Strangers [DM Jerry] Wednesday November 29th, 2006 4:40:23 PM
What simply has to be an adventurer's group enters The Blue Fish.
As soon as they are recognized, patrons begin scurrying for the door.
This group stinks. Literally....of fish. The smell is so strong, it permeates not only your sense of smell, but your sight as you tear up immediately.
[Fortitude save of 10 or spend one post gagging and tossing chunks]
Their shields, well the part not covered by seaweed and worse things, shows a barbed trident embedded in the head of a sahuagin.
By looks alone, the group appears to have one mage or caster, three tanks, though one carries lighter weapons and a very intricate bow, a priest or paladin of Jancassis with full plate, a low life drunk, which might be a rogue, and a young Sea-elf on a golden chain being led by the mage.
"We're back!" says the mage with a crackling voice.
One of the tanks, infested with acne, spits in your general direction.
Tratain d20+18=21 d20+1=7 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 5:01:58 PM
Tratain eyes the new group as the enter the inn, while their stench is strong it does not overpower the Protector.
Tratain stands up and moves over towords the Barkeep, taking all of his belongings with him, and sits at or near the bar. He motions for the Barkeep, and when he comes over Tratain orders a Drink and inquires about those who just entered, specifically about the Sea-Elf they have on the Chain.
Monthor d20+10=17 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 9:22:43 PM
{ Oh, it on now!!! }
:: Monthor gets up from his stool. He had been enjoying his beer, but the fish smell has given his drink a bad tast. [fort save 17] And if there's one thing that dwarves hate, it's fish smelling beer. ::
:: Monthor, still holding his drink walks up to the acned tank and taps him on the arm to get his attention. Monthor looks the tank up and down... ::
ooc> Can I get more of a description on this (assumed) guy please. What race? Height? gear worn? Etc....
" That there wasn't too polite me friend. Spitting on the floor. Does ye have a problem with us? "
Izen d20+7=12 d20+19=34 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 9:42:49 PM
Izen marked the entrance of the stinking adventurers with the slightest downward curve at the corners of his mouth (FORT save 12). He shifted his pack on his back, surreptitiously slipping a small iron ball from the left pouch to his hand. (Handy Haversack & Sleight of Hand to take Iron Bands of Binding into hand unnoticed: Sleight of Hand check, +4 for small object and +2 for baggy cloak, net roll 34!)
Nonchalantly seeming to return his attention to his drink, Izen kept an effortless yet keen eye on the newcomers' actions (Skill Mastery at Listen, 30! Skill Mastery at Spot, 27!).
Horvis d20+14=33 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 10:19:53 PM
A very large, unkempt looking centaur looks up from the counter near the entrance where he had been standing. Horvis is getting accustomed to the problems of being back among civilized peoples, chief among them the difficulty in getting his large frame into buildings used by two-legs. So here he is, again, eating a late meal leaning against the front wall of the Blue Fish.
He eyes and smells the group as they approach, savouring the aroma of the sea upon them. It's been some time since he was down to the sea. Maybe he should go back there. But this group seems to be looking for trouble. And keeping one of their company on a chain. That really goes against everything that Horvis believes in.
When the fighter hawks a load of phlegm in his direction, Horvis moves his hoof out of the way. Territory-marking. Base animal behaviour, really. This might get interesting.
Juliander Thursday November 30th, 2006 2:19:10 AM
Not quick enough to dissuade Monthor from his trek across the room, Juliander simply sits still. He considers the challenge of keeping things civil in the bar a daunting prospect at the moment, and then decides it is time to speak... loudly, "INNKEEPER... get these fine adventurers a round of ale on me. I for one would very much like to hear the story behind their current state!"
Draax d20+15=23 Thursday November 30th, 2006 9:20:21 AM
Draax covers his nose with his cloak and follows Tratain's example by moving with his gear to the bar. He is not surprised by Monthor's action, but wonders how the dwarf could stand it being so close to smell. He calmly waits to see what happens, but hopes whatever happens takes the group outside into some fresh air.
Arien d20+9=14 Thursday November 30th, 2006 1:11:09 PM
Arien manages to block out the worst of the smell with a sleeve, covering the lower part of his face while never taking his eyes off the newcomers. As they pass by Arien catches a glimpse of the symbol on their shields and tries to remember is he'd seen it before.
Jova d20+7=23 Thursday November 30th, 2006 1:18:13 PM
Jova had ordred his meal, given the choices by his newest comrades. The awful waft of sea air caught his nose, and he winced. Hopefully the smell would not ruin his meal. As the group of what could only ge called slavers came in, he tensed. One never knew what was in the hearts of such beings.
And then Monthor made his presence known. At that very moment he knew this was going to be a recurring theme with the feisty dwarf. Time to watch and learn.
Marked [DM Jerry] Friday December 1st, 2006 11:46:58 AM
Monthor moves toward the one looking like a fighter. His eyes clear for a moment and he sees before him another dwarf, standing about seven feet tall--muscles on his muscles. His sneer seems frozen on his blue face due to a scar that runs from the corner of his mouth up towards his ear.
He is covered in chainmail, but the style is very antiquated as is his doubled bladed axe. His eyes are slightly glazed over and he doesn't appear to be looking at anyone in particular.
Then Mondor touches him. [Will save of 21 please.] His touch is very cold. A feeling of electricity passes through to Mondor and there is a feeling of....magic.
Izen watches as Mondor's hand touches the large dwarf. Mondor's hand doesn't stop at the surface of the dwarf's chain mail. It goes THROUGH the mail about a blade's width!
Tratain's question to the barkeep goes unanswered as the keep ignores his order and quickly makes his way into the kitchen barring the door with a popping sound.
Likewise the barkeep ignores the other various requests of the party as he hastens into the kitchen.
Arien is very sure that he does not recognize the shield specifically. However, the import of the design is unmistakable.
The adventurer dressed as a mage, pulls a beautiful mithril ring to his face and stares into it. He whispers, "Contact has been made. They are marked. Yes master. Physical contact. Yes, initiated by them. Yes master. You honor us. Yes, we will report in full when we return. Thank you sir."
The voice is raspy and he speaks in a strange, possibly old dialect. He looks at Monthor over his slightly hooked nose, sniffs, and barks an order. "Mission accomplished."
He turns to Monthor. "Please pardon the behavior of my comrade here. He is uncivilized and knows not your ways. We mean no harm. Enjoy your evening."
Tratain d20+11=16 Friday December 1st, 2006 1:15:55 PM
Tratain's bad feeling about the group is only reinforced watching the Barkeep run for the kitchen and bar the door. When the adventurer dressed like a mage barks his "Mission accomplished Order" Tratain activates his Bead of Karma surreptitiously if possible, waiting for one of his companions to draw the other party's attention if need be.
He turns to face the new comers and says "Exactly what mission was just accomplished, my name is Tratain by the way, who might You Be? Also, why is that Sea Elf on a chain? Is he a criminal? What has he done?"
------------------------------------------- Rolled 16 for a listen Check
ALL SPELLS CAST AT CASTER LEVEL 16
Condensed List of Spells Memorized: 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove Fear(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Delay Poison; Remove Paralysis; Align Weaponx2; Resist Energy, Lesser Restorationx2 (Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge;Magic Circle; Dispel Magic ;Magic Vestmentx3* ;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2: Magic Weapon*(Divine Power) 5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor; Righteous Might;True Seeing;Quickened Shield of Faith (Spell Resistence) 6th Level: Healx2; Mass Bears Endurence; Greater Dispel Magic (Blade Barrier)
Izen d20+15=33 Friday December 1st, 2006 1:48:32 PM
Izen pulled on his tankard as if all of this made all the sense in the world, and as if he were just another disinterested patron. (Bluff 33!) He sniffed quietly, scratched at his stubble, and peered idly at the scratches in the tabletop.
Behind it all, he maintained his quiet observations (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30!: Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!).
Monthor d20+4=9 d20+4=23 Friday December 1st, 2006 7:29:09 PM
Monthor's jaw drops as he is taken aback from what just happened. He didn't expect his hand to do what it just did and he certainly didn't expect to see a 7 foot tall dwarf. Surpressing his immediate desire to bash all of these so called "adventurers" heads in, he tries to figure out the dwarve's actions [sense motive 9 ] [Will save 23] He then turns towards the voice addressing him..
Mage: "Please pardon the behavior of my comrade here. He is uncivilized and knows not your ways. We mean no harm. Enjoy your evening."
:: Monthor steps away from the ghostly, frozenny, tall as a small tree, dwarf, plasters a huge smile on his face and makes his way towards the mage with an outstretched hand and a sur step. ::
" No harm done me friend. No harm done. Let's shake hands and me will be buying your boys a round of drinks. "
Horvis d20+5=9 d20+7=17 d20+7=17 d20+11=30 Friday December 1st, 2006 9:33:33 PM
The centaur observes the unusual actions of the one dressed as a mage, then when the belligerent dwarf tries to clasp hands. But it's a mystery to Horvis, beyond his limited knowledge of the magic practiced by others. But he had no problem hearing the words spoken into the strange device. Spellcraft = 9, Listen = 17, Spot = 17
Worrying that he might involved in whatever is beginning to occur, Horvis calls out some words in Centaur, "Vaash! Dramth!". He has the sneaking suspicion that things might get moving quickly soon and he doesn't want to become separated from his companion. A golden eagle flies down from a nearby tall pine and crouches on a leather pad on Horvis' barrel. Handle Animal = 30
Horvis then settles his pack on his pack and ensures that his quarterstaff and other gear are within reach.
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(2), Guidance, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Goodberry, Jump, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Quench, Snare, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph(2), Transmute Mud to Rock 6 - DC 22 - Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth, Repel Wood 7 - DC 23 - Wind Walk * = cast
Draax Saturday December 2nd, 2006 12:46:34 AM
Still holding his cloak over his mouth, Draax hides his reaction to the mage's "Mission accomplished" statement by coughing into his cloak. Seeing that the others are already reacting, he waits to see what happens. "Wow! We just started and we already have fans."
Arien Saturday December 2nd, 2006 2:27:04 AM
Arien's eyes narrow as the mage speaks into the mithril ring. Arien stands up and grabs his pack, placing it on the table. He randomly shuffles through his belongings as if searching for something while keeping an eye on the other group, specifically the mage and the chained elf.
Juliander d20+15=26 d20+15=30 d20+22=42 Sunday December 3rd, 2006 11:43:09 PM
Juliander is not reassured by the facade that Monthor puts forth, and Arien's actions cause some alarm to him. So much that he reaches down to his haversack and quickly releases the strap that secures his light crossbow. Holding the weapon under the table, Juliander loads it with deft, practiced ease, all the while smiling reassuringly, "Come now... we must drink." (OOC: Sense Motive on Monthor DC 26, Sense Motive on Arien DC 30. Bluff to hide the fact that he is loading a weapon DC 42.)
Picking a fight - DM Marcin Monday December 4th, 2006 4:41:44 AM
Tratain, standing near the bar next to Draax, feels his Bead of Karma stir and go warm. His questions hang in the air for a moment without being answered, and then the mage, an apparent leader of the group, answers with studied, cold politeness:
"Do forgive me if I exclaimed something in excitement. Our mission, good sir, is, I'm afraid, our private business, and so is our identity. As for the elf here, she is on chain due to her mental state, on which I shall not elaborate."
