DM Jan Friday August 4th, 2006 2:01:01 AM
The entire group makes it through the portal, and for a long moment, the magic holds, until finally the squirrel and the bird get to work. With a soft *whump* - the portal is gone.
Just going over the geography once more :
Blackbird Forest is on the WEST side of the river. The party is on the EAST side of the river. The river runs NORTH to SOUTH. The sign, and presumably the Tavern, is on the EAST side of the river, the tavern further north of the party's current positon.
Ground cover on the EAST side is merely rough grass and shrubbery (maybe 4ft tall shrubs at the most), and the ground rises gradually from the path.
I'll need to know who's heading up to the tavern, and who's staying behind.
I'll need to know the plans of those staying behind. Hide? Or remain in sight. Mordrid has spotted a set of stepping stones across the river, 100 yards to the south.
If someone can give me a DC 18 on either Knowledge Geography, or Knowledge Nature. I can remind the character of what he or she knows about Blackbird Forest. It IS a Woldian magical forest, and there are certain conclusions to be drawn from that alone.
Lian d20+10=30 d20+20=32 d20+22=25 Friday August 4th, 2006 8:01:35 AM
The monk turns his head slightly to speak to Aeralia who is behind him. "Lady Aeralia, should the mount spook, you'll have to have a tight grip on me." He turns back, keeping an eye on the road. A small grin creeps over his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When Falin makes his suggestion, Lian raises an eyebrow. "Distraction. I like that." He looks at Aeralia then back at Falin. "I can see how a distraction might be beneficial." "As for hand to hand training, perhaps you might want to jump in and train with them friend Falin?" "I tried to take up the bow, but was not very focused on it. It distracted me from my training."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I can go with whoever decides to move on to the tavern." Offers the hand.
(Spot 30, Listen 32, Move Silently 25)
"Is there another crossing?" (Jan, how wide is the river and the narrowest point?)
((~~Jan~~ No other crossing can be seen at this point. Just the stepping stones. River is approx 25 ft across, a consistant width and looks pretty deep.))
Ve Mundr Friday August 4th, 2006 10:31:28 AM
The cleric gives the whole area a scan when he first arrives and then moves off about 30' to the north as the others file through the portal. Modrid arrives last and the portal vanishes and then the ranger motions for him. Ve pulls off his helm and follows his instructions without complaint. As the group is divided and the reasons stated Ve nods several times his agreement. To Valdor, "I will secure everyone here, no issues or concerns there. To the group going, I would like to Status everyone who is going as well. Especially with K`nara sending some of the Talons."
Ve will casts Status to include all who are planning to go to the Inn. To all those staying back, "We obviously do not wish to break camp on what appears to be a well traveled road. If no one has extra dimensional magic, I can arrange food and perfectly comfortable lodging for us. If they do, we may want a different solution or the items can be given to someone going to the tavern for keeping for now."
Milo Friday August 4th, 2006 8:04:58 PM
"I can either go to the tavern... where I'm sure my wit and charm will be appreciated to its fullest... or I can.. stay here... and help keep everyone out of sight." Milo glances up from his own thoughts, spoken openly as they were, and smiles, "Either way is fine with me."
Corialote and Amarth Friday August 4th, 2006 11:41:04 PM
Her eyes twinkle as she regards Valor and then draps an arm around his waist. "Well if it would make you feel better and safer...you could share mine." There is a certain flash in her eyes that speaks of seriousness as well as just playful banter. "As for talk...why would I care." She looks to the others to see if anyone has a complaint with her idea and to give the chance for a little light jabbing at Valdor...at his expense of course.
Amarth shakes his head as he flies off to the side of the area that the group is at now. He lands upon a bush and figures that he will stay behind this time. After all his Mistress should be able to keep an eye upon things here through him as well.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Aeralia Saturday August 5th, 2006 12:20:33 AM
"No need for the title, Master Lian," Aeralia says lightly to Lians comment, "I'm certainly not one deserving of such a honor. Just Aeralia is certainly fine." She doesn't say anything about his warning, but does seem to scoot a little closer, and holds her hands on his waist a little tighter.
The young performer nods when asked about providing a little distraction when they practice later that evening, if they do in fact get a chance to practice. "I think I can think of something," she says with a slight smile.
~~~~~~
"I'll go if you want, too," Aeralia offers when the group is being divided. "What sort of look are we wanting?" As she speaks all the color seems to drain out of her flashy clothing, ending up as a dull brown, seemingly made of woven wool, instead of the brigh silks it was moments before. Even her face and features seem to change as the illusion overtakes her, looking more worn and travelled than she already was.
Shrugging briefly towards K'Nara, she lets the magic linger only for a few moments, her clothing regaining its bright yellow and blue, and her face its cheerfulness. "Or I'll stay and help around here, whatever you thinks best."
~~~~~~ Highlight to display spoiler: {(OOC: Activating Hat of Disguise)} Spells (0: 6/6)(1: 8/8)(2: 8/8)(3: 8/8)(4: 7/7)(5: 4/4)
Mordrid d20+26=28 d20+16=23 Saturday August 5th, 2006 12:30:22 AM
Mordrid brings back the news about the stones and says,"Let's move quickly to find cover. We can't be seen out here in the open. It's just upstream. But we need to move in orderly fashion. One group at a time. Falin get your archers into their groups. They'll cross one at a time and those that are on either side can guard the others as they cross. We shouldn't have any fight, but just in case...
Valdor, you should get the group going toward town if that is your plan."
He turns and runs at a good pace towards the crossing. He uses his 'Hide in plain sight' feat as he moves. He knows that the road is well travelled and wants to make sure they are not seen.Once to the crossover, he moves across using his balance skill to keep his footing.
(Knowledge of Nature DC28, Balance DC 23)
Valdor Saturday August 5th, 2006 12:35:56 AM
Valdor grins at Cori, knowing she's having fun at his expense and simply chuckles. She and Dahlia are the only females he's ever known that were so agressive. They both spoke their mind and deferred to noone. He imagines K'Nara is cut from that mold, but doesn't really know her that well. He chuckles and waits for the leader of the Talons to make her decision.
K'Nara Saturday August 5th, 2006 3:28:22 AM
The tall blade singer thinks very hard upon all the options, then speaks her piece:
"Well...we don't really KNOW the look to go for since we haven't an idea of what the natives around here look like." K'Nara starts off by addressing Aeralia's question. "Being Izen, I'd say that it is likely going to lean heavily towards orcish and orc-blooded peoples...but you can't be sure until we actually GET to this tavern place." She rubs her chin.
"My first instincts are to have Gunther, Milo and Aeralia come along...Gunther considers himself an orc, having been raised in an orc tribe...Milo is the best at scoping out a place before we go in--he could confirm if our group would be too conspicuous as-is...and Aeralia definitely has the talents needed to disguise herself if need be." The leader of the Talons nods as she ticks off each of her points. "I will want to come along, if only because I do NOT send my people off to the unknown unless I'm willing to take that risk, too." Then she grins impishly.
"Besides...some fabulous orc lady just might charm the pants off Gunther if I'm not around..."
Falin Saturday August 5th, 2006 5:10:41 AM
Following Mordrid's guidance Falin has the archers form into groups in order to efficiently cross.
He will help and have the archers help with whatever is needed to set up camp for this evening. Then he will continue on with his plan of attack at training for the evening. Wondering what kinds of suprises that Aeralia has planned.
He will take a long shift for the evening as well. He will sit off from the camp and watch from the dark.
OOC - Ring of sustenance makes it so I only require 2 hours of sleep a night.
Never being a very religious person now was as good a time as any to think about it. Falin will spend some time throwing up prayers to any of the gods that may be listening. He was never a devout follower of any god. You never can have too many saviours, he thinks.
Lian 6d4(1+1+4+4+1+2)=13 Saturday August 5th, 2006 11:47:12 AM
Lian ponders Aeralia's request, then says, "If I can't call you Lady Aeralia, you can't call me Master Lian. A man is only a master of himself." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The monk also only requires two hours of rest(Ring of Sustenance) a night, but being a spellcaster, he requires preparation time for his spells.
Lian will spend time with Falin talking over training. He talks about two of the archers that he thinks would make good captains. He suggests splitting the 42 into two groups of 20 with one captain per group; this will be necessary to establish a chain of command should we fall in battle. "I think if we fall, command of the archers will break. We need leaders among the flock. If you like, before the others wake, I can teach you some basic defensive blocks." He offers enthusiastically.
Then, in the morning after prayer which he will invite Falin to join, the hand of Domi picks berries for his Goodberry tattoo. (Will look for Salmon berries or Blackberries. Any edible berries will do though.)
If he finds enough berries he will cast Goodberry three times. (13 berries)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prepared Spells: *domain 0)Create Water, Guidancex2, Mending, Purify Food and Drink 1)Bless, Detect Evil, Divine Favor, Hide from Undead, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, *Enlarge Person 2) Make Whole, Restoration (Lesser), Silence x2, *Bull's Strength
Stunning Fist: Unused Wholeness of Body: Unused Brahmah's Tattoo of Goodberry: 3/3 Brahmah's Tattoo of Bull's Strength: 2/2
Ve Mundr Saturday August 5th, 2006 2:14:56 PM
Ve raises his voice slightly this time, "If everyone divests themselves of extradimensional spaces, and I suggest giving any item to those going to the tavern, I will create a santuary for all of us to stay in perfect comfort with food, furnishings, seperate rooms and completely hidden from sight."
With that he hands Valdor his Haversack and then says a small Prayer to Domi, "Grant us solitude and safety." His holy symbol in the mithril armor begins to glow, as does his eyes and left hand. Shimmering into view is a 4x8' portal and Ve gestures for the elves and the others to enter. Just beyond the portal is a beautiful 15x15 foyer with 4 men in silver and blue, a symbol of Domi embroidered in the tunic, greet everyone with a cordial bow. Through the arch to the right is a 10x60' north south hall with numerous doors on the right, left and at both far ends. These 10 plaster decorated doors open to individual 15x15' bedchambers with 3 sets of bunk beds and 2 more servants. Out the left of the foyer is a 20x40' dining chamber with a 9 course banquet laid out and another 10 servants. A door leads out to another hall and 4 more bedchambers. Each of these contains a pair of full beds and 2 more servants each.
Ve designates the entire group to be able to enter and after telling Valdor the entrance will become invisible, he is the last to step through. [Ve casts miracle to create Mages Private Sanctum.
K'Nara Saturday August 5th, 2006 9:31:03 PM
The leader of the Emerald Talons blinks amazed hazel eyes.
"Now that's impressive..!" she says.
Gunther Saturday August 5th, 2006 11:42:45 PM
Gunther grins impishly at K'nara when she mentions him being wooed away by another orc. "Not a chance Miss K'nara...I like my jaw in von piece!"
Gunther readies himself to go on the scouting expedition. His sword tucked away nicely in his glove of storing, he turns and asks Thaeri to stay near the house and not to follow him. Sighing, he lightly touches the wreath of pale blue flowers on his head and remembers to water them. Then he looks over at Aeralia. "Ummm...Miss...is dere anyvay you could use some of your magic to ummmm...hide dis? I don't tink my fellow orcs vould appreciate its beauty, and if I take it off, den I can't talk vith my kitty for another day." Gunther awaits Aeralia's response anxiously as he tries to decide what the best course of action will be.
Lian Sunday August 6th, 2006 10:12:25 AM
The monk looks at the Mages Sanctum and nods in agreement with K'Nara. "Figment would have appreciated that spell, thats for sure."
Olana Sunday August 6th, 2006 7:29:30 PM
"Well, I don't mind staying behind. As an elf amidst a group of elves, I'll stand out less anyway." She doesn't go as far as to say what reactions are likely to be between elf and orc - IF there was a great gang of orcs at this place. She reckons mutual gut reactions will be invariably hostile, but saying that in front of Gunther probably wouldn't help matters.
She tugs at Milo's shoulder. "Just be careful. Okay?"
Nick Sunday August 6th, 2006 7:39:39 PM
Nick approaches Valdor. "While I can't fault your reasoning," he says quietly to his leader, "might I suggest that you take one cleric with you? Just in case all heck breaks loose?" He's clearly uncomfortable about them going up the road without a healer present. Other private thoughts - Do I look too weak? After all, an Alemi cleric on the road isn't unusual, although perhaps not one of my rank - are bubbling away but are not at the forefront. "I don't want to push Bertram forward without his consent, but I do think one of us should accompany you."
Brother Bertram Sunday August 6th, 2006 10:13:40 PM
Bertram moves over to Gunther. "What have we gotten ourselves into Friend Gunther?"
Milo Sunday August 6th, 2006 11:25:56 PM
Milo cocks his head to one side and smiles impishly at Olana, "Hey! Its me!" Milo embraces Olana in a long, tight hug, "No worries love. Orcs aren't particularly bright anyway... except for Gunther here of course." A quick kiss, and the halfling giggles as he dons his cloak and checks his gear for readiness.
Gunther Sunday August 6th, 2006 11:37:02 PM
The warrior slaps the dwarf playfully on the back. "Hopefully noting ve can't handle. Stick vith me and ve'll do fine." Gunther beams at the thought of being among his fellow orcs after so long...though his is a little worried about potentially meeting up with some of the Grell clan. But why worry about that now? Especially when the prospect of a good old fashioned game of toss the corpse looks to become a reality in the very near future!
Valdor Monday August 7th, 2006 12:01:33 AM
Valdor replies to Nick,"I really doubt that we will encounter such, but I have no problem with you going. I just didn't want to raise too many eyebrows. I will keep my ears and armor covered, unless, of course we do end up in a fight. Let's move out and make good time."
DM Jan Monday August 7th, 2006 12:26:36 AM
((Daniel, I take it you meant Mordencain's Magnificent Mansion?))
So, at the side of the South Peasblossom River, at the western edge of Izen, and the eastern edge of Blackbird Forest, the group get's itself organised as to who should stay behind, and who should carry on toward the Tavern.
Amongst the preparations - Mordrid does a quick reconnaisance of the stepping stones - flat, wide, easily crossed. At the other side, he remembers what he's heard about the Forest ahead of him.
Blackbird Forest - lush, a mixture of deciduous and evergreen, beautiful - and dangerous. Where the trees had a habit of 'forgetting' where they were. One minute a tree was there, the next - POOF - it was gone. And if you happened to be close by - you were gone too. As to where the trees went, and for how long, that was a mystery. Sometimes they were gone for minutes, other times - for years. Some had never returned in all known memory. There were tales of trees re-appearing, completely frozen; others dead, or crushed. Some trees had become tangled with all kinds of things on their forays into the unknown, and returned with objects at the foot of, or entangled in, their branches. Boats, monsters, humanoids both alive and dead (alas, usually dead). There were tales of treasures and exotic weaponry, 'dinosaur' bones and fabulous jewels found at the sight of a tree that had disappeared and returned. It was a curious adventurer's dream and nightmare rolled into one. The potential, and the danger, lured many. Only those who possessed the secret were able to pass safely through. For the forest was the home of thousands of birds - rooks, crows, ravens, owls, finches - all wearing utterly black plumage - and the forest took care of it's own. So - if you had a black bird on your shoulder, chances are you were unlikely to be swept away. Or so it was thought... Perhaps not a place to just wander into, not without preparation. Culverwood demanded no less, after all.
Meanwhile, Ve Mundr takes the ten minutes necessary to craft his spell, and a shimmering gateway to nowhere appears a short distance away on the east side of the path. A sanctuary.
Gunther's big cat flattens her ears as the gateway appears, and she hunkers down under a shrub. All around, the coast is clear. There is no one on the path, floating up or down the river. It's time to move, for those staying, and those heading up toward the Inn.
Posting Report For Monday August 7th, 2006 4:44:33 AM
Game #1 Platinum Dragons For week of July 1,2006
Name MTWTF DM Jan 222XX Valdore XX3XXS Mordrid XXXXX Fr.Nick O2XXOS Dahlia OOXXO VEMont OXXOXS Carealota XXXXX
Adm Ceil
Posting Report For Monday August 7th, 2006 4:54:02 AM
Game #3 Emeral Talons For the week of July 31,2006
Name MTWTF DM Donna XXXXX Lean X22XXSS Farlin XXXXO Milo XOXXS Olana OXXXOS Gunther XXOXOSS Inger OOXXO Bro.Bertram OXXXOS K'Nare XXX2XS Aerilia OXXXX I don't know where to put this player Farlin OXXXOS
Adm Ceil
TALON ADM JAYB Monday August 7th, 2006 10:14:33 AM
HEY! I was going to do the Talon report this week> :)
I didnot know if anybody was taking the Posting report, But I'll let you do it! OK? ceil.
"NO! Jay"
Lian Monday August 7th, 2006 10:54:46 AM
Lian offers a hand to Aeralia to help her down. "Lady... I mean, Miss Aeralia, I suggest you stay away from the water's edge. Domi only knows what creatures lurk there." The monk says with true concern.
The monk hops off the horse and tethers him to a nearby log.
"Friend Valdor, could you use my assistance as well?" Offers the monk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prepared Spells: *domain 0)Create Water, Guidancex2, Mending, Purify Food and Drink 1)Bless, Detect Evil, Divine Favor, Hide from Undead, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, *Enlarge Person 2) Make Whole, Restoration (Lesser), Silence x2, *Bull's Strength
Stunning Fist: 13/13 Wholeness of Body: Unused Brahmah's Tattoo of Goodberry: 0/3 (13 berries) Brahmah's Tattoo of Bull's Strength: 2/2
Falin Monday August 7th, 2006 3:43:12 PM
Falin will work with the groups and in the morning he will accept the invite to pick berries with Lian.
Falin considers the proposal of Lians to change the sizes of he groups. He asks Lian, "Take a look at them and if you do not like the groupings they are in now we can switch them up. I placed them in smaller groups, each with a captain so that they could manuever better.
Ingrge/ Dahlia Monday August 7th, 2006 8:56:23 PM
Ingrge hears what K'nara has to say and suggests that because of his all white apparel that he should probably stay behind, but that if she wanted him to come he would.
Dahlia settles her pony into rest mode, unitl they leave and checks over her supplies and weapons.
Olana Monday August 7th, 2006 8:57:49 PM
"Milo, are you going to take the horse? Might as well. That way there's more room for the rest of us in this place."
She'll explore Ve Mundr's sanctuary, looking to see if she can see outside from within.
Nick Monday August 7th, 2006 9:00:17 PM
"If Bertram consents to go with you," Nick says to Valdor, "then I have no problem with staying. I know you can look after yourselves, and Ve and myself are here to help protect the elves if anything happens."
Assuming Bertram is going, he'll enter the sanctuary, disappearing within.
Brother Bertram Monday August 7th, 2006 9:49:30 PM
Bertram prepares for going along, making sure his equipment is ready.
(OOC I rather got the impression that Bert wasnt with you at this point Nick as you went off speaking quietly, i assumed alone.)
Valdor Monday August 7th, 2006 11:00:03 PM
Valdor looks surprised at Lian's offer, but thanks Lian and lets the monk assist him. He chuckles and says,"Us old folk need all the help we can get."
Seeing they have a group, he says,"Let's do this people. And Nick, we'll keep in touch regularly." He taps his earpiece, checks to make sure everyone is ready, pulls his cloak over his head and heads off down the road.
Mordrid Monday August 7th, 2006 11:03:10 PM
The ranger tells Valdor,"Hurry back. This is a scouting mission...no fighting! Do not give our enemies any advance warning of our intentions."
He grimaces at the thought of the group split, but knows the archers still need much practice and they need information.
Milo Monday August 7th, 2006 11:58:55 PM
Milo brightens momentarily, "Oh... good idea," and then gets the horse ready to go quickly. The halfling mounts up and follows Valdor down the road. Catching up with the large man, "This is an incredible honor sir." Milo nods his hooded head toward the warrior.
K'Nara Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:50:37 AM
"I'd love for the entire group to come, Ingrge," K'Nara admits readily, "However, we are in the thick of orc country...or, at least, orc-influenced country. Many times the mere sight of an elf sets off the animosity. Stay...help train the archers...and give Caeryn my best if you get in touch with her."
The human blade singer takes up the reins of Poki, feeling that it's likely best to have a four-footed option should the scouting mission need to beat a hasty retreat back here.
"Coming...?" she asks of Gunther, leaning down a bit from the top of the horse and holding out a hand, clearly inviting him to mount the horse behind her.
DM Jan Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:58:20 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - MID/LATE MORNING
The Tavern Party -
(Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther, Cori) (Who's on horseback? Who's on foot?)
The group hasn't gone far when they round a slight bend in the river. Ahead is a building - two storey, pretty big, built like a giant log cabin. There looks to be a sign outside the building but it's too far to read right now, except for the word 'Tears'. There look to be stables, and in the foreground, a corral. There's a man in the corral. He has a horse on the end of a long rein, and he's having it walk in a large circle around him. Furthermore, the sound of multiple hoofbeats can be heard, coming from the north east, as though someone is approaching that building from that direction.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Lian (Jay, that correct?), Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Inside the extra-planer sanctuary, Ne'thrin, Feld'he, and the two females Er'eth and Al'thra, are gathered around Falin and Lian (if he stays behind). They've heard Falin explain about training drills, distractions, etc etc, and want to know if they can go outside in order to do this. Olana finds that if she wants to observe the outside, then she'll have to actually go outside. Partially opaque 'unseen' servants drift through the sanctuary/mansion. They'll tend to any need. This place is VERY comfortable.
(Does anyone remain outside? And if so, where. Be specific, folks.)
Gunther's cat remains outside, hidden by a shrub. Cori's raven, perched nearby hears the calls of his bretheren across the river in the forest. Somewhere in the trees, there is a crashing sound.
Corialote and Amarth d20+4=5 d20+14=22 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 2:03:11 AM
Cori slips back onto her horse and looks around the area, trying to commit every detail to memory. She does not pull up her hood but does make sure her goggles are fitted tightly over her eyes.
As she rides down the road with the rest that are coming she sends back a mental note to Amarth to keep a tabs on things. She will return as soon as possible and he can find her if needed. She makes no move to disguise herself at this time as her heritage could help out. Riding up to come alongside Valdor, she allows her eyes to search the road ahead. "Will we be needing any disguise?" She will do what she can with what she has if needed. She could not hear anything though as her mind races with all sorts of ideas...some of it coming back to the journal which she needs to get back to reading.
[listen 5 and spot 22]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Falin Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:19:28 AM
Not wanting to waste a night and not train Falin says, "I would prefer to train outside this evening. I think we should stick to the east side of the river and within a quarter mile of the shelter, just in case."
Leaning in towards the four captain Falin tells them, "I am not concerned anymore with their accuracy. Accuracy can be improved during a battle. It is the will to stand and fight in the face of danger that I am worried about. Most of the elves are young and inexperienced." His eyes seem to cloud for a second, "They have never had to watch their family and friends slaughtered before." He is silent for a second and then snaps out of it.
"I would like to work on making sure they can keep their wits baout them in a stressful situation. Hopefully we will have some help from Lady Aeralia. Later this evening."
"To begin with I think we should take several hours of watches tonite to make sure they can be quiet and patient for long periods of time. And you never know, we may get some training out of it afterall." He stops for a second, "But I still want everyone within a quarter-mile of the entrance. I want you each to take your group east of the river and then split up so that each group is just within sight of one another. I will be out with you moving from group to group."
"Lian," Fain will turn to his friend, "Is there anyhting you would like to do?" Leaning in Falin says, "Perhaps sneak up on the groups and suprise them or take items from them to see if they notice?" Falin smiles a bit.
OOC: What do the four captain look like?
Lian (AC 37, hps 88) d20+8=20 d20+20=32 d20+22=38 d20+10=29 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:21:26 AM
(On foot, with Valdor)
He leaves Poki with Aeralia.
"Falin, I didn't realize you had already done that." He smirks. "No, there isn't any ONE thing I can think of doing. However, I think illusions or suddenly being cast into silence might be distraction. I can cast Silence in the middle of orders being given to see if they can decipher lip reading." He looks at Falin with a wink.
The monk smiles at Valdor, glad to be of service and ammused at being considered 'Not an ol' folk.' "Friend Valdor, I'm nearly 157 years young. Now, if your referring to the lack of 'adventuring experience' I have, you are correct." He laughs. "I hope we get a chance to talk more of our experiences..." A serious, focused look crosses his angular features. "...but we have a job right now."
"Maybe we should check out the out-buildings first." Suggests the monk. (Move Silently 38, Listen 32, Spot 29, Hide 20)
``````````````````````````````````````````````` Prepared Spells: *domain 0)Create Water, Guidancex2, Mending, Purify Food and Drink 1)Bless, Detect Evil, Divine Favor, Hide from Undead, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, *Enlarge Person 2) Make Whole, Restoration (Lesser), Silence x2, *Bull's Strength
Stunning Fist: 13/13 Wholeness of Body: Unused Brahmah's Tattoo of Goodberry: 0/3 (13 berries) Brahmah's Tattoo of Bull's Strength: 2/2
Valdor Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:42:57 AM
Valdor laughs aloud and replies,"Ah yes, it is always difficult to tell the age of an elf. But it's only an expression. I am in my prime and feel old not at all. And, as to the job at hand...you'll find out soon enough that there always seems to be such job when you become Consortium members. Unfortunately, it's not always a glamorous position, but ultimately one of responsibility. I miss the adventuring and searching and fighting evil. So much of what we do now focuses on a bigger scale than ourselves that there is little time for the good old dungeon crawl that I used to love so much. We haven't found a good treasure hoard in too many years."
There's a gleam in his eyes that wasn't there earlier. He seems excited, until he hears the hoofbeats. He continues to walk beside his mount and says,"If anyone has better vision than myself, now would be a good time to use it. If they approach the stables, let's let them arrive first and see what we face."
Lian Tuesday August 8th, 2006 1:08:34 PM
Lian smiles and looks in the direction of the hoofbeats to see what can be seen.
"Just for future reference Friend Valdor, Ingrge is nearly twice my age (*he winks*), Olana is a bit younger than me and Falin is about a centuary old or so. I hope this helps you gauge elven age a little better."
"As for dungeon crawls... I hope I'm well shot of them for the time being! That lich and its beasties made sure of that!"
Ve Mundr Tuesday August 8th, 2006 5:21:16 PM
Ve reminds any who plan to go outside that the entrance will be invisible "So pay attention to where you come out"
Ve will sit and enjoy a long relaxing meal
Milo Tuesday August 8th, 2006 6:54:35 PM
Milo remains perched atop the horse, but seems ready to slide off the mount at a moment's notice.
Brother Bertram Tuesday August 8th, 2006 7:18:44 PM
Bertram moves along with the others, his hand resting easy on his large axe. He smiles at Dahlia. "You will have to tell me of some of your adventures sometime, Friend Dahlia. I know most of you only through rumor, half-truths, and legend."
Ingrge / Dahlia Tuesday August 8th, 2006 9:43:17 PM
Staying back with Falin with the archers, Ingrge consults with him. If you want a truer test of how they will react I can provide on if you like though I will not be able to be present with my bow. I can supply a decent sixed illusionary force that will in all senses seem real and can do actual damage. I can even make it nonlethal damage. just let me know if you want me to arrange this. I would need a few hours led time though.
*******
Dahlia over at the dwarf beside her and grins. And what kind of adventures would you like to hear about? There are sooo many kinds. Did you know I once was the leader of a Gypsey troupe for several years? But then most of my adventures have been pretty ordinary, you however have been to Fidelia's realm. I have only hear harrowing folk tales about that place. None of us has been there.
Gunther d20+3=22 d20+12=18 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:38:54 PM
Gunther beams up at K'nara. "I vouldn't dream of passing up such an honor!" Grabbing K'nara's hand lightly, Gunther jumps up and lands lightly in the saddle behind K'nara (Jump=18)
The orc listens to Lian's elven banter with extreme disinterest. Always the oldest or the smartest or the most talented... It's a good thing he's already learned to like these guys.
As he hears the approach of the horses, Gunther spins in his saddle, looking around behind K'nara (Spot-22). He stands ready to face any challengers if need be.
Valdor Tuesday August 8th, 2006 10:54:09 PM
Valdor leans over to Bertram and says,"It's all true, I assure you. She's as good, mean, and stubborn as the stories go."
He's obviously trying hard to keep a straight face. He winks at Cori and nods at her as if to say,'And you, too'.
Corialote and Amarth d20+4=12 d20+14=16 Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:12:13 PM
Cori smiles at Valdor from the back of her horse. "You are a flatterer." She gives him one of those smiles that speaks of many things and then goes back to the things at hand.
Horses approaching and what to do. With a shrug she will let Valdor take the lead as usual. She knows that she can be there to pull the fat out of the fire...not that Valdor has much fat to pull out. Another smile plays across her face as she takes in the profile of Valdor.
Amarth back at camp cannot believe his luck, brothers and sisters in the forest. Maybe he can talk a little with the local folks. He sends out a few querying calls to his kind out in the woods to see if they are interested in gossip.
[listen 12 and spot 16]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
K'Nara Tuesday August 8th, 2006 11:38:04 PM
K'Nara nudges Poki up to where Cori happens to be.
"If you would, m'lady," she asks of the spellcaster, "Gunther, here, could use a way to disguise the wreath on his head--he needs it to communicate to Thaeri, the black panther...but it looks a bit...if you'll pardon the expression...fey, and not at all in keeping with what those of orcish blood would respect. Could you help with that, then, please..?"
The tall blade singer relies on Gunther to keep an eye open for the approaching riders.
Olana Wednesday August 9th, 2006 12:31:37 AM
Olana attempts to bring the horses (any that the others didn't take) carefully into the Sanctuary. After all, it would look pretty funny with a lot of horses standing outside on their own. Could get stolen.... not that there seemed to be anyone around.
Nick Wednesday August 9th, 2006 12:34:24 AM
Nick talks quietly to Ve, as the others discuss training strategies. "If they meet trouble up at this tavern, I suppose we'd better be ready to move? Not that I've any kind of plan or anything."
DM Jan Wednesday August 9th, 2006 12:47:23 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - MID/LATE MORNING
An inspection from a distance of the outbuildings suggests stables and storehouses. The man training the horse waves at the party, then reins in the beast as six riders appear over the crest of a low hill. The riders' speed ensures that they arrive at the main building well before the group. Cori, Lian and Gunther see orcs. All six are lightly armoured, on large, black, long-legged steeds. There's an assortment of crossbows and longswords. They all dismount, look the group's way for a moment,
then lead their mounts inside.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of
Gunther and Cori)
As the party settles into the sanctuary, and plans are made for later in the day for training - Outside, far to the south, three figures appear. All of them are dressed in dark red robes, and appear to be walking north along the path, perhaps toward the tavern. They'll be walking past the sanctuary in a few minutes time. Amarth's call out to the forest is answered by a cacophony of cawing. It's quite a din, and it's the usual territorial stuff, and a hello.
((Jamie - elf leaders descriptions coming up))
Lian Wednesday August 9th, 2006 11:12:53 AM
Lian waits for some form of orders to come from either Valdor or Knara.
Aeralia Wednesday August 9th, 2006 12:20:32 PM
Aeralia thinks hard when Gunther makes his request. "Hmm, well, I can hide it, but it won't last very long...Perhaps when we get closer to our destination?"
She reactiviates her enchantment and the color drains from her clothing again, giving her the look of a worn traveler, instead of a bright and cheerful performer.
~~~~~~
When approaching the Tavern, she remains silent, waiting to see what the leaders want done.
Valdor Wednesday August 9th, 2006 2:09:00 PM
As they approach at a normal pace, Valdor asks Cori,"Was there a banner in sight? And did those horses they were riding resemble the one in the vision?"
He says where the group can hear but not overtly loudly,"We will simply approach and ask for our hrses to be rested for the night, and re-shoed, if he deems it necessary. Gunther, you do the talking. We are just a group of adventurers who haven't seen this part of the country and wanted to view it in person."
Mordrid Wednesday August 9th, 2006 2:13:28 PM
Mordrid simply watches the archers and gives pointers occasionally. He paces all over, not enjoying the waiting in the least.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday August 9th, 2006 4:52:44 PM
Cori looks to the lady K'Nara and thinks for a few minutes. "Most of my magics would not help in disguise of that sorts but I do have some material that he maybe able to use as a bandana...it should not kill the wreath and would hide it without the evidence of magic." It is only a suggestion and the only one that she can give at this time. The material is black with silver trim and should not draw too much attention...but still be manly. "In fact I could add little skulls to it with a little magic though it will not last too long but should be long enough." She knows that she could also change the color or other things about it to fit. Looking to the riders she shakes her head. "Orcs...lightly armored but outfitted pretty decent...not the greatest." Then again compared to many of the group she rides with they are underarmed really.
Amarth settles down as he hears the cries and laughs to himself. It has been long since he left that scene behind...though he would not mind finding a mate or two or three.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Ve Mundr Wednesday August 9th, 2006 5:51:51 PM
Ve takes drink and has a bite of a cucumber, "Trouble at the Tavern? Well I suppose, but I don't think anything life threatenting will occur. We just got here."
Ve takes anouther sip, "I have the Status on them so I'll be the first to know, and then there is these earrings." Ve pauses in thought, "You worry a bit much friend, we shouldn't be battling for our lives for at least another day." he finally adds with a grin.
Brother Bertram Wednesday August 9th, 2006 6:53:29 PM
Bertram shrugs, "And why in Domi's name would you want to be? I was glad to be rid of that place, but at the same time, that is a piece of unfinished business there."
Brother Bertram Wednesday August 9th, 2006 6:55:54 PM
Bertram glances at the Orcs cooly for a moment then turns back Dahlia.
Dahlia / Ingrge Wednesday August 9th, 2006 9:43:45 PM
Dahlia rolls her eyes and sticks out her tongue at Valdor but says nothing in response.
"There is always unfinished business hanging over our heads. There is a certain halfling I would like to see dead as well as a certain current resident of Lord Sturveant's Palace."
As they see the Orcs and they head into the Tavern, she turns back to her leader.
"Valdor, you want I should do a bit of unseen inspecting of the Inn before the rest of us go in?"
*******
Ingrge waits upon Falins response to his suggestion.
K'Nara Wednesday August 9th, 2006 10:29:23 PM
"Well, those were obviously orcs," K'Nara points out, dismounting, "So we definitely need to make sure that Lian doesn't draw any negative attention..." Here she grins and winks at the elf, "...because we all know how you monks just LOVE to go picking fights, now. We'll also need to definitely use that scarf, Cori, thank you." The tall chestnut-maned woman takes the scarf from the spellcaster and helps tie it in place, covering the dainty blue-flowered wreath that Gunther wears.
"Keep your eyes and ears peeled, everyone," K'Nara advises, "Gunther's the go-to guy for this one. Follow his lead." With this, the leader of the Emerald Talons sweeps an arm out towards the tavern. "After you, then, Gunther..?"
Nick Wednesday August 9th, 2006 10:32:05 PM
Nick lets out a sigh. "Ve, I'm sure you're right. And yes, it's not like we're out of range of communication."
Nick tries to chill.
Falin Wednesday August 9th, 2006 10:38:31 PM
Appologizing to Ingrge Falin says, "I am sorry I forgotto say sometehing earlier. Yes, I think that would be a great idea. Plus, the nonlethal damage may suprise them a bit."
We will wait until a little later in the day to do some training. As Falin see the approaching figures he has the elves all gather inside the sanctuary. He looks at his captains and says, "Go ahead and have them break ranks inside and relax for a bit. I don't want anyone getting burned out. We will start our training later today. We will see how things unfold to get an accurate time."
Looking to the South he turns to the other adventurers still out there with him, "Should a few of us stay out here or should we all go inside?"
Milo d20+25=37 d20+23=43 d20+16=33 Wednesday August 9th, 2006 10:47:01 PM
"Valdor, I think I'll have a look before we approach to closely. Give me the count of ten, and then follow, I should be back to you by then." With that the halfling drops off the side of his large mount, and immediately finds cover, sneaking toward the buildings to get a better look at what is inside, without being seen himself. (OOC: Hide DC 37, Move Silently DC 43, Spot DC 33)
Valdor Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:12:17 AM
Valdor shakes his head 'no' to Dahlia, then nods to Milo. He wants to see what he can do. He is fully aware of Dahlia's abilities. He coughs a bit, trying to muffle it. Apparently he has a cold or something similar.
Olana Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:36:18 AM
Having got the horses tethered inside, Olana looks to her weaopons and maybe does a little sharpening.
Gunther Thursday August 10th, 2006 12:54:34 AM
The warrior thanks Cori for her smart solution to his problem and then smiles as K'nara covers his wreath. He's just about to stroll over to the orcs when Milo decides to scout. Nodding, he waits patiently for him to do his thing and then starts walking over toward the orcs like he owns the place. Looking determined, he calls out in orchish. "Greetings blood brothers. Anybody know where an orc can get some grubs and rest his bum for a while?" Though his demeanor is mostly pleasant, Gunther's body language reflects an aura of command, knowing that his people do not usually take well to displays of weakness.
DM Jan Thursday August 10th, 2006 1:05:52 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LATE MORNING
As Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther (with Gunther in the lead), Cori and Lian approach the tavern, the man training the horse watches them curiously as they ride/walk past. "Morning!" he calls out.
Milo discovers the following on his reconnaisance, finding shrubbery and a few stacks of barrels for cover - The tavern looks more like a large inn, the sign says 'Tears of the Wood', there's a main gate (open), some kind of yard beyond, where there are stables, and a set of wooden steps leading up to the tavern, which appears to be upstairs, with storerooms down below. The stables look extensive, although a lot of the stalls look empty. A young male human is in the process of leading the orcs horses away, while the orcs themselves climb the stairway, heading inside. He can hear a little of their gutteral chatter as they ascend, but nothing recognisible. The orcs' horses look to be heavily built, like warhorses, although their legs are longer, narrower, like those of a hunter, built for speed. On one of the horses panniers, is a small design - a mountain and a lightning bolt.
As Gunther calls out as the others approach, one of the orcs remains on the top step, and turns toward the human who can by all accounts, speak his language very well. He cocks his head and gives Gunther a half snarl. Sharp, not exactly friendly eyes narrow, then appear to come to a decision. The orc gestures with a nod of the head toward the tavern door. That seems to be as good as Gunther is going to get right now.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Falin has the elves safely inside the sanctuary by the time the three figures on the path have likely to have noticed. (I have Mordrid, Falin and Ingrge outside?) As they get closer, it becomes obvious that the figures are three Aisildurian clerics. They're now about 100 feet away.
Ve Mundr Thursday August 10th, 2006 9:33:53 AM
"Of Course I am Nicholas, have some vegetables and cider."
The elves re-enter and Ve sends one of the servants to show them to the dining area. Not much to do at the moment but sit back relax and do some reading. Ve reclines into the overstuffed, high backed chair and opens his travel prayer book. A motion to one of the servants and a quill and ink are quickly brought over. With a slightly audible sigh to push any tension from him, he settles in and tunes out his surroundings.
Lian (AC 37, hps 88) Thursday August 10th, 2006 9:56:42 AM
Lian takes the scarf and wraps it around his forehead and ears, disguising his most dominant elven features. He will not, however, chose to use its magical traits due to his other more useful headband. :) The black and silver is out of place on a man covered head to toe in dark smokey grey.
Recognizing the heraldric mark from the vision, Lian notes anything that might be considered 'odd' to the area. He fingers a scroll of detect good in his pocket. Thinking twice, he abandons that idea and prepares to cast, if necessary. He begins fingering through a pouch of coppers, after placing his holy symbols down his tunic out of sight. I won't instigate this time, K'Nara. Thinks the elf.
``````````````````````````````````````````````` NOTE: Having left Merlot behind because he was too old, Lian would have transferred his saddlebags to Poki. Or at least its contents to his pockets.
Prepared Spells: *domain 0)Create Water, Guidancex2, Mending, Purify Food and Drink 1)Bless, Detect Evil, Divine Favor, Hide from Undead, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, *Enlarge Person 2) Make Whole, Restoration (Lesser), Silence x2, *Bull's Strength
Stunning Fist: 13/13 Wholeness of Body: Unused Brahmah's Tattoo of Goodberry: 0/3 (13 berries) Brahmah's Tattoo of Bull's Strength: 2/2
Falin Thursday August 10th, 2006 10:10:02 AM
"Well, they are close enough to have seen us." Falin ponders out loud. "I say we just stand here. If they stop and ask we are just resting for a moment by the river."
He flicks his head towards the three priests. "We are heading in that direction."
Corialote and Amarth d20+13=14 d20+3=18 Thursday August 10th, 2006 10:35:21 AM
Cori parts with the company for a few as she makes her way over to the man dealing with the horses. She slips out of the saddle and stretches as she watches him work. She comes up to the fence and shakes her head in admiration. "Nice horses you have there." She tries to look like a normal female impressed with the equines. She does not try to hide her heritage as that would be too late anyways and part of this is no act...they are fine horses. "Do you sell them or do these belong to someone already?" Looking back at the horse she is riding it pales in comparison. She knows that she just started a process of possible haggling over prices and the man...if he can sell them will most likely catch that.
Amarth finds his attention turned to the three men walking up the road. He stays on the bush and for all appearances is a normal crow out of the forest for some reason. Something that he hopes is not too strange.
[appraise 14 on horses[hahaha], diplomacy 18]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Ingrge Thursday August 10th, 2006 6:02:47 PM
"That way. Right." Didn't Father Nicholas tell us something about being pursued by G'aalian priests?
Milo d20+25=43 d20+23=40 Thursday August 10th, 2006 11:02:04 PM
Milo quickly returns to Valdor's side, "Um... I don't know if you if you'd recognize a small device, a mountain and a lightning bolt... on one of the orc's horses. Otherwise, it looks peaceful enough so far." Then much quieter, "I'm gonna have a look at the storehouse downstairs," Milo quickly removes his slippers of spider climb from his haversack, changing out his boots of speed for the lighter footwear and attempts to move unseen to check out the storeroom below the main tavern, looking for a window or other such entrance. He also looks for a window entrance to the tavern above as well. (OOC: Hide DC 43, Move Silently DC 40)
Brother Bertram Thursday August 10th, 2006 11:07:24 PM
Bertram readies a few spells in his mind, just in case things go badly with the encounter.
Gunther Thursday August 10th, 2006 11:13:42 PM
Gunther looks over at K'nara. "Vell, you vanna go in? Maybe ve'll get lucky and de'll have fried green ochres." The big cat trainer licks his lips in eager anticipation.
K'Nara Friday August 11th, 2006 12:04:21 AM
The chestnut-maned woman warrior nudges Gunther along.
"Let's get going--we have to let Milo do his brand of recon." she says with mock annoyance, but is smiling at Gunther's anticipation of his own version of "home cookin'..."
Valdor Friday August 11th, 2006 12:06:01 AM
Valdor listens to Milo and nods. It's one of the things he wanted to know. There are obviously a large number of orcs under that banner. How could an army of orcs, or even a tribe, be an ally? Not likely.
He says,"Let's let Cori discuss a few things with the trainer, then we can head inside.
(Jan, Gunther is half orc, I believe, not human.)
Mordrid Friday August 11th, 2006 12:17:47 AM
Mordrid nocks an arrow and waits for the clerics to get closer. If they make any attempt on Father Nick, or even begin to cast a spell, his arrow will fly and the elves who have been working so hard will see an arrow fly as straight as any they have seen...or more like five arrows.
Nellie---aka Gunther Friday August 11th, 2006 12:53:16 AM
Actually, Gunther is a human, but he considers himself an orc. His human parents were killed and he was "adopted" by a band of orcs. It's a long story, and I won't bore you with it. ;) Sorry for the confusion.
Nick Friday August 11th, 2006 1:16:29 AM
Unaware of any Aisildurians on the horizon, Nick settles down and tries to relax a bit. Yes, everything probably was all right, and the group that had gone up to the tavern were more than capable of looking after themselves. The warriors, the mages, an incendiary mix... Oh my, what if - no, everything was going to be fine. Perhaps a nice glass of cider was just the thing.
Olana Friday August 11th, 2006 1:24:02 AM
Also inside the 'mansion', Olana watches the other elves swarm about the place and frowns. What was going to happen with this little lot when the dung hit the fan? Well, it wasn't like they were just being left to sink or swim, and hopefully Falin and Lian could knock them into shape.
She starts to pace, annoyed at the inactivity, and hoping Milo wasn't neck deep in trouble.
DM Jan Friday August 11th, 2006 2:23:35 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LATE MORNING/LUNCH
The Tavern Party -
(Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther, Cori, Lian
Over at the corral, the man training the young colt reins in the beast and walks it over to Cori. "I can see you have a good eye!" he says with a grin, "Alas, I don't have any for sale right now. Maybe this one in a week or two, but I don't want to let him go just yet. He's not properly broken in. Now - if you'd have been here a few days ago, you'd have beaten the caravan merchant to it. Just about cleaned me out, he did. Took thirty of my finest and headed south east not two days ago."
Over at the tavern entrance, the young lad leading the orcs' horses away yells - "I'll be right with you! It's 5 silver overnight for stabling, but they'll be well taken care of!" The steps leading up to the Tavern proper are expertly crafted, and toward the top - an awning flaps gently in the breeze, no doubt to protect patrons if the weather turns nasty. The courtyard looks clean and well swept. The 6 orcs have disappeared inside.
There's a row of windows on the ground floor, and a partially open door. Through the windows, Milo can see stacks of hay, bags of grain, and barrels of apples. There looks to be a garden around the back, too.
The whole place smells of an adventurer's life on the open road - the tavern, the forest, the river; a far cry from dragons and city politics. There is a row of upper windows. In fact - what look like the faces of two curious elves, maybe tavern patrons, are looking out.
(Any disguises need to be figured out now before venturing further.)
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
With Ve, Nick, Olana and the elves hidden away, Gunther's cat hiding under a shrub, and Cori's bird perched there looking like - a bird, only Falin, Ingrge and Mordrid are obviously visible to the three Aisildurians.
All three clerics are human men, maybe in their late twenties, and they stop as they get close, maybe because of Mordrid's body language, maybe not. "Greeting travelers," says one of the men. All three appear to be exhuding a pleasant manner. The only jarring note perhaps is that each man appears to have been the victim in some kind of horrible bloody accident. Through a gap in their robes, their chests look raw, the insides exposed, or so it would seem to anyone not familiar with heartseeding. "We're on our way north, to the Tears of the Wood. Are you heading the same way? Would you mind the company of three clerics of Ga'al? Or are you heading into yon forest over there? Forest adventurers seem few and far between these days. Almost everyone we meet on the road seems to be on their way to join the Iron Fist." With that last comment, he appears to be fishing for info. It doesn't come out as natural as the rest of his speech. Falin finds himself having a strange reaction to the sight of those heartseeds. So raw, so bloody... he should be revolted. And yet...
Falin Friday August 11th, 2006 7:28:51 AM "Aaye, quel andune." Says Falin, "Or in your language 'Hail Good afternoon.'
Falin approaches and extends a hand towards them to shake. "I appologize, we are not heading that way, companions on the road can always be a benefit. For both protection and conversation."
If it is apparent to the priests that he is looking he will appologize. He has only heard stories of priests of Ga'al before. He has never seen one.
Ingrge Friday August 11th, 2006 7:50:37 AM
Ingrge steps up behind Falin knowing what a triad is capable of. So what brings a Ga'alian triad so far from home. Have you walked the entire way?
Lian (AC 37, hps 88) Friday August 11th, 2006 8:17:02 AM
None of this smelled right. A wayfarers tavern, this far out on a merchant route... it is by a river with ferry. But where was the ferry?
The monk starts feeling as if he ate something squiggly. His stomach was churning. Was it nerves?
"Perhaps we should stay here the night." He says in a low voice that only Knara can hear.
This place was just too good to be true, and it probably was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTE: Having left Merlot behind because he was too old, Lian would have transferred his saddlebags to Poki. Or at least its contents to his pockets.
Prepared Spells: *domain 0)Create Water, Guidancex2, Mending, Purify Food and Drink 1)Bless, Detect Evil, Divine Favor, Hide from Undead, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, *Enlarge Person 2) Make Whole, Restoration (Lesser), Silence x2, *Bull's Strength
Stunning Fist: 13/13 Wholeness of Body: Unused Brahmah's Tattoo of Goodberry: 0/3 (13 berries) Brahmah's Tattoo of Bull's Strength: 2/2
Mordrid d20+18=29 Friday August 11th, 2006 11:26:52 AM
Mordrid relaxes his bow. He'd love to put an arrow through the man's eye, but he wasn't going to start a fight. He gestures towards his mouth, as though he can't speak, then turns around and walks towards the brush. He simply moves into the brush and disappears. He watches from about fifty feet away and keeps his bow ready.
(Using Hide and Hide in Plain Sight Feat)
Valdor Friday August 11th, 2006 11:33:22 AM
Valdor keeps his hood pulled low over his head. He has moved his swords to his hips and has them covered as well. He looks like a big man with a cloak tightly wrapped around his body. He turns his head and coughs again, not loudly, but as though his throat is a bit sore. He makes sure his eyes can't easily be seen under his hood.
Corialote and Amarth Friday August 11th, 2006 12:57:57 PM
Still being genial and polite and with the water broken she leans on the fence. She so wants to reach out and stroke the horse's neck. "Is he broken good enough to feel?" Her eyes sparkle as she takes in the sight of the horse closer up. She does shake her head as she wonders what the price would be for such a horse, though she does file away the information about the merchant. "What would be the price for this one after he is ready?" She takes on a slightly hurt look as she lets the other news sink in. "Think it would be possible to catch the merchant and negotiate a purchase or did he already have a buyer?"
Either way she slips a gold piece into the young man's hand with a smile. "Try to remember that you have a buyer in the next couple of weeks." Leading her horse she will move back towards the others and then to Valdor's side. "Had to see a man about a horse." Her eyes are flashing as she speaks and there is that hint of mischief there again.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
K'Nara Friday August 11th, 2006 7:21:57 PM
K'Nara eyes the scarf that Lian has used on his own head.
"We'll stay for as long as we need to, obviously." the female human agreed. "We really do need to play it by ear, though--there seems to be a fairly regular traffic of orcs, and we don't want to mix it up with them until after we get what information we can about that leader-type from Cori's vision."
K'Nara doesn't adjust her own clothing at all--she looks like a person who's been traveling about for the last three weeks...which she has. She figures her blend of greens, browns and blacks isn't going to stand out too terribly from whatever may be in the tavern proper.
She checks on Gunther's scarf one last time before nodding Valdor's way and stepping into the tavern itself.
Ve Mundr Friday August 11th, 2006 9:28:38 PM
Ve further tunes out the distractions about him. Nicholas would eventually ease up and the rest were simply going to have to deal with some patience for now. He had the Status spell and the communication earring and the group that had gone to the tavern and those still outside were not commoners or without considerable skill at thier disposal.
Ve delves further into his book, jotting down thoughts and ideas and turning further to examine the after effects of the pit and the much louder voice of power in his mind. It had always been there, his assuredness, confidence his self worth of skill, but now it had recenty been amplified and taken a darker almost malevolant tone of its own. Every psyche had it and every hero of the Wold had to confront and keep it in check. Having also so recently witnessed how it could consume someone anyone, Ve Mundr set his not so insignificant Will and self discipline to the taskof putting this new surge of darkness back where it belonged.
Talon Posting report ADM Jay B Saturday August 12th, 2006 10:22:19 AM
Forgive me if this is a bit hurried or incorrect, it's been awhile since my last report. :)
Donna has been a bit under the weather, this is likely the reason she hasn't maintained her standards in posting.
I also believe Aeralia's player is on sabbatical.
Name MTWTF Lian x2xxx Falin xx2xx Milo xxxxo Olana xxxox Gunther oxxxx Ingrge xxxxx Bro.Bertram xx2xx K'Nara o2oxx Aeralia ooxoo
Lian (AC 37, hps 88) Saturday August 12th, 2006 10:24:33 AM
The monk remains close to Knara, ready for anything. He continues to finger item in his pockets nervously.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTE: Having left Merlot behind because he was too old, Lian would have transferred his saddlebags to Poki. Or at least its contents to his pockets.
Prepared Spells: *domain 0)Create Water, Guidancex2, Mending, Purify Food and Drink 1)Bless, Detect Evil, Divine Favor, Hide from Undead, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, *Enlarge Person 2) Make Whole, Restoration (Lesser), Silence x2, *Bull's Strength
Stunning Fist: 13/13 Wholeness of Body: Unused Brahmah's Tattoo of Goodberry: 0/3 (13 berries) Brahmah's Tattoo of Bull's Strength: 2/2
Milo d20+25=40 d20+23=32 Saturday August 12th, 2006 12:25:39 PM
Milo quickly moves to a side of the building where he might find cover or concealment, and quickly ascends the outside wall ala spiderclimbing to have a glance inside. (OOC:Hide DC 40, Move Silently DC 32)
Brother Bertram Saturday August 12th, 2006 7:17:04 PM
Bertram keeps to the background, his holy symbol tucked away under his clothing, His axe resting across the saddle, looking very much the part of a mercenary.
Gunther Saturday August 12th, 2006 11:41:42 PM
After having submitted to K'nara's inspection, Gunther whispers to her "Vonce ve get in dere, I need to be in control." Gunther strolls into the Inn and checks it out...looking and for the most part feeling very confident. He heads over to the bar as soon as he spots it. "Give me a beer and a plate of fried green ochres." he commands in orcish and then kicks up his boots. He looks over at the barkeep and grins, continuing in perfect orcish. "We've just come back from a long journey and my crew's looking for some fun...maybe even some pay...anything interesting going on around here?"
Valdor Sunday August 13th, 2006 1:05:34 AM
Valdor stays hunkered down under his cloak, a cough escaping every so often. He looks up just long enough to give Cori a wink so she knows he's fine. He figures if any orcs are too drunk and see a man his size that there might be a challenge. If he's acting sick, they might just leave him alone. He watches Gunther work and finds a seat.
Lian d20+10=30 d20+11=27 d20+20=33 d20+10=28 Sunday August 13th, 2006 1:53:12 PM
The monk remains near Knara, but keeps an eye on Valdor to see how the legend handles himself (the cough seems to be a ruse). Lian stays standing when they find a table. His arms crossed in front of him. The hand of Domi finds himself making eye contact with a handful of orcs (Spot 30<nat 20>, Sense Motive 27). He listens for anything of interest, occassionally glancing at Gunther to see if the orc-raised warrior seems to get upset for some reason. (Listen 33)
Do any of the orcs look like spellcasters? If so, what class might they be? Looks for pouches, focuses, totem bags, animal companions, etc... (Spellcraft 28)
Nick Sunday August 13th, 2006 9:09:11 PM
Still oblivious to the Aisildurians (which is perhaps just as well) Nick settles down in a corner somewhere and goes through the whole prophecy and other clues the group has received since. He's at a loss to understand how a single dragon could cause that much chaos, but then, if the beast were to team up with Parnoth, then the possiblities increased for sure. Something Mordrid said a while ago - about some of the dragons they'd faced in the past - driven by simple greed; simple being the operative word. Well, they knew Parnoth was a political animal, more aware, more adaptive to his surroundings. So... what was this black one like? More of the same, presumably. And that meant this wasn't just going to be about 'find the dragon in his lair and kill it'. That would be just too danged simple.
Olana Sunday August 13th, 2006 9:11:11 PM
To pass the time, Olana wanders about the mansion, talking to the Culverwood elves. She asks them questions, about how far they'd traveled about the Wold; what they knew of other places; what they knew about Parnoth, and whether they'd ever seen a black dragon before.
K'Nara d20+1=18 Sunday August 13th, 2006 11:03:10 PM
Knowing that she was likely not going to like aspects of what may happen next, K'Nara reminds herself that it is necessary in order for the combined forces of the Platinum Dragons and the Emerald Talons to find the mystery orc, then she enters the tavern and takes a subordinate position near Gunther, crossing her arms and putting a completely neutral expression on her face, all the while glancing around the perimeter with sharp hazel eyes.
(OOC: voluntary Spot check result: 18)
DM Jan Monday August 14th, 2006 2:15:16 AM
((Folks, if I miss anything - remind me.))
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LATE MORNING/LUNCH
The Tavern Party -
(Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther, Cori, Lian
The horse trainer answers Cori - "I can certainly save this one for you if you want him. Like I say, I'd need another couple of weeks. He's a spirited one, and needs a strong will to master him. As for price, I try to be competitive - 420GP. "Now, that caravan - they do have two days start, but they'll be traveling slower than a single rider. Between you and me, I suspect they're heading for the recruitment station on the south coast. So you catch them before they get there. I've seen nothing but no-goods and ne'r-do-wells set off in that direction. Funny how the promise of gold brings all the vermin out of the woodwork."
As Gunther, Cori, Valdor, K'Nara, Bertram,Lian, Aeralia and Dahlia head up the stairs and enter the tavern, Milo gets plenty of opportunity to sneak around as the stable lad has his hands full with the horses. At the farside of the building is an outside bathhouse, with steps leading up to a side door. Directly around the back is a garden, a back door and a row of windows upstairs. The 10 windows at the back seem to look into bedrooms. The upstairs door, past the bath house is unlocked.
Inside the tavern, Gunther and the others are confronted by a huge sign that sits, propped up against a desk. The sign says - STOW YOUR WEAPONS! No exceptions! (in both common and orcish)
To one side of the desk, the entrance way opens out into the tavern proper, but the desk is occupied - by a middle aged human lady with blonde hair and a firm smile. At her side, a tall, male half orc stands there, his eyes checking everyone out. "Well, hello!" she says, "and welcome to -" Both she and the half orc look at one another as Gunther sweeps past.
The bar runs the length of the room and it looks as though it's been constructed out of the bottom of an old boat. Indeed, the odd barnacle clings to its surface every now and then. Behind the bar, is another half orc, in the midst of pouring six tankards, and who looks Gunther straight in the eye. "We have what you need. But see Mavis first." He gestures toward the desk at the entrance. At one end of the bar, is a carved ship's figurehead. Directly behind him in the room, Gunther can feel orcish eyes on him, busy with appraisal. But they aren't the only patrons. K'Nara can see two elves over by a window, and a table of humans, too. Lian's appraisel of the orcs - they look like soldiers, all very similarly dressed, and their scabbards are empty. The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Outside the secret hideaway, Ingrge, Falin and Mordrid engage in conversation with the Aisildurian clerics, with both raven and cat in earshot. One of the clerics follows Mordrid with his eyes, until the ranger disappears into the shrubbery. If he's concerned, he doesn't show it. "Ah, a pity," says one of the others to Falin. He's about to continue when Ingrge asks his question. The man, possibly the leader, smiles. "Permit me to introduce ourselves. I am Brother Michael, and this is Brother Tyne, and Brother Tull. We are missionaries, out to spread the blessed holy word of Ga'al. And yes - we have walked all the way. It's not that far. We find that traveling this way brings us into contact with more people outside our own realm. This is how we learn, and how we are able to spread the word." A smile that becomes strained when it reaches the man's eyes also suggests there is another agenda. One that perhaps troubles him. "So, are you on your way to join the war?"
Inside the magical mansion, Ve continues with his meditations, and his new mindset. Just thinking of the pit, and it's legacy, stirs the bitter traces of ambition and power. Perhaps calling into question tactics and actions of the others. And as Nick falls into quiet contemplation, Olana talks to the elves. Most of them had grown up and lived in the wilds of Culverwood all their lives. As for a black dragon - no, they have never seen one.
Posting Report For Monday August 14th, 2006 8:00:41 AM
Platinum Dragons Game #1 Week of Aug 7,2006
Falin Monday August 14th, 2006 8:26:03 AM
"I was not aware of any war. You see I have been gone forsome time and am just passing through to get home."
He smiles at the missionaries. "It is always nice to visit new places, "Falin shudders for a second as he thinks of flying skulls, "but I always have a longing for home."
"What is the holy word of Ga'al if I might ask? What exactly are his tenants? If you can sum it up into just a few phrases. I don't want to keep you from your delivering the word to the South."
K'Nara Monday August 14th, 2006 9:37:59 AM
The human blade singer grimaces--she doesn't like the idea of being without her sword, but it looked like the others of the place were following the rules, so...
K'Nara removes her weapon, scabbard and all, and steps up to the desk where the lady and her half-orc companion are.
"Check weapons here..?" she asks in Common, her question more of a low grunt.
Aeralia Monday August 14th, 2006 11:28:00 AM
Aeralia follows K'Nara's lead, hiking her skirt and retreiving her blade thats strapped to her left thigh. She sets it gentle on the counter, then slips away to stand towards the back of her companions.
She'll follow the others to a table, and takes a seat quickly, dusting off her worn 'leather' skirt before sitting.
She does her best to remain calm and quiet, but every so often glances towards the darkest corner of the room with a bit of anxiety. After a deep breath, though, see seems to dismiss whatever was troubling her, and looks back to her companions, and towards Gunther.
Lian d20+11=22 Monday August 14th, 2006 11:46:49 AM
With no 'weapons to stow', the monk is happy that he chose the right discipline. He remains vigilant.
The elf would expect the regulars to be greated in the common manner, and he watches to see if any orcs that enter inspire some sort of reaction by the other orcs, either fear, excitement, distain or the like. (Sense Motive 22)
Corialote and Amarth Monday August 14th, 2006 4:18:58 PM
With a last nod to the lad she smiles. "You can expect to see me in two weeks time then with an even 500 gold to buy the horse." Oh she has all intentions in coming back for that horse. It might give her something to do in the future...maybe in retirement she can breed horses or open a riding school.
She follows the rest into the building with mixed feelings though she shares a slight smile with Valdor. Drow are always expected to be upto no good and they are often not looked at too closely...especially females who maybe powerful Matrons. She sniffs at the sign put still slips the belt off that holds her rapier, dagger and quiver with shortbow. "Now you take good care of these." She then hands the weapons over...not at all worried as her real weapons raced around in her head. A smile finds its way to her face as she moves further into the room and follows the others to a table. She got a little information from the lad working the horses outside but does not want to talk too openly here.
Amarth continues to perch upon the bush that he is on. To all others he most likely looks like another ordinary raven. Though truth be told he is listening and watching what is going on with some interest. Ga'al priest here could not be any good for anyone.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Ve Mundr Monday August 14th, 2006 5:07:54 PM Interesting, ressurect the memory and ressurect the impulses. He looks up at Father Nicholas for a moment and then at any others that me be around. The elves were young too young and too inexperienced. Bringing them based on a vision did not sit entirely well with him. The last 'vision' the elves acted upon caused the deaths of thousands and through the very Wold into chaos. Ve's brow furrowed, how easily the self rightous indulgance penetrated him. Visions indeed, he lived his entire life based on visions and communes. So it was not the vision that stirred him, it was the source. Two score of elves, how could they possibly have an impact? Likely any of the Platinum Dragons and possibly the Emerald Talons could wade through 42 green elves such as they. It simply did not make sence, but they wree here now and he would see what could be done to allow as many as possible to go home again.
Gunther Monday August 14th, 2006 11:26:31 PM
Grinning at the half-orc, Gunther nods and winks. "Rules, rules, rules." He heads back over to the weapon check in station. Snapping his fingers, his two-bladed sword appears in hand. He places it on the table and then heads back to the bar. "Make that a triple order and a tankard...and take it to the table over there...it's on me." Gunther motions to the soldier orcs table.
Valdor Tuesday August 15th, 2006 12:11:08 AM
While the others are handing over weapons, Valdor thinks to himself,'No weapons. I cannot give up my sword for anything.'
He coughs again, and mutters in a strained voice,"I'll be right back, I don't feel so well." He's still standing at the door, waiting while the others pass over their weapons. He turns the corner of the building and, quicker than the eye can follow, shifts his magnificent sword into his backpack of holding, along with his throwing daggers. He shifts it again, then stumbles back to the door, clearing his throat as if he's still having a bit of trouble with it.
With a strained voice he says,"I need some warm herb tea Cori, if it's not too much trouble. He pulls out both of his other fabulous long swords and sets them gently on the counter. He then, with effort, reaches down and pulls his daggers out of his boots and hands them over as well.
He then waits for the others to find a table and will sit with them, back to the wall. He seems to be shivering a bit now.
Mordrid Tuesday August 15th, 2006 12:15:01 AM
Mordrid has moved behind the priests, and listens to the statements. He knows they aren't looking for a fight, but are actually probably doing exactly what they said, although it's obvious they are holding out. If his group has had visions, why wouldn't a group of Ailsidurian clerics have also. No matter, but he waould like to know what war they are talking about.
