Meeting at the Gate d20=17 d20+8=25 d20+10=19 d20+11=31 d20+10=30 d20+12=13 Thursday August 24th, 2006 5:16:51 PM
The eight men and women are all dressed in heavy furs, most have wooden shields and simple weapons such as a heavy mace. Standing at the gate, all of them are making final adjustments and under the layers of furs all can be seen wearing leather, or similar non metallic armor. Each has what looks to be a mini-sled linked to their waist with a small stock pile of fur. All know them to be hunting sleds and likely are carrying some extra food and small provisions. Each has a Bivowac style shelter that Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden are very familiar with. The Party uses larger group structures that can accommodate 4 in comparrison to the 2 man 'fur-coffin' as some refer to them as. They are not for everyone. Missile fire ranges from short spears, to javelins to the set of long bows that Brynj and Hord carry. Hord also carries a Greatsword.
Bohdi answers to the negative on flying spells, maybe with a bit more research, the study of gravity and the mechanics of flight for other objects and it would all come together for him. But right now, the wizard defers to Garret.
Neco, Aiden and Dregar all wait patiently as everyone assembles, each looking forward to marching into the unknown in their own ways. One of the women steps over to Neco, "May I?" and starts to make a few adjustments in position to some of the over furs. Neco has learned much, but she has not perfected the seemingly hundreds of small details in the positions of every little piece of clothing to help keep the deadly cold away. Aiden takes a few strides out the southern gate and quickly eyes out the trail. The Twin Tusks village used to lie east of Ice Peak, maybe 7 days across the tundra, but the Tusk has always been nomadic and Aiden has not been there in years. It could be literally anywhere. The trail heads south, but may turn beyond the hundred or so yards that Aiden can pick off from here.
Garrett looks at the assembled party of 13 that he will apparently be leading as they stand at the southern gate. The big question is as it always is, protection from the cold. That is a difficult one if magic is to be used by everyone. His second, the distance to the Tusk village no one precisely knows. General consensus is it could not be overly far. The Tuskans surely could not have too far of a reach. Questions begin to surface if anything is known of the food supply the dead raiders had left as that would offer insight, assuming the raiders intended to go home again. The eldest three, Brynj, Hrafn and Hjord all nod in agreement as Garret puts a kabosh on regular fires. "We have our deep gear, does any know the protective gear stowed that the Raiders brought?"
There is also consensus among them on Garret NOT using all the powers at his disposal to ward off the Cold. As Hrafn puts it "We all know the risks and have all been in the deep before." Brynj, Hrafn and Hjord are older, but certainly not elders as they are all in their mid 30's. All eight of the men and women of the tracking party seem to not be shy when it comes to answering when asked.
Nauthiz'Ull is last to arrive with his wolf and volunteers her to assist.
The morning is quite cold and Nauthiz'Ull and several others spend a few moments gauging the sky. Thord and Hrafn begin a small side conversation based on the tracks and local geaography they know to lie to the south. "Possibly they used the Kyrelis Tail' "Likely but we follow and see' 'but is would cut many hours even if they did not use it.'
Knowledge Geography DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {the formation is a thin and relatively short ice canyon about 4 miles south east. Fairly hard to find unless you have been there. (This check assumes that as well) The canyon runs roughly east for about 7 miles. The only non magical assisted exits would be each end of the canyon. }
Neco Thursday August 24th, 2006 10:37:01 PM
Neco is startled when the woman closes on her, but when she simply adjusts the rogue's clothing, the girl relaxes, and lets the woman do up the garments properly.
Without waiting for the cleric's direction, the small human moves up near the front of the line. If she gets any funny looks from the elders, she will say, "I, Neco Tactus svienn Lleya may not know where we are going or how to find it, but I can't protect you from traps from the back of the line!"
While waiting for the signal to depart, the rogue wonders if the people the party seeks keep much treasure.
Bohdi Nackle Thursday August 24th, 2006 11:10:43 PM
"I could try to instruct you, wunjo," Bodhi answered Nautiz'Ull. "But my magical arts are trained and learned, not born of the wild."
"To tell the truth, mate, the one to train you is ...." the gnome shrugged toward Neco.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+6=15 d20+9=24 d20+5=20 d20+12=32 Friday August 25th, 2006 10:46:47 AM
Hearing the chatter between Thord and Hrafn, Nauth nods at the mention of Kyrelis Tail. He has been there once, with Ull'Heimdall...
The morning's clouds hid the sun completely; the air was more damp than normal and the grey-cast tinge that held all snow and ice extended past the hawk's vision. A tall man garbed in several different yet fine pelts was stringing his bow and smoothing out the flights of his arrows. A small boy, roughly nine, runs up and pats the aged man on the back. "I am ready father. Those tracks we saw this morning, what were they of?" Stroking a well groomed beard that hugged the tanned man's jaw, icy blue eyes stared down at his son. "I am not sure Nauth. I have never seen such tracks before; that is why we go." That day, although dark by most's standard, shed light on many intersting lessons for the young human, soon to be ranger. Trudging through ice-pack and snow they reached a place that the father called Kyrelis Tail. "We will not journey through the chasm. This place hold countless opportunities for ambush, traps and complete death. perhaps another time we will find whatever has made these tracks."
The present blurs back into Nauth's eyes, a sadness oozes over his body and his shoulder slump under its weight.
"I have been to Kyrelis Tail before...once. You can be certain that the Tuskers, if they came by way of it, will have an ambush or traps waiting for us. Enormous icewalls lend to an attack from above...a shooting trap to be more precise...iceslides and cave ins could be set up as well. Neco, we will need your skills if the Kyrelis Tail is the way we take."
Nauth turns his head to the sound of his wunjo's voice. As the gnome, overstuffed with furs and gear and looking more like a plump furball than the slender gnome that he is, he gets the 'hint' and sucks his teeth. Nodding back in an "I already knew that" sort of way, Nauth turns and steps over to Aiden.
"Our girls shall be of great assistance to us this trip. I have a couple of potions, wunjo, that will allow me to talk to the pups if need be. I plan on using them for emergencies, but I will be asking this fine girl here what she prefers to be called during that time. Would you like for me to do the same for your babe?"
Nauth will explain what he can if Aiden is curious and it will occupy his time until steps are made on the trail.
As soon as Garret deems the group ready to move out, the lithe human will stride to the front, with his pup and begin scouring the ground for signs of the Tuskers. Focusing all of his past lessons with Ull'Heimdall, Nauth seems a veritable fountain of knowledge as to what may be upcoming. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Know:Geo.15 Know:Nat.24 Prof:Hunt.20 Survival.32 [NAT20!]
Dregar Friday August 25th, 2006 11:43:14 AM
Dregar waits inpatiently to get into the wild. he looks around,and eyes everyone there. He knew deep down that some of these people wouldn't be coming back. That is the way war is though, he thought to himself. He just made sure to kill enough orks to cover those who fell beside him.
Once headed out, he falls into line where told to go. Not his usuall style, he waits to here from Aiden as what to do.
DM Addendum Friday August 25th, 2006 11:55:36 AM
More stuff everyone knows:
Next few days of weather look to be partly cloudy and pretty cold. This should not pose a problem for any in proper gear. There is a constant wind on the tundra of about 8-15 mph. Tracks are of 3 approaching large wolves at the south gate. A single running humanoid and single running large wolf trail heads south, complete with blood trail. Only the Leader and a single Wolf actually jumped the south wall at the battles end. The others went over the north and east walls. They may link up further out but from here none can see thier tracks.
Anyone already posted can post again. I will be putting another post today as well.
Aiden Friday August 25th, 2006 12:27:48 PM
(OOC: sorry clicked on send privately to gm)
Aiden's brow furrows as he analyzes the tracks. Not only is he looking at direction, but numbers (and if they are wounded). Some (almost all) of the Tuskers fully believed in survival of the fittest, and if they saw one of their fellows wounded, would kill him instead of allowing him to survive (and lead others back via a blood trail). Others would seek the thrill of honorable death by leading the ambushes.
Hearing the discussion about Kyrelis Trail, Aiden's thoughts, momentarily, turned towards the layout of that area, or at least, what he could remember.
~good sight for avalanche or an attack from the sides. That or shut both ends and pin within the canyon.~ His thoughts turned towards the chieftain and the recent attack, ~if something is using each side against the other, or if there are spies, it is definite that a trap or ambush is set. We need something to surprise them...push up our time to reach the canyon...~
And then a wry smirk began to appear on his face, ~or have Bohdi cast his spell of hiding upon Nauthiz and have him fly upwards to scout. They would not expect such tactics...~
Garrett Saturday August 26th, 2006 9:48:32 AM
"We will follow the tracks and see where they lead. Should they enter Kyrelis Trail we will have to come up with something to counter the ambush I am sure they have laid for us. Either that, or go around."
(With everyone having the necessary food and cold weather gear we would set out, and discuss the rest as we walk.)
Aiden and Neco, you have point. Let's see if your wolf can track as well as you Aiden. Neco, you are on trap watch.
"Let's make sure we do this safe and smart. I don't want to have to tell anyone's families that they have not returned."
Unless any of the other volunteers wish to be protected from the cold, Garrett will keep the 6 of us wunjo's protected from the cold with endure elements. That will leave me holding back one for emergencies, or to convert to healing. Garrett is more than happy to do any six who feel they may need it. He would pass on his should someone else wish to be protected.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3, Endure elements, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl) 2nd lvl: Hold Person x2, Spiritual Weapon, Bulls Strength(d)
Next Moves Saturday August 26th, 2006 10:34:28 AM Neco moves up to the point, where Aiden Brynj, Thord and Hrafn currently stand in discussion on the trail and possible use of the canyon. They are all presently discussing the possible traps and ambushes lying in wait. The rogue does note with satisfaction that none look to her as she moves with anything other than acceptance.
Nauthiz'Ull engages Aiden about the wolves and of his potions which allow them to talk directly to the wolves, if Aiden wished.
Aiden is more concerned with what may lie ahead and why the Tuskers do not seem to be behaving as they should. Survival of the fitess. The strong rule the weak and the injured are left for dead and none on a raid should be allowed to leave a blood trail. But right in front of him was precisely that.
The suggestion is also made of a split group to conceal not only direction but of numbers. The people with the party are split on the idea. 'We know they moved at great speed from the village, and many are hurt.' 'Tuskers are without honor and would lie in wait' 'Perhaps we should circle Ice Peak to see if there is another trail?' 'We should stay together, there is no one in Ice Peak that would collaberate with Tusker scum'
The wolves sniff about and paw at the ground nervously near the tracks of the larger wolves the Tuskers rode.
There are many thoughts and ideas a course of action is needed.
Aiden d20=11 d20=20 d20=19 Saturday August 26th, 2006 12:29:40 PM
Aiden looked curious as Nauthiz had brought up the potions, "Strange magics those..." he grumbled. "I still do not trust whoever makes them..."
"But if you say they work wunjo...then they do." A small smile appeared on his face, he looked down at his unkempt wolf by his side, "she will let me know when she feels that she has earned it. And then we will find out the name of our little sister."
(OOC: hopefully this is done BEFORE Neco comes within hearing range)
Aiden then looks over Nauthiz' shoulder towards Neco. And in a small voice (trying to keep it to just Nauthiz hearing), he playfully commented, "Full of fire isn't she wunjo? You two are more similar then you give either credit for..." He then did something highly unlike Aiden's usual reserved self, "Whale fat'll help stop burns..." and gave a wink.
(OOC: yes it is crude, but hopefully within woldian guidelines...but hey...he grew up with orcs)
Hearing Garrett, he moved over for his directions (and to get away from Nauthiz arms from snatching him).
"Ready Garrett..." he pronounced to Garrett, a smile on his face, or was it a small smirk of good humor?
"Track with pack..." Aiden barked in a gruff voice to the wolf. The order was for the wolf to track, but stay close to the group (or pack in wolf terms).
track: 11 + 8 = 19
Knowledge (geography): 20 + 6 = 26 (+ 2 synergy to avoid above ground hazards would make that a 28)
Survival: 19 + 8 = 27
Neco d20+5=23 d20+5=22 d20+7=19 Saturday August 26th, 2006 8:57:41 PM
Neco moves towards Aiden, and spots him talking to Nauth. Getting closer she tries to listen in on the conversation. The young woman narrows her eyes, looks to the two males in disgust, and spits into the snow. "Men" She thinks to herself as she moves on without the ex-twin tusker. Finding a long stick (or a spear from one of the village warriors) the rogue starts jabbing into the snow in front of her and sifts though it. Looking for anything out of the ordinary she calls back to Aiden, "Are you coming or what?"
--Actions--
[Spot]-[23] [Listen]-[22] [Detect traps]-[19]
Aiden (second) Sunday August 27th, 2006 12:55:49 AM
Grinning at Nauthiz, "see..." as if to prove his correctness, "fire..."
Chuckling (in a good humored way), he made his way towards the area that Garrett wanted him to lead. Even as he passed by Neco, he paused for a moment, "sometimes it is good to show what cannot be seen, especially to the new tribe, no?" His eyes (and head movements) moved in a nodlike fashion towards the other hunters. (ooc: non-npc)
~She does not like it, but now the men have seen that she is more than just a woman. That she can take care of herself, and is as strong as any of them. And that she will help us on our journey instead of distracting them...~
Shaking his head as he maintained his small smirk, ~though she is an interesting wench, though much different than I have ever dealt with. I am curious what the wunjos thinks...~
Bohdi Nackle Sunday August 27th, 2006 6:45:58 PM
"Many shadows," Bohdi said in acknowledgment of Garrett's protective magic. He had unconsciously adopted the patter of the Sargrass, as he often did when he was distracted. Nauthiz'Ull and Neco's sparring had reminded him of another female, a gnome, far away somewhere across the tundra.
Was she alive? Was she safe? Was she, like he, off on another mission of rescue and salvation? Or was she beyond saving herself?
She had mentioned to him once that she had visited Gargul. Had she done so again? Would he ever know? Would he see her alive? Or would it take his own personal trip to Gargul to see her again?
"Save the child--or see Gargul trying," Bohdi muttered to Squork, stroking the bird's feathers. "Either way, maybe we find some answers." He glanced enviously at Dregar, then walked over to pat the dwarf's shoulder in comradeship.
"Save the child, or see Gargul trying, eh?" Bohdi grinned. "I think I'm beginning to see the Wold through your eyes a bit, mate."
ooc: back from vacation and able to receive e-mails and focus on game issues again
Nauthiz'Ull Sunday August 27th, 2006 10:15:08 PM
Caught flat footed by Aiden's brash remark, Nauth cannot decide to hide a laugh or choke his fellow ranger. There is something changing in his wunjo and it settles well within.
"Checking around the wall would not be a bad idea. Or push until we find the White One."
Whatever direction Garrett commands, Nauth will attempt to take point with his pup; together they should be a very efficient tracking machine.
Garrett Monday August 28th, 2006 9:39:32 AM
Garrett looks around at the bantering and apparently somewhat happy group.
"Much more pleasant than the last time we went out into the Tundra they are" He thinks to himself. "And much more dire the mission."
Garrett listens to the various opinions as to which trail to follow.
"The blood trail is easier to follow is it not? If any trail leads us to a trap, this is the one. If there is a trap, there are also tuskers, and information that we could dearly use. And, a trap is a trap only if the prey walks into it."
"I think it wisest that we follow the trail of blood made by the orc leader. I do not see any of the others being able to kill him, and we may gain time if he stops to tend his wounds. We should expect a trap. We just have to find it ahead of time, and find a way to make the trappers become the prey."
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl) 2nd lvl: Hold Person x2, Spiritual Weapon, Bulls Strength(d)
Nauthiz'Ull Monday August 28th, 2006 10:40:07 AM
As his fearless leader states his intent on what to persue at the current time, the deeply tanned young man nods, icy eyes flash anticipation, and he pulls the mottled light grey and white hood over his head. Knowing that a purely white outfit is sometimes best on the tundra, Nauth did not have the money or the skill to take down enough pure white wolves or polar bears to solve this particular dilema; his cloak and fur gear is decent, the grey mottling is of a lighter shade and the white is still almost half of the coloring.
Nauth will continue to help the group with the tracking and will check on his pup to make sure she is doing alright. As she whimpers to the scent of the worg Nauth smacks her hind quarters instantly. "No fear girl. You are stronger, smarter and more brave then those tainted stock. No fear girl."
Morning, the First Day Monday August 28th, 2006 2:10:24 PM
Some banter is exchanged between Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden and Neco manages to overhear enough to decide she was slightly offended as she moves by them. There are a few chuckles from some of the others as well and one other overheard comment, 'That boy is in serious trouble.' Aiden pats his wolf and she moves ahead with her sister at a slow trot to about 10 yards before both turn to look back to see if the group is following them. Garret casts his spells of protection upon each of the group. Several of the other hunters with the group are seen giving small shakes of their head, but nothing is said. Brynj, Hrafn and Hjord stand stoically through it all and none appear to jump in on anything currently being bantered about. Garret listens with a bit of a smile on his face. The mood is certainly more upbeat even though the mission more dire. A sign that his wunjos' confidence is higher in themselves and each other. With the wolves, Neco Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull all moving to the front, Brynj and the others fall in line behind, eyes almost locked on the man or woman walking but two paces in front of them. They don't speak and their movements very purposeful. None is wasting extra energy where they don't have to.
The wolves move ahead easily and easy too is the trail to follow. So close in to Ice Peak there is little in the way of natural hazards. The wind blows, the snow sweeps across in a haze of white, but the apparent mad run from Ice Peak leaves a deep trail not easily removed by the wind. After several hundred yards the solo booted trail ends in a small scurry of wolf prints. The continuing run of the wolf is slightly shorter of gait and sinks even heavier into the snow. The group of 13 continues and soon enough evidence of the blood trail disappears. About 200 yards further, four more wolves join the original track set and all continue at what is likely full speed, arrow straight for Kyrelis Tail, which is now about 1 mile away. The group continues as does the wind and blowing snow about the feet and thighs of all. To the horizon of North, East and West is naught but a blurred white and grey. Looming South are the mountains, jagged blocks of black and blue, marking the long western arm of the Jagged Jaw mountains.
The sharp eyes and knowledge of the area assist the Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull as they approach the Kyrelis Tail. Like a sword slash through the snow and ice it lies before the collective group. The devastation from the massive eruption some months before have altered the once pure white crevice. A thick band of black now can be seen in the veins of various whites. The overhang is greater now and perhaps the channel is a bit more narrow, but it is very clear to the wolves and the trackers that the Tuskan riders went down into the crevice.
Posting Report -- ADM Kup Monday August 28th, 2006 3:17:20 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of August 21-August 25 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...x...x...x Garrett-Chris.........o...x...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............x...x...x...x...x Neco-James..........x...x...x...x...x Dregar-Shawn.......x...o...x...x...o x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --DM Friday post this week came on Saturday.
Bohdi Nackle Monday August 28th, 2006 10:30:13 PM
Bohdi stared with amazement at the looming crevasse.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=29 Tuesday August 29th, 2006 11:32:46 AM
Walking, foot in front of foot, Nauth peers through the drift gusts and watches as the Tail begins to overshadow the horizon.
"This place is different than I remember it. It seems that the tragedy of the eruption has left its mark on the higher levels. It's quite beautiful really, if you look at it."
Stopping and waiting for the group to collect the young ranger tries to figure out the safest way through (as in different scouting tactics, not different ways through the one-passage ice chasm).
Nauth scans the treacherous overhangs above and nods to the known dangers. Ull'Heimdall has taught him not only about the bow and the hunt but about the powers of the Vein and the biggest danger is the Vein itself.
Looking around at the other hunters Nauth nods to each, "What are your thoughts?" After hearing each of them express their thoughts Nauth turns to the young Human girl; "Neco, You are familiar with traps, are you not? Your knowledge on such things could aid in mine and Aiden's knowledge of the natural dangers through the tail."
Looking back to the cleric of Domi, the fur-clad head of the young man cocks to the side. "What'll you have us do?"
Garrett Tuesday August 29th, 2006 2:09:02 PM
"If a trap awaits us, it awaits us in there. I say we should go around. Some of us know where it ends. If there are tracks coming out at the other end, we continue to follow them. If there are none, then we go in, but from the other side. Where we are not expected."
"I have my opinions, but I am far from the most experienced among us. I will lead the group, but if anyone has a better idea, or disagrees with what I am thinking."
Garrett waits to hear the ideas or suggestions of others.
Aiden d20=20 Tuesday August 29th, 2006 4:48:36 PM
Aiden took a moment to survey the sides of the canyon. His eyes looked for small things, such as the possibility of a game trail, where a person could go from above and scout.
(OOC: not sure what I'd roll here...Knowledge (geography)? DOH!!! Holy )*#@$)@#*!! a natural 20...)
He allowed the others to speak even as Aiden winced his eyes to try and make out what he THOUGHT he saw (ooc: since he may or may not see something).
Again, his thoughts went to Squork, and the possible use of the raven flying above (and only above) to see if anything is nearby. Then a smile appeared, "Bohdi...if you cast the spell of invisibility on Squork, would that provide him enough safety to see if anything lies in wait for us near the entrance or into the trail?"
knowledge (geography): 20 + 6 = 26
Kyrelis' Tail Tuesday August 29th, 2006 5:05:18 PM
Bohdi and several others look at the crevice and back towards not only Garret, but the other more experienced hunters. They all seem to share a similar look of apprehension in thier eyes. Nauthiz'Ull speaks to Neco about her using her personal skill sets to spot any un natural traps that may have been set to compliment Aiden and his own skills to not blunder into a natural dangers.
Garret on the other hand simply feels they group should skirt the whole thing. After all they know where it opens at the other end and they could be there by nightfall. If tracks emerge than they continue following, if not. Then enter from the back door so to speak.
The general group of the hunters agrees with Garret. It is pointed out that they will lose some time, but that is offset by not missing something and being buried. The risk against reward seems a bit slanted for following the trail in.
Aiden mentions perhaps an invisibilty spell and Squork could make a quick scouting. The bird would certainly not trigger any natural disasters and as an invisible flyer should not be caught in any Tusker trap.
Clarification on Kyrelis Tail: the mountains to the south are still a considerable distance away. the crevice is a split inthe tundra withthe ground being essentially flat for miles about it. kinda like a sink hole.
Neco d20+5=21 Tuesday August 29th, 2006 11:37:02 PM
Neco moves forward checking the path occasionally for any unfriendly gifts that the fleeing orcs may have left behind? Without looking back at the dark skinned ranger, or stopping her scan of the trail, the light skinned rogue responds to his question. Only vaguely informing the boy she answers "Traps? Ya, I know a thing or two about them."
[Search]-[21]
OOC: Neco is only scanning and lightly sifting the ground not taking time to turning everything over.
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=26 Tuesday August 29th, 2006 11:48:35 PM
"Aye, he could at that, Aiden," Bohdi affirmed, with a pleased--and surprised--look evident on his face. "Squork could fly invisibly into the Tail and scout for us, then return and report. But the spell would not last long--just 4 counts of sixty--and so he would not be able to scout very far--perhaps a thousand paces--before he would have to return. We would have to be close to the Tail to permit him to enter any significant distance. And we'd be relying on his bird's-eye view of things, which we all know is limited by his meager intellect." The bird glared daggers at his master, but said nothing.
"But if the group wishes it, I'll gladly do it!" The gnome beamed at the tall ranger.
ooc: For clarity's sake-- "counts" = seconds "counts of sixty" = minutes "four counts of sixty" = 4 minutes "paces" = yards or meters At a base speed of 40' flying, "run" speed = 160'/round = 1600'/minute = 3200'/2 minutes = ~ 1000 yards or meters Spot check for Squork, if needed -- 26!
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday August 30th, 2006 9:55:13 AM ooc; I thought taht the Tail was through a mountain pass. Nauth would have most assuredly suggested skirting it if we remain on the tundra and not climbing through the mountains. I pictured it as coming to an almost flat-walled cliff rising above us and the Tail being split through it....my bad.
The ranger strokes the more present stubble on his jaw and sides of his mouth. He nods at the confirmations that the group should take the chance of losing time instead of losing lives.
As Aiden mentions the use of magic, no, suggests the use of magic, Nauth raises an eyebrow in a suprised yet impressed manner. "That is cunning wunjo. You are the ulf in many ways."
Kneeling down to his pup, Nauth whispers into her ear; "Listen girl, take that scent and look for it over there. Remember the putrid, musty, sweaty, dirty scent and find it over there." Nauth points to the left of the Tail and scratches the ulf along the jaw.
"The ulfs may be able to find a scent; perhaps the Tuskers have a secondary unit that have been here for several days. They should be able to scout ahead of us and find out if this is true. When we have skirted enough of the Tail then maybe the bird can fly to the end and let us know what awaits us there?"
Garrett Wednesday August 30th, 2006 10:00:52 AM
"The invisible Squork is a good idea, but since it doesn't last too long it may be wisest to save the spell should we need to go in the other end. What has or has not come out the other end is the concern."
"Aiden, can you tell how many have entered the crevice? If so, let us remember that so we may know the numbers we see exiting the other side."
Garrett makes to move on, scouting around the tomb of a crevice, gesturing for Aiden and Neco to once again take point. "It will cost us some time, but the cost is not greater than the risk of entering."