The elf doesn't seem to react to his words. There is certain glassy quality to her stare.
"Now we shall bid you a nice evening. Come, time to go."
Izen, pretending to be disinterested, glances over the strange adventuring group, Iron Bounds of Binding in his hand. [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Izen notices that part of the cloak worn by one of the tanks passes through the nearby chair. This lasts but a second, but Izen is sure his eyes didn't deceive him. He also notes that the full plate worn by the paladin/cleric(?) does not give off any metallic sounds when he moves.}]
The strange group is about to leave when Monthor walks up to the mage and offers his hand and drinks. This is met with a raised eyebrow, but the man absent-mindedly offers his hand in return.
Big mistake.
There is a sickening crunching sound as Monthor's fist closes over delicate fingers of the man. The mage screams in pain. Totally surprised by this sudden attack, he is unable to react as Monthor's other fist closes over his throat.
[Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {Monthor is unable to discern the motives of the party. He did notice, hovever, that when his hand passed through dwarf's armor it felt as if he touched a cloak or some other cloth. It felt as if he was not wearing any armor at all.}]
Horvis, standing next to the entrance, calls his eagle and the bird obediently comes and rests on his shoulder.
Arien takes off his pack and prepares to retrieve it's contents if needed.
Juliander readies and loads his crossbow. The fact seems to go unnoticed by anyone.
[...]
Monthor's Crushing Hand - DM Marcin Monday December 4th, 2006 5:29:20 AM
"Hnnnh! Ghhhh!" - the mage gasps for air, tears of pain flowing down his face. With his good hand he tries to loosen Monthor's grasp on his throat, but his feeble strength is not enough to counter dwarf's muscules.
The rest of the adventurers just stand there for a few seconds, shaking off the shock. Then, one by one, they approach the pair and gather in tight circle around them. Even the elf is among them. Only the low-life rogue stays near the bar, pouring himself a mug of beer. Monthor can feel their breaths on his back. Not a pleasant sensation.
It is the apparent paladin/cleric of Jancassis that speaks first. His voice seems to be emotionless, but one can sense the man makes effort to control himself.
"My, my, what do we have here? Assault and bodily harm, so far? You are looking at three months in dungeon. Or maybe you should just kill one of us, so that paladins of Pantheon can drag you to the gallows and hang you in the name of the law?"
"Come on, Pinestick, that's not funny!" - snaps the elf on chain (now dragging loose on the floor). Her voice seems genuinely worried.
The huge dwarf takes a step forward, but the archer standing next to him stops him by putting hand on his shoulder. Then he tells Monthor matter-of-factly:
"You're drunk. Go sleep it off. Or are you taking this somewhere?"
The eyes of the mage start to bulge out.
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {The name of Pinestick rings a bell. Horvis recalls a performance by a wandering troupe of actors called "The Sahuagin" in Floating City. They liked to support their act with illusionary magic.}]
[Situation (gathered from posts over previous rounds, please correct if needed): - Monthor effectively has the mage pinned. - the rest of the party (dwarf, warrior, archer, paladin, and elf) is gathered within 5 ft around him. - the rogue is at the bar, having a mug of ale. - Draax, Arien and Tratain are also at the bar, some 20-30 ft from the group around Monthor and 15 ft from the rogue. - Juliander, Izen, and Jova are sitting at tables, 30 ft from the group around Monthor and 30 ft from the rogue. Juliander has a crossbow under his table. Izen has Iron Bounds in his hand. - Horvis and his eagle are standing near the entrance to the inn, 20 ft from the group around Monthor and 35 ft from the rogue.]
[I still don't have character sheets for Tratain, Juliander and Izen.]
Tratain d20+7=24 d20+3=4 d20+1=19 Monday December 4th, 2006 11:03:45 AM
Tratain stands up and walks closer to the the Group standing around Monthor. His shield is now on his arm and he carries his warhammer in his hand, though it rests at his side for the moment.
He says "Yes Pinestick, this is very serious now, I asked questions and I want answers. I think you just attacked us, or did something that will allow you or whoever you work for to attack us in the future. Did you think we would stand for that, just let you do what you want, say have a nice evening and walk away just to attack us at another time and place of your choosing? As I follow Domi as one his Protectors I'll give you a chance to explain what just happened, or we could carry on in the way of your God Pinestick, you have attacked us we will reciprocate. Which will it be?"
--------------------------------- 24 Sense Motive to try and see what the other group is feeling 4 Diplomacy :) 19 Bluff but Tratain really isn't bluffing, he's willing to let them talk, but if they make a move on Monthor or any of the others he's more than willing to smite them.
Jova Monday December 4th, 2006 12:53:44 PM
Jova continued to play with his food. Not hungry, he did sip at the local ale he had be brought. The group was quite a formidable one. The sea elf intrigued him most. As sheslipped from her chains he had to smile. The ruse. The ruse was so much a part of his own life, he admired others when they used it properly. Although they did end it much to early.
The one at the bar worried him most. Protectors the others were, the loner at the bar was comfortsable being so. Jova watched him with the majority of his scan.
Monthor Monday December 4th, 2006 1:46:51 PM
Monthor tries to position himself so that the mage is between him and the most obvious threats.
" As me clerical friend stated... we feel threatened. And when we feels threatened we threaten back! Now, on me word, me will not harm your mage friend as long as no one makes a move towards us."
:: Monthor releases his grip on the mage's throat enough to allow breathing. ::
" Back off, keep yer hands away from yer weapons and all will be well. All of ye make oath that no actions will be taken against us and me will spill no blood. Me may even convince me friend there to heal your mage. "
:: Monthor addresses the "paladin" directly... ::
" Know this Pinestick... me have died before for me friends and the gods have brought me back from the grey lands . Me do not fear death. And me will gladely die again to protect me Angels. If me dying means taking out your spell slinger and giving me boys a chance to finish the rest of you off... "
:: Monthor smiles .::
" Then me will die clutching yer magic user's torned throat in me hand. "
" Now... who are ye? What do you want with us? Who do you work for?... now. "
Izen (AC 25, HP 82/82) d20+16=25 Monday December 4th, 2006 2:20:38 PM
Izen stayed where he was but kept a careful watch on the scene, particularly on the "rogue" at the bar. He readied himself for trouble--if anyone made a hostile move toward any of his new companions, Izen would throw the Iron Bands of Binding at the rogue at the counter (readied ranged touch attack hits touch AC 25--only attack if hostile move toward PCs. Iron Bands of Binding immobilize Large or smaller creature unless target succeeds at DC 30 STR or Escape Artist check). If that happened, Izen would then duck under the table (5' move), draw his rapier (Quick Draw), and activate his Ring of Invisibility (move action).
But he waited, maintaining his cool and distantly disinterested observations for the present (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot--particularly focused on the rogue at the bar, then the other 'adventurers'--Skill Mastery, 27!). And, if no other action was required of him, he would silently activate his Boots of Flying while remaining seated.
Arien Monday December 4th, 2006 3:48:45 PM
Suspecting magical trickery, Arien casts detect magic and concentrates on the group of "adventurers".
Horvis - Barkskin d20+16=25 Monday December 4th, 2006 9:05:58 PM
The centaur looks through the doorway of the inn to where this conflict is occurring. While he has tried to keep himself separate from such things, he as much as any other resident of the Wold. And the followers of Jancassis don't have the best of reputations.
Muttering and gesturing, the centaur casts a spell to toughen his skin in case battle is required. Then Horvis settles Aquila on his back then, holding his quarterstaff in front of him, he ducks and squeezes through the doorway. The centaur is now a very large and imposing threat within the inn - the top of his head is just below the beams supporting the ceiling and he is over 10 feet long. His hair, both the long queue on top and on his barrel are what is normally called chestnut, deepening on his legs until his fetlocks are nearly black. With the large quarterstaff held in front of him, exit through the front door of the inn is clearly blocked.
"Pinestick?," Horvis booms out.
"Aren't you a little far from Floating City? Didn't like what the Fae King brought there and decided to bring your trickery act here?"
The others get the impression that Horvis doesn't normally say this much. As he speaks, Horvis is concentrating on the group of what he thinks are players. Will save 25, to disbelieve
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(2), Guidance, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Goodberry, Jump, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Quench, Snare, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph(2), Transmute Mud to Rock 6 - DC 22 - Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth, Repel Wood 7 - DC 23 - Wind Walk * = cast
Draax Monday December 4th, 2006 11:31:41 PM
Draax moves a step away from the bar and casually takes his bow from his back, but instead of readying it, he uses it as something to lean on. ::He thinks:: *I wonder how fast I can pull an arrow and put it through the mage's eye.*
While waiting with the other to hear the mysterious group's answers to the questions, Draax turns his attention to the centaur in the doorway. "Now this should be interesting."
Juliander Tuesday December 5th, 2006 1:20:57 AM
Not liking the seemingly extreme presence of magic amongst the newly arrived group, Juliander decides to see if he can't bring it to a halt. A resonating note starts in the back of his throat as he reaches for magic of his own, and builds quickly into a crecendo, until it erupts with a furrious gesture from the one hand not holding the crossbow beneath the table. (OOC: Juliander cast an area dispel, via greater dispel magic, only on the adventurers that are not his friends. I'll let you make the checks. Juliander's caster level is 13.)
Confrontation - DM Marcin [Dispel checks:] d20+13=27 d20+13=22 d20+13=26 d20+13=20 d20+13=24 d20+13=26 d20+13=32 Tuesday December 5th, 2006 5:46:23 AM
Tratain moves forward and, after explaining that he considers past actions an attack, demands answers [Tratain Highlight to display spoiler: {Tratain senses that the members of the group surrounding Monthor lack confidence and, with every second, are more and more nervous and afraid}].
Monthor loosens his grip on the throat of the mage and, after stating questions of his own, demands an oath. The mage opens his mouth and hungrily gasps for air.
Izen calmly watches the unfolding situation and, given that no hostilities break out immediately, activates his boots [BTW, isn't activating a Ring of Invisibility a standard action? Or is that a special ring?].
Arien openly casts a Detect Magic and aims it at the group [Arien Highlight to display spoiler: {The area of the spell washes over Tratain and Monthor - they stand too close to the rest of the group to cast it otherwise. Arien detects the presence of magic, and, a moment later, counts 64 magical auras. The strongest of them is overwhelming.}].
At this moment Horvis, a large centaur who, up to this point, stood patiently by the door, casts a spell on himself and enters the inn. His booming voice draws an immediate attention of the strangers. Seven faces turn to him, similar expression of shock on each one.
Draax steps away from the bar and readies his bow.
Juliander decides the time is right to treat the strangers to a dispelling effect. His power washes over the group gathered around Monthor (and Monthor as well, since he is standing in the middle of it). Tratain's Magic Vestment that has been active on Monthor's armor is removed.
Then the magic washes over strangers and the effect is truly wondrous.
[...]
The magic is gone - DM Marcin Tuesday December 5th, 2006 7:02:55 AM
The silhouettes of the adventurers waver for a moment like flames over a campfire, and then, in an instant, are gone, together with the foul, fishy smell.
In place of six seasoned warriors stands a group of six rather plain looking, nervous people: the giant dwarf becomes slightly less tall, bald human, the archer turns out to be an aging, fat fellow, the warrior becomes a lean youth. The sea elf turns into an unremarkable lass with freckles on her face. The mage currently grasped by Monthor becomes a blonde half elf, right now very red on his face. All of them wear common, if colorful clothes, the kind one most often sees on minstrels and bards, and neither seems to carry a weapon.