Milo d20+18=31 d20+23=34 Tuesday August 15th, 2006 12:38:10 AM
Grinning like a wolf, Milo scales the wall using his slippers of spider climb, to the upstairs door past the bath house. The rogue listens briefly before entering the building as quiet as a mouse. (OOC: Listen DC 31, Move Silently DC 34)
Olana Tuesday August 15th, 2006 1:13:22 AM
After her chat with the elves, Olana frowns. Then, seeing Ve Mundr glance up, she beckons to the elves, walks his way and stands in front of him. He was a Platinum Dragon, so - chances are he'd come across one, or at least knew more about them.
"Teach us what you know about black dragons," she says, taking a seat on the floor and telling the the others to gather round.
Nick Tuesday August 15th, 2006 1:14:58 AM
Hearing Olana, Nick raises an eyebrow. Well, it was probably a good idea to pool any knowledge they had. He walks over that way, too.
DM Jan Tuesday August 15th, 2006 2:31:46 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LATE MORNING/LUNCH
The Tavern Party -
(Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther, Cori, Lian
Weapons are turned in at the desk, and the half orc, after nodding at K'Nara, takes each one and hands out a numbered chit by way of replacement. "Thank you ladies and gentlemen," says the human female. "My name is Mavis, I'm the proprietor, and I welcome you to our humble establishment. This is a waystation for travelers, and our guests come from just about everywhere. I run a tight ship, and you'll be well served. You'll also be quite safe. We don't allow any nonsense here." The last part of that little speech is accompanied by a wink, but there's strength and resolve behind it. "Now, if any of you are staying for lunch, I'll book you in. It's two silver apiece. Food's plain but good quality. So - how many?"
The barman's reply to Gunther's earlier question. "I bet those two elves would pay for a few guards. I think they're off into the forest. There's some kind of recruiting drive going on, too for something big, but Eric knows more about that." He cocks his head toward the half orc who stowed the weapons. "I wouldn't shout out anything about that though right now. Bit of a sore point with the orcs."
Whatever experience Lian has had with orcs - the six sat at a nearby table are behaving impeccably. It's quite odd. Things get a bit lively when they're presented with ale, courtesy of Gunther, whereupon they all stand, give their benefactor a collective, loud grunt, salute by hitting their chests solidly with their fists - and then they sit down again.
The elves by the window look on curiously for a moment, then get on with their own business. The humans at another table look with disgust on the orcs and suspicion on Gunther's party.
Meanwhile!!! Milo sneaks past an elderly bather singing at the top of his voice in a bathtub and enters the upper level of the building from the side. Ahead of him is a long corridor with lots of doors on the right side. Bedrooms? To the immediate left is an open doorway that appears to lead into the tavern.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Brother Michael smiles warmly at Falin. "Ga'al takes our failings onto his own shoulders. We give ourselves to Ga'al so we may lead happy, productive lives. Under his mighty and benevolent will, we are strong, we do not fear, and we have no worries. Our towns and cities are crime free, our children are safe." He shrugs. "We see many out here who are lost and afraid. Ga'al welcomes them and would take all their fears away. Something to remember if your life takes a terrible turn, take heart, my friend. We would welcome you, and protect you." The cleric gives a bow to both Falin and Ingrge. "Well, we shall wish you good day, and continue on to the tavern. May your journey be a good one."
The clerics set off in a northern direction, following the footsteps of K'Nara and the others. Mordrid and Amarth overhear - "I recognized one of them.... not sure how and why, perhaps it will come to me at some point." "We must keep to the task, brother, and find out more about this Iron Fist."
Inside the 'mansion' Ve Mundr finds himself surrounded by a gang of elves.
Falin Tuesday August 15th, 2006 5:15:11 AM "Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n' omenta gurtha." Says Falin as the missionaries pass. "In common it means 'May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown."
He watches them walk off and then turns towards Ingrge. "I think they were fishing for information. They seem really driven towards this war they kept talking about. What are your thoughts?"
He looks into the woods looking for Mordrid only to return back to Ingrge after realizing that Mordrid will only be seen when he wants to be seen.
Ingrge Tuesday August 15th, 2006 7:34:32 AM
As the clerics begin to leave, Ingrge lets them get about thirty feet away and casts clairaudience, targeting some piece of clothing that one of the priests is wearing (a cloak, or hat, or boot).
Dahlia Tuesday August 15th, 2006 7:42:10 AM
moving to the back of the party Dahlia is the last of the party to relinquish her weapons and is loathe to do so. As she finally divests herself of her last weapon, she catches up with the others. I feel naked without my weapons, Though I suppose if nobody has any it wil all even out.
Lian d20+10=28 d20+20=35 d20+11=15 Tuesday August 15th, 2006 11:43:53 AM
Lian quirks an eyebrow at the oddly behaving orcs. With no real experience, aside from knocking out handfuls of them evey now and then. Fact is, this whole situation is full of holes. He'll continue to watch and listen. (Spot 28, Listen 35, Sense Motive 15)
The monk isn't sure how magic would go over in this crowd. (Does he think he can get away with it? no rules states 'NO MAGIC!')
The elf also looks over possible escape routes; doors, windows, chimneys, etc. Where they are? Their placements? Loose floor boards? Are there any ARMED bouncers? Etc.
Ve Mundr d20+14=25 Tuesday August 15th, 2006 2:13:57 PM
Ve makes eye contact with Olana and puts the book aside as she approaches. He appears about to say something, a warm smile on his face, but he holds it as Olana asks about dragons and instructs the elves to gather about. Ve slowly sits back into his chair and then stands picking up his book. "Let's adjorn to the table, where everyone might find a chair and have refreshments." A nod towards the great 15x30 foot red oak table and several ghostly servants begin pulling out chairs and clearing places for everyone to sit comfortably.
Ve moves and sits in the middle chair at the tables head. Waiting for everyone to sit he simply begins, "Dragons are terribly powerful opponents both physically and thier knowledge of arcane lore. With age they become both resistant to magic and highly proficient in its use. The Black dragon we may face will be of the oldest caliber by which man measures them. The Cards indicated a dragon of immence size and like all creatures, they grow larger as they age."
Ve pauses a moment to take a drink of cider as if he throat could use the extra liquid, while truly he wishes the last words to sink in all the more with the pause. He sets the cup down, "Black dragons are acid breathers, highly corrosive and very deadly. The exact range of such, I do not know. For that would very with the dragon's size and power. Black dragons tend to favor dark swamps of putrid waters and lair beneath those fetid surfaces. Many dragons use liasons and ward thier domains with traps and warning systems. I would expect nothing less from our foe. They can swim, fly and move upon the ground at greater speed than any of us, save a well trained monk. In the air, they are not the most agile of flyers, but they can also bring all their physical power to bear on those foolish enough to close with them." He reaches for the cup and takes another drink. "And that, my esteemed allies, is what I know about dragons through study and combat."
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday August 15th, 2006 7:13:43 PM
Cori looks to the woman and nods her head. "I will stay for lunch and could I get a couple of mugs of steaming hot tea?" She finds that she is most definitely hungry and the tea would be a good compliment to the chill that she feels. Otherwise she stays quiet during the meeting of the group in the inn.
Amarth yawns and then tucks his head under his wing to take a short nap. He does not worry too much about danger as the others are around.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Milo d20+23=31 Tuesday August 15th, 2006 9:10:45 PM
Curiosity getting the better of him, Milo skulks down the hallway with the long line of doors, taking a brief moment to press his ear up against each as he goes by, and have a listen. (OOC: DC 31 on the Move Silently check. Didn't know how many Listen checks to make, so I'll let you take care of it. Milo's bonus is +18. If I can, he'll take 10 on each for a total of DC 28.)
Nick Tuesday August 15th, 2006 11:12:07 PM
Nick settles down at the table and watches the elves as Ve tells them what he knows. Would this information help, or merely strike the fear of Gargul into them? He's never liked holding back information, forewarned is forearmed being one of his favourite mottos.
"I think it will be a good idea to pay attention to anything that the mage Cori discovers in that diary, also," he adds, also addressing Olana and the other elves. "Another group, the Storm Dragons, as they were called at the time, came up against this particular creature a while back. Hopefully we can learn some of it's tactics." But once again, despite that the motto he holds dear, he holds back on talking about the female black dragon who - in human form - is a high ranked politician in the Big Float. He suspected thre were few who really knew what she was, and that was a can of worms they didn't need right now.
Olana Tuesday August 15th, 2006 11:21:16 PM
Olana's frown hasn't left her, and she shifts in her chair at the table. "Do you think he'll have minions - like Parnoth has? Others to do his dirty work? Like Mop?"
She was aware of the stakes. An acid-breathing monster like that would be bad enough. The idea of minions complicated things, but she felt it was safe to assume, if the creature was anything like the green meanie, then they'd be up against others, too. Oh, fun.
Gunther Tuesday August 15th, 2006 11:39:10 PM
Smiling confidently, Gunther asks for another tankard of ale and passes the barkeep 10 gold pieces. "Keep de drinks coming, if you don't mind...and if this isn't enough, just let me know." Tankard in hand, Gunther strolls over to the orcs table. "Drink up, brothers. The road's long and dry, but the beer's just right." Gunther winks then pulls himself up a chair, exuding confidence. "Name's Gunther of the Grell clan. Been too long since I've been in Izen. He thumbs his hand at the symbol on the orc's army and drops his voice to a whisper "Please tell me something big is going down! I'm dying for some action!" Then he looks over at the elfs on the balcony. "And what's up the pointy ears...can't believe they let them in..." Popping an ochre in his mouth, Gunther lets the comments linger, giving his new buddies a chance to comment.
Valdor Tuesday August 15th, 2006 11:48:50 PM
Valdor grimaces under his hood, though whether because he feels badly or because Gunther has dropped a large amount and might get noticed. Even if they get jumped, he's not concerned for their safety. Quite the contrary, he'd feel sorry for any would-be-thief. However, not attracting attention is what he is hoping for here. He whispers coarsely to K'Nara,"I don't think a room is needed. Just a quick meal and we'll be on our way." He utters a small cough again.
Mordrid Tuesday August 15th, 2006 11:55:16 PM
Mordrid waits until they are completely gone before materializing on the side of the road and he heads back. He tells Falin,"I really wish they would've given me a reason to put an arrow between their eyes. They attacked Father Nick once...well, not them, but other clerics of Ga'al. Apparently the orcs are gathering for an army. Hopefully the others are getting some information quickly. I want to see this Iron Fist and the army they are raising.
Oh, and one of them recognized one of us. I just hope it doesn't give us away. If he prays to Ga'al, he may well get his answer and it might have been me. Dang, I should've killed him and the other two."
He looks down the road as if considering such a plan, but then shrugs and says,"No. No matter how much I despise them, that's not who we are or what we do. Go tell the others what we found out. I'll keep watch from hiding."
He looks around to make sure they are really gone.
DM Jan Wednesday August 16th, 2006 1:43:41 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LATE MORNING/LUNCH
The Tavern Party -
(Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther, Cori, Lian
Escape routes? The main entrance, a door either side of the bar. The tavern is upstairs, so the windows might not be the best idea. The only 'bouncer' as such appears to be the one by the main door who took the weapons. The barman looks like he can handle himself, though.
Cups of tea arrive, along with lunch plates and ale for those who order it and part with their hard-earned cash. A tender roast, potatoes, peas, and chunks of fresh bread. It's plain fare, but tastes good.
Two of the men on the human table are leering at K'Nara, Aeralia and Cori and sizing up Valdor and Bertram. Lian doesn't appear to be a threat, so he, and Dahlia avoid scrutiny.
Gunther gets a bit of a frosty reception until he mentions Grell. After all - who was this human, who had all their mannerisms and language? "One of Grell's human b&*^@#$?" One of them says. It's a comment that would anger a Plateau citizen, but is just an ordinary innoffensive remark among orcs. They grin amongst themselves and relax a little. There is certainly a consensus on the elves. Gunther's eyes cast toward the mountain and lightning symbol brings forth the following - "That's Borden's sign. We're Borden's men." A solumn pride seems to accompany that statement. As for anything 'big', they shrug and stay silent. For a long while. "Why are you here? And who are they?" one of them grunts eventually, nodding toward Gunther's companions.
Mavis the proprietor walks over to the table (our group's) at one point. "Everything all right and to your liking?" she asks with a smile.
It is right about this time, that a solitary orc appears at the top of the main stairs, having arrived from outside. He stays near the entrance, keeping his weapons, and makes some kind of hand signal - attracting the attention of the orc table. Someone is coming, by all accounts. One of the orcs at the table quickly gets to his feet and strides toward the window.
Meanwhile!! Milo has a quick look/listen along the corridor. At this time of day - lunchtime - as expected, the rooms beyond sound to be unoccupied. It would probably be a different story later in the day.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
By the time Mordrid, Falin and Ingrge, reconvene, Ingrge's managed to gather another snippet of conversation through a small ear horn, before the priests have walked out of range -
"... think they were lying?" "Hard to say. I suspect we'll turn up more information at the tavern. As Ga'al says - give a man a choice and he'll forever make the wrong one. Voluntary heartseeding was definitely the wrong way to go. Now all those who don't have one, are prey to things such as what we are faced with. We can't afford to lose more of our pe......"
Inside the 'mansion' Ve's explanation inspires a lot of chatter and consternation - everything from 'Our bows will be useless' to 'What are its weak spots?' Overall the elves mood appears to be sinking, faced with the enormity of the enemy, although a grim resolve is taking the place of optimism.
Ingrge Wednesday August 16th, 2006 8:33:04 AM
Mordrid, Can you let Valdor and the others know they are soon to have Ailsidurian company. She then relays what she heard to Mordrid and Falin.
"... think they were lying?" "Hard to say. I suspect we'll turn up more information at the tavern. As Ga'al says - give a man a choice and he'll forever make the wrong one. Voluntary heartseeding was definitely the wrong way to go. Now all those who don't have one, are prey to things such as what we are faced with. We can't afford to lose more of our pe......"
Gunther Wednesday August 16th, 2006 12:09:44 PM
Gunther grins at the offensive remark not phased. "Why am I here? Why is any orc where he is? To get some money and bust some teeth!" Gunther laughs and slaps an orc on the back. "But truth is, my crew and I are just passing through..." Once again, Gunther lowers his voice to a whisper. "But I'm starting to grow tired with their human ways...cramping my style if you know what I mean. Any chance this Borden's looking for another sword?" Gunther raises his eyebrows as the orc gets up. "What's that all about?" he asks one of the other orcs. "You expecting company or some fun?"
Lian Wednesday August 16th, 2006 1:39:42 PM
The monk perks up at the sight of the newest armed orc. This had to be 'the orc'.
Milo d20+23=40 Wednesday August 16th, 2006 8:32:37 PM
Milo silently harumphs his lack of findings, and quickly makes his way back outside the way he came in, doing his best to avoid all possible notice. Once outside he heads toward the front of the tavern. (OOC: Move Silently DC 40)
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday August 16th, 2006 9:07:37 PM
Cori slips her plate a little closer as she cuts off a hunk of the roast. It melts in her mouth and she soon follows it with a potato and peas. Drinking down some of her tea she sighs contently as she does. She digs into the meal from that point on with gusto, eating more than most woman twice her size. As Mavis moves over to thier table she nods her head as she swallows. "That was excellent." Her eyes dance with hidden delight as she looks to the others. "Do you have anything sweet." It is a wonder that she can keep her elven figure eating like this. She does catch the attention that she is getting from the two males at the human table and nudges both K'Nara and Aeralia. "Admirers it would seem." Glancing to Valdor she smiles and moves alittle closer to him, draping an arm over him. "Is the tea helping love?" She takes another sip of her own tea after she speaks.
Amarth cannot sleep with all the commotion so he decides to take a little flight. He is soon soaring over the ground and checking out the lay of the land around thier campsite.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Nick Wednesday August 16th, 2006 11:26:14 PM
Nick tries to be reassuring to the Culverwood residents. "Well, some of our group have been up against dragons before, and I daresay they'll keep him busy if there is a direct confrontation. However, they will need your support."
Aeralia Wednesday August 16th, 2006 11:28:14 PM
Aeralia remains as silent as can be as she sips lightly at her drink, not wanting to undermine Gunther's negotiations by being herself.
She does her best to ignore the onlookers when Cori mentions them, but continues to glance curiously at the men at the other table.
Olana Wednesday August 16th, 2006 11:46:04 PM
Olana makes a feeble attempt to imagine what was in store for everyone, and she ends up failing miserably. Too much information to chew on, too many variables, but at least they knew more than they did before. Same as Parnoth by her reckoning, with a different breath weapon, and maybe some different tricks up his sleeve depending on his character.
She stands up. "I'll be back." Over by the doorway, she hesitates, knowing that popping out of thin air might blow their cover, but she was itching to know what was going on outside. She risks peeping. If the coast looks clear, she'll ask Falin, Ingrge and Mordrid - "What's going on? Anything?"
Falin Thursday August 17th, 2006 12:32:53 AM
On his way into the hidden sanctuary Falin almost runs right into Olana. He lets her know about the 'missionaries' along with what they had talked about and what Ingrge had heard. Along with the chance that soneone had been recognized.
"Sounds like we may be looking for a war buildup. We may be frced to pick sides sooner than we want."
Valdor Thursday August 17th, 2006 12:51:48 AM
From behind his hood, Valdor watches all that is going on. He makes a show of eating a little, but basically just watches and listens. He ignores the humans and listens to the orcs. He chuckles at Cori, yet again, and says fairly quietly,"Yes, I'm beginning to feel better already, my dear."
He then very quietly says,"I think those humans want a fight...and soon. Though whether it's with us or the orcs is hard to tell. We should probably contact the others soon, but not from in here. We'll give it a few..."
He stops when the orc appears. He looks at it carefully to see if it looks like the one from the vision, or if it's just another orc. Of course, the one in the vision might not have been a leader, just an orc from this group. He still has his cowl pulled over his face and looks as though his head is bowed, but he can still see from under the hood just enough to know what's happening.
Mordrid Thursday August 17th, 2006 12:53:13 AM
Mordrid stays outside, hidden, wondering what's going on at the tavern. He knows there hasn't been trouble yet, but the hair on the back of his neck is tingling as though there's about to be trouble.
DM Jan Thursday August 17th, 2006 1:39:04 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LATE MORNING/LUNCH
The Tavern Party -
(Valdor, Dahlia, K'Nara, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia, Gunther, Cori, Lian
One of the orcs starts to say something to Gunther. "We aren't mercenaries. This is about Izen, -" He stops as the other orc appears at the entrance, and then waits as one of his party goes to the window. The window observer looks out, then turns and nods to the other orcs.
After that - things start happening fast.
- The orc who appeared at the entrance makes an about turn and heads back outside. He doesn't appear to have the stature of the orc in the prophecy. - The orcs inside stand abruptly, one of them slaps Gunther hard on the shoulder, then they make their way quickly over to the half orc and retrieve their weapons. They also head outside. - Mavis heads over to the window. What she sees below galvanises her into action. She yells over to the bar man. "Nyle! You and Eric get down there. And get Jon. Borden's here, and it would be nice to know what his intentions are. Be polite." As she moves back into the centre of the room, one of the humans grabs her arm. "What's going on?" he demands gruffly.
Milo - now back outside, gets a much better view of what's going on. There are more orc riders at the main gate. Milo can count ten of them altogether. Four of them are spread out at a short distance from the gate, still in the saddle, facing outward. The other six have dismounted. One of these six appears to be much taller than the others. To Milo, he has, no doubt, a face only his mother could love. Tough, ugly, he nevertheless has the unmistakable presence of a leader. This orc is talking quietly to the horse trainer Cori had talked to earlier.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Outside, Ingrge informs the others what he overheard, and Falin tells Olana, who popped her head out of the door.
Cori's bird Amarth takes to the air to get a better view of the Izen/Blackbird Forest border. To the west, the forest is vast, stretching as far as the eye can see, although - is that a glimmer of water on the distant western horizon? Below, to the north, the Aisildurian's red robes can easily be seen, as they walk up the wide path toward the tavern. The tavern and corrals can be seen in medium distance, and there appear to be a group of roughly a dozen horsemen amassing at the main gate.
Inside..... the elves are getting restless.
Falin Thursday August 17th, 2006 3:40:22 AM
Falin continues inside after letting Olana know what was going on.
Once inside he notes that the elves are a bit anxious and tells them, "Collect your bows. We will go out for more practice."
He will take them outside and lead them out to the brush area for some target practice. During which time I will pull the captains off to the side to ask them their apprasal of the situation so far and if they have any concerns.
Then we will look around for materials for making more arrows. We will be looking primarily for wood we can use that is already dead. Dont want to start to upset the forest.
Ingrge / Dahlia Thursday August 17th, 2006 6:51:09 AM
Seeing Falin bring the archers out he gives him a slight nod and walks a little way off to prpare his spells for this exercise.
**********
Dahlia
Wandering over to the window Dahlia peeks out to see what is happening outside and then reports to the others.
Gunther Thursday August 17th, 2006 8:40:16 AM
Gunther looks over at Valdor and K'nara and discreetly motions that it's time to go. Figuring he'd better just get outside and see what's going on, Gunther skips the weapons check area and just heads outside. On the way, he links up with K'nara. "Get my svord voman." he barks, then, pulling her in close, he whispers "Dey say dere leader's here. His name is Borden."
Gunther is torn as to what to do. Afraid that if he presses the subject too much, he'll spook the orcs, Gunther just watches, making sure he gets a good look at the orc called Borden.
Lian Thursday August 17th, 2006 10:19:09 AM
The monk takes notice of Falin and follows the archer out front. He nods to K'Nara and Valdor and exits.
Valdor Thursday August 17th, 2006 12:03:02 PM
Valdor whispers into his earpiece,"Mordrid, Nick, Ve, get everybody together and pronto. It will be a few minutes, but something is about to go down here. I'll see if Cori can cast her teleport spell again. Be ready in two minutes if possible."
He nudges Cori and asks,"Can you cast that teleport spell again, or do they need to run and ride here?"
Mordrid Thursday August 17th, 2006 12:06:17 PM
Hearing the urgency in Valdor's voice, and seeing the elves and Falin starting to file out of the opening, Mordrid yells,"Time to get ready. Something's going on at the tavern and we may be going quickly. If we canuse that teleport spell again, we will. If not, be ready to run. We'll ride two per horse if the spell won't work again. Line up quickly o either run or go through that portal."
He knows Nick heard the summons, but he heads into Ve's invisible mansion just to make sure everyone knows and shouts the same instructions.
Ve Mundr Thursday August 17th, 2006 12:06:46 PM
Ve sits back into the chair, he was certainly hoping the elves would show more patience with everything and the fact that they were not did surprise him a little. As one of the longer lived races he had always thought them much more steady of course. Perhaps that was just his personal experience and only related to the elves he knew. After all not all humans are driven to the same extent, so it made sense to associate that to the elves he supposed. Pity really, his misconception seemed to fit them so much more so than reality.
Ve does answer Olana directly, "Yes I fully expect him to have cohorts, minions and allies. I also expect that comparing them to the mouthpiece Parnoth has in Mop to court disaster." A side look at Nick and Ve shrugs slightly, they asked and better them worried and scared then overconfident as far as the Heirophant was concerned.
Ve partially gets up as Olana does and gives a small dip of his head as she leaves the table.
Ve then stands and and puts away his book quickly as Valdor's words run through the earpiece. Mordrid is already moving inside and barking the orders to get ready to ride. No need to repeat anything the Domi priest is heading outside in purposeful strides. He moves to the road and opens his Magic Carpet and steps onto it.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday August 17th, 2006 1:13:43 PM
Cori stands slowly as he drinks down the last of her tea. "No...I only had the one spell and I did not think we would be needing another one so soon." She inwardly curses herself a fool for not seeing the need for more teleportation spells. She moves over to collect her own weapons as the others move. She shifts the belt after it is given to her to settle it right upon her hips. Then she calls into the earpiece..."Mordrid...I do not have access to another teleport spell so you will have to ride or run the length here." Her voice is tinged with a bit of regret and hurt at her own failure.
Amarth flies back down to the ground level and looks for Mordrid. Hearing the man yell he swoops down and lands upon his shoulder. Turning his head and cocking it to the side he looks to Mordrid. "A large gathering of orcs at the inn...seems to be looking for trouble and those priests are almost there as well." He then cocks his head to the other side as he regards Mordrid with a mirth filled expression...so he had spoken to someone else but his Mistress.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Lian Thursday August 17th, 2006 2:27:09 PM
The monk approaches Falin and quietly asks, "What do you think is happening?"
"I wish I had a bit of time with the archers before anything happens."
((~~Jan~~ Jay, Falin's a couple of miles down the road from your location.))
Milo d20+25=45 d20+18=37 Thursday August 17th, 2006 10:06:03 PM
Milo remains close to the building, but does his best to find some cover or concealment from the group in a manner that allows him to see or even just listen to what is going on. (OOC: Hide DC 45, Listen DC 37)
Aeraliia Thursday August 17th, 2006 10:46:36 PM
Aeralia continues to remain seated and silent, despite her curiousities as to whats occuring outside. She listens closely to the conversations at hand, and sits herself so shes ready to move, if needed.
Nick Friday August 18th, 2006 1:24:50 AM
Nick raises an eyebrow as Valdor's message comes through. "Looks like the fun's about to start," he says to himself more than anyone else.
He heads for his horse.
Olana Friday August 18th, 2006 1:26:59 AM
Olana signals Falin. We're rolling. She points north. She'll find Ingrge, too.
She doesn't have a mount right now, so she'll fall in with the elves.
DM Jan Friday August 18th, 2006 2:10:10 AM
((OOC Notes -
Donna's in hospital for a few days. Is someone able to pick K'Nara up?))
In the tavern, Mavis lowers her centre of gravity, and pushes her arm up, breaking the grip of the human's thumb on her arm in a move Lian would be proud of. "We just have a visitor, sir," she tells the man. "Get back to your beer."
Gunther heads outside in the wake of the other orcs. Cori goes to collect her weapons. Stood at the window, Dahlia sees a slightly higher view of what Milo can see down in the yard - 10 orcs - four still on horseback, on alert, six dismounted, the biggest of them talking to the horse trainer.
Down in the yard, Milo catches snippets of the conversation between the trainer and tall orc. The talk on both sides is in common, is of an even pitch, non-aggressive. The orc seems to be asking about the caravan that left two days ago. Seconds later Milo can see seven orcs emerge from out of the tavern, accompanied by Gunther.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Ne'thrin is in the middle of telling Falin that it's accuracy practice they need, when the call comes to scramble.
For Ve, Nick, Ingrge, Falin, Olana, Mordrid, forty two elves - and Amarth and Gunther's cat! - there's a journey ahead of two miles. There is possibly a decision to be made about how to approach the tavern, etc etc.
I have Cori's raven still on Mordrid's shoulder, passing on what he's seen from the sky.
Falin Friday August 18th, 2006 5:58:40 AM
"Well, Ne'thrin, we may have to wait on more accuracy. Looks like we need to get moving."
He motions for the elves to form up into their groups. They will double time down the road until theu get close and then slow down to see what the situation looks like.
Falin will stay behind the elves to ensure everyone makes it. If they manage to work out some type of transportation with the horses he will be the last of the elves, ensuring they all make it first.
Ingrge Friday August 18th, 2006 6:50:58 AM
Hearing the message, Ingrge quickly asks Mordrid, Does he want us there now? I can get us there with a teleport spell if needed. I will just need everyone touching, but the elves and the animals will need to make their own way.
Lian Friday August 18th, 2006 11:01:25 AM
The monk moves along with the group, keeping pace with them.
Knara (Sub Jay B) Friday August 18th, 2006 11:05:45 AM
The blade singer, having checked Lucia with the rest, looks unhappy when she takes her position near Valdor.
Lucia, on the other hand, is quite unimpressed with the odd assortment of plain weapons. Telepathically she tells the red-head, "Aw, I see! Cast me off like the REST of these common weapons!"
"Oh hush you!" She says outloud.
((~~Jan~~ Thanks, Jay!))
Milo d20+25=38 d20+23=28 Friday August 18th, 2006 8:16:12 PM
Milo waits for the orcs and Gunther to make there way down to the yard. He'll do his best to blend in with the group unnoticed by all present. (OOC: Hide DC 38, Move Silently DC 28)
Corialote and Amarth Friday August 18th, 2006 8:38:29 PM
Having collected her weapons she slips the belt around her waist and then adjust the hang. She likes to have things easy to get to but out of the way. Flicking her braid off her shoulder she moves outside to have a look. "Trouble?" She whispers it to all those close by that want to hear her and yet to noone as well.
Amarth looks to Mordrid and then flutter his wings. "Do you need me to move?" The raven seems more likely to just sit there upon Mordrid's shoulder but you never can tell with birds.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Gunther d20+1=16 Friday August 18th, 2006 11:46:41 PM
Gunther watches the orcs carefully, listening for any further clues to what's going on. (Listen=16) He looks over toward K'nara to see that she has not retrieved his sword like he asked. Gunther sighs. Good thing I love her.
Valdor Friday August 18th, 2006 11:55:34 PM
Valdor coughs again and shudders, as if cold. He stays hunched over and whispers into his earpiece,"Cori, tell me if you need me out there. I would like to stay where I am unless absolutely necessary."
Mordrid Saturday August 19th, 2006 12:12:11 AM
Mordrid tells Ingrge,"Let's keep the spell ready, just in case. I think we have time to get there before anything starts. Plus, the elves won't know where or how to position themselves if we leave them. I will take them with Falin if the need for everyone arrives. I have faith that Valdor won't let anyone die before we arrive."
Knara (Sub Jay B) Saturday August 19th, 2006 11:10:56 AM
Knara retrieves Gunthers sword and Lucia.
Ingrge / Dahlia d20+25=42 Saturday August 19th, 2006 11:17:51 AM
Nodding in reply, Ingrge moves up front with Mordrid. Lets we get moving then. We can't let Valdor and the others have ALL the fun. Staff in hand Ingrge moves out.
********
Dahlia subvocalizes and uses the ear piece. Guys I am going to collect my things and make myself inconspicuous. I won't get involved unless necessasry but I really want to see what's going on.
That said she collects her weapons and makes her way outside using a secondary or tertiary exit so as to be less noticed. (HIDE Dc 42)
Lian Saturday August 19th, 2006 12:40:32 PM
"What now Falin?"
ADM Jay B Saturday August 19th, 2006 3:28:46 PM
Sorry, no time to post reports!
Nick Monday August 21st, 2006 12:02:38 AM
Nick brings his horse to a trot, not wanting to go any faster because of those on foot. He's assuming Ve is taking to the air and will let everyone know what the score is up ahead.
Olana d20+14=31 d20+16=28 d20+11=22 Monday August 21st, 2006 12:10:09 AM
Olana has a quick word with Falin.
"I'll scout ahead on the ground and look for places of concealment, rises or dips in the hills, basically somewhere to hunker down when we get close. I'm just guessing but I reckon the others won't want us to show our full strength right away."
Olana sets off running, but not before trying to attract the attention of that big cat of Gunther's. 'C'mon! This way. Gunther's this way," she says.
Survival DC 31 Spot DC 28 Handle Animal DC 22
DM Jan Monday August 21st, 2006 1:06:51 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LUNCHTIME
The six orcs and Gunther head quickly down the outside steps and head toward the taller orc talking to the horsetrainers. The orcs come to a halt at a respectful distance, and wait. Gunther and Milo hear this part of the conversation -
"Has he been here before? This merchant?" "Maybe. He seemed familiar, although he wore some kind of headcovering across his face, so although his clothes were the same..." "Hmmm," Snort. "Guards?" "There were some tough looking men with him, but I didn't know if they were his, or just traveling with him. One of them mentioned that 'Iron Fist', though." Low growwwwwwlllll. "Did they elaborate?" "Nah. I mean they might have done, but I was busy with the horses. They took two dozen of my finest."
Sneaking out of the side door right next to the yard, Dahlia sees the half orcs Eric and Nyle (the barman) heading down the stairs in front of her. They're joined at the bottom of the stairs by another half orc, who's just walked out of the downstairs storage area. All three head toward the orcs at the gate.
Cori exits the front way and down the steps.
So, there is currently quite a crowd down in the front yard -
Ten orcs. Gunther. The horsebreeder. Cori. Milo (hidden) Dahlia (hidden) Eric, Nyle, Jon (half orc tavern staff).
Just outside the gate - 4 mounted orcs.
Upstairs, Valdor, K'Nara, Lian (Lian is with the tavern party, honest, he is :) ), Aeralia and Bertram see the four human males at the next table rise, and go and look out of the window out of curiosity. The only others in the room, are the two elves already sat by the window, and Mavis the proprietor.
Outside - one of the mounted orcs barks - " Aisildurians - clerics!" The big orc sneers, then something catches his eye, or rather, someone. "Who are you?" he demands of Gunther. "You don't look like you're on a forest trip - and neither does she." He stabs a large, blunt finger toward the approaching Cori. There's something in the big orc's eye telling Gunther that if any lies are told - he'll pay dearly.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Mordrid (with Amarth on his shoulder), Nick, Ingrge, Falin and the elves are currently approaching the one mile mark. There is another mile to go. Slightly ahead, Olana can see that from this point the ground dips slightly, offering a good view of the mile-distant tavern, but there is nowhere to hide. Anyone approaching from this point will be seen. (Where is Ve at this point?) The panther is crouched in the grass a little off to the right. Not far ahead, the three Aisildurian clerics can be seen, about half a mile away from the tavern.
Posting Report For Monday August 21st, 2006 7:42:05 AM
Game #1 Platinum Dragons The week of Aug 14,2006
Name.....MTWTF DM Jan...XXXXX Valdor...XXXXX Mordrid..XXXXX Fr.Nick..X2XXO Dahlia...OXOXOS VE Mont..XXOXO Carealote.XXXXX
Adm Ceil (Don't worry Jay, I got It)
Posting Reports for Game #3 Emeral Talones
Name.....MTWTF DM Donna.OOOOO Sub by Jay Lean.....XXX22S Farlin...XXXX2 Milo.....XXOXX Olana....XXXXOS Gunther..XXXXX Inger....OXXXXS K'Nara...XOOOXS Sub By Jay Bro Bertram.OOOOO Aeratia..XOXXO
Adm Jay (Sub by Ceil)
Valdor Monday August 21st, 2006 10:24:56 AM
Valdor stays quiet. He simply sits, sipping on tea. He knows the others can handle themselves. He whispers to K'Nara,"I must stay cloaked. I am too easily recognized. If a fight breaks out, of course I'll join in. But,unitl necessary, I must stay disguised."
He then whispers into his earpiece,"Cori, makes sure I can hear what they say my dear."
Ve Mundr Monday August 21st, 2006 11:07:33 AM
Ve moves straight up while the others are getting horses geared and preparing. In short odre he sees the ground sloping away outside the tree line and to the tavern. The cleris speaks into the earpiece, "Valdor and Mordrid, A long and very obvious road goes to the tavern. We will be spotted at great distance. I can see the tavern but not much else from this distance." Knowing that the sun could glint off his armor he quickly orders the carpet to return to just a few feet from the ground next to Father Nicholas.
"Father Nicholas old friend, I do believe inconspicousness is about to be cast to the wind."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements
Knara (Sub Jay) Monday August 21st, 2006 11:17:59 AM
The red-head nods. "Understood." She looks at Lian and steps outside.
Lian Monday August 21st, 2006 11:18:34 AM
Lian takes the leader's que and follows.
Corialote and Amarth Monday August 21st, 2006 8:12:42 PM
Cori continues to move towards the pen where the horse and the lad she had talked to earlier is at. She stops at the fence and looks to the orc when he speaks. "I have been following this big lunk for at least a couple of weeks now." She eyes the orc as she looks to the lad who tends the horses. "I have seen little adventure or fun to be had...so I have thought about buying a horse and moving along." She smiles to the lad and then turns to the orc, her features becoming a frown. "But this one is not trained yet and I have to wait...but the lad asures me he will be ready in a week or twos time." There is no falsehoods in her speech and it would not do to have a commoner speak for one that has the appearance of a noble born. Looking to Gunther she gives him a wane smile. "It appears I will have to stay with him a while longer....and hope for some fun." Inside she is hoping that she is close enough for the conversation to be heard over the earpiece.
Amarth flexes his wings. "I will scout ahead a little further...a raven should not be new around here." He takes to wing then from Mordrid's shoulder to do a little scouting for the rear guard.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Milo d20+25=33 Monday August 21st, 2006 8:56:06 PM
Milo sticks with Gunther and the orcs, remaining as hidden as possible as he shifts amongst the group of much larger individuals. (OOC: Hide DC 33)
Ingrge / Dahlia Monday August 21st, 2006 8:58:30 PM
Ingrge looks around and sees the lack of cover and comes up with a quick thought. hey if everyone will get within 180 feet of me and stay that way we will not be seen by normal eyes anyway. That said he begins to cast. Mass Invisibility.
*****
"Valdor three Asildurian clerics apporaching. Looks like they are coming from our campsite."
Mordrid Monday August 21st, 2006 11:10:14 PM
The ranger curses aloud. He isn't pleased with this turn of events, until Ingrge makes his suggestion. He then turns and says,"Very well done. That's what we need. When we get closer, we will need to move slowly, unless a fight breaks out as we don't want to be kicking up a bunch of dust. I know elves can move well enough, but our horses are another matter. Everybody, tight formation around Ingrge!"
Falin Monday August 21st, 2006 11:10:56 PM
Falin calls for the elves to close ranks and rearrange themselves in order to get within the 180 foot perimeter of Ingrge.
Gunther Monday August 21st, 2006 11:53:28 PM
The warrior grins when he is called out. Not exactly what he was planning, but good anyway. He listens to Cori's response and grunts displeasure. "Dumb drow..." he mutters in orcish. "Wouldn't know fun if it reached up and bit them in the arse." He continues on in flawless orcish. "Name's Gunther of the Grell clan. Like she said, I've been stuck with this group for a couple of weeks now. Gods! I never knew humans and drow were such deadbeats! It's always don't eat that dead thing...don't use your hands...stop playing with that corpse." Gunther lets out a long sigh, venting some of the frustration that has built up with his time spent among the elves. "I told them I'd get them here, and I have... Don't suppose there's any fun to be had for an orc around these parts?"
Olana Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 12:41:08 AM
Olana keeps low and dashes back to get within Ingrge's invisibility perimeter.
Nick Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 12:43:50 AM
Heeding Ve's advice, Nick dismounts, giving himself a lower profile. As they move forward under the invisibility cloak he spots the distant Aisildurians and shoots a look at Mordrid - or at least he would if he could see him.
Aeralia Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 12:48:10 AM
Aeralia gets up and goes to the window as well, peeking over one of the four human's shoulders.
"Whats happening...know them?" she whispers curiously to the stranger, laying a soft and gentle hand on his shoulder as she tries to prop herself up to get a better view.
DM Jan Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 1:35:33 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LUNCHTIME
The tall orc's face darkens. "Fun?" He looks at Gunther, at Cori, then back to Gunther. "Since when has anything been fun?" He snaps his fingers. "Birk, remind this buffoon, who says he's a Grell, what our mission is." He then gestures to another of his men. "Tell them," he points toward the approaching half orc tavern staff, "what we need. Give them the coin they ask for."
And with that - the huge orc sets off through the yard and up the steps, his broad shoulders nearly colliding with K'Nara and Lian as they exit the tavern's main entrance.
The orc called Birk strides over to Gunther, all battle-scarred and dark, pocked skin, his nostrils taking a measure of the human. "This is the new Izen," he grunts. "Our land. Where brother looks after brother, where we will rise and be recognized." Snort. He gives Gunther, an obvious junior, a sharp slap on the face. Gunther will know that it's coming from a senior, and will know to roll with the punch. It's also a signal that he's accepted for who he says he is. "Fun will be had when we are a nation. When we have respect. And not before. Now, what do you know of this caravan and the merchant?"
A little further into the yard, Milo and Dahlia overhear one of the other orcs talking to Eric, Nyle, Jon and the horse trainer. "Food and water for the horses, check their shoes. We'll need food for a trip south - four days."
Up in the tavern, Valdor, Bertram and Aeralia overhear - "He's coming up the stairs," from one of the humans stood at the window. And is that a momentary glint of steel beneath a grotty, stained waistcoat? Aeralia is given a real nasty look for her innocent question.
The River Party -
(Mordrid, Nick, Ve, Ingrge, Falin, Olana + the two creature companions of Gunther and Cori)
Hidden by Ingrge's spell - the group are now approximately 1000 ft away from the tavern. Straight ahead, Gunther's cat is in stalk mode and about 500 ft away from the tavern. The young colt tied to the corral fence rears and whineys. The three Aisildurian clerics are walking up to the gate, where a reasonable throng of humanoids are gathered.
The four mounted orcs have shifted their attention to the clerics, but one looks toward the sounds of the colt's distress.
Valdor Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 10:31:58 AM
Valdor coughs a little and reaches into his cloak, and underneath, his backpack. His hand grasps his sword hilt, but he doesn't pull it...he's simply ready. He's leaning over a bit and looks to be shivering a little.
Knara (Jay) Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 10:39:58 AM
(If Knara still needed to grab Gunther's sword, she would...)
She backpeddles at almost getting run down by the orc, running into Lian.
Lian Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 10:41:52 AM
Pushs his leader to balance her, as he secures his own with the doorsill. "WOW! I'm glad Gunther grew out of the orc mindset!" He jests.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 8:10:01 PM
She simply nods her head at Gunther and gives him a smile. Through her earpiece she speaks as she turns towards the paddock fence. "They are coming in Valdor...do you want me back in there?" If not she will wait outside of the place and watch from out here. She is not looking to get into any fights as this is the Talons' show.
Amarth stays in the air and heads for the inn and his Mistress. He has spent enough time away from her and he would feel much better if they were together.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Mordrid Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 11:20:25 PM
Mordrid announces in his earpiece,"We are invisible and approaching. Not too far away. We can see everthing outside, but not much is happening. Anything we should know?"
Nick Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 11:23:55 PM
Nick walks his horse along as quietly as he can. Looking ahead, the orcs are the last thing on his mind. Where the heck had those Aisildurians come from? And what were they after? Stupid of him to think about himself at a time like this, after all this was bound to be a coincidence. I should be over this. Focus, Nick.
Olana Tuesday August 22nd, 2006 11:25:22 PM
As they approach, Olana quietly strings her bow, her mind on distance, accuracy, and who should go down first.
Gunther Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 12:23:13 AM
The big cat trainer takes the slap in stride and lowers his eyes in a show of respect. "Yes sir, I understand." New Izen...brother looks after brother...when we have respect... Gunther's mind reels. An army of orcs...of his brothers, standing tall...finally respected among the other races. Oh, it was so tempting! He catches sight of K'nara out of the corner of his eye. No, he was a new man now...like it or not, he has headed down a different path. Keeping his eyes averted, he tells Birk the truth. "I'm sorry sir, I don't know anything about the caravan or the merchant. I know the drow wanted to buy his horse. But we just got here not very long ago."
DM Jan Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 1:21:11 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LUNCHTIME
Dahlia and Milo, both hidden, are able to listen to some price negotiations between the orcs and the half orcs - it's fairly mundane stuff - although the half orc called Eric breaks off and heads back up the the stairs at the side. It looks like he's heading back up into the tavern via the side door.
At the front gate, not far from Cori and Gunther, and the other orcs, the red robed clerics of Ga'al arrive, their chests alive with their heartseeds. "Greetings fellow travelers!" says one of them with a genial smile. "We've had a long journey, so if you'd be gracious enough to make way, we'll be heading inside for a bite of lunch."
At the top of the steps, K'Nara and Lian see the big orc leader head inside toward the front desk. Strapped to his back are twin, heavy war hammers, which will no doubt have to be removed if the proprietor has her way.
Inside, Valdor, Bertram and Aeralia see the big orc enter the tavern. They also see Mavis heading that way to greet him. They also become aware of the four humans erupting into action - all four are heading for the orc, and one of them has drawn a cutlass, another - two long knives - perfect for close encounters.
Mordrid, Nick, Ingrge, Falin, Olana and Ve are now 500 ft away from the gate - at the edge of the corral. Gunther's cat has veered off, keeping low to the ground. Amarth lands on Cori's shoulder in a flutter of black wings.
Falin d20+18=37 d20+18=30 Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 9:18:46 AM
Falin pulls out his bow and knocks an arrow just in case anyhting happens. He keep a particularily close eye and ear on the 'missionaries'.
Spot 37 Listen 30
Milo d20+25=39 Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 10:16:38 AM
Milo shrugs to himself, thinking that nothing is going on out here... time to get a proper look at the inside of a mug of ale. Not interested in being seen just yetk, Milo does his best to shadow the half-orc named Eric as he reenters the inn. All the orcs in the area, aren't encouraging to the halfling rogue at any rate. (OOC: Hide DC 39)
Valdor Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 11:55:11 AM
Valdor watches with interest as the humans draw their weapons and charge. He isn't concerned, as he doesn't care about orcs and doesn't know the humans. No way to know which side to take. Normally, he would support the humans, but isn't sure because of all the visions.
He also doesn't want to identify himself yet. And, hearing the orcs are planning to take Izen for themselves, he is tempted to begin slaying every orc he can find. For them to become a Woldian power...but, is he picking the right side? Too early to tell, so he just watches and sips his tea.
He tells Cori and Dahlia,"Ladies, don't get into a fight until we are sure which side we should be on. Let's be innocent bystanders for a minute."
He then coughs REAL loud, so the orc can hear and won't get stabbed in the back.
Lian Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 12:21:37 PM
The monk feigns surprise, but is concerned that Gunther might get drug into the fray having 'befriended' the orcs.
If Gunther is drawn into the fray, Lian will have NO choice but to join in.
Knara (sub Jay B) Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 12:23:13 PM
The leader of the Talons isn't sure how to handle this, but if a Talon g ets involved, she may have to cover them, unless Valdor says otherwise.
Ve Mundr Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 3:40:10 PM
Ve moves up to about 30 feet above the group as they travel. Large groups trying to move in close proximity without being able to see each other always made him a bit nervous. One bad step could spell disaster. Better to be above the mess. Also so much easier to see. He says what he can into the earpiece. Not much, "Looks like a group of orc are headed inside, of our little expedition I only see K'nara, Gunther, Cori and Lian. The rest must be inside."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements
Gunther Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 4:01:39 PM
Gunther stands outside, confused that Birk hasn't said anything yet. Maybe he said something wrong. Not aware of what's going on inside the inn, Gunther just stands and waits. Seeing the clerics arrive, Gunther shrugs. Weird people those Aisildurians. Remembering his encounter with the Quad in the Arena, Gunther moves over to K'nara to retrieve his sword.
Knara (sub Jay) Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 4:55:47 PM
Knara hands Gunther his sword then touch his arm lightly with a nod and smile.
Scott (Mordrid) Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 7:38:58 PM
I have finally caught up reading! I will join you tomorrow. Thanks SteVe, you did a great job covering. (Notice the capital "V" in Steve... for Valdor.
(You are most welcome my friend! I didn't come near to playing him with your skill, but tried my best to keep him gruff and grumpy, yet optimistic and helpful!)
(~~Jan~~ So where's the capital 'M' in Scott? ;) Wait a minute - "M"arley...))
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday August 23rd, 2006 7:41:39 PM
Cori smiles as Amarth settles onto her shoulder. "Good to have you back...did you keep out of trouble." She listens to what Valdor has to say and then nods her head. Through the earpiece she lets Valdor know. "Gotcha boss...try to remember that this is the Talon's show...we are to support them but let them prove themselves further...this is as much thier test as ours." She does not elaborate further as Valdor is smart or at least she figures he is smart enough to figure out the double meaning there.
Amarth cocks his head to stare at his Mistress. "Of course I stayed out of trouble...the one to be worried about is you...I have seen the way your are flirting with that Valdor." Just as abruptly he changes the subject as she spots the three clerics. "Those ones you may need to deal with though...clerics of Ga'al they are...a no good lot really." He does not say more as the clerics draw closer and might hear him. Anything he says will most likely be heard by Valdor through the earpiece.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Aeralia Thursday August 24th, 2006 12:37:41 AM
Aeralia wasn't used to working with others much, and especially not at following orders. So she wasn't looking to others to see how to reach, wasn't waiting to see what her new 'leader' wanted done. Aeralia only saw a man about to get jumped by four, and she didn't think it was very fair of them.
Talking a few steps back into the nearest corner (and away from where the confrontation was to occur), Aeralia closes her eyes briefly as she draws magics from within her soul, and as she opens them once more, her bright blue eyes flare with a touch of anger at the human's hostility. Channeling the magics, she waves her hands in precise motions, shaping her sorceress energies towards the closest human to her, the one at the back of the group as they charge the orc.
As she silently weaves her magic, a faint light shimmers brielfly, the spell beginning to form a shell of magical energy to encase Aeralia's target. She only hopes he wasn't expecting it, and doesn't react quick enough to negate her evocation.
"Look out!" she hollers after her incantations, hoping to draw the orc's attention towards her, and in doing so, towards his attackers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: Full-Round Action: 5' Step back, and metamagic casting a Silent Resilient Sphere on the back most human male. Reflex DC 22 to Negate.
Olana Thursday August 24th, 2006 12:38:57 AM
Olana's face has settled into a frown. She keeps moving slowly along, her ears trying to pick up the soft footfalls around her.
If anything did happen, she was hoping Ingrge would get rid of this umbrella of invisibility, because she couldn't take aim and shoot if one of her own were stood right in front of her. Still, it had got them this far.
Nick Thursday August 24th, 2006 12:45:59 AM
Nick keeps moving forward steadily, keeping his eye on whats happening in the distance, and trying to stop the horse's tack from clinking and jangling.
DM Jan Thursday August 24th, 2006 1:38:16 AM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LUNCHTIME
Inside the tavern -
Three of the human men make a rush for the huge orc by the door. The other hangs back a little. This one isn't holding any weapons. Instead he's twitching his fingers. 'Someone' coughs. The orc turns. Human #1 goes in with a long, needle-like dagger. He succeeds in embedding the blade in the creature's shoulder - not his original target. With a loud roar, the orc grabs him and pushes him back - hard - sending him crashing through the front door and bowling down the steps into the yard outside in a spectacular manner.
Mavis is crouched low and is trying to get out of the way, all the time yelling "Eric! Eric!" at the top of her voice.
Human #4 is stopped in his tracks all of a sudden by Aeralia's sphere.(Failed save.) For a moment, he's disoriented. Trying to figure out who did what to him. Eyes of hate switch rapidly between Aeralia and Bertram.
Humans #2 and #3, for the moment ignorant of the plight of #4, but perfectly aware of what happened to #1, and Bert, Aeralia and Valdor see them start to close in on the orc.
Outside, around the side -
Both Milo (hidden) and Eric the half orc hear a loud crash, followed by "Eric! Eric!" coming from inside. Eric speeds up significantly, dashes up the steps and through the side door.
Outside, out front -
Gunther, K'Nara, Lian, Cori, Dahlia - and Birk and the other orcs, on foot and in the saddle; the other two half orcs Nyle and Jon, and of course Brothers Michael, Tyne and Tull, devoted clerics of Ga'al witness the following -
There is a muffled roar, pain and anger, then the main door at the top of the steps into the tavern bursts open, and a human male flies out backwards. His heel catches the top step, and the momentum sends him tumbling vigorously down to the bottom of the stairwell, where he lands in a heap in the yard.
Birk wastes no time issuing a battle cry, and the orcs surge forward, howling and drawing their weapons. In the thick of it - Gunther, Lian, Cori, the Brothers and K'Nara need a reflex save DC 23, or get swept along, up the steps. (I'm assuming Dahlia is still hidden somewhere.)
[Inside or Outside?! You're letting in the flies.] (<---- Who wrote this? Identify, please. ~~Jan~~)
Outside, 100 ft away -
Ve, Olana, Nick, Mordrid, Falin, Ingrge and the elves see some movement at the top of some steps, followed by a collective howl, and movement further into the yard, and back up the steps.
In the air, Ve had a better view of things. If he wasn't mistaken, it looked like someone had been thrown outside. Violently.
Things are heating up.
Knara (Sub Jay B) AC 29, hps 124 d20+13=14 Thursday August 24th, 2006 7:08:51 AM
The red head is not surprised given the reactions of the orcs.
She smirks at some silent comment from Lucia.
(Natural 1, reflex 14) She makes a grab for Gunther and misses and is swept away into the fray.
Gunther d20+12=27 Thursday August 24th, 2006 7:28:10 AM K'nara!! Though he is easily able to keep his footing (Ref.=27), Gunther follows along with the charging orcs just to be close to protect K'nara. And, of course, to see what's going on inside.
Lian AC 37, hps 88 d20+21=35 d20+19=31 2d6(3+3)+4=10 d20+14=23 Thursday August 24th, 2006 7:34:00 AM
(Reflex 35)
The monk makes a grab for Knara, but misses as she was reaching for Gunther at the same time.
Not really wanting to get drug into the fray immediately and not wanting Knara to be hurt in the orc/human skirmish, the Hand of Domi makes a quick decision to attack Knara! (hoping nothing bad happens by his decision)
(Trip attack against Knara for subdual if possible. AC 31, 10 subdual damage, Then a grapple attack as she is falling, AC 23 missing the grapple, missing)[Could I use a combatant as a flank partner in attacking Knara? ;)]
Mordrid Thursday August 24th, 2006 11:59:55 AM
Mordrid brings his horse to stop with a muffled "Hooooe,". He says this just loud enough for the rider next to him to hear, and pass down the line. Any closer with the horses and the inn party would hear the rumble of the horses, if they haven't heard them already.
Standing in his stirrups, he struggles to make out the events going down in the inn yard. Something was happening and it didn't look good. The ranger knows that Valdor can handle the orcs. It's the clerics of Gaal that have him worried. Three stacked flame strikes can really make a mess of things. This is exactly the kind of unpredictable event that can get someone killed.
[Readied action: if any or all of the clerics begin to cast, the ranger will open fire in order to disrupt the casting(concentration)]
Corialote and Amarth d20+21=24 d20+14=29 d20+12=25 Thursday August 24th, 2006 1:25:00 PM
Cori dances through the mob that is heading for the inn and shakes her head. Through her earpiece she warns Valdor. "A large group of stupid orcs are even now coming for support of whatever is going on in there...they look more than ready for a fight." Her mind flicks over a few spells that she could use to slow down and stop this mob from getting any further but she has orders to keep her peace unless threatened or it is real danger. Back through the earpiece she seeks council from Valdor. "Hold my ground here or do something about the mob?" She begins the gestures for a spell just in case she has orders to stop some of the mob.
Moving lightly off to the side of the now passed mob she looks to Amarth who is not at all happy. "Nasty lot Mistress...now where are those priests." His eyes search the area for signs of the Ga'al priests and to see what they are up to.
[Cori- spot 29] [Amarth- spot 25]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Valdor Thursday August 24th, 2006 1:36:09 PM
Valdor says,"Best not to get into it, until we know who's side we should be on. I don't like fighting for orcs against humans, but I don't know these humans, either. The clerics outside ar who I'm concerned with at the moment. The humans are probably dead anyway. They have little or no chance. We get in the middle and we fight both and maybe the clerics too."
Milo d20+20=33 d20+18=32 Thursday August 24th, 2006 6:15:21 PM
Milo picks up the pace, keeping just behind Eric as he dashes in, doing his best to remain hidden in the half-orc's wake. (OOC: Hide DC 33 and Move Silently DC 32, self imposed -5 for increased foot speed.)
Dahlia / Ingrge d20+25=35 d20+25=43 Thursday August 24th, 2006 6:55:30 PM
Staying as hidden as she can Dahlia moves arround so she will be flanking the clerics as they get closer.
Move silent dc 35 hide dc 43
****
Ingrge brings moonshadow to a halt and like Mordrid pulls out his bow, smiling at everyones confusion as the mage readies a few arrows.
Olana Thursday August 24th, 2006 9:22:56 PM
Bow at the ready, Olana whispers - "Pssst, what are we supposed to do now? Pass it on..."
Nick Thursday August 24th, 2006 9:28:36 PM
Nick brings his horse to a halt. Time to watch and wait. he's dearly hoping the Aisildurians don't join in the melee and draw everyone else into it, although right now, he reckoned anything could happen.
Falin Thursday August 24th, 2006 11:59:09 PM
Keeping his bow ready Falin continues to watch event unfold and waits.
Lian Friday August 25th, 2006 12:23:21 PM
Highlight to display spoiler: {**The monk crosses his fingers**}
DM Jan Friday August 25th, 2006 12:40:47 PM
CURRENT WOLDIAN TIME - LUNCHTIME
Inside the tavern -
Human #4 appears to concentrate for a moment, and with a soft hiss, Aeralia's sphere around him disappears. The man starts to run. To Valdor, Bertram and Aeralia it looks like he's heading for the doorway at the FAR side of the bar.
Meanwhile, Eric the half orc, with Milo sneaking up behind, arrives at the doorway at the NEAR side of the bar, near the reception area, where chaos reigns. Here, there are two humans (#2 and #3) trying to pierce holes in a huge orc, who in turn is trying to punch them silly with massive fists. The orc still has a blade embedded in his arm. Mavis is looking on incredulously. (Milo has sight of of the corridor he explored earlier, that runs along the back of the bar, and only a partial view of whats going on in the tavern room.)
Suddenly, a wave of orcs charge through the door and a great deal of kicking and punching ensues. "Outside!" barks the big orc. "Outside!" The wave changes direction, and this time, with human's #2 and #3 in tow, it heads back outside and down the stairs again. In the odd calm that follows, the big orc mutters "Sorry about that," to Mavis and leans against the wall, panting.
Outside, in the yard -
Lian, who's managed to shove and drag K'Nara unceremoniously out of the fray, is now faced with the returning mob coming back outside, with Gunther in the middle of it.
Things are beginning to look extremely ugly for the humans, three of the four are now outside, pinned down and blades are coming out.
"Wait!" someone shouts.
Lian, K'nara, Dahlia (hidden), Gunther and Cori see the Aisildurian clerics approach. "Aren't you going to ask them 'Why?'" one of the clerics demands. The orcs stop in their tracks, eyes on the writhing chests of the three men clad in red. One of the orcs - Birk - summons up some courage. "Well, why don't YOU ask 'em?" he replies, his common gutteral and sharp.
Smiling beatifically - one of the Ga'al clerics steps forward.
Further outside -
Mordrid, Ingrge, Ve, Falin, the elves, Nick, Olana see the tumble of orcs and humans come back down the steps, and the Ga'al clerics step forward and disappear into the small crowd in the yard. No apparent casting. Yet.
The four orcs who were on horseback, and on guard are still hovering at the entrance of the gate, but their attention is on what's going on inside.
((OOC - Please, please, please, please, pretty please with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and a cherry on top - if you're going to dive into someone's post - especially one of mine, and edit it with a comment or question - identify yourself. It's the polite thing to do. :) ))
Aeralia [AC 12, HP 40/40] Friday August 25th, 2006 1:06:39 PM
"Not gonna happen," Aeralia whispers lightly, her eyes following ahead of the man's movement towards the back exit. Taking a few moments to observe the lay out of the far wall, the young performer begins to cast again, forming a invisible wall of magical energies directly in front of the man's intended exit. She forms the wall as large as she can, but she takes into account any furniture that might interfer with its formation (coving the entire far wall if she can, but at least over the doorway).
Having accomplished that, she starts after the man, slipping a wand from her belt as she runs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OOC: Standard Action: Cast Wall of Force Move Equivelent Action: 15' movement or so, draw wand of silence Spells Remaining: (6/6),(8/8),(8/8),(8/8),(6/6),(2/4)
Mordrid (mounted - ouside the inn) Friday August 25th, 2006 1:13:11 PM
Mordrid speaks in a controlled volume, "Hold tight guys. Steady."
He knows if the tide turns in disfavor for the group's members at the inn, then the cavalry's sudden arrival will not only physically alter the balance of the sitaution, it could also completely and totally put all involved in a state of suprise and shock. That was a very valuable card to play, because that action in itself could completely freeze the melee, and there would be no need for further bloodshed.
The ranger slips out a wand of flaming arrows and applies a charge to the contents of his quiver.
"Valdor, we're holding 100 feet outside the inn. Our presence is not known at the moment. What's going on overthere?"
Ve Mundr d20+16=30 Friday August 25th, 2006 2:08:45 PM
Ve holds his position as requested, the sudden appearance of a Domi priest would likely not help any situation going on with the clerics of Ga'al right there. He will speak into the earpiece, "Mordrid, please remind everyone down there that pulling weapons will cause them to spread out and possibly push some outside of the invisibility sphere. That and as a group we are starting to make a considerable amount of noise and are only 100' away." [Listen 30]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Brother Bertram Friday August 25th, 2006 3:23:54 PM
Bertram sits back and watches in apparent disinterest-trying to hold up the role of a mercenary for hire, but is very interested in where this will end.
(OOC Sorry was gone soo long folks-good to be back!)
Valdor Friday August 25th, 2006 3:36:36 PM
Valdor replies to Mordrid,"Not much. Just some humans that attacked an orc. It'll settle itself without too much involvement...I think. I'm just enjoying my tea."
Valdor has a smile on his face that he's not in the middle of it, for once...yet. He winks at Cori and whispers,"All this fighting gets me hot."
Knara (Sub Jay) Friday August 25th, 2006 4:59:43 PM
The red-head is pulled to her feet and whips around, ready to slap (if not MORE) whoever had the gall to trip and grab her.
Lian Friday August 25th, 2006 5:01:36 PM
The monk meets the red-head's gaze. He snorts with a rye smile, "Your welcome." As he points to the fray.
He is concerned, but not overly, at Gunther's plight. "He can handle himself I think."
Gunther 2d8(1+6)+3=10 d8=2 Friday August 25th, 2006 6:20:31 PM
Seeing that the big orc is wounded, Gunther heads forward. "Sir, I can heal your wound if you'd like." If the Borden agrees, Gunther reaches out and touches him lightly. There is a brief glow from the tattoo on his chest as the healing magic is transfered to the orc (11 pts. healed).
Corialote and Amarth Friday August 25th, 2006 6:31:49 PM
Cori being outside and leaning against the corral fence cannot see Valdor but she can hear him through the earpiece. She gets a smile upon her face and then speaks into the earpiece herself. "Is that an offer or invitation my Captain." Meanwhile her eyes watch the crowd that has come back out the doors with interest. She will not interfere but she is curious as to what will happen.
Amarth rolls his eyes as he has an idea as to what Cori is talking to and to whom. "Why don't you just get it over with Mistress...you are both ready it seems." He cannot understand the need for all this ritual dancing...or at least this much. He has never had to court a young female this much to nest with her. "I will never understand humans."
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Olana Saturday August 26th, 2006 1:37:11 AM
The elf lets out an overly patient sigh. Whoever poked her in the rear just now was really going to get it, once all this was over.
Knara (sub Jay B) Saturday August 26th, 2006 8:42:26 AM
The red-head scowls at the monk. "We'll talk about this later!" She says in an undertone, activating her earpiece.
"Valdor, I believe the orc called Birk is trying to organize the orcs into the new Izen and take control back from Marteaus."
Lian Saturday August 26th, 2006 8:46:47 AM
"They want to do what?" He says, looking at Knara and then the orcs. "Really?"
Falin Saturday August 26th, 2006 10:53:49 AM
It is a good thing they are invisible becasue Falin turns a bright shade of red. "Ah, sorry Olana, that was me. I meant to hit you on your shoulder."
With a smile Falin whispers "Isn't it like this all the time? Hurry up and wait."
Valdor Saturday August 26th, 2006 2:53:22 PM
Valdor replies to K'Nara very discreetly and quietly,"While I hate the Usurper, a nation of orcs unsettles me even more. I can't imagine such a thing. They multiply like rabbits, and ninety nine percent of them are evil. Not a good combo."
Nick Monday August 28th, 2006 1:52:16 AM
Nick strokes the nose of his horse and whispers to it quietly. Truth be told, he's starting to tire, stood up like this. His joints are beginning to mutter in protest. That thing in the pit turned me into an old man... Luckily, no one can see him shift slowly from one foot to another.
DM Jan Monday August 28th, 2006 2:53:01 AM
Inside the Tavern -
VALDOR, BERTRAM, AERALIA, GUNTHER, MILO
Human #4 runs headlong into Aeralia's wall of force and bounces off - landing on his backside on the floor. Like a crab, he scuttles behind the bar.
"Wait!" growls the big orc as Gunther approaches. He pulls the knife out of his arm - a slow deliberate motion, causing blood to pour. "Now," he grunts. The spell staunches the blood and the orc nods in thanks, towering over the orc-speaking human.
