, there are things in this realm that thirst for human flesh, that hunt such as we. Every hour we delay is another hour we give these horrors to find us. Might I suggest an alternative? If your scout were to find us a place where we could stay hidden, I could watch over the children while you found the Still. Then we could proceed onward together. What say you?"

Any gets the feeling that Baelfred is sincere.

Lorth 
Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 8:42:39 AM
Lorth looks to his friends and not directly at Baelfred, "I am sorry Baelfred but the children are my first priority, I still think we should go to the inn first. Although I will change course if my friends think we should."

Any  d20+10=26 d20+10=25
Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 11:00:52 AM
"I feel the sincerity of your declaration my friend, but I cannot change that which I have voiced. If the danger is as great as you have stated, then the need to get the children away from here is greater than ever.

Unless there is a more compelling reason to go after this 'Still', then for me nothing has changed. My oath to save these children was made before we met you, and I have now given a separate oath to help you once the children are safe. I will give my life to fulfill those oaths, but only in the order they were given."

Any then turns to listen to what the rest of the group has to say.

Spot 26
listen 25

Harvest 
Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 11:24:25 AM

Harvest Moon shakes her head. Then she closes her eyes. When she opens them, she looks to the bleak landscape about them.

"I trust in your word, Master Baelfred," the brown girl says. "And if it were a matter of no more than that, then I would be at peace in leaving the children in your care to retrieve this Still for you. But I do not trust your Koshe Marr. You have said that every hour that we delay is an hour given to the creatures of this land to find us. How are we to know that they will not find you and the children while we are away? How is Arminas Calaelen to know, even, what place may be safely hidden when we do not know what creatures walk this land?"

"I do not trust Koshe Marr, because I do not know it. It would be better to take the children to safety and then risk the trip back ourselves than to place the children in more danger than necessary."

Harvest turns away. She looks off in the direction in which they had been headed.

"Unless ... "

From her haversack she retrieves her book of maps and flips to the drawing that their guide had drawn for them earlier. She points to one of his markings.

"Here is where you have placed the Inn. Please show us, Master Baelfred, where we are now. Also indicate the position of the Still. Describe to us the land that we may expect in the vicinity around the location of the Still. We would wish to hide you and the children in as near a place as possible. Also tell us of all creatures and other dangers that may threaten in this area."

"With more knowledge, we may be able to decide how great the risk is in leaving the children with you to take on this task."

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Davros 
Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 3:38:31 PM
"After a hiding place is found,perhaps we could split up.We can leave a few guards for the children and Baelfred couldn't we? It seems to me it may be too dangerous to travel to the Inn and back, and what will the children do while we are traveling to and fro?Do you trust that they will be any safer alone at the Inn than they are with us?"

"Baelfred, you mentioned drinking from the Still.Does that mean you would have to enter the place personally?"

Bralin 
Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 8:50:00 PM
"I would remain with the children and Baelford, if needs be," Bralin volunteers.

By his tone, its obvious the dwarf believes no further guards would be required.

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday August 2nd, 2006 9:29:34 PM
Florin looks to the others and taps the silver dragon handle on his longsword, "I'm sorry Baelfred but I must agree with the others. It pains me to say this for my god is one of protection but the children need help and are much less able to live in this area then you or even we are. If you can ensure the kids safty then I will gladly help but I need to know for sure. I'm sorry though and I still offer to come back to help you none the less. I believe all here would agree that we would be willing to come back and risk our lives to help you after that if there is no other way. An now that you have asked I figure there are atleast a couple in the group that could not turn their back on you once the kids are safe." On his last comment Florin looks to Lorth and even Bralin, believeing these two would not turn their backs on Baelfred once the kids are safe.

DM Kathy 
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 3:21:21 AM
[OOC: I'll apologize in advance for the incompleteness of this post; I was out way too late tonight.]

"I must drink from the Still," Baelfred replies to Davros, "but from what I understand, it is portable. You can bring it out with you."

In response to Harvest's question, Baelfred sketches out their relative locations. He shows where the Still is said to be hidden--an abandoned mine about an hour's walk from your present position. Indeed, you can see the hills surrounding the mine from here.

The Inn is still several hours' walk away. If you went to get the Still, you could all probably get to the Inn by nightfall. If you went to the Inn and came back here, it would probably be night before you got back. Or you could spend the night in the Inn and come here the next day.

Baelfred steps back and allows you to finish discussing your options.

[OOC: again, I'm sorry for the sparse post. I'll have more tomorrow; I promise.]

Lorth 
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 7:24:33 AM
Lorth mind remains unchanged.

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 12:42:10 PM
Florin looks to the group and will allow them to decide what to do now. No matter what Florin is willing to help their guide when the children are safe. Right now he is more worried about the children then anything and he knows the guide surely understands this.

Florin looks to the children and chews his lip, "Your right on one thing for sure. We have to make this decision fast. We have children to worry about and we're standing in the open. Atleast if we're moving we are heading towards our goal."

Harvest 
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 1:02:31 PM

Harvest considers the positions on the map, the distances and the times.

"I am sorry, Master Baelfred," she says at last, "I cannot fathom why it cannot be possible to see the children to the Inn and back to the Wold before returning to aide you in your quest for the Still."

"Unless you have other concerns," she says. "For your safety or things of such nature."

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Davros 
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 3:16:49 PM
Davros ponders the predicament and decides more info is needed.

"Baelfred, if this place is so terrible, why have you not gotten the Still and left?The Inn is but a short distance from here.Is the Still guarded?Is the mine accessible without climbing equipment?"

Davros wonders what the children think of all this and asks them.

Bralin 
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 4:19:14 PM
Bralin scans the horizon, watching for anything that might take advantage of their lull.

He's had his say, and has heard nothing new. By now, the dwarf understands Any, Harvest, and Arminas have a strong need to talk through issues. And there is nothing he can do but wait for the end.

Any  d20+10=20 d20+10=25
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 4:27:06 PM
"My position is unchanged. I will not endanger the children. Once they are safe, I will help you in any way I can, even if none of the others choose to do so. However, from what they have said, many of them will help also. Let us continue on to the Inn as quickly as possible so that we may then help you. We are grateful to you for your help thus far, and I will help you for that reason, if for no other."