The rogue sitting at the bar sighs and, with a small gesture, dispels the illusion on himself. He turns out to be an elderly human wrapped in a brown cloak. He stands up and coughs.
"Excuse me, let's disarm this situation before it deteriorates any further. I assure you we mean you no harm and, in fact, are probably very incapable of hurting you. I am Great Anthone, and these people are 'The Sahuagin', my troupe of fellow thespians. I must say this is the first time a performance backfires on us this badly. Could you please let Orven go, mister dwarf? You seem to have a detrimental effect on his complexion."
He turns to Horvis: "Now, may I ask how in the name of Flower did you recognize us?"
Monthor Tuesday December 5th, 2006 8:08:15 AM
Monthor is still visibly annoyed. The threats were bad. The disception.. troubling. But the fact that he can't even have a good brawl now really upsets him. Monthor lets go of man's hand and brings him closer to him using the graps he has on his neck. Face to face, Monthor puts on his most menacing look and growls at the man....
" It not be nice to taunt a dwarf. Especially a mean, bad tempered, ill mannered killer like me! "
:: Monthor check's the half elf's hands to see if he ring he had been talking into was still there. If so, Monthor, not so gentily, takes it. ::
:: With a light shove, Monthor releases the 1/2 elf from his grip. ::
" Me strongly suggests that if any one of you is carrying weapons or items of magic that ye place them on the bar now. Cause after me count to 10, and yes Draax, me can count all the way to 10, after me count to 10 me will tear the arms off any of you carrying so much as a knitting needle. After me be sur that none of ye can accidentaly scracth us, ye will be buying us all....
:: Monthor points a thumb at the centaur by the entrance. ::
" including our new friend there.... drinks. Then, ye will answer all of our questions. Then, if we feel like it, we will answer yours. Savy?"
" 1....2....3.... "
Izen Tuesday December 5th, 2006 9:45:40 AM
Izen sighed and his level of tension relaxed, but only slightly. There were still too many variables in the scenario--including this centaur who had now entered the fray. He kept his grip on the Iron Bands of Binding and watched as before.
Ooc: Shoot! You're right, DM, the Ring of Invisibility does require a standard action to activate! Rats, I hadn't counted on that! I may have to exchange for a Ring of Blinking at the next Catacombs visit.
Tratain Tuesday December 5th, 2006 1:05:43 PM
Tratain relaxes a little and says "I would very much like an explanation. I'd like to know who sent you here. Did they tell you who we were? It was very dangerous of you to do this, we could have killed you."
Horvis Tuesday December 5th, 2006 2:11:14 PM
The centaur looks across at the rogue. After considering Anthone's question for a moment, he flicks his tail as if chasing away a fly.
"Pinestick. Unusual name. Especially for a human."
With that, the centaur seems to feel that he has said enough. As Horvis speaks, the eagle peers over his shoulder to study both groups. The great bird seems uncomfortable being inside a building.
Horvis sets one end of his quarterstaff on the floor, resting the other end on his shoulder. As he shifts his weight, the floorboards creak and groan.
Draax Tuesday December 5th, 2006 2:39:02 PM
Draax is as surprised as the others in the room to find themselves facing actors. He remains silent until Monthor begins to count. "Sure you can, but can you count without using fingers or toes?" He waits with the others to see how long it will take the acting troupe to answer the questions.
Arien Tuesday December 5th, 2006 6:57:10 PM
Arien watches as the illusion fades without surprise, he had suspected something similar himself but had wanted to make sure before acting. Arien looks at the Great Anthone and says, "I see that you are quite skilled in illusionary magic sir. Please join us at our table, I have a proposition for you that may prove mutually beneficial for both our groups."
Spoils of battle (well, of sorts) - DM Marcin Wednesday December 6th, 2006 3:11:24 AM
Monthor takes the ring from the half-elf, who responds with a <yowl> since it's on his bad hand. Then he releases him. The actor immediately drops to his knees and starts coughing. "Too true." - he croaks. "I forgot your, <cough>, sense of humor is rivalred only by your, <wheeze>, wit and charm." [Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {The ring seems to be silver. There are a few words in what looks like an elven script engraved on the inside.}]
The demand for weapons is met with obedience. Three plain looking daggers are placed on the table in front of the dwarf, as well as one theatrical dagger (the kind with moveable blade). The request of magic items meets with less cooperation. The actors hesitate, but Anthone sighs and says: "Come on people, hand them over."
"Father!" - protests the lass.
"Shh kid, might makes right in these parts. Besides, that's not the end of the world, it's not the first time we have been shaken down. We'll manage somehow."
The group produces a sack that, when opened, reveals five metal spheres, each shining with a light of different color. It feels a bit as if a rainbow appeared in the middle of the room and the interior of the simple inn suddenly takes on an otherworldly quality. The spheres are joined by three potion bottles.
Then comes a demand for drinks.
"Uh, it's a common misconception that acting is a profitable profession. I mean spiritually, sure, but... Uh, never mind."
"Pinestick?" "Yes?" "Here's the two silver I owe you."
The stash of loot in front of Monthor is increased by a small pile of copper, intermixed sparsely with silver.
Izen impassively watches on, the rusty iron ball of the Bounds still resting in his hand.
The inquiries of Tratain are answered by Anthone.
"I assure you nobody <sent us> to you, our meeting was purely coincidential. In fact, I am not sure who you are, though I admit I don't keep up with the news in the adventuring world anymore. You see, acting can put bread on your table in large cities, but in the countryside it's much less common to find a willing and interested audience, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much the bloody innkeepers charge per night these days. We have taken to, ah, other means of earning copper. Since adventuring companies are rather abundant in the area, when we spot one we sometimes enter their inn disguised as a group that is as intriguing as we can only think of. We mingle a bit - gives lads a good opportunity to practice their art, and then all but me leave. After this kind of show adventurers usually are all too eager to buy me drinks and press gold in my hand in order to learn more about us. I thought we were doing a fine show today - the elf on chain was a particularily nice idea - until Orven here went overboard."
"Hey, it's a well known line from Valdor in the Lands of Dread" - croaks the half-elf, still on his knees. "It's not my fault the battleaxe here doesn't know his classics."
"Well, yes. In the past it has never been too dangerous, you see. Sure, some take their gold back when they learn who we are, and sometimes some of us get a few bruises, but most just laugh it up. It's the first time we are being actually robbed as a result."
Pinestick looks at Horvis. "Yes, I think I remember you... About eight months ago, a show in a small town near the Float... You didn't like Anthony's impression on a wyvern, I have seen that on your face even though you said nothing.
Draax patiently watches the situation unfold. And then Arien invites Anthone to his table.
"What's that?" The actor looks at Arien and then at Monthor. "You are playing bad hero, good hero with us now?"
"I guess I can listen if you let the rest of my folks go. Orven's hand probably needs some attention."
Jova Wednesday December 6th, 2006 5:54:32 AM
Jovastands and makes his way over to the table, that had been proffered to Anthone. Ignoring the rest or the so-called troupe, Jova watches intently, as the man weaves his tale. Jova had done so himself many times, and he saw this man, was very good. First with the magic he had all up in arms. Now they are all eating out of his hand. Except the dwarf of course. But his self centered life left little time for subterfuge.
Jova sits down right beside the man called Anthone. He slips his dagger out, and places it to the side of the mans belly. "Sir," he smiles broadly as the man looks at him, feeling the blade close to his skin. "This dagger is of magic decent. Although pain would be natural, in its current position, slow death is imminent. So, as you continue with your tasle, please remember your life is in my hands. One other thing, place both hands in front of you on the table, and do not move them in any way. If you do, you will have one extra hole in your body, you dont have now. Nod if you understand. I know you, or your kind, so be cautious."
Monthor Wednesday December 6th, 2006 7:20:40 AM
Monthor breaks into a wide grin.
" Shaken down... funny. "
:: Monthor picks up the daggers and returns the real ones to their owner. After playing with the prop for a few seconds he returns that one as well. He then takes the magic items and hands them to Arien. ::
" Could you identify these for us Arien? And check our friend Anty there for any other magic items? "
:: He then takes the bag of coins and walks up to where Anthone is sitting with the others. Monthor takes a chair, places it backwards towards near the leader of the troup. And sits himself down. ::
[ Sound of coins dropping on the table. ]
:: Monthor looks at Jova and winks at him knowingly. ::
" There is no need for the blade Jova. See, me don't believe that Anty here is going to tell us the truth. That ring me took off the fake mage is magical. Me have no doubts about that. Arien... "
:: Looking at Antone ::
"our very powerfull mage... will soon tell us exactly what it is. And Tratain... our very powerfull cleric... will be able to use his powers to tell us if Anty and his bunch of ragamuffins are lying. If they are lying... well, me will be very unpleasant towards them. Very unpleasant. If they tell us the truth... me will be nice. "
:: Monthor gets up and places a hand on Anthon's shoulder. ::
" Regardless, we not be thieves. The coins and your daggers are yours. The magic items... we'll see. Me thinks that the ring will remain with us. It intringues me. We'll see about the rest. "
Izen Wednesday December 6th, 2006 8:17:13 AM
Izen hopped down from his chair and moved away from the table. Interrogation was not his thing. He slipped the Iron Bands of Binding back into his pack, grabbed his mug, and moved over to the bar. Slowly--his eyes on the thespians--he moved toward Horvis.
"Interesting little scene," the halfling commented when close to the centaur. He paused and sipped from his pint. "Thanks for the help."
His eyes slid sideways and upward, to meet the towering centaur's own. The corners of his mouth slid slowly upward to a knowing smile. "I understand that centaurs are fond of wine. Care for a glass? I'm buying."
CDM Jerry Wednesday December 6th, 2006 12:34:39 PM
I know we've kinda been in limbo lately, but I need the ADM of this game to start making the weekly reports. Who is our ADM? Someone email me and tell me please.
We do need a report from last week posted please. Even it if looks bad. We need to get in the habit again.
Get 'er Done!
Horvis - Barkskin Wednesday December 6th, 2006 2:03:25 PM
The centaur looks across at the human named Pinestick. Shrugging, Horvis seems to suggest that the human can't be expected to know what wyvern looks like.
"No matter. Study nature if you want to ape it."
When Izen suggests a glass of wine, a smile briefly moves across Horvis' face. He towards the halfling's table, moving as carefully as his size allows. He towers over the small fellow, then lowers himself to an awkward kneeling position that means he is no taller than a human or elf. Still, it allows him to more easily converse with Izen. The motion causes Aquila to open his wings to balance as Horvis heaves his bulk about.
"Thanks. I do like wine."
When the glass is provided, Horvis lifts it and mutters some words before taking a small sip.
"Well met. You do not know these actors?"
Active Effects Barkskin - 130 minutes
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(2), Guidance, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Goodberry, Jump, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Quench, Snare, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph(2), Transmute Mud to Rock 6 - DC 22 - Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth, Repel Wood 7 - DC 23 - Wind Walk * = cast
Izen (illegal second) Wednesday December 6th, 2006 4:25:58 PM
The halfling shook his head in response to the centaur's question. "Never saw them before. Cheers." He lifted his mug in toast, then drank.