Mavis the proprietor stomps angrily over to the main door and throws it wide. "You're barred!" she yells at someone outside, before re-entering. "You all right?" she asks the big orc, in a manner that suggests he is a familiar figure to her. "I don't know who they are. They were told just like everyone else to leave their weapons at the door."
One of the elf customers over by the window says, "They were talking about a war. One of them asked us if we wanted to join the Iron Fist - whatever that is. We declined of course. We're heading into Blackbird Forest."
The big orc growls angrily. His eyes fix on Valdor and Bertram - being the other strangers in the room. (Aeralia is dismissed from this part of the conversation, her being a female an' all.) "Anyone else running off to join the Iron Fist? Anyone else here to steal my people?"
Eric the half orc doorman heads off behind the bar to apprehend human #4. That gives Milo a better view of the room. The half orc holds a hand up toward Aeralia. "Stay back, Miss," he says, "This man could well be dangerous."
Outside in the yard -
CORI, K'NARA, LIAN, DAHLIA
A small, middle-aged human woman appears at the top of the steps for a moment, points at humans #1, #2, #3 and yells "You're barred!" before disappearing back inside. The orcs snicker, and shake their prisoners like rats. That earns them a diatribe from human #1- "You $%#@ orc scum. You're fools, following that &*(&^%$. You're nothing. You'll be destroyed. Once we've conquered the distant land, we - the Iron Fist will be back here! Then you'll pay!" He stops, after one of the others manages via a gesture to remind him the Ga'al clerics are there watching. Immediately he tries a different tack - "Father! Your Eminences! Surely you can't let this happen!"
One of the clerics steps forward, crouches low next to human #1, smiles and says - "Oh, but I can. You see Ga'al is most displeased that some of his free citizens have been lured away on this stupid quest you call the Iron Fist. If you value your lives, you'll start telling us where your recruits are taken. Otherwise......." He shrugs, "...we've seen people torn apart before. Tsk tsk, a nasty business. I pity you."
One of the orcs gives human #3 a nasty kick in the kidneys.
The atmosphere is getting colder and deadlier by the second.
100ft away from the tavern gate -
MORDRID, INGRGE, OLANA, FALIN, THE ELVES, NICK, VE
Everyone hears "You're barred!" yelled by a female voice. Still too far away to hear much else, however.
Posting Report For Monday August 28th, 2006 8:29:43 AM
Game #1 Platinum Dragons For the week of Aug 21,2006
Valdor Monday August 28th, 2006 10:38:21 AM
Valdor coughs in response to the orc's question...rather loudly, to let the orc know who alerted him. He grins under his hood and says in a gravelly voice,"Steal YOUR people? This Iron Fist is recruiting humans AND orcs? Strange combination. Do you know who leads this Iron Fist and are they some cult or is it God worship?"
Falin Monday August 28th, 2006 1:20:47 PM
"I am begining to get anxious," Falin whispers to Olana. "Especially with all of that yelling going on."
Falin will turn for a second to look behind them to make sure no one is going to run into a large invisible group of people.
Lian Monday August 28th, 2006 1:39:06 PM
The monk clinches his fists and they begin to glow with faint violet flame. (Blessed Hands)
Milo d20+25=43 d20+23=31 Monday August 28th, 2006 2:48:58 PM
Using the chaos to his benefit, Milo slips into the tavern proper unnoticed and takes a seat at the table where is friends are sitting. Sitting quietly, the halfling looks nonplussed, "Not enough excitement around here to keep an honest thief interested... much less in business." (OOC: Hide DC 43, Move Silently DC 31)
Ve Mundr d20+16=34 Monday August 28th, 2006 3:53:48 PM
Jan below is my post. I wanted to run it by you because you specifically said we can't hear them. Ve Listen check means he beat the DC 24. People Talking is a 0 and +1 per 10' runs it to a 14. Exceeding this by 10 normally allows to hear everything.
Ve remains calm and at ease as he listens to the conversation of the Ga'al Clerics and those just outside the bar. Ve relays what he can hear through the earpiece, "It seems the Ga'al scum are looking for some wayward parisioners. This Iron Fist appears to be a growing organization and our Dragon friend is likely next to the top of it. It also seems very evident from here that the humans are going to wind up very painfully dead very shortly Valdor. You must give word to Cori or Dahlia to intervene in some way."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
~~Jan~~ Go for it, Daniel! (I've opened up the post.)
K'Nara d20+2=18 Monday August 28th, 2006 6:22:58 PM
The bladesinger scowls at the moronic humans who'd tried to jump Borden.
"You're begging for aid when you were all perfectly happy to try to use your superior numbers to overwhelm or even kill a lone orc? If this is the code of the Iron Fist, it's not a very honorable organization, now, is it?" K'Nara sighs, then turns to the orcs.
"These fools aren't worth the effort to kill them--or even to rough them up." the tall bladesinger says firmly. "You heard Mavis bar them from the tavern, and they are next to helpless now--rejected by those to whom they appealed for help. Just send them on their way...they're so foolish that I don't doubt that they'll get lost long before they could possibly find out wherever this...this Iron Fist group happens to be."
(OOC: not sure if the check would be for Diplomacy or for Intimidate--K'Nara is being careful to use strong language yet is arguing for the orcs to spare the humans. Either way, the check roll gets a +2 bonus so that it is a total of 18.)
Corialote and Amarth Monday August 28th, 2006 7:57:21 PM
Cori glares at Amarth with a mixture of outrage and surprise. "You know...sometimes I think I should turn you into a toad and squish you." With a shake of her head she turns back to the business at hand but silently hopes that Valdor did not hear Amarth and his earlier comment. Oh that raven was going to get her into trouble one of these days and she may not be able to get out of it.
As she watches the play with the humans she shrugs her shoulder. They had made their bed so let them lie in it or die in it as the case maybe. She does not really care what happens to them and will only move if given orders.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Brother Bertram Monday August 28th, 2006 7:57:57 PM
Bertram snorts, I work for gold, Orc, it matters not to me who pays it. What do they offer that you arent able to match?
Gunther Monday August 28th, 2006 11:59:55 PM
Gunther looks over at K'nara and rolls his eyes. "Women!" Gunther looks down at the captured humans and then over at Borden. "If it were me, I'd bring them along for a treat for worgs...unless they told me what I wanted...but then, that's just me."
Olana Tuesday August 29th, 2006 12:38:02 AM
There's a witty retort on the tip of Olana's tongue as Falin whispers his apology, but - seeing as the best course of action was relative silence, she whispers - "No worries."
He was right about the hurry up and wait, though. Her normal patience had been completely blown away by that Catacombs horror show of a creature in Koshe Marr, and she was SO ready to start letting her arrows fly.
She wonders about the Culverwood party. If Falin was getting anxious, and she was getting ready to rock, chances were they were on the edge, too. "Need to calm the elves," she whispers. "This range - could hit one of us."
Nick Tuesday August 29th, 2006 12:42:35 AM
Nick listens to Ve's message and frowns. How did the orcs fit into all of this? Whatever happened next, he hoped no one lost their head and did something rash.
DM Jan Tuesday August 29th, 2006 2:19:26 AM
Inside the Tavern -
VALDOR, BERTRAM, AERALIA, GUNTHER, MILO
Valdor and Bertram suddenly find they have company at their table in the form of Milo. Milo's just in time to come under scrutiny from the big orc.
The orc glares at Valdor. "You tell me," he growls, and comes to some kind of conclusion as Bertram adds his piece. "Well, if you're mercenaries, it sounds like you've missed your chance. The 'circus' left two days ago." He turns and addresses Mavis. "I came to ask you for supplies, and if you knew anything more about this caravan that paid a visit." Mavis folds her arms and shrugs. "Whatever is happening, you know we like to stay independant, Borden. Conflict stays outside. However - they came for some horses. About a dozen men, mostly about his age," she points at Gunther, "but led by a much older man. They were polite enough, paid in full. They stayed for a night, and met up with another party that came up from the south. Then they left."
Human #4 is currently huddled like a cornered rat behind the bar between Eric and Aeralia.
Outside in the yard -
CORI, K'NARA, LIAN, DAHLIA
The orcs look at one another and grin as K'Nara speaks out. "Or maybe we'll wait for Borden to return," Birk grunts patronizingly. "I'm hoping he tells us to roast them on a spit until they talk." That last remark brings laughter from the other orcs and causes the humans to clam up. Human #3, who was kicked, has blood oozing from the corner of his mouth.
"And who would you be?" interjects one of the Ga'al clarics. He's looking at K'Nara, but gestures toward Cori and Lian, too. (Dahlia still hidden.)
100ft away from the tavern gate -
MORDRID, INGRGE, OLANA, FALIN, THE ELVES, NICK, VE
Mordrid and Nick receive Ve's summization of events so far. Falin can see no one on the approach. There's nothing on the river, either. The elves are beginning to whisper among themselves.
Posting Report For Tuesday August 29th, 2006 10:18:09 AM
Game #3 Emeral Talon For the week of Aug 21,2006
Name.....MTWTF Dm Donna Leon.....XXXX2S Farlin...XOXXOS Milo.....XOXXO Olana....XXXXX Gunther..XXXXX Inger....XOOXO K'Nara...XX2XXS sub by Jay BroBertram.OOOOX Aeralia..XOXOX
OK! Jay I did this favor for you, Just Stop the fire on Lenoir! Adm Ceil
Lian Tuesday August 29th, 2006 10:50:42 AM
Staring a hole in the Ga'alan cleric, Lian tries to bite back his snape but can't seem to control it. "Thats my business, friend. Pointing is rude." His fists continue to glow, turning from violet to deep green.
Valdor Tuesday August 29th, 2006 12:03:30 PM
Valdor replies to Ve quietly,"Ve, I know you don't like this, but it's just not our fight. And we don't yet know who the good guys and bad guys are. Those humans are going to reap what they sowed. If you choose that lifestyle, you need to accept th consequences of being unsuccessful at your attempt."
Valdor looks up to meet the orc's stare. His eyes burn from under his hood to meet the orc's glare. He pulls the hood back a little so the orc can see his face. He then breaks out a grin and says,"Whatever we are, we didn't help them, nor hinder you. So, while we aren't friends, we aren't enemies either. Have there been many such caravans heading that same direction? Like yourself, we have taken an interest in this new 'Iron Fist' and their presence here."
He silently replays Amarth's words in the back of his mind...
Nick Tuesday August 29th, 2006 12:51:05 PM
Whispering quietly into his earpiece -
"Folks, I hate to say this.... but what if there aren't any 'good guys'? Well, not what we'd call good guys."
Valdor Tuesday August 29th, 2006 2:07:08 PM
Nick can almost 'see' Valdor's response in his mind,"Then we kill them all and let the God's sort them out."
Ve Mundr d20+16=29 d20+16=19 d20+16=18 Tuesday August 29th, 2006 2:43:50 PM
Ve continues to listen to the conversation of the humans, orcs and clerics of Ga'al and replies to Valdor and the other Platinum Dragons, "Valdor it does not matter who the good guys are, if there even are any as Father Nicholas said. A fact exists that I am. My sudden precense would complicate things. One of the orcs just mentioned waiting on Borden though and K'nara is helping as well, so we need not do anything yet."
Noticing the glow rolling off Lian's clenched fists the cleric adds to Cori, "Cori could you try and defuse Lian, I believe his name is. I can feel his anger from here and it could escalate things."
Ve will still not do anything more than talk quietly, though he is fully prepared to.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Mordrid Tuesday August 29th, 2006 4:43:46 PM
When the Ga'alian priests begin to speak in the direction of K'nara and company, Mordrid looks sideways toward Ve; inviting a translation of words, as the ranger can't hear over the wind blowing off the plains and then splashing into the tree-line on the other side of the river.
"What is being said? Thank god it's the monk they're speaking to. Monks are trained in patience and tolerance."
Dahlia Tuesday August 29th, 2006 5:53:11 PM
Staying hidden Dalia makes sure she has a clear and certain line of attack on the Gaalina cleric that is doing the talking.
******
Ingrge whispers to Mordrid, what think you of us dismounting and surrounding these guys a bit more? We should be able to do it and still remain close enough to remain invisible.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday August 29th, 2006 8:28:42 PM
Cori simply shrugs as she hears the conversation going on between everyone. She takes the pointing in stride but does nod again as she hears the comment from Ve through the earpiece. She brushes Amarth from her shoulder and then moves to Lian. "Go bother someone else Amarth." Without a thought she steps in front of Lian and between the priests. She tries to use surprise to pull him into an embrace and kiss him soundly on the lips...something long and lingering.
Either way she will turn to the Ga'al priest, her own eyes flashing. "We drow do not take kindly to being asked our business...that is our own." She will attempt to block off Lian from the priests, even lacing her free arm through his. "I think that we can find something more amusing to do."
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Milo Tuesday August 29th, 2006 8:38:49 PM
Milo glances placidly up at the large orc, and then looks around for someone capable of serving ale, and attempts to order a mug. Not interested in starting a ruckus inside, Milo remains otherwise silent.
Falin Tuesday August 29th, 2006 10:46:46 PM
Looking back over his should Falin whispers to the other elves. "Remember patience. We are playing a waiting game and we need to practice the patience that elves are known for."
Turning back around he tries to follow his own advice and works at controlling his breathing.
Aeralia Tuesday August 29th, 2006 10:53:31 PM
Aeralia leaves the spellcaster for Eric to take into custody, though she does keep a eye on him for a brief moment, until she sures he isn't going to try anything.
Once he is taken care of, she'll wander back to the window, seeing what was occuring outside. She blinks in suprise to observe Cori and Lian in their liplock, quickly turning her attention back into the interior of the tavern.
K'Nara Tuesday August 29th, 2006 11:42:20 PM
(OOC to Gunther: note that Gunther is inside the tavern and K'Nara is outside--he can't directly hear what she's saying to the orcs outside.)
"Thank you for surprising me." K'Nara says to Birk. "Most of my life, I've heard that orcs know naught but selfishness and violence, and here you show wisdom in deferring to...well, I guess he's your leader, yes? Wisdom in an orc...a most pleasant surprise." The tall human female nods to Birk, then lays a gentle hand on Lian's shoulder.
"Curiosity abounds, my friend," she tells the elven monk, then eyes the Ga'alian cleric with a neutral expression. "I am with a band of fellow travelers...you could call us mercenaries, but we are careful to whom we hire ourselves out. Already an error in choice has left one of our number weaker than usual...so we've sworn that we will definitely try to find out as much as possible about future positions before signing on."
Gunther Wednesday August 30th, 2006 12:02:58 AM
OOC: Good point Donna!!
Not sure exactly what's going down, Gunther watches the situation carefully. He also edges toward the human behind the bar. "Sir, what do you want to do with him?" he asks interested in what Borden will say.
Olana Wednesday August 30th, 2006 12:44:44 AM
Olana is glad the contingent of elves can't see her face right now, which is borderline smirk and teethgrinding frustration.
She could hear that Nick whatsisname whispering, which meant the Platinums had their communication devices. Yeah... it would be nice to know what was going on.
Still, Falin was right. There had to be some patience somewhere in her frazzled head. Deep breath. Say focused. Relax. Loosen up. Listen.
By all the Gods in Culverwood, did one of the horses just pass gas? Sigh. What was the betting that Milo was sat at the bar having a beer?
Brother Bertram Wednesday August 30th, 2006 1:08:23 AM
Bertram shrugs and gestures at the overturned furniture, "There is always someone fighting, and someone hiring, eh?"
DM Jan Wednesday August 30th, 2006 1:39:02 AM
Inside the Tavern -
VALDOR, BERTRAM, AERALIA, GUNTHER, MILO
The big orc's eyes narrow, taking Valdor's and Bertram's measure. "Those caravans have been drifting back and forth for months, collecting supplies, recruiting mercenaries. They spin quite a yarn, by all accounts; make a lot of promises. As for exactly where they're going - " he snorts, a pure orcish gesture in the midst of impeccable common - "that's what I'm going to find out."
Borden (the big orc) heads outside, after telling Gunther to "Bring him outside."
Eric is dragging Human #4 from behind the bar. The man is protesting his innocence - "I didn't do anything. I'm innocent, and you can hardly blame me for running!" "Be right with you, sir," the half orc says to Milo, while saying quietly to #3 - "You're barred."
Aeralia has a good view from the window of what's going on in the yard, namely some kind of discussion between the rest of the party, some orcs, and three red-clad clerics of Ga'al.
Outside in the yard -
CORI, K'NARA, LIAN, DAHLIA
The Ga'al clerics look at one another, shrug, bowing politely at K'nara after receiving replies to their question. Lian's preparedness doesn't seem to be bothering them in the slightest, which could suggest a number of things. They give no suggestion of awareness that Dahlia has a bead on them, either, although perhaps Cori's brazenness registers a little disapproval.
Birk regards K'Nara warily, his grasp of common, although quite good, is still leaving him wondering if he's been the victim of sarcasm, or not. Human women warriors - a confusion at best.
All the orcs shut up and straighten as their leader emerges from the tavern door. Borden comes bounding down the stairs. "Tie them up," he nods toward the humans. "We'll take them with us. Now move - get those supplies. I want us saddled up and ready to go in 15 minutes. That caravan has a two day head start."
The Ga'al cleric who's been doing all the talking steps forward - "We'll come with you," he says, a statement, not a request.
100ft away from the tavern gate -
MORDRID, INGRGE, OLANA, FALIN, THE ELVES, NICK, VE
The elves quieten down immediately after Falin's request. Ingrge discusses further tactics with Mordrid. Ve watches and listens, and is able to report to Nick and Mordrid what is going on.
Valdor Wednesday August 30th, 2006 10:35:03 AM
Valdor has had enough of the charade. Never was this subterfuge one of his strengths. It simply takes too long to get any answers. It will be impossible to hide all the elves for much longer anyway, he figures. He stands up and follows the big orc out the door. He walks up and says,"We will go as well."
He pulls back his cloak and removes it, his armor shining in the sun. He replaces his Dragonslayer sword and says,"I am Valdor, of the Platinum Dragons. We also would know what this threat is, and would help end it, if it indeed is a threat to us all. However,"and he turns towards the clerics of Ga'al and finishes,"if any of you attack or even make an attempt to convert our clerics, I will destroy you in a second. Ga'al will not save you from my sword, I assure you. One of them is known to you and you will avoid him or die. We can get along fine as long as you do this."
Valdor has a smile on his face and is speaking pleasantly enough, but his eyes are burning. Nick is his charge...in his own mind. He will protect him at all costs. He doesn't signal to Mordrid to show himself yet, until he has his okay from the orc and the clerics.
Lian Wednesday August 30th, 2006 12:23:21 PM
Lian is startled, but for several seconds enjoys the intent of the kiss; he understands it to be a ploy to divert his attention. He then pushes Cori away glancing at the tavern. "While you are quite attractive m'lady, it does not change the fact of what these folks do to children to 'bring them into the fold'!" He says in a controlled and low tone. "I know you must think that is wrong too. I can control myself, but I must vent in other ways or I WILL explode." He places a hand on her shoulder with a small smile. "I appreciate the gesture and you are a great kisser."
Ve Mundr d20+16=24 d20+16=25 d20+16=33 Wednesday August 30th, 2006 1:09:23 PM
Surprises abound. Certainly more to Cori then she had let on previously in Osto. Valdors move also catches the cleric a bit off guard. Valdor decides nothing gained in saying anything about either instance, but files away the behavior in his mind. He was still new to the dynamic that surrounded him and into which his very life was now tied. Understanding that dynamic and predictablility of the personalitites within it was of the utmost importance to him. Ve continues to relate to his fellow dragons everything he can hear occcurring just outside of the tavern through the earpiece. "They are preparing to take the humans with them, bound up and it seems to proceed in search of the Iron Fist. The Ga'al cleric stated they would accompany this Borden and his orcs. And well you alreaday know what Valdor just did."
Ve unfortunately does not know orc and is forced to hope they don't shift to the gutteral language. Given Valdor confirming the orcs likely suspisions, Ve almost leans forward ton the carpet, locking the distant Borden under his scrutiny. [Spot 25 sence motive 33]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Mordrid Wednesday August 30th, 2006 3:05:49 PM
Mordrid squints his dark eyes, as he peers through his whiping black hair and wind.
His mare snorts and blusters, but the ranger's hand shoots forward to rub her snout; bringing a calming effect over the horse, but failing to quite her kneeding feet that alternate rhythmically into the muddy sod.
Toward the people to his left and right, "When we advance... lets go at a military half gate (bouncing trot). Drop the invisibility on my command. And most important, look proud to be who you are; the last of the elven Culverwood. Show her the repsect she is due." It is tempting to summon a 'huurah' , leading them into a full charge ahead.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday August 30th, 2006 3:53:06 PM
Cori simply shrugs her slim shoulders as she smiles at Lian. "I do not like them either...just let me know if you decide to play with them." Her eyes flash with concealed laughter and a hint of hatred. They had questioned her after all and that was unacceptable. "By the way if this should cause trouble with future interest of the female persuasion...let me know and I will explain my intent." Her eyes flash again as she cannot help but wonder deep down just what her intentions had been. Was this a game or was she interested in more.
Amarth stays in the air. He will never understand his Mistress but at least she seems to be out of that funk she was in earlier. He is hoping that whatever had effected her in the underground is slowly losing its effect.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Nick Wednesday August 30th, 2006 5:06:14 PM
Nick puts a foot in his horse's stirrup and rises slowly into the saddle. Well, he supposed they had to announce their arrival sooner or later. If handled well, this would just be a pooling of resources, although Nick wonders about the orcs in particular. How would they react to the likes of Valdor being in their midst?
Milo Wednesday August 30th, 2006 6:27:54 PM
When Valdor gets up to leave, Milo hops up as well, following in the big man's wake. To the bartender, "Never mind... looks like we're leaving now. Thanks anyhow." The halfling seems rather cheerful that something interesting might just happen.
Olana Wednesday August 30th, 2006 11:49:33 PM
"Let's try and spread out a bit," Olana whispers to Falin as they get the order to move. "If one of those cleric hurls a fireball..."
K'Nara Thursday August 31st, 2006 12:06:51 AM
K'Nara leans toward Birk a bit, her face and tone earnest.
"I meant it as a compliment." she says firmly. "I'm sure you already know how most humans are told all about how horrible orcs are...I'm impressed that you have shown me that all the negative talk is wrong."
(Valdor followed the orc outside-SteveH)
Gunther d20+2=22 Thursday August 31st, 2006 12:10:12 AM
Grinning, Gunther heads over and picks up the human, lugging him outside over his shoulder (Grapple=nat. 20). He frowns mildly as Valdor reveals his identity, but watches to see what happens.
Aeralia Thursday August 31st, 2006 1:04:19 AM
Things seeming to calm down a little, Aeralia stays where shes at, using her position at the window to monitor both things inside and outside for the time being.
Having revealed herself a little as a spellcaster, she takes the liberty to add a little more liveliness back into her clothing, and as she watches out the window, the reds and blues of her original outfit fade back to normal, as the spell of her hair ribbons unravel.
DM Jan Thursday August 31st, 2006 1:57:50 AM
((OOC - apologies folks, but with a few non-posters, I'm going to have to make a few assumptions. Gotta keep things moving. It's ma job ;) ))
Inside the Tavern -
AERALIA
Everyone moves outside, one way or another, with the exception of Aeralia, who finds herself in the company of the two elf travelers who were already sat by the window.
Gunther and Eric the half orc have their hands full. Human #4 isn't coming willingly and even though Gunther has the upper hand there's a scuffle all the way down the steps into the yard. The man seems to be trying to pull what looks like a piece of tentacle out of his pocket (failed grapple).
Valdor, Bertram and Milo avoid the flying fists and head down into a yard full of orcs, Talons, Platinums and Ga'alian clerics.
K'Nara is doing her best to allay second-in-command Birk's suspicions when the others come down the stairs. The atmosphere changes rapidly as Valdor reveals his identity. The Ga'alians barely react - "Told you I thought I saw the one called Mordrid, earlier," one of them says quietly - when compared to the orcs.
The air becomes as thick and cloying as day-old blood. Fear - visceral and unpredictable is immediately evident and running rampant among the demi-humans. They all back up like they've been struck by a lightning bolt and howl accordingly. Swords - knives - axes - they all come out.
Valdor feels a now familiar charge in his gut. Tendrils of evil, frenzied and greedy, feeding off the fear surrounding him. It would be all too easy. Just to wipe them out, wouldn't it.... wouldn't it?... kill them all...
The atmosphere has a curdling effect in Cori and Dahlia's belly also. In fact Dahlia feels quite nauseous. Tendrils....
To K'Nara, Bertram, Lian, Auralia, Gunther and Milo, there's an obvious suggestion of past history between Izenian orc and Platinum adventurer. Not good history, either.
Two men speak out in the ominous silence -
Borden - to his men in ORCISH - "Sheath those %&%$# weapons. Do it now, you *(&^%$!!"
Brother Michael - calmly, to Valdor - "Your clerics are not part of our mission."
The weapons are just sliding slowly back into scabbards when -
0ft away from the tavern gate - MORDRID, INGRGE, OLANA, FALIN, THE ELVES, NICK, VE
Ve is probaby the first to read the danger, from his proximity above the ground he can see the orcs reaction. But the others are already advancing - suddenly appearing in force at the gate - spooking the orcs even more.
This does not look good.
Valdor Thursday August 31st, 2006 8:59:05 AM
Valdor expected such a response and doesn't so much as bat an eye, nor make any move towards a weapon. He knows what he can do and his hand itches to do it. He'd rather just slice the big orc...he hears Mordrid's name whispered and snaps out of it.
He looks at Borden closely and says slowly,"You are wise."
He turns to the cleric and says,"Whether it is part of your mission or not is not relevent to me. It had best remain that way or you will see your God at a very young age, before you can preach his word for long."
He waves to Mordrid to show themselves. He figures this will settle things down quickly.
Lian Thursday August 31st, 2006 10:35:36 AM
Lian's hands glow a deeper green and a smirk crawls over his face as he moves slowly to Knara. The gray clad monk pulls his gray scarf over his face so only his eyes show. He draws up his hood and stands, clinching his fists. The monk can't stifle a snort of laughter when Valdor speaks. "I like this guy." He says to the bladesinger.
Mordrid Thursday August 31st, 2006 12:40:04 PM
"Forward," shouts the ranger. He kicks his horse forward at a bouncing trot; listening to the sounds of the others to make sure they are paced similarly. 15 yards short of the gate he shouts, "Drop invisibility!"
And the wall of horses snap into view. Mordrid pulls up short and throws his hand back for a hault.
He then nods a greeting to Valdor, next making eye contact with the orc leader (this must be the guy), and finally he scans the clerics carefully.
[readied action: one called shot at cleric number one's mouth if he begins to cast.]
Falin Thursday August 31st, 2006 12:46:49 PM
Falin begins forward with the rest of them. As the invisibility drops he will spread to the left and signal to the captains to take their archers and spread out. 2 groups on each side. Do not draw weapos yet, but just stay frosty.
He keeps an eye on the orcs.
Brother Bertram Thursday August 31st, 2006 1:28:07 PM
Bertram stands with the others, his hand resting easy on his axe. His eyes never leave the group of priests, expecting more trouble from that quarter than from the orcish rabble.
Ve Mundr Thursday August 31st, 2006 2:50:34 PM An instant shooting match The thought is in his mind as the spooked orcs now find themselves staring down at over 40 well armed elves and obviously powerful adventures. Soon will come the if we wanted you dead speech, shortly followed by the we're stronger than you think boast culminating in the maybe we should try it and see
Ve shakes his head, so many first meeting and negotiations had gone down that path is was hard to expect less, but Borden was already restraining his men, Valdor wouldn't draw, Mordrid might and that was a concern and of course there was the Ga'al clerics and who knew about the nervous elves just itching to get into it.
I could stop it of course, but why? An intersting thought that. Why stop it, let the foolish follow to foolish ends. A small smile creeps to the corners of his mouth and it is precisely with that thought in mind that Ve folds his arms and commands the carpet forward to land and steps off. About 40' further in from the gate.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Dahlia / Ingrge d20+17=28 d20+14=29 Thursday August 31st, 2006 7:38:26 PM
As instructed Ingrge drops the invisibility and with bow already drawn back, targeting the center Gaalian, and waits for something stupid to happen. He just hoped Falin had a good sense of his archers' discipline.
********
Dahlia feels a sick sense of something overcome her as weapons are drawn. Fighting back the nausea and the tremors Will DC 29 fort dc 28 she waits to see what she is sure is about to transpire. She can't help but thinking to herself, is this the scene I saw at the gypsy's table?
Corialote and Amarth d20+16=25 d20+21=28 Thursday August 31st, 2006 9:07:47 PM
Cori can feel the tendrils of left over power from the pit twisting in her guts. Yes it was still there and she could feel the build of her own powers, searching for release. Her eyes flash with something close to rage.
"Let's all stay calm." She is not feeling too calm right now herself and here she is preaching calm. Her inner voice tells her that if anyone of these people so much as even looks like they will cast a spell she will not hesitate to play her own hand.
In fact she is more than ready to drive a spell into any of the orcs or Ga'al priests at this point. Amarth shivers from his path in the sky. He can feel what his Mistress feels and he too wishes for trouble...for some reason.
[Fort 25 and Will 28]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Gunther Thursday August 31st, 2006 11:09:07 PM
Gunther dumps his load (the human) off in front of the nearest group of orcs. "Here. Tie this up." There's something about that flicker in Valdors eye.... he moves to a position between Valdor and Borden. Then he barks out to crowd in orcish. "Put those things away! Obey Borden!" Gunther looks over at the big orc. "Sir, like Valdor said, we need to find out about the Iron Fist. These people mean you no harm as long as your troops don't do anything rash." Gunther casts about anxiously. If things go bad, he vows to do his best to try and protect Borden.
Olana Friday September 1st, 2006 12:27:43 AM
Olana moves to the right, bow at the ready. "So many good targets," she says quietly to Ingrge. Now, where was Milo - in one piece, she hoped.
Nick Friday September 1st, 2006 12:31:45 AM
Nick stays in the saddle, watching closely what happens. He's also trying to remember the last time they'd been to Izen - the big battle outside Dirt City in the south, perhaps - before they'd gone to Mount Bone to rescue Parnoth. A memory comes to the surface about some great bells - their pealing was particularly harmful if that memory was correct. And they'd killed a lot of orcs.
K'Nara Friday September 1st, 2006 1:07:14 AM
Taking a step back so as to be beside Gunther, K'Nara frowns, one hand going to the pommel of her sword which peeks out from behind her right shoulder.
"I do hope we don't have use physical persuasion against the followers of Ga'al..." she says ominously, but has yet to draw her sword.
DM Jan Friday September 1st, 2006 12:15:41 PM
Borden's second in command, Birk, still has his sword half drawn, and a bad facial tick is playing havoc with his composure. "These are enemies of Izen!" he barks in orcish. Borden grins, displaying a pair of mean-looking tusks. "Tell me something I don't know. Now, you have your orders. Let's show these enemies of Izen the proper way to behave."
Birks slams his sword into his scabbard. The other orcs follow suit, and they start to move, getting their supplies, tying up the prisoners, seeing to their horses. They occasionally glance with mistrust at Milo, Cori, Bertram, Lian - these strangers in their midst, but that is the current extent of their hostility.
Dahlia detects no hostile body language on the Ga'alian clerics. If anything, they seem somewhat bemused.
Standing an imposing 7 ft tall, Borden turns his attention to Valdor, K'Nara, and Brother Michael, and switches to a clipped but perfectly acceptable common. He raises a long, muscular arm and points out to the east.
"You see that? That is Central Izen. That is our land. It is no longer a proving ground for senseless groups of adventurers from foreign places, seeking to hone their craft and put notches on their belts. My name is Borden. I am the protector and defender of our people. Marteaus abandoned us for Godhood, and in doing so left us a final test. Be picked off by the likes of you - or become a solidified nation that can protect its borders. Be warned. We are no longer your sport.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to see to. If you're joining us, be ready to move in the next quarter hour."
He taps Gunther on the shoulder before he moves away. "As for you - you're our liaison."
The Aisildurians glance at one another, then bow. "Very well, brothers. We had better look to our own supplies and provisions," says the tallest. And to the assembled Talons/Platinums - "We look forward to journeying with you. I am Brother Michael, and my companions here are Brother Tyne, and brother Tull."
The half orc staff - Eric, Jon and Nyle have been staring at Ve Mundr's carpet and are quite excited about it.
At the gate, the four orcs still on horseback make a defiant show of putting their weapons away. Mordrid, Falin, Ingrge, Nick and Olana will note that the elves appear to have deployed pretty well. Not brilliantly, but considering the circumstances...
Inside the tavern, Mavis, who's been watching through the window with the two elven travelers and Aeralia, gives a sigh of relief. "Anyone want a drink?" she asks. "I know I'm getting one."
Then, up in the sky, Amarth spots it first - a heavily loaded wagon lurching along the road from the east, with the word CATACOMBS painted on the canopy. They have parcels for quite a few of the adventurers, along with two scrolls - one for Valdor from Sturtavent, and one for Cori from the Star Tower.
Gunther's cat is currently down by the river, chowing down on what's left of a black crow.
Lian Friday September 1st, 2006 12:34:44 PM
Lian holds a hard glare with a couple of orcs as they glance his way. He doesn't blink.
Mordrid Friday September 1st, 2006 1:20:27 PM
Mordrid lowers his bow, and nods in respect to Bordon. The ranger is very impressed with the wisdom of the orc leader, and his bravery. Plus the words that he speaks are true. Every human and demi-human in the Wold deserves a place to call home; a sovereign nation. This orc was obviously strong enough for the job, and restrained enough to keep it.
He looks left and right at the elves before dismounting, "what better way to be free of Parnoth forever? How can he extort you if there is peace with the south?"
Once dismounted the ranger will walk directly toward Bordon. Stopping short of the orc leader he offers a hand, "I am Mordrid, the Bounty Hunter of Osto. You have my respect."
Mordrid's hand remains extended until its received in Bordon's hand.
Falin Friday September 1st, 2006 3:43:33 PM
Motioning with his hands he has the elves form back up behind him in their groups. He will turn to the captains and tell them to keep an eyes on their teasm and make sure they all had provisions. If any of them require anything now is the time to bring it up.
Brother Bertram Friday September 1st, 2006 4:27:47 PM
Bertram does nothing but awaits a sign from Valdor to act. He quickly falls into his role and keeps an eye out for problems. His eyes widen as he sees the heavily laden wagon approaching.
Valdor Friday September 1st, 2006 5:27:19 PM
Valdor's eyes flash red for a second when Gunther moves into his way. He wasn't planning an attack, but was prepared in case something bad happened. He listens to the big orc and says,"I have never had an issue with any race as a whole, but what actions groups of that race perform. As you can see by the presence of our companion who is very dear to us(he motions towards Cori), we don't pre-judge based upon your race, but your actions. Your words ring true to me, and I will spread the word to any adventurers I hear about.
Interesting thought Borden, we witnessed a vision from an extremely powerful mage and you were a part of it. That's why we came here. This Iron Fist is ruled by a huge black dragon, to our understanding, and he has much ambition to rule this land...an others. I believe this dragon is the main enemy of us all, including Ailsidur. If our source is correct, and I believe it is, he will be working with others to expand his sphere of control, which would include Izen. Borden, your plans are great, but may be destroyed before you see them come to pass.
You have nothing to fear from us, unless we are attacked first. I hope your men are as disciplined as they appear. We will need them when we face this dragon, along with the elves we've brought from Culverwood and all of us.
Weird, but we have orcs, elves, half elves, drow, halflings, humans and a dwarf. A most unusual combination. It must be a sign, I think."
K'Nara Friday September 1st, 2006 6:22:01 PM
The chestnut-maned woman's hand falls away from the pommel of her sword. She's satisfied that cooler heads will prevail.
"Shall we actually have a meal first, or what...?" K'Nara asks Valdor with a bit of a grin.
Corialote and Amarth Friday September 1st, 2006 8:13:02 PM
Hearing a call for her she moves to the wagon that is coming in. Must be news from the Star Mage Guild to be delivered out here. After getting her parchments she will move off to the best place to read them over.
Cori heads towards the inn doors, seeing no reason to hang around. She slips back inside to see if her food is still there and maybe get a refill upon her tea. "Yes something settling would be nice about now." Amarth comes down just as she is about to duck in the doors, to settle upon her shoulder. His head cocked to the side he looks at her. "Mistress, what is this feeling that sends twinges through us when the reigns of power are presented?" He seems as concerned as he is interested in it. He wonders how his life would change if his Mistress was to take up those reigns and that power.
"I have no idea Amarth...I do know that it is something from our time near the pit...something from that evil...I have known evil and I can taste it every time it appears." She looks to the barmaid and smiles. "Could I get more of that tea and a refill on that order from earlier." Despite the way she eats she never gains a pound...the priviledges of being a mage.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Updated by JimW for the Catacombs wagon and message scrolls for her. Missed that with your post Jan...sorry.
Gunther Saturday September 2nd, 2006 12:36:17 AM
The warrior beams as he is named liasion. To be so close to a truely great orc...it was a dream come true. A nation all of their own...truely it was a vision worth fighting for. Suddenly the mission doesn't seem so bad. A nice long march with his brothers and K'nara! Shoot...this was starting to look more and more like a day dream. He could only hope that for the first few days maybe they could enjoy some good orc cooking....like fried ochres and toasted dire rat. And oh what he would give for some centipede stew right about now. His stomach gurgling in anticipation, Gunther looks over at K'nara...until he sees the Catacombs wagon. Making a dash for it, he gathers his new purchases and begins sorting a few things out. Gunther gathers the Talons. "I have some gifts for you. Here...everyvon take two of dese...dere Cure Moderate Vounds. I bought enough for each of you to have 2 each." After the potions are distributed, Gunther pulls K'nara aside and pulls a small backpack from his package. "Dis is for you Miss K'nara. I heard you talking about dat Haversack tingy and so I got you von. I hope you like it." (OOC: Hewards Handy Haversack).
Valdor Saturday September 2nd, 2006 12:57:26 PM
Valdor watches Gunther closely. He cuts his eyes toward K'Nara as she speaks, then back to Gunther, then back again. He looks confused. He knows she cares for him and he for her, but to see him so enamored with an orc...
He nods to her and turns to accept his delivery and reads it silently.
Aeralia Saturday September 2nd, 2006 1:47:10 PM
"Hmm, the Platinum Dragons, Emerald Talons, a squadron of elves from Culverwood, now some priests of Ga'al, and a band of orcs," Aeralia wonders outloud to herself as she exits the tavern and heads out onto the landing. "Still doesn't explain why I'm here...," she sighes to herself, then turns and scans to see what everyone else is doing outside.
"I wonder if they think that way about me, they seemed fairly reluctant to have me along as well, if it weren't for that vision," she mumbled to no one inparticular, lazily strolling down the stairs. She had seem the reluctance, even almost hatred in some of her fellow travellers in regards to these 'new recruits', so it certainly knocked her self esteem down a few notches, to be included only because of the same reason as them.
Glancing about once more at the bottom of the stairs, she sighes once again, and starts to head off to one side where she could be out of the way, and not bother anyone. "Wheres Terrin when I need him," she grumbles to herself, looking about gloomily.
She'll take her things from the Catacombs when they come around to her, storing them slowly, and readjusting some of her gear.
Ingrgre / Dahlia Saturday September 2nd, 2006 4:03:04 PM
Ingrge sighs and releases the tension of his drawn arrow as weapons are sheathed, he so wanted to drill that arrow into the middle of the smug Gaalian that he could taste the bitterness of the disapointment. The bad taste turned absolutely rancid when he realized they were ALL going to be travelling together.
**** The nausea finally subsiding a bit, the little halfling almost succumbs to the urge to step out and stare the Gallians straight in their eyes and see them squirm a bit before becoming statues, but she bides her time knowing that there is no way they weren't going to betray the group at some point and she would be waiting.
Paranoid plan in place, Dahlia remains hidden, and in fact activates her wand to go invisible. She might have to travel with those priests, but they didn't need to know it and there was no way she was going to let them get near Father Nick.
Lian Sunday September 3rd, 2006 10:32:36 AM
The monk takes his gaze from the orcs and shift it to the clerics, knowing now that the orcs are on a GOOD mission. %$#%^! Ga'alans.
"Knara, I really think Aeralia should be here too. She really doesn't seem to be too happy and if we give her something to work on, like a battle song or something. She won't leave then... I mean... she feel more like she's being of use to us." He whispers to the red head.
Ve Mundr Sunday September 3rd, 2006 1:50:06 PM
Ve gives the four a passing glance, nothing of interest, more of an acknowlegdement of their presence and nothing more. The orc in charge, this Borden, an intersting one to say the least. Ve was not sure how he felt about any of it. An orc Nation if it came to pass would complicate things considerably in the area and since Valdor brought it up, The cleric of Domi moves with purpose to Borden and the group, "What are the intentions to those men you are taking and under what authority do you get to claim them?"
Valdor d20=16 Monday September 4th, 2006 12:26:49 AM
Valdor is heading back inside, ready to restart his conversation with Cori when he notices the new friend of the Talons looking downcast. The first adventure is always crucial, the large warrior knows. Although he is ready for a meal, he catches up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
He says,"You did well a few minutes back. I was impressed with your spell selection and location of your spell. He would have escaped and our coming would be announced too soon. I know it's difficult to begin adventuring with a new group, but you will fit in fine. Remove any self doubt you have and be confident. You deserve to be here as much as I do...as much as anyone who would protect their homeland against evil."
With that, he smiles reassuringly and heads off to find Cori.
Nick Monday September 4th, 2006 1:14:59 AM
Nick dismounts and walks his horse into the yard. He tries not to get all preoccupied with the Ga'al clerics. Maybe I should just bite the bullet, walk over there, say hello, and that would be that. Maybe they wouldn't recognize me anyway, now I've aged. Ha! maybe Ga'al's changed his mind, now I'm an old codger.
If Nick's path crosses with the Aisildurian's, he'll be polite, nod his head, then get on with other business, like finding out what 'the plan' was.
Olana Monday September 4th, 2006 1:19:41 AM
Olana glares at the orcs on horseback, but nevertheless slips her arrow back in it's quiver.
She walks directly over to K'nara. "How soon do we move? she asks their leader.
Milo, where are you?
DM Jan - The Labor Day Post Monday September 4th, 2006 2:29:25 AM
Borden shakes Mordrid's hand firmly. He has a puzzled look on his face. Perhaps this was not quite the reaction he was expecting.
Valdor's explanation of the vision makes his broad forehead pucker into a frown. "A dragon? And a black one?" Grunt. "We know tales of the red one, and know of the green one to the north, but a black one... " Snort. "As for discipline, my people are scattered. A few stray clans do not have... how can I say... our plans are difficult for them to comprehand. Unity will be a struggle. It is they who the Iron Fist has lured away, no doubt with a promise of a few simple pleasures -" he shrugs "- food, killing. Change will come, but in some places it will be bloody and slow. Hmph, but this dragon. Now the Iron Fist has a face."
Birk is all business in the yard, barking orders in orcish and calling his men all the course names under the sun and a few more besides. "Better get your people to move fast if they're to come with us," he says to Gunther.
Ve brings up what turns out to be a valid point about the prisoners. The orc leader grins. "They tried to kill me. I suspect they do this for the Iron Fist. If I don't exist, they can draw more of my people into their fight. I was going to have them questioned. Maybe they know where this dragon is, or where all the recruits are being sent. Are you squeamish about how they might be questioned? I thought that if we pulled the legs off one of them, then the others would talk. If you can get answers out of them another way, then please, do so."
Elders Ne'thrin and Feld'he, and their younger female counterparts Er'eth and Al'thra gather around Falin. The two elven men are extremely wary of the orcs and express their misgivings. Long traditions colour their thoughts. It is left to the girls to be a little more practical. "I think it would be a good idea to top up our food and water supply," says Er'eth. "Do we know where we're going?"
The catacombs wagon unloads, then sets off south for Dirt City and Aisildur, laden with parcels for yet more adventurers.
It becomes fairly obvious to everyone gathered in the yard, that the orcs mean to move out as quickly as possible. Eric, Nyle and Jon (or Mavis inside the tavern) are the ones to ask for any further supplies.
The Brothers are asking Eric if they can purchase sandwiches for the journey ahead.
In the body of Cori's message scroll - ...blah... blah... blah... just returned from Osto. A bloody business. The creature is dead, the abominable wound in the fabric of the Wold it created has been sealed. Four wizards dead, five more are suffering from some kind of mental confusion. The dead will be remembered, those suffering will be cared for... blah... blah... blah...
Valdor's message scroll - My friend, I have just received news from the Star Tower. It appears that this creature in Osto was a terror indeed. It has been slain at the cost of some of the Star Tower mages' lives. Apparently it could have been so much worse. Inform your team that without their efforts, this beast could have wreaked catastrophic damage to our world. Sturtavent
Posting Report For Monday September 4th, 2006 8:02:40 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragons The week of Aug 28,2006
Nams...MTWTF...Missed DM Jan..XXXXX Valdore.X2XXXS Mordrid.OXXXX...1 Fr.Nick.XOXXO...2 Dahlia..OXOXOS..3 VE Mont.XXXXO...1 Carealot.XXXXX
ADM Ceil..No problem Here.
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Poasting Reports for Game # 3 Emieral Talons For week of Aug 28,2006
Name...MTWTF...Miss DMDonna.OOOOO... DM Jan makes all the posting in this Board. Lian....XXXXXS Farlin..XXOXX....1 Milo....XXXOO....2 Olana...XXXXO....1 Gunther.XXXXX K'nara..XXXX2 Bro.Bertram.XXOXX..1 Aeralia.OXOXOS...3
Adm Ceil posting for Adm Jay, No Problems for a start of a holiday Week End.
Lian Monday September 4th, 2006 10:12:49 AM
The monk moves in beside Valdor. His demeanor has switched from hard to.... less hard. He's still tense that the Ga'alan clerics are still around.
"Friend Valdor, this man's plan (gestures to the orc leader) is indeed an admirable one. I would think that unity is important for any people and for those that wish a solid nation. I personally would like to see someone of your stature lead a fledgling nation like the New Izen." The elf smiles for the first time in awhile.
"How do you plan on spreading the word of what you are planning with Izen?" He addresses Borden.
Falin Monday September 4th, 2006 2:52:06 PM
Falin listens to the concerns of all involved and tells the captains, "Do not be hasty in your prejudgements of people based on their race. Look at those I travel with." He motions at the other Talons located around the area. "We are not the same, but each of us has a weakness that is offset by someone elses strength." He leans in closer to the four and says with a smile, "But we don't just trust blindly."
"I want Ne'thrin and Er'eth to make sure the other elves will be ready for a long march. I do not know where we will be going, but I expect it will be rough."
He turns to Feld'he and Al'thra and says, "I would like you two to make an inventory of what the elves have for food and make sure we get enough for us. If there are any special items we might need, like rope and such make a list of those and we will see about getting those too."
Brother Bertram Monday September 4th, 2006 8:43:22 PM
Bertram keeps an eye out for any signs of impending trouble and repacks his new purchases quickly. He barely takes time to enjoy the fact they have arrived as everyone is in a rush.
Corialote and Amarth Monday September 4th, 2006 9:19:01 PM
A muscle twitches in Cori's face as she reads the letter over from the Guild. She wonders how many of the mages that were killed she knew...how many had been friends. Looking up as Valdor approaches the table she shakes her head. "I suppose you got the same news." She flips the parchment across the table for him to read. "Some lost and confused by that evil that we battled in the pit...friends I would suppose...and we most likely have been feeling the taint as well." Her eyes flick to Valdor as she gives him a sly smile. "I know that I have felt the touch of evil...it twists sometimes in my guts like a knife...pushing me to take my darkest desires." She does not explain further as to some it would be apparent what would be her desire....or maybe it would not be.
Once the refill on the food arrives she will take the time to devour every last drop of food. Passing off pieces of bread and other delicacies to Amarth who is as hungry as she is.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Gunther Monday September 4th, 2006 10:01:54 PM
The warrior looks over at K'nara. "Do you tink ve have enough supplies for a long journey? If not, it looks like ve need to get it now." Lowering his voice, he looks over at Falin and the elves. "And you should probably tell Falin to keep de elves far avay from de orcs...especially ven ve camp. De von't mix vell."
Valdor Monday September 4th, 2006 11:33:01 PM
Valdor smiles and tells Lian and Falin,"You are both correct. Unfortunately there are many who are judged by the actions of those with the same heritage. It's what's inside that matters and this is the first orc I've seen with any desire other than a fight or his next meal. I have no problem with a nation that has strong leadership and wants peace and commerce. However, he is the exception rather than the rule, I fear. But, only time will tell on that. The immediate threat is the dragon and this Iron Fist."
He pats Mordrid on the back in greeting and heads inside. He nods grimly to Cori and says,"Yes, I know the feeling. I'm sure it's different than yours, but the same as well. I hope they weren't your friends."
He eats sparingly, his appetite not much with today's actions. He says suddenly,"Well, at least I don't have to cough anymore."
Milo d20+25=35 d20+23=43 Tuesday September 5th, 2006 1:09:39 AM
Happy to see that things have calmed down, Milo recognizes a friendly face in his beloved Olana, and silently makes his way to her side unseen. He announces his presence with a quick pinch from behind, and a with a chortle grins, "Greetings beloved. All is quiet here... nothing but a few friendly orcs... if you can imagine such a thing." The halfling's eyes are a'twinkle. (OOC: Hide DC 35, Move Silently DC 43)
Mordrid Tuesday September 5th, 2006 9:26:13 AM
Mordrid follows Valdor inside, "No one get too comfortable. Grab some food and lets roll."
The ranger heads toward the bar, as he removes an empty havorsac from his satchel; snapping it into shape.
"Bar keep... four loves of bread, 5 pounds of salted ham, and a brick of cheese," he pushes a gold piece forward.
Once his havorsac is loaded, the ranger is out the door, down the steps and next to his black mare; where he secures the havorsac. Making sure his horse is watered and fed, he walks her by the reigns out to the gate.
Knowing it's going to be an outdoors journey, the ranger ponders summoning an animal companion; even though the ranger is usually against putting creatures in harms way.
Ve Mundr Tuesday September 5th, 2006 10:28:32 AM
The cleric meets the orcs grin with no outward expression, and he has no plans of falling into the infantile trap of words Borden laid out. It was beneath him and likely Borden as well, but the orc probably fell that direction out of habit than plan. Ve picks the point and answers.
"Perhaps they had cause to. What happens to those living inn Izen who do not wish to become part of Borden's grand plan? It sounds as if The Iron Fist and you are trying to achieve the smae goal, unity of Izen. It has been tried before several times and currently I see no difference in possible a tyranical rule of the Iron Fist and the possible tyrannical rule of you."
Knowing a possible arguement to his statements and questions Ve continues, "Showing restraint on you part and that of your men to me says you have the ability to know when you are overmatched and surrounded. A military descision of self preservation and nothing more."
Lian Tuesday September 5th, 2006 11:05:51 AM
"Agreed." Nods the monk. "The dragon even more than the Fist I think. Cut off the head and the snake dies." Then he thinks a moment. "But often times the snake thrashes about a bit prior to expiring... I guess the Fist are just as important." He smirks. "Well, what now? Are we trying a two pronged attack? One group dealing with the Black and the other group dealing with the Fist? Or do you think that they are, at this moment, moving for an assault?" The Hand of Domi looks expectantly at Valdor. He barely remembers that he isn't a Dragon yet and almost loses himself in the enthusiasm. "My apologies Valdor." He then goes silent.
Mordrid Tuesday September 5th, 2006 2:42:53 PM
As Mordrid addresses his mare's barding, arranges the weight of various packs, and secures buckles; he listens closely to Ve's confrontation with Bordon. Mordrid can't help but to feel slightly annoyed. Ve seems willing to take on each and every battle; a tiresome fate the ranger thinks.
Olana Tuesday September 5th, 2006 6:09:18 PM
Olana bites back a startled yelp as Milo announces his presence. She narrows her eyes in mock annoyance and then smiles. "Friendly orcs, my muscular left bicep," she mutters, pausing to glower suitably at a passing orc. "C'mon we'd better get some supplies before they take it all."
Nick Tuesday September 5th, 2006 6:13:33 PM
Entering the yard, Nick passes by Brother Bertram. "Looks like it's the wilds of Izen for us then," he says by way of conversation, before seeing Eric about refilling waterskins and buying a few non-perishable eats for the journey.
DM Jan Tuesday September 5th, 2006 6:56:11 PM
During the next 15 to 20 minutes, the staff of the Tears of the Wood are kept busy. The stable hands make repairs to shoes, tack and saddles; Eric and Nyle disembowel the stores for bread, cheese, ham, other cured meats, and hand over small burlap bags of nuts, carrots, onions, apples, plums and parsnips. Jon gets into some heavy negotiation with the orcs over four portable barrels of ale. Rope, torches and blankets are to be had if needed.
Falin gets a report from his captains - everyone is ready to go, and there's a short shopping list - rope, and torches. Feld'he tells him quietly. "I hear there is much underground in central Izen. Caves, bored into the limestone by the rains."
Borden is silent for a few beats after listening to Ve Mundr. Then he snorts, as if struggling with blocked sinuses. If Gunther is there to see it, he'll recognize the gesture of being somewhat perplexed. Then the big orc rests his eyes on Ve's Domi symbol. "Ah. A cleric. No sense of humour. It is this way down in Dirt City also. As for the Iron Fist wanting Izen - " he shakes his massive head - " No. The trail of these *&%$s appears to lead to the coast. Maybe it's your land they want, but I'll be ^#$%@ if they're going to use my people to do their dirty work. And there's something else." He points at the prisoners, now tied together ready for a march. "Ask them why the Iron Fist needs so much wood."
To Lian he replies. "The word has been spread, Little Elf-with-no-Weapons, now all that remains is for the idea of unity to sink in. That takes wisdom. Tell me, are all your people wise, elf?"
At some point it becomes apparent that it's time to move. The orcs are on horseback and will want to ride point. The Aisildurians are on foot, and will probably be in the middle. I need to know who's on point, who's scouting ahead, who's in the middle, who's guarding the rear. And where that cat and that bird are. ;)
Mordrid Tuesday September 5th, 2006 7:48:32 PM
[Mordrid will volunteer to be an out-rider.]
Milo Tuesday September 5th, 2006 9:03:45 PM
Milo salutes Olana with a grin, "Yes Ma'am!" OOC: Milo would like to scout ahead... not far from Olana.
Dahlia / Ingrge Tuesday September 5th, 2006 9:13:54 PM
Dahlia will shadow the Gallians making sure she stays as hidden as possible.
*****
Ingrge will in all likelihood stay some where toward the front of the middle perhaps next to Valdor and K'nara.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday September 5th, 2006 10:37:22 PM
Cori does not let the need for haste stop her from getting warm food and being seated to eat it. Glancing to Valdor she shakes her head. "I am going to finish this meal...here at this table." He hands over a piece of bread to Amarth so that he can have a little bit more to eat. "This maybe the time that the Talons must prove themselves though I will be along shortly as I am not asking anyone to wait for me." She sips her tea and sighs as she takes the time to relax.
Amarth munches on his piece of bread, for once quiet about the thoughts of his Mistress. He is more than happy to have some time to relax as well.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Valdor Tuesday September 5th, 2006 11:34:37 PM
Valdor pats Lian's shoulder and replies,"Don't be too excited about either one my friend. Many will die, probably on both sides, especially with the dragon. I have a feeling we'll get one then the other, but it could be both together. Now, get ready to go, I'll be along shortly."
When he finally settles down at the table with Cori and Mordrid comes by, Valdor says,"We'll catch up to you all. Cori's going to take her time, and I don't think she should be left by herself. You know me, I don't like to split up the party."
He has a grin on his face and watches Mordrid's face. He takes a long draw on his tea and says,"Bartender, I need a large ale before we go."
Gunther Wednesday September 6th, 2006 12:26:54 AM
Gunther looks over at Ve with barely disguised loathing. For a long time he had thought that hatred and bigotry had just been an orc trait. But the behavior of this hero proved to him that blind ignorance and distrust could be universal. Where did he get off? I'd like to see him try and scratch a living off of rats and ochres while humans and elves and dwarfs and other "heros" come in and hunt you for fun. And they wonder why the orcs would flock to a leader like Borden...one who promised them freedom and a land of their own. Hmmph!! They need look no further than their own skins! Frustrated with the politics, Gunther decides to go and look after his kitty. As a side thought, he turns to Borden. "Sir, I have a large cat traveling with me. She is a friend and a powerful warrior. Please tell the men to stay away from her if they see her."
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 6th, 2006 4:29:29 AM
Bertram prepares and is ready to go, his mind awhirl with all that has happened so suddenly. He cant help but wonder what next... He double checks his stores, rope isnt a problem, and light if need be the gods can supply.
Mordrid Wednesday September 6th, 2006 9:49:22 AM
After running into Valdor on his way out, the ranger frowns beneath his mustache.
"Don't dodle too long. We may need your help sooner than later. It's going to be hell keeping the peace in this caravan."
BACK OUTSIDE: The ranger mounts up. 'Again the orc has shown restraint.'
Once mounted, Mordrid brings his horse around to face south. He raises his head to the sky and tries to make sense of the weather. (Nature sense).
He then spots the elven captains and shouts for them to rally up, and bring their men together, on him.
He trots up to an orc and says in broken orcish, "who is your sergeant?"
After getting an answer, he will attempt to get organized with their sub-leader; at least enough to move out together.
Leading his horse back to point again, he signals K'nara with a gesture. She will understand the indication that she is in charge; 'moving out on your command.'
Ve Mundr d20+16=35 Wednesday September 6th, 2006 11:53:10 AM
Ve remains straight faced, "Ah humor." He says with the slight uplifting of his head. "I have heard about that." His brow furrows as if deep in thought. "Perhaps upon my return to temple I shall study it more at length. But that will have to wait." As the flurry of activity picks up Ve glances about and in doing so catches the look of Gunther. The man would have to just be mad for the moment and if his image of Ve was diminished so be it, but the cleric did not have the luxury of setting him straight to his motivations. A fleet was being constructed on the coast and that fleet would have a target that did not reside here. The grand relations to be built between orc and man would have to wait. Ve no sooner trusted Borden than he did any other single being he knew little or nothing of. Just as he did not put a blanket of hatred across an entire race he did not sling a blanket of trust at everyone who did not attack on sight. It made little difference to Ve that Borden was orc, or bugbear or giant. He knew little of the man and what he did know was mixed. Ve looks to the would be prisoners and remarks, "I already know why they need wood and I also know you did not answer my question, but I did not expect you to." Ve starts to move off to where the rear guard will form up. As he moves away, "Gunther, do not jump to quickly to conclusions, the question was just that, a question, to be asked of anyone who is seeking to create a nation." Ve will take a position at the rear upon the carpet about 4 feet off the ground to be level with the riders. [sense Motive 35]
Aeralia Wednesday September 6th, 2006 12:21:27 PM
Aeralia will gather supplies reluctantly as well, if there is anything she can help with. Otherwise she will wait, silent and out of the way, until the group heads out.
Lian Wednesday September 6th, 2006 1:11:06 PM
The monk looks at the orc. "I can't speak for my whole race, and I won't. There are many type in many races." He says plainly. "As for being the 'Little Elf-with-no-Weapons', that is not exactly correct. I am a brawler of sorts, I use my body as a weapon." He smiles impishly. "Care for a demostration?"
Falin Wednesday September 6th, 2006 3:17:14 PM
Falin ensures the elves get what they need and then forms up next to them when Mordrid calls for the elves.
K'Nara Wednesday September 6th, 2006 6:49:13 PM (OOC: sorry about the non-posting--had a bit of a medical flare-up sidelined me for a while...but I'm back now.)
K'Nara quickly transferred all her belongings from her regular backpack to the Haversack that Gunther had gifted her, as well as noting the various bits of conversation floating about. As soon as she has the opportunity to do so, she finds Olana and Milo and speaks to them in a low voice meant for their ears only:
"I want you two to keep an especial eye on the clerics of Ga'al." she instructs them. "The Dragons are distrustful of them--and I'm sure you remember how deucedly hard it was to fight the Aisilduran contingent in that Arena match. I have only heard rumors of them, though, and I have no idea what their deity's code is supposed to include. Keep them in your sights and sound off if they do anything at all suspicious."
Once more, K'Nara turns over Poki (her horse) to Lian, that he may ride with Aeralia.
"I wouldn't worry overmuch about the sorceress, Lian." the leader of the Talons assures the monk. "I bet that she's having 'first time jitters'...wondering if she's meant to be in a group like ours. From what I've seen of her conduct so far, the answer (in my opinion) is a big, fat 'YES'...but it's something that she has to acknowledge for herself. I'll be sure to reinforce that answer, though."
To Aeralia, the red-headed blade singer nods and smiles, agreeing with Valdor's assessment.
"Valdor has the way of it, Aeralia." K'Nara says firmly. "You are doing just fine--and using your wits! You'll go far in the Wold, I'm sure...and I can only hope that you choose to remain with us, because we can use all the wit we can get!"
Milo Wednesday September 6th, 2006 9:46:54 PM
Milo's smile turns somber at K'nara's request, and the halfling replies in equally low tones, "No problem, I can keep an eye on the priest, and if he grows too bold..." A dangerous glint in the halfling rogue's eye finishes his sentence for him.
Olana Wednesday September 6th, 2006 11:42:18 PM
Olana lets out a long sigh and glances toward the Aisildurians. Their chests - all that wriggling about going inside there. "Okay," she says in a matter of fact way.
Nick Wednesday September 6th, 2006 11:45:38 PM
"What are Valdor and Cori up to?" Nick asks Mordrid, followed by "Or shouldn't I ask?"
It's his usual habit to ride near the centre of the party, but on this occasion a lot will depend on where the Ga'al clerics are.
Gunther Thursday September 7th, 2006 1:14:56 AM
The warrior looks over at Ve with annoyance. There were a lot of retorts that came to mind, but for the moment, he holds his tongue out of respect for K'nara. No need to have the group appear to be de-unified in front of outsiders. He heads over to his kitty and prepares to head out with her, glad that he can finally talk with her thanks to the magic of his wreathes.
DM Jan Thursday September 7th, 2006 2:19:12 AM
THREE DAYS LATER - TIME = LATE EVENING, CENTRAL IZEN
On horseback, the orcs have set a hard pace. The elves and those members of the Talons and the Platinums who are on foot are getting their second wind and, after this and the two days march out of Emerald, are getting well conditioned to life on the move.
The ground has been hard, the weather a mixture of clouds and rain, and it's only now that the dread influence of Mount Bone, passed by the previous evening, is beginning to fade.
The night camps have been basic and boisterous affairs, with the orcs expending surplus energy by getting into seemingly spontaneous bouts of wrestling and fisticuffs. Anyone crazy enough to join in has their fair share of bruises and loose teeth.
Speaking of bruises and loose teeth, one of the prisoners admits to the building of boats, as Ve suspected.
The caravan trail has been fairly easy to follow. No attempt at stealth.
The Brothers Michael, Tyne and Tull have been polite and courteous throughout, attempting to mediate whenever flareups occur between orc and non-orc. Birk has made it plain on day one to Mordrid that he did not trust him. It has made scouting difficult. Everyone has felt a certain tension, to some extent, so far on the journey.
And now, as the prospect of another night's mayhem looms on the horizon, one of the orc scouts returns with news of the sighting of the caravan. Any Talon/Platinums in the scouting party will also have noted the torches of the caravan ahead - three wagons, quite a few men and horses, setting up camp for the night about half a mile south east on the trail.
Ve Mundr Thursday September 7th, 2006 8:59:08 AM
Ve trials the large group on his carpet and has been going over the trail and why they came to Izen in the first place and such. Valdor set them with Borden and his, why? The cleric really had no idea. True they wanted to find him and they did, but to follow him as he chased aftera caravan whom legitemately purchased a lot of horses? It just didn't add up for him. Borden was obviously a nuetral party to the civilizied lands about where Borden wishes to forge his empire. He was even an opoponent of the Iron Fist. An organization they still knew litttle about, bt what they did know was that the Iron Fist was in the opposite direction on the coast construction an invasion fleet. So again the cleric ends up with why pursue a bleeding caravan? Just to pal with Borden? Seemed unecessary at best, but Valdor did not get to be Valdor by not having a plan or making intelliegent moves, so Ve would keep his teeth together. Fleet would not be ready for some time so they had time.