Any then waits to see what the others will do, keeping an eye out for trouble.

Spot 20
Listen 25

Arminas (sub post)  d20+10=25 d20+10=23
Thursday August 3rd, 2006 4:32:33 PM
Arminas sees no reason to add to anything that has been said. He continues to scan for trouble, and seeks the best path to complete the mission to save these children.

He misses his friend and companion Ewan, but is also grateful for her safety. He longs to see the normal sky and plants of the Wold, and that time will come. If the others choose to help Baelfred AFTER the children are safe--so be it, he will help also--they will need his skills. For now, the children are his main priority.

Spot 25
listen 23

DM Kathy  d20=1 d20=19
Friday August 4th, 2006 1:01:09 AM
Baelfred looks around at you as you discuss the situation.

"Very well," he says when everyone has had their say. "We will continue to the Inn." He lays an affectionate hand on Devrin's shoulder. "You have a point; the children are precious and must be protected."

As you get underway once more, he answers Davros's question. "The Still is protected by a series of traps," he says. "I know that brave adventurers count such obstacles as naught, but believe me, ordinary mortals find them a deterrant." He smiles.

You continue to walk toward the Inn, moving now through gently rolling hills and occasional clumps of--well, trees. Although they don't look like trees anybody know.

Baelfred seems especially interested in the children. He keeps Devrin by his side for a ways, then drops back and talks to Nelle for a bit.

After a few minutes' conversation, Nelle breaks away from Baelfred and comes to walk next to Any. "I don't want to be by that man," she whispers.

Lorth 
Friday August 4th, 2006 8:49:19 AM
Lorth continues toward the inn, hopefully they will get there soon, he thinks.

Bralin 
Friday August 4th, 2006 10:17:30 AM
The dwarf, oblivious to the children's concerns, continues watching for danger on the right.

Harvest  d20+12=13 d20+14=29 d20+14=22
Friday August 4th, 2006 11:13:35 AM

"Not all Evil is created by Evil people, Boo. Desperation can create it's own Evil."

Harvest Moon thinks upon the situation. Master Baelfred and his life here in Koshe Marr. The nearness to his potential escape. She watches his face, and yet can read no malevolent intent.

And yet, here, so near to their goal. So close to saftey. They cannot afford to be lax. Harvest places herself near their guide, watching both this man as well as the land about them.

Rolls and Actions
Sense Motive 13 (Nat 1)
Spot 29
Listen 22

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Any  d20+5=17 d20+10=25 d20+10=14
Friday August 4th, 2006 12:51:55 PM
Any watches the interaction of the children as they hike along. Baelfred seems to have given in to easily considering his desire to be free from this world. Then Nelle tells Any of her discomfort with Baelfred. It is a feeling Any has had from the beginning.

He concentrates on their guide, trying to discern what his true motive is. If only he had the power to read minds, but that power does not belong to him. He notices that Harvest is watching Baelfred closely, perhaps she too has her suspicions. He will talk with her about it later, for now, he will simply keep watching, and hope there is nor problem.

sense motive 17
spot 25
listen 14

Arminas (Sub Post)  d20+10=16 d20+10=22 d20+10=24
Friday August 4th, 2006 3:19:04 PM
OOC--I posted Aug. 2nd for Arminas, but the post didn't show up. OOPS!

Arminas walks along at the front of the group watching for any sign of trouble, and trying to pick the easiest route in the direction that Baelfred has indicated they need to go.

As the decision is made to go to the Inn first and send the children home, he gives a nod-- Yes, that is what should happen. He turns and looks at Lirena as she follows along wrapped in his cloak. The sight of her as she plays with the folds of the cloak, makes his heart light, and almost makes him feel young again. It's a shame that these humans lead such fleeting lives. Well, not everyone can be an elf.

Spot 16
Listen 22
(ignore the 24)



Davros 
Friday August 4th, 2006 11:21:39 PM
While everyone is walking,most appear to be looking out for danger- except for Davros. If anyone notices him, he appears to be having a rather heated discussion with his rat. The rat is sitting on his hind legs on Davros' shoulder and staring directly into his face. After a few moments of this,Davros appears to have won the argument. The rat scurries underneath a fold in Davros' cloak and settles in for a nap. Davros moves next to Baelfred.

"Baelfred, while we are walking, perhaps you could tell us more of these lands, after all we are strangers here. What can we expect at this Inn? Why is it a safe haven?"

Florin Jadenth  d20+2=6
Saturday August 5th, 2006 3:01:23 PM
Florin moves along with the others, guiding Ajax who carries Gerdi's body and watching as he moves. He wonders about their guide as it seems he might be bothering some of the children, but since he is not close enough he doesn't know of Nellie's comment of discomfort.

(Spot:6 lucky if he could spot his feet)

DM Kathy  d20+16=28
Sunday August 6th, 2006 10:40:07 PM
You continue your journey.

After Nelle leaves his side, Baelfred seems content to walk at the front with Arminas, helping the ranger find the right path. He does not approach any of the other children.

Both Any and Harvest are suspicious of Baelfred, but they can't find anything specific in his behavior to cause alarm.

All of you are alert for signs of danger. You see another band of trolls off in the distance, but you spot them in time to get yourselves hidden before they come by. Anyway, they don't get within 50 feet of your party. You see some odd-looking birds, and occasionally there are small scuttlings underfoot. You see nothing else, however.

Davros asks Baelfred about the Inn. "As far as anyone knows it has always been there," the peasant man replies. "Its magic must be very strong indeed, to resist the evil of this place, but I do not know its source. Be that as it may, the Inn has always been a place of refuge. Travelers are save within its walls. Getting there, however, can be difficult. As we have seen."

After a few more hours of walking, the moon is beginning to set. Up ahead of you, however, you see a low building with golden light streaming out of its windows. This surely must be the Inn.

Crouched around it, however, is a motley assortment of ferocious-looking creatures. They avoid the inn, and the golden light streaming from it, prowl in the shadows, apparantly looking for something.