He wiped his mouth thoughtfully. "You know ... we could use someone like you. You seem to have smarts as well as strength. We could use both right now--and I've a feeling that this is just a taste of what's ahead of us. You ... interested?"
Arien Wednesday December 6th, 2006 4:43:06 PM
The elven mage sighs and rolls his eyes in exasperation at the continued threats. Arien looks at Monthor a moment before saying, "What I'm about to discuss with our new friend there I don't want anyone else over hearing, could you make sure that no one accidentally over hears us? Tratain could you make sure that the fellow's hand is alright, I'm sure that he's not too bad off."
Arien waits until Anthone takes a seat at the table and then says, "First as a gesture of trust, here are your belongings that were taken from you," Arien hands the magical items to Anthone. The Arien lowers his voice and leans in close, "We are planning an expedition into some hostile lands here shortly and are looking to disguise ourselves. It seems you and your troupe are quite skilled in illusionary magic, I have some skill in that area myself by it is not my focus. I propose that the most skilled members of your troupe, or the entire troupe if you prefer accompany us and use their skill to disguise us all. In return we will make sure you are amply rewarded and of course we will protect you should the need arise. Any of your troupe that elects to stay behind we will make sure that they are able to stay here for as long as needs be. What say you?"
Juliander d20+15=33 d20+26=29 Wednesday December 6th, 2006 8:45:54 PM
After hearing quite enough blather, "It seems as though your illusions have got Monthor all hot and bothered, though I don't know what the silly dwarf would want with your trinkets. I don't think your particular ruse was wisely executed on this group," Juliander gestures to his comrades dismissively. "We've a need for intelligence however, and would be very interested in any stories you may have heard about the surrounding area... or any other such travelers you might have seen of late." (OOC: Sense Motive DC 33, Diplomacy DC 29)
Horvis (Illegal Second) Wednesday December 6th, 2006 8:48:40 PM
Horvis nods his head at the halfling.
"I am seeking someone. A elf, called Tassarill. I learned that he was in the Dreadlands. My elders divined that I should come to this tavern. Not shortest path, but perhaps quick."
"What do you and your fellows do?"
Draax Wednesday December 6th, 2006 9:38:34 PM
As things begin to become clearer, Draax becomes more confused. He watches everyone and has no idea what is going on. Some members of the team are threatening the actors and some are offering a lifetime of friendship. ::He thinks:: *Wow! My only concern a few moments ago was whether to order the ham or the roast goose. Now we are interrogating actors or at least I think we are interrogating them. I am not sure what Arien is doing. Maybe it is the bad cop, good cop routine? I guess the rest of us will eventually be let in on what is going on.*
Draax decides to stop trying to keep up with the ever changing turns of this situation and just wait until things are decided. He leans on the bar and asks the bartender for another ale.
Izen (illegal third) Wednesday December 6th, 2006 10:45:03 PM
"The Dreadlands, you say? Hmmm. Perhaps we can be more use to each other than I realized. Our group is heading that way as well."
The halfling nodded knowingly at the centaur, then pointed at himself. "Name's Izen. What's yours?"
Tratain Thursday December 7th, 2006 12:13:13 AM
Tratain stands back and lets Arien and Monthor handle things for now.
Threats and gestures of goodwill - DM Marcin [Jova's Intimidation check] d20+5=13 [DM roll] d20=19 Thursday December 7th, 2006 5:56:17 AM
Izen and Horvis converse by the bar. The pair is joined by Draax. The trio soon finds to their annoyance that no wine is on tap - maybe the barkeep didn't bother to bring a bottle from the cellar tonight? The innkeeper, having barricaded himself in the kitchen, is not here to serve drinks, so the adventurers have to help themselves. The ale is a bit stale and watered down. This definitely isn't the classiest inn they have ever seen.
Tratain stands alone and probably only Domi knows what passes through his head.
Jova sits next to Anthone and introduces him to his dagger. The man immediately tenses and does as he is told, placing his hands on the table and nodding. Two beads of sweat on his neck betray that he takes the situation very seriously. [This definitely calls for an Intimidation check, please roll your own skill checks! This time the result was 13.]
"I have told you all there is to it. What else do you want me to do?"
Monthor gives back weapons and coins to the actors. The shining globes are soon returned by Arien. The troupe packs their belongings in silence. Then the dwarf joins the group at the table. He is not sure if his words to Anthone fully register, though, Jova seems to have most of the man's attention.
Arien makes his proposal, but the man shakes his head. "Look" - he says - "We are peaceful people and lack skills that you assume we have. I have never studied magic, I have just some natural talent to my work. My illusions seldom last longer than a single play. Besides, I'm responsible for my folks and would not take them into dangerous lands."
Juliander observes the man, and then asks about news from the road [Juliander Highlight to display spoiler: {Sense Motive: the man is afraid for his life. Since he has been just promised an "imminent death" I can't see how a Diplomacy check could work here. Sorry.}].
"What? Uh, I don't think we have seen or heard anything interesting recently."
The rest of the troupe gathers and starts to leave, though the bald man has to forcibly drag the lass away, as she is pale on her face and mesmerized by Jova's dagger.
CDM Jerry Thursday December 7th, 2006 8:57:49 AM
Ok, this is the not quite so friendly as yesterday friendly reminder to the ADM that I need the report done for last week. Email me when done please.
Can you dare to imagine what I might do if the report is not done today? Yep, I know. You don't want to find out.
Horvis - Barkskin Thursday December 7th, 2006 10:57:37 AM
The centaur looks over at Izen and Draax with s sour look on his face. He holds the mug of ale away from his face as he speaks.
"Tastes like ape piss! Smells worse. Maybe one of you should fetch the barkeep back. I'd probably just scare him worse."
"I'm Horvis. This is Aquila. We've seen a lot of the Wold but haven't been in the Dreadlands lately. I'm not certain what dangers lurk there. Have you been there lately?"
Horvis is pointedly ignoring the discussion with the actors. None of them have bothered him and he has no argument with them.
Izen d20+25=37 Thursday December 7th, 2006 11:07:52 AM
Izen noticed the theatrical troupe readying to leave, and his brow furrowed. "Excuse me, fellows," he said to Horvis and Draax. "There's something I need to attend to. Draax, this fine centaur here is traveling the same direction that we are. We ought to travel together--you should introduce him to the others. Excuse me."
With that, the halfling, who had already gone behind the bar in search of wine, ducked down, hiding himself from view of the common room (Hide 37!). It would take the keenest eye to locate him.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { A moment later, no amount of looking would succeed--hidden from view, Izen activated his Cape of the Mountebank and used its Dimension Door capability to transport himself twenty feet outside the door of the inn ... and fifty feet up in the air! The Boots of Flying that he had previously activated kept him suspended in mid-air and prevented him from an ignominious fall. Ideally, his sudden appearance high up in a night-time sky, well above rooftops or the glow of streetlights, would also go unnoticed for the instant that he was visible. As soon as he could, he would activate his Ring of Invisibility.
He glanced around the area and listened for signs of trouble (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!). When the members of the acting troupe emerged from the inn, he would swoop down, silently, to listen to their conversation.
(Move Silently, Skill Mastery, 33!)
Ooc: this spoiler form make sense to communicate stuff like this, that's truly out of the view of the others? Just let me know what format you'd like me to use.}
Jova Thursday December 7th, 2006 2:56:16 PM
OOC-No intimidate roll was required. I fully inteneded on sticking him, still might.
"Anthone, forgive me if i do not trust one such as yourself, who, might I add, has voluntarily told us he often misleads people for money. As an actor you live of misleading people." Jova wiggles the daggr a bit, to remind the man it is still there. "Some of the group i travel with seem to now believe your tale. I am not one of them. Sir, I have some practice in the art of deception, so don't try and deceiver a deceiver. Understand?
"Now, no matter what question i ask, or anyone else, i can only believe the answer to be a lie. Therefore, the answers you give to these others had best sdatidgy their curiosity. No reason to die now is there?"
Juliander Thursday December 7th, 2006 8:40:49 PM
Frustrated at the hostility, Juliander takes a step back, proverbially speaking, from the situation, and remains silent, allowing those who've already begun down one particular path of questioning to continue. He is keenly interested to see if Monthor's scare tactics get the dwarf anywhere in this mess.
Monthor Thursday December 7th, 2006 9:34:00 PM
Monthor gets a little frustrated at the lack of continuaty between the party members. Monthor picks up the ring, pats Anthone on the back and asks him some more questions.
" Tell me about this ring.... and while your at it, tell me about those orbs too. "
Draax d20+5=15 Friday December 8th, 2006 12:36:07 AM
Draax smiles at Horvis' assessment of the ale. He looks at Horvis with a surprised look on his face when Izen tell him of the centaur's destination. ::Shrugging his shoulders:: "Well met Horvis. My friends call me Draax, I have never been to the Dreadlands, but what I have heard has me surprised that you and your little friend was willing to travel there alone.
It is not just Izen and my call, but I think the others will be willing for us to travel together. When this thing with the actors has run its course, I will introduce the two of you and get their say on the matter. While we wait, we might as well see if this place has anything better to drink."
::Draax jumps over the counter and begins looking under the counter for any beverages that the barkeep keeps out of sight of the customers. (search 15) If he finds anything, he will leave a few silver in its place.::
Wrapping up the night? - DM Marcin Friday December 8th, 2006 2:50:40 AM
The party splits into two groups. Horvis, Draax and Juliander distance themselves from the group doing questioning. After a moment Draax finds a clay bottle that, when uncorked, starts to emanate a promising aroma of honey brew.
Jova makes his point. The actor manages "Understood" through his teeth.
[I have no doubt you will stick him if you have a mind to, the Intimidate roll is to see whether you scare him into being talkative or into freezing with fear.]
Monthor asks his questions.
"The lights we use when on stage." <gulp> "To set the ambience. The ring? Is it Orven's?" <wheeze> "Family heirloom, maybe. Never bothered to ask about it."
[Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {Arien declared that he returns the magic items to the actors. Since he did not exclude potions these have been returned, too. Montor still has the ring in his hand, of course.}]
Izen disappears from view and is nowhere to be seen. [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {The plan appears to work and Izen finds himself invisible flying outside before the actors exit the inn. The Wellogy is a small village and there are no street lights aside from the moon. There is not a living soul to be seen outside. When the actors exit the inn they gather together just twenty paces away from it. They sound badly frightened and desperate. There is some quiet, pointless chatter, mostly on the lines of <what now?> and <whose fault was that>. Some want to leave, but the girl insists on waiting for Anthone. Eventually they settle for waiting at some distance from the inn, where they remain standing like a small herd of scared rabbits. (Yes, the spoiler tag is perfect for this situation. You can also use the "Post Private to DMs option. If you continue checking on the actors make a Move Silently check).}]
Monthor Friday December 8th, 2006 7:57:30 AM
" Orven's ring? "
:: Monthor takes a seat next to Anthone. ::
" Relax. We're almost done. "
" Tell me everything ye know about this Orven fella. Has he been with ye long? "
" The piece about us being 'tagged' and Orven talking into his ring, was that part of your game? "
" You say that you have never studied magic.. just 'natural talents'? Me not know much if anything about magic. But them spells seemed pretty powerfull to me. Maybe ye can explain to me buddy Arien here what if was ye did. "
ooc> The rest of you want Monthor to just stop the questioning or to carry on a bit? If you want me to stop, just tap Monthor on the shoulder and tell him to have a beer. Arien, can you check the ring please? That would speed things along. If there's nothing to it, Monthor'll drop the whole thing right now. Juliander, feel free to jump back in on the questioning. That ring bugs the heck out of me guys. Marcin could just be trying to drive us crazy (short trip in my case) or this could be the hook for the next module.