News of the caravan perks the clerics interest and heightens his apprehension. Orcs could see just fine in the dark and a half mile was plenty close enough. Likely they would be moving on the wagons very soon and Ve was doughtful he would like the outcome, but he would be ready.
Into his Earpiece, "Should we be ready then to close this last bit of distance to the wagons?"
Mordrid Thursday September 7th, 2006 10:27:33 AM
Mordrid brings his horse next to Valdor's on the afternoon of day three.
"We now know there's a fleet building on the coast. Although, we do not know who they intend to go up against, As Knights of the Realm I feel it is our duty to let the capitol know what we have seen and heard. Someone must go back and report. Advance notice may save many lives."
As a side note, "You might try asking Bordon what signifigance this carravan has. Wood? was that what I heard?"
Valdor Thursday September 7th, 2006 10:39:13 AM
Valdor replies to Ve,"It's time to have a chat with our new allies."
He goes in search of Borden and asks him to get his lieutenants together for a meeting. He gathers the Plats and Talons together to meet and then says to Borden,"I think it's time to disuss our intentions. While I respect your ambitions and motives, I would know what your intentions are toward this caravan. It's obviuos that you and your people are not simply typical orc marauders set for killing and plunder, but have another goal in mind. Since we have a mutual interest in the outcome of all of this, I would know what you plan to do.
To give you an understanding of ourselves and our intentions, I will tell you our story."
Valdor tells him the story about the visions, leaving out only the names of all the players. He doesn't want it common knowledge that their High Lord Mayor is actually a Gold Dragon. He tells of the gypsy reading to Dahlia and of their decisions along the way.
Once finished he says,"Now you see our reasons for being here. The actions of this Black Dragon will determine the involvement of another Green one, whom we all know too well. We didn't know your place in the vision and weren't sure until now whether you were the enemy or a possible ally. I was a bit angered at the prophecy myself at the title the 'Dragonstone of Nothing', but didn't, and still don't, understand the significance of such a title.
If this caravan is simply recruiting people of all races, I cannot abide in killing and destroying it, just because they have claimed your people as their own. People must be allowed to choose their own path, whether it is ours or not. (He nods towards the clerics) I would know why this Iron Fist is building a fleet of ships, where they plan to expand to and what their ultimate goals are. If you are to become a land unto yourselves, then you will need allies. Trust must be established between nations or there will be constant war. So, build our trust in you and your people and tell me what you know."
Lian d20-1=11 Thursday September 7th, 2006 12:21:09 PM
During the last few days, Lian will make several attempts to find berries (for his goodberry tattoo) and offer them to those who wish to conserve rations. He will also create water and offer small amounts to the group, orcs included.
All the while attempting to make the orcs and especially Aelaria, feel welcome. He plays the flute, though not expertly (perform 11), at dinner and before bed each night (unless it causes tension with the group of orcs).
He offers his services for watch or scouting.
Lian listens again, is about to ask something, but thinks better of it. Concern in on his face.
K'Nara Thursday September 7th, 2006 12:53:10 PM
Present at Valdor's conference with Borden, the blade singer lifts a hand to interrupt the dialogue.
"I would suggest that we try to see for ourselves exactly what this caravan is up to--we have first-class rogues who can get close enough to eavesdrop on the people for a bit...how about we utilize them in an effort to confirm exactly what their agenda happens to be..?"
Falin Thursday September 7th, 2006 2:48:25 PM
Seeming to place the cares of the Elves above his own Falin makes sure he is the last one of the them to bed down each night and the first to awaken each day. He makes sure they are all tending to themselves to ensure no one become injured. He is pleased with the way they have turned out so far and tells this to the captains so they can pass it on to the others.
Falin continues to watch the priests, but more out of morbid curiosity than anything. How is it that they let those things into their chests? What pros could come of that?
Falin goes to the meeting that Valdor calls in order to see what the motives of their new found friends are.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday September 7th, 2006 4:12:07 PM
Cori soon enough finds herself back on the road with the group. As she rides along she goes over her ideas for spells for each day, trying to mix them up and give something useful for non combat situations.
With calling of a meeting to talk about the caravan ahead she listens to some of the ramblings. She has to agree with K'Nara on the idea of sending in scouts and she plans to make it a point to help out there as well. "I can aid in scouting...by helping those that go to stay hidden easily so that they will only need to hide well." Looking to Valor she gives a smile. "I would like to approach the caravan as well...I am interested in purchasing a fine mare if they have one...the boy back has a nice stud for sale and my new business will not take off without a mating pair." She waits to see what is decided and how they will proceed.
Brother Bertram Thursday September 7th, 2006 4:18:12 PM
Bertram joins the others in the meeting. He cant help but shake the feeling that there was something they were missing. Something they desparately needed to know.
Valdor Thursday September 7th, 2006 6:21:12 PM
(OOC:Sorry Scott, we were posting at the same time. I didn't see your post, but brilliant minds think alike.)
Valdor nods at K'Nara and Cori's suggestions, a smile creeping across his face that he tries to mask without success when she mentions 'a mating pair'.
Ingrge / Dahlia d20+25=43 d20+25=39 d20+25=44 d20+25=38 d20+25=42 d20+25=43 d20+25=41 d20+25=36 d20+25=35 d20+25=42 d20+25=30 d20+25=41 d20+25=37 d20+25=39 d20+19=24 d20+19=31 d20+19=24 d20+19=35 d20+19=22 d20+19=22 d20+19=38 Thursday September 7th, 2006 7:06:32 PM
Ingrge havng been riding nearby to Valdor the entire time overhears Mordrids comment about sending a mesage back to someone and speaks up.
"Excuse me, I don't meen to usurp authority but I should be able to send any message you need to send, to whomever you need to send it too, once we get settled and then we don't need to lose personel we might need later.
********
Dahlia
It is somewhere in the early evening when someone realises that they haven't seen Dahlia since the Tavern. Her pony however is fully loaded and following along with the others but it is equally obvious that noone is riding her.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Dahlia has been invisible and staying as close to the Gaalians as possible, since leaving the Inn, without beeing noticed, so that she can overhear what they might be chatting about during the marches and breaks along the way.
Move silently Dc 43,39,44,38,42,43 & 41 Hide DC 36,35,42,30,41,37 & 39 Listen DC 19,31,24,35,22,22 & 38}
Ve Mundr Thursday September 7th, 2006 9:03:14 PM
Ve leans in a bit, "I am sorry I am confused. It is a caravan of men who purchased a large number of horses a few days ago from the stables at the inn we were just at." Ve looks to everyone about, For the love of Domi! We are the Platinum Dragons and the Emerald Talons, renown heroes hundreds of times over across the Wold. With us is Borden, the possible future king is Izen. We should march over and talk to them. If they are the bad guys they will attack and we will destroy them. Then we can get back to the coast and destroy the fleet before it sails. If they are not the bad guys we say our hellos." Ve sits back but then leans forward again, "While I have my mouth open, Why by all that is holy are we keeping company with Ga'al trash?"
Olana Thursday September 7th, 2006 10:23:08 PM
Olana looks at the backs of the Ga'alian clerics as they travel along, with a sour expression on her face. Well, weren't they being the goody two shoes. She was aching for them to do something, or say something - anything that would bring the ire of everyone else down on them.
"They're either clever, and just biding their time," she whispers to Milo during the second night, "or completely stupid."
News of the caravan and the possibility of some sneaking around cheers her up no end.
Nick Thursday September 7th, 2006 10:32:56 PM
All this travel is not doing a thing for Nick's newly acquired old bones. Twice now he's had to cast a minor heal on himself. It has enabled him to appear as robust as he ever was in such situations and therefore, on a practical level, he suspects it won't make any difference to his effectiveness. It was just the principle of the thing. The sheer ignominy of it.
He tries to make himself busy on the trip - healing brawling wounds and avoiding the Ga'alians. So far, so good. Now if he only knew for sure where Dahlia was.
At the meeting - "I don't think it would be a bad idea for a quick look at them before we go in, either," he says. He's also interested in what Borden has to say. of course Ve did have a point, to perhaps just go wading in - but now Nick was old and feeble - well, it was caution all the way.
DM Jan Thursday September 7th, 2006 11:53:24 PM
LATE EVENING - CENTRAL IZEN
Two waxing crescent moons begin to lift over the hills and rise in the sky as everyone gathers for the meeting. The orcs are nervous, twitchy, and on edge, and of course the Ga'alians have invited themselves along as well.
Borden listens to what Valdor has to say and then snorts as he tries to comprehend everything surrounding the visions and prophecies. He then points directly to the south. "There lies Southern Izen and the coast. We do not eat fish. We have no desire to sail boats. The hills and stones on Central Izen are our land, and we know little of the south, other than the families of Dirt City to the south west." Borden's second in command Birk chitters something foul and derogatory when Dirt City is mentioned. Borden continues - "This caravan - is not alone. There have been many in the past months, like these. Traders, we thought. And as with all traders seeking to cross Central Izen, we offered our services as protectors - for a fee. Something they accepted. After all, wild creatures still roam this land." He shrugs. "but the men they hired - our men - did not come home. Four times this has happened, while these wagons continue to roll - carrying wood, horses, provisions, and men from all places. "So. It was my intention to follow this particular caravan. Follow it cautiously to the south, and to see where it leads, and discover what has become of my people. To find them, and bring them back. You talk of choices, and freedom. But many of my people are -" he struggles for a word. "Stupid," growls Birk, ears twitching, his eye tick running wild about his face. Borden sighs.
"Given freedom, and the ability to choose," interrupts brother Michael, his voice a deep purr, "most people invariably make the wrong one. My brothers and I see it all too often outside the divine realm of Aisildur. In our land, followers of the Almighty Ga'al do not need to make the mistakes of wrong choices." He's pointedly ignoring Ve Mundr, but Brother Nyle is looking at the follower of Domi as though he wished the ground would grow teeth and a mouth and swallow the man whole.
For some weird reason, the Ga'alian's raw chests are making Falin feel hungry. Gunther is also suffering from weirdness of a different kind. It's a feeling that seems to be emanating from his wreath, and the panther who's crouched behind a shrub nearby. Odd, but it feels like a warning. Predator in our midst...
"So -" finalizes the orc leader. "Boldness or stealth appear to be OUR choices on this particular matter." As an afterthought to Valdor, he adds - "This Dragonstone. If you are the Dragonstone of something, then maybe the Nothing refers to someone else."
Earlier in the day, Lian has managed to find some wild gooseberries, and a battered shrub containing a scattering of elderberries - meagre pickings after the birds have been and gone.
Dahlia's attention toward the Aisildurian priests has gleaned the following - They're apprehensive about their various traveling companions, genuinely worried about their missing civilians, wondering if any of the others in this group are ripe for conversion - although any missionary endeavors are to take second fiddle to their main task - which appears to run along the same lines as that of the orcs. They see this as a rescue mission.
A slight glow over a distant hill to the south east tells everyone that the caravaners have got their evening fire going.
Aeralia Friday September 8th, 2006 12:52:30 AM
Aeralia continues to remain silent during most of the trip, distracted with her own thoughts. She still didn't feel like she belonged there, even with Lian's attempts, and she still was tring to figure out if she wanted to belong.
These orcan leaders had alot to say that she agreed with, and she was certain that some of her comrades didn't beleive them, or want to beleive them, or even consider beleiving them. She had certainly heard stories and rumors of course, of their grusomeness; but then her childhood, with humans, had shown her the worse side of their world too.
She doesn't offer to go this time, but instead merely listens to what she can catch of the three groups leaders exchange, wondering what was going to happen.
Gunther Friday September 8th, 2006 1:09:32 AM
Not one for politics, Gunther settles in and listens inattentively...until the message from Thaeri. He looks over urgently at K'nara. "I gotta go. Sometings wrong." Bolting out of the meeting he heads toward where he had last seen his kitty and begins to speak in soft low growls. "Thaeri. Where's the predator? Can you show me where it is?"
K'Nara Friday September 8th, 2006 2:24:27 AM
K'Nara barks aloud in a short, sharp sound that very quickly turns into a fit of coughing once Brother Michael makes his assured comment about how followers of Ga'al never make wrong choices.
"Er, um...excuse me..." she gasps between coughs, blinking tears away, thinking all the while of the utterly wrong choices made by the double-quad members in that Arena competition weeks ago.
"I think getting some covert information is the best way to handle this." she says to Valdor. "Sure, we could probably sweep in and kick the butts of everyone in the caravan...but Borden here would like not be able to find out what may have happened to his people, and I know that I, for one, am darn curious as to what in the Wold is this group's agenda."
Ingrge / Dahlia Friday September 8th, 2006 7:08:43 AM
I don't know how smart it would be, but as we are not very well known outside of the Emerald kingdom, except for perhaps Bone Mountain and the arena, maybe the Talons should hire themselves out as protection for THIS caravan while you all follow along. I could fairly easily send back information as it comes through my skills in scrying and the rest of you would be close if we ended up needing assistance.
Highlight to display spoiler: { Jan - Don't forget that Ingrge has permanent see invisibility and arcane sight cast upon his eyes}
*****
Dahlia finds it difficult to believe that the Gaalians are actually being on the level as they seem and while they camp she spends a bit more time trying to gleen what she can. When darkenss comes and everyone is falling asleep, she moves out of the camp and using the earpiece contacts Valdor.
"Hey Dragonstone. Dahlia here. It appears that the Gaalian contingent is being on the level, at least so far. But I don't trust them. I am going to continueto keep watch on them unless you need me for anything else.
Lian d4=1 d4=1 d4=3 Friday September 8th, 2006 7:09:54 AM
Lian makes another valiant attempt to make the newest bard feel welcome. He notices her off, alone again and wanders over. "There are at least two sides to every situation." He retrieves a handful of ratty old berries from his pouch. "Often there is a nasty side." He says pointing to several semi rotting berries amongst the pile. "And a few good one things." He pokes a couple nice berries. "Sometimes we have to leave these good things behind to find the good ones." He casts Goodberry. Sorting out a rotten one, he looks at it. "Some nasty situations often turn out for the best." He eats the rotting berry(a good berry) and tosses aside several nice looking ones. He hands her a goodberry. In hopes that a simple demonstration might sway her, he leaves her to think about her place.
Falin Friday September 8th, 2006 8:03:50 AM
Falin is unable to sit for very long. He gets up and ricks back and forth. What was going on? Falin wonders to himself. He begins to look around for something to munch on. Odd how he was hungry though. His ring of sustenance normally kept him full.
He begins watching the priests closer.
"If we do hire ourselves out who would stick behind with the elves? Or would we bring them with us?" Falin asks.
That night he will have the elves break up into groups and help keep watch over the evening. Each elf will pull watch once through the evening. They are to work on stealth and patience.
Mordrid Friday September 8th, 2006 10:20:13 AM
Pushing the embers around in the camp fire, he listens. He responds first to Ve, "People act differently when they don't know they're being watched. That's why we recon. And fate brought the Ga'alians here. No point getting bent out of shape, at least not at us."
Second, "I seriously doubt the caravan would hire you guys. As Bordon pointed out, they've already hired human mercenaries, and they've probably doled out all the gold they're willing to spend on protection."
When Gunther runs off, the ranger looks strangely at K'nara, then at Valdor.
"Is everything ok?" Standing he draws his sword. The ranger hates night time. It's a rough time of day for a human bowmen. Activating his sword, it begins to glow slightly.
"The horses..." the ranger opens his ears and intuition to the sounds of the group's pack animals.
Brother Bertram Friday September 8th, 2006 1:21:00 PM
Bertram concentrates on the priests when their attention is diverted, wanting to learn as much about them as possible. As long as can pass himself off as a mercenary he will. Any advantage could make a difference if things go wrong. He glances over as Gunther moves quickly from the room.
Ve Mundr d20+16=30 d20+16=31 d20+22=28 Friday September 8th, 2006 1:59:10 PM
The cleric looks to Michael, "Yes the thrice damned deciever makes thier mistakes for them. Puppets to dance upon the strings for another bemusement without care or forethought to their fate. Keep your tongue behind your teeth unless you plan on speaking intelligently and not like a mouthpieced fool." Gunther's sudden departure for the great cat gives Ve a quick pause and he scans the surrouunding area with his darkvision. [Spot 30]
He shifts back to the discussion at hand, "I understand that Mordrid, but until just now I had been given the full impression the caravan had merely purchased horses. It now appears there is a great deal more to it. And K'Nara I was not at all suggesting we move and take them out only an open approach to judge reactions."
As Falin gets more intense on looking at the Ga'alian clerics Ve begins to get a bit concerned. [Sense motive 31] Falin was not precisely acting normal, but despite his knowledge of the Ga'al religion and others around the Wold. [Know 28] he could not put a finger to why.
Perhaps a simple diversion for the Monk would suffice. So Ve will engage him on the point the monk just brought up. "Falin, Correct? I think you are quite right about reminding us of the elves. We certainly need to consider them in this and personally I think we would be far more than the caravan could hire, even if they wished to. So that would mean a split and I for one feel your close work with them recently makes you the perfect choice stay with the elves were taht to be the desicion. Personally I think trying to hire into the caravan not feasible."
Hoping to have engaged eye contact with Falin, Ve looks back across all the others, "talking throught it, and having ALL the information we might I endorse the scouting of the Caravan.
Lian Friday September 8th, 2006 2:46:33 PM
Something was nagging in the back of Lian's mind. The last group member that he had fallen for turned out to be a treacherous drow female. She had used her wiles quite effectively. Fact is, he doesn't understand how or why it was happening again. Whose to say the newest member of the Talons isn't here for the same reason?
Why am I such an easy target Domi??
Corialote and Amarth Friday September 8th, 2006 10:43:22 PM
Cori looks to Valdor and gives him a smile, accompanied by a wink. She still wants to set it up so that she can breed horses and maybe she has found a partner.
As she watches the others she mentally goes over all her spells that she has memorized for this day and what ones would be most useful.
Valdor Saturday September 9th, 2006 1:34:17 AM
Valdor stands up stretches his legs and says,"Okay everybody. We seem to be stressing out. Enough Ve. I have no place in my heart for Ga'al's slaves, but it is their choice to render themselves his tools, not yours or mine. And besides, we are not here to fight with them, else Mordrid would have killed them before anyone could have jumped in to help. Last time we went to Ailsidur, we went through much pain to make sure that we had a bearable relation so trade could commence and a war was averted. We are ambassadors, each of us, for our respective nations and causes, we all need to remember that. We have a greater goal than hating those who worship differently than us. You, of all people, who have judged my actions recently, should take a deep breath and look beyond your personal feelings.
K'Nara, let's get those who will go rounded up. Cori and Dahlia and Mordrid will go from our group. We will meet shortly at the edge of camp...say ten minutes. Borden, if you have any of your group who can move silently, and I don't mean quietly, they are welcome to join in this. However, our people will give a full report to us when they get back, if you wish noone of yours to go."
Valdor smiles at the clerics and says,"You spoke foolishly. It may be what is in your heart...seed, but if you don't live to find your brethren, you will not be able to report back. Something to remember. If you have an useful information about this quest, then share it, but keep your silly and meaningless comments to yourselves because next time, I will cut your tongues out before our cleric can smash your heads to pieces." There is no hatred in his eyes, he's simply irritated at their attempt to divide the group.
He walks over to Cori and holds out his arm. He says,"Walk with me for a bit on this beautiful night." He takes her outside the camp, then leans over to her ear and whispers,"Let them think whatever they want. I am doing this for two reasons. First, because I want to be out here with you and not with all of that group. Second because I don't want them to know what I am going to ask you. There is something going on that's not right. Either Borden isn't who or what he says he is, or his lieutenant Birk is covering something, or one of the clerics of Ga'al is hiding something. I think someone in this group is a spy and may be disguised. Can you cast true seeing, my lovely drow?"
Lian Saturday September 9th, 2006 10:04:42 AM
Feeling the tension grow among the group, the Dragons and prisoners mostly, the monk stays his tongue so he doesn't cause more issues.
He listens as Valdor asks Knara to gather her small group. Assuming he is one she might pick, he gathers his gear and moves to join Knara. He knows that Milo will likely go and possibly Ingrge.
What were Cori and Valdor planning?
K'Nara Saturday September 9th, 2006 10:55:10 AM
K'Nara immediately contacts those to go scouting: Milo, Lian and Ingrge.
"Stealth and big ears are needed," she tells them, playfully flicking at the nearby Ingrge's pointed ear, "As well as the ability to help cover a hasty retreat if necessary. Do your best."
Milo d20+21=32 d20+23=34 Saturday September 9th, 2006 12:03:44 PM
Milo snorts silently, "Stealth and big ears... I am nothing but stealth and big ears oh fearless leader." The halfling's grin is as plain as the twinkle in his eye as the halfling pirouette's into a soundless handstand before resuming his normal unassuming stance. (OOC: Tumble DC 32, Move Silently DC 34)
Ingrge Sunday September 10th, 2006 7:56:36 AM
"Becareful K'nara, or I will tell Caeryn that you were trying to come on to me. You really don't want herangry with you. Now you did say you wanted sublt. Is that why I am coming along?"
****** Dahlia hears Valdor and responds by ear piece. I am coming, and though you won't see me, I'll be there.
Lian d20+22=40 d20+8=22 d20+10=19 d20+4=16 Sunday September 10th, 2006 10:33:42 AM
Lian prepares for scouting.
(Move Silently 40, Hide 22, Spot 19, Search 16)
Aeralia Sunday September 10th, 2006 11:07:45 AM
Aeralia smiles lightly at Lian as he offers her the berries, understanding his intentions. "Thanks, Master Lian," she mumbles lightly, looking the goodberry over slightly as she spins it slowly between her fingers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Why don't a few of us go and, you know, join them? A few travellers, looking for excitement, but not finding anything, might be the type of recruits they are looking for," Aeralia suggests as others prepare to scout, mostly just thinking outloud. "Wouldn't need to mention any of the others, but then we'd have someone on the inside, to warn us, is something was about to happen?"
Olana Monday September 11th, 2006 12:29:07 AM
Olana smiles at Milo's antics. She wasn't worried about him, he knew how to take care of himself. So she walks over to where Ve Mundr and Falin are talking. "We might not be able to join them, but we can follow them, yes? Keep our distance? We've managed it so far."
"You okay? " she asks Falin afterwards, not really sure why she was asking him that in particular.
Nick Monday September 11th, 2006 12:38:40 AM
It's been on his mind ever since the group set off on this trip from the banks of the Peasblossom and the Tears of the Wood tavern. The Ga'alians. He couldn't avoid them forever. Maybe it was time to bite the bullet, grab whatever it was by the horns, put his fears to one side, etc etc. If his interaction could help smooth things along a bit, then so be it. So far everyone seemed to be circling around one another like Gunther's panther, when perhaps they should be concentrating on what lay ahead.
And so he comes to stand alongside the Brothers and will engage them in conversation after this meeting breaks up.
DM Jan Monday September 11th, 2006 1:51:13 AM
LATE EVENING - CENTRAL IZEN
Gunther finds Thaeri the panther crouched low under a shrub, ears back, teeth bared, her eyes almost completely black in the darkness. Following her line of sight, he sees the dark silhouettes of Valdor, Cori, Borden, K'Nara, Lian, Ingrge, Mordrid poking at the ground, and Falin, Olana and Ve, Aeralia off on her own, Nick and Bertram, with some of the others milling behind. Then the slender figure of Milo executes a perfect handstand, and the cat's ears twitch and move forward, distracted. Predator? Not sure, everyone. She rolls over, batting a massive, claws retracted, paw at her human companion.
To Mordrid's ears, the horses seem a little twitchy. Nothing obvious, but they seem on edge. Ve spots Gunther crouching low beside a matt black shape. Beyond, in the immediate surroundings, nothing is moving except for shrubs in the breeze.
At the meeting - Brother Nyle turns to Brother Michael. His face suggests outrage at what's been said. "We cannot just stand here and let - " Brother Michael silences him with a gesture, and the man obeys, not saying another word. The other brother - Tyne, looks on with a slight smile on his face, in perfect control of his emotions. "So," says Brother Michael, his voice even. "It appears that we are at the mercy of your scouts, who are far better trained than we, I'm sure. You will keep us informed? We will of course help where we can." He acknowledges the nearby Father Nicholas with a nod and a polite smile.
Bertram's scrutiny of the Brothers might have him wondering. With the exception of Brother Nyle, they'd taken the insults from the others on the chin without so much as a twitch. Was that a result of training, placidity, or merely Ga'al exerting his iron grip via the heartseeds? Back where he came from - a punch up would be in the making after all that.
Meanwhile, the elves make their own preparations for the night, following Falin's instructions, organizing themselves into watches. It's becoming a routine now, with everyone in their elven group knowing their part in the team.
Ve's quiet examination of Falin's interest in the Ga'alians reveals a mix of emotions - that look - was it dislike of the priests? It was certainly intense, like a hawk concentrating on prey, and yet - there, quickly followed, was the confusion. Something in the protector's own innards, remnants of a hungry evil, makes him pause on the subject of the Ga'alians. Such an iron grip on their tempers. They weren't for being goaded that was for sure. Ah, control such as that...
As for the imminent scouting mission -
"Birk and another will accompany you," Borden says. He then turns and talks quietly to some of his other men.
(I have 2 orcs, Cori, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge ordered to go on the scouting mission.
I have Valdor, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the three prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara remaining behind at the camp. )
The terrain - the caravan is beyond a slight rise, half a mile to the south east. They have a campfire built just off the main track. It shines like a beacon in the dark. Surrounding cover is not exactly plentiful, but it's there in the form of boulders and low shrubs.
Back at the camp, to those with human eyes, it's getting to the point where they can hardly see. One of the prisoners is struggling and making noise.
Posting Report For Monday September 11th, 2006 8:55:35 AM
Game # 1 For the week of Sept 4,2006 Name-----MTWTF DM Jan----XXXXX Valdor----2XXXXS Mordrid---O2XXX Fr.Nick---XXXXOS Dahlia----OXOXXS VE Mont---XXX22 Carealot--OXOXX
Adm Ceil - Sorry DM Jan, but Jerry said I can only do the Platinum Dragon Game.
K'Nara Monday September 11th, 2006 11:17:01 AM
K'Nara's attention is diverted by the distress of the struggling prisoner.
"Oh, now what...?" she asks aloud, exasperated, and strides over to where the prisoner is in order to see what's up.
Lian d20+22=36 d20+20=26 d20+10=21 d20+4=15 d20+8=17 Monday September 11th, 2006 12:03:17 PM
Lian glances back, hearing the noise, but continues on.
Falin Monday September 11th, 2006 1:39:37 PM
Ve's words seems to snap Falin out of his thoughts and he agrees with the wisdom in it, "I would like to stay with the elves just for continuities sake. I think we should be sticking together as a group as well. Makes me nervous being separated like this. Several times in my experience with the talons I have become separated for long stretches of time and been trapped in unpleasent places. I am not eager to return to anything like that."
When Olana approaches Falin ans asks if he is alright he shakes his head and looks to the ground, "No I don't feel well at all. I don't know if it is the stress of watching over the elves or something else. I am haunted by something just at the edge of my mind and it calls to me. I am not sure what it is. I have been restless as of late and hungry. Which is odd because of my ring of sustenance." He is continuously turning the ring on his finger. "It has gotten stronger since the priests came upon us.I find myself drawn towards them. I am afraid I may have left part of my sanity back in Koshee Mar." He rubs his eyes while his head is turn towards the ground as he turns it from left to right. A long drawn out sigh escapes his lips. "I am nervous. I don't know.... I guess if it becomes more of a problem I will let you know, but I don't want to appear weak in the eyes of the other elves and in the eyes of my friends. I have let them down before and I don't want to again."
He thanks Olana and goes out to the other elves to make sure they are settling in well. He will pick a spot out from the camp and within eyesight of the other elves and watch for the evening.
Ve Mundr Monday September 11th, 2006 3:38:56 PM
Ve's face srews up slightly when Valdor mentions judging again, but it is likely just symantics. The flicker of annoyance is gone quickly and with a placid face and calm eyes as he thinks. Personally he saw a large difference between a difference of worshipping opinions and the fight against Ga'al imprisoning the Wold, but little head way could be made here so there was little point in mentioning that.
Ve simply was far more black and white, allowing evil and malice ot live and fester for temporary peace did not set well with him. Of course, it was precisely that line of thinking that prevented him from holding any real secular power within the Church and got him in a great deal of trouble with generally everyone and he well understood that. Ve walked a fine line and zealot was always just to his left. His superiors in the church also understood this all too well. While none would dispute his prowess in combat, many had issue with his zeal. Ve always felt to much placation occurred and here again he would have to. So be it, the line would remain on his left. The Ga'al lack of emotion was merely another reminder of the error in thier own path, failings of will, Ve considered it. They had been tested and found wanting and now would eternally pay the price. Pity for them came to him now, thier souls lost the people they were destroyed and consumed by the ever hungry Ga'al. The smile on Tyne's face does give the cleric of Domi another thought though. The touch of Pity turns sour, for the fool thinks he has accomplished something or that they have even flustered him perhaps. Ga'al is not so strong in that one perhaps, arrogance and smug self rightousness are not normal traits of Ga'al priest. Though the personal lust of power that is also reflected in his eyes is. A twisted soul further warped by Ga'al and promises of power. before this is through, Ve feels that he will be personally instructing Tyne to his error. The entire introspection occurs in the blink of an eye.
"With nothing between us and them, any fire we light will be seasily seen, as such no one should light one. Be careful going out there. Ia am going to keep the prisoners quiet." Ve will go to where the prisoners are and cast Silence on one of his crossbow bolts and sink it into the ground about 10' from them. He puts his finger to his lips.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Mordrid Monday September 11th, 2006 5:20:35 PM
"A scouting team this large is nonsense. While being stealthy, we'll be walking all over each other."
"One person should enter camp, the rest should watch from the perimeter, to extract our scout if something goes wrong. Our most experienced scout should do this alone. I'm a hunter, not a scout. I haven't seen or spoke to Dahlia in days, so the job falls on Milo's shoulders. He's more than capable. The rest of us can remain hidden on the perimeter, while being completely still. We can't have invisible people running all over the place," the ranger is getting slightly annoyed. The idea of the chaos involved rubbs him eight shades of red.
Aeralia Monday September 11th, 2006 10:43:25 PM
Hearing the noise from the prisoner, Aeralia slowly makes her way over to where they are being held, taking care not to run into anyone as she moves through the darkness.
Reaching them, she bends over and sits on her haunches, smiling lightly at them. "Please be quiet, alright? I'm sure you'd much rather do it now, instead of when they ask..." she says with a bit of worry in her voice, nodding her head towards the orcs. It was obvious -she- was worried about what the orcs might do, and wasn't so much trying to threaten them.
~~~~~~~
OOC: Question. Arn't there 4 prisoners? What did I miss? :(
Valdor Monday September 11th, 2006 11:07:57 PM
Valdor chuckles at Mordrid's comments and replies with his earring activated so all the Plats can hear,"Oh, Dahlia's around. Don't you worry about that. I think one from each group would suffice, except the clerics of Ga'al. So, I'm off to bed. I need to get some sleep. Wake me if anything exciting happens, or when it's my watch."
He stays with Cori until she answers him about the spell.
Corialote and Amarth Monday September 11th, 2006 11:33:39 PM
Cori will take Valdor's arm and walk with him. She leans in close as if discussing something private. She gives a soft chuckle as she shakes her head. "I can do that." Looking around at the others she gives a yawn as she prepares herself to cast a spell.
Pulling out a small tin she rubs her thumbs into it as she speaks in sharp draconic. "You may want to close those pretty eyes of yours." She then rubs her thumbs over the eyes of Valdor with a smile. "Your sight will be improved as you asked." She then looks around to make another decision. "Maybe I should stay behind then...this would not be the kind of mission that I would be best at...I meant to enter the camp seen and inquire about horses."
[true seeing(Valdor) - 21 minutes]
Gunther Tuesday September 12th, 2006 12:42:58 AM
Confused by the response of his kitty, Gunther sticks nearby her, bedding down as close as she will let him. "Let me know if you sense any more predators." he murmurs to her as he settles after his evening wrestling session with her. He takes the few hours of rest he needs due to his ring of sustenence and spends the rest of the time bonding with his kitty and watching over K'nara as she sleeps.
Milo d20+25=35 d20+23=33 Tuesday September 12th, 2006 12:53:36 AM
Milo smiles at Mordrid, and salutes the elder dragon, "Sir, yes sir. I'll get a move on presently. Don't fall too far behind." And that is the last they hear from the halfling as he makes to head out. (OOC: Hide DC 35, Move Silently DC 33.)
Olana Tuesday September 12th, 2006 1:07:07 AM
Olana watches Falin go about his business. She knows he's been through some bad times, terrifying even, and she can sympathize with that having had her own nightmare to crawl through. She glances over at Cori, Ve and Valdor - Platinum Dragons. What was going through their minds? After all, they'd had their heads jammed firmly in the proverbial dragons mouth a heck of a lot more often than the Talons had. Had any of them cracked? Did they have a room somewhere in that castle of theirs, where the crazy ones were kept? It made an elf wonder... it really did.
Nick Tuesday September 12th, 2006 1:09:23 AM
After the meeting breaks up, Nick takes the opportunity to talk to the Ga'alians.
"Brothers," he says with a nod. "May I ask how many of your people are missing, feared taken by this 'Iron Fist?'"
DM Jan Tuesday September 12th, 2006 2:35:05 AM
The Caravan camp - 2 orcs, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge
As those in the scouting party head off into the gloom, over the rise, and down a slight slope toward the caravan. There is light there, from a campfire and some perimeter torches, making it very easy to approach in the gloom beyond the light. There are voices - lots of them, laughter, the scent of horses, and something good cooking over the fire. It has all the makings of a big road trip party and can be seen and heard from a fair distance away. Lian can see a number of tents, and a makeshift corral for the horses off to one side. There are two guards there, presumably to fend off any passing hungry wildlife.
And while, Mordrid, Birk and another orc, Dahlia, Lian and Ingrge stay at the perimeter, Milo ventures further in, and is able to slip between tents toward the centre of things. There's a big gathering around the fire - maybe fifty men? Some young, some old. All eating, drinking. The mood appears to be good, with a bordering anticipation. At the far side of the fire is a large painted wagon.
At the perimeter, Lian hears it first - someone approaches from the south west. Two figures, stumbling across the scrub toward the light of the fires. One of them is carrying a torch.
The Talon/Platinum camp - Valdor, Cori, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the four prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara
The elves are quietly rolling out bedrolls or setting up watch in the darkness and getting further instructions from Falin. There will be no fires lit on this night, after that stern fellow Ve Mundr's instructions. Some of the elves are a little in awe of that one. And Valdor of course. Borden is getting some of his men organized with tethering the horses, although two of his men stay saddled and mounted for now.
K'Nara approaches the prisoners. "Tell them not to be so rough, bit -" one of them growls at her, cut off by the *thunk* of Ve's silence bolt. There are four orcs stood there. One has a broad grin on his face. The others are looking at K'Nara, Aeralia and Ve as if to say "What?"
Cori's spell activates around Valdor, giving him the visual means to detect anything hidden. A quick wander around will reveal nothing out of the ordinary, everyone appears to be who they're supposed to be - the clerics, the orcs, the Talons.
Gunther spends some time with his panther. It seems to him that she's a little on edge, but unsure of the exact reason why.
Bertram sees the Ga'alians and the Platinum Alemi cleric gather to chat, four humans in contrasting white or red. It looks civilized enough, apart from the sight of the red raw writhing heartseeds on the Aisildurians torsos.
The Brothers gather around Nick like hens around a feeding bowl. "Greetings at last, Father Nicholas," says Br. Michael genially. " In answer to your question, we're missing upwards of 50 of our citizens."
One of the elves walks up to Falin. " I think I see movement - to the north - animals is my guess, of some kind."
Falin d20+18=36 Tuesday September 12th, 2006 5:34:06 AM
Falin recognizes the young elf as Sinilrilas he had displayed a high proficiency with the bow during their practice time. He reminded Falin of himself as a young elf. He acted a lot like him and they had some of the same elements in their background. Sinilrilas was being raised by his grandparents because something had been happened to his parents when he was very young. He recognized the same determination in his eyes that Falin once had. Hopefully, though, that would change to wisdom as he grew older.
Turning and following Sinilrials' gaze to the North Falin looks for the movement. (Spot 36) When he sees it he glances back towards the other elves and seeing that they are doing alright he turns back to Sinilrials and says, "Let's go check it out." A grin crawls across his face as he begins to snake forward with the young elf in tow. Falin motion for Sinilrials to move out to the left as Falin continues straight towards the movement.
K'Nara Tuesday September 12th, 2006 10:56:39 AM
K'Nara nods, confirming Aeralia's words, then turns to the grinning orc.
"Is there a problem here?" she demands gruffly. "Since these four are prisoners, they aren't too much of a handful for you, are they? Perhaps I should ask Borden to assign more soldiers here if you can't seem to control them...?"
Lian d20+22=24 d20+10=18 d20+20=25 Tuesday September 12th, 2006 11:51:00 AM
The monk holds his finger to his mouth and then gestures to the group to stop moving. He indicates that there are two persons moving in the shrubbery.
The monk then moves away, retrieves a copper from his pouch, and casts darkness and immediately covers it to block the effect. "Just in case." He whispers.
He continues to watch and listen. (Move Silently 24, Spot 18, Listen 25)
Brother Bertram Tuesday September 12th, 2006 3:24:06 PM
Bertram strolls over to Father Nick and the others, nodding at him warmly, to the Ga'alians in acknowledgement, if not companionship. "I see you have made new friends, Father.", He grins.
Valdor Tuesday September 12th, 2006 3:28:50 PM
Valdor continues to watch the clerics of Ga'al specifically, but even looks over the horses of the orcs. Something isn't right and he's not sure what it is. He shrugs and tells Cori,"Sorry, I seem to have wasted your spell. Everything looks right. You're even hotter with this improved vision, however."
He smiles in spite of his feeling and decides to lay down for a while to sleep. He keeps his earring activated and tells Dahlia in a whisper,"Don't forget about your earring. Keep us up to speed. It will take us time to get there if something happens."
Nick Tuesday September 12th, 2006 6:02:44 PM
Nick is VERY relieved to see Brother Bertram walk up and join them. Now he didn't feel so outnumbered. Normally it wouldn't have bothered Nick in the slightest, but with Ga'alian clerics in particular - he carried some heavy mental baggage in dealing with these guys, heavy baggage indeed.
"Good of you to join us, Brother," Nick says to Bertie. "We were just discussing the Aisildurian missing citizens. I'm assuming they've wandered off to join this Iron Fist Army?" His question is directed toward the Ga'alians. "Fifty, you say? I wonder if that would help us estimate the numbers of this army?"
Ve Mundr d20+18=29 Tuesday September 12th, 2006 7:25:34 PM
Ve looks at the grinning orc and squats to look over the prisoners. He is specifically looking to chaffing or some other physical condition to cause the squirming and noise that was starting. [Heal 29] Ve then stands and gives the orc a stern look. He canpt say anything of course but hopefully his concern about the prisoner and his final look would put across what might happen if the orc got out of hand.
Ve then moves over to where the clerics Bertram and Father nick were. On the way he mentions to his earpiece, "I am going to be up for some time, we'll keep the camp." Ve moves sure and strong in his strides across the camp his Darkvision allowing him the luxury. "Also if Cori does not have more instant transport prepared I have an Ethreal Jaunt to help us cover the distance."
Ve grabs a small nearby log and sits "Father Nicholas," he says with a slight bow. "About 50 missing then. How long has this been going on and do you know anything about the 50. ANything that connects them or makes them desirable to a growing army or organization?"
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Milo d20+25=44 d20+23=31 Tuesday September 12th, 2006 7:31:53 PM
Not hearing anything of consequence coming from the men just yet, Milo decides to sneak over and investigate the painted wagon. (OOC: Hide DC 44, Move Silently DC 31)
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday September 12th, 2006 7:46:55 PM
Cori blushes at the compliment and brushes her lips across Valdor's cheek. "You say the nicest things." She then lets him go and get some sleep. She passes through the camp one last time and then finds a place to settle herself. As she is falling asleep she hears the comment from Ve and smiles. "I can prepare a spell like I did the first time...but I will need a destination that can be described to me...in detail." She sleeps lightly this night or lighter than she has in a long time.
Amarth is off in one of the trees or bushes having a little sleep of his own. He dreams of birds and flying, but at the same time being in control of a flock of his own.
Dahlia / Ingrge Tuesday September 12th, 2006 8:48:13 PM
moving along with the others but out of the way Dahlia puts a plan into action. Going opposite to where Milo is heading Dahlia looks for a lone sentry she can come up upon that looks like he won't be missed for a bit and then prepares herself for what is about to come.
*******
Ingrge following along with the others still finds it somewhat inspiring to watch Milo do his thing. With his eyes he scans the upcoiming camp tryig to get a fix on where certain important things might be stashed.
Gunther Tuesday September 12th, 2006 10:37:41 PM
Gunther hangs with the orcs as he waits for the scouting party to return. He eagerly joins in with as many wrestling/brawling as possible.
Olana Wednesday September 13th, 2006 12:16:08 AM
Olana frowns. All the clerics had gathered together like it was a big church meeting, Falin had just dashed off with one of the elves, and now the others were having what looked like a face-off with the orcs. It was all a case of which party to join, she supposed. With a sigh, she checked her weapons and went to join the stare down with the orcs.
DM Jan ***WARNING - ORC HUMOUR IN THIS POST*** Wednesday September 13th, 2006 1:22:13 AM
The Caravan camp - 2 orcs, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge
Those with enhanced vision, natural or otherwise, are able to see Lian's signal that someone is approaching from the south west, and after a few moments it becomes obvious to everyone. Two young men, speaking to one another in loud whispers, heading straight for the torches. Dirt City accents. "Think they'll let us join in?" "Don't see why not, c'mon. Let's ask. HEY!!" They wave their torch and head for the fire.
Ingrge's perusal of the camp gives him the impression of men, fires, tents, horses - all hastily stowed. And with the exception of the horses, and the men - no other cargo. On his way toward the wagon, Milo hears snippets of chatter from around the campfire. As they tell jokes, or describe women they've known, or tell of their homes, it's a jumble of different accents, like this group has been gathered from all over the Wold, although he doesn't recognize anything from Emerald or the Plateaus. There's a man standing alone on the steps at the rear of the wagon. Slender fingers are leafing through a tattered book. He's dressed in robes, rather than fighting gear, and as Milo gets closer, he looks up from his book suddenly, and toward the campfire.
Dahlia approaches the area where the horses have been tied. There are two sentries there, about thirty feet apart from one another.
The Talon/Platinum camp - Valdor, Cori, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the four prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara
Brothers Michael, Nyle and Tyne are now in the company of Domi clerics Ve and Bertram, and Alemi cleric Nicholas. Michael remains the spokesman, while Tyne keeps that half smile on his face, and Nyle raises an eyebrow at Ve's ceasing of hostilities. "Hard to say how long this has been going on. It's months, certainly," says Brother Michael. "And they're all non-heartseeded of course." He sighs and shakes his head. "Young men for the most part. We can only guess at what possessed them to do such a thing. It was only after ques - after asking their friends and families that we heard of this Iron Fist. Someone had posted signs, leaflets, promising adventure and fortune..."
About twenty feet away, the four prisoners are sat on the ground, tied up like winter celebration turkeys. Before Ve Mundr's healing spell, two of them were bleeding from bloody noses. The four orcs are standing directly behind them, staring defiantly at K'Nara, Aeralia and Olana. "You women should be mending clothes," one of the orcs says with a snort. "Or polishing our weapons." HOWEVER, because of the Silence spell, he's left chuckling quietly at his own crude joke.
As Cori settles down to get some sleep, Valdor's viewpoint is of the gathered horses. Borden is over there, looking puzzled, with two of his men and Gunther. The horses are shifting uneasily, particularly those belonging to the Platinum/Talon group. Amarth's dream has an edge, that makes sleep a hard thing to come by, and - laid flat, ears back, under the same shrub. Thaeri the panther reverts to her unhappiness of the confusing scents drifting around the camp.
And wouldn't you know it - After three days of yomping through Izen - a place renowned for its cantankerous wildlife - and not encountering a thing - and when keeping quiet is high on the current agenda - Falin and the younger elf spot the following - coming out of the north, currently approx 100ft from camp -
From this distance it's difficult to tell how many heads this huge reptilian beast has, but there are a lot, swaying back and forth, testing the air as the creature ventures forward toward the camp. It's flesh seems to carry a reddish tinge in the gloom.
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) d20+22=39 d20+22=42 d20+18=25 Wednesday September 13th, 2006 5:46:15 AM
Falin motions for Sinilrilas to alert the elves on patrol. Watching him run off Falin begins to stalk this new creature while waiting for the others to arrive. He will keep his bow at the ready with an arrow in case things should go wrong.
Hide 39 Move Silently 42 Spot 25
Ve Mundr Wednesday September 13th, 2006 10:41:39 AM
Ve shakes his head a bit with a look of 'you people are as pathetic as I thought' on his face. "So what you are telling me is that about 50 young adventure seeking men left the under thier own free will and decision over the course of several months? And that has your undergarments in such a bunch that 3 of you come trooping all the way out here? That leaves two things. You're lying, or Ga'al is very desperate for lackeys and to be honest I don't believe you are lying." Ve shifts to lean back slightly, this was just sad, but it also changed his view of the Iron Fist slightly. Basically Ve was not sure who the enemy was. Maybe the missing orcs just don't want to pal about with Borden and plant crops and raise children, which if the fledgling nation Borden wants to create is to be a success, is what many of them would have to do.
Ve can only see 60' into the black and so is unaware of the approaching danger.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Lian (88hps, AC 37) d20+10=21 d20+20=27 d20+22=25 Wednesday September 13th, 2006 11:21:35 AM
Lian continues to be alert while his comrads are lurking away from the safety of the group. He retrieves a cube from a pouch and prepares another spell.
Valdor Wednesday September 13th, 2006 1:47:46 PM
Valdor whispers into his earpiece,"Ve, remember, we suspect this black dragon is behind this Iron Fist, and, if so, it represents a dire situation for our home. Our goal here is not to antangonize Ga'al's idiots. They may be of some use if we do fight the dragon. We can use them as fodder, if possible and necessary. I know they make you sick,as they do myself, but lets leave it alone. You won't change their minds or beliefs now that they have been heartseeded. Plus, I'm trying to get some sleep."
Ve hears a slight chuckle as Valdor quiets back down. From his knowledge of Father Nicholas, he should know the story about Valdor saving Nick twice from the clutches of Ga'al's clerics and that Valdor hates them as intensely as Ve seems to.
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 13th, 2006 2:21:51 PM
Bertram listens as the priests fill in gaps in the story. He wonders what would possess 50 men to just wander away so easily. He is unaware of the approaching creature as he listens and muses.
Mordrid Wednesday September 13th, 2006 3:33:02 PM
Mordrid lays low. He has no intention of interferring or otherwise injuring someone in this camp. Noone in this camp is guilty of anyhing yet.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday September 13th, 2006 7:26:57 PM
Cori slumbers on as she dreams of her garden back home and the new one that she plans to start in the Plat Castle. She has no idea of anything that is going on around though she does hear bits and pieces of conversation through the earpiece.
Amarth is doing pretty much the same thing.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Olana Thursday September 14th, 2006 12:02:08 AM
Worried about how she can't hear anything that the orcs or the prisoners are saying, Olana looks at K'Nara and Aeralia. She didn't like the body language on the orcs, and reckons they'd caught those ugly monsters smacking the prisoners around. Mind you, should she be concerned, anyway?
She backs off, and looks around the camp.
Nick Thursday September 14th, 2006 12:10:07 AM
Nick watches the faces of the Ga'alian clerics - what he could see of them in the gloom, anyway. Ve had a point. It did seem like very normal behaviour - men, young, seeking adventure. That was probably happening all over the Wold. Although... Aisildur wasn't 'everywhere'. In fact Aisildur wasn't like everywhere else at all. An entire realm controlled by a God, and Ga'al kept a tight grip - or had until recently. Was the autocratic one getting nervous now that his people had a choice? Did he perhaps fear a mass exodus - if news got back that some had found freedom, adventure and happiness elsewhere...
Milo d20+25=43 d20+23=40 Thursday September 14th, 2006 12:45:51 AM
Milo freezes in place as the man looks toward the campfires, attempting to ascertain whether or not he has been seen. Since the man isn't looking directly at him, Milo takes a moment to memorize his face. Then, quick as a wink, Milo silently clicks the heels of his boots of speed together and moves fast and silent around the other side of the wagon to the rear of the robed man, though not too close. Milo is attempting to gauge the risk involved in entering the wagon with the man so close, and hoping that he'll join the other men. (OOC: Hide DC 43, Move Silently DC 40; Moving at speed 40, a notch under max speed which is 50 using the boots.)
DM Jan Thursday September 14th, 2006 1:37:26 AM
The Caravan camp - 2 orcs, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge
The general chatter of the camp stops abruptly as the shout in the dark is heard. Mordrid, Lian and Ingrge witness some of the men sat around the fire rise and greet the two who appear to have crossed Izen from the south west to join them. Now Lian ( and the others) see the robed figure, who has emerged from the camp's midst. The man is not dressed for sword swinging or spear throwing. He's either a merchant, a noble, or perhaps a mage. The two newcomers are absorbed into the group with handshakes and offers of food. Dahlia is still creeping up on one of the men guarding the horses. Milo finds that the coast is clear. The man has stepped away and is near the campfire - a good thirty feet away.
The Talon/Platinum camp - Valdor, Cori, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the four prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara
Valdor and Cori are trying to get some sleep, K'Nara, Olana and Aeralia find themselves in some kind of standoff with some of the orcs, and Brother Michael is just launching into an explanation to Nick, Ve and Bertram about Ga'al being concerned about his people, wherever they may be - when something changes. Some of the elves are running about, and two approach the cleric group and K'Nara's group. There's a monster on the approach from the north - a type of lizard, with many heads. Gunther and Borden can see that something is going on.
100 ft from the camp to the north, and about 30ft from the monster, Falin counts 13 heads.
K'Nara Thursday September 14th, 2006 1:54:04 AM
K'Nara's hand goes to her sword's handle--but whatever she may have intended is diverted by the sudden announcement made by the elves.
"Valdor!" the blade singer bellows as she sets off at a dead run for the north of the camp. "Something is approaching camp! It's big and has many heads..!"
The leader of the Talons draws her sword as she goes, barking out "Lucia!" in order to activate the weapon's Flame.
Dahlia/ Ingrge Thursday September 14th, 2006 7:03:22 AM
Deciding that she shouldn't be too terribly hasty she watches the two guards momentarily watching what they do where they are watching looking to see how attentive they are. She also checks out how the horses are picketed.
***
Ingrge takes as good a look as he can at the robed figure as he moves closer to the fire.
Lian (88hps, AC 37) d20+9=28 d20+20=31 d20+22=31 Thursday September 14th, 2006 9:29:12 AM
The monk watches and listens intently. He is ready to act if anything happens. (Has cube and components in hand .)
Milo d20+25=39 d20+23=34 Thursday September 14th, 2006 10:30:08 AM
Seeing that the way is open to him, Milo creeps up into the wagon to have himself a look. He is cautious to peek in before entering to make sure that he isn't walking in on anyone that might be awake anyhow. (OOC: Hide DC 39, Move Silently DC 34)
Valdor Thursday September 14th, 2006 2:08:49 PM
Valdor, not asleep, but trying, hops up and booms out,"Spread out. There should be at least five feet between each person. Mages archers line up behind the front line warriors. If it's a hydra, one archer from each group should get torches ready and be prepared to burn the stump when a head comes off! MOVE NOW! And somebody has put a wall of force or something around the horses. The prisoners should be moved and protected as well. Clerics be ready to cast and heal and then ready to fight in melee if needed. But, we must all stay spread out! We will encircle it when it's close enough. Someone will need to cast a spell for us all to see in a few seconds. Find your place and join me for this battle!"
He sprints to the edge of camp, activates his boots of speed, and awaits its coming. He stands straight showing no fear nor panic, hoping if any elves are nervous, they'll take comfort in his steadiness.
He contacts Dahlia and says,"I'm afraid our secrecy is gone. We have something approaching that sounds like a hydra. Keep an eye on the caravan and see what they do. Don't show yourself, noone knows about you. Try not to let the others with you show themselves."
Mordrid Thursday September 14th, 2006 3:15:38 PM
Mordrid hears Valdor pipe over the ear-pieces, whispering, "Ingrge... Lian... go back to camp. You're needed there. They're under attack. I'll see to it that Dahlia and Milo get safely extracted."
Corialote and Amarth Thursday September 14th, 2006 3:48:49 PM
The warning and call to arms has no more come over her earpiece and through the air and Cori is to her feet. Moving through the camp with all its sudden commotions she looks for Valdor. When she finally finds him she moves in his direction with a slight amused smile. "Did you draw this monster here for my entertainment?" This is a tinge of laughter in her voice and her eyes flash as her drow eyes search the darkness.
Amarth blissfully sleeps on not worried in the least that a monster is on the prowl. With this many able bodies around he will not be needed.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3), wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Dahlia (quasi illegal second post) Thursday September 14th, 2006 6:19:12 PM
Dahlia first hears Valdor and then Mordrid and quietly subvocalizes her response. Am just an observer, understood. Will stay put unless otherwise informed.
Brother Bertram Thursday September 14th, 2006 9:47:01 PM
Hearing of the monster coming, Bertram shrugs and removes his holy symbol, from under his armor laying it across his chest and removes his axe. "It appears we are soon to be needed."
Olana Thursday September 14th, 2006 10:46:35 PM
"Hydra..." mumbles Olana to no one in particular as she walks to the edge of camp after Valdor."Don't those things grow extra heads if you chop one off?"
She'll join one of the elf squads, moral support and extra firepower.
Valdor Thursday September 14th, 2006 11:16:23 PM
Valdor cracks a smile and says,"I just wanted to impress you, my dear."
Gunther Thursday September 14th, 2006 11:36:17 PM
His sword in his glove of storing, Gunther activates his animated shield and links up with K'nara. "Vhat is it? Vhat's out dere?" Gunther calls to Thaeri, concerned about her trying to join in the fight. "Stay low and keep away from that thing. I'm sure we can take care of it." he growls out to her using the power of the wreath.
Nick Thursday September 14th, 2006 11:41:46 PM
"Let's try and keep our voices down?" Nick says in a loud whisper. "If we're not careful we'll end up fighting on two fronts!"
He strides toward the north perimter of the camp. "Ve, if we're spreading out, which way are you going?" He'll go the opposite after the relevent spells have been cast, and assumes the Ga'alians will be joining in. he can already see Bertram preparing.
K'Nara (2nd post) Friday September 15th, 2006 12:06:49 AM
"From the sound of the description," K'Nara tells Gunther, "It's a hydra--a reptillian-like beast that is as big as a house and has many heads. Legends say that you chop off a head and two more grow in its place..."
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) d20+22=35 d20+22=30 d20+22=33 d20+18=37 d20+13=26 Friday September 15th, 2006 1:40:43 AM
Falin begins to lag behind the beast a bit in case it was hostile, he will keep about 20 feet between himself and the creature.
Falin will pay attention to the path the creature is taking. Does it appear it is heading straight towards their camp? If so he is going to try to turn its path. He will pull 3 gold coins out of his pouch and throw them in front of the creature to try to startle it to turn its course in another direction.
Coin DC's 33, 37, 26
Hide 35 Move Silently 30
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) d20+22=35 d20+22=30 d20+22=33 d20+18=37 d20+13=26 Friday September 15th, 2006 1:40:43 AM
Falin begins to lag behind the beast a bit in case it was hostile, he will keep about 20 feet between himself and the creature.
Falin will pay attention to the path the creature is taking. Does it appear it is heading straight towards their camp? If so he is going to try to turn its path. He will pull 3 gold coins out of his pouch and throw them in front of the creature to try to startle it to turn its course in another direction.
Coin DC's 33, 37, 26
Hide 35 Move Silently 30
DM Jan d20+9=22 d20+9=27 Friday September 15th, 2006 2:12:49 AM
The Caravan camp - 2 orcs, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge
Birk (Borden's second in command) who'd gone with the scouting team, sidles over to Mordrid. "Nothing happening, here," he says in a whisper that sounds like he's choking. He and the other orc take off back to the Talon/Platinum camp, obviously eager to join in the fun.
Lian catches snippets of conversation from the campfire - ".... overseas.... money's good... I heard it's a witch... tower on a lake... you'll be well fed... you'll be a hero... before Mordrid asks him and Ingrge to rejoin the others. Ingrge's perusal of the robed figure - it takes one spellcaster to know another.
Milo enters the wagon. There's a lantern burning inside, revealing what looks like a low writing desk, with quill pen, a ledger and stacks of parchment. There are three trunks (lids firmly shut, a bedroll and clothes toward the back, and a number of baskets containing papers of different sizes. One basket contains a jumble of what look like bills of purchase - for all kinds of things. Another carries a vertical stack of identical rolled parchments. There's also a half-eaten apple on the desk.
Dahlia sees one of the guards by the horses become alert all of a sudden. "You hear that?" the man asks his comrade. "Sounded like a shout - in the distance." He puts two fingers to his lips and blows an earsplitting whistle. Ten of the men, and the robed figure, now have the guard's attention.
((Let me know if Lian and Ingrge are returning to camp, or staying.))
The Talon/Platinum camp - Valdor, Cori, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the four prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara
The hydra has stopped. It's heads weave in the gloom and Falin ( 20ft away to the north of it) can smell sulpher. For a moment it raises itself on two back legs, obviously getting its bearings and using it's senses, before the front feet land back down with a soft thud. Two of the heads abruptly let out an ear-piercing screech. Another of the heads suddenly sends out a rapid jet of fire that ignites a shrub right next to where Falin's coins have fallen.
The rest of the party in this camp are now congregated at it's northernmost point. The hydra is directly 100ft to the north, not far from a now burning shrub.
((Let me know your actions, folks. I have a race weekend, but I'll get a map together on Monday.))
DM Jan d20+9=22 d20+9=27 Friday September 15th, 2006 2:12:49 AM
The Caravan camp - 2 orcs, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge
Birk (Borden's second in command) who'd gone with the scouting team, sidles over to Mordrid. "Nothing happening, here," he says in a whisper that sounds like he's choking. He and the other orc take off back to the Talon/Platinum camp, obviously eager to join in the fun.
Lian catches snippets of conversation from the campfire - ".... overseas.... money's good... I heard it's a witch... tower on a lake... you'll be well fed... you'll be a hero... before Mordrid asks him and Ingrge to rejoin the others. Ingrge's perusal of the robed figure - it takes one spellcaster to know another.
Milo enters the wagon. There's a lantern burning inside, revealing what looks like a low writing desk, with quill pen, a ledger and stacks of parchment. There are three trunks (lids firmly shut, a bedroll and clothes toward the back, and a number of baskets containing papers of different sizes. One basket contains a jumble of what look like bills of purchase - for all kinds of things. Another carries a vertical stack of identical rolled parchments. There's also a half-eaten apple on the desk.
Dahlia sees one of the guards by the horses become alert all of a sudden. "You hear that?" the man asks his comrade. "Sounded like a shout - in the distance." He puts two fingers to his lips and blows an earsplitting whistle. Ten of the men, and the robed figure, now have the guard's attention.
((Let me know if Lian and Ingrge are returning to camp, or staying.))
The Talon/Platinum camp - Valdor, Cori, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the four prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara
The hydra has stopped. It's heads weave in the gloom and Falin ( 20ft away to the north of it) can smell sulpher. For a moment it raises itself on two back legs, obviously getting its bearings and using it's senses, before the front feet land back down with a soft thud. Two of the heads abruptly let out an ear-piercing screech. Another of the heads suddenly sends out a rapid jet of fire that ignites a shrub right next to where Falin's coins have fallen.
The rest of the party in this camp are now congregated at it's northernmost point. The hydra is directly 100ft to the north, not far from a now burning shrub.
((Let me know your actions, folks. I have a race weekend, but I'll get a map together on Monday.))
Lian (88hps, AC 37) d20+11=15 Friday September 15th, 2006 9:40:54 AM
Lian doesn't want to leave the others in the camp, but knows Milo can take care of himself. The monk has no real idea where the others are, so he makes a hard decision... he returns to camp. He casts the silence on a copper and bounds off through the forest. With the silence up, it should be enough to avoid detection while he leaves. (70ft speed, 280ft at full x4 run) If there are any obstructions in his way, he'll jump them or the like. (Jump 15)
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins), Silence (on copper, 4mins)
Lian (88hps, AC 37) d20+11=15 Friday September 15th, 2006 9:40:54 AM
Lian doesn't want to leave the others in the camp, but knows Milo can take care of himself. The monk has no real idea where the others are, so he makes a hard decision... he returns to camp. He casts the silence on a copper and bounds off through the forest. With the silence up, it should be enough to avoid detection while he leaves. (70ft speed, 280ft at full x4 run) If there are any obstructions in his way, he'll jump them or the like. (Jump 15)
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins), Silence (on copper, 4mins)
Valdor Friday September 15th, 2006 10:47:23 AM
Valdor says quietly,"Now if someone could turn it toward the caravan, it would make for an interesting show. Nick, with that noisy beast, secrecy will be a thing of the past."
Seeing the fire, Valdor activates his ring of fire resistance and says loudly, but without screaming,"Clerics, cast any protections you can. Cori, if you have a stone skin, I'll take one. I'll be on it at the front to draw the attention of most of its heads, if possible. Everyone, team up and try to focus on one head at a time. When it's destroyed, someone will need to burn the wound closed to keep more heads from sprouting. Team up and get ready to light torches. Of course, if a cleric has a firestorm ready, we could cut off several heads, then he could cast Firestorm and seal them shut. Just a thought."
Corialote and Amarth Friday September 15th, 2006 11:17:08 AM
Cori nods her head as she falls into the vast power that bounces around in her head. She lays a hand upon the shoulder of Valdor as her spell is completed. There is now a dull green glow to the whole body of Valdor that is kind of eerie.
She starts in on her next spell with a smile. "Give me a minute before you close...I have something that should give it the cold shoulder." Her left hand is already starting to form the motions for her next spell.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Mordrid Friday September 15th, 2006 11:53:25 AM
Mordrid looks over his shoulder at the darkness behind, where a fight is about to rage unseen; however the calls of men-at-arms are starting to echo softly across the plains.
"D^*n!" This will not go unnoticed by the caravan watchmen. The ranger looks back at the centuries, and then again back over his shoulder at the darkness behind. Rolling over onto his back he begins to cast, his target being the full distance of his spell's range, across the grassy darkness beyond and out the range of the caravan's perimeter light.
WINDWALL: a verticle curtain of air 220 feet long and 110 feet high.
He will form a barrier of air between his camp and the caravan's camp, in an attempt to deaden the sounds of combat coming from behind.
K'Nara Friday September 15th, 2006 3:52:33 PM
The leader of the Talons frowns thoughtfully.
"Valdor--is there any particular sort of prey this thing prefers, or will it follow a person?" she asks. "I volunteer to try to lead it to the caravan if you believe that I'd be a...uh...ahem...tasty enough morsel to get its attention."
Valdor Friday September 15th, 2006 4:05:26 PM
Valdor replies,"I would rather not have it chasing you. If it caught you by yourself...Well, we might not get to you in time. If it has thirteen heads, well, I have never seen one with that many. I wouldn't want to fight it alone, unless it would impress Cori."
K'Nara (2nd post) Friday September 15th, 2006 6:09:45 PM
"Which leads back to the original question...is there some kind of prey that this thing prefers?" K'Nara asks. "Maybe our newest recruit can conjure a realistic-looking illusion for this beastie to follow, then...?" She looks around to see where Aeralia is.
Ve Mundr Friday September 15th, 2006 9:57:08 PM
Ve looks off into the dark as cries of alarm erupt, "So much for unnoticed." he says grimly to father Nicholas. "Go left I have the right. Ve gets up and starts moving to the right in the direction of the small fire set by the hydra's breath weapon. "Valdor I have no such spell, not my fortay there. I could though likely paralyze blind and deafen it. Assuming all of our companions to be good, nothing would happen to them. I also have a Daylight at your discretion my good sir." Ve pulls his hammer, which alights into a peaceful blue white glow about him as he moves.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) d20+22=40 d20+22=33 Saturday September 16th, 2006 3:38:17 AM
Falin looks from the creature to the camp and back again. About a hundred feet and no doubt everyone would see the flame.