"Unfortunately," Baelfred says, "the beasts of this place also know the Inn is a sanctuary. See, they await unwary travelers, hoping to attack them on their way to the Inn."

Turning to you, he asks, "Do you think we should make a run for it?"

Harvest  d20+14=16 d20+14=23
Sunday August 6th, 2006 10:58:13 PM

"No. We cannot all run for the Inn," Harvest replies. "Not all of us have sufficient speed." She takes a deep breath and prepares to call upon an old power that has always been, even before the time of Alemi. The power the lives within the road, the powers that gather around travel itself. She eyes the creatures that surround the place known simply as the Inn, attempting to identify them.

"I will approach and draw them off. After they follow after me, then run toward the Inn.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 16
Listen 23

If all are amenable, then Harvest will cast Longstrider and then run out to draw them away.

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Posting Report For 
Monday August 7th, 2006 5:31:10 AM
Game #9 Sword of Light
For week of July 31,2006

Name MTWTF
DM Kathy XXOXX
Lorth XXXXX
Harest XXXXX
Arminas XXOXX
Any XXXXX
Bralin XXXXX
Florin XXXXOS
Darros XXXXX

Adm Ceil; Poor Kathy has not found a Adm Yet.

Bralin (Sub/Al) 
Monday August 7th, 2006 4:14:26 PM
The slowest one would, of course, be himself.

"We should go." Bralin readies his weapons and counts the number of foes. "They'd be here even if we return for the Still and come back."

Davros 
Monday August 7th, 2006 9:55:50 PM
"I can magically hasten several of the children with a spell.Perhaps the rest can ride on the horses?"

"Give me notice when we are ready to move. I will increase everyone's defenses as I am able."

Florin Jadenth 
Monday August 7th, 2006 10:27:11 PM
Florin sighs since one of the group is risking herself to help get the others to the Inn in safty but he has no idea of a better way so he stays quiet and waits to see what happens.

Any  d20+10=29 d20+10=16
Monday August 7th, 2006 10:33:58 PM
OOC--Sorry for the late post, just got home.

Any listens to the proposals being made.

"Perhaps what we need is a combination of the strategies mentioned. If Davros can hasten a few members of the party, and they lead the children in on horseback, then the rest of us can act as decoys to draw off those who await us. When the children are safely within, the escort can then form a sally from the Inn to enable the rest to join them. What do you think Bralin?"

He then awaits what the others decide.

Spot 29
listen 16

Arminas (Lyle sub) 
Monday August 7th, 2006 10:37:31 PM
Arminas listens, then,

"As long as the children make it to the Inn and home safely, it does not matter if I do. I will assist Harvest in drawing away this band that stands between us and safety for the children. My bow will surely account for some of them, and they will not easily run down an elf of the woods."

OOC--I did not know if Kelly was back to post yet or not, so posted for him when I got home. Sorry these posts are so late.

DM Kathy 
Monday August 7th, 2006 11:30:10 PM
Your plan in place, you prepare to approach the inn. Spells are cast, and the youngest of the children are helped onto the horses. And then you go.

Harvest and Arminas begin with their distraction run, hoping to draw off as many of the beasts as they can. Their ploy is successful; most of the creatures chase after them.

Seizing the opportunity, the rest of the party runs for the Inn. Baelfred leads the way, but is soon overtaken by the horses, bearing Dolo, Hmanny, Nelle, and Lirena on their backs.

Turi and Naki prove to be quite fleet of foot, and also overtake Baelfred. Devrin runs alongside him, while Cerina pounds determinedly behind the two of them. Kiara runs after Cerina, somewhat hampered by her long, full skirts.

Davros, Any, Lorth, Florin, and Bralin run along after the children, making sure nobody falls behind.

The larger party reaches the Inn and bangs open the door. The children on foot scoot through to the room beyond. The children on horseback need to be helped down; Baelfred reaches up and begins doing so.

Meanwhile Harvest and Arminas are able to outdistance their pursuers (I'm assuming Arminas has been Hasted). They are now some distance from the Inn, with the pack of beasts in between them and the Inn.

All of the creatures appear somehow doglike, although they don't all look like the same type of animal. [A Knowledge (Plains) check will tell you more.]

Arminas 
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:25:59 AM
The diversion has worked, the children are safe. Now, to get Harvest safely into the Inn as well.

"Harvest, I will slow this larger group by asking the plants to grow up to entangle them. It will cover a large area, 40 feet in diameter near the entrance to the Inn. I will leave a space for us to run along the edge. Follow me so as not to become entangled in the plants."

Arminas can cast the spell over a distance of over 500 feet, so he finds a spot as to block the majority of the creatures from reaching them.

He then runs for the entrance.

OOC: I'm back from Costa Rica. Arminas' action of courseis dependant on the layout of creatures, if this is impossible, he will change his plans. So, without a map can you let me know if this will work?
Action
Cast 'Entangle'

Lorth 
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 7:45:46 AM
As soon as all the children are safe near or inside the inn, Lorth looks into the inn to be sure it is a safe haven. He then waits near the door for the rest of his companions.

Bralin (Sub/Al) 
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 9:59:21 AM
Bralin waits with Lorth. If danger threatens from within or without, the position to be in would be the doorway.

Harvest  d20+2=22
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:08:56 AM
Harvest nods. She takes spiked chain in hand and readies to run between the fields of churning plants with Arminas Calaelen, making their way to the door of the Inn.

The dog creatures come to Harvest Moon's mind, they resemble something that Pasix mentioned only once in passing when explaining the mysteries of Gargul. With a portion of her mind, the brown girl marvels at how the mind can bring such things from so long ago, back with such clarity.

Rolls and Actions
Knowledge Check 22 (Nat 20)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)  d20+7=26 d6=2 d20+10=11 d20+10=19
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:15:33 AM
Any dashes to the Inn with the children. As soon as all are safe within, he will leave them in the care of Lorth and Bralin. He turns with his bow in hand, and moves out along the wall of the Inn preparing to cover Harvest and Arminas in their retreat. He releases a high pitched whistle to alert them that all are safe, and they can begin their run.