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl) 2nd lvl: Hold Person x2, Spiritual Weapon, Bulls Strength(d)
Dregar d20+6=10 Wednesday August 30th, 2006 4:54:18 PM
The dwarf remains where he is in the line. His breath rolls out in great billowing clouds and frosts his beard. The sun was glaring down on them and he looks about the distant tundra for signs of life, or anything at all more than the dizzying blanket of white. Light dazzled and glinted off the ice and the blanket mirage that was always so prevlavent in the open yielded none of its secrets. "No good cause to follow them into their hole. I too say we skirt the crevice, see if they came out the far end."
Skirting Kyrelis' Tail Wednesday August 30th, 2006 5:08:05 PM
Squork and invisibility is dicussed, but at length the drawbacks of duration and not having the spell at the other end of the crevice when combat could be close at hand, overshadow the decission for Garret. 'Press throught the slower route, not risk entombment and save the spell.' As all other things, magical resources are precious in the wilds of Ice Vien.
Aiden, Nauthiz'Ull the wolves and Hrafn examine the last few meters entering the Tail. It does not appear they met any reserve units. The tracks continue at a near reckless pace into the crevice. 6 wolves, likely 4 with riders.
The general group of the hunters agrees with Garret. It is pointed out that they will lose some time, but that is offset by not missing something and being buried. The risk against reward seems a bit slanted for following the trail in. After a few more brief discussions, Aiden, Neco and Nauthiz'Ull begin to skirt Kyrelis' Tail. The group pushes more directly eastward giving the formation a wide berth of about 100 yards.
The snow is slightly deeper and gives under the weight of the humans moving across it far more readily than before. The wind is constant from the east and snaps at bits of fur as ice forms from clinging and packed snow to the bits of the ends. Clouds move across the sky to the west as well high above and pathces of brilliant blue can be seen regularly, but the sun never seems to find one. Midday comes and goes and pushing through the break of 6-12 inches of snow brings the hint of complaint from the leaders muscles after several hours.
Neco, Aiden and Nauthiz make Fortitude saves DC 15 failure indicaties fatigue.
I am assuming the rest are following the plow lines so to speak. The wolves do not break through as much and do not have teh same issue.
Garrett Wednesday August 30th, 2006 9:46:10 PM
Garrett follows along in the trail made by the group leading the way. Remembering that leading the way in deep snow often caused one to tire very quickly, Garrett suggests rotating the front three amongs the entire group.
"Let's take turns forging the trail. We know where we are going, so it's not paramount at this point that our trackers lead."
Garrett would like to rotate a different four up front every hour that we walk. That will give everyone at least only 1 hour forging the trail for every three we travel.
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday August 30th, 2006 9:50:19 PM
Bohdi trudged along happily behind Aiden. Delighted with his companion's newfound interest in things magical, Bohdi kept up a steady stream of banter directed at the ranger's back. "Have I told you, mate, about the Reduce Person spell? Now, there's many as don't know the virtues of being properly sized, having suffered with being over-big so long in their lives. But once you try things from a gnomish view, there's no seeing things any other way again. 'Right-sized is right-minded,' as my teacher Master Hornswaggle used to say. Now, you take the Locate Object spell, for instance . Not handy in a fight, I'll grant. But, now, I ask you--if you need to find your mother's spectacles in an ice storm, which spell would you most want to pull from your pouch? Eh?"
"Now, as to the relative virtues of Glitterdust versus See Invisibility--well, there are two schools on that, if you'll pardon the pun--and I can see the virtue of both--if you'll pardon another pun! Heh heh heh .... Well, as I was saying, mate, these two spells are quite different, really ...."
Neco [Fatigued] d20+3=13 Wednesday August 30th, 2006 10:17:14 PM
Neco stumbles forward barely caching herself. Regaining her footing she trudges onward. "I... I can keep going," the young girl says between breaths. The unexpected burst of cold that chills her lungs causes her to breathe tenderly. Moving onwards, Neco wearily fantasises about warm foods, beverages, and fires.
[Fort save]-[13]
Aiden d20=8 d20=3 d20=14 Wednesday August 30th, 2006 10:20:00 PM
Aiden trudged along, his breath starting to get a bit more labored than he had wanted (or expected). This (along with some of the chatter from Bohdi) distracted him slightly as it (the conversation) did interest him somewhat.
"Would be painful to have someone reduced in side with a sword sticking in them, no?" as he grinned through the thought of the person (and not necessarily the spear or sword that was in the victim) shrinking.
Taking a deep breath (and a momentarily rest) before continuing, "can you reduce so small to ride an arrow and then become big again after it hits the target...surprising your opponent?"
"Can the locate object spell find a cave during a snow storm?" he then asked, "since a cave is kind of an object?"
Aiden then stopped a moment. "wait a moment...this could be shady..." Straightening up, "spectacles whatever they are ...in a snowstorm?...OR...boy, or something he's carrying, in a canyon or trail?"
<tags>
Fortitude Save: 8 + 7 = 15 (Woof that was close...does the Endurance feat count here for an additional +2? If so, it is a 17...) DM Endurance is a +4 and yes it does count on these sort of things :)
knowledge (geography for natural dangers): 3 + 6 = 9
tracking: 14 + 8 = 22
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=25 d20+12=17 d20+6=23 d20+9=21 d20+12=32 Thursday August 31st, 2006 2:52:56 PM
There are many approaches to trudging through icy-snow stratum; this ranger prefers to trudge and trudge and trudge until the end is met. The frigid coating of Celsiun's curse cannot break apart mottled fur leggings. The air is crisp, sharp and searing in the young man's lungs; more reason to tramp through to the end.
For a moment Nauth's head slumps, but from nothing more than reaction to Aiden's interest in things Bohdi. The snow and the ice and the cold was one thing, but Bohdi talking magic, that's persistence.
Watching the young Neco with interest and worry, Nauth will attempt to help her up when around.
"Garret, wunjo, I could go on for hours. Allow me to stay up front; it is where I belong."
Nauth's icy blue eyes seem to be nothing more than portals through his head to the breaking clouds behind him. His thinking is just as clear and true as puffs of steam roll from his nostrils like a giant jumping into fresh powder. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FORT save.25 Spot.17 Know:Geo.23 Know:Nature.21 Survival.32 [NAT 20!] to avoid natural hazards or become lost
Evening Falls Thursday August 31st, 2006 5:20:13 PM
The hours grind and Garret knows the wisdom of not reaching thier goal with fatigued or worse members to the group. Even as he starts the rotation Neco takes a bad step, this kind of open tundra trekking is certainly something she is not used to. Nauthiz'Ull is there and Brynj is the first to move up and take a lead spot. Despite Nauthiz'Ull's assurances that he can keep up any pace into which the others could follow Hrafn moves up the rank at one point, "Brother the need to prove our strength will be upon us soon enough. It is unecessary to do so now. I will push the trail for a while." The other hunter then makes several strides past Nauthiz'Ull without waiting for reply or looking back to see if the other man plans to relenquish the point spot.
Only the breaking snow and billowing breaths mark the passage of the 13. Well almost nothing else. Bohdi, obviously feeling better about most things as the trek moves on has a captive audience in Aiden and is more the happy to speak on the topic of magic so near and dear to is heart. Aiden asks questions and his heart hopes he may have stumbled onto something. Could you locate the captive girl by an object she had at the time?
As the sun begins its discent in the west, the group nears the other side of Kyrelis' Tail. There was no sign of anything through out the hike, on land or in the distance. At this end of the crevice the group fans out and quickly confirms the exit of 6 wolves, likely 4 with riders.
Night is falling and all will be lost the the black on the tundra in about 2 hours. The night promises to be cold but not dangerously so with partial cloud cover and the steady 15 wind from the east
Nauth if you stay up front you will need 4 more saves DC 16,17,18,19 any failure is fatigued.
Neco you are fatigued until you get some sleep
Garrett Friday September 1st, 2006 12:18:39 PM
"Night comes soon. We need to find a place to rest for the night."
"Bohdi, can you ask Squork to go up and take a look around and see if there is any natural shelter ahead? If not, we will likely be best off camping in the opening of the tail here, and then proceeding in the morning."
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl) 2nd lvl: Hold Person x2, Spiritual Weapon, Bulls Strength(d)
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=16 Friday September 1st, 2006 1:59:42 PM
Bohdi shook his head at Aiden's question. "It's a good idea, but it doesn't work. If we knew that we were close enough, aye, the Locate Object spell could serve as a useful guide. But its effective range is no more than about a hundred paces--no use over long distance pursuits like this. You'd need something else--a divination spell or two, that I haven't mastered--to locate a person over a longer distance."
At Garrett's command, Bohdi nodded, and then nodded at Squork. Without a word, the bird launched itself into the sky to scout the terrain, reporting back with what it had seen (Spot Squork 16).
When the encampment was chosen, Bohdi would prepare Alarm spells. He voiced his concerns to the others. "If we could go around the Tail, then why didn't the orcs? What advantage was there to them to go through, other than speed? We'll need to be on our guard tonight--I fear that there could be trickery at work."
Accordingly, Bohdi set his two Alarm spells at the limit of their effective range on either side of the encampment--one in the direction of the orcs' apparent trail, and the other in the direction of the Tail.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=22 d20+12=13 Friday September 1st, 2006 2:32:13 PM
Watching as the others stride past him, youth and verility scream at him to push on and show the older that he too can trudge trhough any terrain for as long as his spirit wishes; Ull'Heimdall's trainings silence those screams. Knowing that his body is willing now, it may quickly be drained by Celsiun's touch at any moment.
As the group finds the tracks at the other edge of the Tail, Nauth begins to sweep out, stalking over the tracks, looking for signs of weight differential between the six tracks; he hopes to confirm that the wolves indeed carry the riders on.
"I am checking for signs of the riders staying with the wolves. It would mean that four Tuskers moved on, but there is also the likelihood that dozens more wait in the Tail and will move on us in the night."
Nauth will send his girl out for a moderate distance, sniffing for the foul smell of savages. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Survival.22.find tracks Spot.13
Deep Night and Day Two d20+11=13 d20+13=32 d20+7=20 d20+3=22 d20+3=17 Friday September 1st, 2006 4:47:06 PM
Hrafn answers Bohdi first, "Speed and stealth are the advantages. What took us most of the day, they likely accomplished in 2 hours. It also would hide them as they waited for night fall last night and the attack. They must have sat in the Tail during the day."
Squork takes flight as requested and it does not take the bird long to realize that except for the formation being called Kyrelis' Tail, there is nothing for miles but ice covered tundra and snow covered tundra. Alarm spells are set and as the shelters are constructed, several go over the ground to pick up the trail and sign of the Tuskan raiders. The tracks are located and confirmed, the same number of wolves, with and without riders came out of the Tail that went in. The wolves circle out as does Brynj, Aiden and Nauthiz. All return in short enough order with nothing to report more than the trail of the Tuskan raiders heads ever East at a hard pace.
Watches are set without fires as previously discussed and the dark and cold settle in. The constant wind pushes against the fur and skin shelters, but such is there design that the interiors remain a livable temperature above freezing. Soon the wind and furs take a droning effect that many find peaceful and sleep finds all not on watch.
The Watch is long, hudled behind one of the shelter windbreaks. For the party it is not as bad, due to the magic Garret used. Harfn and Brynj both assume a watch in the deepest part of the night. The former from behind a wind break, but Brynj simply stands in the center of camp, bow in hand, long black hair blasting out behiind him as his hood is off and eyes to the dark horizons.
Soon enough it is morning and a hard tack and jerkeied meat serves as breakfast as the group breaks and picks up the trail. The wind is doing its damage to the trail, but it is still visible.
Garrett Saturday September 2nd, 2006 3:40:58 PM
Garrett prays for spells, and then recasts the Endure elements upon the three people due for it today.
"We better get moving before we lose our trail."
If the snow/ice is more packed down and easier to walk on, then Nauth, Aiden, and Neco can stay up front if it's deep snow prone to tiring the legs, then Garrett will want to rotate the front three every hour so that all stay fresh.
Garrett (Supplemental) Saturday September 2nd, 2006 3:44:21 PM
"I would like to find them before they know we are coming. Surprise and a good battle plan based on what we know of their location would be invaluable. Bohdi, would it be possible to send squork up and ahead every hour or so to take a look for them or their village?"
Aiden d20=4 d20=12 Sunday September 3rd, 2006 9:40:59 AM
Aiden, hearing Garrett's orders, nodded. Garrett and Bohdi have both shown themselves to be strong leaders, though Garrett (albeit reluctantly placed into the role) was a bit more consistent (or level) than the gnome.
With a deep breath, he began to take to the trail before the wind makes any further progress in rubbing it away. He took a moment to look over at the wolf, his 'little sister', awaiting for her to join him on the hunt. That was what they were on afterall, a hunt for the child and for the orks (and the worgs they rode in upon).
Tracking: 4 + 8 = 12 (ouch) [unless the synergy for not getting lost counts here...then it is a 14]
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=27 d20+7=8 d20+7=27 d20+7=27 d20+7=13 d20+7=12 d20+7=17 d20+7=22 Sunday September 3rd, 2006 10:05:10 AM
"Aye, Garrett, I can do that," Bohdi affirmed. Squork would follow the command, circling up and away each hour to look for signs of their quarry or the Tusker village, then delivering an empathic signal back to Bohdi before returning and reporting (Spot rolls for Squork: nat 20!, nat 1!, nat 20!, nat 20!, 13, 12, 17, 22).
Neco d20+7=25 Sunday September 3rd, 2006 1:17:43 PM
Rest is greatly desirable to the weary traveler. Though the trail is hard and a full night of rest is hard to obtain, Neco wakes up full of energy and aspiration for the events to come. Neco marches out in front or the group, lightly scanning for anything unexpected. "How many days away did you say this place was?" she questions Aiden.
--Actions--
[Search]-[25]
--Spells--
[Ring of Sustenance]-[6 days untill usable]
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=27 d20+12=23 d20+12=29 d20+10=18 d20+10=17 Monday September 4th, 2006 1:49:49 AM
The night's drone against the side of the shelter eases the youth into sleep; deep, mountain rumbling sleep. As dawn breaks, Nauth finds himself in habitual hunter mode. He takes his pup and begins a semicircle scan to the East of camp. He takes the time, when the pup picks up a scent, to reinforce her and her hunting prowess.
"I will be fine in the front again wunjo." Nauth nods to Garret with a straight face.
As the trail continues the youth will help whoever may need it. If Neco faulters he will be there to help her up. At some point Nauth approaches Neco in a straightforward manner.
"Neco. I understand that your magics are different than Bohdi's. Could you tell me a bit about how your magics work? I am quite interested."
Nauth will listen to whatever the young girl has to say, all-the-while keeping eyes upon the tramped trail and the seemless wall of whites that is the horizon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.27 survival.23.avoid natural hazards survival.29.track survival.18.weather listen.17
Day Two in the Wastes d20=3 d20=12 d20+8=18 d20+10=20 d20+11=16 Tuesday September 5th, 2006 2:20:26 PM
Garret renews his spells and casts three of them upon Bohdi, Nauthiz'Ull and Dregar. The camp is broke over the next hour and everyone prepares to get moving. Nauthiz'Ull performs a perimeter walk with the wolf and other than the faint trail continuing south there is nothing else. Over the last day and this morning, the ranger has noticed she is still uneasey about what she is being asked to follow, but is has lessened to a degree. The trail is still there, running east.
The group moves out and the ground firms considerably. Several places catch Aiden's and Nauthiz'Ull's eyes to demonstrate their quarry also knows how to navigate the tundra. More than once over the next 6 hours do the wolf tracks turn suddenly for no apparent reason. The rangers, though, both detect the softer and ever so slightly more white snow covering what could be a mere dip in the ground or a plunge to ones death. Shortly after stopping for a midday break of food and drink, Hrafn speaks before they hit the trail again. "We might want to push further over the rest of today and tomorrow. Celsiun looks to be planning a visit." He stretches his gloved hand to point to a distant southern peak. "He is stirring the Vikrajfjall."
On this days march the ground stays firm, the wind constant and the overall experience taxing, but not overlyso. Neco, Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden retain the point with out issues. The others with the party seem to be doing likewise as well. The strain can be seen in their steps, but none seems the worse for wear after trudging for 8 hours in the wind and snow. Squorks surveys occur every few hours, the raven is not very keen on being out in the freezing temperatures more often than that. Mountains to the south and tundra everywhere else is all he ever sees.
Neco Tuesday September 5th, 2006 10:39:47 PM
"Different? I think you have it wrong. My magic is very similar to Bohdi's." Neco responds rather confused by Nauthiz'Ull's question. Thinking deeper on the matter she comes to comprehend his meaning. "Let's set how to put it simply? Magic is magic no matter who uses it. The source of magical capabilities on the other hand can vary." Hoping that the seemingly unlearned ranger has understood her, she waits for a nod of comprehension, before continuing. "Arcane spells involve the direct manipulation of energies. These manipulations require long study, or natural talent. I rely on my innate abilities. I was born talented!"
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Tuesday September 5th, 2006 10:58:40 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of August 28-September 1 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...x...x...x Garrett-Chris.........x...x...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............x...o...x...+...x Neco-James..........o...x...x...o...x Dregar-Shawn.......o...x...o...o...o x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Aiden posted private to DM for Thursday but not publicly.
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday September 5th, 2006 11:02:23 PM
The gnome rolled his eyes at Neco's comments to Nauthiz'Ull.
"At least they're talking," Bohdi whispered to Aiden, Garrett, and Dregar when he had the chance. "That's a start, ennit?"
Aiden d20=9 d20=3 Wednesday September 6th, 2006 7:57:52 AM
Aiden nodded, "it is good..." as he tried to keep his talking to a minimum. Heat could escape from the body in a variety of ways, including through the mouth when talking. Minimize the talking, the longer it is for the heat to be taken.
A small smile began to appear, as a thought started to come unbidden to Aiden's mind. How he loved the hunt...he wondered how the others thought of it.
Dregar Wednesday September 6th, 2006 9:07:47 AM
The Dwarf plodded through the snow and cold with a stoic if not almost frozen face. The ice clung deep to his beard. To Aiden he grunted a reply.
Dregar d20+2=19 d20+6=24 Wednesday September 6th, 2006 12:57:43 PM
OoC and apparently hit the wrong button
"They are at that." The dwarf keeps his eyes peeled for any sort of dangers or approaching creatures. [Spot 19 Survival 24]
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=26 d20+12=31 d20+9=20 d20+6=12 Wednesday September 6th, 2006 1:35:01 PM
Looking inquisicaly at the young female Nauth nods and sucks his teeth. He opens his mouth to speak but his brows wince and his mouth closes instantly.
"You are gifted girl. Your talents reside in the realm of magic and the shadows. My talents take a much different form; the ulf. However, I feel as though something is changing in me. I feel as though something is telling me that I can harness nature's power and use it in a limited capacity. That power is the least of my gifts however."
Nodding again to the girl he breaks off from the point and heads back to the other hunters and Garrett.
"Wunjo. Hunters. I am curious as to how you," nodding towards the cleric fo Domi, "harness Domi's powers and use it. I am also curious to know if any of you can take the powers of the Vein and use them."
The look in his icy blue eyes shows that he has been pondering this for the past few days; it is almost feverish. He scratches his beard and continues to trudge, returning to the point when he has been satisfied.
Back up front with his closest of character wunjo and the young Neco, the tall ranger begins working the tracks and watches the creation of the Vikrajfjall. He has heard of it before, he thinks, and tries to remember what, exactly, it is. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.26 survival.31.hazards know:nature.20.recalling info on the Vikrajfjall know:geography.12
Days on End Wednesday September 6th, 2006 4:54:19 PM
The group tracks and follows the dwindling wolf trail over the rest of the long day and all the following one. The trail has been lost on more than one occassion, but so far somoen has always been able to reaquire it within an hour. The numbers of the wolves seems to have remained the same as has thier course, but it is almost certain that they have slowed to a more cautious speed here in the deeper tundra.
Nauthiz'ull speaks of magic and moves the question from the resident wizard to the entire group as a whole. During the breaks to ease muscles, eat and hydrate the body conversation takes place. All on the tundra claim a closeness and relationship with Celsiun. 'I have heard him in the wind.' 'He has appeared to me.' None claim anythinig of that nature when it comes to Domi. Domi has never said so much to them. Only Svanhvit, Garret and Freist posses any such gifts from As`Domi in Ice Peak. None will talk too much on the witch, they do not understand her powers or where she gets them from, though stories range from dark and evil to she has none and is just an insane old woman. All suspect the truth to be very much in the middle of what they have heard.
To the manifestation of any sort of powers, again not a single man or woman with you can do any sort of thing. All believe that Celsiun has gifted them, watches over them and through thier understanding of the Ice Lord they suceed at thier given tasks when they set into the wilds. Almost any will then end such a sentence with a shrug and the affects of, 'But he is a fickle being and his favor can not be counted to closely.'
Evening of the third day falls and Hrafn talks to the rangers both of Vikrajfjall. "It is one of the higher southern peaks. Often when her summit trails a easter tail of white a front of sharp cold is but a few days from these Eastern tundra plains as it sweeps about the southern arm and breaks back to us here in the west. She had her Tail the day before today. Tonight or maybe tomorrow we will see upon whom Celsiun's favor still rests."
That night, during the early morning shift the winds die down a bit and on the horizon can be seen what looks like a squall line in the clouds, but instead of a deep grey of snow it is pearl white. Nauthiz'Ull, Aiden, Dregar and several others Hrafn among them recognize the Iss'Front. About midday it is going to get quite cold. The party has been in such before and Garrets spell of protection was sufficient to ward it off.
DM FYI I am using Icelandic for most Geological things and Drew and Lynns naming convention for Ice Peak residents and burrowing Ancient Norse to do so there. On Geology jökull means glacier so something ending in jökull is a glacier formation borg is a hill vatn is a Lake A usually isolated mountain is called a fell, as in Búrfell mountain is a fjall, as is fjöll
Garrett Wednesday September 6th, 2006 8:42:35 PM
In response to Nauth, "Well Wunjo, I pray to Domi each morning for spells that I feel May be needed. Each morning he has seen fit to grant me the ability to cast that which I have asked for. At certain points, perhaps when he feels I am ready, a new group of spells comes to mind that I was previously unaware of, and he allows me the knowledge to pray for these spells as well."
With word that it will likely get very cold soon, Garrett worries about our ability to handle it. Should it be even colder than the last we faced, even his spells may not be enough.
Garrett will privately express these concerns to Bohdi and Neco, and suggest that they include at least one or two endure elements if possible in their spells for the day. "Would it not be likely to get very cold Wunjo's, I would not ask. But just in case, I would prefer not to lose anyone to Celsiun's touch. We cannot afford the time to hunker down for an unknown amount of time if we can help it."
That morning Garrett also casts his three Endures so that the six of us are still well covered, and memorizes his third level repetoire as endure's also.
Garrett suggests we keep moving, to make as much time as possible in following the tracks. "Should snow come, we will lose the tracks quickly. I believe we can ward off the cold should it come, unless it is very bad. If we can, it may allow us to make up a great deal of time on the orcs if they are not close to home."
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=10 d20+7=27 d20+7=16 d20+7=22 d20+7=12 d20+7=19 d20+7=16 d20+7=21 Wednesday September 6th, 2006 10:29:01 PM
"Right," Bohdi affirmed. He prepared the spell that Garrett requested. "With the Pearl of Power that I carry, I can cast it another time if needed, too."
Just to be sure, Bohdi prepared the spell a second time, too, and cast it upon Squork. "This way you'll have protection from the cold while you scout, instead of relying upon me," he explained to the bird.
During the day's march, Squork would hourly scout and report, just as on the previous day (Spot Squork = 10, nat 20!, 16, 22, 12, 19, 16, 21).
Aiden Wednesday September 6th, 2006 10:42:44 PM
Aiden listened to the others as they worked towards a decision. Hearing the thoughts, especially in terms of casting spells to aid in resisting the cold, Aiden nods towards the hunters from the village.
"And what of them Garrett?"
It was not meant to be a criticism, and his tone did not put it that way. His tone, instead, was calm as he did not know what to do with them should the others, protected by magic, try to forge onwards.
Neco Wednesday September 6th, 2006 11:04:52 PM
Neco keeps moving in the determined direction hoping that the destination point is close or that something interesting will turn up. "How far is it to this place again?" The bored rogue asks to any one in general. With nothing to do she consoles her boredom with the tundra scenery. "Rock, snow, ice, snow, Ice on a Rock, snow... This is going to kill me."
Dregar Thursday September 7th, 2006 4:37:05 PM
Dregar keeps his mouth shut but occassionally give Neco an odd glance. Apparently the woman has never been in the tundra before and simply does not realize that at any moment she could be wurm food.
Garret and Bohdi look to be pooling resources and preparing for the cold front coming in. To himself he was not concerned, but the others especially those unprotected, well that was another matter. During one of the breaks he approaches Garret as well. "Should we push through then when the fron hits. They are going to need shelter or stop every couple hours less the risk dying. We all know how cold and deadly things can get when not magically protected."
Cold Snap d20+9=26 d20+14=25 d20+10=22 d20+10=24 d20+8=20 d20+10=12 d20+5=10 d20+9=24 d20+14=22 d20+10=23 d20+10=29 d20+8=27 d20+10=22 d20+5=7 d4=4 d4=2 d4=2 d20+5=16 d4=4 Thursday September 7th, 2006 5:34:43 PM
Aiden, Nauthiz'Ull and Neco are point. Bohdi protects Squork on the familiar's own this morning and the Raven is much appreciative of that as he takes wing throughout the day. Garret and Dregar and the rest march in a single colunm. On Squorks flight today, he does spot what appear to be troughs in the distance to the north. They are about the length of Ice Peak and maybe as wide as a good Pine tree. He counts 7 in number. The report is sombering indeed. "`Iss'Wurm trails." Hrafn says over hearing the raven. "Let us hope that herd stays north of us and we may pass unnoticed." The group marches on, the hours grind by as limbs complain over pushing through the endless snow.