OOC:How dry is the shrubury and the grass?
Thinking through the situation Falin decides to continue to confuse and occupy the creature while waiting for the others. Would be best to use greater numbers to fell this creature.
He reaches into his pouch and draws out 5 gold coins. Instead of hitting an exact spot Falin chooses to instead toss them into the air and have them scatter around the creature. He winds up and underhands the coins into the air hoping to have them fall on and around the creature.
Hide 40 Move silently 33 DC 33 for the coins to scatter around the creature.
Aeralia Saturday September 16th, 2006 11:15:43 PM
Aeralia briefly surveys the surroundings, using the beasts fiery breath to help provide some light, if just for a few moments. Closing her eyes briefly, she comjures an image quickly in her mind, then draws magics from deep within her, as her sorcerous powers begin to work.
Opening her eyes, she glances quickly to the sky, and her gaze follows a second monstrous form as it plummets from 100 ft. overhead, crashing to the ground with a loud thud about 30 feet behind the hydra.
This second massive reptilian creature rears up on its powerful hind legs, and emits a similar ear piercing roar, then the dragon drops back down to all fours. Its large black scales glint brightly in the fire light, seemingly glowing molten hot with their creature's own fiery nature.
The creature reaks of rotting flesh and sulphur, and shivers slightly in rage as it narrows it eyes towards the hydra.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Full Round Action: Highlight to display spoiler: {Silent, Still Major Image. DC 22 to recognize as illusion when interacted with}
Gunther Sunday September 17th, 2006 12:34:28 AM
The warrior stands beside K'nara, uncertain as to just what to do. K'nara wants to charge in and be the decoy but Valdor (wisely) doesn't like the idea. He breathes a loud sigh of relief as Aeralia does her thing. His eyes scan the darkness, trying to tell whether the deception worked.
Milo d20+23=31 d20+25=38 Sunday September 17th, 2006 3:06:30 PM
Quietly, Milo rifles the stack of bills to see if there is anything out of the ordinary for this type of group. He then turns his attention to the rolled parchment, curiosity getting the better of him. (OOC: Move Silently DC 31, Hide DC 38)
Nick Monday September 18th, 2006 12:01:09 AM
Nick quickly asks those who intend to get up close to this monster to gather around while he casts HOLY AURA (+4AC,+4 resistance,SR25 evil spells - it's good for 20 folk)
He'll then veer off to the left and keep his eyes on the elves in his vicinity.
Aeralia's illusion has him astounded.
Olana Monday September 18th, 2006 12:17:46 AM
Olana talks to the elves. "Spread out into your four groups. But stay back from this thing. Pointless getting fried for nothing. We're not going to be able to chop any heads off with arrows, but we can harry and weaken the thing, give the others a better chance. Okay?"
Now what? she thinks, looking at the dragon thing, not really sure if it's real or a spell. "Acorns of Culverwood, that'd better be one of ours."
Posting Report for Monday September 18th, 2006 6:20:11 AM
Game # 1 Platinum Dragon For the week of Sept 11,2006
NAME-----MTWTF DM Jan----XXXXX Valdor----XOXOX Mordrid---XOXXX Fr.Nick---X2XXOS Dahlia----OXOXO VE Mont---XXXOX Corealot--XOXXX
ADM Ceil No comment.
(Ceil, Valdor posted once on Tuesday, twice on Thursday-SteveH)
DM Jan Monday September 18th, 2006 11:17:44 AM
(Sorry for delay folks - writing up post now.)
DM Jan Monday September 18th, 2006 11:57:16 AM
The Caravan camp - 2 orcs, Dahlia, Mordrid, Milo, Lian, Ingrge
Lian, Ingrge (?) and the two orcs set off back to base, moving quickly and quietly, leaving Mordrid and Dahlia to keep their eye on Milo in the caravan camp.
Inside the wagon, Milo sees various bills for wood, wood, more wood, horses, dried meats and fruits, along with blacksmith and metalworker bills for various kinds of weaponry and armour. Some of the dates go back about a year.
The rolled parchments look to be identical - they're posters -
SEEKING ADVENTURE? DREAMED OF FAME? FORTUNE? Want to do something good with your life? Help us rescue a city. Be a hero and become rich in the process!
See - LEFT BLANK At - LEFT BLANK
There is confusion by the campfire, and Dahlia and Mordrid overhear - "I can't hear anything," says someone, looking at the guard like he's daft. "Suit yourself," growls the guard. "I tell you. I heard a shout - up there, over the rise." The man in robes frowns, and then points. "You, you, you and you - go and investigate. And you two guards get back with the horses. There are monsters in these parts, and those nags will make a tasty meal."
Four of the men gather their weapons and set off up the rise, in the direction Lian, Ingrge(?) Birk and the other orc have taken (West).
A sudden, strong breeze ripples Lian's and Ingrge's clothing as they reach the top of the small hill. To the West - straight ahead - there looks to be a small fire burning, and there are shapes big and small moving slightly north of where their camp was. Their enhanced vision picks up a multiheaded creature and some other giant lizard.
The Talon/Platinum camp - Valdor, Cori, Bertram, the Ga'alians, the elves, the four prisoners, Borden and the remaining orcs, Olana, Nick, Gunther, Falin, Aeralia, Ve and K'Nara
Over in hydra territory, Falin can only watch in wonder at the dexterity of these creatures heads, as they whip around, trying to establish the source of the coin drop sounds. One of it's twelve long necks appears to carry two heads, perhaps proving that these things DO grow back in two's. BAM! It thrashes it's tail angrily on the ground, and it looks about to set fire to more brush. Luckily, the ground is not tinder dry, and the original fire isn't spreading.
And then - some kind of weird giant monster drops out of the sky - to the south east of Falin's position - to the north east of the other Talons/Platinums. It looks a bit like a black dragon, but is lacking those trademark horns that sweep low and around a black dragon's face. It's scales look like platelets floating on magma. For both creature and adventurer, it is a terrible thing to behold! One of the orcs lets out an expletive.
The hydra has had enough. This new creature is big, it's ugly, and it stinks. The hydra bolts toward it, in full attack mode, so much so that Aeralia is going to have to run like the wind, directly east, if she wants to keep the illusion physically away from it and intact.
For the adventurers, the elves, and the orcs, here lies both opportunity and chaos in equal measure.
((I'm going to send out a map. Just to give you an idea of placement. I know some of you have already shifted toward the beast.))
Lian (88hps, AC 37) Monday September 18th, 2006 12:34:24 PM
Running at full speed(no armor, 280ft a round), Lian looks back and sees the group following. He wants to stop and slow their advance, but its more important that all hands are on deck for the hydra.
He prepares a spell.
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins), Silence (on copper, 4mins)
Ingrge / Dahlia d20+29=44 d20+23=40 Monday September 18th, 2006 7:10:03 PM
When the guards head away from the horses to meet with those at the fire and take their eyes off the horses she immediately unties the tie line on one side and quickly heads over to the otherside of the tie line. Even though invisible she gets out of sight as the guards return.
******
Ingrge moving back toward the camp with Lian and the others , he is taken aback by the sight of the two beasts. And something strikes his as not quite right about the black dragonish beast (Spell craft 44, Kowledge Arcana 40, **Eyesight), but he continues moving that way preparing a few possible suprisies as he goes along.
Milo d20+23=38 d20+16=31 Monday September 18th, 2006 8:27:34 PM
Taking one of the posters, Milo considers leaving, but decides that it may be better to be a little more thorough. Pulling out lock picks he proceeds to the trunks to see if they're locked. Prepared to search all three, he moves to open the first. (OOC: Open Locks DC 38 if necessary. Search DC 31.)
Corialote and Amarth 24d6(3+3+3+5+1+4+2+6+2+4+5+3+3+1+3+2+4+5+1+6+3+6+5+5)=85 Monday September 18th, 2006 9:16:47 PM
Power flows through and then out of Cori as she ends the words of power. A blast of super cold shoots to slam into the scaley beast. Shaking her head she laughs lightly. "Think it is softened up enough now." She now waits to see what the others will do, so that she knows where she fits in.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [polar ray - 85damage]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2) 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
K'Nara Tuesday September 19th, 2006 12:05:09 AM
"Aeralia!" K'Nara says to the sorceress. "Good move...but we're going to have to move with your illusion if it's going to lead that hydra away from our camp...I'll help you with that if you think you need someone to watch out for you along the route."
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance) Tuesday September 19th, 2006 12:47:34 AM
Valdor watches Cori with admiration. He sees the other beast land and swears loudly. He says,"Let's stay back. Better to let them fight it out than to run in headlong. Many of the elves may die and we haven't even gotten to the scene of the vision."
He has no idea what K'Nara is talking about as he hasn't seen an illusionist in some time and he's not aware of Aerelia's conjuration.
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) Tuesday September 19th, 2006 1:49:53 AM
"Oh my god." Is all that exits the Sharpshooters mouth as he watches the great beast fall from the sky and land on the ground near him and the creature. Falin almost smiles at the determination of the creature as it charges the huge dragon in a frontal confrontation. Too bad he would be instantly liquified by the dragon.
A thought goes through his mind. This can't be hapening yet. The others elves are not ready yet. Where are they? I should be with them right now leading them and helping to keep them together.
Falin begins to look for the other elves with little reguard for his own safety.
Gunther Tuesday September 19th, 2006 1:54:46 AM
Gunther stays firmly glued to K'nara's side. If she is determined to march with the beast to keep the illusion going, then so will he. He can't let her be in harm's way all by herself with no one to protect her...
Aeralia Tuesday September 19th, 2006 2:17:28 AM
"D@*n, it moves fast," Aeralia grumbles to herself, shifting her gaze past both the Hydra and dragon. She doesn't seem to hear K'Nara, concentrating on her spell, and the the dragon reacts to her eyesights movement, leaping into the air and propelling itself backwards away from the hydra with powerful beats of its wings, taunting the multiheaded abomination with a loud roar. The stench of decaying flesh and sulfur, and the stinging heat radiating from the beast saturate the air in the black scaled monsters wake.
Aeralia, in the mean time, starts to move off in the same direction, following her gaze east at a quick pace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Standard Action: Maintain Concentration (move the Dragon 120' Due East, leading the hydra) Move Equivelent: 30' East
Olana Tuesday September 19th, 2006 2:19:59 AM
Olana sticks with the elves, encouraging them to keep their distance. She nocks an arrow, watching the creatures carefully. If they shifted, then she and some of the others could be right in their path. Then it would be time to unleash a volley of arrows - the hydra, she reckoned. She certainly didn't want to be the one to grab it's attention deliberately, however.
Lian Tuesday September 19th, 2006 7:31:18 AM
Moving up to the sight in front of him, the monk stops in awe.
Nick Tuesday September 19th, 2006 11:46:24 AM
Nick stays at a reasonable distance, moving to the left/east, wondering whats going to happen next. He winces as Cori shoots some kind of magic ray into the mix.
Mordrid (Long Strider) Tuesday September 19th, 2006 12:10:18 PM
There is little the ranger can do to stop the scouts from leaving the caravan camp, short of hurting or killing someone; and that was not an option.
Over the ear-piece, "Valdor, you have company coming from the caravan camp; scouts. You guys have been noticed. You also have reinforcements coming. I'm still at the camp waiting on Milo."
The ranger casts long-strider on himself, then creeps in another five feet closer to camp.
Epic Feat : Hide in Plane Sight
DM Jan Tuesday September 19th, 2006 12:26:28 PM
Talon/Platinum Camp -
Lian, Ingrge, Birk and his henchman, get the best views of what happens next. (<---- looking WEST) (Melee range 75')
The group at the camp is starting to spread out, with a smaller group (is that K'Nara, Gunther and Aeralia?) and one of the creatures, dashing EAST -----> toward them.
Then there's a sudden ZAP! as a long finger of crystalline energy appears - striking the scaly glowing creature - which then promptly disappears, leaving only the HYDRA for company.
The HYDRA grinds to a halt, and it's heads whip around. It turns to the v SOUTH, and begins to move quickly in that direction.
K'nara, Gunther, Aeralia, and right behind them - two squads of elves and Father Nicolas have about 3 tons of multi-headed mayhem running straight for them - 30' and closing into melee range.
Valdor, Bert, Cori are now 45' away to the SOUTH WEST.
Ve, Olana, the other two squads of elves and Falin are 60' directly WEST of the creature.
((Sorry about the fait accompli on the positioning, folks. But I guess we have to start somewhere.))
MEANWHILE ! -
Over at the caravan, Mordrid sees that 4 men have gone off to investigate the maybe, or maybe not, noise. Now a little closer, he sees the robed man offer the two young men who've just arrived, some coin and what looks like a potion. Dahlia loosens the ties on 10 of 32 horses before having to 'disappear'. Oddly enough - all ten - black, long-legged mares - stay exactly where they are. The guards return, unaware.
Inside the wagon, trunk #1 does not have a lock. It contains racks (about three quarters full) of tiny little bottles containing some liquid or other. The other two trunks have huge padlocks on them. One of them (#3) seems to shimmer slightly when he looks close.)
Brother Bertram 12d6(1+3+4+5+3+4+1+4+6+1+3+2)=37 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 1:32:56 PM
Bertram murmurs a prayer to Domi, and a ray of pure white light, almost too bright to look at, shoots from his hand at the creatures head(s).
(37 Damage-spell resistance will apply-but no save)
[Scott - what's the spell?]
{That would be Mark, not Scott}
(~~Jan~~ Just to add to the confusion, I think that was Scott, asking Mark, LOL. Maybe 'tis the mystery ray of doom!)
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Tuesday September 19th, 2006 2:03:16 PM
He drops his Silence coin and moves beyond its range. Lian stops, turns, and plays the rear guard for the group fighting the hydra. He realizes that the hydra is not an opponent for one such as himself, a mere monk. The spellcasters are the ones who are needed here.
The monk, however, DOES have opponents more his style... the four blokes bringing up the rear behind him and Ingrge.
The Hand of Domi casts Enlarge Person and prepares his Blessed Hands[free action]. His large hands glow purple.
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance) Tuesday September 19th, 2006 2:24:29 PM
Valdor says,"Cori, time for you to move back my dear. Hold any fire spells for when we remove a head. Clerics, hold any flamestrikes until we remove a head. Then hit it on that spot! Time to party people. If you get hurt severely move back and let another take your plce while the clerics heal you!"
He moves into position on the side and waits for a head to come into range. For once, with so many other targets, he isn't the initial object of attention of the huge creature...yet.
Ve Mundr d20+31=45 d20+14=30 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 3:25:28 PM
Ve continues moving right, that is North, of the creature. At least now he can clearly see it. The great Black dragon soars in and for a moment gives him pause, but something about the smell, look or feel doesn't hit him right [Arcana 30] and soon enough he percieves the illusion. [Will 45]. Hearing Valdor, the cleric mentions off handed into the earpiece, "It is a Pyro Hydra and is immune to Fire. Simply instruct everyone to attack the main body. Leave the heads alone."
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Ingrge / Dahlia d20+19=38 5d6(4+6+1+6+4)=21 26d6(6+3+3+4+5+3+3+5+6+4+3+3+4+6+4+3+5+5+2+5+4+2+3+2+3+30)=99 d20+28=37 d20+23=42 d20+18=34 d20+15=28 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 6:05:16 PM
Ingrge watches what is happening, sees the dragon illusion disappear and the Hydra reverse its field toward corwin and company and immediately releases the disintigrate spell he had been preparing. A thin green ray shoots quickly through his staff and straight to the beast Ranged touch AC 38; 99 points damage, Fortitude save DC 28 for 21 points SR 28
***** Dahlia
Not having expected the horses to have moved, she is not overly concerned but watches the closest guard closely and waits for an opportunity to present itself when his back is turned, and the other guard is not watching, to render him unconcious.
(Opponent is flatfooted due to invisibility)
AC 37 AC 42 AC 34
Corialote [haste] and Amarth Tuesday September 19th, 2006 6:51:01 PM
Cori growls as the image disappears and then shakes her head. "Should have known that was an illusion." She does not listen to Valor as she starts in on another spell. This one will be a little bit more useful and not a damage spell. "You need speed...you have it." She gives a slight smile not at all happy with things.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [haste - 24rounds - 24 heroes that are no more than 30' from Cori]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2) 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Aeralia [AC 12, HP 40/40] Tuesday September 19th, 2006 7:17:32 PM
Aeralia blinks as her dragon fades from sight, glancing around confused for a moment, wondering where the blast that reaveled her illusion came from. She doesn't have long to wonder though, realizing the massive hydra was bearing down upon her, and the others.
Skidding to a halt, the young sorceress chants quickly, spreading her arms widely as the magical energies swell from within her.
A slight shimmer glints between her and the hydra for just a spliit second, her magics weaving an invisible wall directly in front of the beasts path, hopefully giving it pause, for a few moments at least.
She then glances about quickly, taking in her surrounds, and see where her comrades where positioned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Standard Action: Wall of Force. Invisible 30' x 30' wall, 10' infront of the Pyrohydra (and inbetween her and the pyrohydra).
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/134; Cat's Grace) d100=37 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 8:57:47 PM
"Aeralia--get to the back of the group--NOW!!!" K'Nara bellows. "Anyone with distance damage spells, cast 'em NOW!" She makes sure to place herself between the oncoming hydra and the young sorceress. The redheaded blade singer looks over at Gunther.
"Got your blades ready, hotshot?" she asks with a grin. "This is going to be a bumpy ride..!"
K'Nara casts upon herself Cat's Grace while she's waiting until any magic spells hit the hydra before closing in with the nearest head in order to attack it. (OOC: she exceeded the 5% spell failure by rolling 37.)
Nick Tuesday September 19th, 2006 10:46:29 PM
Oh wonderful, thinks Nick as the beast heads their way. Hearing Valdor he nods to himself and backs up. Healing, flamestrikes. Yes, had those.
Milo d20+16=34 d20+18=34 d20+23=40 d20+25=42 d20+23=43 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 11:07:20 PM
Milo immediately turns his attention to the lock that shimmers thinking, Hmmm... protected with magic. Must be important. The halfling tends to that lock first, looking to disarm possible traps before he takes out a pick to open it up. (OOC: Search check DC 34 [9th level spells or lower found],Disable Device DC 34 [9th level spells or lower disabled], Open Locks DC 40, Hide DC 42, Move Silently DC 43)
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Haste) Wednesday September 20th, 2006 2:20:56 AM
Valdor seems slightly surprised and actually cocks his head sideways and asks,"How do you know it's a Pyro Hydra? I've never actually faced one of those. That would be a nasty combination. How do you seal the heads off if you remove one...with ice spells? Or just cold water?"
His last question was hardly a jest, even though he asked it as such. There is concern on his face and he finishes with,"Well, if fire won't work, figure something else out and let everyone know. I'll attack the body, if I can avoid being squashed!"
He's holding his attack until it is close enough so he doesn't get attacked by multiple heads.
Ve Mundr AC 43 HP 224 Wednesday September 20th, 2006 11:18:57 AM
With the hydra charging south, Ve turns and heads now south in it's wake. He keeps himself defensive minded and closes 20'.
Ve answers Valdor quickly, "I've studied Magical Beasts quite a bit. The red tinge and bush taht suddenly caught fire tipped me off. Ice spells would likely do it, but we can slay the beast without lopping off heads and needing to worry about it. They heal quickly but do not regenerate. So once it dies it is dead."
The cleric calmly continues, "The hydra is inconvenient, a larger concern is Mordrid's statement that the caravan knows of us and we are about to meet them in full glory so to speak. We need to recall the 'scout team'. The caravan will likely take a very dim view of us for spying on them." A dark thought flickers across his mind, "The rogues do know they are only to listen and gather info right?"
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status
Olana Wednesday September 20th, 2006 11:48:21 AM
"Run back!" Olana yells at the elves. "Get some distance and then start firing!"
She does the same, running 30 ft, and will be ready to fire the next round.
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Wednesday September 20th, 2006 11:54:17 AM
The monk stands in place and looks at the men quickly approaching. "Don't you have someplace else to be?"
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Valdor Wednesday September 20th, 2006 12:04:38 PM
Valdor booms out,"Aim for the body, not the heads! We must attack from all sides to keep it stationary. We hit it hard and fast, no indecision here people! Clerics spread out and keep an eye out for any who need healing!"
He says into his earpiece,"Mordrid, we need some time to kill this hydra. Make sure noone engages the caravan or we're fighting on two fronts."
Jerry Wednesday September 20th, 2006 12:14:10 PM
Would the ADM of the Emerald Talons please email me when the report for last week's posting is up? thanks.
DM Jan d4=1 d4=1 (sweet!) 3d6(2+3+3)=8 3d6(6+2+5)=13 3d6(4+4+2)=10 3d6(4+4+3)=11 3d6(3+1+1)=5 3d6(2+3+5)=10 3d6(4+3+3)=10 3d6(5+6+2)=13 3d6(5+6+1)=12 3d6(6+3+2)=11 3d6(4+6+2)=12 3d6(4+3+4)=11 3d6(2+4+5)=11 Wednesday September 20th, 2006 1:39:28 PM
SURROUNDING THE CREATURE -
As the HYDRA charges in, the group responds by going on the attack in various forms.
The dark sky flashes in a myriad of colours as a volley of spells are brought to bear! Bertram's ray of white light! A thin, elegant ray of green from Ingrge's staff!
And here, it becomes apparent that two out of Ve Mundr's three observations are correct -
- The giant figure of Lian in the near distance to the east suggests that something is coming from that direction.
- The burning shrub, and the dark red sheen on the beast's flank point to the creature being a pyro hydra. That certainly suggests fire immunity.
However, as the spells play along the hydra's flanks and do absolutely nothing.... then there's maybe something else in its makeup, too.
As some of the others try to get close enough to chop something off, Aeralia's startling illusory wall springs up. The HYDRA screeches it's displeasure and digs all four limbs into the ground. It lowers its heads in preparation for impact..... and s.. l.. i.. d.. e.. s... BAM!! right upagainst the wall of force .
In it's frustration, the creature opens its 13 mouths and blasts away with its firey breath.
The sky is lit up once more as snakes of fire hit the WALL of Force and slay outward.
From K'Nara, Valdor, Gunther, and Aeralia's point of view, it's like the fire is coming straight at them and then suddenly diverts upward to the side.
MEANWHILE!
Up on the ridge, four men slow as they approach Ingrge and the now enormous Lian. They've seen Ingrge's staff at work, and pointed in the opposite direction, so right now, they're more curious than afraid. "We're from the camp. Who YOU people?" one of them yells in response to Lian's question. The bellowing of the creature can be heard by everyone here.
MEANWHILE!
Dahlia's guard slumps to the ground after letting out a soft "Oook..." From Mordrid's position, he can see the flash of green and white from Bertram and Ingrge's spells. And now everyone else in the camp is looking in that direction.
Milo's expertise is more than a match for the protective casings and locks on the trunk. Inside? Money, money, money - all gold coins.
THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITED BY THE DM.
Mordrid (longstrider / cat's grace) Wednesday September 20th, 2006 4:24:41 PM
Mordrid turns to face the sky behind. It looks like an aurora borialis. 'My god... what a circus.'
Beneath his breath, "ok Milo... let's get out of here."
Mordrid closes another 5 feet and casts cat's grace on himself.
OOC: Matt T. Wednesday September 20th, 2006 5:30:53 PM
(Jan. That was a wall of Force, not an illusion. Barring any sort of Disintegration, it shouldn't be able to harm it at all, and should just "bounce off". Nor would it have been able to see it, so it should be trying to charge right through it?)
Gunther (AC31(32 vs. Hydra), HP 106/106), Enlarge Person Wednesday September 20th, 2006 8:35:30 PM
Gunther grimaces. He can't believe he didn't see that coming. His sword out in a heartbeat (glove of storing) and his shield floating in front of him, the warrior fishes in his backpack and pulls out a potion gulping it down quickly (Enlarge Person). Growing to humongous portions, Gunther grins over at the diminutive K'nara. "No problem little lady."
Spells in place Enlarge Person 30rds/30rds.
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 20th, 2006 8:44:46 PM
Bertram clucks his tongue in frustration at the obvious lack of results of the spell.(Searing Light btw -Sorry) He grips his axe and prepares for doing this the hard way.
Milo d20+25=42 d20+23=35 Wednesday September 20th, 2006 8:57:48 PM
Seeing the gold makes Milo's eye twitch. You can buy a lot of muscle with that, the halfling thinks to himself. Time to go! Quick as a wink, Milo snaps the padlock shut, after quietly closing the trunk. Poster in hand, Milo quickly exits the wagon, and then clicking his heels together on his boots of speed, finds the quickest unobstructed, and yet hidden path back to the group. (OOC: Hide DC 42, Move Silently DC 35)
Ingrge / Dahlia d20+20=35 d8+6=12 d6=4 d20+25=38 Wednesday September 20th, 2006 9:20:35 PM
Quite surprised by the fact that his disintigrate spell didn't have any effect, Ingrge ponders things for a moment and then quickly draws his bow (move action) taking quick aim he sends a single arrow flying toward the body of the many headed beast. As they are addressed by the four new peeps, he simply says. "We are in all likelihood your saviors." That said he again turns toward the beast and readies some more arrows.
AC 35 for 12 points and 4 points of frost damage.
******
Taking adavntage of the distractions from Ingrge and company, Dahlia quietly makes her way back to next to the other horse guard.
Move silently DC 38
Corialote [haste] and Amarth d4+1=2 d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d4+1=5 d4+1=2 Wednesday September 20th, 2006 11:33:19 PM
Not at all disturbed by the results so far of magic she decides to test out different things. She pulls a wand from the pocket of the pants that she wears and sends a volley of missiles at the pyro. "Lets see what type of immunities it has." This maybe a lot harder than she had first thought.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [haste - 23rounds - 24 heroes that are no more than 30' from Cori] [wand of magic missile - 17damage - 48charges]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/134; Cat's Grace) d100=10 d100=10 Thursday September 21st, 2006 12:00:08 AM
K'Nara's hazel eyes blink at the very close call thwarted by the invisible barrier between the group and the hydra.
The pyro hydra.
"Lucia!" she calls out, turning off her sword's fiery aura. Then she turns to Gunther, uttering a spell and gesturing at him. The big cat trainer can feel the magic boosting his own dexterity. (OOC: K'Nara rolled a 10 to beat her 5% Spell Failure rate; Gunther's Dexterity now has +4 points added to it--this will raise his AC by +2.)
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) d20+34=48 d20+29=40 d20+24=35 d8+5=6 d8+5=10 d8+5=11 Thursday September 21st, 2006 7:37:06 AM
Cursing himself for his poor reaction to the situation Falin shakes the clouds from his mind and aims at the creature.
Falin draws back, takes aim, and fires.
AC 48 DMG 6 AC 40 DMG 10 AC 35 DMG 11
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Thursday September 21st, 2006 8:49:42 AM
"This is no place for you." The monk says simply, not sure how to handle the inquisitive quartet. Lian also wonders, in passing, where his silence coin lay. Obviously some distance away by the sounds of it.
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Nick Thursday September 21st, 2006 12:47:50 PM
"Blessed Alemi," mutters Nick as the creature starts spewing out flames. He'd taken an involuntary step back and was feeling a bit foolish. Still, he hadn't known the force wall was there.
He keeps his eyes on the creature, wondering what it will do next.
Olana Thursday September 21st, 2006 12:50:46 PM
"That was close..." growls Olana to no one in particular. "How intelligent are these things?" she shouts.
With a bit of luck the wall spell would have it baffled, but then you could never tell.
DM Jan Thursday September 21st, 2006 2:05:50 PM At the Caravan -
Milo exits the wagon and makes his way quietly out of there. He spots Mordrid, waiting for him, but there's no sign of the others.
Dahlia is approaching the other guard over by the horses. The guard's attention seems to be on what's happening, up over the rise.
Perhaps with all the distant 'son et lumiere' going on up there, the robed man is now barking out orders.
"Check everything! Secure the perimeter! Arm yourselves!"
To the west, on top of the slight hill -
Lian is still confronting the four men who've come to investigate, while Ingrge attempts to employ other tactics. The men look at one another after Ingrge's 'Saviours' comment. It's another line of conversation, which appears to break the ice a little more. "Is that a spell?" one of the men asks Lian, staring up at his giant size. Another says "Can we help - we have a lot more men back there, down in the camp."
MEANWHILE -
The hydra has stopped, and is looking at the area right in front of it. The heads move quickly left and right. One of them stretches forward and tups at the invisible barrier. It starts to move in an easterly direction, occasionally tapping the forcefield with one of it's heads.
Right now, Valdor, K'Nara, Gunther, Aeralia, Nick, Bertram, Borden and four of his men, and two squads of elves are in front of the beast and protected.
"How far does that magic wall extend?" asks Borden. He looks at his men. "Bring out your sharpest weapons. There looks to be only one way to skin this critter, and we need to move fast, before it gets its breath back."
He and the four other orcs begin to run parallel with the hydra.
Behind the hydra, are Falin, two more groups of elves and Ve Mundr. It hasn't noticed any of them, despite being clonked harmlessly on the flanks with Falin's arrows. Ingrge's distant arrow of frost also makes no impression whatsoever on the creature's magical hide.
Aeralia (AC 12, HP 40/40) Thursday September 21st, 2006 2:31:23 PM
Aeralia squints her eyes as the hyrda begins to test the wall, slowly moving east. She knows the barrier isn't much furth past its massive frame, and so it wouldn't be of much help once it tests its limitation, infact, it might be a hinderance.
"Thirty feet total!" Aeralia hollers over her shoulder, hearing Borden's question, as they start to move along the wall.
However, she had a remedy that might work for the hinderence, plus give pause to the beast once more. Chanting quickly, hints of dark shadows converge before the hydra breifly, then a large burst of glittering gold specs explode directly in front of the massive creatures many heads, covering it and the wall of force in a glinting powder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Standard Action: Cast 'Shadow Conjuration: Glitterdust'. 10' radius spread, centered on the hydra. DC 23 Will save to realize its a shadow illusion. If failed, then DC 23 Will save or Blinded. If first is successful, then 20% chance of a required DC 23 Will save or blinded.
(Also the Glitterdust should outline the Wall of Force's edge, since invisible creatures and objects are revealed)
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Haste, Cloak of Arachnid) Thursday September 21st, 2006 4:51:51 PM
Valdor activates his cloak and takes off running trying to pace the beast. He doesn't want the orcs to have all the fun. He does want to watch them fight, especially Borden, in case they become foes later. His sword is still sheathed, so he doesn't have its weight affecting his balance as he runs. He tries to outdistance K'Nara and Gunther as he doesn't want them dead. He knows Gunther's size will now draw the Hydra's attention.
Ve Mundr AC 44 HP 224 Thursday September 21st, 2006 5:21:26 PM
Ve pulls his helmet on, Looks like a more difficult problem then "Valdor looks like we may have to destroy this hydra head at a time. I would suggest bludgeoning weapons and I am going to move in on it. Keep it distracted for just another few seconds."
Ve casts Rightous Might and grows to an impressive 12'. The Protector then concentrates for a smallest of moments enacting Freedom of Movement [cast Quicken Freedom of Movement]
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status Righteous Might 22 rounds Freedom of Movement 220 minutes
Mordrid (longstrider / cats grace) Thursday September 21st, 2006 6:23:02 PM
Mordrid comes out of the darkness as Milo approaches. Waving him forward, the ranger takes off into the night. "Dahlia, we are exiting the camp."
The ranger tunes in to the banter coming over the ear-pieces, trying to imagine what is going on up ahead. Using long-strider the ranger covers vast ground quickly.
Dahlia / Ingrge d20+23=42 d6+4=9 Thursday September 21st, 2006 7:35:16 PM
Dahlia quickly answers back, Ok but you are just spoiling all my fun. Are we aiming for the fiery beasty? Assuming they are Dahlia makes her move that way trying to think of something that she has that might harm it.
*******
Having tried his magical bow and arrows and seen no effect from them either Ingrge quickly puts them away and seeing that it has slowed down testing the wall but heading his way tries yet another delaying tactic and casts another spell. Suddenly the Hydra finds itself surrounded and being pummled and grasped by the first section of a literal field of black rubbery tentacles 5 feet behind him and 15 feet in front of him. Grapple Dc 42. If grappled takes 9 points bludgeoning damage. Even if not grappled must move at 1/2 speed.
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/134; Cat's Grace) d20+20=35 d10+9=13 Thursday September 21st, 2006 10:20:25 PM
K'Nara squints and moves around to flank the hydra on its easternmost side. She realizes that Borden is correct--the time to get to that beastie is before it can get its flame back.
K'Nara runs to her intended position in order to try to attack the pyrohydra before it can breathe fire again...
(OOC: not 100% sure if K'Nara is actually close enough to do this, but she is obviously running to her intended position, and will attempt one attack at the end of the move [provided she's close enough]. Her attack hits AC35 for 13hpd...and, no, she's NOT aiming for any of the heads.)
Corialote [haste] and Amarth Thursday September 21st, 2006 11:29:05 PM
Cori taps the wand in her free hand and mutters. "Must be defective...did not even see any effects from the thing." So she decides to change tactics and support the group as best she can.
She once again falls back into her arcane powers and calls up help from the earth itself. She starts to call upon the help of a elder earth elemental.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [haste - 23rounds - 24 heroes that are no more than 30' from Cori] [wand of magic missile - 17damage - 48charges]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX * used spell
Jan - Did my magic missiles from the wand have any effect at all? :)
(~~Jan~~ Ack, sorry Jim. I caught the spell, forgot to write it up in my post. No effect. Magic, particularly anything firey will just bounce off this thing.)
Gunther (AC33(34 vs. Hydra), HP 106/106), Enlarge Person, Cat's Grace, Fly Friday September 22nd, 2006 12:22:26 AM
The gigantic warrior tingles at K'nara's magical touch. He reaches into his backpack once more and pulls out another potion. Then, calling out the magical password, he activates his celestial armor's fly ability. He doesn't take to flight just yet but is getting ready. Looking the thing over, Gunther isn't sure what all the fuss is about. He thinks through his strategy and finally decides on attacking the back of the creature's neck once he's fully buffed.
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) Friday September 22nd, 2006 2:14:24 AM
Falin shakes his head. No effect, his arrows are having no effect. He definitely needs to look at getting some magic arrows.
"My arrows are having no effect," Falin cries out to the others.
Not wanting the elves to waste their ammunition and not run the risk of running into hand to hand quite yet he has them hold their positions and watch to see if anything else approaches.
He waits to see if there is another way he can help.
Milo Friday September 22nd, 2006 2:44:52 AM
Knowing that he cannot keep up his current speed for long, Milo allows himself to drop back into his normal halfling pace, and simply sprint along behind Mordrid as best he can. However, he has no illusions about being able to keep up with the long-legged human.
Brother Bertram Friday September 22nd, 2006 11:11:27 AM
Bertram grips his axe and carefully looks the beast over. 'Forget the heads, take out its legs! If it cant walk its power is diminished greatly! Bertram runs to the edge of the glittering wall that is stopping the creature and hunkers down hoping to look rather unobtrusive as the creature moves around the edge.
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Friday September 22nd, 2006 11:13:08 AM
For a moment the monk ponders the question of help, looks at the men and doesn't hesitate. "You have archers or infantry?" He moves back toward the men. "I'll tell you about the spell later. Do you need help sorting things out at the camp?" The monk is eager to get help for the others. "Yes, I'll accept your help. Bring archers and pikemen if you can... its a pyro hydra. Bring that wizard of yours too."
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Haste, Cloak of Arachnid) Friday September 22nd, 2006 6:38:06 PM
Valdor says loudly and with his earring activated,"Arrows aren't working. It seems it will take melee weapons, though we haven't gotyen near it yet for that. Mordrid, you might try one arrow if you get back in time. If anyone can hit it, you're the man. Falin, get those elves back. They'll get slaughtered if they can't use their arrows. Stay hidden, in case the caravan decides it wants a fight. THEY won't be immune from our arrows."
DM Jan Friday September 22nd, 2006 9:28:30 PM
((Guys, sorry the post is late. Migraine. Head's getting better. I'll post tonight.))
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/134; Cat's Grace) Saturday September 23rd, 2006 12:14:56 AM
K'Nara maneuvers herself to flank the pyrohydra on its eastern side, attacking once if she can. (OOC: see previous post for rolls.)
Olana Saturday September 23rd, 2006 12:25:35 AM
Olana pulls her longsword and follows the others as they go to meet the hydra. This shouldn't be a problem, right? With this group, a few swift chops and we're done.
"Stand back!" she tells the two groups of elves.
Nick Saturday September 23rd, 2006 12:36:51 AM Blessed Alemi watch over us and keep us from harm. May good always triumph over evil, may evil's blood be purified, may this creature rest in peace in the afterlife...
Casting PRAYER - +1 ATTACK ETC ETC
Nick stays to the rear of those dashing alongside but he wants to stay close enough to cast his healing spells if needed.
DM Jan 3d6(5+4+1)=10 3d6(5+2+4)=11 3d6(4+5+2)=11 Saturday September 23rd, 2006 1:46:49 AM To the west, on top of the slight hill -
On the approach to the top of the rise, Mordrid can see the giant figure of Lian and the more diminutive Ingrge. They have been joined by the four men from the camp, and everyone up there seems to have their attention on what's going on to the west on the other side of the hill. Ingrge's hands are moving.
Further behind, Milo and Dahlia get the same picture - only smaller because of the distance.
One of the men up there is nodding his head, about to answer in the affirmative to Lian when -
Down the hill - there's a flashing cascade of gold sparks, illuminating the immediate area, and just for one moment, the full extent of what is going on, is completely visible to those stood watching.
At that moment, forgetting Lian utterly, all four men are riveted to the spot, staring down onto the plain below. The hydra is a monster! Massive, and a terror to behold! Startled, the creature has reared up on it's hind legs. It's heads are in perpetual motion. Something black and writhing has risen out of the ground and has a hold of it's hindquarters, and close by - the earth is rising, shaping itself into something unimaginable. A large group of blade-wielding maniacs are closing in on the beast, and coming in from the north side is a monsterous, towering, fully armoured man.
The men give a collective gasp. Before them was the beginnings of a display of power and magic the likes of which they'd never seen before. For here were possibly the two most powerful adventuring groups in the Wold, rushing to meet this formidable creature the only way they knew best. Not many could lay claim to seeing such a sight, certainly not your average Woldian anyway.
"Warrd's lucky amulet! Did you see that??" "They have archers, too - did you see those?" "What the $#*% IS that thing - a hydra??" To Lian again - "Who ARE you people?"
The light dissipates, the battleground is plunged into darkness once more. Instead,the air comes alive with sound - an ear-shredding scream from the creature followed by the roar of an orc battle cry.
Then the sky lights up again, this time an angry red.
Down in HYDRA country -
Things happen so fast it's hard to keep tabs of it all. There's an acrid stench in the immediate area coming from tendrils of smoke after the unleashing of the hydra's breath weapon. Aeralia's spell has startled the creature, and the thing has reared up. Ingrge's tentacle spell has it held by the hindquarters, so it can not move from it's current spot. Cori's elemental begins to take shape on the ground nearby.
Nick finds himself alongside the Ga'alian cleric, Brother Michael who has also stepped forward into melee range. "May our Gods protect us," says the man.
Valdor, K'nara, Olana, Nick, Bertram, Ve, Borden and his henchmen are now in melee range. Borden and the orcs let loose a battle howl and dash forward.
Confused by the spell, the creature reacts by roaring it's displeasure from all thirteen mouths. And Borden's fears are realized, as the creature blasts out with it's breath weapon once more. It's a purely defensive measure, a reflex blast aimed anywhere and everywhere.
While some of it goes up into the sky, or flies over everyone's heads, K'Nara, right up close and already engaging the beast, gets a stream of fire directly at her from one of the heads. (DAM 10) One of Borden's men cops for another (DAM 11) , and one flies inbetween Valdor and Bertram and hits Father Nicholas. (DAM 11)
Right before getting blasted, K'nara notices one thing. Her blade hacks into the flank of the creature. It's skin is as tough as boiled leather. However, higher up - along the neck, the skins seems softer, allowing for more flexibility.
((Okay folks - 13 heads. Pick one. Borden and his boys have 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5))
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Saturday September 23rd, 2006 8:07:10 AM
The monk hardly notices the four men's questions, but one fills his ears. Who ARE you people?
The hand of Domi looks nervously back over his shoulder at the situation unraveling behind him and the quartet.
"My group is called the Emerald Talons, though some might call us the Heroes of the Culverwood. The group, and our partners in this battle, are known as the Platnum Dragons. I am Lian."
Lian notices the shock in their eyes and lack of movement; he decides to get their attention. "HEY! Over here!? This is NO time to lose your minds. Your archers..." He directs one of the men. "The wizard from the wagon..." He directs another. "You two round up as many footmen as possible.
Fight alongside the Dragon Consortium and be famous! Be heroes." He adds as the inspiration hits him suddenly.
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Corialote [haste] and Amarth d20+28=41 d20+28=31 2d10(4+4)+12=20 2d10(8+1)+12=21 Saturday September 23rd, 2006 7:15:07 PM
Cori takes off along the wall so that she can get to a place somewhere on the other side. She is going to keep her distance and try a few more spells as her newest friend takes the time to help in softening up this hydra.
The elder earth elemental looks down upon the hydra with a blank look. It is still fifteen feet from the hydra but more than able to slam the creature. Big arms pull back and slam in at the hydra with the force of the Wold herself.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [haste - 22rounds - 24 heroes that are no more than 30' from Cori] [wand of magic missile - 17damage - 48charges]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)* 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/124; Cat's Grace) d20+20=39 d20+20=38 d10+9=15 d10+9=15 d20+15=27 d10+9=13 Saturday September 23rd, 2006 9:27:49 PM
The blade singer hisses at the sudden pain prompted by the pyrohydra's breath of fire and suppresses her instinct to recoil. She notes that the neck makes for a much more tempting target.
But one isn't supposed to hack off the head of a hydra...
...pierce? Stab? Yes, if she took care to plunge her sword into the beast in a stabbing motion rather than a hacking one, K'Nara could avoid chopping a head off...
Spinning and weaving, the human female used her expertise as a blade singer to launch stabbing attacks upon the hydra's softer-skinned neck.
(OOC: I'm assuming that K'Nara is stabbing into the base of the neck of Head #6; first strike is a possible Critical Hit: first roll hits AC39, second roll hits AC38; regular damage is 15hp, Crit Hit damage total is 30hp. Second strike hits AC27 for 13hpd.)
Gunther (AC36(37 vs. Hydra), HP 106/106), Enlarge Person, Cat's Grace, Fly, Barkskin +3 Saturday September 23rd, 2006 10:21:07 PM
Gulp, gulp, gulp. Gunther drinks down his potion (Barkskin). Watching K'nara, Gunther flys up and positions himself behind the heads. Sword in hand, Gunther readies himself for a full attack next round.
Ve Mundr AC 44 HP 224 d20+28=44 d20+28=41 d20+23=38 d20+18=24 d20+13=27 2d6(2+6)+13=21 2d6(2+2)+13=17 2d6(1+6)+13=20 2d6(2+4)+13=19 2d6(5+4)+13=22 Saturday September 23rd, 2006 11:08:01 PM
Ve steps in activating his boots of Speed as the tentacles fall off him like water due to his spell of protection. The Brillant blue white hammer in his right hand blurs through the air leaving a trail of light as it speeds into the hydra. "Domi!" the battle cry upon his lips as the hammer strikes home with thuderous impact. [Hit AC 44/41/38/24/27 Brilliant energy ignores Armor and natural armor Dmg 21/17/20/19/22]
Ve will start with head 8 and then progress to 9 and and then 10.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status Righteous Might 20 rounds Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Haste 10 rounds
Ingrge / Dahlia d20+15=30 10d6(4+4+4+6+1+4+1+4+1+5)=34 Sunday September 24th, 2006 10:35:05 PM
Ingrge again thinking starts casting almost immediatlety even as he notes that the beast is partially ensnared by his previous spell. Sending magical energies diretly at the Hydra, Ingrge casts flesh to stone hoping to do a little beautification project in this part of the world. Fort DC 25 or be turned to stone. SR 30 also negates
****
Dahlia moves to within range and sends a bolt of lightening straight at the beast. 34 points, Reflex Dc 22 for 17 points.
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Haste, Cloak of Arachnid, Prayer) d20+38=56 d20+38=50 d20+37=56 d20+37=43 d20+33=50 d20+33=37 d20+32=51 d20+32=49 d20+28=47 d20+28=33 d20+27=29 d12+19=30 d12+19=21 d12+19=27 d12+19=22 d12+19=31 d12+19=31 d12+19=28 d12+19=25 d12+19=21 d12+19=23 d12+19=31 Sunday September 24th, 2006 11:24:27 PM
Valdor uses his held action to attempt to take the forxe of the fire that's about to hit Father Nicholas. With his added speed, he shifts to the side and decides it's a competition to see who kills the most heads. It's the mages and clerics jobs to keep them from growing back. He yells out,"A thousand gold to whoever cuts the most heads off! Ve, what keeps a pyro's heads from growing back?"
He then makes sure that he's in sight of Borden on the side as he becomes a whirlwind of swords, hacking at as many as he can get within reach of. He ignores the body and yells,"If we can't keep them from growing back, maybe we can grow back so many, it falls over and can't move! I've got the backside heads!"
(AC 56, 50, 56, 43, 50, 37, 51, 49, 47, 33, 29 FOR 30+21+26+21+31+31+27+24+21+23+30=285 possible damage-5 possible crits)
(Jan, is this classified as a dragon type creature? If so, Valdor has +3 more to attacks)
Poating Reports for Monday September 25th, 2006 6:53:09 AM
Game # 1 Platinum Dragons For the week of Sept 18, 2006
Name-----MTWTF DM Jan---XXXXXS Valdore--X22XXS Mordrid--OXXXO Fr.Nick--X2XXx Dahlia---XXXXOS VE Mont--OXXXOS Corealot-XXXXOS
Adm Ceil - Jerry if Adm Joe can make a Post for the two games that are going on in his game!! I should be able to do the same curticy for the emeral Tallons.
Mordrid (longstrider, cats grace) Monday September 25th, 2006 11:06:47 AM
As Mordrid comes sprinting over the hill, he springs himself into the air; simultaneously activiating his armor of the celestial battalion, so that he takes flight as the hill drops out below him.
Swinging his sunsword above his head, he activates the initial stage of it's sunlight function. As if a flare had been launched into the nightsky, the sword begins to illuminate the battle raging on below.
He will land next to Valdor on the field of battle, where he will immediately begin to fend off all and any attacks directed at Valdor; sunsword in one hand, short sword in the other. (One this turn... six parries the following turn.) The two working in bloody harmony, as Valdor takes it to the beast. "You fight, I'll defend!"
[I'm away from my character sheet. I'll roll die and provide stats when I get home.]
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Monday September 25th, 2006 11:37:18 AM
The elf hurries the men to arms. "Move it!" He says, large hands still aglow.
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Brother Bertram d20+18=23 d20+13=25 d10+8=18 d10+8=14 Monday September 25th, 2006 2:54:17 PM
Bertram moves quickly under the beast and swings his axe savagely at the underbelly of the beast, hoping to find a tender spot to spill the beasts entrails from underneath. He says a prayer as he swings, hoping it is enough, and immediately swinging back in the other direction, trying for another chance to disable the beast. (Hit AC 23, 25. Damage 18, 14
Olana d20+14=30 d10+3=13 Monday September 25th, 2006 5:56:37 PM
Olana lets out an "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" and takes an almost vertical swing at Head #11.
Hits DC 30 Dam 13
Nick Monday September 25th, 2006 6:03:39 PM
Nick stares at the creature, oblivious to Brother Michael's presence, wondering if there's anything that could be done magically. He's never come up against a hydra before so this was going to be a tough learning process.
Watch for damage, concentrate on healing, he thinks. He edges closer.
DM Jan 3d6(5+3+6)=14 3d6(3+6+5)=14 3d6(2+6+5)=13 3d6(3+6+3)=12 3d6(3+3+6)=12 Monday September 25th, 2006 7:20:10 PM Up on the hill -
One of the men says - "I'll go tell the others!" The other three remain with Lian. It looks as though they're prepared to join him in battle and start to follow him. Lian overhears one of the men say to another - "Give me one of those potions. I n-need it." His hands are shaking, although there is no inflection of fear in his voice. Milo and Dahlia are now at the top of the hill also, where they find Ingrge blasting away with all he's got, and Lian trying to rally these new troops. (They've seen 1 guy running back toward the camp.)
Down in Hydra country -
The elves are staying crouched low, in their groups. They look both nervous and frustrated, that they are unable to to do anything to help.
The black tentacles still grip firmly at the HYDRA's lower quarters and now Cori's ELEMENTAL is starting to pound on it. It's like pounding on rubber. Valdor absorbs the damage meant for Nick.
Blades flash in the light of Mordrid's sunsword, and cries of battle can be heard at the top of the hill as everyone attacks the heads.
Head #1 - "%$*&^!" exclaims one of the Orc 1 as he swings and misses.
Head #2 - Orc 2 yells out a different expletive as he hits - but the head doesn't come off.
Head #3 - Orc 3 also hits, but the head doesn't come off.
Head #4 - Orc 4 takes a massive swing with a rather nasty looking axe, and head #4 is hacked off. It falls with a thud, right next to Bertram.
Head #5 - Borden swings a longsword in a perfectly angled arc - swish! - and head #5 drops - right next to Bertram.
Head #6 - K'Nara's blade is expertly wielded, and steel slams in and through the creature's neck, dislodging the vertebrae. The head flops to one side, hanging on by skin, which is beginning to tear.
Head #7
Head #8 - Ve's mighty hammer of Domi whacks against head #8, ripping the head clean off the neck and sending it flying off into the air. After a spectacular arc - the head lands with a thud about 20ft away from Lian, Ingrge, Milo and Dahlia (and the three men from the camp).
Head #9 - Ve's hammer gves it a substantial bruising.
Head #10 - WHAP - the head comes off, cleanly, efficiently, thanks to Valdor's swords, and drops to the ground - right next to Bertram.
Head #11 - Olana's blade slices into the neck. It's a wound, but not a decapitation. However, Valdor's blades take care of it, and head #11 drops to the ground - right next to Bertram.
Head #12 + Head #13 - on the same neck, these two also fall, both victims to the Dragonstone's blades, and drop - right next to Bertram.
Right at the foot of the creature, Bertram's axe bites hard into the hydra's underbelly with all the blessings of Domi behind the blows. The blade pierces the epidermis on both occasions, but that's as far as it seems to go. It's a tough rascal. The dwarf finds himself thigh deep in decapitated hydra heads, while the air around him becomes bitter and dry, as both Dahlia and Ingrge's spells flash and play over the creature's hide, and the ground vibrates from the pounding of the elemental. The beast seems unaffected by these.
Rising above the hydra, Gunther glides into position to make a killing blow.
NEXT ROUND -
Heads 1, 2, 3, 7, and 9 are still active and screaming like banshees, and once again the Hydra blasts out with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of firey breath.
Heads #1, #2 and #3 flick back and blast at Gunther - DAM 14, 14, 13
Heads #7 and #9 attempt to turn Mordrid into a blazing torch. DAM 12, 12
Reflex DC 19 for half damage.
Heads 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 are off Head 6 - hanging by a thread.
Corialote [haste] and Amarth d20+28=32 d20+28=42 2d10(8+10)+12=30 2d10(1+8)+12=21 d20+20=36 24d6(4+2+5+4+4+5+2+1+6+3+6+4+3+4+3+2+6+2+1+3+5+3+1+2)=81 Monday September 25th, 2006 10:35:36 PM
Cori takes in the situation and then falls into another spell. Thrusting her right hand at the pyro she sends another blast of complete cold at the thing.
The elder earth elemental does not seem to be phased by the lack of damage or the effect that he had on the pyro. With unrelenting zeal it slams it's arms back in at the pyro.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [haste - 21rounds - 24 heroes that are no more than 30' from Cori] [wand of magic missile - 17damage - 48charges] [polar ray - hit: 36 and damage: 81]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)** 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
Aeralia (AC 12, HP 40/40) Monday September 25th, 2006 10:46:34 PM
Aeralia cringes as the Talon's and Dragon's martial talent is displayed, having no stomach for the gore of the creatures heads being sliced and torn off. Turning her back to what seems to be a quickly finishing battle, she leans lightly against the invisible wall of force. She lets of a slight sigh, glad to not be watching the rest of the hydra's demise.
Remembering the others, and the creatures fiery breath, Aeralia quickly loosens a wand from her belt, and hollers over her shoulder, not wanting to turn around yet, "Anyone hurt?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Active Spells: Wall of Force - 30'x30' (6/10 Rounds remaining) Shadow Conjuration - Glitterdust (8/10 Rounds remaining)
Valdor(AC37, HP 284, Stoneskin, Boots of Speed, Fire Resistance, Haste, Cloak of Arachnid, Prayer) d20+20=36 d20+38=42 d20+37=51 d20+37=50 d20+33=46 d20+32=40 d20+28=44 d20+28=42 d20+27=43 d20+27=38 d20+23=36 d12+19=29 d12+18=19 d12+18=25 d12+19=24 d12+18=20 d12+19=23 d12+19=27 d12+18=30 d12+18=22 d12+19=31 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 1:15:24 AM
Valdor yells out,"Cori, be ready to blast it with a cone of cold, even if I'm on it! Everyone jump back after we finish the rest of the heads!"
With a single leap(hasted action reflex dc 36) and his cloak of arachnid activated, he jumps onto the hydra's back while continuing his furious assault. He wants this done quickly and doesn't want the caravan involved if at all possible. His blades fly at every remaining neck he can reach. He hasn't fought a beast like this in a long while and his face shows him to be in sheer ecstasy from the battle.
(Reflex to make jump-will use Tumble if necessary, AC42, 51, 50, 46, 40, 44, 42, 43, 38, 36 for 29+19+25+24+20+23+27+30+22+31=250 possible-didn't use last attack because of jump-If it's too much movement even with Tumble, modify as needed, Jan-SteveH)
Milo Tuesday September 26th, 2006 1:35:26 AM
Stuffing the poster into his haversack, Milo draws his blade, clicks his heels and runs down the hill toward the hydra, moving in to assist his friends as best he can.
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/124; Cat's Grace) d20+20=32 d10+9=16 d20+15=30 d10+9=13 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 1:56:24 AM
K'Nara draws back and immediately stabs into the base of the neck bearing Head #7, actively trying to avoid severing/plunging through bone. She hopes that Head #6 doesn't just snap off--two more may grow in its place..!
(OOC: first stab hits AC32 for 16hpd and the second stab hits AC30 for 13hpd.)
Gunther (AC36(37 vs. Hydra), HP 75/106), Enlarge Person, Cat's Grace, Fly, Barkskin +3 d20+20=36 2d6(6+5)+16=27 d20+15=26 2d6(6+1)+16=23 d20+10=18 2d6(1+6)+16=23 d20+20=28 2d6(4+3)+16=23 d20+12=13 d20+2=20 2d6(3+2)+16=21 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 8:52:10 AM
Gunther grins. Now this was more like it!! He focuses on one head at a time, moving on if he chops one off. First head #1, then 2, etc. (AC36 for 27, AC26 for 23, AC18 for 23, AC28 for 23, AC 20 for 21).
Lian (88hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Tuesday September 26th, 2006 10:46:07 AM
"So, gentlemen... what are your talents?" Askes the monk, not really expecting them to survive, but but hoping to rally their courage.
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 39mins) Silence (on copper, 4mins) Enlarge Person (4mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 4mins)
Ve Mundr AC 47 HP 224 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 12:37:44 PM
Ve confirms oto Valdor and Cori, "Affirmative Valdor, Cold. Cori, hit the area with a Cone as soon as you are able. Don't worry about us." Ve looks a bit to the throng of sheer overkill showing up to battle the Hydra. This is ridiculous, but wholly expected
Ve calls out to everyone flocking about to take up battle with the beast even as he himself moves back through the Balck tentacles keeping his shield towards the main swirling mass of heads. "Valdor and Mordrid have the rest, Talons, Borden, Everyone back off. We are bringing in area cold spells."
With that and seeing the near godlike display of Valdor's slicing swords, more times than he thought mortally possible, Ve moves back 30' from the soon to be dead Hydra.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status Righteous Might 19 rounds Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Haste 9 rounds
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) Tuesday September 26th, 2006 2:41:14 PM OOC from Falin's player: I wanted to give a quick apology to everyone in the game. I know how important it is to get in consistent posting especially in the higher level games. I have been going through some work issues and some personal issues in the recent days and I am working through them. I will get in consistent posting, but it may not have a lot of meat for one to two weeks. Again, I apologize for the lack of consistency. Thanks, Jamie.
Falin looks at his fellow elves sitting there anxiously shifting in their places. He watches the battle unfold and feels as useless as they do.
"Do not worry by brethren. Our value will be proven in the days to come. Alot can be done to weaken an enemy from a distance as it closes to attack. That is where our strength will lie." Falin points to the battle going on with the hydra, "Just as their strengths are now playing out with close combat."
In the back of his mind Falin thinks Maybe we should look at giving a few of the elves some wand of healing or such so we can be somewhat useful in battles such as these.
DM OOC: this post was edited (the OOC intro was added) by DM Donna.
Lian (aka Jay B) Tuesday September 26th, 2006 4:07:20 PM
OOC: Thanks for the info Jamie. If you would like, I can always sub in a pinch. :)
Mordrid Tuesday September 26th, 2006 4:39:38 PM
Deciding that the best defense at this point is a good offense, the ranger goes after the next head in order.
[I will post rolls and stats from home.] [Jan, don't forget about weapon ranges. Those heads should have been getting extra attacks of opportunity as people entered their range, which is going to be greater than our range.]
(~~Jan~~ You're right. I forgot to transfer that aspect of the beast onto my LARGE PRINT notes. Dang...)
Dahlia / Ingrge 2d8(8+3)+5=16 d20+9=12 d20+23=37 13d6(4+2+2+6+1+6+3+5+3+6+1+5+6)=50 d20+15=31 d6+4=8 d20+23=43 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 6:17:50 PM Dahlia looks a bit puzzled (not that anyone can see her) as her lightening bolt skims along the beast's skin and then dissapates, leaving behind no apparent sign of damage. From out of thin air Dahlia's voice is heard from the group near Ingrge.
"Waard's beard!! That is one tough critter. I'm not at all sure I have anything that can really aid in this endeavor. At least not directly."
That said and still unseen, she pulls a wand out of her quiver and releases a charge aimed at Gunther.
Cure Moderate Wounds. (Gunther healed 16 points)
*******
Ingrge does more than mutter his displeasure this time as the creature resists his spell.
Taking a moment to calm down Ingrge thinks about what he knows about pyrohydras (DC 12 which is very little) and then decides to deal with one thing he does know about, fire. (DC 37) He then gets busy spell casting knowing that he was about to do some damage to his allies as well, but tries his best to line up his spell so that its effects begin at 8 feet above the ground and encompasses as much of the hydra as possible.
Cone of Cold - 50 points damage - Reflex DC 27 for half damage. SR 31 negates.
******
Tentacles
Pounding and writhing away at the Hydra the tentacles add 8 points of damage to the pounding the Hydra is taking, [forgot last round :>( ] and continues to grasp the hydra.
Grapple 43 (natural 20)
Brother Bertram AC 32 HP 103 d20+18=27 d20+13=22 d10+8=12 d10+8=9 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 9:38:59 PM
Bertram again hacks twice at the beasts belly, coughing and hacking at the dryness of the air. He is trying desperately to hack his way through to something vital before the creature can attack again.
(Hits AC 27, AC 22, Damage 12, 9)
Olana Tuesday September 26th, 2006 10:03:45 PM
Looking at the heads on the ground, and with all the swinging going on, Olana reckons it would be prudent to step back so that- a) She wouldn't be decapitated by one of her friends or allies, and - b) wouldn't get her ears frozen off when the wizards started flinging cold spells. She'd been on the bad end of one of those wizard spell flinging episodes before, and no thank you, she'd rather not be there again.
"Bertram! Get out of there, you crazy dwarf!" she yells, seeing Bertram trying to tunnel into the hydra from below.
Nick 2d8(6+5)+21=32 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 10:11:04 PM
Nick makes sure he's within range of Valdor, K'nara and Mordrid, and hopefully Gunther and anyone else who'd got blasted, and draws on the power of the blessed Alemi - casting CURE MODERATE WOUNDS MASS 32 HPs. 25 ft range.
DM Jan Tuesday September 26th, 2006 10:55:11 PM Coming down the hill -
Some kind of potion appears from the pocket of one of the caravan men and finds itself in the hands of the one who'd asked for it. This man drinks down the potion, throws the bottle on the ground, pulls twin shortswords and starts to run, full tilt, down the hill toward the battle, all the while yelling "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHhhhhhhhhh....."
One of the other men answers Lian's question as they move to join the others."Well, we're pretty good with our blades - oh my...." He tails off, watching his comrade charging down the hill at full speed.
Hydra country -
Ne'thrin nods at Falin's explanation, and the mood in the elven group becomes a little more philosophical. "It seems they have things well in hand," the elder elf observes.
In the midst of the fray, the head stumps begin to regenerate. Under 'normal' circumstances, the hydra - having some heads still attached - would have been able to double it's attack in a matter of moments, as K'nara feared. However, as the blades of Valdor, K'nara, Mordrid, Gunther and Borden slice into heads #1, #2, #3, #7 and #9, the creature finds itself completely headless.
The aftermath is messy, the corpse, no longer magically toughened, becomes an easy target. Bertram opens up it's belly with his axe and gets a smack on the helmet from one of Ingrge's black tentacles. Ve's warning gives everyone barely enough time to get out of the way before the cold spells arrive to give everyone frostbite. This time the creature is easy meat, and a horribly comic and very macabre scene develops as the earth elemental and the tentacles knock what's left of the HYDRA into frozen chunks and scatter it over the ground. The orcs in particular find this very funny and laugh out loud.
By the time Milo arrives, the healing spells are starting to work amongst the fighters, and the creature's flesh is starting to dissolve, until finally, only skulls, teeth and bones are left.
((HINT - who's seen Jason and the Argonauts and knows what to do next?))
Then - as everyone collects themselves in the immediate aftermath -
" - aaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" There is a man running down the hill toward everyone, yelling a battle cry, armed with two shortswords held aloft, and a look that says he has nothing but bloody murder on his mind.
Falin (AC 20 HP 63) Tuesday September 26th, 2006 11:33:46 PM
Falin looks over and sees the man running diown with swords out. "What is that crazy human doing?" Falin motions to the elves to prepare a volly in case it looks like he is attacking the group. He waits to give the elves the order.
K'Nara d20+17=36 Wednesday September 27th, 2006 12:37:34 AM
The tall blade singer's lips twitch as she fights to keep from laughing out loud at the sight of the tardy fighter...however, it's unclear if he means to attack what's left of the pyrohydra or is attempting to charge someone in the group.
"Oh, geez...!" she mutters, sheathing Lucia once as she takes off in a running charge towards the flailing arrival.
If K'Nara is close enough to the man charging the battle scene, she will attempt to run up as close to him as possible and then, literally, throw herself at the man's legs, tripping him up before he can reach anyone.
K'Nara has rolled an unarmed attack upon the man with the two short swords--she gets a total of 36 for her attempt to trip him.
Valdor d20+20=39 Wednesday September 27th, 2006 1:44:03 AM
Valdor leaps high into the air and just off to the side as the cold spells arrive at the beast. He feels the chill but is otherwise unharmed by them. Just for good measure, and to make Borden think twice about his boldness towards the group, he adds a flip before he lands on his feet, his swords snapping back into their hilts as his feet touch down with the surety of almost any thief.
He grins at Borden and says,"Your men did well. It was an honor to fight beside you. I don't know how many dragons you have fought, but the black one we search for will be much harder to kill than this. Our group has been involved in around fifteen dragon kills of all colors, so I don't speak from arrogance or guessing when I tell you this. The same tactic will be needed against a dragon. It must be hit hard and fast, with no guessing and from all around, or its breath weapon will wipe most everyone out at once. Just something to remember when the time comes...if it comes."
He reaches up to pat the large orc on the shoulder and turns to Mordrid. He smiles and says,"Brother, that felt good. It has been so long since we KNEW what to fight and when that I had forgotten how much it excites me. My last fights have been with hatred and anger in my heart. That seems to have cleansed my soul again. Thank you for protecting me as I fought."