Izen Friday December 8th, 2006 9:22:24 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { ooc: Because Izen has taken Skill Mastery for Move Silently, he can choose to automatically 'Take 10' on the skill check any time, regardless of circumstances. When he does so, his skill check result is (Total skill ranks 23 + 10 =) 33, absent any other modifier, such as flying invisibly at night! Likewise, he has Skill Mastery for Listen and Spot, and so his check, absent other modifiers, for Listen is 30 and for Spot is 27. It's an odd little benefit of being a high-level rogue! (IDHTBIFOM, but see, I think, PHB 3.5 p.51--in the section on Rogue class Special Abilities. Izen's Skill Mastery skills are Move Silently, Listen, Spot, Disable Device, Open Lock, Search, and Tumble.)
BIC: Floating some twenty feet above the actors' heads, invisible and silent as a midnight zephyr, Izen waited patiently, watched ... and listened. }
Horvis - Barkskin Friday December 8th, 2006 12:49:17 PM
The centaur looks up when Draax uncorks the small bottle of honey brew. His nostrils flare, scenting the unmistakeable smell of the liquid.
"That smells better. Probably not enough for use three ... where'd the little fellow go?"
Horvis looks back over his shoulder, mainly at Aquila. The eagle is preening and not paying to attention to Horvis' silent question.
"What's so dangerous about these Dreadlands? Travelling there is easy. Well, easy enough for Aquila and I. Most things we can outrun. Others we can stay away from. Some things insist on fighting though."
Horvis rolls his shoulders and looks at the people in the bar. He seems to be measuring them, guessing how well they would fare in the wilds.
When anyone looks at him, they now notice that there are four smalls stones hovering around his head. Those objects tend to draw attention away from the various objects that the centuar has woven into his braided queue.
"Still, we may be able to help one another if we travel together."
Draax Friday December 8th, 2006 6:13:15 PM
Draax smiles as he brings the clay bottle up to his nose; he puts a gold piece in the place where the bottle used to be.
Draax shrugs his shoulders at Horvis' question about Izen's whereabouts. "Your guess is as good as mine. More brew for us.
I do not know about the dangers in the Dreadland, I can only go on the reputation of the place. I guess most that enter are not as swift as you and your friend or they are not smart enough to avoid the things they cannot out run. Hopefully if we do travel together we will not slow you down."
Draax grabs a couple of clean glasses and fills them with the brew before handing one to the centaur.
Juliander Sunday December 10th, 2006 11:35:48 PM
As Juliander finally begins to see the direction of Monthor's questions, he understands why the dwarf is so apprehensive about these 'performers' though he admonishes himself silently that he didn't pick up on that as well.
Juliander's eyes narrow as he steps forward to assist Monthor, "Yes good sir. What precisely did you mean when you said tagged? A fair question that deserves a truthful answer. To be sure, I'll know if you're lying regardless."
An evening in the tavern - DM Marcin Monday December 11th, 2006 3:23:37 AM
Monthor and Jova continue to question Anthone.
"Orven? He has been with me from the start. More than twenty years, in fact. I do not know what he meant by <tagged> and <master>, but with the Emerald Kingdom and that bloody lizard just a few days of travel away I would guess he thought the words would fit the setting of the stage."
"Spells? I don't know how to explain. I just wish things be and it happens." [Anybody who has watched the performance of the group can make a Spellcraft check DC23: Highlight to display spoiler: {The man seems to be a sorcerer and appears to have used a watered down, bastardized version of the Veil spell. With time and practice he might some day learn to cast the normal variant. Right now, hovever, it is obvious that he doesn't yet have a full control of the magic he channels.}]
[Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Not much changes outside. After a moment faces of villagers start to appear here and there, in the tiny windows of the huts and peeking cautiously from behind corners. Apparently curiosity has brought back people scared away from the inn just a moment ago. (No problem with Skill Mastery, but since you have an option to roll it normally I still have to ask you to make checks. Unless, of course, you want me to assume that you always Take10 on these skills?)}]
Horvis and Draax continue their conversation at the bar. After a moment the kitchen door is unbarred and, with a nervous smile on his face, the tavernkeeper enters the room. He is visibly relieved to find his locale undamaged and soon resumes his job.
"The goose is just about ready to be served, my lords, and there is, of course, the ham. Would your lordships care to stay the night at my humble inn? I think I can persuade some of my guests to vacate enough private rooms for all of you to sleep in. And that would be ten gold for lodgings, dinner, and breakfast tomorrow for all of you."
Horvis - Barkskin Monday December 11th, 2006 8:27:28 AM
The centaur turns his head when the innkeeper makes his offer of lodgings.
"Would that include me, good human? Or do you have rooms for such as me?"
In fact, Horvis really doesn't care how the innkeeper responds. The centaur has slept in far worse places than this inn and, unlike some of his new companions, he has numerous methods for ridding himself of the biting insects and other vermin that are sure to want to share his bed. The honey brew that this Draax fellow has found is actually quite good - made from good honey, fermented to having a slight tang. Horvis rolls a sip over his tongue, trying to identify all of the fruit and floral essences present in the beverage. His centaur tongue is limited in that regard but he doesn't think that his companions are quite ready for the alernative.
"Do you know if any of your companions have been to the Dreadlands? All I know are the rumors that I have heard," Horvis asks Draax.
"You should not slow me much, if at all. And sometimes a large group can scare off that which would attack a lone traveller. I am not averse to a fight, of course. How else would we learn and grow?"
Izen Monday December 11th, 2006 10:24:05 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Invisible, Izen floated silently above the actors' heads, waiting for their leader to rejoin them or for them to move off. His Winged Boots could keep him aloft for up to 15 minutes--if nothing changed after 10 minutes, Izen would find an out-of-the-way place to drift down to maintain his observations from the ground.
Ooc: In many instances, I'll be taking 10 on the 'skill mastery' skills, because the take 10 results are pretty darn good! In those instances, as here and above, I'll put 'Skill Mastery' in the skill check line and simply post the result. That notation 'Skill Mastery' will be my signal that I'm taking 10. If I decide it's worth a roll on some check, however, I'll roll and post that (if it's helpful, I can add 'rolling' to the skill check line). Sound good?}
Monthor Monday December 11th, 2006 9:27:54 PM
:: Monthor has had enough and decides that he is done with this human. ::
" Unless Jova has any more questions Anthone, ye may go. Me be keeping the ring as a reminder to yer troup not to mess with me kind in the future. Me be to forgiving sometimes. It's me kind nature ye see. Others... like Draax over there by the bar... not so much.
:: Monthor stands and goes to the bar for another drink. ::
Return to your people Anthone. And be thankfull that ye didn't lose more then your man's ring. "
" Tavernkeeper. Me be ready for me meal now. "
Tratain Monday December 11th, 2006 10:50:06 PM
Tratain echoes Monthors statements to the Actor "If you insist on takeing on the guise of adventurers in the future, i'd advise you to be more careful how you act, we came very close to killing you because we thought you threatened us. Keep that in mind in the future, many will strike back before you'll have any chance to stop them."
Posting Report Monday December 11th, 2006 10:57:10 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday December 8th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X X X O O Jova X O X X O Monthor X X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien X X X O O Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X O X X X
Sorry about last week, I got really busy towords the end of the week, but still no excuse for me not posting it on Monday like I should have.
Draax Tuesday December 12th, 2006 12:29:31 AM
Horvis asks Draax: "Do you know if any of your companions have been to the Dreadlands? All I know are the rumors that I have heard,"
Draax responds to the centaur's question. "I do not think so, but to be honest with you, I do not know for sure. I have been with 3 of the group for a while now, but I just met the other members within the last week and do not know much about where they have been."
He nods his head in agreement with the centaur about the comments of traveling in a large group.
Draax smiles as the tavernkeeper shows his face again. "We will take the rooms. I apologize for the commotion caused by the actors looking to con people out of a few coins. It was all handled in a somewhat non-violent manner."
Jova Tuesday December 12th, 2006 1:19:12 AM
Looking towards the one they call Arien, he says, "I am a bit of an actor myself. I sympathize with Anthone here, and understand his ruse. If it gives him and his a free meal from time to time, then so be it."
Sticking the man just a bit harder, he says to Anthome, "But sir, dont start off so strong. Save tue strong illusion for more meaningful times. Start off small, and save the warrior illusion until you need it for escape maybe. I usually start off playing an innocent dancing girl, then move off to something more sinister, like that four legged creature at the door, if needed. Good luck to ye, learn man." He takes his knife from the mans ribs and goes to where the centaur is standing. He examines the eagle.
Night at the Blue Fish - DM Marcin Tuesday December 12th, 2006 7:12:57 AM
Monthor decides to let Anthone go. The actor picks himself up and limps out of the door, taking with him Tratain's warning and Jova's bit of advice.
The dinner is served for all. The meat is supplemented with a lot of bread and dried fruit (obviously the inn wasn't prepared to host such a large group this evening, especially one including a centaur), but the meal everyone can get is nourishing and not half bad. The ale could do with less water, though.
Half through the evening the party becomes aware of many pairs of eyes watching them through the windows and from the door. Curiosity brought back tavern patrons previously scared away by the prospect of a fight.
[Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Anthone joins his troupe. There are exclamations of relief and the group, after a moment of deliberation, leaves in the direction of the cheapest of the three inns in Wellogy. (Re rules mastery: sounds good. M.)}]
Draax orders rooms for everyone and the innkeeper sends off his help to make arrangements. Horvis's questions are met with a baffled expression on the man's face. "Truth be told, m'lord, I don't know how yer kin lodges? Me was kinda thinking ye sleep standing up, like horseys do? But me can put together some matresses on the floor for ye. Mind ye, on the ground floor, m'lord. Me stairs remember me granddad."
Unless there is some unfinished business for tonight the party spends an uneventful night at the inn.
The morning is cloudy, but it seems the day will turn warm later on. The group is served a breakfast of fresh bread, cheese, milk, and some smoked beef. There is, of course, the ten gold bill to be picked up.
It looks like a good time to decide the route of the journey. The party has access to several maps presented to them by Arrak [in fact, to most maps of the Elennian Peninsula you can find in the Duncan's Travel Agency]. The heroes are right now in Wellogy. Their destination are the Dreadlands. There is no map of that accursed land, but the map of Cinnamon Valley points the way for those foolhardy enough to venture into the desolation of the Land of Dread [see NE part of the map].
[Thanks for the report, Joe!]
Horvis - Barkskin d20+17=33 Tuesday December 12th, 2006 8:42:16 AM
The centaur looks down at the innkeeper and a smile flits across his face. Horvis responds to the man's offer with a sweeping gesture towards his hooves.
"A ground floor room would be best, good human. These hooves and legs are poorly suited for stairs, even if they would hold me. One or two mattresses, or even soem straw, would be fine."
As he speaks, Aquila hops up and down on the centaur's back. Horvis reaches over his shoulder to soothe the bird that has accompanied him for many years.
"And an old chair, or something else, for Aquila to roost on."