(OOC--sorry Kathy, you kind of moved things along before we had completed our planning. I am assuming we would have arranged such a signal).

With arrow nocked, he awaits their attempt. He will shoot the first beast that closes within 10 yards of either of them.

Hit AC 26 for 2 HP DAM

listen 11
spot 19

Davros AC 14 HP 29/29  d20+3=15 d20+6=12 d20+6=17
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 3:48:28 PM
Davros takes up a defensive position outside the Inn. A look of concentration and focus fills his face as he prepares a spell to slow the dog creatures' pursuit.(ready an action to cast web when the creatures are within range-150')

checks:
spot 15
knowledge nature (animals)12
knowledge geography (terrain)17

spells:haste-target Arminas plus 4 others
4 more rounds

Florin Jadenth 
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 9:10:00 PM
Florin quickly moves with the others or as quickly as his half plate lets him and also guides his horse that carries Gerdi's body.

Once at the Inn Florin will help get the children into the Inn and then will see to Gerdi's body to get it in before checking to make sure the Harvest and Any make it back ok.

DM Kathy 
Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:20:45 PM
Lorth, Bralin, and Florin make sure the children make it safely into the Inn, and that the place truly is a place of refuge.

Crossing the threshhold is like stepping into another world--one much more like what you are used to. A crackling fire warms the room, and delicious smells waft out from the kitchen. Humanoids, apparantly from a variety of worlds, sit scattered in threes and fours among the homey wooden tables. They are waited upon by smiling staff. All looks peaceful and welcoming.

The children look about them, expressions of disbelief on their faces.

Meanwhile, Harvest takes another look at the creatures and identifies three different species: Hell Hounds, Barghests, and Shadow Mastiffs. They have assembled into an irregular pack, but whether of their own accord or by the will of some greater power is difficult to say.

Whatever their reason for being here, they succumb to Arminas's Entangle spell, Davros's Web, and Any's arrows. Harvest and Arminas make it safely back to their companions.

Baelfred, meanwhile, gazes longingly through the windows of the Inn. "Soon," he says softly.

Tobiasz and Ajax can't enter the Inn either, although in their case it's a simple matter of size; the door isn't big enough. Anyway, there's no place for them even if they got inside; the Inn apparantly lacks stables.

Lorth 
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 7:21:36 AM
"Baelfred you need to get to safety and hide somewhere until we return from the inn.", Lorth says quickly. Then he dismisses Tobiasz and goes inside.

Once inside Lorth starts asking questions mainly, is it possible for the children to stay here until the swords of light return?

OOC: Lorth 
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 7:22:54 AM
OOC: (I will be on vacation next week, I got Tratan (Joe Kowalski) a fellow woldian and friend of mine to play Lorth while I am gone.)

Bralin (Sub/Al) 
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 9:23:37 AM
Bralin eyes the interior of the Inn. Then he scans the field full of dog like creatures.

"I will remain here with Baelfred," he says simply and hefts his axe.

Harvest  d20+14=34
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 10:02:31 AM
"Hell Hounds, Barghests, and Shadow Mastiffs," reports Harvest Moon. She peers around the doorjamb and into the interior of the Inn. "When we leave this place to find the Still, we may be forced to slay all of them. Even if we can out run them, they may be able to track us."

The brown girl's eye moves from one person to another seeking one who may be the proprietor of this Inn, or at least one who is in charge.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 34 (Nat 20. Hope I'm not using up my karma.)

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Any  d20+10=20 d20+10=26 d20+7=24 d20+5=18
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 11:12:59 AM
Any is pleased that their plan to enter the Inn has gone off without injury, or loss of life. He also looks around the Inn.

"Who is in charge here? We are seeking a way to leave the strange realm we have been in, and return to our own. Do any know of such a route from this fair Inn?"

He then awaits their reply.

spot 20
listen 26
diplomacy 24
sense motive 18

Davros 
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 3:07:23 PM
Events are transpiring quickly and Davros asks for everyone's thoughts.

"We need to make tactical plans if we are to be successful in retrieving what Baelfred needs from the Still.What about supplies?Will the children be safe here by themselves?"

"Baelfred, can you enter this place?"

Arminas 
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 3:27:55 PM
Arminas rushes through the door into the Inn, glad that the children are safely inside. He looks about at the children, checking to see that all are safe. Walking up to Lirena, he says:

"You did a wonderful job, we are now safe and will get you home soon. I think we need to go help Baelfred who also wants to escape this land. You will not go outside here again. Here, let me show you something."

Arminas then sets his pack upon the ground and digs down deep into it. He pulls out a black velvet cloak with deep purple lining, and gives it a shake to remove some of the wrinkles. It is an elegant cloak, that Arminas once wore at a party in the Giggling Ghost.

"Lirena, do you like this cloak? I will trade you this for my old plain looking cloak. I have need to hide outside and you have need of a beautiful cloak for parties. Shall we trade?"

It is not until he looks around that he realizes that Baelfred and Bralin remain outside.

"Why do they not come inside? I hope we are planning to wait awhile to go out again. I could use more of the entangle spells."

Florin Jadenth 
Wednesday August 9th, 2006 9:02:44 PM
Florin looks to Bralin and their guide and stays out with them as he speaks gently, "We will be leaving soon I would figure to help you out. Can you not enter the Inn at all sir?"

Florin is curious of this so figures he might as well ask. He knows from what he has heard their guide can't use the Inn to get away but doesn't remember anything being said about entering it what so ever.

DM Kathy 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:57:07 AM
Lorth dismisses Tobiasz and goes into the Inn, followed closely by Any. Harvest hovers in the doorway.

You all look around for someone who seems to be in charge. You soon note that most of the staff seem to be deferring to a middle-aged human man wrapped in a large apron. He seems to be on a first-name basis with most of the patrons, and pauses to chat with people often.

Any asks if there is a way from the Inn to your own realm.

"The Inn has paths to many realms, young master," the innkeeper replies. He gives you all a shrewd look. "I think, though, you'd do well to consider those two statues there," and he waves at a pair of dwarf statues at one end of the room.