His eyes are blazing with a fire not seen for some time. He completely ignores the man running towards them and searches out Cori. When he finds her, he grabs her and plants a kiss on her with his fiery passion. He figures he'll get slapped...or fireballed, but doesn't care. He waits for her to turn him to stone or something and lets her break the kiss.
Milo Wednesday September 27th, 2006 2:32:54 AM
Milo looks disappointed as the creature is slain, nudging a frozen chunk o' hydra with the tip of his boot, "Looks like critter control already got this one." The halfling seeks out Mordrid, and pulls the poster from his belt, "They've put together quite a campaign to collect mercenaries far and wide. I opened up a fairly large chest of gold, they protected with magic... could be their payroll. I didn't take any... but if we wanted to foment dissension amongst the ranks, I could steel their stash fairly easily." Milo looks rather proud of himself.
Gunther (AC36(37 vs. Hydra), HP 106/106), Enlarge Person, Cat's Grace, Fly, Barkskin +3 d20+14=32 2d6(6+3)+26=35 Wednesday September 27th, 2006 8:07:58 AM
The warrior looks a little downcast as the hydra falls. He just barely got in the fight and now it's over. Sigh. To cheer himself up, he heads over and grabs up one of the hydra's skull. Putting it on his hand like a hand puppet, the warrior turns it toward the orcs, snapping it's jaws meanacingly. In orchish "Oooo...look at me...I'm a mighty hydra. Watch out...I'm going to get you!"
As he sees the person bolting toward the group, the huge Gunther tosses the skull aside. Play time is over. He flys quickly over to K'nara's side. If the human even thinks of attacking K'nara or any of the others, Gunther's response is quick and efficient. Still, he uses the flat of his blade so that he doesn't flat out kill the person (Held action...power attack. AC32 for 35 damage)
Mordrid Wednesday September 27th, 2006 10:30:02 AM
Mordrid nods in return to Valdor, "indeed."
As Milo reports, the ranger retorts, "good job." Pointing to Valdor, "You had better report your findings to Valdor and K'nara.
He does a double take when he sees Valdor all tangled up with Cori, "What in the $%&$ does he think he is doing?"
Lian (114hps, AC 37-1size, has reach) Bears End, Blessed Hands, Enlarge Wednesday September 27th, 2006 11:27:27 AM
Unable to stop the foolish man, Lian looks calmly at the one who was talking. "I hope he didn't owe you any money."
The monk turns to see how the battle is faring and notices that Valdor is a seriously dangerous fighter. The legends are true about this guy. Wow.
Shaking himself out of the stupor, Lian turns back to the three men. "Okay. Hydra's from I understand regenerate. I don't recall why or even how, but it has something to do with multiplying heads or some such thing. So, the damage attacks may have to be centered on the body. I also think if you take out the legs, the beast may fall. Ready?"
Once the troops arrive, the monk will lead them into battle.
The monk casts Bear's Endurance on himself.
How strong do the men look?
Active Spell: Darkness (on copper, 38mins) Silence (on copper, 3mins) Enlarge Person (3mins) Blessed Weapons (blessed hands, 3mins) Bear's Endurance (4mins)
How tall is the hydra and could a melee combatant potentially strike a head? Could someone, lets say a monk, jump(as a movement) and strike a head or two?
Corialote [haste] and Amarth Wednesday September 27th, 2006 12:15:58 PM
Maybe not the reaction that Valdor was looking for, but Cori does not break the kiss. She holds it for as long as possible. When at last they must break the kiss she gives a shy smile to Valdor and kisses him again upon the cheek. "You are full of surprises." Turning ever so slightly in the man's grasp she dismisses her elemental. Her one arm loops itself around Valdor and pulls him closer to her.
From somewhere Cori can make out a snicker in her head. This is accompanied by actual laughter thought it is a little hard to tell who did it.
[stoneskin(Valdor) - 240minutes or 150damage] [haste - 20rounds - 24 heroes that are no more than 30' from Cori] [wand of magic missile - 17damage - 48charges] [polar ray - hit: 36 and damage: 81]
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)** 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
Ve Mundr d20+14=28 Wednesday September 27th, 2006 4:35:40 PM
Ve deactivates his boots, the hydra was done and his stows his hammer. The glow fades and his vision adjusts quickly to drop into the black and white of the vision of those that live in the dark. Nothing escapes his attention, Valdor, Mordrid's annoyance with the act, Gunther and the orcs or K'Nara and the soon to be neutralized charging man. Ve moves to the seemingly forgotten teeth and assorted bones of the hydra. A thought nagging his mind and darkening his coutenance.
Ve sets to picking up the numerous pieces and storing them in a plain brown rough sack. Any injured were slightly so and Nick would be certainly happy to assist in thier well being. With the thought of his only true friend about he takes inventory of his position, the status spell providing all the information Ve required to the sate of Father Nicholas' well being.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements Status Righteous Might 17 rounds Freedom of Movement 220 minutes Haste 8 rounds remaining (inactive)
Brother Bertram Wednesday September 27th, 2006 8:49:42 PM
Bertram slowly moves to the nearest water and ducks his head under, clearing some of the blood and guts from his beard, face, and hair. He looks over at the raging lunatic running down the hill and decides there was enough heroes here to deal with the guy without him. He flops down on the ground, catching his breath, and watching to see who takes out the idiot in mid-charge.
Olana Thursday September 28th, 2006 1:28:19 AM
Olana walks closer to where K'nara has apprehended the fool charging down the hill. What was he howling about anyway? Well, he'd better watch it. Adrenalin was still pumping.
Nick Thursday September 28th, 2006 1:35:08 AM
As he walks around, asking if everyone is okay, Nick nods at Ve as the Protector starts to collect what look like bones. Hmmm, spell componants, perhaps.
Nick's in a good mood. No one was seriously hurt. No one (except for the unfortunate hydra) got killed. A very satisfying result for a priest of Alemi.
However, the man running down the hill gives him pause. Lian was back there, and Milo. If there were hordes of these fellows on the attack he was sure those guys would have alerted them. He watches ruefully as K'nara stops the man in his tracks. Don't want to get on the wrong side of that young lady.
DM Jan Thursday September 28th, 2006 2:11:17 AM
All four groups of elves reunite around Falin after the fall of the Hydra, but they're quick to nock arrows as the crazy man runs down the hill.
K'Nara sends the man sprawling. He rolls, growls. His eyes look black and dilated. For a moment it seems like he'll try and slash the female warrior with his blades, but the appearance of Gunther confuses him, scares him, and so there he stays, his teeth bared, his eyes wild, panting like a dog.
Lian arrives with the two other humans from the camp, only to find that the battle is well and truly over. The hydra's flesh has already dissolved leaving behind gleaming white bones and skulls full of teeth. The two men alongside him are regarding their fallen comrade on the ground with a rueful expression. "Shouldn't have given him that potion." "Hey, I didn't know it would send him crazy."
As Ve picks up some of the remaining pieces, it jogs a memory, a campfire story.... .... and Torus bade his men collect all the teeth, for it was said that the teeth, when cast down, would raise all those who fell victim to the hydra.... Now as to whether there was any truth in it...
Milo gives the poster to MORDRID along with his report.
The three Ga'alian clerics are doing what Father Nicholas is doing - namely walking around, asking if anyone is in need of healing.
The orcs, now rejoined by Birk and his men, are looking at Valdor warily. With the exception of Borden, their fear, and attempts to cover it up by looking sullen, are way too apparent. Birk's facial tics are once again playing havoc with his expression. In a crazy, futuristic world that thankfully they knew nothing about, it was like Valdor was an atomic bomb in their midst that they fully expected to go off at any moment. Ignoring his men, Borden's posture is one of an equal with the blade-wielding half elf, and he nods thoughtfully as the Dragonstone explains about the dragon. "We'll do what must be done," he says. "Our strength is in fighting close up."
And so - It is now the dead of night. The caravan campfire glow can still be seen over the brow of the hill, and there are three of it's members here with the group, one of which is currently on the ground all bug-eyed and crazy.
K'Nara d20+3=16 Thursday September 28th, 2006 3:51:04 AM
Rolling away from the stranger and getting to her feet, the tall, chestnut-maned woman frowns at the panting man...she's not getting a good feeling about his condition.
"The danger is over now...but thank you for trying to help." she says to him in a voice that is obviously carefully modulated and paced so that, hopefully, the apparently-drugged man could possibly understand it. To Gunther, she adds in a low voice:
"Keep an eye on him--he doesn't look to be in his right mind."
Wheeling about, K'Nara strides over to Lian and his "guests".
"What potion is it that you gave your friend...?" she demanded gruffly. "The one you didn't realize would effect him this way? What was it supposed to do for him..?" Although her sword is still sheathed, K'Nara's sheer force of personality is enough to make most people aware that she definitely means to have answers, even if she must use her bare fists to get them.
(OOC: whether it's a Diplomacy check or (more likely) an Intimidation check, the end result is still 16.)
Lian Thursday September 28th, 2006 7:42:18 AM
The monk just shakes his head and looks at Knara and the Talons. "Sorry. I thought there was serious trouble. Then I saw Valdor and spellcasters and knew the hydra had no chance."
"However, these gentlemen were more than happy and eager...." He looks at the fallen fellow. "... to help. They seem genuinely interested in combat."
Falin Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:10:25 AM
Watching the man go down, Falin has the elves put their bows away and stand down.
"Even though we were not vitally important in an encounter such as this, "Falin says to the elves as he sweeps his hand towards the fallen creature," Imagine if you will there were a multitude of other creatures begining to attack from afar." He pauses for a second to allow this statement to stick in. "No matter what the other creatures may be we would be able to distract them while our comrades could dispatch creatures up close and personally."
"I never want you to think that you are worthless in a battle. I have felt that too many times and it is a road that can lead to you not being at the top of your game for your team." He pauses and glances around at the Talons.
"Always try to think outside of the box and look at what you have and what you could possibly do with what you have."
He waits for a second looking over the elves. "Lets go ahead and spread out into our teams and cover the surrounding area, but remain within eyesight of one another just in case. Begin your sweep from our campsite and work your way out to a distance of 200 feet."
Falin will fall in with one of the younger groups to add some experience should they come across anything.
Mordrid Thursday September 28th, 2006 10:54:29 AM
Mordrid eyes the couple stoicly, Valdor and Cori. The only reason that he can fathom for his agitation, might be that he just can't make sense of the relationship; it's unlikeliness; the danger involved; the untimely distraction. A bed mate was one thing, but true love was another. In the end the ranger knows that Cori will be saved, and Valdor will be dead, because of love.
Are we professionals? Are we monks? Or are we human?
Shaking his head he addresses the issue at hand. K'nara was talking with the visitors from the other camp, however she didn't know the results of Milo's scout.
The ranger conceals the poster and walks up the incline toward K'Nara. "Pardon madam, but may I have a second of your time." The ranger remains 15 feet down the grade, forcing the blade-singer to walk down and meet him.
As she approaches, Mordrid will put a hand on her shoulder, and direct her on a walk toward the burning bush.
Discretely handing the rolled poster to her, "here, I thought you should know what Milo found."
"And there's gold too. Lot's of gold. Plus some receipts of purchase. They're definitely on a recruiting mission."
Valdor Thursday September 28th, 2006 11:44:50 AM
Valdor chuckles and replies,"I'm the one full of surprises? I half expected to get fried. Anyway, at least noone died with the hydra, and it seems the crazed human is under control. I should have let the Talons do more of the fighting, but I thought a thirteen headed hydra would be tougher to kill. It was fun though. You want to go for a walk, feisty one?"
He sees Mordrid's concern, ever does he watch his brother. He smiles at Mordrid and nods. He won't be distracted...during a battle. He notices Cori's curves and rock hard stomach and thinks,'Well, maybe even then.'
Cori and Amarth Thursday September 28th, 2006 7:04:58 PM
Cori nods her head in answer to his question. "I thought of frying you...but that would have been a waste." Her eyes flash as she follows Valdor's gaze to regard Mordrid. It is not hard to get an idea of what is bothering him. "I think that we need to have a long talk, about a great many things." She has not felt this way about anyone in her entire life and was wondering if this was love. It left her feeling warm inside but also feeling a little vulnerable.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)** 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
Dahlia / Ingrge Thursday September 28th, 2006 7:54:22 PM
Feeling a bit prankish, and since she is still invisible, Dahlia begins to wander up behind Ingrge just to pester him when the canny weapon mage turns suddenly and casts a simple spell and four colorful lights begin bouncing all around the invisible halfling.
Chuckling the wily elf looks directly at the dark halfling and winks. Turning back around he heads down to join the rest of the group, leaving a momentarily confused and perplexed dahlia to follow after.
Ve Mundr d20+16=28 Thursday September 28th, 2006 9:25:25 PM
The spell leaves Ve soon enough and his size returns to normal near the completion of collecting the bones and teeth. Valdor and Cori are moving towards a private conversation and so to the Protector, that left Mordrid in charge and the Domi cleric went towards where he spoke with K'nara on the hillside. Others could and easily would deal with the drugged man on the verge of a frenzied battle state. He needed not to be concerned and so was not.
Ve strides with the purpose and self fortright of one who knows his place and that of his god and does not second guess either as he closes to about 15' from the pair on the downward grade of the hill. He will stand until beckoned over or until their conversation ceases. Upon whichever occurs first he moves to Mordrid.
"I have collected the teeth and skull bones of the beast as there is legend concerning the rise of the hydra's victims. More precisely it states 'Torus bade his men collect all the teeth, for it was said that the teeth, when cast down, would raise all those who fell victim to the hydra.. Now I am not suggesting such action, merely informing and informing you as Valdor is necessarily occupied just now." Ve looks over to Valdor and glances back to Mordrid, trying to read what the ranger of Osto might be thinking. [Sense Motive 28]
He then changes the tone and subject, "What news on the caravan then? Are they simply recruiting by the promise of excitement, treasure and fame like most other adventurer guilds and outfits across the Wold. Or was something more sinister learned?"
Valdor Thursday September 28th, 2006 11:32:46 PM
Valdor nods and says,"Yes, we do. Until then, however, we can still enjoy the fun we've been having. And I know I don't have to say this, but don't look out for me in battle any way other than you would have in the past. I will do the same."
He face shows a pained expression for just a second, then it is gone. He's not concerned for himself, never that, but her...she has to wonder if he could really hold up his end of that bargain.
He then laughs aloud and says,"You know how ironic it is for me to feel this way about a drow elf? It's a bit unnerving, but that's good with me. Of course, you are unlike any other drow I have ever met, and I like it!" Let's go see what the others are up to."
He keeps his powerful arm wrapped around her shoulder and walks back towards camp, unless she doesn't want to go that way. His smile is one of relief and happiness as they share this little time together.
Milo Thursday September 28th, 2006 11:47:08 PM
Message delivered, Milo seeks out Olana. Seeing the beautiful elven lass, the halfling charges her, launching himself into a bear hug, though attempting not to bowl her over exactly. "I did it... they said I could do the scouting... Sir Mordrid that is... and I snuck all the way through that camp full of really stupid humans and into their leader's wagon... and there were receipts and posters for recruiting mercenaries... and a chest full of gold... if it weren't for some of the critters we've killed and treasure hordes we've taken... I'd say it was a lot of gold... but I think that it is enough to say that it was plenty of gold to pay the mercenaries and then some... and I broke their magic lock open ... and still kept myself from stealing any... so they aren't any the wiser... but I did take a poster to show Mordrid, and got out without raising the alarm..." The halfling rambles through this excitedly, his adrenaline is obviously getting the better of him.
Olana Friday September 29th, 2006 1:28:39 AM
"Oooooof..." Olana hugs Milo tightly and listens as he talks about what he did in the camp. "You're good, at what you do," she replies with a smile and a gentle kiss. "The best. Were there more men like him?" She points at the wild man on the ground.
Gunther Friday September 29th, 2006 1:51:10 AM
The warrior warily watches the unconcious man as he waits for K'nara to return.
K'Nara (2nd post...technically) Friday September 29th, 2006 4:40:24 AM
The leader of the Talons follows Mordrid and then unfurls the parchment, eyeing its message:
SEEKING ADVENTURE? DREAMED OF FAME? FORTUNE? Want to do something good with your life? Help us rescue a city. Be a hero and become rich in the process!
See - LEFT BLANK At - LEFT BLANK
"Thank you." K'Nara says to Mordrid, rolling up the poster and giving it back to him. "Make sure Valdor sees this if he hasn't already." Then she returns to Lian and the men from the caravan.
"Well...will you kindly answer my questions...?" she prompts, putting her hands on her hips and raising an eyebrow as she waits.
Lian Friday September 29th, 2006 10:37:27 AM
He remains silent once Knara shows up.
Mordrid Friday September 29th, 2006 10:41:04 AM
Following his brief conversation with K'nara the ranger turns his attention to Ve Mundr. Handing Ve the poster, the ranger looks over his shoulder. "Blackwidow; keep an eye on him."
Looking back down at the poster with Ve, "The question remains... what city? Dirt City?"
Aeralia Friday September 29th, 2006 11:11:23 AM
Aeralia dismissed the remander of her spells, then once again moves off towards the edge of the scene, allowing the Talons and Dragons to handle any discussion with these people.
She brushes off any dust from her dress lightly, then glances into the night, away from camp with a sigh, mumbling slightly to herself.
Ve Mundr Friday September 29th, 2006 12:52:04 PM
Ve's brow furrows, "Obviously a matter of perception on the need of the city to be rescued. We certainly would have heard of something if the need genuine and good." Ve thinks for but a moment, "I do not think it Dirt City, why build a fleet for that? The city and the building fleet must connected. What of Aisildur? It is coastal and what better information to gather than recruit away locals to tell you about it? There is also Isumbre and Ilthmar as logical targets of a sea bound invasion force.
Mordrid Friday September 29th, 2006 1:18:29 PM
"I don't know Ve."
The ranger ponders for a moment. "Who said they were building a fleet? I mean, where did that information come from?"
"As for the teeth. They're best kept with you. I know Valdor and I know nothing of that stuff. Sounds like an old wives tale to me."
Brother Bertram Friday September 29th, 2006 1:30:11 PM
After resting and cleaning himself off, Bertram moves over and joins the others and the conferences already in progress.
Ve Mundr Friday September 29th, 2006 2:25:14 PM
"Borden said they were at the coast with a large quantity of wood and the vision indicated we were trying to repulse an invasion from the coast. As to the bones." He nods, I will indeed do that and perhaps consult with Cori and Father Nicholas tomorrow."
Mordrid Friday September 29th, 2006 4:07:13 PM
Mordrid squints in deep thought at Ve, "we should invite the camp to come have a feast with us, to celebrate our victory over the Hydra. Maybe with some food and wine they might share with us what city they're after. We should send away the archers, over the next rise. I can call them with my horn if they're needed. What are your thoughts?"
Nick Friday September 29th, 2006 4:21:01 PM
Nick wanders over to Mordrid and Ve after making sure everyone is all right. "The city is a mystery," he adds to the conversation. "I mean the only city that was mentioned in the prophecy was the Floating City - and that's thousands of leagues from here. "And what's this about bones?"
Mordrid Friday September 29th, 2006 4:53:37 PM
Mordrid welcomes Nick and raises an eyebrow after he adds in about the floating city, "If that is the case, then someone's finally found the actual location of the Floating City, because as of now, no Elenian knows the city's true location."
DM Jan Friday September 29th, 2006 4:56:49 PM
The man stood next to Lian reaches into his pocket, and brings out a small, stoppered bottle. "That's the only one I've got left," he says, and hands it over to the fearsome redheaded woman. "The Caravan Man gives them out. We're supposed to use them when we're fighting. But some of the lads seem to like drinking them beforehand." He shrugs. "Gives them a buzz. Better than alcohol apparently. I wouldn't know. I'm sworn off the drink, so I'm sworn off this stuff too, I guess."
From Gunther's viewpoint, the man next to him on the ground continues to act strangely, twitching and shaking. In fact he looks like he might need medical attention. On cue, Brother Tyne, one of the Aisildurians, arrives to stand next alongside. "Is he sick? Perhaps I should take a look." he says to Gunther.
In the meantime, the four groups of elves spread out and take up guard duty. To the southwest, within the sight of the group Falin has joined, there is movement out there in the dark. Beasts on all fours, maybe about four feet high, keeping their distance, brought here by the sounds of killing and the scent of death. Ingrge's bouncing lights spell lends them even more caution. Light in the dark usually means fire, and they'll stay away from that.
At the perimeter of the camp, Aeralia's viewpoint is one of darkness and shadow, and a cool breeze carrying an animal scent in the air.
As Mordrid, Ve and Nick discuss cities and bones, Ve's plain brown sack full of bones begins to twitch.
ALSO!
A man appears on the slight hill between the group and the caravan camp. He seems to hesitate, then moves down to join his comrades, and Lian and K'nara. "Er... the Caravan Man said we weren't to join you in fighting. We're needed for a greater purpose - you know - to free that city. So, I'm supposed to bring you guys back -" he's addressing his comrades - "to get some sleep then we can continue first thing. Hey what's up with him?" He points toward the striken man.
K'Nara Friday September 29th, 2006 6:09:43 PM
K'Nara eyes the bottle that she's given and then tucks it into a pocket. The newest arrival gets her attention.
"Ahhh...here to retrieve your comrades? Good..." she says, nodding towards the now-resting charger, "...this one will need some aid, it looks like. However, before you go, if you would ease the curiosity of myself and Mordrid, here--what city is it that is in dire need of rescue..?"
Cori and Amarth Friday September 29th, 2006 8:15:44 PM
Cori has to think over the statement of Valdor's for a few minutes before she reluctantly nods her head. "I will no put myself in danger for you...but you will do the same for me." Her eyes go hard as she captures his gaze. "Believe me you will not like it if you endanger yourself or the others for my sake." She lets the look melt to something more amorous and then loops her arm around his waste.
Heading back to the rest of the group she ponders the turn of events. "Believe me...my parents will not approve of this match, but then again I care little if they do." The idea that she would fall for anyone that was not a drow would not be to her parents liking. "It does feel strange but also...right." She cannot explain it but she feels comfortable with Valdor in a way that she never thought possible.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)** 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
Valdor Saturday September 30th, 2006 12:03:39 AM
Valdor smiles and says,"No, I won't. My place has always been and will always be at the head of the battle.
And just tell your parents you found an orphan boy that's good at killing things and figured he'd make a good bodyguard. I know little of drow humor and their ways, but that sounds like a good story to me. Anyway, that's an issue for another day.
My only concern is Mordrid. My parents have been gone for some time, and he's the only one who I would want to give his blessing. He will not trust you, but that's just his way. He trusts almost noone but me in this Wold. It is his way. Take no offense from it, please. He will just be looking out for his little brother."
He feels nervous and excited...like a teenager again, trying not to stumble over his words. He finally shuts up to keep from rambling and just enjoys the closeness he's missed for so many years...basically, his whole life.
Milo Saturday September 30th, 2006 1:30:05 AM
Milo is suddenly silenced by Olana's affection. The halfling stands calmly now, collecting his thoughts, "Olana... you're the best."
When the man shows up, Milo actually slips behind his betrothed, feeling self-conscious and out in the open.
Lian Saturday September 30th, 2006 11:21:01 AM
Rest can't come soon enough. Lian is fatigued and actually relieved to have avoided combat. He'll have to remember not to upset Valdor for any reason. Looking at the potion the man holds, he says simply. "Potion of Heroism I would think. Perhaps Rage."
Ve Mundr d20+9=23 d20+16=17 Saturday September 30th, 2006 2:58:03 PM
The bag twiches and Ve turns his attention to it, "These sort of things can never be good." a comment to no particular person. He then replies to Mordrid, "an excellent idea on the feast and that man." he nods to the new man who just arrived to fetch his comrades, "has just provided a great 'in' for us." he adds with a wink and hands Mordrid the bag, "Keep an eye on it please, we might not be done with our hydra and the wives tale."
Turning to address the new man Ve speaks out in a grand and loud voice. "Excellent then my friend. City rescues is what we heroes live for! I am Ve Mundr, Protector and follower of Domi and member of the Platinum Dragons, in whose company you stand with the Emerald Talons. I would invite you and your fellows to dine with us tonight and raise glass to the vanquish of evil and the glory that will be to all of us upon the grand completion of the salvation of the city to who evils shadow hast it blight upon for far too long." ve moves towards the man, a great smile upon his face, with an easy gait and a sincere warmth in his eyes. "Let me accompany you and your brave friends back to the caravan and personally invite the master driver and his company. It is the least we can do in return for the heroism you and your fellows displayed here this early evening." [Diplomacy 23]
Ve will move friendly beside him, but not break the mans zone of personal space. This was a hefy gamble and much he thought rode on the next few moments. His mind preoccupied by planning a battle against what may lurch from the sack and the repulcussions of this ploy and a possible fight at the caravan keeps him too distracted to adequately read the men he just addressed. [Sence Motive 17]
Aeralia Saturday September 30th, 2006 11:58:42 PM
Aeralia glances back towards camp briefly, running her hands through her hair a few times. As her hands pass through the ponytail, the color turns from her normal black to a brilliant pink, and after a couple of passes the entirty of her hair has changed color.
Sighing lightly, Aeralia glances back out into the shadows, her mind wandering over a great many things. "Wonder whats out there," she mumbles lightly to no one in particular, squinting half-heartedly into the darkness.
"Thats not really whats on your mind," a familiar voice echoes from the darkness quietly, as a form quite familiar to the young girl emerges into the very edge of the light. Terrin strides silently to Aeralia's side, and both sorceress and companion turn thier gaze towards the rest of the group, as they quietly discuss.
The young woman shrugs lightly, looking over the conference between the groups leaders. "I suppose I am wondering what exactly I'm doing here, and if it was the right choice, as you said it was," she says to Terrin in a near whisper. "I guess I've not the wisdom to know what it is we actual seeking, and what it is we are doing it for." Her eyes linger slowly over several of her companions each in turn, while Terrin responds to her unsaid thoughts.
"I'm sure they've got good reasons, and good intentions," the roguish man in black says quietly, following Aeralia's gaze.
Falin Sunday October 1st, 2006 4:28:56 AM
Falin will have the elves keep an eye on the movement. He will move from group to group to make sure everything looks good. Also, ensuring that within each group they have some type of a rotation in place to ensure everyone gets some rest before they head out in the morning.
Falin notes the visitors at the camp, but decides it would be best to leave the talking to the others. For now he was content on allowing the newcommers to think he was just another of the elves.
Lian Sunday October 1st, 2006 9:50:43 AM
He follows Falin. The monk glances toward Aeralia.
Gunther Monday October 2nd, 2006 12:48:12 AM
The warrior looks over at Brother Tyne and then over at K'nara. He still didn't like those Aisildurians. "You can look at him, but don't cast any spells." he grunts at the cleric.
Postings Reports for Monday October 2nd, 2006 7:37:33 AM
Game # 1 Platinum Dragons For the week of Sept 25,2006
Name.....MTWTF DM Jan....XXXXX Valdor....XXX2X Mordrid...XXXX2S Fr.Nick...XXXXX Dahlia....OXOXO VE Mont...OXXX2S Corealot..XOXXX
Adm Ceil Perfection!! sorry Dahlia made me say that!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posting Reports for Game # 3 Emerald Talons For the week of Sept 25,2006
Mordrid Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:36:54 AM
Mordrid stands there with the bag in his hands, staring blankly at it.
"I guess I'll go prepare camp for the reception."
Mordrid hurries off to make sure the camp hasn't been ransacked by wild dogs.
"Nick, can you summon a heroes feast?"
Lian Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:47:48 AM
The monk wishes he had more time with the archers, but thinks its better that Falin is bettering their primary skills.
He follows.
Brother Bertram Monday October 2nd, 2006 4:22:20 PM
Bertram tenses then relaxes and Gunther stops the priest from throwing any spells. No doubt the dog had some sort of power, but still cant help trusting his motives.
Nick Monday October 2nd, 2006 5:09:35 PM
Nick nods at Mordrid. "Yes, I can do that certainly, although not for everyone. This party is getting bigger by the minute." He grins.
Olana Monday October 2nd, 2006 5:10:31 PM
Stood in front of Milo and alongside K'Nara, Olana folds her arms and tries to look fierce, an expression VERY easy to come by these days.
DM Jan Monday October 2nd, 2006 5:41:09 PM
Brother Tyne kneels alongside the man on the ground after giving both Gunther and Bertram a nod. Whether it's a nod of agreement is difficult to say. The Aisildurian examines the man with all the moves of a skilled healer - checking his pulse, looking into his eyes, asking him questions in a quiet but insistant voice. "I'm going to cast Neutralize Poison on him," he says to Gunther authoritavely. The spell seems to have the desired effect. The man stops shaking, his teeth stop chattering, and he now seems to be breathing normally.
The latest man to arrive over the hill from the caravan looks at K'Nara and thinks for a moment. "We don't know, ma'am" he says eventually, not saluting, but certainly straightening up. "We've all been guessing. In fact it's our favourite subject, but we haven't come up with anything solid yet. All we know, is that there's a sea journey involved. Could be anywhere. There's even talk of a witch, but I don't hold much to that to be perfectly honest."
Ve's announcement and suggestion has the men looking at one another. They look him over and agree. Two of them pick up their fallen friend, and they set off up and over the hill.
Meanwhile, Mordrid's examination of their own camp will reveal the following - As yet, nothing appears to have been organized with regard to food and shelter, and it's very late.
K'Nara, Milo, Olana, Bertram, Brother Tyne and Gunther are stood near the burning shrub, and they've just been joined by Ingrge and a score of flashing lights. No sign of Dahlia. He can spot Valdor and Cori off in the gloom, and there's the illusionist Aeralia (is there someone standing with her?).
However, from what he can see, the elves look to have set up a perimeter, going off the small groups of ones and twos, spread out and disappearing into the dark. And is that Lian and Falin, the two Talons elves, out on patrol? Someone has tethered the horses. Nick has been joined by Brother Michael and Brother Tull. All are standing not too far away from the other group.
Borden and his men are also gathered in a group. Borden sounds to be giving out orders.
Beyond that - darkness, the landscape a mystery. The bag Ve has given him shifts again, becoming more compact, although still bearing the same weight.
Out along the perimeter, Lian and Falin sense caution amongst their fellow elves. "I think it's a pack of wolves out there," says one of the girls.
Valdor Monday October 2nd, 2006 9:43:36 PM
Seeing the elves moving off and the shapes moving in the dark, Valdor calls out,"Noone guards alone. At least two to a group, but with as many people we have, three would be better. Take torches, but only be ready to light them if wolves attack. I think it best to set up a camp in case it decides to rain. We'll set perimeter guards like when we left Culverwood. We'll keep at least two guards with the horses at all times. We'll need one person overseeing the camp per shift. I'll take first shift. Keep weapons near where you sleep."
He hugs Cori tightly and says,"Well, we'd better make sure everyone is safe and secure. I hate to leave this moment, although it will be in my mind forever. Sleep well and have good dreams."
K'Nara Monday October 2nd, 2006 9:51:48 PM
The chestnut-maned leader of the Talons harrumphs thoughtfully as the men from the neighboring caravan depart.
"It looks like we won't be hosting a dinner for our guests after all, Ve Mundr." she tells the cleric, then produces the bottle she'd been given. "I have a bottle of the potion that had been administered to the man Brother Tyne cured up...who amongst us is best at analyzing such medicines..?" She looks to Brother Bertram, the Aisilduran clerics and to the clerics affiliated with the Platinum Dragons. "Someone should find out what 'the caravan man' is giving his troops."
K'Nara frowns to herself. She didn't like that none of the men could say the name of the man in charge of the recruitment drive, nor could they identify their destination. Given those particulars, who in their right mind would take off on a journey that could last gods-knew-how-long with gods-knew-who..?
Corialote and Amarth Monday October 2nd, 2006 10:14:31 PM
Cori returns the hug as she nods her head. "I think pleasant dreams can be arranged." She kisses Valdor lightly on the cheek and then moves off to have a look around. She will of course make herself available for any shift in the watch that is given to her and will sit with anyone that is willing.
With a final look around at the others she moves to find Mordrid. She feels that she is moving into territory that needs some advice. When she finds the man she finds her steps faltering a little. "Mordrid...can I speak to you for a few...I need to get some advice." The feelings that she's having for Valdor make her feel vulnerable and she does not like that but she also cannot remember a time that she was more at peace.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)** 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
Falin Monday October 2nd, 2006 11:11:26 PM
Taking Valdor's suggestions Falin makes sure the elves break up into the appropriate size groups.
Looking over at Lian, "How have you been Lian?"
Ingrge / Dahlia Monday October 2nd, 2006 11:22:02 PM
After a few moments of pouting Dahlia ponders the lights for a moment and actually starts juggling with them.
Ingrge smiles at the little halfling and leaves the spell in place as she seems to be having fun and returns to the group.
Gunther Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 8:35:33 AM
The warrior growls a little when the brother casts his spell, but does not attack. Seeing that the situation has diffused for now, Gunther heads back to the orc camp. He relishes spending precious time with his own, and since K'nara looks pretty busy, he doubts she will miss him while he's having fun. He checks in on Thaeri to make sure she's doing well, gets a quick but very refreshing nap (thanks to ring of sustenance) and then spends the rest of the night living it up with the orcs.
Ve Mundr d20+14=30 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:33:47 AM
Ve follows the men up and over the hill and as he walks with them he engages them in some small talk. Where they came from, what sort of provisions they might bring to the feast, how long on the raod they had already been and how long they anticipate the rest of the journey to be. His darkvision and keen eye for detail scans about as they walk as well, especially as they approach the caravan itself.
Ve will call a hearty and open "Good evening fellow travels and seekers of adventure!" as they enter the area.
[Spot 30]
Lian Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:57:47 AM
"Well. You?" He asks Falin. "Weather is holding up, which is good... I guess."
"Say, I really don't like the others spreading so thin. What if something carries one off, we'd never know until head-count. That would leave a gap big enough for someone or something to get through. I think we should tighten them up... move them closer to camp."
Falin (2nd post) Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 1:52:49 PM
"That is a good idea Lian." Falin will walk around the perimeter and talk to each elf for two reasons. First, to make sure we have a good head count and second, to have them all move in about half of the distance they are at now.
Mordrid Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 3:31:00 PM
Cori finds Mordrid working busily at the camp. He's throwing logs on a fire, unpacking provisions, and preparing a pot of water to be boiled. Every so often he looks up toward the perimeter of the camp, into the darkness beyond, instinctually searching for signs of danger.
He continues to work as she calls to him, "Ofcourse we may talk." The ranger holds up a finger, "sorry, excuse me for one second please."
Into the ear-piece, "Anyone have a twenty on Aeralia? I need her help at the camp. If you see her let'er know. And Nick... can you please get everyone gathered up please:elves, orcs, ga'alians, Tallons and Plats."
Turning again toward Cori, he restfully places a booted foot on a log, "you have my undivided attention." They have a moment alone before activity returns to the camp.
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 6:19:37 PM
Taking a seat upon the ground she finds that this is turning out to be a lot harder than she first thought. Feeling a little nervous she decides to get straight to the point. "I want to know how you feel about the way I feel for Valdor and he for me?" She glances around feeling a little self conscious about the subject that she is talking about. "I really like him a lot but...I do not want to cause trouble for the whole group." Feeling like she is talking in circles she decides to let Mordrid take the lead a little here. The man seems so into what is going on that maybe he can tell what she is trying to get at.
SPELLS 0th(4): detect magic(2), dancing lights(2) 1st(7): grease(2), magic missile(2), disguise self(2) 2nd(7): web(2), mirror image(2), blur(2), resist energy(fire) 3rd(7): hold person(3), major image(2), haste(2)* 4th(6): stoneskin(3)*, wall of fire(2), mass enlarge person 5th(3): cone of cold(2), passwall 6th(6): greater dispel magic(2), shadow walk(2), mass bear's endurance, chain lightning 7th(6): summon monster VII(2), mass hold person, prismatic spray(2), reverse gravity 8th(4): summon monster VIII(2), polar ray(2)** 9th(4): teleportation circle*, time stop, summon monster IX* * used spell
Olana Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 7:16:12 PM
Watching Ve Mundr go off with the caravan men, Olana turns to Milo. "You should get some sleep," she tells him, locking her fingers in his hair for a moment. "I'm going to go and volunteer with the watch."
Nick Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 7:19:39 PM
Nick gives Mordrid the thumbs up, then sets off, asking everyone to stick close to camp. He'll go in search of Aeralia in particular and ask her if she'll go and see Mordrid. If he sees the illusionists companion, he'll raise an eyebrow, trying to figure out who he is. It's dark, and Nick's human, so his visibility will be poor compared to some of the others..
Brother Bertram d20+18=21 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 7:29:55 PM
Bertram takes the potion carefully from K'nara and and examines it, searching his mind for any references from his clerical training about such an odd creation.
(Knowledge check 21)
Milo Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:40:31 PM
Milo looks up, and finds himself immediately at war with two ideas... attempt to stay up with Olana, and be exhausted come morning, or sleep alone. Good halfling sense gets the better of him however, and he talks the elf maiden's hand and gives it a quick kiss, smiling, "Of course I will. Can't have the ol' pro tired come morning. I'll have sneakin' ta do, no doubt about it." After one more kiss across Olana's bare knuckles, Milo bows deeply and heads off in search of a good place to bed down.
DM Jan Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 10:54:53 PM
And so -
As the others prepare and secure camp, Ve Mundr accompanies the 4 caravan men back to their own camp over the other side of the hill. The men are all in their twenties by the looks of it.
- Rex is from (his words) a $#@&! little village just south of Windbourne, where nothing ever happens.
- Rod is from Dirt City and "Needs to get away for a while."
- Ralph is saying nothing. He's the man who was overcome by the potion and came charging down the hill.
- Ron is from a very small town on the western edge of the Ellenian peninsula, where nothing ever happens. He also adds quietly that Ralph told them he is a widower - lost both wife and child during childbirth. "A sad tale," he whispers.
They seem to think that all their names beginning with 'R' is funny. They haven't much in the way of provisions - the food there is pretty spartan, but they've all been given a taste of the coin they're promised at the mission's end. They haven't really a clue where they're going, or who the 'caravan man' is, but they're optimistic - looking forward to an adventure - fame, fortune and something far from the lives they've led before - that's why they're here.
On reaching the caravan camp, Ve will notice that the camp seems quiet, and apart from a small incident - some pushing and shoving between some of the men - "It wasn't me, you idiot!" "Well someone knocked me out while I was guarding the horses!" - there are sentries up, and everyone else seems to be bedding down for the night.
This is their story -
The caravan man has disappeared, after telling them he needs to go on ahead. He hasn't said why. He's left them a map and directions, telling them to report to him when they reach 'port'. "We want to get a few hours sleep, break camp early, and get going," says a man the others call Captain Brown. "I reckon we won't reach this port until late in the day tomorrow, and none of us wants to get left behind. Although, we have these horses to deliver, along with ourselves, so I guess they'll wait." Someone makes a joke about throwing up aboard ship, and all of the men who are awake are very interested in Ve - who he's with, and whether he's going to join this enterprise.
MEANWHILE!!
At the Talons/Platinum camp -
The night is in full swing. Mordrid has a fire going and is attempting to get everyone organized.
Those on perimeter guard find themselves fully occupied - there's a mournful bellow off in the distance, and the wolves disappear, only to return later. They're getting bolder and it takes the occasional arrow to keep them away. Gunther's cat appears to have joined in the watch - letting out a hiss/growl when anything nasty comes near. And just for good measure, she hisses at Falin, too.
The horses are nervous, because of the wolves, and the cat.
Bertram examines the potion. Purple.... opaque... no aura of divine magic about it... in fact there doesn't seem to be anything magical about it at all... strange scent to it... like mint and violets... herbal? medicinal?... just a tiny little drop tasted off the tip of his finger (if he wants to try this) and he feels wide awake.
The Aisildurians pitch in an offer to join the watch rotation.
Borden has assigned watch duty to four of his men. In between times they sit in a circle, passing around an ale barrel and quietly discussing anything from what's up ahead... to the physical attributes of the women in the camp (Gunther gets some good natured but fairly crude leg pulling about K'Nara)... to how much they despise elves... to what the heck do they do with Valdor when he turns nasty. They feel it's only a matter of time. Borden keeps their tempers and rambunctious behaviour to a reasonably civilized level.
However - at some point during the night, one of the orcs in the demi-human knitting circle pulls out what looks like a large tooth from his pocket. It's one he found on the ground - came from the Hydra by all accounts. He throws it on the ground in front of him, after a bit of goading by the others.
Everyone awake hears the ensuing uproar. It seems the camp has just gathered another member - a humanoid skeleton, white bones gleaming in the firelight - it has a sword, and a shield, and it's just standing there.... waiting.
((OOC - folks, just to keep things moving, the next DM post will be - Game Time - the following morning - so let me know what your character does for the entire night.))
Falin Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 11:18:43 PM
Continuing to watch for the night. While Lian and Falin are walking around between the other elves he will share with Lian, "I have been feeling weird since the Aisildurians arrived. I have felt hungry and I have become too interested with their heartseeds. I don't know what is ging on, but I just have been feeling restless."
Valdor Wednesday October 4th, 2006 12:03:18 AM
Valdor takes his turn on watch roaming around. After his shift, he removes his armor and shirt. He stretches his muscles out thoroughly. He knows warriors and orcs well enough to guess at their thoughts. He put on part of that show to put fear and respect in their minds...and doubt. He knows Borden is strong and strong willed, but now the leader knows whom he is allied with and figures they will not turn on him. He walks over to Borden and says,"When you have formed your nation, I would discuss possible trade and treaties with your nation with our High Lord Mayor. Think on it. You have my respect for how you handle yourself and your role as leader. It is good."
He heads back over to his area and he finishes stretching and finds some food and water. He glances around for Cori before he dozes off. He sleeps lightly as has been his custom since he gave up the drink, but sleeps well none the less. He sleeps with a smile on his face and there is peace there.
He is awakened by the roar and sits upright, sword in hand. When he sees the one skeleton amongst the group of heores, he chuckles and says,"Unless that's Gargul's body reborn, I think I can still sleep." He rolls over and dozes back off, knowing tomorrow will be a busy day. He wakes early, before sunrise and gets his gear on. He heads out from camp about a hundred yards and begins his morning ritual warmups. His swords dance, snaking in and out in short jabs, to sweeping arcs as he spins full circuits and partial spins. He makes sure his legs are thoroughly warmed up with a short jog to cool down afterward. No fighting with cold muscles.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday October 4th, 2006 12:29:47 AM
Cori spends part of the night talking to Mordrid for as long as possible and getting his take on the budding relationship with Valdor. When at last she figures it is time to turn in she finds a spot off to the side and falls to sleep easily enough.
Through the night she sleeps easily, only waking once to take her turn at watch. Well there is the time that the skeleton appears but since it is doing nothing wrong and a cleric could deal with it better she rolls over and falls back to sleep.
In the morning she finds a quiet spot to sit and pulls out her spellbook. The better part of her time is spent pouring through the book to figure out what would be the best choices of spells for this day.
Amarth comes to find her as she is closing the book and she has just sighed. "Mistress...I think the match is good...you are both seeking something other than adventure in life now...maybe retirement is not that far off." He flaps his wings a couple of times as he settles on her shoulder. "Amarth...do you think that it will work out?" She is not sure herself, but oh how she wants to have a normal life...with no fighting.
They both spend some of the rest of the time watching as Valdor goes through his morning exercises. "I think if you two want it to work...it will Mistress...just don't forget me." He nuzzles her cheek as she reaches up to scratch his back. "Never my friend."
K'Nara Wednesday October 4th, 2006 1:23:04 AM
The human blade singer frowns when Brother Bertram renders his opinion of the potion.
"Not magical...but it seems to affect a person by making them more...energetic..?" she proffers by way of a theory. "Mayhap the man who tried to charge the hydra after the fact simply drank too much of it?" She rubs her chin, harrumphing in a negative manner. "What I don't like is that it seems to have been dispelled from the man by a Neutralize Poison spell--proof that this liquid is NOT good...especially if you take too much of it."
Upon the camp's discovery of the skeleton, K'Nara demands of anyone that may be near: "Where in the 666 layers of the Abyss did THIS come from??? And is it animated?"
After ruling out that the skeleton isn't an undead foe hellbent on attacking the camp, K'Nara tells the Talons who will be on what watch:
First Watch: Brother Bertram & Ingrge Second Watch: Falin & Lian Third Watch: Gunther & K'Nara Fourth Watch: Milo & Olana
The tall warrior woman makes it a point to go to Aeralia...and her guest, Terrin, whose presence makes K'Nara's eyebrows elevate.
"Welcome back, young sir," she says, nodding to him, then turns her attention to Aeralia, "I am, as you know, the leader of the Talons--I give out the watch assignments to the group. Watches are three hours long--running from sundown to sun-up. I have assigned everyone else to the four available watches except you...and your friend. As our newest member, I'll allow you to pick which of the four watches you wish to be on." The chestnut-maned woman then waits for Aeralia to make her choice.
After Aeralia chooses, K'Nara goes to help out with camp organization until it's time for her to bed down. She will bunk next to Gunther if he's of a mind to. After rising for her watch, K'Nara will go through her usual pre-dawn blade singer exercises (with Greymaulkin directing her via her silver dragon earclip as usual.)
Gunther Wednesday October 4th, 2006 1:28:38 AM
Gunther stares, jaw wide open at the arrival of the skeleton. "Broder!! Broder!! Ve need you over here!" His sword out, Gunther stares at the skeleton, not sure whether to kill it (that's looking very reasonable, considering his recent time in Koshe Marr) or try and talk to it.
Once the skeleton crisis is resolved, Gunther gently tends to his and Thaeri's wreathes and then gladly takes his shift Finally he lays down with K'nara. Though he only needs 2 hours of sleep, he feels the need to be near her...to watch her sleep and feel her warmth. It confuses him...he's never felt this way before... It's just he's so much happier when she's nearby. Gunther shakes his head to clear it. She had that effect on him too.
Rising with K'nara, Gunther watches her go through her routine. She was so graceful...so strong. He waits until she is finished and then finds out what his kitty is up to, getting in a nice healthy wrestling session if she's up to it. Finally, he gets in a quick melee session with K'nara if she can spare the time.
Aeralia Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:55:46 AM
"I will not be staying long," Terrin says quietly, "and there is no reason to conjure such delusions about her being a member of the team. Just the truth will suffice." His voice is steady and calm, though Aeralia's face is tinted with saddness as Terrin says his fill, though remains silent. Terrin then turns quickly on his heel, and vanishes as he strides off into the darkness.
"I can help on first watch," Aeralia mumbles to K'nara quietly. With a sigh she'll plop herself down where she stands, and spend most of her watch staring off into the darkness, though she maintains her awareness, if anything happens. She does her best to avoid the others, but does as she's told if she's assigned anything.
Once her shift is up, she'll wake the others as needed, then curl up in her bedroll, tossing and turning for some time before she gets to sleep.
Mordrid Wednesday October 4th, 2006 11:35:22 AM
Mordrid responds quite matter-of-factly to Cori, "We're professionals. This is the line of work that we choose. This showing of affection is dangerous, and it's going to get someone hurt. Valdor means so much to you, but he means more to the people of Elenna. If he gets hurt, the nation could suffer."
Pausing, "We've found that if you go in hard, no one gets hurt. No hesitation."
Mordrid allows for a response, then he adds with a somber tale. Pushing up his long black bangs, the faint and aged image of a black widow tatoo can be seen on his forehead, "Many, many years ago, I swore allegaince to Jancasis, the goddess of revenge. I made an oath to revenge my own death. I was brought before the throne of the eye, curtesy a murderous group of drow. I was poisoned, and put to death; as was Valdor. We have murdered many drow since then, and our taste for revenge has been quenched. However, who knows what still might lurk in the hearts of men."
Lian Wednesday October 4th, 2006 12:18:52 PM
Lian stops walking and side-glances at Falin, eyebrow raised. "Have you mentioned your concerns to Knara, Bertram or Nick? Bertram is a good man. He and I talked quite a bit about religion several times. You should mention this feeling to one who is further along the clerical chain, if you know what I mean?" The corner of his lip twitches into a half smile. "Thanks for coming to me with your... what the bloody..." He stops, staring past Falin. A few dozen yards back, a skeleton stands smack in the middle of camp. "Oh come on! Folks, keep your eyes open, sheesh!" He rushes back to see what is going on. "Where did it come from!? And why is it just standing there? Thats eerie." He pauses, scratching his ear. "I'd destroy it! It might be a spy. Or worse, a sabotour. Destroy it or I will." He looks at any of the clerics standing nearby. "I had enough bones to last a dozen elven lifetimes. Get rid of it."
If no one destroys the skeleton, Lian will pound it into dust.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lian takes second watch with Falin, watching him carefully through the night.
The monk stretches, performs his khata excercises and meditates.
He comes out of his trance when Valdor wakes and begins moving around. Lian prepares spells and does an inventory of his items such as scrolls and healing items.
*********************
Prepared spells to be added...
Aeralia (2nd Post Addition) Wednesday October 4th, 2006 5:43:06 PM
(OOC: Ack! I somehow completely missed Nicks post! Sorry! Backposting a little, would have happened before K'Nara offered her shift.)
Aeralia and Terrin stop thier whispers as Nick approaches, and the sorceress nods lightly to Nicks mention that Mordrid wanted to see her. Then both sorceress and companion shift their gaze towards K'nara, as she approaches with her offer of shifts. Terrin stands tall and dark, black hair, and rougish black leather garb.
After K'Nara gives Aeralia her choice of assignments and Terrin has vanished into the darkness, Aeralia will head over towards Mordrid, and ask quietly, "You needed me for something?"
Barring anything completely outrageous, the performer will do her best to accomplish the request.
Ingrge / Dahlia Wednesday October 4th, 2006 7:56:15 PM
Gladly joining Bretram for the watch, the scarred elf perhaps seems to lean a bit ore heavily than necessary on his staff and is moving quite a bit slower than normal as if he aches and is older than he is, though his white hair seems to add to the ancient look he is portraying. Occasionally as he hears the griping and moaning about elves by Bordon's men, He utters an audible muttering comment about orcs and their rpoclivities. and then continues to ramble onto another totally different subject entirely. When the skeleton pops into existence, Ingrge visibly jumps and looks quite shaken and quickly moves further away fro it.
**** Still invisible, Dahlia makes her way to nearby where the Ailsidurians are setting up and finds a comfortable spot to hover, watch and listen.
Mordrid Wednesday October 4th, 2006 8:31:24 PM
(After Mordrid and Cori's conversation.)
When Aeralia arrives, "Thank you for coming."
"I'm not entirely sure if Nick is bringing guests to the camp tonight, however we haven't had time to really set up camp. I was hoping you might be able to use your talents to make this camp appear, how should I say... presentable. Perhaps a large tent with other tents scattered about?"
Chuckling, "At least our guys might feel a litte better if they don't think their sleeping under the stars tonight. Then maybe you could entertain a little, if you don't mind."
"By the way, we haven't had time to really talk. Valdor and I tend to stay a little distracted. Maybe we can sit tonight, and you can tell me about yourself."
Milo Wednesday October 4th, 2006 8:43:45 PM
Milo sleeps well when it is his time to sleep, and when it is his time to watch, the halfling is up and moving keeping a contant eye on the camp perimeter for trouble. The appearance of a skeleton in the middle of the night is strange to the rogue, though strange seems to be their calling card these days.
Brother Bertram Wednesday October 4th, 2006 9:02:37 PM
Bertram shrugs, about to take a small swallow when the clamor breaks out revealing the skeleton standing there motionless. Corking the bottle, Bertram moves quickly to see what is happening, his promises to Gargul concering the undead pushing to the front of his mind. He does check for any sense of evil about the creature, and if detecting the slightest, he will do his utmost to destroy it.
Olana Wednesday October 4th, 2006 9:53:27 PM
The elf nods at K'Nara after their leader gives out the watch detail. Before her watch, she either spends time next to Milo, watching him sleep peacefully, or she wanders about the camp, trying to settle the horses, or making sure everything is all right in general. Those stupid orcs, she thinks at one point, walking past and hearing some sniggering about elves and how they're despised. She's not about to let on that she can understand orcish pretty well, so she doesn't say anything, but one or two of those creatures were in need of a kick up the rear as far as she is concerned.
As for the skeleton, she stands back, grinning, waiting for one of the clerics, or Lian, to get rid of it.
In the morning, it's back to the horses, feeding, grooming, then she'll help break up camp.
Ve Mundr d20+16=23 d20+16=31 Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:07:03 PM
Shortly after arriving at the caravan, Ve guesses they will not be coming to the other camp and tells the other Platinum Dragons as much. Ve nods at the R humor and replies with "Rex, Ron, Rod and Ralph? Really? Rather a rousing ring to it." Ve cracks a small smile at that. Ve will ask if they think it odd that so little is being told them and how personally he might be a bit nervous. "After all, it sounds as if you should be given some information as it sounds as if you are being asked quite a bit. 'Rescuing a city' is most certain to involve some mortal dangers my friends." Ve lets it sink in while they continue the walk.
Once at the camp the cleric will talk to any about him about small things to get more of a feel for the group and to do a head count and weapon check. [sense motive 23 spot 31]
With the revelation of Captain Brown and the missing caravan master, Ve gets a bit more nervous but pushes it down. Ve will decline on the assistance without knowing more. "As a Heirophant of Domi I must know more about the situation for my precense or pretence of assistance alone could prove disasterous if I am wrong or even seen as wrong."
For a brief moment he considers casting Holy word. Those who are good would be unharmed and those who are evil would likely be destroyed, but Ve knows the others would have issues with it and he is a man who also believes that those who choose wrong can choose correctly if presented the chance.
Ve will not overly keep them and bids them good night in relatively short order, but does ask if he could see the map before he goes.
Unfortunately Ve is far too far to hear Gunther's shout for him to come or respond to the skeleton in the camp.
Nick Wednesday October 4th, 2006 10:55:24 PM
Nick paces the camp. He's wondering - about Valdor and Cori. Was there a romance brewing there? He smiles to himself as he considers this. Before he settles down to sleep, he prays to Alemi, giving thanks for those on guard at the perimeter and asking his God to keep them safe.
He sinks into a deep sleep. He's a heavy sleeper these days, as though his body needs the silent depths in order to rest and recuperate. It was not always so.
And so, sleeping as he did, he missed the skeleton episode.
In the AM, he rises and begins to pray.
Corialote and Amarth Wednesday October 4th, 2006 11:14:43 PM
Before turning in that night Cori listens to Mordrid and then nods her head. "Feelings are a hard thing to control and this is a first for me." She will stand slowly as she turns to look in Valdor's direction. "I will have to think about what you have said...but I doubt that our feelings will be that easily forgotten." She feels a sudden warmth everytime that she looks at Valdor and she knows it is not hero worship...it is something deeper than that.
Aeralia Wednesday October 4th, 2006 11:16:30 PM
"I'm afraid I've no such talents at my disposal, at least none that would last very long," Aeralia answers Mordrid's request sadly, not liking not being able to do what is requested of her. "Most of my abilities are short lived, but highly detailed and changable. I've not had much experience in changes to scenary and structures, as you ask."
She frowns even more, continuing to answer his requests. "And...I really don't feel up to a show, if I possibly could not?" She lets out a heavy sigh, shifting her gaze to her feet. The color slowly drains out of her hair, the bright pink shifting back to its normal black, and the colors of her dress and leggings fading to a dark and dull grey.
"Some entertainer I am, huh?" she says after a moment of thought. "Not even willing to perform." She glances up briefly. "But I've no songs or stories for great men, of great halls and great deeds. Nothing I could do would possibly be worthy of your attention."
DM Jan Wednesday October 4th, 2006 11:42:36 PM
The night watch passes much the same way as the three before it. It's a mix of uneasy alliances, with the thick, cloying, unknowing dark of the wilds of Izen pressing in on every side.
The skeleton - Anyone looking at it's weaponry - a sword and shield - will wonder about the age of its design. It's certainly not of any current style or design. The thing does not appear to be aggressive, here and now. It merely stands there, as if waiting for something. It does not respond to Gunther. Bertram's assessment of the creature tells him there is something wrong with it. Definitely undead, although it doesn't seem to carry with it the usual howling wind of corruption. Instead, its ills seem wholly recognisible as part of the living, breathing Wold - loss, yearning and revenge, all familiar sentiments among the living. Birk cuffs one of his fellow orcs around the ear. "It grew from one of the Hydra's teeth," he barks in his gutteral common as K'Nara asks for an explanation. "Who has the remainder of the creature's fangs?" asks Borden.
((OOC - Jay, Mark - let me know if Lian and/or Bertram decides to destroy the creature, now you have the above info. I'll keep my NPCs out of it - and leave it as a character decision.))
Ve returns empty handed as far as persons go, but he has knowledge of the caravan's destination - a spot on the south coast, about 200 leagues east of Dirt City. Borden reckons if the group continues on, in a roughly south south east direction - they'll hit the spot, although tracking the caravan would help.
The big orc seems a little more at ease after Valdor's words. Perhaps agreement - accord - was being reached at last between those who are usually stood opposed to one another in battle.
The dawn arrives with what is now becoming a familiar drenching of morning dew. The air has a cold nip to it. Breath accumulates like clouds in front of everyone's faces.
Falin discovers something strange. During the night, he's had to loose a couple of arrows to fend off the local predators, and for some reason, his bow string felt a little odd in his fingers. In the grey light of the morning, he notices that his index finger appears to be the same length as his middle finger. Funny, he could swear it wasn't always this way.
So, what now for our adventurers on this fine morning?
Valdor Thursday October 5th, 2006 12:36:14 AM
Valdor spends a little longer than usual warming up because of the cold morning air. 'No need to tear any muscles later, although we have capable clerics,' he muses to himself. After his exercises, he searches out Cori before the day gets going. He says,"I saw you talk with Mordrid and he showed you his tattoo. He still holds a grudge in his heart from that day. I, however, still look back as my mistake. We weren't prepared when we fought, and that's always been my responsibility with the group. I failed that day, and it was ugly. However, that is another lifetime ago. He'll be fine with us after a few more days. He's very set in his ways, I fear, but that's one of the things I like about him. He's a great man, but can be a little stubborn and gruff sometimes. Our individual skills and personalities have always complimented the other. He'll see that it will be fine in battle. Oh, by the way, you look lovely this morning."
He raises her hand to his lips then heads off to find Ve, Nick, and Bertram. He intentionally leaves out the clerics of Ailsidur and asks,"What do you guys make of the skeleton? Should we destroy it. leave it, or throw the rest of those teeth and bones on the ground and see what happens? Or should we have the person responsible attempt to command it?"
K'Nara Thursday October 5th, 2006 1:01:24 AM
K'Nara (upon learning that the skeleton came from the hydra's teeth) advises that trying to destroy it wouldn't be right, exactly, especially as how it isn't a typical (i.e. evil) skeleton, but will let the clerics decide on the matter.
K'Nara also invites Gunther to join her as she trains in the art of the blade song.
"We can spar--see how your technique fares against mine..?" she asks in an almost-coquettish voice and a humorous smile.
Lian (88hps, AC 37) Thursday October 5th, 2006 7:32:03 AM
Lian will not destroy the skeleton, in fact, he seems to be mulling something over. "Weren't there a band of undead in the vision?"
He looks at Borden, realizing that the skeletons might actually be Revenants. "The skeletons could be a form of Revenant. Undead bent on destroying one particular thing, be it a single person or an entire culture. They seek revenge and nothing more. They last as long as they can to get their job done. Or we may have unwittingly stumbled upon an additional military resource though, regardless of what they are. They could simply take commands from those who cast down the teeth."
"We should cast down the teeth in the morning right before we leave."
In the morning as he rises, and after prepping his spells, Lian will hunt for berries to replenish his Goodberry supply.
When he feels the chill in the air, Lian casts Endure Elements.
Mordrid Thursday October 5th, 2006 10:06:12 AM
(The prior night with Aeralia)
Mordrid places a finger under her chin, and gently raises her dejected face.
Softly, "the songs and tales that we need to hear are the ones that speak of home, family... and love: the farmer and the fisherman, the herder and the house-wife. It is for these values that we fight. It is these things that we need to remember."
"Don't be dejected... soon... far sooner than you can imagine, you will follow too. A knight of the realm, a protector of the faith; a hero. The responsibilty will pass on to those more capable. I and mine will retire to our cottages, and the protection of the realms will be on your shoulders."
Ve Mundr Thursday October 5th, 2006 4:56:43 PM
Ve arrives in the camp and holds a quick council with Father Nicolas and or Mordrid, if they are both still awake, telling them in person of the caravan, its occupants and destination. "I would not dought that that the 'caravan master' made haste ahead upon learning of us." The sekeleton assumes his attention quickly, "From one of the hydras fangs you say?" He looks towards Mordrid, "May we long listen to the stories of old women it would seem. The bag is safe then I hope."
He returns his attention to the skeleton, "A death of ancient times. I am not a historian by any stretch though. The tale of the Hydra does indeed speak to the fact that the caster of the fangs or rather his lord is capable of commanding them. In this case," Ve shifts his gaze to Borden, "It is you, as their captain." Ve suggests nothing be done with or to the skeleton until the morning. The watch should keep an eye on it and no one of course should sleep next to it, but the cleric is hardly worried about it. "If it were a revenant, which in of itself is only rumor and speculation among the church, I would think it would begin to seek its vengeance as soon as it came to being, not stand about for a time." Ve will certainly make sure to recollect the sack with the remaining teeth and bones from Mordrid and is certainly not going to open the bag or let anyone else touch it once he obtains possession again. The cleric puts his Haversack behind his head and lays his shield to one side with his hammer upon it. His full plate, he leaves on and judging from the quick state of slumber he enters, it is not an issue for him. The following morning Ve prays at Sunrise and then goes through a short exercise of his own involving several castings. The air about the Hierophant hums to life and becomes almost plyable as he calls upon the touch of Domi in Strength and in protection. Within an hour he is done and then meets at the breakfast area. Ve has some bread, cheese, wine and fruit in his haversack that he eats while discussions begin. Ve is still against casting down the teeth and especially right before we leave.
"First we should determine if Borden or any have direct control. If we do, we have an instant army of canon fodder for the first wave to break against as our good archers put their bows to proper use. The caravan is just as slow as we and we know their destination, I do not feel at all pressed to catch them, I also as I said last night do not feel those present currently are really anything more than those who felt trapped in a life and have sought escape." Ve turns towards Borden, "Very much what it sounds like many of your people have done. If they are now held against the same free will that brought them hence we will correct that." Ve leaves the 'if' unspoken, it would serve no purpose.
Spells in effect: Greater Magic Weapon Magic Vestment Armor Magic Vestment Shield Endure Elements
Brother Bertram Thursday October 5th, 2006 5:35:24 PM
Bertram bites his lip, unsure how to proceed. His training has taught him to destroy such creatures, but this one somehow, seems to just be trying to..finish a mission perhaps? He comes to a decision. He walks over with his hand held high, the sign of Gargul in plain view. "Creature if you understand me or this sign, Know who you are dealing with. If you mean no ill in the world, then be at peace. But if not, know that I must do my utmost to destroy you, as the prime tenet of the faith of Gargul." He looks to see if the creature at least acknowledges the sign of Gargul, but if not, Bertram will put it to the back of his mind, along with numerous other things to worry about.
Milo Thursday October 5th, 2006 8:40:10 PM
After pondering for a moment on the presence of the strange undead creature, Milo simply shrugs, leaving the problem to the clerics. He immediately turns to find Olana, and is happy to spend the morning assisting her in preparing the horses for the day's ride. Though he isn't particularly experienced with animals, he listens to any instruction she might give, following them as close as he can.
K'Nara (2nd post...technically) Thursday October 5th, 2006 9:56:57 PM
"We should probably have everyone take a turn at ordering the skeleton to raise its sword arm. Whomever it listens to is obviously the one whom will be able to order the poor thing about." K'Nara suggests. She steps up to the skeleton.
"Raise your sword arm in salute!" she barks at the bony soldier, waiting to see if it does so. If not, she'll shrug and say "Next..?" If it does, she will order the skeleton to follow her about unless/until she says otherwise.
Falin Thursday October 5th, 2006 11:12:04 PM
As dawn breaks across the camp Falin has the elves begin to gather their things and prepare for the days travel.
Outwardly he is all confidence as he answers the elves questions and has them gather their things, but inward, that is a different story.
What the heck is going on with me? These weird feelings and now his hands.
Falin walks over to K'Nara, "Can I chat with you for a second in private?"