During the meal, Horvis will provide his opinions of a proposed route of travel. He has been through some wild area before, although he steered clear of the southern Culverwood and it's claimant. He points to the maps as he speaks, usually making an effort not to lose food as he does. Clearly, Horvis has spent more time in the wild than in polite company.
"We're here in Wellogy, on the shore of the lake on the Second Plateau. The roads here are all safe so we should probably stick to the river road until we reach the edge of the plateau."
"Once we descend, we'll make good time on the roads until we leave the First Plateau."
"Now, I'm not sure but I think that we should strike west until we reach Edenmoor. Then head north along the Peasblossom River, going by the east edge of the Culverwood. We've got a choice, then. If we walk or stay on land, we have to choose between the Red Hills or the Culverwood. The Red Hills are full of giants and other monsters, not to mention halflings. The Culverwood ... well, isn't the friendliest place to outsiders. Or you can get boats and go upstream on the river."
Horvis takes his hands and measures the map.
"Hmmm ... considering the road magic on the First Plateau, we might be further ahead to go to Windhorn Hamlet and then along Dragon Bay to t he New Traders Road across the Red Hills, south of Crescent Valley."
"Either way, the Peasblossom River would be our path across the top of the Culverwood." Survival = 33
"What do you think of that?"
Izen Tuesday December 12th, 2006 9:34:14 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Satisfied that the acting troupe appeared no more outside the inn than inside, Izen found a discreet corner to land and reappear, and made his way back to the Blue Fish.}
A few minutes after Anthone left, Izen walked back in the front door of the inn, made his way back over to the others, and shared the meal and ale. Although he might have preferred switching inns following the evening's disturbance, he said nothing and accepted a bed in one of the private rooms without comment.
in the morning, Izen craned his head around the large centaur's barrel to see the locations that Horvis was indicating on the maps. He nodded his head. "Your proposals sound good to me. I've not traveled in those areas before."
Arien Tuesday December 12th, 2006 6:30:55 PM
Arien watches as Horvis plans a route for them to follow and after a moment of consideration says, "Its been some time since I've been back to Windhorn Hamlet, it is where our group originally hailed from. I for one would not mind stopping there on the way."
Jova Tuesday December 12th, 2006 7:19:35 PM
Jova simply watches, obseving what ths others in the party are doing. The centaur seemed to know alot of the lands, which was good.
He calls for Z his trusted hak, to come. Talking with the cetaur he introduces the two birds. It would be helpful to have so many eyes in the air scouting for them. Z was sure to be happy, more time to talk to his mastdr.
Tratain Wednesday December 13th, 2006 12:24:21 AM
Tratain sits with the others listening to thier conversation, he says "I sounds like our new friend has a route planned out already, It sounds good to me, I suggest we take his advice."
Juliander Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:06:02 AM
While he is interested in viewing the maps and listening to the route being planned, Juliander is smart enough to leave such planning to the experts.
Draax Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:27:25 AM
Draax nods his head in agreement as everyone gives their opinions of Horvis' traveling plan. "Sounds good to me."
Making plans - DM Marcin Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:33:09 AM
Once the breakfast is cleaned from the table the maps are unrolled and Horvis takes initiative.
Two routes are suggested: one would take the party west to Edenmoor and then north along the shore of Peasblossom River. The other one would involve a visit in Windhorn Hamlet and a trek along Dragon Bay. Either way it would seem that the first leg of the journey would take the heroes along the Safe Road to Goodlamond and the second waterfall on Brinkwater.
The innkeeper stands in the door of the kitchen, politely waiting for the tab to be settled.
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {Horvis recalls that travel through Culverwood is always unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. John, was there something specific you wanted to check for with Survival skill?}]
The party listens quietly to Horvis's plans. There seem to be no objections, at least not right now. The road beckons.
Monthor Wednesday December 13th, 2006 2:42:46 PM
Monthor listens to Horvis as the two travel options are described.
" Me can do without seeing the Hamlet again for a while. How about... Edenmoor... then along the shore of Peasblosssom River. That sounds good to me.
Monthor finishes off his third morning " beverage " and lets out a loud burp...
" Better out then in me always says."
:: Monthor takes the opertunity this morning to look over Orven's ring again. He passes it around to the other party members to see if they can can identify it. ::
" Arien, does this thing look magical to ye? "
ooc> Sorry about me posting yesterday. I was out for my Bday.
Izen d2=2 d20+15=22 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:49:32 PM
Izen listened, fished out his copper coin, and flipped it in the air. (Result; tails.)
He nodded at Monthor. "Edenmoor."
He tilted his head toward the innkeep. "Someone should settle up for us." He looked at Juliander innocently but clearly (Bluff to send secret message, 22).
Arien d20+26=28 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 4:48:42 PM
Arien takes the ring from Monthor and casts detect magic. Arien then concentrates on the ring should it prove magical, trying to discern the auras that might be about the ring.
(Spellcraft check: 28)
Juliander d20+15=29 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 6:43:10 PM
Juliander's eyes narrow at Izen, though the bard steps up to the innkeeper, "I'll pay for this one guys. I expect we'll all get to take a turn." Hands over the required gold. (OOC: Sense Motive DC 29)
Izen (Kup ooc) Wednesday December 13th, 2006 8:44:32 PM
ooc: LOL! Izen's "hidden message" was for Juliander to pay because Juliander is the group's spokesperson, not because he was trying to stiff Juliander for the bill! Guess I need to work on my bluff!
Draax Wednesday December 13th, 2006 9:36:46 PM
"I am fine with either route. Lets go and get the horses that was promised to us and then be on our way."
Draax makes sure that he has all of his gear before heading toward the stables. Once at the stables he takes a look at the available horses.
Horvis d20+7=17 d20+7=27 d20+17=32 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 10:09:03 PM
The route doesn't matter to the centaur, so he waits patiently while the others decide. And Horvis doesn't need to bother with the stable, either. Although he will check over the animals to ensure that they are well-suited for the coming journey. Handle Animal = 17
Once they take to the road, Horvis will range ahead with Aquila flying above him. He allows the eagle to hunt if he chooses, realizing that Aquila will return when he is sated. Horvis easily outpaces the horses. As he does, he is alert for anything that strikes him as unusual or unnatural. What Horvis does if he does spot something depends on what the unusual thing is. He also keeps an eye on the weather even though, again, it's not really something that bothers him. His new companions, though, may not appreciate rain or snow. Spot = 27, natural 20 Survival = 32 (for weather prediction, should be good for the next 4 days)
When he periodically returns to the others, he will listen and sometimes join the conversation that they are having.
The road to Goodlamond - DM Marcin Thursday December 14th, 2006 6:36:52 AM
Monthor passes around the ring taken from Orven. [Anybody who examines it and can read Elven Highlight to display spoiler: {A flowing line of Elven script runs around the inner side of the silver ring: "My thoughts and prayers go with you always. Love, mom.}]
Arien examines the item for magic. [Arien Highlight to display spoiler: {The ring does not radiate magic of any kind.}]
The tab is settled and then the party turns in Arrak's voucher for mounts. They are led to a small stable housing a group of horses and ponies. Horvis's competent examination reveals that the animals seem to have been adequately taken care of. Each party member who needs a mount can select either a light horse or a pony.
The heroes decide that, after descending to the First Plateau, they shall turn West to Edenmoor. This means that their first destination is Goodlamond.
Horvis looks at the sky and sniffs the air. His instincts tell him that the next four days in the Plateaus are going to be clear but a bit cold. The weather might be different in Culverwood, of course. And then the heroes depart Wellogy and are on their way once again.
The ancient Safe Road goes through Blackheart Wood straight like an arrow with Brinkwater gurgling and glittering alongside it all the time. Horvis scouts ahead and soon discovers that the Monster Preserve is full of unusual noises and sounds. Strange creaking sounds, as if trees groaning under heavy weight; unusual bird calls; faint echoes of roars of some mysterious beasts. No large creature appears anywhere within sight, though.
The travel aided by magic is fast and pleasant. It is well before noon that the party starts to feel first faint gusts of wind making it under the canopy of trees and hear a distant roar of a waterfall - a sure sign that the cliffs of the Second Plateau are drawing close. Moments later the heroes spot the towers of a small fort overlooking what is one of the few ascents to the Second Plateau. The town of Goodlamond rests under the cliffs on the First Plateau, right now hidden from view.
There, on the crossroads near the open gate to the fort, a large group of travellers, soldiers, and locals stands looking down the cliff. Remnants of a shattered wooden lift-like construction can be seen nearby. As the party nears the group the heroes start to pick up excited chatter.
Draax Thursday December 14th, 2006 6:49:57 PM
Draax picks a light horse from the stable. As they get near the group and hear the excitement in their voices, he hopes that the excitement comes from looking at a replacement lift. He gets off of his horse and then goes over to the cliff to looks down and see what the others are looking at.
Horvis Thursday December 14th, 2006 11:01:24 PM
The centaur is ranging ahead of the group when they come close to the escarpment's edge. The crowd is obviously gawking at something but Horvis cannot tell exactly what. There's some sort of construction, but he can't really tell what it is.
He will approach closer, trying to determine how the locals feel about centaurs before getting too close.
Arien Friday December 15th, 2006 12:24:36 AM
Arien rolls the ring across the table back to Monthor and says, "As far as I can tell, its not magical. Its possible that the whole thing was simply part of the show."
The following day Arien also picks a light mount and places himself somewhere near the middle of the group. As the party nears the group of people Arien dismounts and also approaches the edge to see what is of such interest.
Jova Friday December 15th, 2006 1:12:42 AM
ova picks a light horse from the proffered gifts. He choses one that looks speedy and nimble.
On the trail, he instructs Z to stay close to Aquila, to learn more of the eagle and its fourlegged master.
Upon reaching the crowd of people, he simply stands his horse to the side, to observe.
Trouble at Goodlamond - DM Marcin Friday December 15th, 2006 2:18:01 AM
The party approaches the crowd. Their arrival goes largely unnoticed - the people's attention is concentrated on what transpires below. The centaur though does get a few raised eyebrows - as usual.
Looking down the face of the cliff is not a pleasant experience, even if one does not suffer from fear of heights. There is something unsettling about a prospect of a drop more than one hundred feet long.
The small fort sits right on the edge of the cliff. The view of the First Plateau is spectacular; the town of Goodlamond can be seen below, its houses, barns and cottages looking from this height like little more than toys. The tower of the town hall stands as a testimony to the fact that even if a higher vantage point is readily available nearby some things are traditional and will be built anyway. The view of the settlement is partially obstructed by the watery mist coming from the nearby waterfall. One can't help but wonder how do these people sleep with its constant roar in the background. If the sun was in a different position on the sky there probably would be a rainbow.
Two wooden constructions - one larger, one smaller - have been erected here to allow ascent and descent between the plateaus. Both seemed to have been some kind of staircases, with the larger one possibly also serving as a frame for some kind of lift. Only the smaller one remains right now, however. The large one has collapsed in a huge pile of wooden planks and logs. The crowd about the party seems to be watching this pile. There is a similar gathering below, on the First Plateau, though they seem to keep a healthy distance away from the debris.