Upon closer inspection, you can see that one of the dwarves is carved with the words "Giggling Ghost." The other says "Wold Catacombs."

When asked whether the children can stay here, the innkeeper replies, "Of course! So long as there is coin to pay their way, they are welcome. There's hot food always ready, and soft beds upstairs." He looks at the children, eyes twinkling. "Also a fair bit of soap and water, which I think wouldn't go amiss." He chucks Dolo under the chin, then looks quickly at his hand and wipes it on his apron.

Arminas has also entered the Inn, and seeks out Lirena. She accepts the trade of cloaks, but merely holds the lovely velvet cloak, not attempting to put it on. Her lower lip wobbles. "Do you have to go away?" she asks Arminas in a very small voice.

Indeed, now that they are safe, many of the children are crying. Some seem relieved to be safe; others seem overwhelmed by the warmth and food and air of welcome. Some, like Lirena, don't want you to leave them.

Just outside the Inn, Davros and Florin ask Baelfred if he can enter. "I cannot," he replies, looking nervous. "I thought I said before. Until I drink from the Still I cannot enter the Inn. You all postponed getting the Still until the children were safe. They're safe now. I am not. Please don't leave me out here without shelter! Please, we must go find the Still!"

Bralin merely stays outside, seeming content to watch over Baelfred until the rest of the party decides what to do.

Lorth 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:52:24 AM
Lorth removes five platinum coins from his pouch and hands them to the innkeeper. "I am sorry we are in a rush, please use this to house the children, I will make up any difference when we return."
He spins on his heal and joins Bralin outside with Baelfred.

Fosco 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 11:53:16 AM
From one of the tables, a halfling sits. A ring of smoke above his head from the obvious tabac pipe in his hand.
He downs the rest of what's in a mug in front of him, hops down from the chair, and saunders over to the doors and peers outside where the others are saying: People born of, or who are attuned to that place may not enter this Inn. This Inn is only a place of safety and refuge to those of us who claim someplace else as home.
And now you have my curiosity. I have seen many people enter through these doors and then, touching the arms of one of the dwarf statues to return home, but you are the first to enter the safety of the Inn only to go back.
What gives?



Fosco pt2 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:07:26 PM
<*> My first post in game and I already mistype a sentence. Should read People born of, and who are attuned to that place may not enter the Inn. <*>

Any - sub Kelly 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:12:49 PM
Any nods as the information about the statues is given by the Inn Keeper.

"Sounds like passage to the Wold should be simple enough, that is if it works as expected. Our transportation spell was also to move the group, yet we ended up here. I don't think we should send the children without our protection."

His alarm though is raised with the halflings description of the plight of Baelfred.

"Fosco is it? I am Any, and though I have traveled my entire life I have never seen such a foresaken place as this. Yet, we have made a promise to our guide Baelfred, and upon my death I will fulfill it if necessary."

Seeing that Lorth has paid for the children's lodging, he speaks to the Inn Keeper:

"I believe we need to go and fulfill our promise to our guide. If we do not return in three days, I think you should send the children to the Giggling Ghost. Hopefully, we should be back much sooner."

Any then tries and explains the plan to the children before moving towards the exit.

Arminas 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:19:04 PM
Arminas gives a hug to Lirena, and looks deeply into her eyes.

"We have brought you to safety, yet our guide is not safe. He has saved us, and we must save him. Be brave just a bit longer and stay here at the Inn until we return. Do not go outside. We will be back soon."

He pats her head and moves toward the exit.

"A days rest would be nice, but I suppose Baelfred would not survive the night outside the entrance to the Inn."

He prepares his bow and steps outside.

Bralin (Sub/Al) 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 1:08:30 PM
Bralin keeps his attention where is most needed while the others speak to those within the Inn. He eyes the surrounding unnatural animals.

"They do not approach this place." He extends his arm pointing the waraxe in the direction of the dog-like creatures. "May we destroy them from here?" he asks of any who might answer.

Harvest 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 2:27:36 PM
"Peace be with you, Master Fosco. I am Harvest Moon," the brown girl walks quietly into the Inn. The mouse brown crest of hair on her otherwise closely shaven head, bobs as she eyes the two dwarven statues.

"It says 'Catacombs', Anthos." Standing at the half-elf's side she turns her address again to the halfling. "You say that one need only touch the arm of the statue and be taken to the place that is named upon it?"

From her haversack she removes a sheet of paper, a quill pen, and some ink. She kneels upon the floor and writes.

To Mistress Dulcet of the Pitchfork Council, Town of Jarlwolf in the territory of Cinnamon Valley,

We have recovered the children and they all await their parents at the location from which this letter was delivered. The bearer of the letter should be able to lead you to the children so that they may be returned safely. If you receive this letter it means that we ourselves have been lost and may not return soon or, perhaps, ever.

At this moment, we are within a place called The Inn. It has a way within it to travel to The Catacombs store and we hope that if we are unable to return that the children may use this to return to you with this letter. At this time the children present are

Cerina
Devrin
Kiara
Hmanny
Turi
Naki
Lirena
Nelle, and
Dolo

Gerdi was, sadly, lost to one of the creatures of the land of Koshe Marr in which we find ourselves. She remains as a sprit and we do not know whether we might be able to return her spirit to her body or not.

We would wish to return the children personally, but at this time we do not know whether that would be possible or not. And so I leave this letter in hopes that it will reach you and the children will thus be conducted back to their homes.

Yours, with all sincerity,

Harvest Moon
Anthos Westar
Lorth Jeradosta
Bralin Stoneminder
Arminas Calaelen
Florin Jadenth


Harvest signs it with the names of the six who went into the well days ago. Then she rises from her writing. She looks about for Gerdi's spirit as she fans the paper in the air to dry the ink.

"Please read this, Anthos," she hands him the letter, "to ensure that I have neglected nothing. I wish to leave it with Devrin to use in the event that we should not return."

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Fosco 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 3:23:49 PM
Yes mistress Harvest. All you need to do is touch the arm of the appropriate statue and the flames in the fireplace will die down and a tunnel will be revealed.