Falin walks off from the camp a bit hoping that K'Nara follows. "I have been having some problems and need to let someone know to make sure I am not losing my mind." Falin rubs his forhead a bit. "Since the three missionaries arrived I have been feeling different. I have been drawn to their heart seeds for some reason. I have been getting hungry in their presence. Which shouldn't happen since I wear a ring of sustenance."
Falin looks over at the three men, "I have not had a problem controlling these feelings, but I wanted to let you know in case anyone else was acting strange. If the feelings start to get more intense I will let you know."
Aeralia Thursday October 5th, 2006 11:29:01 PM
(Past Evening, with Mordrid)
Aeralia will smile briefly, mostly an attempt to subdue the rangers encouragements. She certainly didn't feel like she was worthy of such responsibilities, or ready for them. "I'll try to think of something, for future nights..." she assures him, but doesn't really know what she could do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
(The next morning)
Aeralia awakes early, and sits in quiet contemplation as she renews her mind and powers. Before most of the rest of the camp is awake and moving about, the young sorceress heads off to one side, and chants a quick incantation, drawing an illusionary circle of magic over her head, roughly 6' in diameter. From this circle, many brilliant and opaque white curtains billow out, draping to the ground around the young woman. She takes a few moments of temporary privacy to wash her face and hands a little and change into another set of her bright and colorful performer garb. Once done, she breaks concentration on her illusionary curtains, which quickly disappear, and packs up her few belongings. Rubbing her arms lightly, she shivers against the cold, seeing if theres anything she can help with.
If and when others start trying to command the skeletal figure, Aeralia will wait her turn, fidgeting casually with one of her pouches at her waist. If no one seems capable before her, she will concentrate hard, looking the skeleton over, then give the simple command, in a soft voice, "come here."
~~~~~~~~
OOC: Silent image for some illusionary curtains (also see Email)
Olana Thursday October 5th, 2006 11:51:02 PM
"If you tap here, it will lift it's foot, hopefully," Olana says to Milo, while leaning on the flank of one of the horses with a great hoof cradled in her hands. She's checking the horses shoes for stones and other debris. "Use your dagger to lever it out if necessary. Slow and careful. "What are they doing with that skeleton?" she asks him.
Nick Friday October 6th, 2006 12:00:03 AM
Nick joins the others gathered around the skeleton after prayer. He's surprized it's still alive with Ve and Bertram stood there, but then as he listens to where it came from, and what they're trying to do, he understand why they stayed their hand.
He folds his arms and looks on, wondering how many of those teeth they had managed to collect.
Gunther Friday October 6th, 2006 12:12:39 AM
Gunther obediently trys to order the skeleton to raise it's sword arm. After he's done, he moves close to K'nara. "It looks like dese groups..." he moves his arms to encompase the elves, orcs, Platinums and Talons. "might need to fight togeder in de near future. But as ve've seen dere are some...barriers." Gunther looks over at the elves briefly before continuing. "Maybe it vould be a goot idea to spend some time mixing de groups. Ve cannot protect each other vell if ve are alvays looking over our backs to see if anoder group is stabbing it." Gunther takes a deep cleansing breath, already anxious about having to spend much time with more elves. "Tink about it...it's just a tought."
Corialote and Amarth Friday October 6th, 2006 12:32:09 AM
Cori looks to Valdor as he is moving in her direction and feels that flutter again. Standing she waits for him to reach her. Listening she smiles. "He told me a little last night and I just wanted to get his full reactions to the idea. I also let him know that I doubt my feelings for you will change or should be suppressed." She fidgets a little as she speaks and then looks him straight in the eye. "You make me feel something that I have never felt before in my life and we can work through anything that maybe thrown at us...that is what I believe anyways." His lips on her hand sets her heart to racing and she mentally thanks her ancestors for having dark skin...otherwise the blush would be most apparent upon her skin. "And you are most handsome." She moves forward just close enough to allow her lips to brush his cheek for a few seconds and then she lets him move off to do his business.
Amarth sitting on her pack cannot suppress a chuckle as he watches his Mistress. For as long as he has known her, she has never shown interest in a man before. Her only concern had always been her magic and the arcane...though she spent way too much time in her garden for his taste as well. He knew that she was missing out but it was not really his place to say anything...not that that had stopped him.
Spell List to come
DM Jan Friday October 6th, 2006 12:55:05 AM
The Skeleton -
As Bertam raises his his hand, revealing the symbol of Gargul, the God of Life and Death, the creature's skull swivels his way. The thing has no eyes, no musculature, no tongue - nothing to signify any expression whatsoever. And yet - the remnants of the detect evil spell passes on something like a yearning. Hope. Other than that, the dwarf can't get a reaction from it.
Those gathered try to establish who has command of it. Borden seems at ease in its presence, but the other orcs have a similar reaction as Ingrge, and are somewhat freaked out by the creature. They chitter amongst themselves, and those who understand orcish get a good lesson in orc superstition. Because of his lower rank, the orc who actually cast down the tooth is the last to try to command the creature. His eyes flit toward K'Nara, what had she said? Birk cuffs his fellow orc on the back of the head. "Tell it to salute, you %^$#!" he barks. "Salute!"
The skeleton immediately turns toward this orc, and slaps the flat of his blade against his sheild.
So, it appears that whoever casts down the tooth, has control; power over this undead, but noble creature, raised to serve and fight. Power and responsibility is the mantle for whoever performs the physical act of casting down these magical teeth - a responsibility that looms larger when it is discovered that 311 teeth lie in that bag. The other bones have crumbled into a fine dust.
An additional military resource indeed... -------------
The military roster seems to be growing - the Platinum Dragons... the Emerald Talons... three high-ranking clerics of Ga'al... fifteen orcs... forty two elves... three hundred and twelve skeleton warriors (311 currently in tooth form)...
You'll need all the help you can get.
The sun is rising, and going off what the men from the caravan said, there's a hard ride ahead. But to what? There has been mention of a port, and ships. But to what destination? And is the cat out of the bag, after the disappearance of the 'Caravan Man'?
Borden wants to get moving as soon as possible, but while he's saddling up, he says something to Ve Mundr. "So, you are saying that those men might not be our enemy?" He grins. "While I can understand the beginnings of this - " he struggles with the word 'concept', " - my men will have some difficulty." He shrugs, and mounts up.
((Plans and marching order, please, folks!))
Falin Friday October 6th, 2006 2:05:42 AM
After his chat with K'Nara, Falin has the elves form up into their groups and calls them all in close. Looking at the skeleton Falin says, "You must learn to set aside your past predjudices against others if you have them. You are going to see things and have to work with people you may not have heard good stories about." He turns back towards the elves. "But bing a hero is not about the stories. It is about the deeds you do and the choices you make. If any of you don't think you can work with an Orc or work around skeletons called up to perform a noble service then it is too late to change your mind and you might as well accept that you are here. We are going to work together with everyone as a team and we will succeed."
He looks over them all one last time, "The stories are just a benefit of being a hero." He says with a smile. "Just remember to have patience with people that may not know your ways. Listen to the Orcs when they speak and you may even pick up some of their language. Do not be afraid to talk to them if they want conversation. You will find they just want to protect their people and their homeland just like us."
"I do not know how far we will march today, but I want to practive on some recon type things today. As we march I want one team to break up into two groups and go out on our flanks about 100 feet to keep an eye out. I want you to work out a rotation between all 4 groups. I will mingle amongst you all today as we move."
Falin turns to Lian, "Sir monk, do you have anything else you would like to add? Anything you would like them to work on today?"
Mordrid Friday October 6th, 2006 10:41:28 AM
Mordrid is the first to mount, pressing the group as always to break camp and get moving. Trotting by the skeleton charade, Mordrid dryly jokes with K'nara. "Half this camp wont salute on command. Does that make them undead."
Mordrid defers all order plans to Valdor. Assuming he will be scouting, he takes off a quarter of a mile, but well within eye-sight of the group. The ranger wants to see if the caravan has broken camp yet.
Valdor Friday October 6th, 2006 12:00:10 PM
Valdor watches the goings on around him with satisfaction. For so long, he has issued orders and made final decisions that made his head want to explode. Not that the others weren't at least as capable as he at such things, noone wanted the responsibility on their shoulders squarely, and he always was okay with that.
He begins to laugh when they figure out the skeletons will be part of their army. The irony of all of this, he doesn't miss. Many of his greatest adversaries over the years are now his allies. Orcs, undead, and then the feelings for a drow ef after he had killed so many of each during his life. His eyes have finally opened that there are simply no certainties anymore. Whatever happened to: see an orc, know its an enemy. See a skelton, destroy it. He just laughs and enjoys himself. He cares not a bit that people are probably looking at him funny.
He says to Nick,"This whole thing is hilarious. When we were called to witness the vision, who would have dreamed we'd be in league with orcs and skeletons chasing a caravan all over Izen? Not to mention letting Ga'alian clerics hang around. And I have fallen in love with our new drow companion, to boot, which is the most redeeming thing of the whole adventure. Am I the only one who sees the humor in all of this? Ve, hit me in the head with your hammer and make sure this is real...except for my feelings for Cori, which I know are real."
He has tears running out of his eyes after a minute or two and then finally settles down. Still chuckling, he calls the Dragons and Talons together and says,"Let's mount up and head to the coast at the most direct route possible. This caravan man will beat us there, but we don't want him to have a lot of time to organize anything against us. Let's get Dahlia back. Also, visions are not my strong suit. You guys and gals revisit those visions and see what has already happened and what hasn't happened yet. Maybe we can sift through this and get a clearer picture of what we face, particularly the battle scene, and what the lady told Dahila at her reading. We can get together when we camp tonight and discuss this."
He saddles up his horse and Cori's and rides next to her for most of the day, occasionally moving around and checking on the elves morale and making sure there are no fights or bickering. During the ride, he asks Cori about her life and adventures, sharing a few stories about the Gold Dragons and before, when they were made Knights of the Realm. He doesn't take any credit himself for victories, only praises the group and their efforts. He tells her of Odysseus and Guido, Clangden and Aries, Roscoe, Joe, and so many more. He finishes with,"..and through all those different heroes and over a hundred adventures, Mordrid has been there with me.
How we both kept our sanity through all of that, I couldn't tell you. But, while he has little tolerance and is a very focused man, he is also capable of heroic deeds and has a big heart. You just haven't gotten to see his heart yet. He would die for me if I asked him to and not even question why. Of course I'd never do that, but you get my meaning. One day, I should write a story of our lives and adventures, good and bad."
When she talks, he listens intently and doesn't interrupt. He is genuinely interested and wants to learn more of this amazing woman.
(Valdor will be in the middle of the group on one side-edited by SteveH-sorry about that Jan)
Lian (88hps, AC 37) Friday October 6th, 2006 3:39:09 PM
The truth is, Lian would love to command a platoon of skeleton, but thinks someone of military tactics should do it instread. "Each of us can control, literally, a handful of skeletons. I'd like to have a hand in casting down several dozen."
To Falin. "Master archer, I suggest that they work on dodging melee blows long enough that they are able to pelt their assailant with arrows. Manuevering long enough to avoid a sword strike is important."
Dahlia Friday October 6th, 2006 5:15:26 PM
When the talons and Plats are called togther by Valdor, Dahlia too goes along in the wake in order to hear what is being said. When Valdor mentions her name she responds via earring. Valdor, as you know I am here. I'm just not "here" so to speak. Would you prefer that I be visible again? If so I will rejoin you in a few.
******
Ingrge, having made sure that the orcs have seen him appear to be old feeble and easily scared, he totters along with the others when the group is called together.
As he makes his way through the masses he "observes" each erson closely and carefully looks around at things and people as the group meets.
Corialote and Amarth Saturday October 7th, 2006 12:42:39 AM
Cori has been near the middle of the group lost in thoughts. Pouring through all of her past history she could not understand how she had not found love sooner. Was it destiny or something else. As Valdor moved back in her direction she could not help but feel the increase in her own pulse. She listens to him talk, not only hearing what he is saying but just listening to the sound of his voice. Once again she is grateful that her kind do not show blushing that well as she finds her thoughts wandering to other things.
It starts slowly at first as she starts to talk of her past. "I remember many things of my past...my elven heritage allows me to travel back to past events...though I do not relive my past as many do. I was born under a dark moon and supposed to be destined for great things. My stuttering was something that should have seen me killed shortly after my birth and it was discovered. My brother despised me as did my father..I interfered with their political aspirations. My sister just pitied me as did my mother....well actually she came to hate me." A few tears trickle down her cheeks as she thinks and remembers the life that she did not have. "A nice wizard from the Star Mage Guild took me in...my real family more than wiling to get rid of an embarrassment to them." As she goes on you get the idea that she has always buried herself in her garden or anything involving magic. Contact with outside groups, other people that were not wizards was few. "Friends were something that I felt I could not afford...love was even further away than that. So I dive into my skills...gather my power...at first it was to exact some revenge upon my own family." More tears flow freely as she recounts some of her earliest feelings and comes closer to terms with her past feelings.
She looks to Valdor and gives him a rare smile. "You know, at one time I wanted to destroy my family...not physically...well not at first anyways. I felt and still feel the urge to crush them politically, to strip them of all that they hold dear...to turn them into the street vermin that they thought me to be." Shaking her head she laughs lightly. "Till I came to join up with the Platinums and become a member of this group...that has been one of my sole purposes in life, but now I see that my talents are better used in helping the Wold." She shivers and a haunted look clouds her eyes as if she is seeing something rekindled. "But that thing in the pit...it brought these feelings back to the surface...it offered me what I still secretly want." Glancing in the direction that they are moving she once again shivers. "I have always been in control...ever since I was taken in by my former Master...but back there..." She leaves it there but the haunted look still remains in her eyes despite the smile upon her face.
K'Nara d20+11=20 Saturday October 7th, 2006 1:51:47 AM
K'Nara first addresses the orc who finds himself in command of the skeleton:
"There, now--you who were at the bottom of your order will now know what it's like to be in command. Use your power wisely and you'll likely find yourself higher in the pecking order."
However, Mordrid's comment does make K'Nara smirk.
Falin's dialogue with her has the human blade singer concerned. She considers the behavior and urges he's describing and tries to recall if there is something that smacks of arcane persuasion about it...
(OOC: K'Nara's made a voluntary Spellcraft check to see if there's some kind of spell or curse on Falin; check total is 20.)
Meanwhile, Gunther's suggestion about mixing the ranks has merit.
"Sounds good--pitch it to Borden." she agrees with his idea.
Brother Bertram Saturday October 7th, 2006 9:14:32 AM
Bertram eyes the skeleton for another moment, then bows slightly, shrugs and heads back to the others. It appears the army does indeed grow. He sends a prayer to both Domi and Gargul for guidance for the coming days.
Milo Saturday October 7th, 2006 11:11:22 AM
Milo listens attentively to Olana, and checks the hoof of each horse, cleaning each with deft fingers as though he were preparing a lock for entry. Even though, he is hesitant, since the horse is a living creature and not an inanimate object to be manipulated so easily. He asks each animal permission in turn, "Okay sir horse, Olana says this is for your own good, so take 'er easy." The halfling takes a lack of response as acquiescene, though shys away from more spirited steeds.
"Not sure what they're doing with the skeleton, though they still really creep me out. I can't help but remember the dark house we visited just after I joined up with the Talons." Milo shudders at the memory, though he speaks no more on the subject.
Valdor Saturday October 7th, 2006 12:58:59 PM
Hearing Lian, Valdor says,"Be careful what you ask for. Whoever controls them will not be able to do that and fight when the battle comes. Ve needs to keep them all for now...and keep them under lock and key. We don't want the wrong person getting control or in our battle, we may find ourselves facing another foe. I want none. I will be in a fevered pitch when the battle is raging and don't want my skeletons attacking the wrong people."
With his conversation with Cori, Valdor says,"Ah, my dear, revenge is a powerful soulmate. You are not so different from Mordrid in that regard. However, destroying them would bring you no real satisfaction. They are who they are because of their upbringing. The best thing is not to bring them down, but to amaze them and shame them with YOUR accomplishments. That is the best revenge you could have. When they see what you have done in life that far exceeds their results, you will have your revenge tenfold, without casting a spell at them.
When they learn that you have become a valued member of the Platinum Dragons, that will be like a hot dagger in their side. I would think they know of us. When they see you have become such a highlyskilled mage, they will be sick that they didn't keep you in the fold. And, I don't know if they've heard of me or not, but if they have, they will be jealous of what you have found that they can never have. And you know what most drow families don't have. I'm not referring to me or my skills with the blade, I'm referring to that four letter 'l' word."
There it was...he basically said it. For all his prowess in battle, his ability to handle politicians, even kings and the Emporer of Ailsidur, he just can't find the right way to say it. He can't hide his blushing like Cori can, but he just shrugs his broad shoulders.
Clearing his throat, he scans the horizon and all surrounding territory for movement. He figures that there will be more attacks, or at least spies. He then says quietly,"Dahlia, only if you want to become visible. Just keep in contact every so often. I am concerned when I can't see you. If something happened to you, we wouldn't ever find you."
Falin (2nd Post) Sunday October 8th, 2006 1:12:52 PM
Falin will pull Lian off to the side after their conversation with the elves. "I appologize for not thinking of your input early. I want you to know I appreciate any help you can give. I am working on incorporating help from others. Please, give me the proverbial kick in the pants when I forget." He gives the monk a warm smimle and a hug/pat on the back.
"I am trying to look for some type of inner peace and when you have time I would like you to tell me more of your faith. I know we began the conversation before, but we were sidetracked with our current endeavor." Falin pulls out his holy symbol. "Right now I follow Wardd. I always figured everyone could use a little luck, but I feel like my luck has changed recently."
Nick Monday October 9th, 2006 12:50:50 AM
Nick looks around at the combined group as Valdor laughs about their current situation, and he smiles in return. "Well," he replies, "I hope that old girl was right about that prophecy of hers, otherwise we're all going to look somewhat foolish. I get the feeling we'll find out, sooner or later."
Personally, Nick is just happy those Aisildurians haven't jumped him yet. And the way things are going, that situation seemed unlikely.
Before he mounts up, he thanks Olana and Milo for looking after his horse. He'll ride wherever he's needed, in the main group, toward the front, ready in case of misfortune.
Olana Monday October 9th, 2006 1:01:00 AM
Olana finds herself chuckling quietly to herself as she listens to Milo talking to the horses. She has no fear of him being stepped on or bitten. In her experience, horses, those used to riders that is, knew the score. They knew what was good for them, and this, like grooming and being fed and watered, was something they'd easily tolorate. Better than going lame.
She gives Nick a cursory nod after he says thanks then wanders over to K'nara. "Do you want us up front, or at the back?" she asks.
Aeralia Monday October 9th, 2006 2:58:48 AM
"I don't want to use them," Aeralia adds plainly to the conversation about the skeletal warriors. She doesn't want to start anything with her companions, so leaves it at that, despite her thoughts on the matter.
Aeralia will march silently when the groups head out, electing to stay on foot, rather then any sort or mount others might offer her. She takes her place at the back of the group, as far back as the others allow. She keeps to herself for the most part, and her clothing remain dark and shadowed, her visage gloomy and bleak. Her skin is much paler then normal, and dark bags hang under her eyes. A single black ribbon in her midnight hair replaces the normal frilly and bright hair decor.
Posting Reports for Monday October 9th, 2006 5:17:31 AM
Game # 1 Platinum Dragons for the Week of Oct 2,2006
ADM Ceil - Good in the Posting (If you look at it side ways>
Ve Mundr Monday October 9th, 2006 9:57:31 AM
Ve watches as the skeleton snaps in obediance tot he orc which dropped the tooth, "Answers that then and leaves another question. Duration. Are the skeletons here until destoyed, can they be dismissed or is there a duration like a summoning spell?" Adressing the orc by his actual name, Ve asks him to thank the warrior for his service and that it may go now in peace. Ve certainly agrees with Valdor in that he has no intention on giving any of the teeth to anyone. "I shall hold onto then for now Valdor, No problem." With that Ve takes them from the sack and places them into his HHHaversack.
Ve will assist in breaking camp and will assume a position in the center of the column on his carpet at a height of 50'
Lian Monday October 9th, 2006 9:58:38 AM
"Understood." He murmurs to Valdor.
When Falin grabs Lian, the monk listens and then responds. "No problem, this battle is heavy on all our minds and it is hard to stay focused. You are the best person to support the archers though.
As for following Warrd, luck is important and several of us follow multiple Gods. Bertram follows Domi and Gargul. I'm thinking about studying Alemi soon in addition to Domi. I think Milo use to follow Pantheon or was that Alemi. So, as you well know, the group has a wide spread of discipline. Your spiritual center is your own and whatever allows you to find inner peace is for you to discover. But, if you want a guide for the teachings of Domi, I am not the one to ask. I learned from Brother Bertram. He was a great guide for Domi. Now, if it is discipline and balance, thats another issue. I can help you with that. I learned that in the monastery; Domi wasn't even part of my teachings initially."
Mordrid Monday October 9th, 2006 11:40:20 AM
As Mordrid goes up and down the line, he can not help but notice Aeralia's condition. Coming back up on Nick, the ranger asks, "I think you should go check on Aeralia. I don't think she's doing too good."
Pushing the horse off to the east, he watches his riders from afar.
DM Jan Monday October 9th, 2006 2:22:14 PM
With the ground drying rapidly in the morning sun, the group sets off.
The skeleton refuses to disappear. It's only reaction - another slam on the sheild with the flat of its blade, an obstinate gesture perhaps, like it's eager to get on and do something. The orc who raised it is none too pleased when the thing follows him consistantly, and discovers that the skeleton can run at quite a clip.
The orc leader,Borden sends four riders out ahead, and sends another two to either flank to join the elves. The going is 'brisk', and those on foot have quite a task to keep up with the general enthusiasm of some of the riders to get ahead.
At one point the group's path follows the ridge of a hill that looks like the boney spine of a huge beast, where wind has torn away the soil, revealing the pale limestone beneath. One of the orcs warns the elves and Mordrid on the eastern flank, explaining in gutteral common to be wary of holes in the ground. Being made of limestone, the hill is honeycombed below the surface with tunnels, where a hole could drop a man 70ft into the dark. It's a start perhaps, of the group working together.
K'Nara's discreet examination of Falin reveals nothing of any absolute consequence. There's nothing to see, as such. Nothing visible. Yes, he seems on edge, but this was Falin, who'd been wandering Fae Skemeir a time too many. Heck, if she was to take an honest look at the Platinums, it might seem that some of them had a screw loose, too. None of either of these groups were of the ordinary, run-of-the-mill. Not any more. 'Adventurer syndrome', perhaps? Still, the fact that the elf had expressed concern... maybe it causes her to think on some of their last encounters and locations. Maybe a clue was there. And yeah, those Ga'al clerics were enough to freak anyone out, their chests looking like so much raw meat.
Those scouting ahead with the orcs will note the creatures' ease at traversing this land. They're used to it, and their tall, swift, warhorses are as surefooted as goats.
On the flanks, there are a couple of brief encounters with curious and hungry animals, but nothing more. These encounters provide four spotty animal pelts, meat, two 4ft long horns, and from the belly of a particularly belligerant lizard - a partially digested human corpse clutching a giant ruby. The orcs want the horns and some of the meat. Their fast and efficient butchery is quite a feat to behold, if maybe a little hard on the stomach.
Then, around mid-afternoon, the horizon seems to drop away directly ahead. There are sounds of birds, and the scouts find the following -
- many wheel ruts in the ground, but where the ground underneath had been shored up with gravel here and there. - two small, distinct areas where there are footprints trampling a small area of ground, and there are scraps of food - apple cores, small bones, nut shells, lying around. But whoever was there, is now gone. - the smell of the sea coming in from the south on a strong breeze. - a few stubby trees and shrubs, but a sharp nothing beyond, as though there is a cliff edge ahead.
Up in the air, Ve Mundr can see the glitter of sun on sea, on the horizon.
Mordrid Monday October 9th, 2006 5:15:57 PM
Upon notice of the trade winds, Mordrid breaks into a gallop ahead of the group. As he comes upon the next rise, he braces against what might be a gut wrenching sight.
His instincts warn him, and his fears are vividly painted in his imagination; a bay... packed tight and far with war ships, matching emblazoned sails bellowing in the wind, on each a great iron fist...
or maybe nothing at all; just a gentle slope wondering down to a peaceful seaside village.
Only the next vantage point would tell.
Brother Bertram Monday October 9th, 2006 6:22:24 PM
Bertram follows along with the others, still keeping an eye on the skeleton warrior, but feeling much more relaxed over it. He looked about also as they marched, trying to get a good estimate in his mind of how many troops there were...as well as how many could actually be trusted.
Ingrge / Dahlia Monday October 9th, 2006 6:55:12 PM
Ingrge catches Moon Shadow up, readies her for travel and gets mounted up along with the others as they take off. During the ride Ingrge stays near the front keeping an eye on a small dark figure up ahead and to the right of everyone else. Smiling to himself he wonders about the little halfling and quickly makes up his mind that she and his wife should never ever meet.
*******
Dahlia acknowledges Valdor's comment and remains invisible. Making sure that Father Nicholas will lead her pony along. She checks in with him for a moment to see if he was doing alright and assuring him that shee too was fine. As the party moves out She contacts Mordrid and lets him know that she is taking the right side for scouting so that they didnt run amok of each other.
K'Nara d20=3 d20=6 Monday October 9th, 2006 6:56:21 PM
K'Nara marches with the archers, continuing to circulate amongst them in an effort to show that even humans can be true allies with elves.
She continues to reflect on Falin's concerns, but nothing is yielded from her concentration. (OOC: her voluntary Intelligence check is 3; spent one Hero Point to reroll, but that one is only 6. Oy!)
While returning from socializing with the archers, K'Nara notices that Aeralia is still experiencing a bit of doubt. The tall blade singer ambles over to the sorceress.
"Listen," she addresses the raven-maned young woman, "It's quite natural to question your circumstances--not only have you been accepted into the Talons as one of our friends, but you're also on a mission with THE premiere adventure grou in the Wold--the Platinum Dragons.
"I know that all this is intimidating...but, ultimately, you should just have faith in yourself. I had been observing you and gotten the observations of others whose opinions I trust. Everything so far tells me that you are a very good fit for the Emerald Talons. Be yourself and have faith in that, Aeralia, and I'm sure everything will turn out all right."
Corialote and Amarth Monday October 9th, 2006 9:12:26 PM
Cori nods to Valdor as she listens to what he has to say. "I had thought for so long that I had put those feelings behind me...but that thing in the pit is the one that brought them back to the surface." Her face pinches for a few minutes as she cannot help but feel a little out of control...on two fronts.
Her head jerks about as Valdor more or less says he loves her and she finds it endearing. "Valdor...." She looks around to see who is close at hand and then decides to chance it anyways. "I love you too." She makes a mad dash on horseback towards the front of the group, not believing what she has just said. Still she can feel in her heart that it is true and with a little more certainty in her voice. "It is true."
Amarth lands on her shoulder about this time and nuzzles her cheek. "I told you Mistress...the signs were there." Her familiar seems as happy as she is about the news and that they have said what they must to each other. "It will get better and easier Mistress...he is a good man." With that the raven takes to the air and leaves her deep in thought.
She does turn in her saddle to look at Valdor and watch him for a few minutes, that same smile upon her face.
Valdor Monday October 9th, 2006 11:32:52 PM
Valdor smiles when Cori, the quiet, introverted drow, finally says what's on her mind and he nods his agreement. He watches her go with a yearning, but gives her this space. He understands what she has just done and knows she needs to have some time. He sees her turn around and he's still smiling. After allowing himself a few minutes to enjoy the situation, he heads off to find Lian. He gets him off to the side and says to the monk,"I wasn't giving you any order, my friend. I think your talents will be needed in the pitched battle we surely face. Such distractions, I do not want for myself. I once commanded troops in battle and it was hard for me to do my thing when I had to be concerned about what my troops were doing. Now, you obviously wouldn't need to fear for their safety as I did, but you wouldn't want to have to monitor who they were fighting, what flank they were covering, and all that mess when in a fight. You will want to protect your friends and help cover their backs, if the vision showed us correctly. You have a much more difficult task, I fear, than ordering some skeletons in combat. As do I. You know K'Nara, she'll be right down there in the middle of it and will have enemies all around her. I'll stay near enough to get to her if she has trouble, but I need you and your speed and defenses to be ready to come to her aid, if necessary. Don't let her know. She wouldn't like it. But you must help keep her alive.
I am going to retire soon, and hopefully, if all goes well, you Talons will take your place as Dragons and replace us as the premier group in the Wold. She is the leader and must be watched and protected, no matter what she says. A monk has skills no ordinary warrior like myself has: Speed and defensibility. If something goes wrong, I think you're her best bet to get her to safety. No offense to Gunther, of course. And, this may never come to pass, but be ready if it does."
Gunther Tuesday October 10th, 2006 12:01:26 AM
The warrior hangs with the orcs as long as he can and then he tries to hitch a ride with K'nara. He looks over at her as they ride along then he stares out at the countryside as they travel. He watches the groups travel together in relative harmony. If orcs and elves can get along, what next. Gunther casts a quick glance at Valdor and Cori. Hmmm...half-elf and drow. Yes..that was good. Gunther loses himself in thought along the way...which is a very rare thing indeed!
Falin Tuesday October 10th, 2006 3:45:39 AM
Falin continues walking throughout the day watching for holes as they continue. He finds it fascinating that this entire area is made of limestone. Given more time it would be beneficial and exciting to explore under this area more extensively. No doubt there is a maze of interconnecting tunnels through out here. The possibility of grand caverns and such deep underground causes the hairs on his arms to rise slightly.
"Lian," Falin begins. "Do you miss the days of simple dungeon exploration? I find myself thinking of that sometimes. I would like to come back here some time in the future and explore some of these holes in the limestone and see if there is anything underneath. Maybe when I retire." He says that last statement with a bit of a smile on his face.
Until he can figure out what is going on with himself Falin is going to avoid the 'missionaries' as much as possible.
Lian Tuesday October 10th, 2006 6:33:07 AM
To Valdor, "I'm glad you have faith in me. Knara is capable. She shouldn't require my help. I'm worried about the fragile members of the group. Olana has been through alot in Horrowed Moon recently. Falin was in Fae Skemir for a long time. And there is something brooding in Bertram, he's never this quiet. And Gunther is worried about Knara all the time. So I have all the faith in Knara that you have in me. She is strong."
To Falin, "I have wanderlust, thats why the masters in the monastery let me go, I was driving them nuts. All my questions about life, death and reality. Etcetera. I think they got tired of me. I still haven't satisfied my curiousity."
The monk begins to wonder to himself. Could I really be this important to the fight? Why do people always depend on me? Am I leader material after all? Doubts and concern flood the elf.
Aeralia Tuesday October 10th, 2006 11:46:50 AM
Aeralia listens to K'nara quietly, nodding slowly as the Talon's leader makes her points.
"I...I know, its just..." Aeralia starts, then stops with a sigh. "I'll try, miss K'nara. I will try."
The sorceress doesn't seem to take K'nara's pep talk to heart however, the young woman's demeanor and appearance not showing any noticable change.
Ve Mundr Tuesday October 10th, 2006 1:05:38 PM
Ve sails through the open air above the din and dirt of those riding and walking and gives a small prayer of thanks to Domi for the solitude the carpet grants him at times like these. It was much easier to think and reflect without the smell and noise of travelling with such a large group. What to do with the skeletons? that was the big question. It seemed Domi was helping supply them with a grand force, which only meant that it would be needed and the blast of salt upon the air signalled that the time was drawing close indeed.
Soon they should convene a war council and Ve tells Valdor of exactly that in the earpiece. "I can see the open sea, though not the coast. Mordrid is riding ahead for a look. We need to stop and hold council." For Ve's part, he would desire to be in the thick of battle, a bastion of good and banner point for the others to rally about.
DM Jan Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:53:14 PM
Over the cliff -
The biting wind, blowing in from the coast, hits the scouts first.
The track goes down to the right, then angles back, and forth again, onto a flat piece of grassy terrain. Below is a scene of abandoned chaos. Any trees in the vicinity have been chopped rapidly to ragged stumps. In places, the ground has been pounded to mud from both foot and cart traffic, but there is no sign of this traffic now. Gates flap back and forth against hastily erected corral fences, and the wind tears at the canvas of abandoned tents causing it to snap noisily. There are piles of supplies and junk lying around everywhere, clothes flapping on a drying line, steam rising from put-out fires next to overturned cookpots.
And beyond - the coastline, where there is a single jetty stretching out into the water. A big boat is tethered there.
And beyond that - there are three more of these big boats visible in the far distance, heading out to sea, toward what looks like a rather odd, glittering rainbow.
The men from the caravan can be seen down below, herding themselves and their cargo of horses through the mess. It looks like they're heading for the boat.
Nick Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:55:36 PM
Nick rides up alongside Aeralia. "Do you want to ride for a while? he asks. "I don't mind walking."
If the girl takes him up on his offer, then he'll place his helm and gauntlets on Dahlia's pony, to lighten his load a little. "I can smell the sea, so it shouldn't be far now."
Olana Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:57:34 PM
Olana sniffs the air. "Ever been to the sea before?" she asks Milo as they ride along. "it would be nice to take a look without having to go straight into battle, but I suppose we'd better have our weapons ready, just in case."
She looks ahead, to see if there is any news from the scouts.
Falin Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:02:40 PM
Looking at the reckless destruction below Falin's spirits sink. How could anyone just destroy an entire area like that and then move on?
OOC: How far are we from the ship and the people running to the ships? With us being at a higher elevation would we be able to get an arrow there?
Milo Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:07:03 PM
"No... I never have." The halfling's eyes go wide as he takes in the scene, though he unconsciously draws his short sword and rests it along his shoulder.
Mordrid Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:09:53 PM
Mordrid stops his horse on the zenith, looking down below he takes in the scene. Not the scene he had imagined, but equally disturbing. It never fails to amaze him the distruction of the human war machine, in all its capacities.
The tradewinds whip his hair about as he turns back to see his motley troupe coming up behind, up the rise in a dark and whinding mass.
He removes his gloves, leaning over to pat his mount's thick neck; comforting himself more than the mare, from the vision before him.
Following the ships' wake out to sea and beyond the magical rainbow; "Well I'll be... never before have I seen such a thing in these parts."
Is this aura a sign of the fleet's destiny, or the childlike naivity of the magical land beyond they plan to destroy?
Regardless it was clear his troupe was too late to stop it.
Gunther Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:46:10 PM
Riding along with K'nara is almost intoxicating. The smell of her auburn hair warmed by the sun. It was a perfect day...until they make it over the rise. Seeing the destruction and the sailing fleet, Gunther sighs. Battle will come soon...sooner than he thought. And with it, the chance of harm to K'nara. Gunther reaches out briefly and touches K'nara's hair. "You need to talk vith Valdor. Go to him." he says softly.
Corialote and Amarth d20+39=50 Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:51:13 PM
Cori comes up to the rise and stops her horse near Mordrid. She gives out a gasp as she looks upon the destruction that splays out before her. "No...such destruction." She looks over to Mordrid with tears appearing in her eyes. She had taken a great liking to all things green and to see this breaks her heart. "Can it be repaired?" Her voice is extremely quiet as if she can hardly bare to speak.
As her eyes settle further out to the ships she shakes her head. She knows that she has a duty to perform up to standards and fights to put current thoughts from her mind. She instead studies the rainbow effect that is before the ships.
Amarth is speechless for once as he sees the trees reduced to stumps. A lively stand of trees that had been striped bare for the use of an invading force. No thoughts of the rape they have just performed upon the Wold herself.
[spellcraft 50]
Mordrid Tuesday October 10th, 2006 11:42:21 PM
The ranger reaches out and puts his bare left hand around Cori's and squeezes tight, "This land will see many more sunrises past ours, and it will heal."
Turning his horse around, "War council!"
He gallops toward Valdor and shouts over the air, "the last ship must be taken before it sails! LINE UP IN FORMATION!!!"
"We will need this ship. Do not damage it!"
Brother Bertram Wednesday October 11th, 2006 12:24:52 AM
Bertram eyes the sight, his mouth formed in a grimace. The rainbow looked disturbing, unnatural. But then he looked around at the odd group he was traveling with. Not much seemed normal right now. His mouth twisted in a grin. He couldnt help but wonder what his folks would think of him becoming a sailor.
Valdor Wednesday October 11th, 2006 12:28:03 AM
At the others' reactions, Valdor gallops up to the front. He is shocked for but a second then says,"Amazing how easy it is to destroy what takes years to build. We know some druids who would come to this place to see what can be done to speed the healing of this land. It will take time, but it will be fine. But, they're going to pay for this."
Looking out across the water, Valdor asks,"Can anyone tell what that rainbow is made from. As Guido would say,'That's not natural.' I wonder if it transports the ships and its passengers and cargo to another destination. Anyone ever seen that before?"
He has that look on his face as he stares toward the rainbow. That one that Mordrid and some of the others have seen before...he's hacked off and somebody's going to die.
K'Nara d20+9=28 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 2:31:24 AM
It was a lovely day to be marching along--until K'Nara saw the devestation left by the camping troups.
"No forethought--no discipline!" she snorted. "They just used the land for themselves and didn't give a fig how they left it." The leader of the Emerald Talons eyed the mysterious rainbow out at sea.
"Ingrge...Aeralia..." she asked the two known mages of the group, "...does the rainbow out there...ring any bells with either of you..? Or either of you, Brother Bertram...Lian...?" K'Nara dredged her own memory for any scrap of arcane legends or knowledge that might give the group a clue as to what that rainbow might mean.
(OOC: K'Nara made a Knowlege (arcana) roll of 28 total.)
Meanwhile, as Mordrid calls for the last ship to be taken, the tall blade singer frowned.
"Perhaps the fame of the Platinum Dragons can 'persuade' the ship's captain to allow us to use the ship..?" she suggested.
Valdor Wednesday October 11th, 2006 11:08:16 AM
Valdor shakes his head and replies to K'Nara,"I am guessing that the 'caravan man', as they called him, sped off to get them off the beach before we got here. I doubt we will find a welcoming party aboard that boat. I think they are running because they knew we were coming. We can ask for transport, but, more likely, we will be fighting our way aboard.
Everyone who saw the vision, think back and see if any of this landscape is familiar for the battle. I think it is not, but I have not the memory for such things."
Lian Wednesday October 11th, 2006 11:15:26 AM
In shock, Lian just shrugs at Knara's question.
Ve Mundr d20+14=26 d20+13=25 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 12:02:36 PM
Ve is not nearly so shocked at the sight, he had been amongst war before and really it did not compare to unfavorably to him than what happens when sentient races first erect cities. The land has always and will always be used for such fashions. It will recover in time and there is no true loss in his mind. The faces of the others and thier outrage councils him to keep this matter most surely in his mind. But he did feel that the group might be calling for a bit more vengence for building some ships and littering than might be warranted, so on that point he speaks.
"Let us not become hasty for blood. They abandonded the camp in haste because of our precense and I would submit more the presence of Borden and the Ailsudians whom they would have probable cause to flee from. They are 'taking' your people as you said." He keeps his tone neutral and factual in meaning.
"The rainbow, perhaps a causeway to The Wold's Cradle. Perhaps this city in need of rescuing was removed from the physical Wold to that place during Ebyron's awakening."
"To the ship, I can teleport myself and 7 with relative accuracy, being able to see it. As to taking it, we would also require the crew would we not?"
Ve also speaks to Valdors question and the vision, "It would be hard to say. The vision we were told about that the elves had involved a fierce battle on the coast with a ship at anchor. It was said to be a calm water though, so an ocean shore seems less likely to me."
[Know Arcane 26 Know Planes 25]
Mordrid Wednesday October 11th, 2006 2:46:21 PM
"Let's not be too practical."
"We're not sailors," tongue in check, "but then again I doubt anyone would survive the swim either."
K'Nara (2nd post) Wednesday October 11th, 2006 7:12:40 PM
The redhead sighed.
"Hope springs eternal..." she said as her suggestion was logically dismissed, then nodded to the ship. "In that case, Valdor, may I suggest that my Talons go in, find the commanding officers and secure the ship rather than try to have everyone storm on in..?"
Dahlia d20+29=40 d20+23=38 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:31:00 PM
Out front Dahlia is saddened by the destruction but not surprised. Calling back to Valdor via ear piece she simply asks. "You want me on the boat quickly, to take out the captain? If so let me know and I am there." Or I could simply slow things down for a bit until you get there."
*****
Hearing K'nara, Ingrge takes a close stare at the rainbow searching his mind for anything.
Spell craft 40, knowledge arcana 38
As the group meets, Ingrge nods as Valdor mentions teleporting. I can take myself and 4 others via a teleport spell as well. That would give us eleven. If that isn't enough to buy enough time for the others to get there then we are truly in bad shape.
Cori (2nd post) Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:37:38 PM
Cori rides back to be part of the war council and nods her head. "I can also teleport some of us onto the ship...at least that way we can cover a lot of ground fast. They will not be able to take off too fast before we can get down to them." She thinks over the spells she has and smiles. "I also maybe able to slow them down a little from here." She is not above using her spells to get others onto the ship or slowing it down if the need to. "If you did not need it I could just torch it from here."
Spells 0th: mage hand(2), message(2) 1st: burning hands(2), comprehend languages, tenser's floating disk(2), disguise(2) 2nd: extend shield(2), see invisibility, mirror image(2), shatter(2) 3rd: extend fox's cunning(2), lightning bolt(2), hold person(2), haste 4th: stoneskin(2), wall of fire(2), dimension door, extend phantom steed 5th: wall of force, extend greater invisibility(2), empower lightning bolt 6th: extend persistent image, true seeing, shadow walk(2), greater dispel magic(2) 7th: extend mass bull's strength, empower cone of cold, greater teleport, control weather, summon monster VII(2) 8th: incendiary cloud, empower chain lightning, summon monster VIII, polar ray 9th: summon monster IX(2), shapechange, time stop used
Nick Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:39:02 PM
"What about those guys from the caravan down there?" asks Nick, having come up to look at the scene below. "If we could catch them up, could we pretend to be with them?"
DM Jan Wednesday October 11th, 2006 9:03:21 PM
As Cori, K'Nara, Ingrge and Ve examine the rainbow in the far distance, they all see a defined, inner edge to the bow of refracted light. What should lay within, are the same colours and textures of cloudy sky and sea as the rest of the horizon. But no - the water within is moving differently, it's smoother and has a darker colour, and there are no clouds. It's an enormous portal!
Cori and Ingrge notice something else. Their keen knowledge allows them to see something of the making of it - a tight, powerful weave of energy, and yet, the weave is starting to come undone. Slowly but surely the wide bands of power are beginning to slip loose. There's not much time.
As for the immediate geography. The boat on the jetty is too far away for arrows. It's a good half a mile away and down beyond the water's edge. It's going to take a mad dash (or some other means) to get to it at about the same time as the caravanners.
Borden has been stood listening to what's being said, while his second in command Birk is telling their men in no uncertain terms, that if they have to travel via boat and put out to sea, then by all the Gods they will, and he won't hear any more about it. It is perhaps a daunting thing - this endless, undulating water that stretches out before everyone, with nothing on the horizon but a few unsteady boats, and that magic, multicoloured arc.
The elves are securing their weapons and are preparing to make a dash for it, if given the word.
"Well," snorts the big orc, "standing here isn't going to do anything." He climbs back into the saddle and orders his men down the cliff path, in order to catch up with the men down below. Their horses flatten their ears and break into a half gallop, leaving tufts of earth and a scattering of shale in their wake.
Milo Wednesday October 11th, 2006 10:40:08 PM
Looking down toward the portal Milo remarks to nobody in particular, "Um... if we plan to follow we should be gettin' down there quick." Then directly to Olana, "Can you make our horse go faster?" Milo is all smiles.
Valdor Thursday October 12th, 2006 12:09:40 AM
Valdor nods at K'Nara and says,"Well, can't be leaving my favorite horse behind for who knows how long. So, I'll teleport with the Talons. Ve, Cori, and Ingrge teleport as many as possible and some of the elves can handle the horses while we secure the ship. Get together with your groups and go. Talons, put this ring on and pass it quickly to the next, the last gives it back. Falin, quickly instruct your elves, please."
He then whispers quietly into his earring for all the Plats to hear while everyone is moving,"Dahlia, get aboard that ship and make sure it doesn't sail until we're on it. You go with Ve's group. I also need to know if we can get our horses aboard."
Just before they pass the ring back to him, he smiles and asks K'Nara,"On the beach in front of them, or on the boat milady?"
K'Nara (again!) Thursday October 12th, 2006 12:55:02 AM
"Onto the boat." K'Nara answers Valdor readily, drawing her sword. "We have to secure it as quickly as possible." She then raises her voice and bellows: "Everyone not teleporting--run for that ship NOW!"
Falin Thursday October 12th, 2006 2:21:28 AM
Falin looks to Valdor and then to the elves. Falin will teleport with the rest of the Talons to the ship and instructs the two closest groups of elves to grab the horses and ensure they get to the boat. He instructs the remaining two groups to begin quickly making their way towards the boat. We will meet them there. When the elves get to the ship if we are engaged in combat they are to assist in whatever means they can. Otherwise they are to board the ship and assist in whatever way they can to get the ship to that portal.
Falin readies his bow and knocks and arrow in preparation for the jump.
Brother Bertram Thursday October 12th, 2006 4:21:21 AM
Bertram looks down on the ship and is wondering if they have time when he hears Valdor mention a 'Teleport'. By Domi they might make it after all!
Lian Thursday October 12th, 2006 8:24:21 AM
Being the fastest Talon, and nearly as fast as the horses, Lian hands Poki to anyone nearby. The monk looks at K'Nara and asks, "Should I teleport with the rest or get to the ship?" The monk is obviously planning on running to the ship.
Mordrid Thursday October 12th, 2006 9:49:47 AM
The ranger signals to Falin, and shouts, "I will lead all those going by land. Follow me my Culverwood friends. There's no time to waste."
The ranger points at Gunther's cat, and it begins to multiply in size. (Animal Growth - 4th lvl druid). "Gunther, come with us, and bring your cat too!"
"Heyah!" The ranger digs his heals into Ebony's flanks, causing the mare to bolt down the slope, kicking up stone and mud.
(Animal Growth - shift 1 size, Height x 2, Weight x 8, STR +8, CON +4, DEX -2, NAT armor +2, DR/10 magic, SAVE +4, move up one damage bracket)
K'Nara Thursday October 12th, 2006 10:37:08 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons nodded at Lian.
"Yes, I'd rather you teleport with the rest of the group." she told him.
Lian Thursday October 12th, 2006 1:20:13 PM
"Shucks, just when I thought I was going to go and be all heroic like, you squash it." Shrugs the elf, then smirks. "Aw well."
Olana Thursday October 12th, 2006 4:19:24 PM
Olana scowls at Lian.
"You're as bad as him," she gestures toward Milo. "He wanted to go tearing down the hill, too." She follows it up with a wink.
Corialote and Amarth Thursday October 12th, 2006 4:46:19 PM
Cori slips out of her horse as she yells out in a commanding voice. "That is a portal for transporting and it is not going to last long." As she moves towards an open area she once again calls out two things. "If you plan to take the horses with you please give them to someone that can take them the long way to the ship. I want seven people over here by me in the next couple of minutes, you will need to form a circle holding hands." She starts the incantation that will open a door that will lead them to the ship. She scans the ship trying to find a place big enough that they all can appear without problems. She will hold the end of her spell till all seven people are holding hands with each other and her.
Amarth is not happy but he stays perched upon his Mistress's shoulder. He does not really like to travel this way but will do it when needed.
[dimension door - 7 people + caster - can travel 1240 feet]
Ve Mundr Thursday October 12th, 2006 5:06:07 PM
The orcs take off on horse back, The talons seem to have thier own transport and Valdor is going with them as well. Didn't leave many Ve wished to take as the front strike force to an entire ship of potential hostiles. Valdor mentioned him taking Father Nicholas and Dahlia, but beyond that who. Mordrid is riding Cori is going of her own accord and well for him then, why not just go with her.
Ve steps near to the drow and brings Nick in his wake, "There is no sense in both of us casting and taking only 2 others. You should do it and take Father Nicholas, myself and Dahlia. Put us on the boat and everyone stay close to me
Lian Thursday October 12th, 2006 5:18:01 PM
Lian looks and Milo and smiles.
Dahlia: AC 32: HP 226/226: Invisible Thursday October 12th, 2006 6:52:33 PM
Having been fairly far ahead of the rest of the group, Dahlia waits only long enough to get Valdor's order before she activates her cape and finds herself standing behind the wheel. Quickly moving to the other side of it she takes a quick look around.
**** Is this correct?
(Teleporting with Valdor) Valdor, K'nara, Lian, Falin, Olana, Milo, Bertram
(Teleporting with Cori) Cori, Nick, Ve, Ingrge & Arelia
(On horse back or on foot)Mordrid, Gunther, the Orcs, The Ailsidurians, and lots of elves
Dahlia already on board ship.
****
Ingrge looks around and sees that most of the people have eoither taken off with Valdor or with Mordrid on horseback and steps up with the others noding with Ve at his suggestion. No Need to waste spell unless necessary. If necessary this will allow some of us to move to another ship or somewhere quickly if needed.
Aeralia Friday October 13th, 2006 12:17:16 AM
(OOC: Sorry, Manager called in sick so i've had 3 14 hour shifts the last few days)
(Previously) Aeralia declines Nick's offer of the horse to ride, but thanks him kindly for his generosity. She continues to shy to herself on the last leg of the trip, staying out of the others way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aeralia blinks in confusion as the plan swiftly shifts into seizing the sea vessel, and talk of teleportation from various mages is suggested, as others begin to race down the hill towards shore.
She glances out of the sea, taking a few hastened steps down the hill, then stopps and looks towards K'Nara, not sure what her leader had planned for her to do.
Nick Friday October 13th, 2006 12:56:36 AM
Nick agrees with Ve's suggestion. "Providing you have no objection," he says to Cori as they get ready to transfer down to the boat.
He'll get ready, steeling himself for the jaunt. Teleportation alwasys made him nauseous.
Milo Friday October 13th, 2006 1:39:01 AM
Milo playfully slaps at Olana's leg, "Where you go I follow, my fair lady."
DM Jan Friday October 13th, 2006 2:14:15 AM
((OOC Note #1 - TALONS ONLY - we'll be switching DMs in the next four weeks, so can we send our new DM - Jim Frick - an up to date character sheet? Thanks! jpfrick1@hotmail.com ))
((OOC Note #2 - racing this weekend. I'm out tomorrow morning until very late Sunday night.))
(Thanks for this, Kent.) (Teleporting with Valdor) Valdor, K'nara, Lian, Falin, Olana, Milo, Bertram, Aeralia. (Teleporting with Cori) Cori, Nick, Ve, Ingrge (On horse back or on foot)Mordrid, Gunther, the Orcs, and lots of elves Dahlia already on board ship.
Dahlia has just enough time to note the following before the others arrive:
The ship is big, with a wide deck, and there are 4 hatches to what might be a hold below. All the hatches are closed, and are spaced evenly along the centre of the deck. The deck itself is long and wide enough to easily accomodate 100 men and their gear, maybe 100ft long from bow to stern. There are two masts. The sails are furled. At the rear, is a railed quarter deck containing the ship's wheel.
The vessel seems solidly made, but it looks as though any finishing touches to the wood have been foregone. In fact the deck itself is a little roughly hewn, as though built in a hurry, and with the minumum of fuss.
The air snaps, and all of a sudden the deck is alive with adventurers. The breeze is sharper, here, and the deck of the ship undulates gently beneath everyone's feet. It seems quiet, deserted.
On the land side, the men from the caravan are approaching with their cargo of horses. Further back, there is a blur of movement coming down the cliff path.
On the sea side - the rainbow-edge portal glitters in the late afternoon sun, maybe a couple of nautical miles away. One of the ships already out to sea looks to be traveling through, and for an instant the portal seems to distort, before recovering it's shape.
-----
It's been a hair-raising scramble down the cliff path for Mordrid, Gunther and the enlarged black panther. Directly behind them, various elves are struggling to keep the others horses from tumbling and breaking a limb, while their bretheren run alongside and try to help.
On ground packed down hard or trod to mush, the remains of the camp are between here and the jetty. There are tents, clothes, sacks of potatoes, barrels of water and ale, overturned carts. A couple of dogs, their owners gone, come running over wagging their tails and join in with the chase. And all around there are birds, coastal scavengers, diving down to take what they can from the wreckage.
Borden is pushing his team hard, already covering the ground between themselves and the caravanners.
Falin d20+10=17 Friday October 13th, 2006 4:19:53 AM
Seeing they have a few moments before anything could possibly break out and knowing that he is not good in close combat Falin begins climbing the rigging to one of the crossbeams. If there is a crows nest he will climb to that
Once there Falin will again ready his bow and wait.
17 climb check
Dahlia: AC 32: HP 226/226: Invisible disablce device d20+40=50, use rope d20+18=35 Friday October 13th, 2006 6:50:51 AM
Moving quickly, Dahlia tries to secure and latch all but the center hold hatches so people can only come out of the onr in the center. disablce device d20+40=50, use rope d20+18=35
Lian AC 37, hps 114/114 Friday October 13th, 2006 10:21:48 AM
He casts Bear's Endurance. You never know.
Active Spell: Endure Elements, 24 hours Bear's Endurance, 4mins.
Valdor Friday October 13th, 2006 10:39:48 AM
Valdor concentrates on the deck and lands the Talons there. He nods to K'Nara for the orders and looks around for someone to fight. He moves to where the oncoming passengers will gain entrance to the boat and draws his two swords. He simply stands there, defying any who would try to board with his presence.
Ve Mundr d20+16=19 d20+16=34 d20+14=18 d20+13=14 Friday October 13th, 2006 11:07:40 AM
A quick look and to Ve is seems they are the first aboard. "Does anyone know how to sail? If not I say we continue to another vessel. That portal out there is not staying open forver and may not even stay long enough for us to get underway. Hearing the hatches being manipulated and then noticing them securing themselves he calls out, "Dahlia open one and see if anyone or anything else is even on board!"
Ve knows nothing of sailing, but has another idea. "Cori, you normally prepare summoning spells." he states this as opposed to asking, but soon gets to his point. "A pair of greater Water elementals, one to push our vessel and another to move ahead and slow the ship not yet through the portal, but not sink it." He ends with his eyebrows raising slightly and glancing out to the more disact ships.
OOC: Scott Friday October 13th, 2006 1:21:40 PM
OOC: I don't understand how the ship we are boarding is in relationship to the beach.
Is it anchored 100 ft off the beach? Is it beached in shallow water? How was the caravan planning to get aboard the ship? Are there dingies about the beach? Is the boat close enough that the shallow water can be waded thru? Does the boat have a boarding ramp, or nets?
Jan, please erase this once you have read it.
Another question: how many total people do we have charging forward on horses?
Mordrid d20=9 d20=19 Friday October 13th, 2006 1:35:39 PM
Mordrid continues to barrel down on the beach. When he reaches the caravan he attemps to simply drive thru and directly past them, straight toward the ship.
EARPIECE: "Tell Aerelia to cast an illusion! I have to convince these horses that the sea is solid ground!
"Ride Ebon! Onward!"
The ranger stands up in his stir-ups and begins to cast... (Waterwalk - targeted at 21 horses [including his own] - and Gunther's cat). He will continue on at double speed as far as this turn allows, even onto the surface of the sea. If Aerelia can not cast in time, or simply doesn't have the spell, or Nick can't get to her in time...
(Ride Horse check 24 / animal handling 35) to keep the horse going forward.
Brother Bertram Friday October 13th, 2006 1:49:39 PM
As they board, Bertram immediately barks orders to a couple of soldiers standing by idly and they all begin checking the ship for provisions. He is especially making sure they have enough water for this many people. If not he will see about grabbing a few casks from the piles left behind by the other ships.
K'Nara Friday October 13th, 2006 6:06:49 PM
"Aeralia, you're with us," K'Nara says to the young sorceress, "I want to protect you personally if the need arises."
Once they've teleported, K'Nara sharply looks around her at the deserted deck of the ship.
"Search the decks! Be wary of boobytraps and the like!" she orders in a loud voice, then adds as an aside to Aeralia: "Stick close to me--I don't want anything to happen to you."
Dahlia: AC 32: HP 226/226: Invisible Friday October 13th, 2006 6:17:57 PM
Dahlia hears Ve and once only one hatch is left un latched She nods and responds. "I can take care of both of those things for you Ve, just take a moment."
That said she throws two small clear gems to the deck crushing them. Immediately two large air elementals appear. She immediately sends them on their way to slow the other ships down and to try and keep them from getting through the archway.
Elementals on their way, Dahlia quickly flips the lid of the cneter hatch and steps back to avoid any outgoing missile fire.
*****
Ingrge movbestoward the now open hatch staff in hand, and peers into the depths.
Corialote and Amarth d3=3 Friday October 13th, 2006 8:35:32 PM
Cori nods her head to Ve as she taps one of the tattoos upon her arm. She smiles as she feels the magic take effect and then she starts the casting of a spell. As she finishes the spell she looks around the ship and shakes here head. "The elementals will not be here for awhile and I may need to be a little closer to talk to them." She is not sure how she is going to accomplish all of this and stopping those ships would have been a lot easier, if she could just sink them.
Amarth sits perched upon her shoulder and keeps an eye out for trouble. He is his Mistress's eyes when she is busy with other things.
[dimension door - 7 people + caster - can travel 1240 feet] [summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental] [comprehend language tattoo - ]
Gunther d20+15=21 d20+1=15 Friday October 13th, 2006 11:17:46 PM
Everything was happening so fast! One minute he was beside K'nara and the next she was on the boat! Running as fast as his legs will carry him, Gunther beams his thanks to Mordrid as Theari suddenly becomes huge. Panting heavily (he hasn't run this far in quite some time!!) Gunther kindly asks his kitty for a ride. Hoping on her back (Jump=21), he grabs a hold of her neck and desperately tries to hang on (Ride=15). "We need to get to the boat." he growls into his kitty's ear as they travel forward. "You'll eat well today, I promise!"
OOC: Sorry about the posts, RL has been chaotic.
Ve Mundr Saturday October 14th, 2006 1:39:56 PM
Ve unrolls his flying carpet, "then step aboard and we shall get as close to the water as you need. Water elementals of the size you are bringing should easily be able to slow and likely completely immobilize ships of this size."
Lian AC 37, hps 114/114 d20+4=15 d20+10=30 d20+20=23 d20+22=28 d20+8=27 Sunday October 15th, 2006 7:48:23 AM
The monk begins his search. He moves to where he might find the captain's quarters; toward the rear castle. (Search 15, Spot 30, Listen 23, Move Silently 28, Hide 27)
Active Spell: Endure Elements, 24 hours (cast after waking) Bear's Endurance, 4mins (cast after teleporting).
Corialote and Amarth (2nd illegal post) Sunday October 15th, 2006 1:31:04 PM
Cori simply nods her head to Ve and then starts to move in his direction. She will be glad to make use of his flying carpet to get out far enough to talk to the water elementals that will be arriving. "Thank you Ve." With a more impish look to her she just has to add. "Should we have a little fun."
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental] [comprehend language tattoo - ]
Milo d20+16=24 Monday October 16th, 2006 12:25:36 AM
Milo's short sword practically leaps into his hand, and the halfling stands on deck, ready to defend himself and his allies from any possible attack.
Upon K'nara's orders, he moves forward hesitantly, and begins to deliberately seek out further trouble in the form of traps or combatants. (OOC: Search check DC 24)
Posting Report for Monday October 16th, 2006 8:10:21 AM
Game # 1 The Platinum Dragon Game Fot the Week of Oct 9,2006
NAME-----MTWTF DM Jan----XXXOX Valdor----XX2OX Modrid----22XXX Fr.Nick---XXXXO Dahlia----XOXX2 VE Mont---XXXXXS Corealot--XXXXXS
Adm Ceil - Ahh! The Cream of the Crop!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posting Reports for Game # 3 The Emerald Talons For the Week of Oct 9,2006
Aeralia Monday October 16th, 2006 12:15:37 PM
Aeralia nods briefly at K'nara, blushing a little. She didn't understand why the woman was being protective, and was a little embarassed to be singled out as such. But then, the others were apart of a effective team, and she was an outsider.
The young sorceress stays close to the Talon leader, glancing about the ship, getting her orientation, and looking over the contour of the ship, in case something might need to be done in a hurry.
(OOC: Will Respond to Mordrid's request if she's told to do it by a P. Dragon. didn't want to assume :P)
Lian Monday October 16th, 2006 5:00:38 PM
Lian continues toward the aft castle.
K'Nara d20=1 d20+1=12 d20=7 Monday October 16th, 2006 6:47:41 PM
The tall blade singer wasn't idle while others searched the ship...she, too, probed to make sure that there were no traps and no ambushes-in-waiting.
(OOC: Search check is a dire 1 on the d20 (aack!); Spot is 12; Listen is 7. Sheesh--perhaps K'Nara should invest in some kind of animal assistant..?)
Olana d20+12=31 d20+16=20 d20+17=27 Monday October 16th, 2006 7:27:05 PM
Olana joins Milo and Lian on the search, looking amidships and even over the sides of the boat, just in case.
SEARCH DC31 SPOT DC 20 LISTEN DC 27
Nick Monday October 16th, 2006 7:32:40 PM
Nick watches the others search the ship. Not much for a priest to do other than to keep his eyes open and watch for the others. He walks toward the stern, in Lian's wake, interested in how this craft was steered.
DM Jan d4+1=3 d4+1=5 d4+1=3 d4+1=2 d4+1=2 d20+13=23 Monday October 16th, 2006 7:54:49 PM
My apologies, folks. Although I did mention a jetty (or pier), what I did not tell you was how long it was. Doh! :) The jetty is about 15 feet wide, and stretches out into the water for about 50ft. The ship is tied to the end of it. And yes - there is a ramp. It's pulled up at the present.
On board -
Dahlia discovers that the hatches are easily sealed by sliding a belaying pin through the hastily-tacked-on leather hatch handle loops.
Valdor positions himself next to the pulled up ramp so he can see the approaching caravan men, who are now stood at the end of the jetty, 50 feet away. Behind them, he can see Mordrid and some of the others, thundering up behind.
Falin gets busy climbing up the rigging, up toward the 'top', situated at the same level as the lower yard, which involves climbing over the 'away-angled' futtock shrouds and onto the platform. He has a good view of the deck from here.
As Bertram looks about him on deck, the deck seems clear of provisions, which suggests a search below, or scavenging from what was left behind on shore.
On the poop deck, at the rear of the ship, Lian finds a small metal handle on the floor, right next to the wheel. There looks to be a small trapdoor there.
Some of the others take a look around elsewhere. K'Nara and Olana find nothing untoward, but when Milo sets foot on the "fo'c'sl" (forecastle) near the front, his feet seem to vibrate, accompanied by muffled thuds, like someone or something below is hammering.
Above the boat, the air itself seems to twist as the air elementals take shape.
Over the side, in the sea, the water seems to start boiling as Cori's spell starts to take effect, and both the drow and Ve Mundr now hover nearby, out on the water.
On shore -
Gunther and his big cat race alongside the ranger through the camp. Straight ahead, only yards away are the orcs, who are grinding to a halt, swords drawn and confronting the caravan men. All on shore groups are now at the shore edge of the jetty. The jetty itself stretches out into the water - and at the end of it, is the ship. Valdor can plainly be seen, with both swords drawn.
The man who Ve Mundr knew as Captain Brown, was in the middle of asking Valdor whether he was going to let them aboard or not, but had stopped in mid sentence when the orcs arrive. Now everyone seems to have their weapons drawn.
Meanwhile! Back on board, brave Ingrge peers over the end of the fore middle hatch, and is immediately met by a barrage of magic missiles. DAM 15 SR 23
"Get OFF this boat!" yells a voice from below. "Or I'll kill the crew, and you too!"
Gunther (Riding Thaeri who is Enlarged and has Water Walk) d20+1=18 Monday October 16th, 2006 9:50:05 PM
Continuing to hold on for dear life (Ride=18), Gunther and Thaeri bolt forward. He does his best to guide the large cat away from the orcs, but if it's too crowded, he will urge her onto the water. "We need to get to the ship." he hisses in her ear "The water won't hurt you. But we need to get past the crowd and onto the ship."