The reason for this becomes apparent once one takes a closer look at the wreckage. There are three large shapes slowly moving about among the logs. Dark green with an oily sheen, they resemble insects of some sort, although each is larger than a horse and seems to have only four limbs. Multiple pairs of powerful mandibles and antennae on their heads further attest to their claim to insect origin. Chitinous plates and carapaces protect their massive bodies, and each plate is covered with spikes. They move about on their hind legs, with their long fore limbs dragging on the ground. It feels a bit disturbing to see an insect-like creature that resembles a humanoid this much. One of them seems to be feeding on a carcass of a horse. The other two shift through the wreckage, moving away logs that must weigh more than three hundred pounds with no apparent effort at all.
The crowd about the heroes watches them with grim fascination. The spectacle below somehow brings to mind a dug-up anthill.
"...out of nowhere, burrowed straight out of the ground; didn't have no warning whatsoever..." "...at least one more, but I think it has burrowed itself into the ground..." "...the whole staircase went down like a bad scaffolding in a hurricane..." "...the guards keep away, they lost two men to them already..." "...nah, can't dump tar on them and light it, there might still be someone alive under the debris..."
Two people seem to stand a bit away from the rest of the crowd. One is an older, dark skinned woman wearing a chainmail and a helmet, who looks like an officer. The other one is a stocky dwarf dressed in plain clothes. The two seem to be engaged in a heated argument.
Izen d20+17=36 Friday December 15th, 2006 8:30:07 AM Ooc: rats! Missed a post! That's what comes from waiting for others to post first!
Izen dismounted his pony with visible relief--the pony's whinny and shake of its bridle made the halfling jump involuntarily at its side--and studied the creatures on the level below. He looked at the crowd, and the arguing woman and dwarf. Scratching his stubble with apparent disinterest, he casually placed himself where he could listen inobtrusively.
(Bluff to appear casually disinterested and not listening, 36! Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!)
Horvis d20+7=16 d20+12=31 d20+7=11 d20+7=23 d20+7=10 Friday December 15th, 2006 8:09:35 PM
The centaur waits for his new companions to catch up with him before he approaches the crowd. People - regardless of their race - aren't really his strong suit. But monsters, that's a different thing.
Once Izen has moved into place, Horvis will move to the cliff edge and look over.
"Let's take a look and see what these things are," says Horvis to his companions. Spot = 16, Knowledge Nature = 31, Knowledge Arcana = 11, Knowledge Dungeoneering = 23, Knowledge Local = 10
Arien Friday December 15th, 2006 11:41:22 PM
Arien eyes the beasties a bit and wonders if a spell might drive them off for now, at least to find if there were any survivors in the rubble. Arien looks at the others and says, "Well I think that we should help these people, the situation looks tough but I think with some work we should be able to drive these things off. Perhaps by helping them they may have some information about yon waterfall. This one may be the waterfall that we are looking for."
Izen (illegal second) Saturday December 16th, 2006 10:23:08 PM
Izen looked for a moment at Arien like he was speaking gibberish, then shook his head with bemusement and went back to his detached, seemingly disinterested observations.
(Repeating above: Bluff to appear casually disinterested and not listening, 36! Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!)
Draax Sunday December 17th, 2006 12:28:43 AM
Draax looks over at Arien, "I think we should help because stopping those things seems to be the only way that we will be able to use the lift. Before we do anything, I would like to know what those two ::points at the dark skinned woman and dwarf:: are arguing about."
Monthor Sunday December 17th, 2006 8:49:09 PM
Riding a pony is not one of Monthor's favorite things. As the constant whinning and complaining can attest. All the same, the ill mannered Dirt City dward makes due... and makes certain that everyone is as annoyed as he is but the time they are 1/2 way to their destination.
But I digress....
Monthor gladly dismounts and passes Draax on his way towards the arguing twosome...
" Must be the woman's fault. "
:: In dwarven :: "What's all this talking about when there's some obvious killin that needs doing?!?!?!"
Pests from below - DM Marcin Monday December 18th, 2006 5:05:17 AM
The group pushes themselves through the crowd and takes stock of the situation below.
Arien notices that, if there are people trapped in the debris, any spellwork will indeed require a careful judgement of distances and areas of effect for spells.
Draax estimates the possiblilities of descending to the First Plateau. While the main elevator and stairway have been ruined there is still the smaller one, standing some few hundred feet away on the other side of the fort. The creatures below seem disinterested in it. The wooden construction faciliates a series of slopes that could probably be used to safely lead horses down to Goodlamond if one covered their eyes and was careful and patient enough. In fact, it would probably be possible for the party to ignore this whole trouble and continue on.
Horvis takes a closer look at the beasts below and something about them indeed strikes him as familiar. [Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {Umber hulks. They don't look any tougher than your standard variety of the beast.}]
Izen finds a nice spot for eavesdropping. [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {The woman is referred to as Captain Gardner, the dwarf as the Mayor. The dwarf is trying to persuade the soldier to lead her troops against the beasts. The captain coldly refuses based on her orders and the fact that she doesn't stand a chance against this kind of foe. She suggests just waiting it out.}]
Then Monthor cuts into their conversation. The pair looks surprised. It is the dwarf who regains his composure first.
[Dwarven:] Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hammers high, brother! Indeed, them humans are all talk but no steel behind their words. This one here is afraid to take on them beasties below. How about showing her how a real soldier should cope with this little problem we are having?"}
[Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {The dwarf is dressed in human clothes. There are no braids on his beard and his dwarvish has a strange accent - unmistakeable signs that he has been raised outside of a proper dwarven community.}]
Izen d2=1 Monday December 18th, 2006 12:48:17 PM
Izen listened both to the woman's conversation with the dwarf, as well as Monthor's (Dwarven is one of Izen's languages).
When the opportunity presented itself, he spoke with his companions where a private discussion could be held.
"The human soldier over there is apparently a captain of the guard, and refuses to attack the creatures based on her orders. What those orders are isn't clear, but it seems prudent to me. She's advising that the dwarf fellow, whom she addresses as mayor, wait the attack out."
"As for us, there's the other staircase there--but it would seem vulnerable if the creatures chose to attack. I could get down on my own, but that would involve leaving the pony behind." He did not elaborate on how he proposed his own descent, but grimaced in the direction of the mount as if leaving the animal behind were not, in the end, so unappealing.
"We could wait it out, or risk the stairs. There's no reason to engage the creatures." He flipped his coin. (Result: heads) "I say we wait it out. The creatures will soon move on."
Horvis Monday December 18th, 2006 1:21:42 PM
The centaur grins in anticipation as he speaks to his companions.
"Umber hulks. Tough fighters but intelligent. We might be able to communicate with them to see what they want. If someone speaks the right language, of course."
Horvis lifts his hooves in turn as he decides what to do. Then he still as he decides, he turns back to his companions.
"I can get myself and maybe some others down there quickly. If you want. And know how to hold on. Do you want to get down that way? Or take the other stairs?"
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants
Draax d20-1=6 Monday December 18th, 2006 10:00:31 PM
To the group Draax says, "I would say let's wait also, but we do not know if anyone is trapped under debris. We also do not know what the guards' orders are and if there is any reasoning behind them. Let's find out what really happened here, but especially if there are people trapped in there. We need a few of you guys that have a way with people, to talk to this gathering to see what they know and the captain of the guard to see if she is willing to tell what her orders are and why. I am going to ask a few of the bystanders what they know, but people have never really opened up to me."
Draax goes to a group of people that are standing at the ledge looking down. To no one in particular he says, "Can anyone tell me what has happened here and did anyone get hurt or needs help? (Gather Information check 6)"
Monthor Monday December 18th, 2006 10:10:50 PM
Monthor switches to common as he continues to speak with the dwarf.
" Yeah brother, but this one wears armor and a weapon. And she looks like she knows how to use it. With all due respecy cousin me will want to here what she has to say... "
:: Monthor doesn't wait for an answer and turnes ::
" Hail warrior me be Monthor the Ill Mannered. Formally for the Hamleteers, currently of Monthor's Angels, and soon of... well we haven't decided on our new name yet. The things down there look to be needing of some killin'. By the looks of things, there may be some survivors down there with them in the debrits. If ye be needing for sword arms, me and me crew will pitch in. Me be wondering however why ye just don't get some archers up here to puncture the beasties? Or maybe some wizards to lobe some spells down there?"
Juliander Tuesday December 19th, 2006 1:25:36 AM
Juliander surveys the scene with a less then amused gaze. "I think Monthor is right. We need to exterminate the bugs." The man shudders.
OOC: Sorry for my absence. A big wind storm knocked us out of electricity until this evening.
Tratain Tuesday December 19th, 2006 1:40:22 AM
Tratain walks over with Monthor towords the Dwarf and the Woman. He says "Do you know if anyone is trapped down there still? Like my comrade says, If you need our blades we would be more than happy to help. I won't just walk on by while people could be in danger of being killed by those things."
Discussing options - DM Marcin Tuesday December 19th, 2006 5:14:01 AM
The group quietly exchanges information and examines possible courses of action.
Draax asks around a bit, but the people are mostly preoccupied with the unusual spectacle going on below. Most have arrived only after the disaster took place. The general consensus is that the "beetles" must have tunneled under the foundations of the lift and the resulting collapse must have driven them out of the ground. The staircase used to be quite busy, and most are in agreement that somebody could have been on it at the time. There have been casualties - some people initially rushed to the scene to pull out survivors, and the beasts mauled two of the would-be rescuers before the rest retreated. They even point to where the remains of the bodies rest. Nothing much is left there but an odd shoe, a bit of a cloak and stains of blood - the umber hulks have been hungry. A closer look reveals about ten human bodies still trapped within the wreckage, as well as two badly mangled and very dead horses. At this distance it's next to impossible to tell if the people are dead, incapaciated, stunned, trapped, or merely frozen with fear.
Tratain and Monthor approach the soldier and the dwarf.
"My boys, with all due respect to their enthusiasm, could barely take on an orc, much less such things." - says the woman. "Archers? The things burrow through ground like a knife through butter. Archers would fire off one volley and find themselves attacked from below a moment later. And we have no wizards."
"Bloody hells, so you are just going to stand by and do nothing!?" - yells the dwarf.
"Precisely, mayor." - answers the woman calmly. "I would send some horsemen to try to draw them away without a fight, but I'm afraid the things could go berserk and rampage through town."
"People have been killed! Some might still be in there, alive, waiting for their turn to be torn apart! These things need to be killed off before they decide to start a bloody colony! And you just want to stand by and watch!?"
"Mayor, unless I see a plan that has a chance of accomplishing anything aside from mounting casualties, this is exactly what I'm going to do. Don't take my calm for indifference. I have seen enough to know sometimes there is nothing you can do."
Tratain and Monthor offer aid.
"Now that's more like it!" - booms the dwarf. "People after my own heart that won't let deaths of good men go unpunished! You are a godsend and no two words about it! That vermin below needs to be exterminated! Do it, and the prayers of the fine folk of Goodlamond will go with you forever!"
"Now wait just one damn second, if you think you can send in a band of adventurers to stir up trouble and leave picking up pieces to me-"
"Stow it, Gardner. You have said your piece. Besides, your authority does not reach below. Go see about those orders you've been caring so much about."
Tratain d20+3=18 Tuesday December 19th, 2006 4:50:59 PM
Tratain says "I'm sure my comrades and myself are more than a match for those beasts down there, they look tough, but thier far from the toughest adversaries we've ever faced. Also captain our little band here, well most of us anyways, used to work for the Plataue City government doing this and that, still do from time to time when they com calling. We can Handle This."