The cold hits the group soldiers on, Garret is prepared as is Bohdi if need be, they had to make time. Hopefully the Tuskers have to seek shelter during this time, though they would have encountered it a day ago at least. The hunters of Ice peak march silently and stoically onward after the now rapidly dissolving trail. Few can see it, but it is still there. Likely soon they will only have the last known bearing and their own skills to not become lost and hope the Tuskers kept off in the same general direction. But again they are the hunters of Ice Peak and have chased game trails before in such conditions. In the pack, Garret Bohdi and Dregar have noticed a shift in formation. Hrafn has moved to the point, just behind Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull, but is not assuming the true point. He appears to be double checking them.
The cold deepens, even those protected magically can feel it clawing at their bodies, though the spell is still strong enough to ward it off. It may be that when the sun dips below the western rim the temperature will be beyond even the spells capability. That, however is still many hours off and so the group marches. The first to falter is Thorgrim, a younger man known for his engrossing tales of adventure and danger when out on the hunt and a very accomplished hunter at that. He has spun several during the long nights without fire on this trip. His energy and descriptive abilities on his tale are engrossing. Wordlessly he topples face first into the ice, his nose blasting open upon impact. The blood almost freezes instantly, becoming small beads that dance acorss the surface propelled by the wind. One of the women, Frelfef'Ingre, is right there but her own feet drag as she tries and catch him.
Spot/Sense Motive 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {a sure sign of fatigue though she tries to hide it}
Garrett Friday September 8th, 2006 7:54:21 AM
Not to backtrack, but Garrett memorized the spells to protect everyone from the cold. Garrett has five available(including the pearl) and Bohdi has two(including the pearl).
Once the real cold hits, Garrett would have casted all five of his endures, and encouraged Bohdi to use his two so that all 13 of us are protected. (Although looking back at my last post I didn't specifically say it, I thought I implied it.) Garrett wanted to push until night fall and make up some time on the orcs.
"Bohdi and I have enough endures memorized to allow us to keep going. We will all have one. The cold is more of a threat at this point than many other things, and I will still have healing. We will need to find or make shelter as the sun sets, for even my spell may not be able to completely ward off the cold that comes with the darkness."
Garrett begins casting his spells upon the 7 hunters. Should any resist, Garrett will insist unless they have some sort of magic. If any outright steadfastly refuse, than so be it.(if in either case it happens, Garrett will save one of the second level endure's.)
"We may be able to make up many hours time on the tuskers if we are able to move in this, let us not waste it. Once darkness approaches, let us start looking for a good place to shelter, or begin preparing one."
I read that as you prepared just in case you needed to step in but didn't cast them all immediately.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=18 d20+5=23 Friday September 8th, 2006 9:39:58 AM
The trail dwindles. Nauth's muscles ache. The cold that encapsulates all in the vast tundra seeps its way into everyones blood, bones and brain; it waits, serenly, for magical warding to disipate before it begins to ravage. The point is getting tougher to manage, especially with someone looking over the three's shoulders.
He knows what he is doing, his knowledge is great.
Reassuring himself that Hrafn is only being more cautious due to the Iss'Wurm pack pressumably still to the north of us, he does his best to keep the broad scope of the tundra in perspective; turning to double check our rear and our flanks. As he turns this time, the story-teller collapses. Frelfef'Ingre is there, somewhat, to help him up but she too is weakened considerably; dragging feet, which exerts more energy than true steps, weakened and slowed reactions. They are tell tale signs. It seems as though everyone just musters along and that does not bode well with the young ranger. He backtracks to the main group and assists the two faultering hunters.
As he passes the one chosen by Domi he mutters, "Why are you not helping them healer? Do you not have any magics to relieve Frelfef'Ingre and Thorgrim of their weariness?"
nauth looks over the bloodied nose and helps with whatever he can to get the two back up and in better condition; he will give them some of his water from his body-bladder as well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot-18 heal.23!!!
Bohdi Nackle Friday September 8th, 2006 10:34:40 AM
Bohdi used his Endure Elements when directed by Garrett to do so. He pushed on through the snow and ice with the group as best as possible.
It looked like the group would need rest. Bohdi would help with an Alarm spell and an ice berm when the time came, to help to break the cold.
Aiden d20=3 d20=13 d20=15 Friday September 8th, 2006 12:11:08 PM
Aiden seemed almost unaware of the struggle of the others. His mind (and determination) were on making the path for the others to follow as well as maintain sight of the tracks.
It is only when the others bring it up to him that some of the hunters were falling. Wiping the frost from his face, he waited for the others...While waiting he tried to think of some other methods from his teacher, or from the those of the Tusks, to help them survive the oncoming cold.
(OOC: no sheet in front of me (doing this during lunch at work) Spot: 3 (very sure this fails) track: 13 + 8 (I believe) = 21 knowledge/survival for the cold: 15 + whatever skill (survival or knowledge?) to keep the group, as a whole, warmer.
Dregar d20+2=8 Friday September 8th, 2006 2:06:48 PM
Dregar, being near the back is also quick to the fallen man's side, "Looks like it's time to use them other spells." He says to Garret as the cleric moves to do just that. The dwarf does cast a bit of a look to Nauthiz'Ull. As he and the ranger are helping he says quietly to his friend "Ease up on Garret wunjo, if the tired are too proud to admit it, you don't know until this happens."
After the others are tended Dregar falls to the very back to keep his eye on the others and thier backsides with Wurms about.
Neco d20+7=16 Friday September 8th, 2006 5:40:49 PM
Neco glances over her shoulder to see what has slowed the group's passage forward. "What's going... Oh" Is the young rogue's comment as she notices the man being helped out of the snow, warm blood streaming from his fractured nose, and freezing to his face. "Poor guy." she thinks to herself.
Having not expended any energy, while standing around waiting for the cold resisting spells to be cast, Neco starts to feel the bite of the cold, and pulls her leather garments closer to her body. Looking around she scans for a safe place to shelter the group. "I know you want to find the orcs fast Garrett, but do you think it is best to go on like this?" Neco nods her head, and her grey eyes glance in the direction of the wounded hunter.
--Action--
[Search] for suitable shelter-[16]
Garrett Friday September 8th, 2006 6:20:59 PM
(I don't know if everyone actually read my post, but the point was that I had planned on casting the spells upon everyone before anyone succumbed to the cold. That is why I used all my spells for endure's, including my second levels.)
If there is no backtracking to cover what I had thought I was going to do before it got this cold, then Garrett will reply to everyone's criticism. "If any of you care to lead this rescue, feel free to pipe up. I'm doing the best I can here, so there is no need to rub the obvious in my nose. Thanks though."
And me without my Muff Friday September 8th, 2006 10:57:34 PM
POint of order, garret said he prepared them but did not post casting them, I assumed because in case of some nastiness where turning them to healing may have been appropriate Garret did not cast any beyond the core Poayer group. So the hunter takes a spill the other is a bit tired. Moving on....
Garret moves quickly, the hope of conserving the spells flees from his mind and in very short order the other Hunters have the spell placed on them. Brinj mentions to Garret he does not require one., but to not disrespect his fellow hunters thinks Garret should fake the casting or actually cast it as he sees fit.
Thorgrim is hauled to his feet and his face speaks volumes of the embarrasment he is feeling. Hfarn slaps him on the back and cracks that he should watch those icey patches in the future. Thorgrim seems to except that and puts his feet to moving in line again. Brynj looks over at Neco "He simply slipped, we move. Garret by your lead As`Domi."
With the spells in place, any adverse effects from the cold seem to fly from the rest of the group and the march is resumed as none of the others seem content with stopping. The cold continues to claw at the group, the tundra continues to pass slowly beneath your feet. The sun descending to the horizon marks the groups time to set camp. Again it is open and flat all about and the erected shelters will be the only refuge. Nothing of the sky suggests snow so there should be no reason the group could not strike out again in the morning.
Nauthiz'Ull drifts to sleep this night and whispers reach his ears on the wind. Highlight to display spoiler: {This land I give to you. Yours by right of blood and will. Look to the north when you awake and listen for my voice}The whisper itself is calm and relaxing but full of power. A feeling that is somewhat familiar but elusive like a shadow at night.
Bohdi drifts to slumber with Squork, the pair ending the long day as they have before, bonding in thier empathic feelings of reassurance, but this night to the gnome wizard seems different. he can not place his finger on it but thier is almost a second presence in his mind. Soothing, relaxing like that of a grandfather reading aloud in the background as a child falls asleep.
Garret sleep well, Highlight to display spoiler: {a dream begins in Ice Peak Svanhvit handing the sacred staff of Domi to a much older Garret, but it quickly changes. The staff becomes translucient and bright, a voice pure and familiar, that of Domi touches him. To you I place my future, your step shall be true and your path that of the rightous}
Aiden while on watch stands near Brynj. The slightly older hunter but certainly still a peer looks quizzacally at the ranger a momnet and steps forward. "You were Tuskan once. My father told me the story of your attack those years ago. I was not there." he holds his hand up in a friendly gesture, "I mean no attack upon you Aiden. I speak from curiosity." Brynj begins a dialogue obviously designed to better learn of the Tuskan way of things to better prepare himself for what is to come upon the enevitable encounter. At the end he looks to the wolf, "a magnificent creature she is and touched by the gods to have grown so fast so quickly. You are touched too, you must know. In our past there have been others such as you and your wunjo Nauthiz. Those to whom Celsiuns favor rests in manifestations. You should listen with your heart. He is not evil and it is not weakness to reach out." With that Brynj moves a bit further into the night to give Aiden some space.
Neco Highlight to display spoiler: {bolts from sleep, the temperature about her seems to have plunged to levels imncomprehensible. Feeling the need to stand to get the blood moving more she finds she has frozen to the fur. In horror she watches helplessly as her skin looses its pink hue turning blue and then black. The frigid air tear into her lungs allowing no scream to escape. As the world begins to tunnel to her vision a single word rolls through her mind. It is full of terrible anger and loathing, "Austlander!" Panting neco bolts upright, her condition no worse then during the day.}
The morning finds the group and the shelters taken down. The Cold is very much still present, but the spells keep it at bay and even were able to during the dark night.
Spot DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: { several hundred yards north a herd of mammoth can be seen moving across the tundra heading East.}
Aiden d20=20 Sunday September 10th, 2006 1:05:26 PM
Aiden's body stiffens as Brynj brings up the failed attack, his failed first initiation into adulthood, those years ago. A stick to the skull was what started one of several battles that he would lose, but within each loss, another more subtle victory arose.
Aiden had gained a new father and teacher after being knocked out those five years ago. He learned the power and use of magick that can heal as well as harm when he faced the giants. Aiden learned to begin trusting again, and that it was acceptable to allow some emotions to show at a loss (such as when Freya passed). That in the ork raid, even though he was ineffective, Neco had shown her skills in combat (and on the wylds), indicating again that women had their place beyond the cook, loom, and mother of children.
He slowly eased the tension that had built, and listened. Aiden spoke of the constant battles, and the encouragement of blood and death. How striking at Ice Peaks was considered a mandatory practice since most of the tribesmen of Twin Tusks knew nothing of a stationary survival, and that the slaves and women were what provided food, services, and non-battle entertainment. Of course, his description of the later was meant to refer to a warrior and his female slaves...and given the crude/roughness of some Tusks, non-battle did not work well with the entertainment.
Might was respected as was the land. To conquer another was to gain in spirit of whomever was vanquished, and to give offerings to the land by given it nourishment (those vanquished in battle). Warriors battled each other to gain in spirit, and to win the possessions of the other...whether it was a weapon, tent, or slaves.
Even as he spoke and his gaze seemed to frost over (his mind thinking back to him growing up). There is a pride within some of his words, but this was sometimes interwoven with regret...and disgust. He seemed to alternate between wishing that order and a greater tie to Celsiun and culture could be brought to Twin Tusks...or to completely destroy it. Though they may be loathed, and would disgust many, their battle prowess needs to be respected, especially whoever leads the tribe as he will be the strongest warrior.
Shaking his head with regret even as his weaving of the village and its denizens (slave and warrior alike), "we are a part of the land and it is with us..." as he looked down at his little 'sister'. "If Celsiun speaks, it will when he wants and nothing I could do would be able to block out his voice."
"But until then...I shall work with the land and if Celsiun wishes to aid or kill me, what am I to deny his wishes?"
(OOC: I did a sort of storytelling roll and got a natural 20...PLEASE let that one count (especially since he is so average with his charisma))
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=19 d20+7=12 d20+7=14 d20+7=11 d20+7=22 d20+7=16 d20+7=18 d20+7=21 d20+7=20 Sunday September 10th, 2006 3:23:40 PM
Another day ... another long, frigid march on the tundra. Bohdi sighed and prepared his spells.
"Bloody little else to do," he muttered to himself.
(Spot 19) Bohdi picked himself up with his spellbook and sat on the ice berm. Gazing out to the north, his keen gnomish eyes caught the shadows of movement among the icy glare. He nodded and pointed. "Herd of mammoths moving east, several hundred paces that direction" he observed, before returning to his studies. He again prepared a spell for protection from the cold and cast it on Squork, so that the raven could scout without discomfort during the day.
Neco Monday September 11th, 2006 7:36:06 AM
Day light comes and Neco moves to the fire. Trying to get down some food, the still tired girl gags on her rations. Everything this morning tastes like ash, like a dry lumpy paste. There is no conversation from the rogue this morning. Rather than feeling cold today she feels sick. Having not slept well she does not march in front of the party. She walks slightly behind the rangers at the front of the main body of the group.
Garrett d20=12 Monday September 11th, 2006 9:53:07 AM
Garrett will awaken, reveling in the dream that he received from Domi. He will spend the morning thinking deeply upon the dream, and trying to remember it all in detail. When praying for his spells, he will spend an extra long time praying and giving thanks to Domi.
After praying for spells, Garrett will cast the three endures, using the rod on those of our group due for them.
Garrett will then ask the hunters and the rangers what they believe the weather will be like later today. The spells that were cast last evening will last until this evening, at which point we could camp if needed. If those in the know believe that it will be quite cold still, then Garrett will once again memorize a full contingent of endure's. If not, then he will revert back to combat related spells.
Garrett will say nothing of the dream to anyone, but plans to speak with Svanhit upon it once they return.
Garrett assists in the packing of camp, and after eating suggests we get moving. "We may still have much ground to cover. And a raid to plan once we find our opponent."
(Spells will be adjusted depending upon the weather report.)
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=27 d20+10=15 d20+12=32 Monday September 11th, 2006 2:39:50 PM
The morning comes too soon after a longish night on the tundra. Howling winds were fine but anything beyond that is unsettling. As the frigid surfaces catch the day's first rays, Nauth stretches as usual and eats some tact. He wipes his girl's coat clean of frost and snow and takes a few minutes to pet her and strengthen the connection that they are forming.
As the group assembles the young ranger begins staring towards the North; spotting the group of mammoth that sojourn on. A fur-clad arm is raised in their direction, finger outstretched.
"Mammoth wunjos. Something is calling us to the north, the mammoths are a sign. Maybe we can move amongst them to the east, hide our position and perhaps surprise the Tuskers. However, with a pack of Iss'Wurms in the area we need to be as careful as possible."
Icy blue eyes reflect the horizon to the north, small spots walk across them and a glint of curiosity sparks all around. Nauth will start in a direct to the North, ears as alert as possible. He will also look upon the skies for an indication of forthcoming weather. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spot.27 Listen.15 Survival[weather].32 NAT20!
All Eyes North d20+4=16 d20+8=15 d20+8=9 d20+13=20 d20+11=30 Tuesday September 12th, 2006 11:16:19 AM
Overnight hours: Brynj listens to Aiden carefully as the younger ranger talks of the Twin Tusks, thier lifestyle and beliefs. Aiden can easily sense an all most kindred spirit in Brynj with many of the qualities that those men of the Twin Tusks hold in high esteem. He is first and foremost a warrior. As Aiden talks his eyes seem to alight at the potential challenge to live among such people as the Tusks, though it is also very evident that he is turned off by the some of the 'entertainment' the Tuskers enjoy regularly. Aiden has certainly won Brynj over and as the night wears on Brynj answers pretty much any question he can for him. Starting with Nauthiz questions from the previous evening on magic. "I was not entirely forthcoming before, Harfn and some fo the others are even more nervous about magic than you my friend." he begins with a smile. "I can not use any such things but possess a few items of such power. One crafted for me by Svanhvit herself, the others taken as prize from various 'trips' into the wilds." He adds with a wink and a sly grin, "Everytime a hunter goes out he is not just looking for food." He steps back a bit, "Others would be sore at me for telling you that. You and Nauthiz have not been with us long, but I see in both of you what many of them do not. I say you are ready to know more than you do." Brynj continues to explain about the hunters of Ice Peak. They have 4 circles within the group and Brynj is of the second circle, Aiden and the rest are of the fourth. Those considered hunters also patrol for interlopers, track dangers back to their lairs and determine the overall threat they may pose and conduct seeks. Seeking is essentially exploring the wilds, "Pick a direction and go." he phrases it. It is how Ice peak learns of the Vein, it enhances our understanding of Celsium and how we learn of the woven pattern of life about us that we are all bound to.
The morning greets the group much as the previous day and night in regards to the cold. Spells will be needed to aid in survival. As the past days have been there is no fire and everybody takes note of Neco's obvious discomfort. Spells are prayed for, prepared and cast for the trek ahead. Sharp eyes spy the mommoth herd and Nauthiz'Ull and Hrafn council each other on the weather likely over the next couple days. Both agree that the signs point to dangerous cold for the rest of this day and then warming slightly as cloud cover picks up beyond today.
The mammoth sightings throws a stir of excitement through the group and the talk is of trying to take one of them down. Groups of the party's size simply do not go out. It is usually 3-5 and taking on Mammoths which such numbers is just not a good idea. But there are 13 in the party and it could be done.
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Tuesday September 12th, 2006 12:06:58 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of September 4-September 8 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........o...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............-...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...-...x...o...x...x Garrett-Chris.........-...o...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............-...x...x...x...x Neco-James..........-...x...x...x...x Dregar-Shawn.......-...x...x...x...o x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Monday, September 4 was Labor Day. There was no activity on the board that day.
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday September 12th, 2006 12:09:22 PM
"Are you bloody starkers?" Bohdi replied hotly to the discussion of hunting a mammoth. "We're on a rescue mission, not some bloody snipe hunt."
He shook his head and looked at Garrett imploringly. "Tell me we're not going to do that."
Garrett Tuesday September 12th, 2006 2:54:18 PM
Garrett uses his spells as he did the previous day, and makes sure that everyone in the group is protected from the cold for another full 24 hours, except for Brynj, whom he fakes the spell on after realizing he likely has an item.
Garrett listens to the discussion of the possibility of bringing down a mammoth, and Bohdi's thoughts on the matter.
"I don't like the idea of delaying this rescue to take a mammoth. We have come a long way, and returning home with mammoth and then setting out again could be costly to the child."
"On the other hand, A mammoth could feed the village for a long time, and it's parts used for many very useful things for all."
Garrett ponders what has transpired, and thinks back again to how perhaps things are intended for he and his wunjo's. His dream from the previous night fills his mind once again, and he believes that this mission belongs to he and his wunjo's, and the mammoth were sent so the other seven members of the party would turn back.
Garrett continues to think for a few moments, and then turns to Brynj. "Can you take a mammoth relatively safely with seven? If you can, perhaps it is time we split forces. Myself, Nauth, Aiden, Neco, Dregar, and Bohdi continue on after the child and the orcs. You and the other six go after the mammoth. If Celsiun has given the village a gift, it would be foolish to ignore it. My Wunjo's and I can bring back the girl."
Garrett waits for responses from all.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person, Bulls Strength(d)
Dregar Tuesday September 12th, 2006 7:30:29 PM
The dwarf looks like the hunters and then to Garret and Bohdi. All of them made sense. All that meat could feed the village for a very long time, not to mention the skin bones and such. But did they have time. Looking up to the taller cleric Dregar speaks up, "Aye don't like th idea of splitting up but if we take down one or two of those great beasts some will need to take it back." the dwarf scratches his head, "Garret just them 8 might be hard pressed, might we all join the hunt, only delay us by maybe an hour at most. They could do all the after work while we continue the pursuit?"
Neco Tuesday September 12th, 2006 10:54:54 PM
Slightly disheartened by the fact that there is no fire to warm up her cold limbs, the sleep deprived girl joins in the conversation. "Well I have to agree with Dreager here. It would be easier to have us all hunt the 'mammoth', and have the hunters bring it back. It will also boost moral in Ice Peak." Not sure what exactly a mamoth is and having not seen the creature in the distance she imagines the creature to be about the size of a bear "Are mammoths really that tough that one needs thirteen people to take it down?".
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday September 13th, 2006 12:42:42 AM
Listening to Brynj's explanation of the Hunters of Ice Peak, Nauth looks upon him with a nagging curiosity. Several times it seems as though the ranger makes to ask the elders hunter a question; several times his throat shows up silent.
Ull'Heimdall, you never spoke to me of this organization of hunters. Were you of the fourth circle? I bet you were, you were one of the greatest Ice Peak has housed.
The morning brings forth some shared knowledges on the upcoming weather with Hrafn. Nauth continues his daily routine of stretching, eating and bonding with his pup. As the group bolsters up with thoughts of taking down a mammoth Nauth simply shakes his head.
"I was not saying that we should take it down; I am not sure that is what we are supposed to do with the heard. Something spoke to me last night and told me to look to the north and listen for its voice. I assume that the heard is the voice but I doubt that attacking it was its intention."
Shrugging his shoulders and cocking his head to the right, the young man ponders the reputation that would surely follow that kill.
"We must recover the child; the mammoths can be tracked after that and then our entire group can help in bringing it back to Ice Peak. Besides, if the Tuskers see the heard as well, then we will be fortunate enough to wait for the beast to take a few of them out before we finish both prey off."
With eyes glazing over in deep thought of what may be the correct path, there is an absence of the young ranger's spirit occassionaly.
Whatever you are, I cannot hear your voice. What is your will?
Aiden d20=6 d20=15 d20=20 Wednesday September 13th, 2006 6:27:02 PM
Aiden looked and listened to the others even as their chosen leader, Garrett, had spoken.
"we need to see how much longer the weather lasts wunjo..." speaking softly to Garrett (and trying not to let the others hear). "the cold may be too strong for even these hunters without help if we split."
"but if it breaks, I agree with your decision of breaking off..."
survival (weather for when it breaks): 6 + 8 + 2(know: geo) = 16 knowledge (geography): 15 + 6 = 21 tracking: 20 + 8 = 28
DM (RichP) Friday September 15th, 2006 1:01:29 PM
Sorry guy I haven't been able to post for Dan. I just started law school and the work load hasn't given me time to do much of anything else. I won't have time to post. I wanted to let you know.
DM Friday September 15th, 2006 10:00:09 PM
Will post tomorrow
Mammoths and Rescue Sunday September 17th, 2006 12:11:37 AM
Hurumph, i posted from my laptop earlier, but obviously it did not go through.
The group confers with each other on whether or not to try and bring down one of the greath mammoths. General opinion of the hunters is that yes the rescue is very important, but so is the very real possibility of landing a mommoth. The food alone would feed the village for almost a month. All agree that the group, lead by Garret, should continue after the girl after the mammoth is taken down. In all the discussions, Neco is quickly educated to the strength and size of mammoths and that without everyone there is the very real chance some could die.
Nauthiz finds Hrafn shaking his head to coming after the herd later, "You know in your heart good nauthiz'Ull that the herd will be quite far. It is now or never in this." The ranger tries to open his thoughts to the voice he heard so clearly in the dark. At least one of them, Brynj seems to read the rangers thoughts. Perhpas because he had been the one speaking to Aiden the previous night and acaught a feeling of Nauthiz'U;; close enough to hear. The hunter moves to stand near him and while gazing towards the heard, "he would not have said anything because you were not an adult." Brynj then falls silent.
Hord then speaks directly to all present, "Do we go on and leave them then? As`Domi Garret may lead, but in this, a matter which could so affect the whole village we should all have a say."
Aiden Sunday September 17th, 2006 10:51:58 AM
Thinking hard, Aiden finally came to a decision. His voice, quiet, advisorlike to Garrett, "cast one more spell to protect me from the cold wind's breath...I will then follow the trail of the child and leave markers that Nauthiz and the others can track. That way both the village is served and we do not lose the trail."
Neco Sunday September 17th, 2006 6:51:08 PM
Whoa! You don't plan on going alone do you? Neco's eye's become wide with shock at the idea of some one going off into the wild alone. "Sure he is strong but if the Orcs turn around and find that only one person is following their trail they might decide to fight,"she thinks to herself. "I don't think it's a wise choice Aiden. There is more than one monster in this wilderness, and there is only 'one' of you, 'one' that I am sure we can all agree is needed here." Hope fully the rest of the group does agree. It is suicide, in the outlander's opinion, to do some thing so brash.