Ingrge: AC 33: HP 117/132: Monday October 16th, 2006 10:44:57 PM
More than a bit peeved now Ingrge casts a qick spell and suddenly everyone below deck, in an 80 cubic foot area finds themselves quickly slamming upward against the deck and staying there. Reverse gravity. No save No SR All take equal falling damage for hitting the crieling if more than 10 feet.
Dahlia: AC 32: HP 226/226: Invisible Monday October 16th, 2006 10:47:05 PM
Dahlia stpes back as the missiles fly as if she knew thatwas going to happen. Then she takes a look at Ingrge's face and suddenly feels sorry for whomever just cast that spell.
Moments later she hears the thuds of several heavy things hitting the deck under her feet.
Corialote and Amarth Monday October 16th, 2006 11:42:38 PM
Cori looks to the three forming elementals and smiles. When they are fully formed she looks to the fast disappearing ships. With a hand she points to them and speaks to the water elementals. "I have a task for you that could prove fun....I would like you to push those ships back in this direction...do not let them get further into that portal if you can help it." Looking to Ve she nods her head. "If we follow at a little distance I can give orders or take matters into my own hands....if neccessary." She is hoping that the water elementals can do the job as she might have to use something a little more lethal on the ships.
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental] [comprehend language tattoo - ]
Valdor d20+19=35 Monday October 16th, 2006 11:50:12 PM
Valdor booms out,"STAY YOUR WEAPONS-ALL OF YOU! Hear me and make your choice! I offer you this once and only once. You came here for glory and money. I understand that. Understand this, you have a new choice:leave now, or join us. I have no desire to spill any blood right now, but you cannot take this ship from us. I will double, nay triple, whatever you are to be paid for joining this Iron Fist gang. You will fight beside the Platinum Dragons and Emerald Talons, the most powerful adventurers in the Wold! We have joined with Borden and his orcs, clerics of Ailsidur, elves from Culverwood and even will have skeletons on our side that will fight for us and our allies and not against us! Not only will you be rich, but you will have stories to tell your children and grandchildren! You may even become legends yourselves! But, to fight against us is to die and our clerics will know if you tell the truth and will fight with us.
So make your choice and know this:I am Valdor the Dragonstone, leader of the Dragon Consortium, issuer of the Great Call against Marteaus's army and MY WORD and FISTS are IRON!"
In the blink of an eye, one of his swords disappears and a huge emerald, the size of his hand is held out to the captain to show he's serious.(Quickdraw)
(Intimidate DC35)
Brother Bertram Tuesday October 17th, 2006 4:28:58 AM
Bertram readies himself for combat if it comes to that, at the same time praying it does not.
Lian AC 37, hps 114/114 Tuesday October 17th, 2006 7:27:14 AM
The monk silently notifies Nick of the door and gestures that he plans on opening it, however then thinks better of it and signals for Milo.
When the halfling appears, he makes a gesture that the door could blow up. (Milo might assume this means it could be trapped.) Charades was not among Lian's favorite games.
Active Spell: Endure Elements, 24 hours (cast after waking) Bear's Endurance, 4mins (cast after teleporting).
Falin Tuesday October 17th, 2006 7:44:09 AM
Falin does his best to steady himself and watches the scean below him unfold.
Ve Mundr Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:14:26 AM
Ve watches as the waters below the carpet undulate and the sea begins to sift and foam against tide and current. They were there, 3 of them. Excellent The carpet lowers at his command and Cori speaks to them and him. Ve nods his agreeance. Valdor's command issuing through the air, "Follow we shall." Ve sets the carpet to it's maximum speed knowing the elementals will far exceed him, but they would arrive but a dozen or so seconds behind them. Soon enough surely for Cori to alter any instruction they would require.
As they fly, "If necessary then we shall. Can you protect yourself from magic, if not I should like to place a Spell Resistance upon you."
If Cori agrees Ve casts Spell Resistance on her. 22 minutes SR 34.
If she refuses he places it on himself.
K'Nara Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:34:45 AM
The leader of the Talons immediately joined where Lian was and re-emphasizes his silent request for Milo to check out and open the door. She frowns at the ultimatum that has been shouted by the man "commanding" the ship, never having been one who appreciated a person who threatens others in a cowardly fashion.
Milo d20+18=33 d20+23=39 d20+23=32 Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:41:34 PM
Milo sheaths his blade as he moves quickly and silently to the door to inspect it thoroughly. Taking his time, the halfling does a good job of it. (OOC: 2 minutes to take 20 on the Search check for a DC 36 result. If anything is found he attempts to disarm DC 33. If there is a lock, he attempts to open it DC 39. Move Silently DC 32.)
Olana Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:34:12 PM
Looking astounded at the hatch where Ingrge got an eye full, she pulls out her bow and nocks an arrow.
Tking aim at the hatch, she asks "What was that banging, Ingrge? What did you do?"
Nick d8+20=22 Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:40:30 PM
Nick winces as he hears the magical blast on the main deck. He nods at Lian, then switches places with K'Nara and heads back to the main deck. No sense in Ingrge suffering when there was a cleric on board.
He'll get withion touch range and hit Ingrge for a CURE LIGHT WOUNDS. Healed for 22 HPs
Corialote and Amarth Tuesday October 17th, 2006 11:56:01 PM
Glancing to Ve she nods her head. "Any protection would be a help...I did not pack many spells that would aid myself." She makes a mental note to do that next time or she might just be of no use to the group.
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental] [comprehend language tattoo - ]
DM Jan Wednesday October 18th, 2006 12:25:23 AM
On shore -
"Do as he says!" demands the big orc leader Borden, glaring at these human soldiers, before making a big show of slamming his sword back into its scabbard. A nod from Birk, and the other orcs do the same.
The following happens in quick succession -
Taking in his immediate surroundings and making a quick judgement call, the so-called Captain Brown says "Okay. It looks like you've bought yourself some - " He doesn't get any further. Mordrid and the rest of the group arrive, preceded by Gunther streaking past, riding an enormous black panther that dashs straight along the jetty to the boat. And if that isn't startling enough - looking toward the vessel, a man suddenly shoots up into the air, accompanied by a shout of "Wooooah!"
On board -
Ingrge's assailant shoots up, straight out of the hatch, goes whizzing past Falin - not stopping until he's approximately 75 feet up in the air.
And just as Milo has figured out that the hatch on the poop deck appears to be untrapped and unlocked, and safe to enter, the man in the sky sends down a shooting streak of fire!
He's not aiming for Ingrge. He's aiming for the deck of the ship! The fireball lands with a *WHOOOMPH!*. Ingrge, Dahlia, Bertram, Aeralia, Olana, Valdor, Falin and Nick feel the heat, and now have a deck fire on their hands.
From the open hatch there in the centre of the boat, there are sounds from below - "Aagh!" "What the &*(&^! is happening??" " Heeeelp!" "Owww!"
Out to sea -
Ve and Cori hurtle toward the ships about to enter the portal. Both air and sea before them is distorted as elementals of both kinds shift and churn on ahead. Out here there's a bitter scent in the air. Both Protector and sorceress are powerful magic users, and this scent is all too familiar - iron, or dried blood perhaps - always present when a spell of intensity is allowed to perpetuate.
The rainbow-rimmed portal shimmers ahead in the late afternoon light, dwarfing them, the elementals, and the two remaining ships. At this speed the carpet will have them close to the nearest ship in the next round.
Gunther (AC33, HP106/106) Flying?? Wednesday October 18th, 2006 12:58:37 AM
Gunther bolts to where K'nara is, grinning that she is ok. Watching the fire fall from the sky, Gunther winces. He touches his armor lovingly and looks over at K'nara. "You vant me to go take him out?" If K'nara gives him the go ahead, Gunther activates the fly spell and zips toward the floating spell flinger.
K'Nara (AC35, HP 134/134) Wednesday October 18th, 2006 1:57:09 AM
K'Nara is smiling as Gunther reaches her--but the smile gets wiped off her face when the treacherous mage in the air rains fire on the ship.
"Sonuva b--" the blade singer cuts off her epithet and yells to Ingrge: "Have you got anything to put out this fire..?"
If Ingrge answers yes, K'Nara will take the time to swap out her sword for her bow.
If Ingrge answers no, K'Nara will reach into her haversack and bring out a beaten-up brass bottle.
Ingrge: AC 33: HP 132/132 d20+20=40 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 6:52:00 AM
Ingrge, Quickly begins casting again and targeting the area struck by the magical fire and the magical fire itself casts greater dispel magic. Nat DC 40 (nat 20) Yeah!!
OOC: this post edited by DM Donna--only because player forgot to adjust the PC's hit points after Nick cast a Cure spell on him.
Valdor Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:59:20 AM
Seeing the mage shoot into the air, Valdor shakes his head and mutters,"Mages.."
He yells to Mordrid,"Can you take him out brother? He's trying to destroy our ride. And captain, come on aboard and get us going. The spell binding the rainbow seems to be failing and we must get through it before it goes. Everyone move!"
He ignores the flames, figuring that the others have it under control.
Mordrid (Water Walk) d20+38=49 d20+38=43 d20+38=41 d20+32=46 d20+27=35 d20+22=23 d8+13=17 d8+13=19 d8+13=21 d8+13=18 d8+13=21 d6=6 d6=1 d6=3 d6=1 d6=3 d6=5 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 11:10:02 AM
As the fireball explodes, the ranger reigns in his horse. The mare rears back from the searing heat.
The ranger traces the fireball back to it's caster in the sky. Wild eyed, he quick draws his bow. Faster than most can comprehend he is pulling arrows from over his shoulder and letting them loose into the air; aimed at the air-borne mage. (+5 arrows w/ flaming arrows)
Lian AC 37, hps 114/114 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 2:55:02 PM
(Dear sweet DM seems to have forgotten Lian and Milo's actions? Where are we in all the chaos.)
The monk starts at the shudder from the fireball.
Active Spell: Endure Elements, 24 hours (cast after waking) Bear's Endurance, 4mins (cast after teleporting).
((~~Jan~~ Sorry, Jay - I figured my telling of Milo's results for the hatch would tell those stood nearby that the hatch was okay to enter. Sometimes I'm too subtle for my own good. :) Shoulda made it more plain. ))
Olana Wednesday October 18th, 2006 6:48:16 PM
Olana's head rises, following the trajectory of the spellcaster. As the firebolt comes firing down, she runs to the side of the boat.
"Bring water!!" she yells.
Nick Wednesday October 18th, 2006 6:50:06 PM
"Sounds like there are people in trouble down there," says Nick with a frown. "Didn't that flying idiot mention something about crew?
"Hello!? Who's down there?" he yells.
Corialote and Amarth d20+14=30 d20+12=27 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 7:36:01 PM
Cori continues to watch as they get closer to the ships. She watches for movement upon the decks and the possibility of casters as well. "Keep a watch on the deck as well...we will need to watch for casters on the deck." She watches as the greater huge water elementals are fast pulling up on the ship.
Amarth, from his Mistress's shoulder, snuggles in a little closer as he watches the deck as well for trouble. Right now he does not feel like leaving his Mistress to scout out anything.
[Cori(spot) 30 and Amarth(spot) 27]
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental]
Milo Wednesday October 18th, 2006 8:48:08 PM
Doing his best to remain calm, Milo gives a quick tug and pulls the trap door open, peering inside the compartment below them, even as he draws his short sword.
Falin AC 20 HP 63 d20+34=49 d20+29=46 d20+24=42 d8+5=8 d8+5=11 d8+5=12 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 11:37:12 PM
Falin watches the mage fly into the air only to then watch the fireball crash into the ship. Momentarily startled he draws and fires at the mage.
AC 49 HP 8 AC 46 HP 11 AC 42 HP 12
DM Jan Thursday October 19th, 2006 2:15:35 AM
On and around the ship:
Gunther flies up into the air, his target - the fireball flinging mage. However, Mordrid's arrows get there first, and Gunther gets a very good view of arrow shafts slamming through the spellcaster's body. Blood spatters outward and bones crack, before the man pitches over in the air, and starts to plummet back down. On the journey down, the man's clothes catch fire. Half way down, Falin's own arrows slam into the body, and then the whole arrow-riddled, burning corpse drops with a splash into the sea on the far side of the ship.
The orcs think this is utterly hilarious and break into screams and grunts of laughter. In orcish, one of them mentions the fact that Gunther is up there and that he might have ended up with an arrow through his head. Someone else says it might make him look prettier, and so they all break into laughter again. Gunther's cat, currently bigger than a horse, is pacing rapidly back and forth on the shoreline, all flat ears and bared, formidable fangs. Getting on that boat? You've got to be kidding.
It is at this point that the elves, the Aisildurians, and the group's horses and belongings arrive to join the mob at the jetty.
On deck, the swirling ribbons of magical fire die off immediately as Ingrge's spell makes contact with the remnants of the fireball. Unfortunately - the fireman's triangle - heat, oxygen, and fuel - is still present, and ordinary flames start to lick at the deck and set the ropes smouldering.
Nick's enquiry sent down the hatch gets the following reply - "We're the ^#$%@! crew! Why are we stuck on the ceiling??"
Up on the poop deck, Milo lifts up the hatch and takes a look. He, Lian and K'nara can see that something is jammed, floating up against the opening (courtesy of reverse grav. spell). It looks like a body with hands tied behind it's back. There is no movement to suggest that it is alive.
Captain Brown is getting a chain organised - from water to jetty to ship - passing water along in helmets, hats, anything they can find, over to Olana, Aeralia, Bertram, Dahlia and anyone else on the main deck. "I can help you put that fire out!" the Capt yells to Valdor over the din created by the orcs, "but as for sailing this thing - I bet none of us knows larboard from starboard!"
MEANWHILE!
Ships 1 and 2 are looking alive on deck. Cori and Ve can hear things like - "Haul on the main brace! Bring that sail about!" as the crews struggle to cope with the sudden change of wind presented by the two air elementals. Below their decks, the surrounding waters are beginning to churn, and further progress seems a much more difficult prospect all of a sudden.
Things are looking lively for Ve and Cori, too, as the carpet lurches in the turbulence. Amarth's talons are digging hard into his companion's shoulder. Folk are leaning over the side of both ships and are pointing at this strange sight of a flying carpet and the heavily armoured human male and a slight drow female being carried by it. Both sides are now in range for yelled conversation and ranged attacks.
Falin d20+6=15 d20=7 d20=11 d20+2=19 Thursday October 19th, 2006 5:51:22 AM
If there is a chance that the mage may still be alive Falin can not think of a worse way to die than drowning. If Falin can clear the side of the boat he will dive from the mast and plunge in after the mage to pull him back to the surface.
If there is not a chance of him clearing the side he will come back down and help with the fire and then the sailing of the ship.
Jump 7 Swim 11 Climb 19
Lian AC 37, hps 114/114 d20+7=24 d20+22=40 d20+20=39 Thursday October 19th, 2006 8:47:53 AM S'no problem Jan, S'all good. Confusion keeps one on his toes. :)
Lian stands ready to assist, until he sees the body at the hatch. He slowly slides his arm into the hatch and checks for a pulse, signs of life, etc, hopefully avoiding detection by those in the ship. (Heal check 24, Move Silently check 40) He listens below. (Listen 39)
Active Spell: Endure Elements, 24 hours (cast after waking) Bear's Endurance, 4mins (cast after teleporting).
Ve Mundr Thursday October 19th, 2006 11:35:33 AM
Ve speaks into his earpiece, "Valdor, Cori and I are upon one of the other ships. Elementals are halting thier forward progress. I noted the hostile mage back there and we are planning for hostilities here as well. Should we take the ship by force if necessary?" Looking to Cori, "Civility first, forced negotaitions if needed."
The carpet sails ever towards the ship and Ve takes out a small cube and presses a side. "The cube will stop any non magic attack that comes our way." [Cube of Force for Non Living Matter] "Now we shall see upon which side these men stand."
Ve calls to the vessel, "Good Hail! Permission to come aboard!"
edited to take Valdors mentioning of not announcing us
Valdor Thursday October 19th, 2006 2:31:28 PM
Valdor motions them to come aboard and help put things ready to go. After hearing the crew members cursing, he figures these were just hired hands. When Ve calls, he changes his focus. He says,"We don't know much about anyone on those ships. We knew enough about these to not have much to worry about. Be careful and ready to teleport at a seconds notice. If you need me, call and I'll be there in a second. Don't be rash or hasty in judgment. And you shouldn't announce our presence. If a black dragon is what we face, then a little surprise would be nice. Keep this on so we can hear you and Cori."
He waves to Mordrid to organize those at the back and trying to board. He keeps those at the front moving, every few seconds he glances back towards the ship Ve and Cori are on, concern etched into his brow.
Mordrid Thursday October 19th, 2006 2:44:26 PM
Mordrid turns his sharp focus from the humbling experience of murder, toward the immediate task at hand.
Roaring above the clamore and commotion, "CAPTAIN! HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL SHE HOLD?"
Mordrid immediately waves aboard the orcs and the Ga'alites, and with another hand keeps the caravan on hold. He hopes that the previous display of marksminship helps keep the crowd in order.
Noting Gunthers oversized cat on the shore, Mordrid remembers to drop the spell so Gunther can get her on the ship.
Ve Mundr Thursday October 19th, 2006 3:57:41 PM
A mirthful reply comes into Valdors ear, "oh your concerned about my safety, I'm touched."
Valdor Thursday October 19th, 2006 5:12:34 PM
Valdor snorts in laughter and replies,"You're a knucklehead. But, I am concerned when there's only two of our party. I was afraid SHE might have to bail YOU out of trouble."
He laughs and gets back to his task at hand.
Dahlia / Ingrge Thursday October 19th, 2006 6:53:31 PM
Dahlia aids with the tossing of buckets of water on the fire thoguh it still is a bit eerie watching a cucket grabbed out of someones hand and then be tossed on the fire by an invisible person.
Ingrge yells back down to the crew below, Get yourselves ready and prepared to fall back to the deck. Prepare yourselves. will dismiss the spell on my count of one; starting from 10. 10, 9, 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. As he says one Ingrge Dismisses the anti gravity spell.
(OOC: I am hoping that Milo can/will grab the tied body)
Brother Bertram Thursday October 19th, 2006 6:53:38 PM
Seeing the flames still spreading across the deck, Bertram quickly prays to Domi for assistance. He is answered in the form of a small deluge of water falling from the sky, meeting the flames with a ball of steam rising into the air. He looks to make sure it is enough, ready to pray for even more water if need be. He cant help but feel good that perhaps he has finally contributed in this rather powerful assembly.
Corialote [spell resistance: SR 34] and Amarth d20+14=15 d20+12=30 Thursday October 19th, 2006 8:12:12 PM
Cori simply shrugs as she listens to Ve. "Negotiate if you want...but I will be more than happy to stop that ship if needed...or asked to." They have slowed it for awhile but if they have a mage or more than one on that ship things could get ugly. She pulls a pair of wands out of the pocket of her pants and looks at them for a few minutes.
Looking back to Ve she shakes her head. "Do you plan to board that ship if they agree?" She likes that idea even less than the idea of holding her eyes open for a blinding flash. She is way too distracted to pay attention to anything that is going on, on the ship.
Luckily for Cori her familiar and friend is keeping a better eye upon the ship than her. At least through the link they share, she can see what he does.
[Cori(spot) 15 and Amarth(spot) 30]
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental - 23 rounds] [spell resistance from Ve - 22 minutes - SR 34]
Milo Thursday October 19th, 2006 9:27:14 PM
Seeing what he is up against, Milo retrieves his slippers of spider climb from his haversack with a word, and proceeds to change his footwear on deck, putting his boots of speed into the haversack. Looking to Lian and K'nara, "I'm going in to see what these folk are about."
K'Nara Thursday October 19th, 2006 9:54:25 PM
K'Nara sees the arrows of Mordrid and Falin hit their mark, so in her hands is the beaten-up brass bottle.
She waits for a moment to see if Brother Bertram's water puts out the fire. If it does, she stows away the bottle. If it doesn't, K'Nara will pull out the stopper of the bottle.
Gunther Friday October 20th, 2006 12:38:10 AM
The orc flushes at the laughter and flies back down to the deck. He kicks the deck angrily as he mutters something particularly nasty about showy archers in orcish. Turning his attention to Thaeri, Gunther laughs. "Don't let a little water scare you..this thing is safe." he growls at her, allowing his wreath to translate for her.
Lian AC 37, hps 114/114 Friday October 20th, 2006 10:04:38 AM
Always amazed at the halflings ingenuity, Lian nods and looks on. (Still waiting for pulse/heal check results.)
The hand of Domi reaches out and touches the halfling. He casts Sanctuary. (Will save DC 18, lasts 4 rounds) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Active Spell: Endure Elements, 24 hours (cast after waking) Bear's Endurance, 4mins (cast after teleporting). Santuary, 4 rounds (on Milo upon entering hatch)
Nick Friday October 20th, 2006 10:50:17 AM
Nick listens carefully as Ingrge releases the reverse grav spell. "Is there anyone injured down there?" he yells. "We can help you!"
Olana Friday October 20th, 2006 10:53:09 AM
Olana is in the midst of running up to the blaze with a helmet full of water, when Bertram's great deluge descends.
Wet through, her hair plastered to her scalp, she turns. "Who did that?"
DM Jan Friday October 20th, 2006 11:23:31 AM
Up on the poop deck, Lian reaches down to check the body. No pulse, and the flesh feels cool to the touch. The lace frill decorating the body's sleeve cuffs slips through the elf's fingers as the body descends and hits the floor below. It lands with a thud in the gloom below, accompanied by a clatter of inanimate objects. That heralds the release of the reverse gravity spell. No other sound - except for the distant yells of voices somewhere else below, maybe below the main deck. There's a vertical stepladder, leading down.
On the main deck -
The fire is out!
Ingrge and Nick can see someone starting to ascend toward the hatch. It's a man sporting a rather painful-looking black eye, who says - "I'm the bosun. We have a broken arm down there and some cuts and bruises. Have you seen the captain?"
There's no way that Falin can jump into the water from his current position. He'd have to scramble along the yardarm first, and chances are, that mage was dead when he hit the water. However, he can see his elves swarming along the jetty, eager to get on the ship.
Under Mordrid's direction, the orcs dismount and lead their horses toward the ship. The Ga'alians give him a smile and a bow before they also proceed to get on board. Capt Brown shrugs. "Looks like it will take all of us. Might be a bit of a squeeze, though."
Things start to get a little chaotic at the ramp. There'll be gear and provisions to stow, humans, non humans and animals to embark, not to mention a double check to make sure the ship is secure. At least it looks as though the ship has a crew, even if they're a liittle beat up right now.
MEANWHILE!!
Ve and Cori hear "You have captain's permission to come aboard!" as the carpet sends them alongside. The main deck is packed with approx 100 men and horses, all looking their way. There's a group of tall barbarians clad in furs, some orcs; the rest seem to be human, all clad in various types of battle gear.
A man wearing a tricorn hat (<-- overly obvious 'I am the captain' signifier) pushes his way forward to greet these two strangers. "What in the blue blazes is going on?" he asks.
Brother Bertram Friday October 20th, 2006 1:36:22 PM
Bertram ignores the roar of the captain, as he immediately follows the bosun below deck and begins administering aid and healing as needed.
Valdor Friday October 20th, 2006 2:11:05 PM
Seeing the fire out and everyone piling in, Valdor stands at the highest place on the ship where everyone can see him and booms out,"I have no idea how long this voyage will take. We will all be a bit cramped. We will deal with it. There will be no fighting amongst ourselves, or you will face Borden's judgment. I assure you, he is not as nice as I am. If the captain assigns you a task, you will do it to the best of your ability and as quickly as possible. For this, you earn your keep until and if, we actually fight. If you have problems, the tall red haired lady will guide you in a solution. And her word is law! There are some female members aboard. There will be no fondling or groping, or even eyeing of the women, lest you want to lose your hands and eyes. And lastly, unless K'Nara wishes to add anything, when we arrive, you will follow the instructions of any member of the Dragons or Talons without hesitation. We may be in a fight or we may not. Any good questions?"
Mordrid Friday October 20th, 2006 4:35:04 PM
Mordrid now waves the elves aboard, followed by the caravan members; all the while his neck craned to look up at Valdor suspended from the nets.
The ranger snorts.
DM Jan Friday October 20th, 2006 7:43:49 PM
((OOC - Remember, folks. Ve and Cori are at one of the other ships.))
K'Nara Friday October 20th, 2006 8:49:59 PM
K'Nara looks down at the body that Lian discovered, then asks the bo'sun's mate if the captain had lacy cuffs and looked like (whatever the body looks like.) If so, looks like the true captain of the ship is dead.
Meanwhile, K'Nara quickly ascertains who truly captains the ship..."Captain" Brown or someone else.
"Nothing to add, Valdor," she responds to the leader of the Platinum Dragons, "We're just trying to catch up to the ships already launched and keep them out of trouble if we can."
Gunther d20+14=29 Friday October 20th, 2006 11:17:20 PM
Grumbling, Gunther stalks back to the dock and gathers up Thaeri. "Don't act like such a kitten." he jokes with her as he guides her onto the ship (Handle Animal=29). Once they board, Gunther asks his kitty whether she would like to stay on the top or go into the hold where it will be more quiet.
Once Thaeri is settled, Gunther heads over to Borden. Speaking in orcish, Gunther looks at the large orc with respect. "Sir, we have no idea what the future holds, and how long our paths with be intertwined. May I suggest that some of your men be assigned to eat their meals with various groups? If we're going to end up fighting with one another, there's no sense in having the men be afraid that the others are going to stab them in the back." Gunther grunts in respect. "Let me know your decision, and I will be glad to make the arrangements as needed."
Ve Mundr Saturday October 21st, 2006 4:35:43 PM
Ve answers Cori rather matter of factly, as if he sees no reason he should not, "Of Course I was planning on going aboard. It would be rather starnge to ask and then decline." Ve brings the carpet to the stern and the about 5 feet over the back deck. "Take the carpet back a bit when I disembark." Ve deactivates the cube of force and steps off the carpet to the ship aft castle deck.
"Captain I am a herald of Domi and have heard of yor mission to save the city and have thus come with my companion. I ask to know more before deciding to join or if we should depart."
Milo d20+16=32 Sunday October 22nd, 2006 4:44:08 AM
Seeing that his assistance is not needed below decks, Milo maintains his position above, looking for other possible hazards that might be less evident to the untrained eye. (OOC: Search DC 32)
Dahlia / Ingrge Sunday October 22nd, 2006 7:10:26 AM
Watching as the man makes his way up on deck, Ingrge does a quick scan of the man and then begins to wander arounf the upper deck taking a close look for anything that doesnt seem right.
******
Dahlia (still invisible) wanders up to the hatch and as the Bosun exits she begins to descend until Valdor's comments hit her ears. She whispers back that he is a spoil sport and what if she wants to be groped or fondled and then continues down below to begin a systematic search of the below decks region.
Lian Sunday October 22nd, 2006 2:37:46 PM
OOC: Just for sanity sake, is Lian on the ship with 'captain' Brown? If so, Lian will move over to Knara and notify of the discovery. "Knara, the crew is murdered." He is covert of course and whispers out of sight of any lip-readers.
~~ Jan~~ A couple o' notes:
'Capt' Brown is a member of the caravan group who the Plats/Talons chased across Central Izen. And yes, he's now on the ship docked at the jetty.
As for this ship's sea capt? Maybe you've already found him. He's not saying much, tho'.
The crew are below deck with some injuries. Only the bosun has appeared on deck so far.
Nick Monday October 23rd, 2006 1:30:48 AM
Nick smiles at the bosun. "Well, I don't know about your captain, but we'll be sure to have a look, and we'll take care of your injured men. May I ask - are there enough of you down there to sail this ship?"
Olana Monday October 23rd, 2006 1:32:46 AM
Olana watches the horses coming on board and goes to give a helping hand in that direction. She's not sure exactly of the best place to put them, but seeing no obvious access to the hold, except for these hatches, then she figures the centre of the main deck would be the best place for them.
DM Jan Monday October 23rd, 2006 2:24:06 AM
At the ship tied to the jetty:
ON DECK -
Milo and Ingrge's search is suddenly hampered by the arrival of elves, orcs, horses and men, all pushing and shovding to secure a place on deck. despite Mordri's attempts at organization, it's chaos, as the other Talons and Platinums discover.
Eyes look toward Valdor, but as to whether his words have sunk in - it's hard to tell in the wake of a growing restlessness, excitement, adrenalin. There are no questions raised as Borden moves deliberately through the growing crush. No one dares look him in the eye.
The bosun answers Nick - "Aye, we have a full crew, all right. We've been paid to sail this ship to her destination out yonder." He points toward the distant shimmering portal. To K'Nara - "That was our captain, aye. May the deep take the &*(&^%! that killed him. We wondered. Man came on here in a hurry. Wanted to sink the vessel. Cap'n wouldn't allow it, so I guess they had an argument and the Captain lost, eh? So be it. I can get you where you want to go, ma'am. Just say when."
Gunther finds Borden in the throng, handing his massive, stamping and eye rolling horse over to Olana. The big orc snorts and wrinkles his snout. "We'll think about that when we get where we're going," he answers the orc bred human. "This close prox... proximity, will get them used to one another I think. Let's see how my men will cope with an elf sat on their lap."
In minutes, with Bertram's work done, the remaining crew swarm on deck, and by the looks of it, are waiting for the command to set sail.
BELOW DECK -
Bertram had discovered the crew below deck - some of them looked at him like they'd never seen a dwarf before. They're all male, humans, skinny and lithe, all barefoot and long-haired, and wearing an assortment of loose shirts and wide trousers. And whatever Bertram was - they were glad of the healing he brought and thanked him for it.
Dahlia discovers a lot of bales and barrels in the main hold, and at the stern, the captains cabin, complete with dead captain, as K'nara, Milo and Lian had previously discovered from above.
MEANWHILE!!!
Out at sea, hellishly closer to the portal, wind and wave, manipulated by the water and air elementals, continues to buffet ship and carpet alike. This means Cori continues to have a rather queasy ride aboard the carpet, and Ve's arrival on board isn't half as distinguished and orderly as he'd like it.
All eyes on board look in astonishment at Cori, and with measure at Ve Mundr, obviously sizing him up using a warrior's measure. "Well," says the ship's captain, standing squarely on the undulating and crowded deck. "you can ask as much questions as you like, but we're in a hurry. Once we're past this squall, we need to race for that portal. We were told to get through at all costs, and as quickly as possible. Then we're supposed to head for a rallying point, which 'we'll know when we see it'." he shrugs. Slightly ahead of the ship, the elementals swirl, hidden in the salty mist, and in the spindrift crowning the waves.
Lian Monday October 23rd, 2006 9:23:39 AM
To Knara, "I believe there may be many injured crew below."
Posting Reports for Monday October 23rd, 2006 9:56:50 AM
Game #1 The Platinum Dragons For the Week of Oct 16,2006
Name.....MTWTF DM Jan....XXXX2 Valdoe....XOX2X Modreed...OOXXX Fr.Nick...XXXOF Dahlia....XOOXOS V E Mont..OXO2OS Corealot..2XXXO
Adm Ceil - go ahead Jerry, you yell at these Dragons, I'm affraid!!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Posting Reports for Game #3 The Emeral Talons For the Week of OCT 16,2006
Falin Monday October 23rd, 2006 10:13:18 AM
Looking at the ensuing chaos errupt on the deck Falin calls the elves together and tells them to get below and out of the way.
Turning to K'Nara, "K'Nara, perhaps it would benefit us if we were to place everyone below for now and let the crew and a few others on deck to give the appearence of nothing out of the ordinary."
Falin will go down with the rest of the elves and speak with them, "Remember to have patience. The other races are not as long lived as us and are quick to action. We are to have patience with them and do not react poorly to their actions. If you do go anywhere I do not want you traveling by yourself."
Brother Bertram Monday October 23rd, 2006 1:30:51 PM
Bertram heals each sailor as best he can, happy to be doing what he feels is his chosen calling. He greets the men with a smile, at being made welcome, and secretly he enjoys thier curious looks and furtive glances. He makes sure they are each well and as he ministers aid he questions them about the going-ons.
Valdor Monday October 23rd, 2006 3:41:52 PM
Valdor almost bites his lip to keep from laughing at Dahlia and says as he climbs down,"Dahlia, you are awful. You know how sailors and mercenaries are and we don't need any extra problems. I'm quite sure you, K'Nara, and Cori can handle yourselves...I've seen it enough. But, I'm trying to kill any problem before it happens. Plus, I don't know about Aerelia and how she would handle something like that.
Also, I know how Mordrid would feel about all these men around if they started groping at Shirri. We are a family and I like to protect my family. Paternal instinct or something like that."
He motions to Nick to the hatch where the crew is and says,"We've got to get this big tub moving. And, if that was the captain and not the mage, then he's still alive somewhere. Heal who you can and get them going. Dahlia, see if you can find the mage and render him helpless."
He moves past Mordrid, a hurt look briefly on his face. He doesn't speak, and moves around the crew, helping them all aboard and getting them more comfortable with their new surroundings.
K'Nara Monday October 23rd, 2006 4:09:47 PM
The leader of the Talons frowns, then nods to Lian.
"Thought I saw Brother Bertram go below, but go on and see if you can lend a hand with any healing that needs to be done." she tells the monk. "We'll want the true crew to man the vessel, of course." K'Nara seeks out Valdor.
"Valdor," she says as she finds herself having to literally shove her way past a group or two of boarding orcs and elves, "We've confirmed that the real captain of the ship is dead. I suspect that the...ah...ex-mage killed him to gain control of the ship. I, myself, would prefer to leave 'Captain' Brown and his men behind...but I'll defer to your judgement if you think we should take them along. If we do that, however...Brown and company should be kept under guard in the hold or some such."
Ve Mundr d20+1=10 Monday October 23rd, 2006 5:09:59 PM
Ve negotiates the pitching deck with a little less grace than he certainly would have liked and not near as well as the captain to whom he was speaking. [balance 10] "Captain, I appreciate the candor, my name is Ve Mundr and while I understand time is essential, I ask you to delay for the other ship setting out from the berth." Ve gestures back towards the ship the rest of the group is boarding, hoping it will be very along shortly.
"As to any questions I have Captain, I only have one that is truly important. Who is in charge of the overall plan and for organizing this that told you to get through the portal 'at all costs'? I ask as it certainly looks from the shoreline we past over that the launch was far more hurried than a large operation like this would warrant."
Dahlia / Ingrge d20+30=42 d20+30=39 d20+30=34 d20+30=49 d20+30=33 d20+30=32 d20+30=39 d20+30=40 d20+11=23 d20+11=19 d20+11=22 Monday October 23rd, 2006 7:25:38 PM
"yesdaddy." Comes a quiet reply to Valdor nearly in his ear as he comes below.
"I am pretty sure that the mage, or at least the one on this ship is the one that Mordid skewered. The captain has been Id'd and confirmed dead. You might want to find out who the First Mate is and Promote him. I will give a thorough check of below decks and report back asap. That said she starts a systematic search of below decks, snooping out any hiding places large and small tht might be found. (Spot checks: 42,39,34,49,33,32,39,40}
******
Ingrge growls at a couple of folk as they make their way on board and get in the way of his search. After a while he climbs up into the crows nest and "looks down on things from above. (Climb: 23,19,22)
Milo Monday October 23rd, 2006 8:16:52 PM
Noting the appearance of a ton of other folk getting in the way of his search, Milo decides to allow them to be the trapspringers, and moves to Olana's side, "It doesn't appear as though caution is the word of the day my dear. Need any help with our valiant steeds?"
Olana d20+11=25 Monday October 23rd, 2006 9:09:14 PM
Olana nods at Milo, while grappling with Borden's horse. "Probably. I hope this is a short, smooth trip, otherwise there's going to be - well lets just say things could get messy."
Handle Animal DC 25
Gunther Monday October 23rd, 2006 9:47:21 PM
Gunther nods at Borden, grinning at his comment about the elves. He pushes and shoves his way over to K'nara and waits patiently by her side. Watching and waiting...for...something to happen.
Aeralia d20=15 d20=18 d20+7=25 d20+7=26 Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:07:29 PM
(OOC: Apologies for my non-existant posting last week. All I can really say is I really don't recommend 90+ hour work weeks :P)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aeralia remains silently confused for a little while while scenes of chaos transpire, and quickly come to an end. As K'Nara races off to scour the decks and below, Aeralia just stands around, really not sure what she should be doing.
Once the multitude of elves, orcs, and now hireed mercenaries begin to pour onto the boat, Aeralia glances around slowly, trying to find a good spot to get out of the way. Spying the crows nest, she clammers her way up the riggings slowly, offering a weak smile and apology to Ingrge, seeing that he had already beaten her up there, and hoping she wouldn't be in his way.
She seats herself on the ledge of the platform, overlooking the sea towards the other ships. Smiling lightly as she enjoys the view and the sea breeze, she takes a few moments to redo her hair, replacing the black ribbon with a series of vibrant red and pink ones. Doing her best to stay out of everyones way (staying in the crows nest for a while unless shes a bother there), Aeralia glances about curiously at all of her companions, 'new' and 'old', wondering what these new additions may bring.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: Climb Checks - 15,18 Balance Checks - 25,26
Valdor Monday October 23rd, 2006 11:41:12 PM
Valdor replies to K'Nara,"Dahlia's gypsy told her we 'be needin all the help we can find child', or something like that. Why not. These are new recruits and noone probably even knows them. So I figure now we have more soldiers for when we have need. I've been wrong before and will be wrong again, but, if a huge battle is coming, the more on our side the better. They've seen us and the gem I gave the captain. I don't figure they'd want to face us now, and that means they'll be against whatever we face. I'm curious where that gate takes us."
Nick Tuesday October 24th, 2006 1:58:55 AM
Nick continues his conversation with the bosun, and on hearing some of Dahlia's message to Valdor - "Do you have a first mate? I think we'll need to get going just soon as we're all aboard." He has no idea about boats.
K'Nara Tuesday October 24th, 2006 2:26:41 AM
The tall blade singer belatedly nods to Falin, then turns to the bo'sun's mate.
"Sorry about your captain, then." she says. "Would that make you next in command, or is there another? We need to make sure that our people are not in your crew's way and to get this ship off towards that portal before we lose sight of the other ships."
DM Jan Tuesday October 24th, 2006 2:27:31 AM
At the jetty:
The elves file below deck on Falin's instructions and find places to sit in amongst the cargo.
Bertram's small-talk with the sailors has revealed the following - they know only their part of this whole operation. To take men and provisions through the portal, and then on to some mystery destination. There's talk of a lake, a place they've never been before, and they're worried about the wind, or maybe the lack of it.
Then, it seems to come all of a sudden - Half the crew begin to climb the rigging at an astonishing speed and, climbing out along the yards, begin unfurling the sails. Mooring lines both fore and aft are unhitched and brought aboard. The bosun appears to have promoted himself to First Mate and is bellowing instructions. Lian, K'nara, Bertram, Valdor, Gunther and Mordrid are asked to man the sheets, both starboard and larboard, and - as the unmoored ship begins to drift away from the jetty - find themselves called upon to haul on a bewildering number of ropes.
Up on the top platform just before the top'sl, both Ingrge and Aeralia have to hang on to the mast as the ship makes a gracefull but swift turn as she heads out and toward the portal.
The wind picks up, and blows cold around everyone's ears. The horses' ears twitch, and their nostrils flare.
Below deck, the elves talk quietly amongst themselves while Dahlia continues her search. There are barrels of water, bundles of clothes and food, blankets, and - 6 small kegs of a metallic smelling black powder. Nothing in the captain's cabin gives any clue as to where the destination is.
MEANWHILE!!
Out at sea, the call comes out that the ship left behind at the jetty is starting to head toward them. the Captain ponders Ve's question. "Well, I'd say this whole enterprise seems to be run by a group of noblemen. From what I've seen. Odd - they all seem to dress alike. They seem to have plenty of cash, tho' and - one of them came dashing down that hill into port early this morning and told us all to evacuate, as soon as we possibly could. I think he was aboard one of the first ships that set sail. He'll be through the portal now. I must admit, I didn't know what all the rush was about, but we're not being paid to question."
~~Jan~~ Edited last paragraph - 7.45AM Pacific
Falin Tuesday October 24th, 2006 5:14:28 AM
Falin will make rounds between the elves to find their state of mind and to give words of reasurance. Can't have anyone going off the deep end as they are heading out to sea. He will make small talk and try to get to know more of the elves while he is at it.
Lian Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:30:45 AM
Lian finds the dwarven cleric and assists with healing for a bit.
Later, "I really dislike ships greatly. Rigging, masts, sheets, sails, jibbits, ribbits and railings. A thousand terms for a knot. *Sigh* An knot is a knot." He hoists what there is to hoist, battens whatever, and ties some very shoddy knots in hopes to avoid doing anymore ship duties. Besides, he lacks the muscles.
Valdor Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:43:59 AM
With a smile on his face, Valdor attacks his task with fervor. He gives his weapons to Nick for safe keeping and starts working. He hauls on the ropes with as much strength as he can muster and takes care of any task needed.
A thought occurs to him and he tells Ve,"See if they know how many other ships and men were on the beach before they set sail."
Nick Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:50:27 AM
Nick takes Valdor's weapons with a nod, and tries to keep out of the way of the crew. He whispers a prayer to Alemi for a safe journey, and then stares enviously up toward Aeralia and Ingrge, who are currently aloft.
Brother Bertram Tuesday October 24th, 2006 3:03:54 PM
Bertram does the best he could under the circumstances, 'heaving hard to starboard', and other equally mystifying commands emanating from the ship's crew. He is delighted to see the ship begin to move and to see how that the movements of the crew effects the ships heading and speed.
Ve Mundr Tuesday October 24th, 2006 4:38:28 PM
Ve nods his understanding to the captain that he is following the train of thought and the discussion. "Do you know how many might have been aboard the ship just in front of you and if there were anymore ships?" Glancing behind he sees the other ship getting underway as the call brings it to his attention, "Ah excellent, out other comrades are on thier way now." Ve raises his hand slightly, "one moment please Captain."
Ve then speaks low of the earpiece to Valdor, "I am under the impression this vessel is purly holding innocents in the grand scheme of things. Nobles in charge are looking alike got on ships already through the portal and I have confirmation of a lake as our final destination. It sounds as if this mission is to 'rescue' the Floating City."
K'Nara (2nd post...technically) Tuesday October 24th, 2006 7:36:20 PM
K'Nara makes herself useful, knowing that if there had been a First Mate to take the captain's place, then he would have most likely kicked the bosun's butt for trying to usurp command. This much she recalled learning from Shadrach many moons ago.
She hummed a sea-faring chanty that had been a favorite of the cleric's...idly wondering (with a bit of a pang) if Shad was still alive and, hopefully, well elsewhere in the Wold...
Corialote [spell resistance: SR 34] and Amarth Tuesday October 24th, 2006 9:33:08 PM
Cori keeps the carpet as even with the ship as possible as Ve talks to the captain of this ship. She listens in on what is going on aboard the ship that they have taken over. She likes the idea that this is Ve's show and she can just sit back and watch.
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental - 23 rounds] [spell resistance from Ve - 22 minutes - SR 34]
Back from a few days off. Hope noone missed me too much. :)
Milo Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:27:31 PM
After assisting Olana with getting the horses in order, he gives her a peck on the cheek, "I'm going to have some fun love." And with that, the halfling (clad in slippers of spider climb), makes his way directly up the main mast, to the crows nest.
Olana Tuesday October 24th, 2006 11:04:12 PM
Olana watches Milo go. "Try not to fall off anything. I'm not sure I can swim," she says, knowing full well he's 10 times more sure footed than she is.
As the others help out the crew, Olana sticks with the horses, giving them treats, letting them drink a little from a fresh water bucket, and just generally keeping her eye on things.
Gunther Tuesday October 24th, 2006 11:34:29 PM
Not wanting to look weak, Gunther puts his muscles into the work. He really has absolutely no clue as to what he's doing, but if shown he can do a decent job of getting the sails squared away.
DM Jan Wednesday October 25th, 2006 2:11:43 AM
On board! -
Falin discovers that the state of the elves' mind is relatively calm under the circumstances. They are, however, concerned about the 'state of mind' of the ship itself - "Built of wood that was brutally torn from the ground with neither care nor reverence." says the young Al'thra. "So, we shall sing. Respect must be given for the trees that now bear us across the water."
So, as crew and adventurers haul on the lines, as the wind snaps at the sails, and the bow cuts through the water, elven song can be heard, drifting up through the hatches. Gradually, those Talons and Platinums manning the ropes begin to learn a little of the basics.
A little further out, swells are at around 6 ft, and the vessel begins to pitch - up... and down..... up... and down... ; wind direction causes the ship to roll, too - from side... to side... and back... again... A couple of the orcs are starting to look a little green.
(FORT rolls DC 16 everyone on the boat, fail and start to feel queasy.)
Spellcasters have something else to worry about beside their stomachs, as the ship sails closer to the portal. The magic of it can be felt, here. Seen, almost. Ingrge and Aeralia( now joined by Milo) have the best view - a tightly threaded weave, its pattern complicated and ingenious, is beginning to disinegrate in places. The concentration, the force of will to keep it together is absent, and so, left to its own devices, it is beginning to unravel. Wild, untended ropes of power are snapping back and forth in a wind of their own creation.
Closer up, out on the carpet, Cori perhaps gets the feeling that this passage through will not be particularly pleasant. Certainly not for those attuned to magical forces.
As for what lies beyond - the water at the destination certainly looks much calmer, and there are distant mountains - snow-capped.
The ship approaches the other two, and Cori can clearly be seen floating alongside one of them on Ve Mundr's carpet.
On board the other ship, the captain is still talking to Ve Mundr. "Hmmmm, let's see. personally, I've seen about thirty vessels such as these go through. All full of men, much like this one." He grins, showing the obligatory gold tooth. "Going to be quite a party, eh?" At a rough count, Ve reckons there's approximately 80 men on this particular boat. "This squall has me worried, though," adds the Capt. "Like the Monster of the Deep has risen up to confound our passage."
The Elementals are indeed doing a grand job of halting any further progress.
K'Nara d20+12=13 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 3:36:53 AM
This is K'Nara's very first ocean voyage...and it shows when she RUNS to the railing and completely loses her lunch! (OOC: Drat! Natural 1 on the die!)
She manages not to moan, but the blade singer can't help but wonder if she's sick due not just to the pitching of the ship but also the peculiar, queasy effect of the rainbow portal on this area of the Wold...
Lian d20-1=12 d20+10=28 d20+20=23 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 12:02:20 PM
The monk hears the elven song and understands the reverence they are showing. He reaches into his left pocket and begins to accompany them on his flute. The flute does not improve the harmonious elf voices. (untrained Perform wind instruments 0f 12) He, however, is not so distracted by his flute playing to risk missing any action. (Spot 28, Listen 23)
Brother Bertram Wednesday October 25th, 2006 2:19:20 PM
Bertram feels the rise and fall of the waves and begins to grow queasy. Slowly he is finally able to get his stomach settled to an acceptable level. Suddenly K'nara rushes by and begins retching loudly over the side. With a groan, Bertram again tries to regain control of his rebelling stomach.
Ve Mundr Wednesday October 25th, 2006 3:40:49 PM
"Yes quite a party." 30 vessels, over 2000 men all itching for a fight and none who seem to disposed to do but believe they are in the right and not being used. With the other ship moving in on the vessel Cori and Ve, well really Cori, had stopped Ve nods to the captain. "She did seem to blow in from nowhere, But I think I can help out in that department captain. I would like to give you something to think on and ask your opinion of the crew first." Ve's voiced is raised so as to be clear over the miniature gale like conditions just about the ship. Before speaking further he steps to get closer to the captain for the next part.
"I have reason to believe from Domi that you may be heading in on the wrong side. Do you honestly think the warriors care or do they just want paid and the thrill of combat?"
Mordrid d20=4 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 4:58:45 PM
Mordrid feels sick. He decides life would be better in the air. Activating his Armor of the Celestial Battalion, he levitates into the rigging, and maintains along with the ship.
Milo d20+14=30 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 8:22:24 PM
Unaffected by the rocking of the boat, Milo clings to the mast praying that they make it through the portal before it completely unravels on them. Wisely, the halfling chooses not to look down at the deck below, but maintains his gaze forward, ever forward. (OOC: Made voluntary Fort save DC 30 to avoid sea sickness).
Olana d20+11=28 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 9:26:10 PM
(28! Hahahahaha)
Oblivious to the pitch and roll of the deck, Olana hums along to the elven song and continues to keep her eye on their equine cargo. Watching K'Nara dash past, has her puzzled.
Ingrge/ Dahlia Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:07:02 PM
Ingrge watches the show from above and doesn't like the look of what he sees.
K'nara, Valdor we need a bit more wind or speed to get us moving along if we want to get through this gateway before it collapses? Any Ideas?
********
Below decks the dark halfling continues er search.
Valdor d20+18=23 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:15:40 PM
Valdor moves fine with the bobbing vessel, but doesn't much enjoy it. However, he has too many people in view, so he maintains his easy smile and tries to avoid anyone who is launching their lunch.
He replies to Ingrge,"You are correct. I wonder if one of those elementals could speed us along the way."
After activating his earring, he asks,"Cori, is there any way you could speed our ship along. While we may be catching up, I fear we may be too slow to make it through that portal before it closes."
Corialote [spell resistance: SR 34] and Amarth Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:19:26 PM
Cori waits patiently upon the carpet for either Valdor to give the order to let the ships go or for their ship to catch up. She does make it a point to listen to the captain of the ship that Ve is on.
Looking to the portal she feels a little green at the idea of crossing that portal. She can feel the effects of the uncontrolled power there. It has been allowed to go its own way and in doing so it is unraveling at a nasty pace. "Valdor...I am not sure how much longer this portal will hold." She will not go through without the rest of the group and she knows that she could never open this type of portal.
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental - 20 rounds] [spell resistance from Ve - 22 minutes - SR 34]
Falin d20=19 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:16:15 PM
Falin feels a little queesy to begin with, but when the elves begin to sing it takes his mind off of all going on around him. He will join in if he recognizes the songs at all.
It had been a long time from the forest it seemed for him. He had seen the wanton destruction the men had caused, but had given no thought to the use of the wood for these ships. He really needed to get back to the forest for a while.
Gunther d20+10=17 Thursday October 26th, 2006 12:44:07 AM
Rolling awkwardly with the ship, Gunther manages to keep his lunch in place. He stumbles over to where K'nara is heaving. "Are you ok? You vant me to get you someting? I could bring de Broder over here." Gunther looks over at K'nara with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy. It hadn't been that long since they had made love, so she probably wasn't with child. But then again, he wasn't exactly an expert on that subject... A small measure of panic begins to clutch at the warrior's chest as he envisions little mini Gunthers running around through a forest playing tag with elven children. She's just sea sick...yeah...that's it. He desperately tries to convince himself
Nick d20+21=33 Thursday October 26th, 2006 1:18:01 AM
FORT 33
Father Nick pushes his way to K'Nara's side of the ship, and he hands Gunther his waterskin, and some pieces of dried ginger. "Make sure she stays hydrated," he says, with a sympathetic glance at the Talon leader hanging over the side. "She'll be fine, and the ginger root will help with the nausea."
Under normal circumstances, he'd be enjoying this journey quite a bit. With a slight tendency toward claustrophobia, all this open air was doing him some good. However, that upcoming portal's instability has him on edge, and if the thing decided to disintegrate as they were going through...
Lian d20+16=17 Thursday October 26th, 2006 6:45:36 AM
(sea sick save, NAT 1!)
When they are moving at a good pace, Lian loses track of the elven song and begins to dangle his head overboard to inspect the ship's quality.
Mordrid Thursday October 26th, 2006 9:24:27 AM
Mordrid hears Ingrge and Valdor discussing ways to get the ship moving.
He shouts down, "I will see what I can do!"
The ranger imagines the line the ship will be traveling, and he conjures a wind wall ahead of the ship. The wall runs parallel to the water, at a height level with the ship's sails. The direction of the wind blows toward the huge magical gate. When our ship enters this spells area of effect, the ship should catch the wind and speed along the length of the spell, 220 feet; then using the momentum to carry it along further...
granted the spell doesn't rip the ship's sail right off their riggings. If Mordrid sees that the spell is causing damage to the ship, he will immediately drop it.
Valdor Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:31:50 AM
Valdor curses himself for forgetting Mordrid and his spell. He says,"Well done, brother! We can make it, I'm sure of it."
Mordrid Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:15:15 AM
Calling out, "Brace yourselves!!!"
Aeralia d20+4=19 Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:22:19 AM
Aeralia remains up in the crows nest, smiling lightly against the cold sea breeze. She racks her brain trying to remember any sea chanties she's heard, and making up some of her own lyrics, should the opportunity arise to give the sailors a little morale boost. Now wasn't the time, she new, let them get through the portal first, and then see what would come.
She didn't know much about the study of magic, and portals and such, being self taught and from actual experience, but the unravelling portal certainly didn't look promising.
Seeing the wind wall conjured, Aeralia stands and and watches, one arm around the mast. She stands ready to suppliment the wall with ones further down their path, should it work (or she'll cast one to balance Mordrid's out, making a "tunnel" of sorts, should the wall try to knock the ship off course).
DM Jan Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:53:25 AM
((Guys and gals, I'm assuming you're getting those elementals to assist.))
ON THE OTHER SHIP:
The Capt on board raises an eyebrow at the Protector of Domi's question. "You see that lot over there?" he cocks his thumb toward the clutch of barbarians, head and shoulders over everyone else, laughing heartily as the boat pitches into the wind. They have a look on their face, completely unfraid. Death is just another aquaintance to be met on their path through life. "They'd rather have a fight than a good dinner, if you ask me. These, all these - are mercenaries, and lads who are bored with their lives on the farm." he laughs. "They're here for the glory! And the cash! And the women! You want their hearts and swords, that's what it'll cost you, I reckon."
The ship gives a lurch, and the Captain's hand latches onto the standing rigging. "Now if you'll excuse me, if you want to keep your feet dry, I have work to do. And I'd bring that little lady aboard if I were you. Looks like there's a change in the wind at last." "Bring her into the wind, Mr Franks," he says calmly to a man standing nearby. "Aye Cap'n - Larboard haul!!" the man bellows with a voice as loud as a tarrasque.
ON THE TALON/PLATINUM SHIP -
The wind seems to change, and those manning the ropes find themsevles suddenly VERY busy - hauling on this, hauling on that - as sails are raised, lowered, raised again, and the yard arms are pulled this way and that. No fun for those who are feeling a little ill, and for a long moment it feels like everyone is stuck in some kind of pitching and tossing nightmare.
THE JOURNEY -
The fate of all three ships is now in the hands of the elementals and the raw power emanating from the ragged and disintegrating portal. To those in the know, there will be no danger of sinking. Being torn apart in the wind, however, is another matter. Muscles pop and strain as the crew try and keep control of the sails, and raw adrenalin takes care of any remaining feelings of nausea. And then all three vessels hit the wind walls and begin to accelerate...
The air crackles with energy, catching in everyone's throat, and hair begins to stand on end. The spellcasters see the portal construction, expertly woven, with what looks like a million, sparkling snakes. Many of them are falling loose, dropping on the ship, snapping like tiny jags of lightning. To an ordinary warrior, getting hit with one is like getting smacked on the head by an invisible parent.
Reality lurches, and for a moment everything is blackness and thousands of stars. It is seen in the mind, not the eye.
The scene changes abruptly once more, as all three ships emerge unscathed onto a lake of calm. About half a mile ahead, the shore is busy with moored vessels, and campfire smoke can be seen, rising into the air. Bright yellow butterflies dance across the surface of the lake. Everything is different - the colour of the water, the smell in the air (no sea salt), and in the distance, rising above verdant foothills, are a huge range of snow-capped mountains, their shape suggesting this place is nowhere on the known Ellenian Peninsula.
Those aloft get a view astern, to the rear - endless water, with no horizon, and shoals of fish glitter and twist beneath the glassy surface of the lake.
There is absolutely no sign of the portal. It's gone.
Brother Bertram Thursday October 26th, 2006 2:54:10 PM
Bertram standsin awe, staring about, racking his brain for any sign of a familiar landmark. He mutters a prayer to Domi under his breath while he stands and gawks.
Valdor Thursday October 26th, 2006 4:14:08 PM
Valdor closes his eyes as they pass through the portal, gripping the rail tightly. The moment passes and he opens his eyes taking in the new scenery. He quickly scans the ship and makes sure everyone is okay. Realizing they are fine, he pushes his way through to the new captain and says,"Land us away from the main group a good distance. They will wonder, but they probably have will have people to check us in."
He pulls K'Nara off to the side and says,"As proven by their haste to leave the shore back in Izen, their leaders know of our presence and probably know as well, that we have comandeered this ship. Unless you disagree, we should land up the coast a good ways and then try to find out where this city is. I'll set Ve and his carpet to this task now."
He says into his earring,"Ve, Cori, you both okay? We need to know which direction ths city is that they are going to ransack. See if you can find it from the air and let me know. Also, give me a report on the other ships."
K'Nara Thursday October 26th, 2006 8:05:11 PM
The blade singer's stomach does NOT like the passage through to...wherever it is that the ships have ended up, calm though the destination is.
K'Nara nods to Valdor, letting the last of her momentary nausea pass. Then she makes sure that the ginger root and skin donated by Nick get stowed in her haversack--it isn't often that the hardy woman warrior feels queasy and she wants to have this weakness pass as quickly as possible.
"Do as Valdor says." she tells the bosun-cum-captain of the ship, then turns to Gunther. "You have that armor on, right? Can you fly again with it? You could possibly back up the pair on the flying carpet..."
Milo Thursday October 26th, 2006 9:21:48 PM
Milo clings to the side of the main mast like no tomorrow, closing his eyes as the maelstrom takes them through the portal, though breathing deeply and calmly as well. Once through, and the excitement has died down the diminutive rogue looks almost disappointed, like a child at the end of a carnival ride.
Corialote [spell resistance: SR 34] and Amarth Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:28:12 PM
Cori looks to Ve to see if he caught the request from Valdor to do some scouting. She snaps her knuckles one by one as she nods her head. "You got it boss." She wonders what the look upon Valdor's face is as she says that but keeps it to herself.
Amarth looks around and shakes his head. "Not a trip I would like to take often Mistress." He takes to the air if it is stable enough for flying.
[summon monster IX - 3 greater huge water elemental - 16 rounds] [spell resistance from Ve - 22 minutes - SR 34]
Gunther Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:31:36 PM
Sticking to K'nara's side, Gunther shakes his head sadly. "No..it only vorks vonce a day." He shoots a nasty look at Falin, then lets it go. "I could head out with Thaeri after ve dock.. If you vant."
Falin Thursday October 26th, 2006 11:34:41 PM
Feeling something is about to happen and knowing from the atmosphere on the ship Falin is still suprised when the ship goes through the portal and cought off guard. Having to try to keep his balance and then not having to plays with the archers internal sense of balance and he falls over.
"Wait here," Falin tells the other elves and he makes his way up to the deck to get a visual on their new location.
Walking over to K'Nara he mentions, "This is different." He then tells her, "The elves are doing suprisingly well, but I would like to keep them informed of what we are going to do in order to quell possible rumors."
Noticing the look from Gunther Falin approaches him, "Something I have done to offend? If so let me know so I can make ammends and we can clear this impasse between us."
After he gets the info he is looking for from K'Nara he will head back down and let the elves know what is going on. If they need to begin to prepare to go ashore he will make sure they do that as well.
Lian Friday October 27th, 2006 6:02:58 AM
The monk straightens up, holding his stomach, but seems otherwise unaffected.
The tension on the ship is palletable. He knows something is going on and the air is thick with something, but he can't tell what.
Ve Mundr Friday October 27th, 2006 10:09:29 AM
Ve nods to teh captain, "Understood." The Protector and Heirophant of Domi sets himself as the ship keens and moves through the portal. The voice rises in his mind again, Crush them, crush them all. Bah! This is beneath you, beneath the station to which they will know us. Ve Mundr, whose name means Holy Power in the tongue of his ancient family line, hardens his jaw and his eyes steel with purpose. The voice is put down and Vladors' takes its place.
Ve steps to the captain, "Keep with our sister craft Captain. Our landing spot is not going to be with the others. My associate and I are going to do some recon, please follow the other vessel and see if you can get the third one there to follow as well." To answer the eniviatble question from the captain as to how, Ve replies "Be creative."
Ve acknowledges Valdor and suggests someone come over to put a presence on the vessel so she follows. Ve adds he feels this entire group likewise seems here for the promise of adventure and nothing more. Ve calls the carpet over and gets on, "Cori might want to dismiss the elementals before we go." Ve then ordes the carpet to climb to several hundred feet and begin moving to the disatnt horizon at the backs of the ships.
Mordrid Friday October 27th, 2006 11:41:22 AM
Mordrid feels like he's tumbling into the abyss as he passes through the gate, while levitated above the ship. He loses track of all direction, and lets go to the euphoric feeling of tumbling backwards into the void. Upon return to reality he finds himself tumbling in the air, as his mind perceived, the fly spell commanded the motion.
Mordrid spirals into the netting, high above the deck. There he remains holding on tightly, while peering about.
K'Nara d20=9 Friday October 27th, 2006 1:59:38 PM
K'Nara nods to Falin.
"We'll be landing shortly...intentionally away from where the majority of the ships are anchored. Valdor will be giving orders about when we'll debark from the ship." she tells him, and watches as he leaves to tend to the elves of the Culverwood. The tall blade singer turns to Gunther.
"Is there a problem between you and Falin?" she asks the big cat trainer. "You were glaring at him almost as if he were Evil itself..." Briefly K'Nara wonders if there's something up with Falin, but nothing comes to mind. (OOC: made a voluntary Intelligence check to try to connect any dots, but the result is only 9.)
Olana Friday October 27th, 2006 3:54:18 PM
Olana shakes her head roughly, trying to clear all the various hallucinations. How had the horses coped? And where was Milo?
Looking upward to make sure he was all right, she also spots Mordrid making a rather wild landing in the rigging. If she can catch Milo's attention, she'll make a gesture, along the lines of 'Did you see that?'. She's trying not to laugh as she avoids being stepped on by the horses' hooves, oh but it's so difficult.
Nick Friday October 27th, 2006 4:19:37 PM
Nick hangs on to Valdor's weaponry tightly as they go through the portal, finding himself ducking and dodging strange worm-like objects that are tumbling down toward the deck. All that lurching around at sea, and he was fine, he notes ruefully, and just one measly portal and his stomach was doing the loop di loop.
He's in the middle of trying to figure out where they are in all this dark, when it all disappears, and instead his eyes take in the lake and the distant mountains. Wow...
After a few moments, and after listening to Valdor and K'Nara, he looks over the side. "Well - I suggest we get toward land as soon as we can. Black dragons can swim, you know."
DM Jan Friday October 27th, 2006 5:03:13 PM
ON THE TALON/PLATINUM SHIP -
The newly self-appointed First Mate shouts for 'the spyglass' to be brought forth, and it is soon carried up to the poop deck with great reverence. A spyglass, of course, being a rather expensive piece of equipment to a bunch of sailors who have maybe two silver pieces between them.
"There's a headland just to the south," he says eventually. "We can sail around that, and be hidden from that shoreline settlement. Is that what you want? It's going to be slow going, though. Not much in the way of wind right now. Unless we get out the small row boats and tow her in."
ON THE OTHER SHIP -
Amarth discovers it's more than suitable for flying right now, although there isn't much in the way of thermals out here on the lake, so he'll have to do a lot of flapping to gain height.
On board, the Capt is looking at all the soldiers crammed on deck, and then looking incredulously at Ve Mundr. You have to be kidding me... "Why do I get the feeling we have no choice?" he asks eventually. "All right, we'll follow the other ship. As for the third one, you're on your own there. I've no way of contacting them." He shrugs. "Maybe they'll follow us, anyways."
As Ve and Cori rise upward on the carpet, the Capt sends them off with a certain sour gesture, it's meaning fairly obvious. However - "Set a course to follow the other ship, Mr Franks. If anyone asks - tell 'em the port's full and we have to dock elsewhere. And if this leads to our ruin, then I hope Davey Jones takes the lot of them."
AND SO -
Half a mile from shore, as the ships below decide on the best course of action, the carpet rises rapidly into the air. Along the coast, there are no other settlements, towns, cities to be seen, either side of the encampment. Both Ve and Cori count 40 large vessels down there, and some smaller ones. And there is an endless number of tents and campfires on shore.
Out into the lake, there is no land on the horizon, just water, stretching for miles, flat and gleaming in the sun. The only odd thing, out on the lake in the far distance. A small gathering of clouds and lightning.
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