Turning back to Any he responds: Honoring your word made to someone. That is indeed something not seen very often and gladens my heart to see people like yourself honoring the old code. Would you and your friends need the help of a halfling with many skills? My pack is here and I am ready to leave.
Oh, where is my manners. My name is Fosco Loamsdown of Deephallow. <he extends his hand in friendship to Any>

Davros 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:14:59 PM
"Count me in also.You have all risked your lives to save me and now that you head back into danger I will travel with you and give whatever aid I can."

A small rat pokes its head out from underneath Davros' cloak and seems to nod in agreement.

"Perhaps if we leave quickly,the entangling plants and webs will allow us to get away."

Arminas (2nd illegal post)  d20+9=25 d20+9=14 d8+3=11
Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:23:01 PM
Arminas looks to Bralin as he speaks. He asks whether they can be killed from a distance. The question is too simple to ask, and the answer is even more simple. Arminas nocks an arrow and lets it fly at the closest Hell Hound that is not entangled.

Perhaps he has been around the dwarf for too long, but words seem unnecessary given the question.

Action
1st Arrow Hit AC 25 Damage 11
2nd Arrow Hit AC 14

Entangle 17 rounds remaining

Florin Jadenth 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:25:17 PM
Florin looks to Baelfred and nods at the man's answer, "Alot of things have been on my mind, mainly the safty of the children so I must of forgot or missed that detail sir. However your problem will be solved soon I'm sure."

Florin waits for the others and also does not plan to leave Baelfred either.

Bralin (Sub/Al) (2nd Illegal Post) 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:32:42 PM

STOP!!!

The word comes out no more than an angry hiss. Bralin reaches for the rash elf, but the deed is done.

"Do you want them attacking the Inn?!? Can you say for certain that they won't???"

Arminas (3rd illegal post) 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:51:31 PM
"Did you not just ask if they can be killed from a distance? The answer is yes, but it will take more than one arrow. Do you have any more questions that I may answer?"

Looking at the dowr dwarf:

"Oh, I guess you asked two.

No, and no, though common sense will tell you that if they could attack the Inn they would have done so long ago."

Bralin (Sub/Al) 3rd Illegal Post) 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 7:11:51 PM
"I did not ask if they *could* be slain from a distance. I asked if we *may* do so. For one with such great ears can you not hear the difference?"

Bralin eyes the distant animals, hoping that such provocation is not the thing that brings them down upon the Inn.

DM Kathy 
Thursday August 10th, 2006 11:44:17 PM
Lorth's generous payment makes eyes bug out all over the inn. "We'll take very good care of them, sir. My Lord. Er--Your Honor," says the innkeeper.

A halfling man at a nearby table seems to have attached himself to your party. This Fosco seems to know something about the ways of Koshe-Marr. [Everybody say hi to BigTim, our new ADM!]

Any instructs the Innkeeper and the children that the children should go back to the Wold after three days' time, should the adventurers not return safely. Harvest writes a note, intending to give it to Devrin to deliver.

Cerina seems to understand the plan, although she looks unhappily at Lorth. Devrin seems reluctant to take the letter. "You'll all come back just fine, I'm sure," he says.

Turi and Naki come up to hug Harvest goodbye. "Come back safe," says Turi. "Don't make us leave here by ourselves," Naki adds.

Gerdi pops into the room then, and begins floating around, looking at things. The patrons seem startled to see her there, but apparantly they've seen odder things. They soon settle down, paying the little ghost no more attention than any of the other children.

Arminas tries to reassure Lirena, who nevertheless begins to cry when he leaves.

Outside, Davros commits to helping Baelfred find the Still. Bralin wonders aloud whether the creatures can be attacked, and Arminas takes a moment to demonstrate that they can be. Whether they should be is, of course, another question.

The pack begins to bay, and for a terrible moment, Bralin believes they are about to charge the Inn. When they begin to run, however, it is off in another direction. Apparantly, they have caught another scent and gone off in pursuit of it.

"This could be our chance," Baelfred says. He looks past Davros and Arminas, and catches sight of Devrin, who has moved into the doorway of the Inn. "Remember what I told you, lad," says Baelfred with a slight smile.

Any - sub Kelly 
Friday August 11th, 2006 12:04:56 AM
Any moves toward the door as the hounds let out a howl. He is relieved to see that they are running off. It is time now to help Baelfred with his plan. Almost ready to leave, he is stopped by Baelfreds comment to Devrin. Turning, Any say to Devrin:

"What exactly did Baelfred say to you? I saw him talk with you and Nelle on the trail, and it seemed to upset Nelle."

Looking at Baelfred, he adds:

"I'm sorry but I think we need an answer before we depart to help you."

Lorth 
Friday August 11th, 2006 8:20:12 AM
Seeing Cerina looking worried Lorth says, "Cerina I gave my word to help Baelfred and now I must. Please make sure all of you get back home safely if we don't return. However I am sure we will be just a few short days." He gives a smile and then is ready to leave.

Bralin (Sub/Al) 
Friday August 11th, 2006 11:58:50 AM
Bralin waits. With the packs gone they may now depart without a fight. But the others must make their goodbye's. That's understood too.

Harvest  d20+14=30 d20+14=16
Friday August 11th, 2006 12:26:41 PM

Harvest Moon hugs both boys.

"We will try our best to return and take you back to your parents." She rubs their backs, now, wishing not to leave. It is less the comfort and safety of the Inn and the terrible, near palpable evil of Koshe Marr outside than it is a think within her heart that draws her to the children. "Until that time, you must take care of your friends for us. And remember to learn. Never stop learning."

She tears herself away, pausing only to watch as Gerdi floats in from outside. The staff of the Inn take no alarm, and there is little time for greater precautions. She folds the letter and place it within Devrin's hands.

"If we do not return within five days, Devrin," she says, "take the others with you and touch the arm of that dwarf upon which is written the word Catacombs. You will appear in a shop. Present this letter to one of those who work in the shop and ask them to summon Mistress Dulcet of the Pitchfork Council."

Then she rushes out the door.