Ether Aiden goes or he stays but the rogue is more concerned with the loss of time. "We need to hurry or we will lose both the mammoth and the Treas... Child." The cold and slightly fatigued girl states rather loudly.
Garrett Sunday September 17th, 2006 8:02:19 PM
"You should not go alone Aiden, it would be an unnecessary risk. I believe that both things are very important, and I would not abandon the child. But in this instance, I believe it would serve the greater good to go after the mammoth as a group, as quick as possible. Then the six of us Wunjo's will go after the girl while the hunters take the mammoth back home."
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=8 Sunday September 17th, 2006 11:12:02 PM
"Starkers," Bohdi muttered. "They've all gone bloody starkers. Chasing after bloody mammoths when there's a child to rescue? Bloody barbarians, is what they are."
But Bohdi trudged dutifully along behind his wunjos. At least Squork might serve as a scout. (Spot nat 1! = 8) But the bird was blinded in the glare of ice crystals, and was worse than worthless.
To take a Mammoth Monday September 18th, 2006 5:18:33 PM
Aiden tells the others he will go and keep the trail, but Garret staunches that plan fast. Brynj and several others do as well. "Aiden the trail will not go anywhere in the next 10 minutes." Thorgrim moves over towards Bohdi, "Don't get your beard in a twist. Never heard much complaint from you while sitting at table and stuffing your face!" Brynj is quickly on the other man, "Enough of such talk. You address one who shares a table with me, Thorgrim. Unless you wish to include me in such talk?" The last comes as a question, but it is evident by thorgrims body language that is was rhetorical.
"Finished then? asks Hrafn with a slight grin to the posturing. He shoots a wink at Neco and says quietly "Barbarians" he then looks to the the herd, which has not moved over the course of the discussion these past few minutes. "It is setteled then. The village will greatly prosper with the mammoth, and we can not pass up this gift from Celsium. We have javelins, some spears and Hord, Amundi and my longbows. Plus of course your magice and bows. The trick will be isolating one. Anyone have ideas on that?"
[So as you know I am emailing the possible field of battle]
Garrett Monday September 18th, 2006 5:54:19 PM
"I have no experience in matters such as this. It would be wisest if one of the hunters directed this hunt. As far as ideas, my only thought offhand would be Bohdi's spell that causes one of his opponents to stand transfixed until threatened. Either that, or using an invisibility spell to get aperson between one of them and the herd and spook them. But that could be quite dangerous. Like I said, not my forte."
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person, Bulls Strength(d)
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Monday September 18th, 2006 6:09:33 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of September 11-September 15 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........o...x...o...o...x Bohdi-Kup............-...x...-...-...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...-...x...-...-...o Garrett-Chris.........-...x...-...-...x Aiden-Paul............-...x...-...-...x Neco-James..........-...x...-...-...x Dregar-Shawn.......-...x...-...-...o x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --There was no DM post on Monday. After the DM posted on Tuesday, there was no substantive DM post again until Saturday. DM RichP posted on Friday to say that he would not have time to post. DM DanielK apparently had a child's medical emergency some time during the week.
Bohdi Nackle d20=6 Monday September 18th, 2006 6:33:27 PM
Bohdi glanced in astonishment at Brynj's defense of him. Uncharacteristically, he kept his mouth shut and his eyes open as the conversation developed. When he could, though, he gave Brynj an appreciative nod. (Bluff, untrained, to send hidden message, 6.)
Then Garrett spoke. "Hypnotic Pattern is what you're thinking of, Garrett," Bohdi offered. "But it doesn't work well in large groups like that herd. And, in any event, I haven't prepared it today. Or, for that matter, even a simple illusion spell to distract one of the bloody things."
Bohdi shook his head. "Best I can offer might be invisibility to get a hunter close. The spell ends when you attack something, so whomever it is would be exposed again. But, see here, mates--Squork here can deliver a 'recharge' to the hunter once the hunter's exposed, and then fly off himself. That way, if the hunter could deliver a single killing strike, he could still get away while invisible! Squork, of course, could simply fly up and away from the mammoths." The raven eyed its master balefully, as if to say, what in the Wold are you saying? But it said nothing.
Bohdi stroked his goatee and thought some more. "Or perhaps Nauthiz'Ull would have something to offer. As memory serves, wasn't he talking about using a potion to fly while hunting? Eh, wunjo?"
Nauthiz'Ull d20+5=10 d20+12=14 d20+10=28 d20+12=21 d20+9=26 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 2:52:44 PM
Watching the heard, the young ranger looks for some semblance of order to their movements. How would the ulf separate one? His mind flashes images over a clear screen; flashbacks transposed over the white of the tundra and the mass of mammoth before him. Ull'Heimdall would have known how to handle this.
Scratching his stubble Nauth shakes his head at Bohdi's remark. "I used my potion wunjo. I used it back in the village to get a bead on the Tuskers. I got two of them, so I guess it was worth it."
Talk of various magics causes a rogue eyebrow to raise. The thought is interesting but perhaps not as sporting as a true hunt.
"Make someone invisible, sure, then hamstring the beast. What kind of hunt is that though? We should try to divide the group from the center, get a scatter and take down one that way. Less worry for a full-blown stampede and more room to maneuver between the beasts."
As the thought hit him he nodded, perhaps to ensure himself that it would work. Nauth pulls from the magical quiver at his side the intricate bow of Ull'Heimdall.
"We need a loud sound, placed in the direct middle of the heard. Any ideas?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Prof:Hunter.10 Spot.14 Listen.28 Survival.21 Know:Nature.26
Continuing Discussions d20+2=5 Tuesday September 19th, 2006 5:43:23 PM
Either Brynj misses Bohdi's nod or he decides to take it no further. The minor outburst is over and that seems to be that. Tactics begin to be talked about. The big question is, how to isolate one of them? As Nauthiz'Ull and several other hunters talk they redefine the question to, How to keep the other Bull Mammoths from coming to help? A loud sound is brought up and the idea chewed over. Mammoths are not exactly skiddish though. Unless sustained, the soulnd would likely give them all pause and then life would resume.
Brynj offers the plan of superior range, 'Close to about 80 and open up. Further would pretty much eliminate the possibility of javelins connecting.'
Hrafn and several others find the plan distateful. 'Unless we fell it within moments the other bulls would be upon us.'
Only to lighten the mood Frelfef'Ingre, one of the women, offers 'Though we only need to outrun them if need be.' her thumb indicates Dregar and Bohdi.
Thord answers Nauthiz directly, "The sucessful kind my friend. That is what kind of hunt it is."
Magic is spoken of, but unfortunately Bohdi's repotoire is not geared for such things this day. 'The old fashion way then eh?' The group as a whole, has little to offer. Brynj does make mention he can 'silence' the groups approach if they stick together.
Aiden d20=12 d20=20 Wednesday September 20th, 2006 9:52:21 AM
Aiden took a few moments to think about where the mammoths were in conjunction to their quarry.
An idea started to come to mind, but he wasn't quite sure if it would work...(ooc: in short I need to check a couple things with the gm)
OOC: are the mammoths along or near the same pathway as the orks that are riding? If so, a knowledge (nature) roll of 12 + 6 = 18 to see if there is something that they could do to startle / move the mammoths along the same direction...enough to startle the orks themselves into making a mistake (or springing any traps that the orks may leave behind). Since the orks specifically seemed to go for that child, it is quite possible that they would do anything to keep that child protected.
Similarly, knowledge (geography) to see if there is a frozen pond/stream/etc that if the herd could be moved would crack and causeone or multiple of the mammoths to get 'stuck'...20+6 = 26
DM mammoths are currently about 200' north of you and the trail you have been following. the orcs are at least 24 hours to the east. There are no such known formations. Though the chances of a crevace or covered over low area are pretty high to be in the area, say within 1 mile of you in any direction. It would be a matter of finding it and then getting the herd to go that way.
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday September 20th, 2006 10:45:10 AM
"A loud sound?" Bohdi echoed. "I can arrange for a loud sound. It would only last for about twenty seconds, though, and I can only cause it to emanate from about ten paces away from me. Not much help, I'm afraid."
Bohdi scowled at the female hunter's comment about outrunning him, but said nothing aloud. To himself, he muttered, "I need to invest in an Expeditious Retreat spell, that's for bloody certain."
Bohdi shook his head, and spoke his misgivings to the group. "I still think this whole idea is bloody starkers. We have a child to rescue."
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday September 20th, 2006 11:48:56 AM
Nauth listens to the comments of the others and takes everything in. There has to be a way to lure one away instead of forcing one away.
My potions...
"I have another idea. Perhaps this one will take a bull out of the picture. I have a few potions that I am told will allow me to speak with animals. What if I or another hunter snuck up to the pack and started talking with one of the cows? Do you think we could get her to walk away from the rest without them following?"
Icy blue eyes flash around to each present on the tundra; a look of curiousity and excitement twinkles within them.
Garrett Wednesday September 20th, 2006 2:04:56 PM
Garrett listens to the thoughts and ideas of the others, and will defer to the hunters in this matter. Ready to do whatever they deem the best idea.
Ideas, Ideas and more Ideas Wednesday September 20th, 2006 4:35:45 PM
Garret remains silent, this is a discussion for the hunters to hash out. The decision had been made to go for a mammoth, now they simply needed a plan to follow. The cleric looks to his wunjos, Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden most heavily.
Talk shoots back and forth among the 13 men and women. 'About 20 seconds and how close Bohdi? Ten paces makes you in need of the invisibility spell you have mentioned.' 'What about the bird, If it can cast this invisibility spell why not the sound spell?' 'Yes we are out for the child, but we also have duty to the village. Just because I go hunting for fox doesn't mean I won't shoot a deer.'
'Nauthiz, to be certain we simply do not have vast experience in such. I suppose it would depend on what you say as to if you could convince one to leave the safety of the herd.' 'Circle round and corral them' 'Creep in close and open fire' 'Split into two teams and come from the flanks' 'Use the wolves to run in and try to lure out bulls to pursue them'
Thirteen minds draw almost as many ideas, but in truth, none present has ever launched an assault upon a mammoth herd. One idea flows after another.
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday September 20th, 2006 5:07:12 PM
Bohdi just shook his head and waited, tapping his foot impatiently. Unnecessary risks were not his style.
Aiden Wednesday September 20th, 2006 8:04:39 PM
Aiden listened and watched Garrett. Shaking his head then, "we must just choose and go with an idea...otherwise we'll be trying to get Bohdi to shrink one of the smallest mammoths, have someone else cast a silence on it, and then kill it..."
Neco Thursday September 21st, 2006 1:47:22 AM
"Maybe we could flank the herd, and pick off one that lags behind?" volunteers the rogue.
Garrett Thursday September 21st, 2006 11:34:40 AM
"The mammoths will run faster than we ever could. If we start shooting at one of the cows, it's likely a bull will come after us. Someone had a flying potion? what if Nauth uses the potion, and just flies higher than they can reach, constantly shooting one of the cows until it goes down? If he starts shooting from the other side of the herd, the bulls may move off in that direction to oppose the threat while the rest flee in our direction, allowing us to add our arrows to the mix."
"What do you guys think?"
"Any idea we go with is going to be dangerous. The problem is coming up with the least dangerous idea that has the most chance of success."
Flank and Herd Thursday September 21st, 2006 8:07:45 PM
Discussions continue as the mammoths, still about 200' away, continue to eat. Thier trunks push as the snow and ice revealing tundra plants they then rip up and consume. Aiden speaks of needing to make some sort of decision and simply enacting it. Garret and everyone else agrees. Whatever is choosen will indeed be dangerous, but they can not stand about all day talking.
The mammoths are likely faster than any in the party so if they begin to charge the group will be in serious danger of being trampled. Flying would eliminate that threat, Does Nauthiz have another potion of flying?
The thought of sending a man or maybe even two to the far side to play bait while others move into range to quickly drop one seems the most plausible to succeed to everyone.
"So who will it be?" Hrafn asks pointedly.
Neco Thursday September 21st, 2006 9:07:53 PM
Neco, ready for anything, shouts out "I don't know about you, but this seems like something stupid. I'm in!"
With that, the rogue pushes past Dregar and Garrett and runs towards the herd. (30 ft. x 4, Square Q,47)
Garrett Friday September 22nd, 2006 8:44:32 AM
"Neco, wait. You're going to send them in the wrong direction." Garrett yells
"Damn fool, she's going to get herself or us all killed." Garrett says. "Aiden, go after her. Skirt to the far side and get the bulls to pay attention to you while we move into better range. If you can get them to worry about you, we may be able to get a good quick kill on one of the cows. Don't get yourself killed Wunjo. Hide or avoid them as you can if they come after you."
"The rest of us will work on sneaking into good range and letting one have a full barrage of ranged fire. Hopefully we can drop a cow quick and all back off until the herd moves on."
Aiden d20=8 d20=13 d20=3 d20=14 Friday September 22nd, 2006 2:02:01 PM
Aiden could only shook his head at Neco's reaction. She was trying to impress the others, at least that was what he thought, but in the process, rashly going into something that she was unfamiliar with.
When Garrett addressed him, Aiden snapped back his attention back to the leader. "Understood..." he responded after listening to the directions as laid by Garrett.
He looked over towards the wolf that followed his steps. Nodding towards his 'little sister' they began to jog off to the side, trying to be inobtrusive, at least until he could position himself to distract the bulls. Together, with the wolf (and his imitation of another wolf howl), perhaps he could throw off the mammoths and instill some fright within them. Either a sound, or by doing something annoying (such as throwing those strange 'snowballs' at the mammoths) to get their attention.
(OOC: Garrett..mind sending where you would like Aiden to be located ideally? I figure he would have pointed/marked the snow to clarify things before Aiden moved off.)
Knowledge (geography): good areas to hide (especially when the mammoths get angry) - 8 + 7 = 15 Hide: 13 + 7 = 20
Knowledge (nature): what to get the mammoths distracted 3 + 7 (I think...cs not on me at work) = 10
imitating a sound for something that will cause a distraction: 14 (unskilled)
Garrett Friday September 22nd, 2006 2:48:07 PM
(OOC: sorry, wasn't very specific.)
"Aiden, if Neco is foolish enough to run right at the mammoths, don't get yourself killed with her. Skirt around the far side of the herd, not quite directly across from where we are, and about 150' from the closest mammoth. My general thought is that you get them running in our direction, but not right at us, it will allow us to all focus our shots on a single mammoth. Whether that be a bull or a cow, which ever is closest to us would be our target. It's all a guess, but if you position yourself so that when you spook them, they run by us at a distance of about 80' it would be perfect. That's not likely to happen, but that would be ideal. If you can get Neco to go with you and take part of the plan great. If not, she'll probably learn a hard lesson.
Bohdi Nackle Friday September 22nd, 2006 3:42:22 PM
Bohdi found a comfortable spot on the snow berm and settled down to watch. He pulled out a piece of hardtack and began to chew.
"This ought to be good," he observed. Squork nodded in agreement.
Game Time Round 1 Friday September 22nd, 2006 5:28:37 PM
Neco takes off in a dash towards the mammoths. The great herd has been essentially stationary during the entire conversation, like a great painted backdrop where nobleman might stand to converse or bards sing. For a moment, no one moves, the shock of what appears to be a rash decision etched on the faces of everyone gathered. Garret is first to spring into action. He calls for Aiden to begin circling, Bergljot and Frelfef'Ingre, the two women hunters also immediately follow him. Frelfef'Ingre calls as they go, "It'll take more than a lone hunter to spook 'em. By yourself you'll end up trampled like that other poor woman will."
Brynj , Amundi and Thord pull their bows and move in the opposite direction, their eyes scouting quickly for something resembling a position. Aiden for his part moves quickly across the barren tundra. Slowing enough to allow anything resembling stealth is not practical right now. There is a good deal of distance to cover to get to the far side of the herd so he runs on.
Bohdi for his part sits down, looks to about be quite the show. Garret too follows the other group, it is quite obvious where the attention of the two big bulls on the herds perimeter have their attention. Dregar moves out as well, pulling his crossbow out to be ready to stop and fire if need be, and it looked fully like that need would be sooner rather than later.
The herd itself seems unconcerned, the bulls have not made any unusual noise themselves even as two of them move to the southern section and close towards Neco. As the rogue closes over the densly packed snow the size of the creatures becomes more impressive with each passing stride. The bull pair move towards her with great strides and the impact shock from the massive animals registers through the ground to the young woman's booted feet even from this disatnce.
Aiden d20=2 d20=9 Sunday September 24th, 2006 1:38:54 PM
Continuing to move quickly to his position (as given by Garrett), Aiden quickly formulated a plan whereby he would begin to arch arrows towards one of the bulls.
If one of the bulls was attacked, that (or so Aiden thought) would not get as much of the herd angry as choosing a cow or baby.
(OOC: at work so no downloading...so I am going to trust the gm (or garrett) to put me in the correct spot on the map.)
knowledge (nature: which bull to choose so that the entire herd isn't going to get angry): 2 + 6 = 8
to hit (bow): 9 + 7 = 16
Neco AC 18 HP 21/21 Sunday September 24th, 2006 8:18:13 PM
Noting her distance from the massive pair of tusked creatures, she decides its best to use her wand of protection. The spell caster advances in the direction of the two hulking beasts, after casting shield on herself. "If I get them farther away from the herd and then get behind them, I think I can cut them off from a retreat," she thinks to herself. While Neco thinks over her plan, she looks around at the rest of the hunters' positions.
--Actions--
Use wand of Shield Move to U,44
Bohdi Nackle Sunday September 24th, 2006 9:12:25 PM
Bohdi slid down the snow berm and moved forward.
"If you have no direction, any road will get you there, eh?" Bohdi commented. Squork nodded again.
Garrett Monday September 25th, 2006 8:50:40 AM
Garrett pulls his crossbow and follows after Brynj, planning on staying close to the hunter.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=17 d20+9=29 d20+12=23 d20+5=14 Monday September 25th, 2006 9:10:11 AM
Here it is. Another time when the people of Ice Peak will hear and know Nauth's name. We are taking down a mammoth; it is a distraction but most obligations are. Watching for a moment for what the other Ice Peak hunters are thinking of doing, and giving Neco enough of a head start, the young ranger reaches into his magical quiver and pulls an arrow.
Starting into a run, bow in left hand and arrow in the right, the rangers breath puffs in irregular clouds that seem to hang in a faint trail behind him. The snow crunches and cracks and breaks under his feet; moving in unnoticed was most likely blown by the not so subtle rogue amongst the group. Tears temporarily streak the corners of his eyes before they freeze and pop off when he blinks. The ranger's 'pup' stalks on silently with her human, licking her chops occasionaly and keeping her belly almost to snow's level. Her eyes never stray from the two separate bulls approaching Neco and her footing never falters.
Nauth takes an opposite ark to the other hunters that have split off. He swings around wide and left, hoping to have a few more moments of fire once the mammoths break out on the move. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ actions Move. F51 (run up to 4x normal move) move silent.17 hide.29!!! NAT20!!! spot.23 prof:hunter.14
Game Time Round 2 Monday September 25th, 2006 2:50:38 PM Aiden continues to move quickly to his position, as given by Garrett. Aiden looks over the herd and sees the group is now starting to give signs of not liking the fast movements of the small creatures closing about them. Pretty soon there would be a challenge and judging from everyone's position it would likely be directed south, towards Neco. Which would almost now certainly be the necessary target. The herd would likely begin to move off. Would the other Bulls follow the herd like the wholly bison herds or would they mount a united offense against the interlopers? That the great question that soon they would know the answer to.
Neco places some protection upon herself , via her wand, and again advances on the great Bulls that have moved to the south part of the herd.
Bohdi slid down the snow berm and moved forward. Still thinking this a horrible idea.
Dregar notes Bohdi and reverses, "Garret, I'll keep an eye on him."
Garrett pulls his crossbow and follows after Brynj, planning on staying close to the hunter.
Nauthiz'Ull breaks left with a slightly harder and more aggressive angle then the others are taking. After this, let them try and think low of him. No hunter in a generation has brought down a mammoth, but soon the name of Nauthiz'Ull will be inextricably tied to this feat. The wolf running easily next to him seems to feel and feed off of the excitement emenating from him.
The mammoth nearest Neco lifts its great trunk and trumpets loudly. Shaking great tusks back and forth and takes several steps towards the interloper. The other great bull also trumpets, but this one charges in an apparent faux attack, stopping just short of the small creature before it. The ground about Neco's feet shudders and the ice and snow cry in protest under the devastating weight of the mammoth, now just a scant 15' from her.
The women keep pace with Aiden as the trio continue circling the herd at an uncomfortably close, but likely safe distance. The far right bull has seen then, but other than a few steps away from the herd and turning his flank to the three humans, it does nothing else.
The Hunters pick up their pace, circling left with Nauthiz'Ull. Garret is close enough at this point to hear Hrafn swear under his breath, 'Foolish Austlander.' Thord and Hord both slow up to keep pace with Garret as the others begin to break further into a lead. Brynj pulls a pair of arrows as he runs and sets both into his ivory bow with an audible 'Damn' escaping his lips.
Besides the two southern most Bulls stepping very threateningly at Neco none of the other Bulls are making too much of a show of force. The entire herd is quiet alert now that several trumpets of a challenging nature have rung out across the snow covered tundra.
Notes on Hide and Move Silent to remember Hide: You need cover or concealment in order to attempt a Hide check. Total cover or total concealment usually (but not always; see Special, below) obviates the need for a Hide check, since nothing can see you anyway. If people are observing you, even casually, you can't hide.
Move Silent: You can move up to one-half your normal speed at no penalty. When moving at a speed greater than one-half but less than your full speed, you take a -5 penalty. It's practically impossible (-20 penalty) to move silently while running or charging.
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull3)] [HP 21/21] Monday September 25th, 2006 8:32:33 PM
Excitement and anxiety are the feelings that course through the little rogues mind. Adrenalin courses through her every system, rendering her ready and alert. Quickly glancing over her shoulder she notes her distance from where she plans to lure the two, towering, beasts. "If only I could get them a little further." Neco thinks to herself.
Neco moves back while egging the brutes on gently, as if persuading them that there is something interesting in her general direction. If the Mammoths decide to advance to much she will tumble between them, boxing them off from the rest of the herd.
--Actions--
Move back to V, 50 +1 dodge bonus on Bull3 Hold rest of action
--Spells--
Shield [App 60 min]
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday September 26th, 2006 6:40:18 AM
"Any second now, I wager I'm going to remember why we're doing this," Bohdi said with a shake of the head. He moved forward, cautiously sliding out his wand as he did so.
Edit by Kup: oops! Forgot to give map coordinates (was posting from the road). Just move Bohdi forward eight squares (along Column Q), but in no case more than 5' behind Neco. That should be around Q52.
Garrett Tuesday September 26th, 2006 11:00:13 AM
Garrett continues to try and stay with the hunters, loading his crossbow as soon as he has the time to do so.
dm Tuesday September 26th, 2006 5:08:11 PM
going to hold off for our rangers
Aiden d20=3 d20=13 Tuesday September 26th, 2006 8:18:30 PM
Seeing that there wasn't much time left (for Neco), Aiden muttered a few curses to himself. "It is time to strike..." he says to the women. "Arch your arrows to strike the further bull. This will add confusion as he will not be able to see us by the other one."
To hit (first arch): 3 + 7 = 10 (minus whatever gm deems for the arching)
To hit (second arch): 13 + 7 = 20 (minus whatever gm deems for arching)
Ice Vein Posting Report (ADM Kup) Tuesday September 26th, 2006 10:19:09 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of September 18-September 22 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...o...o...x Garrett-Chris.........x...x...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............o...x...x...x...x Neco-James..........o...o...x...x...x Dregar-Shawn.......o...o...o...o...o x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Shawn/Dregar missed all week. Anyone know what happened to him?
DM Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout. I apologize as I thought I had mentioned it in email, but obviously not. I have been semi subbing for him and will continue to a good point where he can slip out. Shawn expressed he wanted a LOA for a few months, so I was not going to have Dregar succumb to some nasty danger of the ice vien on purpose like many of our other compatriots
Game Time Round 3 Wednesday September 27th, 2006 9:19:25 AM Neco moves back from the Mammoth, but continues to wave her arms and keep the bulls attention. She keeps on her toes, ready to tumble between them should the bull charge in on her.
Bohdi moves forward and pulls a wand from his belt
Dregar moves with the wizard and puts himself slightly in front of him.
Garrett continues to try and stay with the hunters. They continue to move fairly quickly to the left and so loading the crossbow will have to wait a bit longer.
Aiden thinking Neco very much in danger as close as she was, sets and fires at the further Bull, trying to drop his arrows just over the closer one. The shot flutters in the bow and goes long. Upon starting to tell the women to try likewise, he cuts short, seeing they only have javelins.
DM Aiden's BAB is 4 so 1 shot per round currently.
The great Bull that presented the warning to Neco, raises it trunk again and bellows terribly across the early morning sky. Again it takes a few quick strides towards the woman. The other Bull likewise trumpets and shakes its great head and tusks. Niether seem to notice Aiden's shot or anything other than the interloper before them.
The other men, Brynj, Hrafn, Thorgrim and Amundi start to fan out and ready their bows. Hord and Thord stay with the slower Garret and the two women, Frelfef'Ingre and Bergljot take up position on either side of Aiden and the wolf. "We only have javelins, our range is maybe 60'. Perhaps after one of the bulls charges we can close in from behind and strike, but at this distance now Frelfe'Ingre and I have little chance to strike hard enough to hurt a man let alone a mammoth.
