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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