"Thank your aide in this, Davros Sapphiredge, Fosco Loamsdown of Deephallow." Harvest stands outside the Inn scanning the terrain. With half an ear, she listens to the exchange between Anthos and Master Baelfred.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 30
Listen 16

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil

Fosco 
Friday August 11th, 2006 1:55:48 PM
Looking jilted as his hand, offered in friendship to Any, is refused. And then when his offer to assist the group in their endeavor is ignored, he shrugs and walks to the bar whereupon he orders another mug of stout.
You kids have fun out there. Ill make sure the Inn is still here when you get back. If you get back he says into his mug.

Harvest (2nd llegal Post) 
Friday August 11th, 2006 3:13:59 PM
Harvest watches the halfling as, ignoring her thanks, he walks back into the Inn. She looks for the cause, and notes that Anthos, in the depths of his concern for the children and the secrets that Balefred has kept from the group, has neglected the halflings entreaty of friendship.

"Please do not be put out by Anthos, Fosco Loamsdown." Harvest appears at the halfling's side. "Our concern for the well-being of the children is great, and we have been trekking through Koshe Marr for several days in the constant fear that another may be take as that one has."

Harvest points at the spirit of Gerdi floating above.

"You must understand that it is not that he rejects the friendship of strangers, but that he is distracted by his concerns. He meant no offense. Will you not overlook this and join us?"

Fosco 
Friday August 11th, 2006 5:46:58 PM
I meant no disprespect, Mistress Harvest. I did not mean to seem ungrateful to your thanks. I see what you mean now in regards to having something on your mind and seeming to ignore someone or something from another. I would consider it an honor to join a group like yours. Trekking through that realm to help others, including children, and thwarting the Lady, her Enforcer and the Huntsman and their minions sounds like a wonderful idea. If it's ok with the rest of your companions, I will join you.

<Drains the mug and goes over to the table to gather his gear>

Arminas 
Friday August 11th, 2006 6:02:18 PM
Arminas watches as the hounds run off, and turns to Bralin.

"It appears I have scared them off. It should be safe now."

He swings his bow over his shoulder, and reaches into his pack to prepare for the trip.

"I have one more entangle spell, this one on a scroll."

He tucks the scroll into his belt pouch and also puts in a potion of Pass w/o Trace and CMW.

"I will take the lead again with Baelfred if you prefer. That is, after Any is satisfied with Devrin's answer."

Entangle 16 rounds remaining?

Florin Jadenth 
Friday August 11th, 2006 8:15:12 PM
Florin looks to the others and is ready to move out when the others are. He pats Ajax's neck gently and smiles as he whispers to his horse, "Hope you don't mind a rider for awhile friend and then you'll get to go rest. I promise."

Davros 
Friday August 11th, 2006 8:18:14 PM
Hi Tim!

Davros checks his pack and prepares to leave.He waits to see the result of the brewing conversation at the door. It seems to him that Baelfred is still holding back and the time for that is soon to end.

Davros moves over to where Fosco is standing.
"Fosco, perhaps you could walk with me as we travel.I am "new" here as well and I sense a certain hesitancy towards me. I suspect it is due to my magic. Many people fear what they do not understand and I have encountered this often during my travels. However I have known halflings to be more curious than cautious so perhaps we could talk as we travel. Will you tell me more about these lands? How does the Inn remain free?"

Fosco 
Friday August 11th, 2006 9:22:28 PM
Sure Davros. Id love to.

My take on the Inn is this. It teeters between this place and the rest of the Wold. And has a taint of the Gods to it. You see, Divine magic doesnt work here the same as in the real world. The god's are at a loss here, so they created this portal between the 2 planes. Kinda being a thorn in Koshe' Marrs' side as you will.
As for this place. What little I have seen of and heard about it can be summorized into this: All the horrors as a youth we were told about, like the boogie man and the sand man, well, this is where they live. It's always dark here for there is no sun and the god's of the Wold have no influence here. Except for this Inn. And I may not be a praying man, but I feel that a land without our Gods' influence is not a place I wish to call home.

Bralin 
Sunday August 13th, 2006 9:39:24 PM
The dwarf waits for the words between Baelford and Devrin to be revealed. They may or may not have bearing on this quest. Regardless, Any and Harvest pursue that path.

Arminas watches for the hounds. Another path covered.

The halfling's words reveal a third path. The halfling has knowledge of this place. T'would be an asset to the company to have another to counter or confirm their guide.
The dwarf steps over to Fosco, and extends a platemailed hand (or takes the proferred one).

"I am Bralin Stoneminder," he tells the halfling. "These children divide our minds, yet another comrade would be welcome. Most welcome one with knowledge of this land. Ye speak of 'the Lady, her Enforcer and the Huntsman '. They rule here?"

DM Kathy 
Sunday August 13th, 2006 10:34:49 PM
Any, hearing Baelfred's words to Devrin, pauses to ask the boy what was said.

"Nothing special," says Devrin with a shrug.

"I just told him to be brave, because his friends were counting on him," Baelfred says. "I--I hope that wasn't out of line. It just makes me a little nervous, the thought of leaving them like this."

Lorth says goodbye to Cerina, who is reluctant to let him go. "Come back, okay?" she says shakily.

Harvest bids goodbye to Turi and Naki, who hug her fiercely before letting her go.

Fosco the halfling seems to have joined your group. Was he invited along, or did he invite himself? No matter; he is well-equipped, and he seems to know something of this Realm.

Florin, Bralin, and Arminas check their gear and prepare to leave. Arminas has another Entangle on a scroll, although for the moment the pack seems to be elsewhere. Florin still has Ajax's service for several more hours. Bralin introduces himself to the newcomer.

Davros has a few questions for the newcomer and indeed, many of the group are interested in what Fosco may be able to tell them

Baelfred glances around. "The pack seems to be occupied elsewhere," he says. "If I can suggest, now would be an excellent time to depart."

The children crowd to the door and windows of the Inn, waving and calling goodbyes.

Arminas  d20+10=18 d20+10=21
Sunday August 13th, 2006 11:27:56 PM
Upon seeing the halfing come out of the Inn, Arminas turns toward him:

"Greetings, I am glad to have your company in this land. Usually, I like to take the lead outdoors." Then is a not too quiet whispered voice adds "Those encased in metal sound like a tinkers wagon coming down the road, very difficult to travel without notice."