The third and forth trumets from the two southern bulls have apparently made the rest of the herd more nervous and they bulk of them have moved off another 30 or 40 feet. Another bull has also made his way down the left flank of the herd to afford himself a better view.
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday September 27th, 2006 9:43:37 PM
ooc: Would love to take this in the usual order, but I know already that I will be very busy tomorrow and can't wait until after others post and not risk missing a post! So, please have Bohdi move backward or forward as Neco does, to arrive no more than 10' behind her relative to the mammoths.
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull3)] [HP 21/21] d20+8=26 Thursday September 28th, 2006 1:29:52 AM
Aware that she is in a position of possible danger Neco puts here plan into motion. In an attempt to cut the bulls off from the herd she dashes between the massive beasts and tumbles to protect herself from the sword like tusks. "Now or never," she cries as she makes her move. With hunters on ether side, her behind and, two people in front, the mammoths will be isolated and easyer to take down.
--Action--
Tumble [26] Move to S, 40
DM When Tumbling you move at Half speed.
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 30/30) d20+2=21 d8=5 d20+2=14 d8=4 Thursday September 28th, 2006 1:16:54 PM
Not quite sure if it was the best time, Garrett saw that we had two separated from the herd, and with Neco very close to them, it would likely be her or them.
"We have two of the bulls separated from the herd, I don't see a better time to strike", he says to the hunters nearby.
"Everyone concentrate your fire on the bull closest to me" yells Garrett as loud as he can across the tundra. Choosing that bull because it's closest to the largest amount of hunters.
Garrett loads his crossbow, takes a free 5' step towards the bull, and fires at bull #3.
Attack: +3 bab, +1 dex, -2 range (+2): hit ac 21, threat. ac 14 to confirm.
Damage: 5hp. + 4hp if crit.
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp38/38] d20+11=29 d8+4=10 d20+12=13 d20+10=26 Thursday September 28th, 2006 2:59:50 PM
The others fan out, separating themselves to become smaller and less likely targets shoud a stampede occur. Nauth's eyes watch as the spry girl does exactly what she shouldn't; he shakes his fur-hooded head and settles an arrow onto his bowstring. The rest of the hunters scuttle about as the ranger's heart begins to pound a little faster.
"This will not end well for the girl."
Watching. Waiting. Looking for the precise moment to let loose a hunter's sting upon a beast; its all ruined as the holy wunjo declares a target and screams it at the top of his lungs.
::twang::
A shot is fired on pure reaction. The porpoising shaft wobbles tightly along the wind before burying itself deeply into the thick-furred hide of the mammoth. Nauth sighs deeply as the arrow finds its way, a look of sadness upon his face. A look that was last seen on him during the first night of the Test; right after the kids killed the den of wolves. Something deep within him feels the bite of the arrow in his own side.
"There are other ways to feed the village." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Move.K50 [w/in 30' for PBS] Attack.29 (I presume this hits) Damage.10 Spot.13 Listen.26
Game Time Round 4 Thursday September 28th, 2006 5:32:48 PM Neco puts her incredibly bold plan into motion and turns towards the pair of mammoths and runs between them. Diving into a tumbling roll, she passes just past the one to the left, but does not quite have the momentum to pass the other to her right. Springing ot her feet she whirls as the great Mammoth's head whips those massive tusks towards her.
Bohdi moves forward as Neco does, but can't hope to follow and moves slightly left.
Garret sees Neco very close and turning to close. A horrible vision passes before him. He yells as he raises his bow and fires "Everyone concentrate your fire on the bull closest to me" The bolt strikes well enough into the thick hairy hide.
Nauthiz'Ull Anticipation and adrenaline fuel the ranger as he raises his bow. He also sees the great danger Neco is in. Quickly he sets his feet in motion, closing and letting fly with an arrow. It strikes the great flank of the mammoth. There are other thoughts in his mind this day, other than on his actions, but on those of the past and to perhaps different ways of the future.
Dregar AC 12 HP 17/36 all to well senses her danger and with a cry upon his lips and his great axe hefted high he charges the beast as the missile rains into it. As he closes the mammoth strikes the raging dwarf with one of those terrible tusks. An audible CRACK rings across the tundra but the battle crazed dwarf runs through the blow and plants his axe into the creatures soft under neck area. [PA 3 Hit AC 28 crit 11 hero point 17 confirm Dmg 58]
Hord, Amundi and Brynj all fire their bows. Hords arrows strikes deep into the rib cage just behind the front leg. Amudi's goes high and Brynj in a blur of motion sends three separate shafts into the animals exposed flank. Hrafn moves to the north side of the two bow man and keeps his eyes towards the other bull that is fairly close.
Thorgrim runs forward and heaves a javelin. His hand slips and the weapon slides from his grasp unlaunched.
Thord moves up next to Nauth and throws a javelin, but he too misses badly as his plant foot hits an ice patch.
The two women with Aiden run forward and throw javelins as well, but towards the closer Bull, "Get ready to run." Niether weapon gets near the mammoth and indeed were they not yelling, it likely would have not noticed them at all.
The mammoth, mortally wounded, takes a single stuttering step and falls to the icy plain.
The mammoth to Neco's left stomps in on her and swings its great tusks around much harder and faster than the women expected. Air blows from her lungs at the violent impact. Blood blasts from her mouth as her ribcage crumples and her left lung collapses. The wold is a spinning and darkening place. Despite the pain, she is still alive and still standing. [Hit AC 19 Dmg 19]
From the herd, a mass of trumpeting can be heard and the entire group pounds northward including the other bulls. The Mammoth that struck Neco however does not seemed to be so inclined as to leave and the bull Hrafn was watching also charges in. The man stands his ground, sets his spear and calls to his brothers to run for it. The mammoth runs directly over the man, His spear is seen to drive home and snap like a small twig under the assault. Snow and ice fly form the ground as Hrafn is trampled under the crushing weight.
Aiden d20=19 d6=3 Thursday September 28th, 2006 6:06:36 PM
ooc: blast...work held me longer than expected.
Aiden fires his bow once again, trying to strike the mammoth that had taken down one of the hunters.
to hit: 19 + 7 = 26 damage: 3
Bohdi Nackle (AC 16, HP 26/26) and Squork (AC 16, HP 13/13) 2d4(3+3)+2=8 Friday September 29th, 2006 1:36:40 AM
Bohdi moved forward to seek cover against the fallen mammoth (move to Q46) and fired his wand at the mammoth that had attacked Neco (Bull 6).
(Two magic missiles, damage 8)
"Neco! Get out of there!" the gnome cried.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray, Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Note that I will be unavailable to post from Sunday night to Monday night due to the Yom Kippur holiday.
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 30/30) Friday September 29th, 2006 10:34:35 AM
Garrett looks in horror as the bulls attack his companions. He sees Neco still standing. "Get out of there Neco!" he yells out.
Garrett then drops his crossbow, takes a move and a move toward where he saw Hrafn go down under the monstrous weight of the bull mammoth, to a4/42. He pulls his sword as part of the move/charge.
With Neco still standing and able to run, he will count on his wunjo's to get her out of the mess while he tries to help Hrafn.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person, Bulls Strength(d)
DM Friday September 29th, 2006 4:20:24 PM
Will definately hold off for Neco and Nauth. It could be kinda important.
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull6)] [HP 2/21] Friday September 29th, 2006 11:38:27 PM
"Kuhhh!" A spluttering cough issues from the young girl, spreading blood into the snow. Severely wounded, Neco manages to keep her ground. It becomes incredibly clear to her that it is often better to go around something rather than through it. Moving out of harms way is her next priority. She curvs out of the danger zone.
--Actions--
Move to J,44
Game Time Round 5 d20+3=15 d6=4 d20+1=14 d20+3=8 d20+3=19 d8=8 2d8(5+5)+15=25 d20+16=19 2d6(3+5)+10=18 Saturday September 30th, 2006 11:34:08 AM Aiden fires his bow once again, the shot arcing across the field and striking the mammoth over Hrafn.
Bohdi moves and dives behind the fallen mammoth, his wand out. Two magic streaks fire into the great wooly mammoth from the wand. The creature grunts slightly and looks to the gnomes direction.
Garrett Yells warning to Neco to clear out and then moves towards the trampled Hrafn. For Neco can get out of harms way, Hrafn is not so fortunate. The cleric heads towards the down hunter and the mammoth over top of him. Garret finds himself very close to the Mammoths and the other hunters are obviously planning on not being in front of the massive beast much longer.
Neco quickly moves to put distance between her and these great beasts.
Dregar as solid as the raging dwarf is, he knows he is no match for the mammoth, likely not even another single strike. Knowing that Bohdi will be in terrible danger if he leaves, but in staying he will most surely be killed, Dregar makes the hard decision and backs away. To get next to Nauthiz'Ull, retrieving his crossbow as he moves.
Amundi moves back putting distance between himself and the mammoth. Brynj is about to flee as well, when Garret comes charging in his direction with sword drawn. "What the hell do you think you are doing!?" Brynj then yells to be more clearly heard by all, "We took one down, Everyone get back. Stop provoking them!" Not apparently ready to leave Garret alone though, Brynj only back away some. Thorgrim also sees the danger the cleric is now in and hefts a javelin while yelling greatly in the mammoths direction. The javelin strikes true into the hindquarters of the animal. Bergljot and Frelfef'Ingre close some more with the other mammoth and hurl another set of javelins, but again neither strike hard enough. Hord moves up to just Past Nauthiz'Ull and fires at the mammoth hoping to distract him from Bohdi.
The Bull that had just trampled Hrafn continues its deadly charge and this time it comes at Garret. The ground shakes and snow blasts from under the great weight of the huge Mammoth. Before it even arrives, Garret feels as if his teeth will be bounced clear out of his skull and then it is upon him. The high noted trumpetting, louder thatn any though he has ever had, rungs through his ears. [Trample Reflex DC 25 dmg 25 or 12]
For his part Hrafn looks up from the blasted snow, he is obviousl hurt bad, but remains where he is for the moment. Obviously not wanting to stand or move uch and give the mammoth a reason to try and finish him off.
The other Bull comes south and around the fallen mammoth and at Bohdi. Its great trunk lifts and smashes down on the gnome. The strength, unbelievable the pain almost unbearable. The trunk catches Bohdi across the back as he attempts to move out of the way. Bones seem to shatter and for a moment Bohdi must fear his arm completely ripped off. [Hit AC 19 Dmg 18]
Aiden d20=16 d6=2 Saturday September 30th, 2006 4:32:50 PM
Aiden is shocked at how his wunjos had moved into the battle.
~this was not supposed to be like this...~ as he again prepared an arrow to strike the mammoth.
Holding his breath and training his sight through the arrow, he let go of the string.
to hit: 16 + 7 = 23 Damage (if this hits): 2
DM don't you have a long bow? they are d8 if you do reroll
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull6)] [HP 2/21] d4+1=4 Saturday September 30th, 2006 9:59:13 PM
Grimacing in pain, Neco reaches to her side and draws her wand of magic missile. Flicking the magical article, she unleashes a bolt of energy strait into the mammoth towering before the wounded gnome. With hope that it will distract the mammoth she urges with the utmost importance that the illusionist flee; "Now it's your turn to get out of there! Run!"
--Action--
Use Wand of Magic Missle [4 Damage]
--Spells--
Shield [App 60 min]
--Wands--
Magic Missle Lv.1 [42] Shield [46]
Bohdi Nackle (AC 18, HP 8/26) and Squork (AC 16, HP 13/13) d20+7=17 Sunday October 1st, 2006 11:38:17 AM
"Cr-crikes!" Bohdi whimpered. He began keening in a high pitch, the sure sign of a gnome in mortal danger.
Clutching his sides in agony, the gnome carefully pulled back behind the fallen mammoth and took cover again.
(Withdraw, full round action provokes no AoO, to P43. I should hope there would be a cover bonus this round!)
Seeing that his master was in trouble, Squork took to the air and prepared to help defend the gnome (Aid Another, 17, success, +2 to Bohdi's AC).
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray, Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
DM as a large creature, its attack can be considered coming from any square it occupies to determine cover for the opponent and if it is flanking. Rather than attacking over the fallen Mammoth it simply came around the side
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 18/30) d20=20 Monday October 2nd, 2006 8:26:12 AM
"Uh Oh", utters Garrett, apparently having mistook the distance that he had moved. "I guess I overshot" He thinks to himself, "Hope that error isn't a fatal one".
Reflex save: 22 (natural 20) (That's amazing. The only possible roll I could make it on was a 20. The die roller actually bailed me out for a change.)
Garrett nimbly dives away from the charging mammoth, only taking part of it's crushing hit. "It seems that Domi is not quite ready for me yet." He thinks to himself.
Garrett lays where he landed, trying not to move. Hopefully the mammoth is tired of us.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person, Bulls Strength(d)
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp38/38] d20+2=17 d20+4=13 Monday October 2nd, 2006 12:47:51 PM
Watching through tear-swelled eyes the ranger chokes down his sorrow for the beast who lost his life for the village. Then. Bohdi's in trouble!
Without a moments notice Nauth takes off in a sprint. Ice and snow crucnh under his feet as the tap along the frozen crust. Regular puffs of air linger heavily behind him, like smoke clouds from a train stack. As the ranger nears his gnomish wunjo he begins yelling incoherently. Nauth can feel the blood in the back of his throat from yelling so loudly.
With his right arm, Nauth grabs the back of Bohdi's furs and, with a grunt, flings him as far away from the mammoth as possible; he then stares into the beasts eyes, chest heaving irregularly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ move. double to Bohdi's location throw Bohdi.STR of 14 would put Bohdi into a light load...easily STR check.17 hanlde animal.13
Game Time Round 6 d20+5=13 2d8(1+2)+15=18 d20+3=20 d8=1 d20+2=14 d20=10 d20=18 d20+16=21 2d6(6+4)+10=20 d20+1=3 2d8(3+5)+15=23 Monday October 2nd, 2006 4:04:48 PM Aiden holds his safe position and puts another arrow across the field and into the furthest mammoth now running over Garret. is shocked at how his wunjos had moved into the battle.
Neco pulls a wand in effort to return the favor for Bohdi. Distract the huge beast and allow him to scramble away. A missile peels from the wand and strikes. She urges the wizard to get running. Bohdi for his part needs little encouragement and ducks as he tries to keep the fallen mammoth between himself and the angry animal. Squork prepares to take to the air to distract the mammoth should it come at his master again. Hopefully the massive herbivore will care little enough for the bird and not shatter the raven with a thundering strike.
DM calling Squorks action a readied action to Aid another 17, success, +2 to Bohdi's AC if the mammoth attacks Bohdi
Garret's eyes get a bit big as the mammoth fills his vision. "Uh Oh" A more apparent intervention of Domi, the cleric has never personally witnessed, but ducking an weaving, shield in front of his head, Garrett manages not to take the full impact of being run over. The mammoth continues it's near straight line of destruction, now unto an diving Brynj.
Nauth takes off in a sprint towards the heavily wounded and virtually panicking Bohdi. Screaming and yelling at the top of his lungs. He must get there and then he can just grab the light gnome and fling him back out of danger. The distance is though, is a bit further than Nauthiz realized. distance to O/44 is 40' from Nauthiz present position requiring a double move to get there. Dregar finds himself being eyed by the bull and decides that is not a good thing. The dwarf makes quickly to the north, unloaded Heavy crossbow still in hand. Hrafn gets to his feet and scrambles away, pulling a second spear from its place on his back. His footfalls are staggered and he spits some blood, but the fight is not out of him yet.
Bynj sets his feet to dodge as the mammoth tramples him. Emerging from the other side Brynj moves to Garret to check on him a smile on his face? "You look as if a mammoth just ran you down." The ranger than touches Garret and a brief glow comes from his neckline. [Garret is fully healed] Looking to the mammoth turning for more victims, "We should collect Hrafn and put in some distance before he notices us again."
Amundi fires his bow at the bull that just ran over Brynj. The shot is true and the arrow strikes. He then yells to Garret, Brynj and Hrafn, "Get clear to the north." Thord, Thorgrim and Hord, for their part, clear out to the southeast as fast as they are able.
Bergljot and Frelfef'Ingre cut south and throw their second to last javelins at the bull stalking around its fallen brother. Calling and screaming to it in efforts to get it to move off. Again neither throw hits with strength.
The bull by the fallen Mammoth seems determined to chase the intruders from the fallen animal. It circles from the south and thunders down upon Nauthiz'Ull A mighty trumpeting ringing from its throat it swings with its thick trunk and tusks into the ranger. The impact sends stars and red to his eyes. Surely comes the briefest of thoughts, Bohdi would have been killed. Not even the powerful Sne Kjempe could strike so hard as to send his body into ta flash of numbness, but Nauthiz was prepared and rolled with the strike at the last minute helping him absorb some of the force. [Hit AC 21 Dmg 20]
The other bull sets its eyes to Amundi and thunders across his path. The mammoth continues south east and in the trampled and bloodied snow and ice, lies an unmoving man, his limbs at awkward and unnatural angles.
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 30/30) Monday October 2nd, 2006 6:58:53 PM
Garrett's eyes show surprise as he is healed by Bynj. "Thank you my friend, and yes, let's get out of here."
Garrett watches in helpless shock as Amundi is crushed to death by the mammoth. Knowing that there is little he can do, He runs north as fast as he can, trying to put some distance between himself and one very irritated Mastodon.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person, Bulls Strength(d)
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull6)] [HP 2/21] d4+1=2 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 8:15:17 AM
Neco makes sure to stay away from the large mammoth. Too wounded to do much else, the young rogue fires off another round of her wand(2 Damage). Feeling the strain of injury she uses her free hand to hold her side. She shudders in pain, and flinches.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 18, HP 8/26) and Squork (AC 16, HP 13/13) d20+7=16 4d6(6+3+3+1)=13 d20+5=7 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 9:49:33 AM
"I said this was a bloody daft idea, didn't I?" Bohdi spat, and his chin hairs were speckled crimson from the effort.
He pulled backward (move to N40) and wound up his hand. "Right, Hairy, this one's for you!)" A ray of scorching fire burst from the gnome spellcaster's hand and seared its way toward the bull mammoth.
(Cast Scorching Ray on Bull 6. Ranged touch attack, hits touch AC 16, damage 13)
The gnome called to his companion. "Nauthiz'Ull, old mate, I'll need your help here!"
Squork continued to hover above Bohdi, ready to aid Bohdi's defense if needed (Aid Another, 7, fails!). But the bird was clearly confused about where to go or how to help, and fluttered ineffectually.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp18/30] d20+11=31 d20+11=27 3d8(5+2+2)+12=21 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 12:01:38 PM
The ranger rolls to a stop and springs back to his feet after being pummeled by the mammoth's trunk. The ringing in his ears seems to flow throughout his entire body. How do bones ring? Standing, he realizes that dizziness and throbbing wounds are qutie a bit of a distraction; perhaps that is why he lifts Ull'Heimdall's bow once more.
"Wunjo, back away! Forget your magics and get to another wunjo."
::twang::
The shot, much closer this time, flies as straight and true as any he has fired in his life; it sinks deeply, devouring the life of the beast.
Yelling across the open tundra with a strained and sobbing voice, "Leave the third alone! Let it return to the herd! Please do not kill it!"
More tiny beads of ice roll from the corner of his icy eyes and imbed themselves into the snow at his feet. Lowering his bow the crying young man reaches slowly into one of his furred pouches and pulls from it a stoppered vial. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ attack.31 NAT20! confirm.27 damage.3d8+12=21
draws potion:speak with animal from pouch.
Aiden d20=8 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 1:09:41 PM
Aiden grimaced as he thought about letting another arrow loose. He tried to move towards the others and the battle.
(ooc: he's trying to get as far towards the battle as possible and still have a shot. If I can't do this, I'll move as quickly (running towards the battle )...I don't think I have enough movement to help out Neco though...)
Game Time Round 7 d20=3 d20-2=-1 d20+4=23 d10=7 d20+4=6 d20+16=25 2d6(6+6)+10=22 Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 5:28:05 PM Bohdi calls an incantation and fire strikes the mammoth. It stomps in protest to the hurt.
Nauthiz'Ull steps back 5 and fires a shot into its chest. A solid shot no doubht, but not enough to bring it down by a long measure. His string hand then dives into a pouch to retrieve a potion.
Aiden closes and fires, but the range thros him slightly off and the shot falls ever close, but short.
Dregar loads and fires his Crossbow. The bolt strikes near perfectly, but still the creature is very full of life and fight.
Garret moves off and Brynj follows easily keeping pace with the armored cleric. Looking back over his shoulder to the shouts of Bohdi and Nauthiz'Ull his face blanches. His brow arches and he looks sideways towards Garret, throwing his fore finger back at them, "Do they have some sort of deathwish?"
Hrafn dashes south as the southern mammoth follows the fleeing three hunters. The mammoth only half heartily runs after them and pulls up after about 100'. Hrafn gets to Amundi and drops into a slide through the snow up next to him. It appears Hrafn intends to grab him and get moving again.
The last two javelins sail towards the mammoth and come up short
The three Hunters to the south continue to run, but start to slow as they see they are not the target of pursuit.
Attacks hail all about the mammoth and it stamps its feet and swings it trunk and steps heavily unto Nauthiz'Ull. [Hit AC 25 Dmg 22] the blow crushes his, collapses one side of his rib cage and causes his body to be propelled so violently backwards as to cause his head to snap forward into his chest. The potion sails out of Nauthiz'Ull's hand and the ranger hits the snow sputtering in pain, his limbs moving of their own volition, the final spasms of life running their course.
Garrett Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 6:04:15 PM
Garrett curses at seeing Nauth go down. Knowing the other bull headed south, Garrett is going to turn and run towards Nauthiz'Ulls position. Garrett will look towards Hrafn and Amundi to see if his healing is needed there.
Garrett Tuesday October 3rd, 2006 6:05:30 PM
If Hrafn is motioning for Garrett to come to where he is, Garrett will, trusting his wunjo's to help Nauth.
Aiden d20=5 Wednesday October 4th, 2006 8:30:13 AM
Again, Aiden tries to move in closer. If the mammoth seems to be moving away (without striking at any of the group),he will not fire his bow, but, instead ready whatever poltices/healing that he has available.
If the mammoth seems ready to strike again, he will fire his arrow...
All the while, he kept questioning himself, why didn't the mammoths come his way? They had sent javelins and arrows...but instead they kept to the closer targets. Where had his teaching gone wrong?
And why does he feel like a coward? Even though he tried to keep to the plan, as he understood it....
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp-5/38: Unconscious-Stabalized] d100=2 Wednesday October 4th, 2006 9:29:32 AM
Only half a thought got through; How did my arrow... and then, darkness. The ringing through his body was gone, the cold was still present in an intangible form and the mammoths were gone as well.
The subdued frame of the ranger lies almost motionless; his left leg wobbles with a mind of its own, bending at the knee. There is a faint yet violent flutter in his eyelids. Small, almost nonvisible whafts of air linger momentarily by his nostrils and lips.
DM adjusted HP 18-22=-4 and 1 round of dying=-5 if Stabalization check fails. Please roll a stabalization check (d100) 10 or less is stabalized
Stabalization-2-Stabalized (lol that was lucky!)
CDM Jerry Wednesday October 4th, 2006 12:18:39 PM
I see that there is no report for last week's posting. Please get this up ASAP as it's two days late now. Email me if there is a problem in doing this.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 16, HP 8/26) and Squork (AC 16, HP 13/13) d20-2=16 d20+6=15 d8+1=5 Wednesday October 4th, 2006 3:45:39 PM
Bohdi's mouth gaped and his words caught in his throat as he saw his wunjo fall. "N-n-n-- Nauthiz'Ull!" His face contorted in a grimace as the thought occurred to him that his friend had fallen while protecting him.
"Squork, follow my lead!" he whispered to the bird on his shoulder. Then, with trembling fingers, the gnome traced out a rune. "Invisibilis insubstantiorum," he chanted, and both he and the raven disappeared from view. (Cast: Invisibility)
With the raven riding on his shoulder, Bohdi scurried to Nauthiz'Ull's side (move to P42--should be diagonally behind Nauthiz'Ull from attacking mammoth, next to fallen mammoth. No AoO because invisible.)
Now it was Squork's turn. The raven dipped into Bohdi's spell pouches, pulled out his healing potion, and brought it to the ranger's lips.
(Not sure how much the DM will allow here. Clearly, casting and moving uses up Bohdi's actions for the round. Retrieving the potion from a consenting and cooperating person is probably a standard action, eh? Then there's administering the potion--as memory serves, usually a full round action. And so, probably, Squork can only begin to administer the potion this round, subject to completion next round. Finally, there's the "how much can a raven really do?" question.
Here are some rolls, as needed: Base INT check for Squork: 16 Melee touch attack to grab potion: 15 Potion of CLW: 5 hp restored)
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Wednesday October 4th, 2006 4:02:47 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of September 25-September 29 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...o...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............x...-...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...o...-...x...o...x Garrett-Chris.........x...-...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............x...-...o...x...x Neco-James..........x...-...x...x...x
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout. --DM held Tuesday's and Friday's posts to allow players to post. "Friday" post was on Saturday. --Apologies for the late posting report, but Monday was Yom Kippur and I have literally been working ever since.
daniel k Wednesday October 4th, 2006 5:14:47 PM
going to hold for Neco til tonight. Sorry Kup I remembered Yom Kippur but did not equate it to the posting report not being done. I should have picked that up for you.