"Bralin here is our brains in battle, and Any over there is our diplomat."

Arminas then prepares to move out:

"Well Any, if you are satisfied then I agree with Baelfred, we should move out quickly."

Actions
Spot 18
Listen 21

Fosco  d20+10=17 d20+12=29
Monday August 14th, 2006 12:22:57 AM
Firmly shakes Bralin's hand.
The lady Fidelia rules, the Enforcer and the Huntsman are her minions.

Turning to Arminas he responds in like: there always needs someone to distract so others can position themselves for maximum control. And I will follow your lead.

<*> Fosco carries a Lt. Crossbow, a Shortsword and wears Studded Leather armor with matching pants. He carries nothing else except for a small pouch hanging off his belt and a bedroll. You do notice his boots and cloak match. (thought you should get a picture of what he looks like, gear wise) <*>

And I have knowledge, but only from the tales I have heard from others passing through the Inn. I am not a resident of this realm.

<**> Upon leaving the Inn and introductions are done I will go into travel in a hostile environment mode. Senses on full alert. Crossbow cocked and loaded. <**>
Spot: 17
Listen: 29

Posting Report for 
Monday August 14th, 2006 3:02:46 AM
Game #9, Sword of Light
Week of August 7, 2006

Name MTWTF

Kathy xxxxx
Any xxxxx
Arminas xxx3x
Bralin xxx32
Davros xxxxx
Florin xxxxx
Fosco ---33 (didnt join game til thursday)
Harvest xxxx2
Lorth oxxxx

ADM BigTim
<*> side note: Its really no use to put illegal post after your name. Conversation supposedly isnt an action and sometimes, especially when a new player joins the group, more posts are needed. <*>

Any (23 AC, 40/40 HP)  d20+10=20 d20+10=28 d20+5=12
Monday August 14th, 2006 9:05:30 AM
Any accepts the statement from Baelfred and Devrin at face value--for now. He is still uneasy about their guide, but there has been nothing to pin his unease to. He turns to Bralin and the others,

"If we are prepared, let us not delay. The sooner we finish in this dire realm, the better as far as I'm concerned, and now seems as good a time to leave the Inn as we could wish for, with the pack distracted elsewhere."

Turning to Harvest he says in a voice only she can hear,

"I know this is hard for you my lady. Let us take hope that we will accomplish this task quickly, and join them to safety."

With these words, he settles his gear, and prepares to leave.

Harvest 
Monday August 14th, 2006 10:24:22 AM

Harvest Moon flushes pink as Anthos pays her solicitous attention. Upon the ground before the Inn, as they are about to re-enter the lands of Koshe Marr, Harvest resists the impulse to take his arm in hers and hold herself close to him.

"I wish that as well, Anthos," she says instead.

"Knowledge from tales is better than no knowledge at all, Fosco Loamsdown. Thank you for accompanying us," Harvest Moon adds to the halfling as she waves to the children and steels herself to follow the lead of Arminas Calaelen.

"I could not help but overhear, Davros Sapphiredge, that you sense in us hesitancy toward you," she says turning to the arcane practitioner. "I am sorry if we have made such an impression upon you. It is difficult to care for the welfare of the children in such a strange, and from all appearances, hostile land. I hope that what has felt of hesitancy has been but the distractions of our duty. Thank you as well, for accompanying us to fulfill our pledge to Master Baelfred."

Harvest then looks to the land about them for signs of danger, before they leave the security of the Inn.

Rolls and Actions
Spot 21
Listen 21

Day's Spells
0 Level: Light, Create Water, Detect Poison
1 Level: *Longstrider, Comprehend Languages, Bless, Protection from Evil


Florin Jadenth 
Monday August 14th, 2006 3:35:20 PM
Florin is ready to start moving and waves at the kids as the group moves out, he sitting in Ajax's saddle now as he rides along with the others.

Thinking Florin has his horse fall back so he rides more along side the halfling that just joined the group, "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier good sir. My name is Florin Jadenth, a paladin and servant of Domi. I'm glad to have you along with us and hope we get time later for a drink and such to get to know each other better." Florin smiles and would offer his hand but that will have to wait for the moment.

Lorth (Sub Joe) 
Monday August 14th, 2006 5:30:16 PM
Lorth goes over his equipment one last time and waits for the others to move out.

Davros 
Monday August 14th, 2006 6:11:23 PM
Davros speaks to Harvest(and whoever is listening):

"I meant no disrespect miss Harvest.I have traveled the lands of the Wold for many years alone-except for my dear friend Whiskerspets his rat and for a moment is lost in memory.I have encountered mistrust at the least and I will not describe the worst.I have never been a part of a group such as this before and I hope you will forgive me for saying that I would wish to remain amongst you when we return to the Wold.I have attempted to right what wrongs I could but always my welcomes have been short lived.But the teamwork I have seen!Truly this is a group which could accomplish much good in the Wold and I would be honored to be a part of it!

Harvest (2nd Illegal Post) 
Monday August 14th, 2006 7:03:02 PM
"No disrespect or other umbrage was taken, Davros Sapphiredge. You seem good of heart. It is often pleasant to travel with such people," says Harvest Moon. She again looks about at the low ridges for any possible danger. "It is also convenient that your home is Cinnamon Valley as that is where we are from as well."

"Let us make a pact. We will make a pact to return from the Still alive. All of us. Shall we do this?" Harvest Moon's tone is light. But again her eyes travel the landscape with care.

Fosco 
Monday August 14th, 2006 7:54:11 PM
Looking up at Florin, and listening. Shaking his head in agreement, he reaches out and shakes Florin's boot.

Then, turning to Harvest he responds: I second her motion. Life is preferrable to death here.

Then he resumes his active watching and listening.

Bralin 
Monday August 14th, 2006 8:53:31 PM
Bralin ignores Arminas' thinly veiled barb.

"Time," he says to all. The platemailed dwarf clanks off toward the Still.

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