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull6)] [HP 2/21] d4+1=4 Wednesday October 4th, 2006 6:36:50 PM
Neco moves to stand beside Dregar ((G,44) before leveling her wand in the angy mammoth's direction. (4 dmg.)
(OOC: Did you get Neco's last round of dmg? It wasn't mentioned in the Rnd 7 DM post.)
Game Time Round 8 d20+9=22 d20+9=26 d20+4=15 d8+2=3 d8+2=3 d8+2=3 Wednesday October 4th, 2006 9:17:59 PM Garrett starts heading right at the rampaging Mammoth to get to Nauthiz'Ull. Glancing over at Hrafn, the hunter has grabbed Amundi and is dragging him west across the snow pack. He is not trying to flag Garret or anyone. Garret stays the course towards the Mammoth and Nauthiz. Behind him he hears, Brynj as he moves "Celsiun's Beard..." and then the drawing of a bow.
Aiden closes some more and pulls a potion of healing from his pack. The only answer to his question seems to be the threat level the mammoth felt. His strikes form the distance did not pose an eminent enough threat to the animal as the group gathered literally in its face.
Nauthiz'Ull lies in a last partial thought of his last shot. Be it from the cold, the recent bonding of blood to a witch or pure happenstance, Nauthiz is no longer in spasms, but his chest rises and falls in a rhythm. Shallow and weak, but steady.
Dregar backs up to the west and re loads his crossbow, calling for Neco to come with him.
Neco heads with Dregar and launches another Magic Missile which thumps into the mammoth. Bohdi keeps Squork close, needless to say that is rather simple and gets ready to exercise operation desperation. Turning invisible, he heads to the dowed ranger. Squork, whom also benefits from the spell hops down to the ranger with a vial fished out of Bohdi's pouch. The landing is not the best as the tiny raven finds he needs both feet to grasp the vial, but land on Nauthiz'Ull's chest he does. Squork notes that had he needed to go further then essentially down, there would be a good chance he would have dropped the vial. Squork starts to go to work at getting the secured stopper out, this might take awhile.
Brynj curses as Garret heads off at the mammoth and very quickly sends three arrow just over the clerics armored shoulder and on their way to the wounded mammoth. Each strikes, though none terribly hard.
Hrafn grabs Amundi by under the arms and begins back peddling like a mad man.
To the south the three move a further safe distance and noting the turning of the mammoth to the east and north, they stop and begin coming back.
The two women stand their ground and shout and call at the southern mammoth. The wounded animal confronted by three attackers is not about the be distracted by anything but greater force, which they can not bring to bear.
The wounded Bull, to the great relief of Bohdi turns South west and runs. The other bull shifts back to the north and to the east. Trumpeting and bellowing a challenge as if looking for someone or something to dare come at it.
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp-5/38: Unconscious-Stabalized] Thursday October 5th, 2006 1:12:31 AM
The tingling vanishes, the cold begins to ebb and light begins to brighten the icy eyes of the ranger. He opens them; he is in a cave. The cave, somehow familiar, seems to be whispering. Icy floors and walls of snow pact and more ice tower around him. There are footprints in the powder which dusts the floor. Familiar footprints.
Running a hand along the iced walls Nauth begins to make out fuzzy looking etchings along the surface. A delicate, complex and ancient arcane type of script. His hand runs along the surface of the runes until it can reach no more. As his fingers break contact with the glyphs they continue on in a horitontal arc and something makes the rangers heart stop...even if just for a moment.
A small distance away, in the face of another wall of ice is imbedded a dagger.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 16, HP 8/26) and Squork (AC 16, HP 13/13) (both invisible) d8+1=7 Thursday October 5th, 2006 7:16:46 AM
"Here, give me that," Bohdi hissed at Squork, and undid the stopper of the vial and began carefully trickling the magic elixir into Nauthiz'Ull's mouth. He gently massaged the ranger's throat to work the liquid in, all the while keeping a careful eye on the departing mammoth. (CLW, 7 hp restored)
"Idiots," he muttered quietlyn before returning his attention to Nauthiz'Ull. "Nauth?" He asked quietly. "Nauth, can you hear me, old boy? Don't move yet, mate--you've taken some heavy damage, but you're going to be okay. Just lie still."
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Garrett Thursday October 5th, 2006 8:07:55 AM
Garrett, Seeing Bohdi working on Nauth, stops in his tracks, trying not to give the mammoth a reason to head his way.
Garrett thinks to himself, "Perhaps if we all just hold for a few moments it will leave. It seems to be making a challenge, and if it goes unanswered it may return to it's pack."
Garrett stands still and waits, thankful that Bohdi is at Nauth's side.
Garrett Thursday October 5th, 2006 8:09:33 AM
(Check that, missed the invisible part of Bohdi.)
Garrett will still stop in his tracks, and hope that the mammoth leaves quickly so he can tend to Nauth as fast as posible.
Aiden d20=17 d6=2 Thursday October 5th, 2006 1:00:54 PM
Aiden seeing the mammoth that is being distracted by the two women growls,"fools..." under his breath. The steam coming from his mouth as he exhaled, he readied his bow for the impending rush of the mammoth towards the women (or any others).
TO HIT: 17 + 7 = 24 Damage: 2
Neco [AC 18 (19 for Bull6)] [HP 8/21] d8+1=6 Thursday October 5th, 2006 5:54:29 PM
Neco retrieves a flask from her pouch, and removes the stopper. Drinking the contents causes her to cough up more blood. It seems that her wounds have healed somewhat but she is nowhere near fully recovered. The girl uses the back of her sleeve to wipe the blood dripping from her lip to her chin.
--Actions--
Drink potion CLW (+6 HP)
Game Time Round 9 d20+2=12 Thursday October 5th, 2006 6:31:10 PM Nauthiz'Ull slips into the dreams of unconsciousness and in that open state he is drawn back to a time not so long ago. The trip is brief however and the dream soon closes.
[b]Bohdi hears Squorks grunts of effort and fumbles about for the bird and takes the potion from Squork, annoyance in his voice as non can see his manner. The glare he receives from the bird goes unnoticed as well, in the invisible state they share. The potion acts quickly and with a deep breath and a painful one at that , Nauthiz'Ull snaps back to the world of the living.
Garrett will still stop in his tracks, and hope that the mammoth leaves quickly so he can tend to Nauth as fast as possible.
Aiden seeing the mammoth that is being distracted by the two women growls, The mammoth he seen them and is clearly agitated. But the mammoth also sees Aiden and at only about 50 feet away, the ranger is far closer than the calling women hunters.
Dregar takes the moment of time to head to Garret, "A touch of healing lad would go along way and in case that uther hairy beast tries to mince someone I'd be much obliged if it couldn't kill me befo'e I git me axe into it."
Neco retrives a healing potion and drinks it down.
The Mammoth trumpets in Aiden's direction and moves heavily at him, pulling up just short and raising its powerful front legs. The ground leaps as it comes down and the steam rips from the mammoths mouth as it bellows again.
The wounded mammoth to the south keeps going.
The hunters to the south continue to move east and then begin circling back to the north.
Hrafn pull Amundi further out and then drops to a knee next to the man to look him over.
Brynj makes his way towards Aiden calling for the other to get the hell out of there.
Garrett (AC: 19, HP: 30/30) 2d8(8+3)+4=15 Thursday October 5th, 2006 9:45:06 PM
Garrett takes a 5' step to Dregar and Converts his hold person to a CMW, healing Dregar of 15 points of damage.
Garrett then yells to Aiden "Get away from the mammoth wunjo, I can't get to Nauth until it goes."
A quick look at his companions and Garrett yells out "does anyone know where Bohdi is?" fearing that another of his wunjo's is down.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person(cast), Bulls Strength(d)
Aiden Friday October 6th, 2006 7:16:56 AM
"That was the plan Garrett..." Aiden yelled back as he began to RUN away from the mammoth in a zig zagging manner (and trying to make use of the areas of snow that had already been packed down by the movement of the herd).
(OOC: I am assuming that the wolf has good sense to also keep away from the mammoth possibly even going in the opposite direction from Aiden?)
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp2/38] Friday October 6th, 2006 10:29:02 AM
Walking towards the ice wall, a furred hand reaches out towards the imbedded dagger. Then light, somewhat of a warming light. Then tingling, the throbbing tingle begins to return to the ranger's bones. A sweet heat trickles down his throat.
Looking around, the cave is gone and blurry visons of a fur-clad gnome and a black raven begin to filter in.
"B-Bohdi? Ughhhh... I think I was back at the cave wunjo."
Propping up on his elbows, Nauth shakes his hood from over his eyes and off of his head. A moment later he heavily picks himself up and without acknowledging the gigantic beasts who still roam the immediate area, begins brushing snow off and looking for his vial and his bow.
His legs and steps are still pretty wobbly.
Bohdi Nackle (AC 16, HP 8/26) and Squork (AC 16, HP 13/13) (both invisible) 2d4(4+3)+2=9 Friday October 6th, 2006 11:53:56 AM
Nauthiz'Ull was clearly still delirious from his wounds, because he was envisioning Bohdi and Squork even when he couldn't see them!
"Careful, you bloody oaf, you nearly trod on me!" Bohdi's disembodied voice squealed from nearby as Nauthiz'Ull stood. Some of the snow that Nauthiz'Ull had brushed off his body deflected in mid-air from a point suspiciously gnome-high. A flap of invisible wings scattered still more.
Footprints in the snow near the fallen mammoth might reveal, to the careful eye, the movements of the gnome illusionist and his familiar as he shifted his attention toward the east.
"If that mammoth attacks Aiden, we're going to need another distraction," the spellcaster's voice commented. An invisible wand raised to the ready position.
Actions: Ready an attack on Bull 2 with wand of magic missiles. Fire ONLY IF Bull 2 attempts to attack Aiden.
If necessary, damage = 9 HP.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Neco Friday October 6th, 2006 1:20:12 PM
Neco will continue to evade the mammoth, putting as much distance between it and herself, without distancing herself too much from her party. She will keep her wand at the ready, but keep her arms close to her side, making herself small and non-threatening.
(OOC: Going out of town, and won't be able to post until late Monday. If the mammoth(s) attack, Neco will fire her wand of MM (d4+1), and try to stay out of its way.-James)
Game Over Friday October 6th, 2006 4:26:02 PM
Aiden bolts from the mammoth and his wolf is right on his side haveing been already a few feet behind the ranger. Brynj, Bohdi, Neco and others stare on tensely as teh ranger turns his back to get out of harms way. Tha mammoth could send one of its thundering tusks into the man as he goes, but it does not. It seems satisfied that it has won the challenge that was before it.
Nauthiz'Ull stands up dazed and brushes snow from himself and while the mammoth acknoledges him and the others arrayed about over a collective 800' spread it does not seem to be inclined to attack any.
Garret heals Dregar who gives a much obliged head nod adn teh dwarf starts to slowly move towards Nauthiz'Ull. His axe is down and his steps not rushed.
Hrafn waves, but does not call out to Garret and signals him over to himself and the still very still form of Amundi.
The southern mammoth continues circling far to the west and is now heading back towards the north and in the direction of the herds flight. The three men to the east and south continue to slowly head north as well, with intention to meet the pair of women.
Bohdi stands and pulls his own wand, keeping sharp look to the mammoth still lingering in the vacinity.
Brynj, too, moves slowly towards Nauthiz'Ull and the invisible Bohdi even more so than Dregar. His bow turned to its side and a pair of arrows resting upon it. Upon arrival he looks to Nauthiz'Ull a quick head to toe. "You look none to worse for the wear. Come let us pull back some, he will leave soon enough and we have what we need. More would not do."
The mammoth for its part is hanging still about the place where it first charged Aiden's position. Assuming no one shouts and fires upon it, it takes leave of teh area in a few minutes, heading north at a brisk pace. The entire party groups back to the fallen animal.
Garrett d8+1=5 Friday October 6th, 2006 5:42:33 PM
Garrett, seeing Nauth is up and around, heads over to Hrafn and uses his wand of CLW upon Amundi if he is still alive. Healing the battered man for 5 hp.
Aiden Sunday October 8th, 2006 10:56:46 AM
Sweating profusely, even in the intense cold of the environment, Aiden made his way over towards the others.
Making it towards the corpse of the mammoth, Aiden frowned. His eyes glanced towards the bleeding, limping, and obviously injured group. True, to help the many, the cost of one was minor.
But now, they were further behind the orcs, AND sustained several injuries and deaths.
And that was not to mention the problem of the carcus, skinning it and taking the meat back to the village.
"Bohdi..." Aiden's gruff, and obviously tired, spoke, "is there a way to cast that spell of messaging or to send your bi-..." as he then shifted his statement, "Squork, to the village to let them know of the mammoth? That way a party could be sent to skin and take the meat without delaying us more behind the orks..."
Nauthiz'Ull [ac20 hp2/38] Monday October 9th, 2006 10:53:12 AM
Coughing wetly, a few flecks of blood fly to the powdery ground, speckling it with crimson sprinkles; a few drops stick carelessly to the rnagers lower lip. He stands as straight as a crumpled human can and looks towards Bohdi's location and to Brynj.
"Yeah, right, none the worse. Oh, little wunjo, I knew you were there by you tracks and your foot size. I imagine that if an Ice Giant grabbed someone by teh neck and ankles and slammed them sideways across a tree, that it would feel something quite similar to this."
A slow, hobbly pace is set for a few minutes as Nauth stretches his body back into normality.
"So we get to go on now and Brynj and the rest stay to bring back our trophy?"
Nauth looks at the wunjos in a manner than suggests one thing, make a decision so we can keep walking...
Bohdi Nackle Monday October 9th, 2006 4:04:08 PM
After the mammoth moved off, Bohdi flickered back into vision next to Nauthiz'Ull. And he did not look happy.
Through clenched teeth, he addressed the hunters. "Are--you--satisfied? Was this everything--you--hoped for? Was it worth--the-price?"
The gnome spat crimson and pink and glared at the others.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Mammoth Epilogue Monday October 9th, 2006 7:30:12 PM
The mammoths are gone and the group is together. Garret leans in on Amundi, he is still alive and a small curing tap from the wand causes his eyes to flicker open. With a groan he casts his eyes at those over him, "Did we get him?" Brynj looks to Bohdi and says a single word "Yes." He then turns and moves towards the fallen animal, "Nauthiz'Ull you know it is no trophy. The hunter walks with a a limp still visible on him from the tramppling he took himself.
Hrafn, also still hurting drops to a knee and looks at Bohdi, "Our life and that of those I love is not as easy and fortunate as yours gnome. Without what we did today many in the my village would have starved and died over the next few months. I would gladly risk your life again to save those I love."
Brynj had stopped within easy ear shot, but says nothing and merely continues on his path.
Thorgrim moves quickly in however, "Hrafn, you are out of place, Bohdi IS one of us. Svanhvit made it so through Dra'Gal. You do injustice to Dra'Gal when you speak so."
Hrafn still quite full of anger stands quickly, but a fast moving and impressively large Hord intercepts him. "Nothing would be gained my brother." He looks cold at Bohdi as he pushes Hrafn away and after Brynj.
The rest of the hunters linger for a moment before the two women help Amundi to his feet. The man thanks Garret and nods to Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull. "You should continue after the riders now. It will take all of us the better part of several days to prepare the animal and begin to sled it back." Looking to the seething Bohdi he shakes his head, "As you sit in judgement I shall share the wisdom of my father. Our's is a life of love and survival and sometimes those are in conflict. To elaborate on your questions satisfaction was never part of it. It was precisely what was hoped for. We took down an animal that will feed our people. As for the price? Some blood was spilled and pain endured. Such is life." With that Amundi's shoulders drop slightly and his eyes drift to a memory as he to then turns to move away.
Posting Report for Ice Vein (ADM Kup) Monday October 9th, 2006 11:50:39 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of October 2-October 6 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...x...x...x Garrett-Chris.........x...x...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............x...x...x...x...x Neco-James..........x...x...x...x...o
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout.
Neco Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:45:08 AM
Looking at the troop she waits for the order to leave. "We need a trail, and we need to go," she thinks to herself. The rest of the group try to justify their actions to each other. Neco does not do like the rest. She knows... "What's done is done, and can not be undone."
Garrett d8+1=2 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 d8+1=3 d8+1=2 d8+1=5 d8+1=9 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 d8+1=3 d8+1=6 d8+1=9 d8+1=2 d8+1=8 d8+1=4 d8+1=9 Tuesday October 10th, 2006 9:13:51 AM
Garrett lets the hunters scold Bohdi for his comments, saying nothing, for there is nothing else to say. Garrett is quite pleased that we were able to take down a creature that would feed all of ice peak village for many weeks to come, and none died in the process.
Garrett just shakes his head at his wunjo's statement. For a person much smarter than himself, Bohdi's shortsighted thinking seemed odd. How many hunts would it take to secure this much food? dozens? several dozen? how many hunters would gladly risk their lives, and died, for a tenth of what we will be able to provide the village on this one day.
Garrett looks to his wunjo's. "There is work ahead for the six of us. We have a child to bring home. Let us heal up as best we can, and be on our way. Aiden, will you find us the path once again while I heal the others? You seem to be uninjured."
Wand of CLW: Bohdi: 3 charges for 17 hp. Nauth: 8 charges for 38 hp. Neco: 2 charges for 11 hp. Dregar: (I last saw him at 32/36 after I cast cmw on him.)
Wand: 20 charges remain. (overshot the wand uses. The last three that were not needed by us were 8/4/9, and can be used to help the hunters who were injured.)
Garrett offers to heal up any of the hunters that need assistance, using the wand. (Just let me know how many charges it takes past the three above, to get them to where they are good.)
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=21 d20+12=15 d20+12=16 d20+12=28 d20+10=15 Tuesday October 10th, 2006 10:21:20 AM
Walking about in tight circles, Nauth listens intently to the words of the other hunters; a look of death creases his tanned brow at Hrafn's words. As Thorgrim interjects as to the wronging the other hunter is doing to Bohdi, Nauth nods in agreement and interjects.
"Without this fortunate gnome, Hrafn, the possibility of the village even existing would be in question. His talents have repeatedly saved us, our village and your precious loved ones. It should be you sacrificing your life for his in order to save your loved ones."
A tingling warmth washes through the ranger's marrow as Garret's wand mends broken bones and eases bruised flesh.
Watching as Aiden begins to pick up the tracks again, Nauth whistles, snaps and points over to his fellow ranger; his 'pup' trots over quickly, snout twitching intensely as she searches for the Tusker scent once again.
"We will drink to this hunt when we return to the village. Travel quick, warm and weary hunters." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.21 survival.15.tracking survival.16.weather survival.28.avaoid hazards when we resume the journey listen.15
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday October 10th, 2006 11:35:48 AM
The gnome said nothing in return to the upbraiding he received from the hunters, but rather simply snorted in disgust. Clearly, there was a world of difference in perception between them. One might wonder whether they even saw the same things.
Bohdi sheathed his wand and adjusted the pack on his back. Nodding thanks to Garrett (25/26 HP), he turned to follow his wunjos.
"Now, perhaps, we can bloody well get on with what we set out to do," he muttered.
He glanced darkly over his shoulder as they departed. "And good riddance to bad rubbish."
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Aiden d20=15 Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:15:25 PM
Aiden nodded as he readied himself to once again begin the search for the tracks. He was not going to get into an argument about whether they should have attacked the mastodons or not. Simply put, he had already stated his opinion, people knew it, and now it was time to move on.
He didn't care for the condescending responses towards Bohdi, who had as much a right to voice his opinions about the hunt as any. However, it was quickly addressed by others.
Quietly, he then slipped back towards finding the tracks, and marking them, such that the others could follow.
Tracking: 15 + 8 = 23
Parting is ever Such Sweet Sorrow Tuesday October 10th, 2006 7:36:45 PM
Parting between the other hunters in the village and those within the party itself is strained at best. Amundi stops short at Grrets offer with the wand and nods in the affirmative. After a single charge he holds his hand to stop any further use. "The rest of the hurt will remind me to move faster in the future for a while. A lesson I hopefully will master." Hrafn, for his part, ignores Nauthiz'Ull as Thorgim leads him off. Hord opens his mouth as if to speak, but apparently decides better of it and merely closes it again after Nauthiz'Ull's farewll and he nods stoutly with a touch to his Great sword on his back.
As the hunters head to where Brynj is already standing, the party can see him shaking his head slightly and with it bowed. He does raise a farewell and then moves quickly the remaining small distance, the limp completely gone.
Dregar, his hands and arms swinging back in forth in front of him does not move with the rest of the group. "I am going to remain with them." his thumb thrown in the direction of the other hunters. "maybe build some more bridges, but also learn what might be happening back home. We've all felt the splitting in the vilage. With all of us away." He shrugs and leaves the thought unsaid. "Be your hearts true and your blades sharp wunjos. I will see you all back home soon." With that, Dregar moves towards the mammoth.
Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull have no issue picking up the trail. It was only about 5 minutes ago they were standing upon it. The two sisters, though can not detect a scent, but nor could they this morning. All soon enough the battle, blood and words are left behind in the tundra. The great white nothingness seesm to have swallowed it all as it seems to consume everything on the desolate wastes of the east.
Hours grind on and move past noon, the wind blows and the cold bites for open skin. Evening begins to descend. Spot DC 20Highlight to display spoiler: { A large grey white wolf stands atop a small snow rise some 300 feet to the south}
Neco d20+5=23 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:16:13 AM
Neco follows the rangers as they work out the trail. She suddenly spots something off in the distance. Squinting she makes out the shape of... "A Wolf!".
Garrett Wednesday October 11th, 2006 8:53:37 AM
"Great. It could be another of the wolves that the orcs rode, perhaps standing watch, Or part of a hungry pack. Either way we should try and get an idea of what lays ahead. Bohdi, would you be so kind as to ask Squork to go take a look from above? We should keep on in the direction of the trail until we know more."
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements x3(cast x3), Endure elements(cast), Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Endure Elements x2(cast x2), Hold Person, Bulls Strength(d)
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=6 d20+7=14 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 10:16:01 AM
Bohdi nodded at Garrett's instructions and glanced at his raven. Wordlessly, the bird flapped its heavy wings and beat a path into the air, soon becoming a mere speck against the icy blue sky.
(Spot Bohdi 6; Spot Squork 14)
"Hope there's not trouble," Bohdi grumbled. "I had to use some of my more powerful spells for the day on that little frolic this morning, and I'd hate to find us needing more help than I can give now."
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=32 d20+12=15 d20+12=14 d20+12=18 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 12:18:47 PM
As the two rangers begin again to discern footprint from weathered hole, Nauth continuously scans the horizon. Then, just as Neco was speaking of the wolf, or perhaps just before she said anything, Nauth catches sight of the large creature.
"No. Neco is right. There is a very small chance that the wolf is mere inhabitant out here. Where is the rest of the pack? Bohdi, wunjo, could you have Squork take a swipe over there. We need to know for sure."
Looking back over the rest of the group for a moment.
"That could be one of many things. It could be a trained mount for the Tuskers, it could be some magics. Bohdi, what type of magics could the ulf be?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.32 NAT20! survival.track.15 survival.weather.14 survival.avoid traps.18
Bohdi (illegal second) d20+13=30 d20+11=27 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 2:18:15 PM
"Beats me," the gnome grumbled on. "Could be lots of things out here, and we're too far away for me to study it closely. Where is it again, anyway?"
The gnome peered in the direction indicated, then shrugged. "Can't even see the bloody bugger, and I don't think Squork can, either."
He thought for a moment. (Spellcraft check, 30! Knowledge Arcana, 27!) "Could be one of those Winter Wolves the orcs used as mounts, I suppose. Or it could be summoned. Or an illusion. Or--or I suppose it could be a shapeshifter, too. Remember that one fellow from the Bloodpack?"
Bohdi readied his wand again, just in case.
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation, Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm, Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Of Wolves and Men d20=7 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 5:06:07 PM
The group pauses as many members spy the wolf upon the semi distant snow dune. As the group staresa few more details come to focus thacross the white plain and the refracting snowscape. The wolf is big, very big, but wears no sort of tact and harness like the Tusker mounts. It's color has grey to it instead of the pure white of the great Winter wolf the Tusker leader rode and its stance and gaze back upon the party suggests to both Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull that is is judging them as much as being judged.
With a quick word, Squork beats his black wings furiously and takes to the air. The wolf,for it's part,seems to take a conscious effort to ignore the small avian and shakes its head side to side in a rough manner. As Squork closes to overhead it turns and takes off at a run to the southeast.
Bohdi, not being able to see the wolf well can only make guesses. The creature would need to be far, far closer for a more factual study. Soon enough Squork returns. It appeared to be completely alone. Squork saw no hole from his viewpoint, though in the drifts he could readily miss one he would have to admit if pressed on that. Squork is alos able to report that the wolf possessed great speed far faster than he can fly. This information, though, is of no surprise to the rangers, wolves were very fast and capable runners.
Whatever the group plans, it will be approaching twighlight in about an hour. It takes nearly that long to properly set the shelters. Tomorrow promises a continued stay from harsh weather. A good day for gaining much needed ground. If lucky, the northern spit arm of the jagged range to the south that spears across the great tundra before you could be reached. Currently the trail heads directly towards it.
Aiden d20=20 Wednesday October 11th, 2006 10:22:38 PM
(OOC: sorry for the no reply...was going to see if through his ranger 'sense' Aiden could feel anything from the wolf...)
Aiden shook his head, "would trust the wolf more than the stag at first sight..."
He continued, in a hushed manner, due to the beauty of the creature. "it could have bayed to the others...the echoes carry through the wylds. I think that it is leaving us a better trail..."
(rolled a 20 on the 'sense reaction/gut feeling' of the wolf...if that doesn't work, could it be applied to him figuring out whether the wolf is leading them onto a better trail without alerting the others?)
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday October 12th, 2006 11:39:28 AM
Looking to the peaks and back to where the greyed ulf stood moments ago the ranger scratches furiously at his ever-thickening stubble. He looks out over the horizon where the ulf may have just gave the group a sign.
"Aiden may be right. The ulf is a sign, just what kind of sign? Celsiun does not show the ulf for no reason. I am with him on this. The mountains, too, may have already been prepped by the Tuskers. Leave our fate to the ulf hwo can smell danger from across the otherside of the Vein."
Reaching down, Nauth scratches behind his girl's ears and kneels down next to her.
"What do you think girl? Does your kin come with good intentions?"
Icy blue eyes scan across the faces of the others. Nauth looks upon each of them and nods at Garret.
"Maybe your Domi is speaking to us?"
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=9 d20+4=18 d20+7=13 d20+4=11 Thursday October 12th, 2006 11:58:40 AM
"Yes, Celsiun is speaking to us. And Domi, too." The gnome cupped a gloved hand to his pointed ear. "Ooh, ooh, I hear them now. Ooh, and Flower and Ffloy, too. And do you know what they're saying? They're saying set the bloody tents already."
Bohdi rolled his eyes and huffed. He used his powers of Prestidigitation to help build a windbreak, as usual, and then set two silent Alarm spells, one in front of the camp along their path of travel and one behind.
As he did so, he continued to grumble to himself. "Bloody fool barbarians with their signs and superstitions. Next they'll be consulting icicles. How about 'keep the party together,' eh? What's the bloody sign for that, eh? Or 'don't risk your lives and waste time on some bloody snipe hunt while you're on a rescue mission'--what's the sign for that? Probably don't have a sign for that anyway, leastways not one these bloody savages could read."
Spell list: Gnome abilities: Prestidigitation (cast), Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 0: Message (x2), Detect Magic (x2) Level 1: Alarm (cast x2), Endure Elements (cast), Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Color Spray Level 2: Scorching Ray (cast), Resist Energy, Protection from Arrows, Invisibility (cast) Wand of Magic Missiles 3d, 30 charges remaining
Garrett Thursday October 12th, 2006 7:10:53 PM
Garrett thought briefly upon Domi sending a message, and was about to reply as Bohdi began to go off again. A smile creased Garrett's face as he looked at the gnome. "Aye, let's set the camp up. We can consult the icicles later." And Garrett moves to set up camp.
Aiden Thursday October 12th, 2006 8:00:29 PM
Aiden looked at Bohdi, his face quite serious. "Take care of your words Bohdi. Gods and spirits aren't to be trifled with..."
Then a grin started to appear. "You complain about us being barbaric, but you still stay within the village and not use the catacombs to escape..."
"does that make you a barbarian too?"
He then nodded towards Garrett and then starts to work on setting camp as was stated.
Neco d20+5=22 d20+5=7 Friday October 13th, 2006 12:47:04 AM
Neco doesn't believe the superstitious mumbo-jumbo about the gods, but keeps her opinions to herself. When the party sets to work making camp, she offers to help Bohdi, and observes what magic he employs to protect the camp. If he doesn't seem too busy, she will ask him to tell her more about life in Zarnan City.
Neco will take her turn at a watch, if asked. "I sure hope that wolf doesn't have any friends nearby."
Spot=22 Listen=7
A Night Alone Friday October 13th, 2006 1:11:11 AM
Bohdi suggests camp as only he can during the breif discussion about the wolf that takes place. Such a large speciman, an Alpha no doubt, all by itself is quite strange. A Sign? Maybe. In a world where the dead hunt the living and all is shroud under the white blanket of frost that shall last eternal, it certainly does not seem too far fetched. Camp is set, spells of Alarm put in place and the shelters erected. Whatever brought the beast alone to that point at this time, will need to wait for morning and better light to discern anything.
With that thought a dark night envelops the land, as high clouds steal the light of star and moon painting everything to pitch. The constant winds and dancing crystals of snow the only company about the group. They managed to put almost 7 miles of ground between themselves upon departing Dregar and the other hunters. Yes, tomorrow would bring the mountain split to full view and perhaps the end of the trail. The Tuskers are undoubtedly headed towards its base.
The final hours of the night at long last relinquish their hold upon the lands of ice and the sun blazes ever agin from the eastern horizon. Gold and orange spill across the lands and tendrils of steam wrap about invisible pillars in their climb to the spotted blue sky above. Like the tendrils of some great unseen creature beneath the snow, the whispy columns of mist turn and climb. All about the group can be seen misty pillars that reach about 15 feet before the air currents the still softly blow dissapate them to beyond recognition. Aside from their odd placement, they seem to be naturally occurring enough.
Bohdi Nackle Friday October 13th, 2006 3:20:54 PM
In the morning, Bohdi prepared spells as usual. He indicated the pillars of steam. "I'm concerned those may be vents of heat from an underground source--a spring, or a volcano, or the like. The ground may not be stable. We should be careful with our march today. Maybe it would even make sense to use the precautions we used when mountain climbing, eh? I'm thinking about tying all of us together by rope, and putting the strongest on both ends."
If the others agreed, Bohdi would offer his 50' of silk rope as the tie among the group (take 20 on Use Rope to tie, net 24). He would suggest that Aiden be first and Garrett last.
Neco d20+7=9 Sunday October 15th, 2006 11:46:23 AM
Neco looks at the streaming vapour. She looks to the source of the steam. "I'm not sure, Bohdi it could just be the sun heating up the snow. Then again, how could anything be heated in this cold?" Taking the suggested precautions, the little rogue ties herself off next to the gnome, and crosses her fingers hoping she doesn't end up next to a superstitious ranger
--Action-- Search [9]
Aiden d20=20 d20=13 Sunday October 15th, 2006 2:33:02 PM
ooc: superstitious rangers? Where's the love?
Aiden looks up and at the pillars. There could be several logical situations that could explain the steam rising, the timely 'blow-off' of water into the sky (ooc: geyser), perhaps some after effects of the fire mountain explosion that had recently occurred (ooc: volcano), or it could be a bad omen sent by Celsius.
Each made sense to the ranger, why didn't it work for the others?
Track: 20 + 8 = 28 knowledge (nature: figure out what the pillars are): 13 + 6 = 19
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=23 d20+12=32 d20+9=28 d20+6=8 d20+10=17 d20+12=27 Monday October 16th, 2006 11:59:39 AM
The bleakness of the night was enough to slam the ranger into a deep sleep. He has been sleeping oddly for a while now; more comfortable in worse conditions, more restless on those nights where Nature gives a grand show, displaying every child-creation in a haunting caste.
He saw nothing before sleep and dreamt nothing but the ulf, shaking its head and turning south. He tried running after the ulf, tracking it over lands of ice, grass, sand and water. For a month he ran after it; never eating. Never sleeping. Never stopping. The ulf returned in a sprint to the Vein and Nauth could not run any further; he stopped and watched it shake its head one last time and he fell where he stood...asleep.
The morning brought just as much strangeness as the night. Pillars of steam are pulled up to the sky before disapating and these pillars are just around the wunjos' camp. Why is this?
"The ulf is a sign, we should pay it heed. It shook its head, telling us no. Now, this morning, these steam pillars arise all around us. No where else have we seen these. Do not ignore Nature or Celsiun's guidance too much or we will lose it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.23 survival.avoid hazards.32 NAT 20! know:nature.figure out the pilars.28 Know:geography.figure out the pilars.8 listen.17 survial.weather.27
BIG rolls!
Treading Lightly Monday October 16th, 2006 9:11:36 PM
The camp is taken down and the group as a whole takes stock in the phenomenon that greets them. Bohdi suggests that there may be some large heat source beneath them, perhaps another left ovre affect from the catastrophic eruption not so long ago. Inspection of the area by Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden both confirm this as a strict possibility. The rope precation is likely wise as the rangers note the snow is heavy and wet and already seems almost to sag in places. The pillars are almost surely snow melt in tight isolated sections beneath the group. Aiden has picked the Tusker trail, almost due east and clumns rise in that direction almost as far as you can see.
The pit grows in stomachs as everyone's eyes dart about and the columns of steam are everywhere like a forest of phantoms. In every direction save one, south. The small rise the wolf stood upon and the group noticed sounds off against the forest and marks an apparent edge to the possible trecherous terrain. Had the wolf not been seen upon it, the rise would have easily been overlooked. Your feet sink deep in the melting snow and the pillars now rise almost 25' and are almost half again as big.
Neco d20+7=22 Monday October 16th, 2006 10:27:33 PM
Neco starts to feel a little nervous as they try to cross the quickly melting snow. "It seems that you were right. It is a little more that just the sun! I just hope it's not a trap." As the steam thickens she comments "This is thicker than pea soup!" Moving on she scans for any 'oddity', "Not like this place is normal or anything," she thinks to herself.
--Action--
Search [22]
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Monday October 16th, 2006 11:13:28 PM
Posting report: Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of October 9-October 13 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...o...x Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...-...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...x...-...x Garrett-Chris.........x...x...x...-...o Aiden-Paul............x...o...x...-...x Neco-James..........x...x...x...-...x
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays.
--Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout. --Monday, October 9 was Columbus Day.
Garrett Tuesday October 17th, 2006 8:22:01 AM
"Good idea Bohdi. Tying ourselves together is definitely much safer." Garrett will assist in tying the ropes to himself and others, but would prefer that someone who is good with ropes and knots do it.
(Can we get where we want to go by skirting around the steam pillars using the wolfs rise? If we can, Garrett will suggest we do. If it lays in the wrong diection, or we can't use it to our advantage, then Garrett will say nothing and prepare to walk through the steam columns.)
"Agreed Nauth, if at all possible, we should go around. Depending on how long it's been melting, it could be a real mess in there. For all we know, there's about to be a hot spring or lake in this whole area."
Bohdi Nackle d20+7=24 d20+2=3 Tuesday October 17th, 2006 9:05:36 AM
Bohdi quickly agreed to the notion of heading south, toward the wolf's rise, and away from the steam pillars. "We'll be no good to the rescue of the child if we need rescuing ourselves!"
Squork, for his part, watched the group struggle in the ropes with a mischevious glint in his beady eyes, until Bohdi pointed to him and said, "Go take a look!" With a twitch of Bohdi's fingers, Bohdi linked the bird's voice with the group magically.
(Cast: Message: operates as a communication link up to 140', duration 40 minutes, links Squork, Bohdi, Garrett, Aiden, Neco--sorry, Nauthiz'Ull, but Bohdi only gets himself plus four! Bohdi will relay whatever he hears to you.)
The bird flapped his wings and took off, taking advantage of the natural updrafts to gain altitude. He peered down over the terrain to get a sense of how far and in what areas the steam was rising. With the Message link and his own, supernatural ability to speak, Squork could and did relay to the group precisely what he could see--steering them away from steam pillars, obvious depressions in the ground, or other hazards that were visible from altitude.
(Spot Squork 24! Spot Bohdi nat 1!) For his part, Bohdi was too petrified and flustered to notice much of anything.
DM clarification Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:21:26 AM
The pillars of rising steam are all around the party for at least several hundred yards, ie limit of vision. To the SOUTH where the wolf was spotted, the pillars stop after 300 feet. Were it not for the wolf standing there last night no one would have noticed the shorter path. The Tusker trail goes EAST.
Any direction is walking through the steam colunms for at least 300 feet.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=20 d20+12=26 d20+12=28 d20+10=28 d20+4=7 Tuesday October 17th, 2006 10:32:24 AM
Good. Those who were not of a superstitious caste were getting the hint. Signs were just that and they were just that for a reason. You saw one, you paid heed and you lived to see another one some other time.
"Well wunjo, I trust your voice almost as much as Squork's. Let me know what is seen...if Aiden or myself do not see it first." A large, toothy wink is flashed at the petrified gnome.
Looking upon Garret and Neco, "Neco, you and Bohdi should hover near the middle of the group as you two are the lightest and if a an area collapses we will need the points properly anchored. Wunjo, what are your thoughts on traversing the mountain's pass?"
Nauth will stay tied up, feeling out the grounds and scanning the terrain for more sinkholes, faults and chasms that may be lurking.
"I wonder if this venting took place a day or two ago. Maybe the speed of the ulfs that the Tuskers were riding was fast enough to not set off any faulting."
As he was speaking a light flashed like throwing blubber into the fire. The ulfs would avoid the danger on keen senses.
"If their ulfs steered them through the hotspots then ours should at least be scouting ahead. We follow there paths as Nature will tell them where is safe and where lies the danger."
Kneeling down and stroking the mottled fur of his girl, he looks at her, scratches the underside of her chin and nods towards the ridge, the trail and the mountain pass.
"How would you get there girl." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.20 survival.avoid hazards.26 survival.tracking.28 listen.28 handle animal.7
Believers and Skeptics Tuesday October 17th, 2006 4:15:25 PM
A rope is secured after a fashion to each member of the group. Bohdi sends Squork to help as a guide from above and Nauthiz'Ull suggests the lightest members, Neco and Bohdi take the middle. Aiden and Nauthiz'Ull lead with the two wolves and Garret brings up the rear. The Message spell allows Squork to freely convey what he sees and at a height of about 100' is not a very positive situation. Squork can indeed see what appears to be the outline of the whole expanse that appears to be rapidly melting before your eyes. By Squorks estimate the area is roughly 3 times that of Ice Peak, but all news is not bad. The group is definitely heading out by the shortest route.
On the ground, the wolves are getting very anxious to bolt from the area. The pair of rangers have veered about several unstable looking areas to their eyes and as a result they are not being allowed to move as fast as they might wish. With one eye on the prized mound of snow and the other to the ground they continue to weave and wind. The snow is thick and wet now, your feet come out heavy with water and sink easily. Instead of the light crystal dancing of flakes across the surface, the wind can push nothing but the ever growing columns of vaporous steam. The snow slushes as you kick you legs from its folding grasp. Then there is a loud sound from behind, FOOOOMPPHHH!!! Followed by a loud splash. Over his shoulder, Garret sees the rise of the great splash as over 15 tons of snow over almost 2,000 square feet dropped from sight and hit a body of water not too far below their very feet. Squork assures that everyone in and out of the message spell is very much aware of what just happened.
Over half way and with nothing more to do then to keep going, Aiden and Nauthiz do precisely that. Time is running out and fast and now each stride is kicking water and through the splashes Bohdi, being lowest to the ground and the recipient of the increasingly higher splashing, becomes aware that the water is warm, very warm. The group hastens, Aiden and Nauthiz begin to give more to speed and less to safety, if they do not clear off of this sinking shelf soon it won't matter if they avoid the hazards, the entire area will disappear beneath their very feet. Splash! Splish! Splish! Splash! Splash! Splash! the rate of travel increases as does adrenaline and the whole sense of panic is heightened more so by the calling of Squork from above "Run! Faster! Must go faster! Must run Faster!" In what seems to take forever, but in all accounts of time occurs in just under a single wild minute, the groups finds themselves topping the small rise and clear of the now seemingly one great vapor column. Within moments before your eyes the area falls away in great pieces like a shattered pane of thin ice and before you stretches a clear bodied lake some few thousand feet across. The water's obvious warm temperature is betrayed by the constant steam rising from it into the air, but there is no sign of boiling as any can make out. The new small lake sits down in a depression like that of a massive hand print placed down from the heavens. The bank upon which you stand is roughly 20' higher than the surface and there exists about 40' of sloping land that leads to the placid mirrored surface.
Garrett Tuesday October 17th, 2006 6:53:23 PM
"Sure, put Garrett in the back. We can use him as an anchor." Garrett jokes to ease the tension of the near fatal trip. He then consciously relaxes himself, relieving his muscles of their prepared state.
"Well, I guess we have one way to go. Let's get moving. A child awaits our company."
Garrett unties the rope(s) and prepares to set off. "Perhaps Squork would be so kind as to keep an eye out from above, in case anymore lakes wish to open up under us."
Garrett Tuesday October 17th, 2006 6:54:35 PM
Garrett takes a look around, almost expecting the wolf to be standing around watching them. He says a silent prayer to Domi, and is grateful for the sign that warned them of impending doom.
Aiden d20=18 d20=4 Tuesday October 17th, 2006 8:58:18 PM
Aiden hardly was able to hide the mirth in his voice, "we never said that we wanted to do things the easy way..."
It was hard to deny that Aiden loved the thrill of the danger that had just happened. "If it was Bodhi, he would have been in the air like a leaf next to Squork..."
Giving a wink towards Bohdi, and then took a look at his lupine (ooc: correct term for wolf?) companion. "I guess it was good to be superstitious barbarians, no?" as it was clear that it was the signs of nature, but also the large wolf, that showed them the way. He wondered if the wolf enjoyed the humor of the moment as did he...
Bohdi Nackle d20+11=29 d20+13=22 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 7:58:46 AM
"Wauuuuuugh," Bohdi whined quietly from the relative safety of the wolf's rise. With a whispered incantation and a twitch of his fingers, Bohdi began drying all the group's boots, as well as most of his breeches. (Cast: Prestidigitation) "Wouldn't do to have wet clothes on the march," he observed, "Or they might freeze."
Bohdi squinted out at the lake but said nothing at first in response to the jibes. He frowned. "We were lucky to escape that," he said. "But what caused it? Why here, and why now? We should all consider our areas of knowledge--natural, arcane, divine--to try to understand it. Otherwise, we risk another nasty surprise, and most likely when we least need it. Personally, I doubt this is arcane magic--the scale of it is just too powerful. But if it's a natural event, as I suspect, then it should be predictable."
As he thought, just to be sure, Bohdi cast his magic detection spell and scanned what he could of the lake and its perimeter from his location on the rise.
(Knowledge Arcana, 29! Cast detect Magic: Spellcraft, if applicable, 22)
Garrett Wednesday October 18th, 2006 10:12:58 AM
Garrett's spells and such.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith, Bless, Command, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon, Hold Person x2, Bulls Strength(d)
(Since there are only 5 of us now, Garrett will only need to cast endure 3x one day, and 2x the next. Using the rod, this will keep everyone covered. Since the previous rotation had everyone covered, Garrett should only need to cast endure 2x today for everyone to have it, and then 3x tommorow, and so on. Garrett will use the pearl each day to free up one more spell slot.)
Nauthiz'Ull d20+6=21 d20+12=22 d20+12=21 d20+9=17 d20+6=14 d20+5=17 Wednesday October 18th, 2006 11:19:21 AM
The pace, as it grew, began throbbing in his chest, temples and ears. Run....Just get to the mound. Then, FOOOOMPPHHH!!!
Looking back at his wunjos, Nauth smiles, proud to have eyes opened to the signs of the Vein. Some things are just too odd to be coincidence. He has heard of things like this before; mix an ulf into the equation, the symbol of survival and cunning in the Vein, and things settle into place nicely.
He watches the others, strokes his girl's head and nods approvingly as his little wunjo dries everyone's clothes.
"Thank you wunjo. Well, I am not sure of what this is, but perhaps a closer look is in order? I will scale down the embankment and take a look, it would be a privelege." Looking towards Garret and Aiden, "You two, be my anchors. I will tie off onto the both of you."
Nauth drops his pack, his quiver and scabbard and anything else that he may have besides his furs, looks to whomever is still holding the rope, "I'll be needing that." and begins to survey the slope down to the water.
Once he ties himself off, Nauth will slide his feet along the ground, testing for solidness underneath and make his way towards the lake for a closer inspection. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ use rope.21 spot.22 survival.avoid hazards.21 know.nature.17 know.geography.14 climb.17
Neco Wednesday October 18th, 2006 8:32:11 PM
The small rogue's cheeks are flushed with the exertion, but her grey eyes sparkle with excitement as she holds her damp bangs away from her forward. Loosening the tightly wrapped winter clothes, she asks, "is it warmer out here, or is it just me?"
Placid Waters Wednesday October 18th, 2006 8:34:28 PM
With mixed emotions the group looks back upon the newly created small lake. Brevity lightens the situation of how close they all came to meeting Celsiun or whatever lies in the here after. Bohdi wisely takes care of the wetness, though the elements spell would protect them, maybe, no one would want the extra pounds dirung the days trek. Nauthiz'Ull had heard of 'water pockets', very dangerous indeed, but in noe of the talks did he hear mention of steam or any form of heat. though it seems all signs point to a natural occurance, Bohdi wants to verify. The Detection spell does just that.
Nauthiz'Ull then decides to tie off and investigate the new lake. He carefully slides, for the lack of a better description, to the edge and controls the move well enough to not overextend and go swimming. The first thing he notes is the lake temperature seems to not be dimminishing. It is warm, comparable to warmed spice wine it also becomes very deep, very fast.
Garrett Thursday October 19th, 2006 9:23:56 AM
Garrett waits for Nauth's investigation, and unless something of greater urgency then rescuing the child results from it, he will push to move on, and go after the child. "There have been too many delays already. Domi only knows what she's enduring at the hands of her captors."
Nauthiz'Ull d20+5=10 d20+12=28 d20+12=32 d20+10=22 d20+6=18 Thursday October 19th, 2006 10:48:43 AM
Satisfying his curiosity fully, Nauth clammers back up the slippery slope and unties himself. He tosses the rope back to Bodhi after he loops it up and wipes the excess snow from his furs. He glances to Garret and Bodhi and then to Neco.
"This is a bit odd. Water pockets are certianly known of but for it to maintain such a warm temperature is not natural. It seems as though we were being looked upon yesterday. Let us not scoff again at Celsiun's ways."
Assuming point with Aiden and the 'pups' once more, his icy blue eyes continually scan the horizon to help plot a safe path to the mountain pass. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spot.28 survival.avoid hazards.32 NAT 20! listen.22 know.geography.18
Bohdi Nackle Thursday October 19th, 2006 12:27:25 PM
"Agreed, let's get going," Bohdi replied. He looked back over the lake with an involuntary shiver, then turned to focus on the march to the east.
"Got to invest in that Expeditious Retreat spell," he muttered to himself. Squork settled back on to his shoulder and nodded a silent agreement.
Intersections Thursday October 19th, 2006 5:00:49 PM
Nauthiz'Ull makes his way back up the slope and the group moves out setting a hard pace to make time and assure thier arrival at the mountain spur by dark. Nauthiz'Ull's keen eye and the raven airial patrols make fro a good going through the early morning and on past noon. The weather is fair, being only several steps below where water normally turns to ice and the sun's blinding display upon the white reflective snow is kept at bay by clouds. Bohdi is techinically the first to sense it, as Squork sends a strong emphatic surge of surprise and discovery across the magical link that binds the two. Nauthiz'Ull's eyes this day are the first to make sence of Squorks feeling and the muffled instinctive 'Oh' from Bohdi. Appearing out of the snowy background as much tends to do in a land where horizon and sky so eaily blend and the blanket of white masks the slight rises and falls of the land beyond a few hundred feet, is a humanoid to the south. Perhaps some 300' and popping over a rise. Dressed in tundra gear and heading north, not at the group but on an intercepting course, from even here Nauthiz'Ull can see the stature the traveller carries as one of height and power in his strides.
Garrett Thursday October 19th, 2006 7:06:49 PM
"You know, it seems like no matter what we're doing, the most unusual things are guaranteed to happen."
"Looks like we're gonna have a chat. Be ready for anything, but let's leave our weapons sheathed unless he pulls first. With any luck, we can just have a nice conversation with a lost stranger who happens to know where the orcs are, and their defenses. Yeah right. And perhaps the Frozen tundra will just melt into a lake of fresh warm water. hmmmm."
Garrett moves to the front of the group, and prepares to meet with this strange figure.
Aiden d20=11 Thursday October 19th, 2006 10:11:37 PM
Aiden shrugged at the rather philosophical moment that Garrett was having. Those were weightier things to have on one's mind.
"We have seen stranger things ..." he added, though he could not understand why someone would be here.
Looking around, he tried to spy a good area where someone such as Nauth'iz could lay in wait, in case things became hostile.
(OOC: basically looking for a good 'ambush' spot that Nauth'iz could serve as sniper.
knowledge (geography): 11 + 6 = 17. Would hide help in spotting a good location, as a sort of synergy bonus to this roll? )
sorry not much on the pretty flat tundra. take a knee and try to be small, but at this range...300 feet it will be hard not to be noticed
Neco Friday October 20th, 2006 7:48:05 AM
"Tundra! Melt!? Oh glory to the day that happens! It would be warm here, and I could build a sailing ship, and go south and never freeze again and, and..." Realising she getting carried away with something far too unrealistic, she shakes her head and thumps her palm into her forehead, thinking "Stupid, like that would happen."
Nauthiz'Ull Friday October 20th, 2006 10:59:35 AM
Spotting the lone wanderer somewhere out in the distance, Nauth's eyes narrow to eliminate as much glare as possible from refraction. They are like a hawk's or an ulf's when prey is first seen.
"This could get interesting wunjos, but I too think it best to keep blade and bow stowed for now. Garret, you should walk out to establish contact. We will follow you at a bit of a distance."
Nauth prepares to take the farthest-most left flank as the group approaches the stranger; it would give him a great shoot if things went bad.
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=13 d20+4=24 d20+7=24 d20+4=5 Friday October 20th, 2006 11:41:56 AM
"Right. Garrett, be careful, mate."
With a twitch of his fingers, Bohdi linked Garrett with himself, Aiden, Nauthiz'Ull, and Neco (cast: Message). "Maybe we won't hear the stranger's part of the conversation, but at least we'll be able to hear your side, and it will be easy enough for you to signal all of us for help, if you need it."
Garrett Friday October 20th, 2006 2:51:21 PM
"Right, I'm on it. I'll be as careful as the situation allows. I'll try and keep you informed of as much of the conversation as I can without sounding ridiculous."
Garrett walked on ahead of the party, preparing to meet this strange man wandering alone in a cold and desolate land. The hairs on the back of his neck were on end, and he was preparing his mind to quickly pull his weapon or cast a spell should the need arise.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith, Bless, Command, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon, Hold Person x2, Bulls Strength(d)
Wolf d20+5=25 d20+5=15 d4=1 Friday October 20th, 2006 3:16:49 PM
An interesting arrangement to say the least, were Wolf's first thoughts. In a barren wasteland, so far devoid of civilized life, to come across 5 people so far from anything was unusual to say the least. Approaching warily, Wolf kept his hands to his side, away from his swords, but close enough if danger presented itself. He had little doubt that he would be able to kill all five if this meeting came to that, but he would not die without a fight. Still, the group made no motions towards weapons, and Wolf had hopes that this meeting would begin, and end, pleasantly. There was something else in the back of his mind as well. The Seeress was supposed to be sending him to the Star Mages Guild, and presumably this was not it! Yet, perhaps, this meeting was not by chance and may give some answers to ever impending questions.
As the first of the group approached, Wolf raised a cautious eyebrow
"This is a strange sight, neighbour. Five and one, meeting from different pathes in the middle of no mans land. I daresay you have picked a rather bleak area for a mid-afternoon stroll, even with the fair weather."
Despite his words, Wolf made sure his tone held no hint of humour.
Voices from above Saturday October 21st, 2006 5:49:43 PM
The DM's thought here is to let the players do some back and forth without interfering really.
Garrett Sunday October 22nd, 2006 8:55:11 AM
Garrett approached the stranger warily, keeping a close eye on the man and his movements. Thinking to himself "The only things that wander the vein alone are either too mighty to worry about anything else, or too foolish to know better. Which was this man?"
Garrett approached the man. "Well met stranger. Odd it is to see people wandering these lands. Odder it is to see a lone person wandering. The Ulf's hunt in packs, and like them, we are on the hunt. My name is Garrett, and my companions and I come from a village not too far from here. Who are you, and from whence do you come? And how do you come to be wandering alone in this desolate area?"
Garrett waits for a reply, knowing that Bohdi and his friends can hear what is said.
Bohdi Nackle Sunday October 22nd, 2006 9:31:49 AM
"Right, and what in bloody hell brings someone out in this wasteland alone, eh?" Bohdi muttered. Idly he fingered his wand, but made no move to draw it. He continued to watch from the sidelines with the others.
Aiden Sunday October 22nd, 2006 11:46:36 AM
At this time, Aiden felt that it would be wiser to let those who were better spoken speak to the stranger.
It was quite strange to see someone out in the middle of the wilderness. And perhaps a bit too much in terms of coincidence since it was on the path of the orks. It had been 5 years since he was in Twin Tusks...could this be a stranger who entered the village after his capture by the Ice Peak villagers?
Could he have been sent to delay the group or even as a decoy for an ambush?
Aiden's eyes narrowed a little bit more as his thoughts became more suspicious of the stranger.
Meeting in the Waste Sunday October 22nd, 2006 4:45:38 PM
Garret Spot check DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Garret has seen many warriors try and hide the adverse affects of the cold before, this man is no different. th palor has begun to set upon bis brow and his movments have the hint of deliberation to them.}
Wolf Sunday October 22nd, 2006 7:12:09 PM
Wolf eyed the group with interest, and gave an inward, resigned sigh...what choice did he have?
"I should like to ask your group the same questions, neighbour. Normally I am loathe to reveal much about myself to stranger, but as you and your companions hold every advantage here I see no other path. Those who know me call me Wolf. As to why I am here, I am searching. More than that I do not know, though in such a rare meeting as this I suspect I may have found more than yet realize. Where I come from is more complex matter. Most recently I have come from Hook City, but I am not so sure this was the destination I was headed towards. If it is, the Star Mages Guild falls sorely short of its reputation. Beyond that, I have ventured from the Gateway Downs, but any further into my past I do not know." Wolf gives the group a minute to digest his ramblings before continuing. "You mentioned a hunt, though. As I am quite on my own, and not entirely sure where I am, I would seek a alliance of convenience, perhaps. Hunts are often easier with more blades and arrows, and I could use a guide to find my way. What is it, pray tell, that you hunt in cold?"
Nauthiz'Ull Monday October 23rd, 2006 8:59:34 AM
Listening as the tinny,e choing voice of Garret dances through his head, Nauth shakes his head in frustration.
"Hook City? Gateway Downs? C'mon wunjos, that is a lie. Who has ever heard of those places? I might as well say that I come from Floobeltrump Backlesnack and before that from Gwumpkie Yipipidiyip. Who is this guy, really?"
It is a rare moment indeed for the melancholoy ranger, but something is resting quite uneasy with him about this wanderer.
Bohdi Nackle Monday October 23rd, 2006 12:16:21 PM
Bohdi grimaced. "What does it matter where he's from or where he's going, so long as he doesn't bother us, eh? Garrett, I suggest you tell him a little about our search. If he's seen any sign of the orcs, he might be able to help us. But be careful--he could just as easily ally himself to the orcs as to us."
Bohdi glanced at Neco. "Well, love--do those places sound real to you?"
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Monday October 23rd, 2006 12:24:34 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of October 16-October 20 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...x...x...x Garrett-Chris.........x...x...x...x...x Aiden-Paul............o...x...o...x...x Neco-James..........x...x...o...x...+ Wolf-Justin...........+...+...+...+...x
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) + = see notes Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout. --Justin/Wolf joined on Friday, and the DM allowed for free posting over the weekend. As a result, I've posted "early" (i.e., prior to any Monday DM post) because there may not be a Monday DM post. Only Neco has yet to post for the Friday "cycle."
Aiden Monday October 23rd, 2006 5:41:14 PM
Aiden quietly made his way over towards Nauthiz. His voice was but a whisper, "there are more things about this world that we have not seen wunjo...did not the Blood Pack show us this?"
Then again, Aiden was always receptive about hearing of other places, especially after the 'shady' encounter with the blood pack.
Garrett d20+7=17 Monday October 23rd, 2006 6:02:02 PM
Spot: 17
Garrett listened to the suggestions coursing through his mind, and tried to note each one.
"We hunt orcs this day Wolf, And with good reason. And as far as hunting in the cold, There is only cold to hunt in. I have never heard of any of these places that you mention. If they are real, they are nowhere near here."
"You don't seem to be up for a hunt Wolf. It looks to me like the cold has taken it's toll upon you. At one time or another, we have all felt Celsiuns touch deep within our bones. It can be especially dangerous when traveling alone. How do you come to be alone out here in the Vein Wolf? it is not a forgiving land."
"And Why would you wish to join our hunt? it could lead you to your death. Our quarry is quite deadly, and likely expects us to come."
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith, Bless, Command, Magic Weapon(d),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon, Hold Person x2, Bulls Strength(d)
Neco Monday October 23rd, 2006 8:03:07 PM
Neco overhears Aiden talking to the simple ranger, and covers her mouth with her mittened hand to hide her smile. She knew there was quite a wide Wold outside of this forbidding place called Ice Vein.
"What can you do, stranger?" she asks, adding, "are you any good with magic?"
The slender human takes in the newcomer. Her grey eyes under straight auburn bangs, mirror her curiousity, as she adds, "Wolf! That is a funny name!"
Meeting on the Tundra Monday October 23rd, 2006 8:57:55 PM
A meeting out on the tundra so far from any known inhabitation is indeed near miraculous if one were to determine the odds of such occurance. Even more so because if the group had conituned east instead of moving south because of the lake they likely would never have seen this stranger.
For Wolf's part, here is a group to the north and not but a few hours ago he could have gone in any direction and truly south towards teh mountains would have been wiser for shelter and possible food, yet he had a strong feeling to head north.
But not all signs are from a benefactor with human well being in mind. Ice spirits, fey, and malicious undead have all been connected to stories of leading men to thier deaths in the ice barren lands of Ice Vein. So which encounter is this?
Wolf Tuesday October 24th, 2006 3:56:38 AM
Wolf's eyes passed over each member of the small group, trying to guess the thoughts in each head. Finally, he gave a snort and replied, "I do not fear death. If this quarry of yours is as deadly as you say, then more blades may indeed be the merrier. Besides, if what you say about the harshness of this land is true, I will find certain death in carrying on by myself. At least with your company I might be able to survive at least until I find more suitable paths. I repayment I can lend a ready sword arm. As tired as I am, few are the orcs who would wish to test my blade even so." He waited for a moment, then continued nonchalantly, "Quite why I am here is a mystery to me. The wizard that I had entrusted my destination to was supposed to transport me to the Star Mages Guild, though it seems her spell may not have been as reliable as I had hoped. Magic has never been one of my passions, or one of my friends. However, though I do not know the answers that I search for, nor the questions that spawn them, a meeting such as this is likely seen only once in a gods' age in this land. It would seem to me that perhaps this meeting was meant to happen, though I do not know why. Fate works in mysterious ways."
Bohdi Nackle d20=13 Tuesday October 24th, 2006 10:56:12 AM
Standing by Neco's side with Nauthiz'Ull and Aiden--still several dozen paces away from the encounter between Garrett and the one who called himself 'Wolf'--and listening to Garrett's side of the conversation through the Message link, Bohdi felt an odd sensation coming over him: trust (Sense Motive, untrained, 13).
Through the Message link, Bohdi whispered, "Aw, bugger all, Garrett, let's have him join us. We need all the help that we can get--and those bloody fool barbarians from the village up and left us for some bloody mammoth meat. Worst case is he's a bloody spy for the orcs, in which case we're done for, anyway--at least this way it happens quicker. And for some, strange reason, I believe him. What do the rest of you think?"
Nauthiz'Ull Tuesday October 24th, 2006 11:24:43 AM
"Celsiun's touch is too complex for any of us to understand. If Celsiun has set him down, for our aid or our demise, there is nothing that we can do. He will have a chance to show his true blood and his loyalty when we catch up to the Tuskers."
The ranger watches with icy blue eyes; his deeply tanned skin is almost completely wrapped in mottled grey furs, making those eyes jump out that much more.
"IF he is our demise then I return to my family; not exactly a loss in my mind."
Garrett Tuesday October 24th, 2006 2:59:39 PM
Garrett smiles as wolf mentions fate. "Seems fate plays a big role in many of our happenings. I would not be surprised if this were another. Come Wolf, meet my Wunjo's."
Garrett leads wolf back towards the group. "Wunjo's, this is Wolf" he announces. "He seems to be a bit lost, and might be in need of a little assistance. He is offering his blade in our upcoming battle in exchange. A mutually beneficial arrangement. What say you Wunjo's?" Garrett asks. "And Bohdi, do you happen to have another endure elements memorized? If I am not mistaken, Wolf here is suffering a bit from the elements. I am out for today, not expecting company and all."
Bohdi (illegal second) Tuesday October 24th, 2006 3:23:43 PM
"Sorry, mate, no, I wasn't expecting company either," Bohdi replied.
He extended a hand to Wolf. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. Name's Bohdi Nackle, illusionist." He bowed with flourish.
Aiden Tuesday October 24th, 2006 8:54:06 PM
Aiden chuckled when he heard that Wolf was 'lost'. An eyebrow shot up more even as he heard that the stranger's name was 'Wolf'.
"Another sign?" as Aiden spoke quietly to Nauth'iz, but his eyes glancing down towards the young wolves that stood by their sides.
Neco d20+6=25 Tuesday October 24th, 2006 9:24:16 PM
"Star Mages Guild!?" Neco looks at Wolf with unblinking eyes. "You must tell me more, but first about this cold." Neco retrieves a scroll from her scroll case with uncanny speed. Keeping one's eye on her hand's movement would almost be impossible. Reading off the scroll she casts Endure Elements. "There that should do for a while."
--Action--
Slight of Hand [25] Cast Endure Elements
Back to Mission d100=97 d100=2 d20=13 d6=4 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:10:11 AM
The group closes with Wolf and more discussions take place, but while pushing more towards the mountain arm. Time is valuable and all seem to accept each other for the moment and so the rest of theconversations can be held while walking. The mountain still might be made by dark. Garret with a closer inspection does indeed discover the signs of the numbing cold that has set upon Wolf and asks if Bohdi happens to have the spell to assist. Alas the gnome does not. Neco does have a scroll, hopefully it will work. She acquired it within the Ice Vein, but who knows where it's original owner got it. The spell falls over Wolf and seems to help.
Neco engages Wolf about 'The Star Mages Guild' it certainly sounds impressive and the group forges on. The wind picks up lightly and a gentle snow falls from high light gray clouds. The temperature seems to fall steadily over the course of the day and the mix if light snow and swirling currents of air reduce the Wold to 100' in any direction and that view is white gray. Hours move on, the ground passes slowly under your feet, the wind whispers across fur clad ears of emptiness and longing of life so distant from the isolation about you. The snow eventually stops and darkness begins to settle into its usual place. It is perhaps 2 hours before all is thrown to black and the veil of clouds is moving off to the west and it looks to be a night full of stars and the great night orb. The mountain could be made but it would mean the dark would have you before the camp would be set.
Spot DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { about 300 feet away to the south east stands a very familiar wolf. It's head cocks sideways as you spot it, it turns and bounds away into the growing gloom of twighlight}
Bohdi Nackle d20+2=18 d20+7=20 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:58:08 AM
Bohdi gazed at the mountains ahead. "Ordinarily I wouldn't suggest that we press on into the darkness, but with the mountains so close we might make time and save ourselves from exposure on the tundra by pressing ahead. With the clear sky, we'll probably have a good amount of light to see--of course, I'll be able to see just fine by moonlight anyway! What do you think?"
(Spot Bohdi 18; Spot Squork 20)
Squork, on Bohdi's shoulder, caws and flaps his wings in the direction of the southeast. "Wolf, wolf!"
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=32 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 11:59:49 AM
Looking through the growing inky night to come, something catches the ranger's keen eyes; the ulf! This time the ulf continues on, through the black shroud of Celsiun's night.
Whistling lightly to catch everyone attention, Nauth points in the direction of the ulf.
"Our guide is back, he encourages us onward this evening. Maybe the Tuskers have camped in the pass tonight, maybe we can get them unexpexted."
Stretching his back as far as it can go in order to see the mountain's tops, something else occurs to Nauth.
"Maybe there will be an avalanche tonight; the pass could save our lives."
Looking over at the others, perhaps as if the matter was already settled, Nauth pauses for only a moment before continuing on. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.32 NAT 20!!!
Garrett d20+7=21 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 1:22:59 PM
"Well done Neco" Garrett says as his wunjo appears to be the best prepared for this days happenings.
As it gets darker, and later in the evening, Garrett too spots the wolf.
"It does seem fate would have it's way with us this day. It appears we follow the Ulf, and continue on toward the mountains." Garrett moves on after Nauthiz"Ull
Nauthiz'Ull [illegal 2nd] d20+12=22 d20+12=16 d20+12=15 d20+10=18 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 5:58:30 PM
As he starts past the the group he hears Garret's voice in agreement with his own thoughts; he nods his head, more to himself than anyone.
Looking for the Tusker trail and any other signs of dangers, the ranger begins assuming his ulf aspects. Shoulders arched, eyes wide and inspecting and ears perked for the slightest noises not stemming from the cumbersome group.
With a short whistle and a growl, Nauth points down the trail for his girl to take a more quiet, advanced look ahead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.22 survival.tracks.16 survival.avoid hazards.15 listen.18
I was waiting to see if any arguments were going to arrise from wanting to follow the ulf....the leader agreed so here are Nauth's checks. -Drew
Neco Wednesday October 25th, 2006 9:09:16 PM
The rogue watches the ranger get all weird and shakes her head.
Brushing her long bangs away from her eyes, she follows where the leaders lead, but situates herself near Bohdi and Wolf and listens to everything that is said as they walk into the dark.
Aiden d20=8 d20=8 Wednesday October 25th, 2006 10:13:00 PM
A slight crooked smile appeared on Aiden's face as he watched Nauth'iz take the lead. It was good to see him take a stronger role, breaking out of the melancholy that his sister's death, and the recent events, had caused him to sink into. He was still growing more comfortable with the group, but still, found it hard to take the lead at times...even if it was in a task that he had trained most of his life.
He didn't notice the ulf as his thoughts had sunk into the words that his foster father had spoken, specifically, his role with Celsiun.
Looking over at Bohdi, his voice rumbled slyly, "go ahead...say it..." as he awaited Bohdi to comment on Nauth'iz's actions and mentioning something about them being barbarians. "you need to say it..."
Bohdi Nackle (illegal second) Thursday October 26th, 2006 9:00:43 AM
"Why, Aiden, I haven't the foggiest notion what you mean," Bohdi replied innocently.
And, after a moment, he added, "But I'm concerned that we didn't bring enough kibble for three dogs ...."
Squork cackled.
Circles Thursday October 26th, 2006 5:52:48 PM
The second appearance of the large grey motted wolf is too much for any in the group to ignore and so the decision is made to follow and deal with the dark when it occurs. Speculation bounces about on teh wolfs appearance this time, perhaps another natural disaster is imminent, perhaps the Tuskers sleep not so far away and this woud allow the group to atack with surprise.
Nauthiz'Ull takes the lead and his sister wolf with him. A short scamper later and the pair are at the wolfs last position. Tracks clearly lead towards the mountains and the wolf can be seen at a light jog in that direction. A whimper and whine come from Nauthiz'Ull's left. His new sister is uncomfortable with something, impossible to say with certainty, but it seems to deal with the much larger wolf moving off that they follow. The rest of the party is there quick enough. It looks like about another 2 hours at a good clip will put the group at the mountain spur base. It will be well into dark by then, but Aiden and Nauthiz are confident the night will be quite well lit and so the group moves on.
Then, quite suddenly and from nowhere is a mighty blast of ice, snow and wind. It very much resembles what happens as you enter and leave through the catacomb portal. With hands to your faces, you shiled your eyes and just as suddenly as it happened it is gone. Your hands lower to a rather startling sight. 10' away stands a dwarf. The dwarf is male, short and compact. His red beard is kept in two long braids. He has burn scars over the left side of his face and most of his head. His clothing and armour in good condition and he seems to keep himself as clean and tiddy as possible. Most of his head and face coverd with a dark blue scarf , but the violent wind seems to have pushed it off to one side. He carries a war axe over his right shoulder with in easy reach and a large round shield on his left arm with a crest of a silver gauntlented fist rampent on a field of dark blue. He is dressed for the weather and wears a dark blue cloak over his armour. A short sword is on the left side of his belt. He too has a look of confusion and surprise on his face as he turns to look behind himself and all about as if he suddenly lost something.
Garrett Thursday October 26th, 2006 6:48:16 PM
"What in the wold is going on." yells Garrett as he pulls his longsword, and moves slightly to the side, ready for combat until this strangers intentions are determined. "Are we a magnet for every lone traveler in the Wold who gets lost."
Garrett does not move into combat mode, leaving his sword mostly down, but out just in case. "Who are you stranger, appearing in our midst without notice as you have done, and why are you here?"
Garrett holds a hand up slightly toward the group once he regains his composure, in an attempt to prevent an escalation of hostilities. "Let's give him a chance to explain Wunjo's, as long as appears to be wanting to talk and not fight."
Garrett appears to have been surprised, but seems to be tempering his reaction now that the initial jolt has passed.
Neco Thursday October 26th, 2006 10:06:22 PM
Magic is the first thing that comes to the young sorcerers mind as she studies the dwarf, whom so suddenly appeared. "Garret! Could it be similar to Wolf's case? Woe is the day wizards miss their mark!" There is an air of non-magic about the newcomer. "Spell casters would never wear armour. He has gotten here with the aid of someone else," she thinks to herself.
Yanosh Friday October 27th, 2006 8:18:40 AM
Yanosh reaches back for his axe and grasps the handle ready to draw it if any attack. "I am Yanosh I was with an expedition out of a small village that was heading to a place called Zaran City. A blizzard over took us and we were attacked by what I'm not sure. I was then approached by a fellow Dwarf with oddly blue eyes and pale skin. He did not look to be bothered by the storm. He asked if I needed help and when I said I did he said he was Kjoukallur Frest and then I was here. Now put away your weapons I meen no harm to any who would be friends. If you do not meen to be friends then come and we shall die a good death this day." Gripping his shield and axe Yanosh readys himself.
Bohdi Nackle Friday October 27th, 2006 9:23:49 AM
"Bloody hell," Bohdi muttered. "I'm going to need to get new trousers after this trip."
He shook his head. "We know of your 'friend' Frest. He is a manifestation of the power of the Fey King--an 'avatar'--and, when we encountered him last, it was our hope that we seen the end of him. At least, that was my hope."
He extended a hand in welcome to the dwarf. "Bohdi Nackle, illusionist. Pleased to make your acquaintance. It seems that the tundra of the Vein is the place to meet and greet these days. You'll be wanting shelter and the safety of a group, I'd expect. Sorry to say that we're heading for trouble ourselves."
Bohdi looked at the others. "Speaking of which--we should keep moving, eh? We don't want to waste what light we have left." He looked at Yanosh, then nodded at the mountains ahead of them. "We're trying to reach that spur before we camp--and may yet find orcs there, whom we hunt."
Garrett Friday October 27th, 2006 1:18:39 PM
Garrett quickly sheathes his sword when the dwarf mentions Frest. "Jack Frost is still playing games. Too bad. Welcome Yanosh, I am Garrett, follower of Domi, and appointed leader of this group."
"As Bohdi says, we are heading for trouble. But if you are anything like a dwarf back home that we know, you will be more than happy to dirty your axe on a few orc hides. And as Bohdi also points out, what's left of our daylight is wasting away, so we better get moving. Introductions can take place on the way, as long as you are interested in joining up with us."
Garrett turns and starts to head towards the mountains. Over his shoulder he says to the newcomers. "We are on a rescue mission. The tuskers have kidnapped a little girl from our village. We will find her and return her home unharmed." Garrett states it with a finality that indicates there is no other possible outcome in his mind.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=31 d20+12=28 d20+12=17 d20+10=23 Friday October 27th, 2006 1:24:12 PM
Nauth's first thought was that the Ulf was an elaborate trap; luring us on in the darkness and transforming into a messanger of death. That was not the case...this time.
"We all know that the Vein is better survived with numbers; so is an encounter with the Twin Tusks. Survival dictates that you, Yanosh, will join us just as Wolf did just a short while ago. To both of you," Icy blue eyes seems to sparkle, even in the moonlight, behind a deeply tanned face framed by mottled grey furs, "I am Nauthiz'Ull son of Ull'Heimdall, one of the best hunter of Ice Peak Village during his time."
He extends an arm to each, and if returned, moves his hand past theirs and grips their forearm before shaking.
"Right, well, little wunjo, your eyes as well as our new friend Yanosh's will be needed up front with Aiden and myself. Nightime, even on such a bright night, is hard to see through." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.31 survival.avoid hazards.28 survival.track.17 listen.23
DM Friday October 27th, 2006 5:00:28 PM
I'll be posting over the weekend, feel free to post about some more
Yanosh d20+2=15 d20=3 d20=7 Saturday October 28th, 2006 9:52:31 AM
Yanosh takes Nauthiz'Ull by the arm "I'm Yanosh Ironfist and if its Orcs your hunting then you can count on me." Yanosh walks the the front of the group and follows Garrett. Yanosh looks over his shoulder and says "Come lets find them tuskers and save the girl. And may the ice freeze their bones for eternity." Yanosh rewraps his scarf around his head and pulls his cloak tighter and trudges on. Happy to be hunting orcs.
racial traits that may be helpful dark vision 60' attack against orcs & golinoids +1
The Fissure Saturday October 28th, 2006 11:19:12 AM
Greetings are made and at the mention of Jack Frost , the wind and snow itself seem to respond with a hushed blow and small dance. The avatar of Ebyron, Lord of the Fey, still apparently dwells in Ice Vein. Despite anything else that may be thought of him, given Yanosh's description of the conditions and the attack, likely Sne Jkempe, the dwarf's chance of survival was near zero had Frest not transported him away. The better question is why send him here to the party? Perhaps he is still watching out for them, part of the grand atonement? Whatever the reason the group has ground to cover and they press into the dark after the wolf.
The wolf itself is no longer in view, masked by the growing shadow. Stars and rising moon bring a great amount of light to the land. Bohdi can almost see no difference between this night and day with his low light vision and progress through the dark is made swiftly. The group crosses into the shadow of the mountain and is forced to slow greatly as the ink of night paints over the reflecting ground. The group quickly finds them relying on the dwarf and his darkvision. Fortunately, in a matter of minutes, the group arrives at the end of the trail. The trail descends into a deep fissure 80' in front of the group. Cresting the rise of that fissure and growling their warning are 5 Dire wolves.
Only Bohdi and Yanosh can see the wolves. Listen DC13 to hear them
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