Tratain looks over the area to get a sense of the place that will become the battle field. He says "Is there still a safe way down to the bottom past those things? We'll need a place to prepare, we can do it up here if we have to and then travel down, or go down past the first and prepare there if you'll let us, any suggestions Captain?"
Windhorn Posting Report Tuesday December 19th, 2006 4:57:17 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday December 15th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X X O O O Jova X X O X O Monthor X O X O X Izen X X X O X Arien O X X X X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander O X X O O
3 Missed Posts, Bad ADM Joe. Keep up the good work everyone else. We're back on Track.
Izen Tuesday December 19th, 2006 5:34:51 PM
Izen looked at Tratain like he was crazy. His long, slow gaze said all that needed to be said about his feelings at being volunteered by others to exceed his mission parameters.
Crossing his arms and standing back, he waited to see what brilliant idea the "volunteers" came up with.
Jova d100=82 Tuesday December 19th, 2006 8:07:43 PM
Jova moves his horse cose to the edge, looking dsown. With his link to Z, he can see the beasts for what they are. Moving back from the ledge, he calls for Z t return to his side.
The 2 chatter for a moment in some foreign bird squaking, common anguage. Then Z lands on the ground next to Jova.
Saying a few words, and motioning with his hands, he points at the bird.(ASF 10% beat with an 82)
Z begins to grow as the polymorph spell takes hold. Grow, grow, and grow some more. Then at a total of 9 fet tall, and weighing an enormous weight the new Z is a sight.
OOC- cast polymorph-Z is now a Roc. total time is 13 minutes.
Draax Tuesday December 19th, 2006 9:19:07 PM
Draax shrugs his shoulder at his teammates' volunteer statements, "I guess it has been decided."
Draax goes over to the soldier and asks her a question, "If we can get those things away for that pile of rumble, can you and your men get in there and see if any of those people survived?" No matter what her response is, Draax moves over to the others.
"I heard that there might be another one lurking around somewhere, so we need to be careful about what is under us. I also like Horvis' talk-to-them suggestion, if that is possible. The sooner we can get them away from the bodies, the better chance of someone under there surviving."
Draax looks over at Jova and Z as the bird begins to change. "Impressive."
Horvis - Barkskin d20+7=22 Tuesday December 19th, 2006 9:57:38 PM
The centaur watches his companion's bird change into a roc with a bemused expression on his face.
"Well, I think that I will not have to carry anyone. Maybe I should simply protect myself, instead."
Horvis casts Barkskin on himself, then stands ready to descend below the escarpment.
"How do you wish to do this? Go down and kill them all? Or try to talk to them? I think these things speak the tongue of earth elementals, if any of you can. I cannot, so it is up to you."
"I'll get myself down. I might need someone to help me prepare, though."
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 130 minutes
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Monthor Tuesday December 19th, 2006 10:22:11 PM
" First, me not want to step on anyone's toes Captain, but if there be wounded ones down there, me and me boys can deal with the creatures. Have no fear of that. And you have me word that we will find out where they came from and make sur that that they don't come back. Second, This IS a volunteer mission. Me, Draax, Tratain, Horvis, and apparently Z and his keeper J are on board as well. ARIEN! You in on this? How about the rest of ye? Third, what's the rush with going down? Draax, lobe a few arrows down there to see how the creatures react to them. Tratain and Arien, don't ye have any spells we can use to fry those buggies without going down there? Z can probably drop some rocks on them and me can chuck down a boulder or two to soften them up. Yes, we need to be carefull for survivors, but we should be able to soften them up a bit without much risk to anyone else. Fourth, what in Draax's mother bloomers name are them things anywho? Does anyone know? 'Cause if all they are is big and dumb me will fly down now and shop them down without as so much as a 'by yer leave'. "
Juliander Wednesday December 20th, 2006 1:45:52 AM
Juliander pulls and loads his light crossbow, "We could attempt to gun them down from up here... or I could dimension door a bunch of us down to fight them face to face Monthor. Which would you prefer. I'm happy either way."
Getting ready for a bug hunt - DM Marcin Wednesday December 20th, 2006 3:31:16 AM
Tratain looks down and examines what is soon to be a battlefield. Aside from three beasts he can now see that at least three of the people trapped by the logs show weak signs of being alive. [Each square is 5ft. Red dots are umber hulks. Grey dots represent survivors. The umber hulks slowly move about the wreckage. The party could approach from any side but the cliff face. Squares with logs in them would count for you as two for the purpose of movement. The umber hulks don't seem hindered by them at all, though.]
"You could get to the First Plateau by going down the Narrow Stairs" - the soldier points to the other, smaller staircase. "In fact, that's how the Mayor came here just a moment before. I'll have someone watch your horses if you like."
"Hmph. I sincerely pray to all the Powers that you know what you are doing. The hard part is not the killing itself, but saving whoever survived their attack. I know little of these beasts, but I've heard that they are cunning and have an evil twist. If you start pelting them with arrows and spells they might go against the closest living thing they can sense, either in rage or just to spite us."
The dwarf dusts his pants and says: "I'll have a few strong men standing by. When you manage to to draw them away from the wreckage I'll have them pull out survivors immediately. Let me go see to it, we should be ready in a few minutes. Just do me a favor - when you kill them try to leave their heads intact. I want to mount the bloody things on pikes and put them on top of the new staircase when we have it rebuilt!"
Jova consults with Z and considers using a Polymorph spell to change it to a Roc, but comes to a conclusion that this would greatly exceed the capacity of the spell [Dave, I see at least two problems with this maneuver: one, Roc is 18HD, and Polymorph has a built in limit of 15HD. Two, Polymorph is based on Alter Self and has all its limitations, including the one that you can't bump up the size of creature by more than one category. Hawks are tiny. Rocs are gargantuan].
[I'll start a timer since short-duration spells are in effect. Time elapsed: 0 min 0 rounds]
Jova Wednesday December 20th, 2006 5:19:46 AM
OOC_Yep read the Roc has 18 hd, figured Z would be a younger version with 15hd. In polymorph spell it says nothing about size differences. It notes all the other limitations, and bonuses.
[It's description says it functions like Alter Self, and then lists differences. It doesn't say the size limit restriction is lifted. As for polymorphing into younger versions of creatures I admit it is a very interesting idea. If you can get it approved on the Rules Center board it will be available for use in the future - M.]
Horvis - Barkskin, Greater Magic Fang Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:18:36 AM
The centaur casts another preparatory spell before venturing over the cliff. His hooves seem to gleam a little more sharply than before, as if enhanced for battle. Horvis then squawks something at Aquila and the eagle takes to the air, climbing above the party until it can circle overhead.
"Don't be scared. I will carry two, maybe three, of you down below and then engage the monsters. If none of you speak Terran, that is."
Horvis concentrates for a moment and his form blurs. His hooves shift into claws, wings grow from his sides and his human torso shrinks into his body. Finally, a griffon stands where the centaur once did. All of Horvis' equipment is gone except for the stones circling his head and the strange items once braided into his hair. Those things now cling to the feathers on the griffon's head. The griffon then crouches to allow one or more of his companions to mount.
"Thith ith whath I can thooo," the bird beak lisps. "Whoo wantth thoo rithe thown wittth me?"
Wildshape 1/9 per day, 13 hours duration
Griffon - Size L; Walk 30, Fly 80 (Average); AC 23 (touch 12, flat 20); Attack - Bite; Full Attack - Bite, claw, claw; Special Attacks - Pounce, Rake; Specials - Darkvision, Scent Includes current active spells & items
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 130 minutes Greater Magic Fang - +1 to all natural weapons, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Izen d20+25=34 Wednesday December 20th, 2006 11:31:35 AM
Izen's eyes widened in surprise at his companions' shape-changing ability. He shook his head at the Horvis-griffon's offer.
"No thanks. I can make my way down myself. I'll be down there if you need me, even if you don't see me--just hanging around."
He allowed the soldiers to take his pony. Finding his way to an out-of-sight place, he hid himself from sight (Hide 34!) before activating his Ring of Invisibility and his Winged Boots.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Using the Boots, Izen swooped up and over the cliff face, keeping a fair distance from the umber hulks until his companions were ready. Once they seemed ready to engage, he would close to within 30' of the head of one of Umber Hulk #1--call it square D7, approximately 45' up--and held position, his enchanted javelin and his rapier readied.)}
Winged Boots, charge 1/3: 5 minutes
Jova Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:11:02 PM
OOC-The spell polymorph any object starts off refering to the same effect as the polymorph spell. But it does allow a pewbble to become human, a shrew to become a manticore. If you apply the same reasoning then the alter self parameter does not comply. 2] The druid wildshaping ability funtions exactly like polymorph. A druid at higher levels can wildshape into huge sizes. Again this condradicts the alter self reasoning. Since I am not a rules lawyer so be it.
Jova notices that his magic that he had used before was not working. Z is still just a hawk. He tells the bird maybe it could fly dwn there and get a scouting report.
[Hmm, the Polymorph any Object argument is a good point. Looks like another ambiguity in the rules. For now, let's assume Polymorph has no size restriction, but no younger variants of creatures until this is approved by PTB. I'll check with Powers That Be how they want this spell to work and let you know once they give an interpretation. You can take part in the discussion if you bring this up in the Rules Center - M.]
Monthor Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:29:21 PM
Before Izen goes...
" Iz, want me cloak of the Mountbank? If you can get to one of the wounded ye can dimension door him back to safety... "
"Well, this has been going to the birds... birds, get it? Birds.... oh never mind...."
:: Monthor readies his axe and starts walking down towards the stairs. ::
"Me, Tratain and Horvis with a frontal assault, Izen has stealth attacks and rescue. Jova? You want long range support with Draax and Arien? Let's get them away from the wreckage as much as possible to let the rescue team pull the injured away. If we can, let's get our bodies between the critters and the injured. Any objections or questions? "
" Good. Okay Angels, let's go get us some! "
ooc> This work for everyone?
Monthor - Ooops.. Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:32:00 PM
" Julie, you on frontal or long range? I'd prefer ye try to help get the injured out and provide us with battle support as needed. But the injured come first."
ooc> Sorry about that.
Draax Thursday December 21st, 2006 1:04:17 AM
Draax rolls his eyes at Monthor, with a grin on his face he says, "I guess the rest of us can join Monthor and his fictional angels." Turning to the newly formed Horvis, Draax says, "I will take a ride."
Addressing everyone he says, "The ground is an ally to these things, so as long as we are on the ground we are fighting on their terms. Also, we need to be wary of their gaze attacks turning us against each others."
Assembling for the attack - DM Marcin Thursday December 21st, 2006 5:39:59 AM
Horvis shifts into a griffon and gives Draax a ride down to the first plateau [mind you, the griffon can't carry more than 300 lbs while flying, so Draax check your total weight].
Izen disappears and gods only know where he's gone to [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {In position where you wanted to be. Watch the timer and flying time as it takes others several minutes to descend and prepare}].
Jova sends his hawk downward to take another look at the site. The bird reports that out of the three visible survivors only #3 looks aware and conscious, but he is trapped under a log. The other two are breathing, but out cold. Number one has her leg broken in a nasty way.
Monthor descends down the stairs. It takes him several minutes. The wooden construction creaks under combined weight of the dwarf and his armor, but he manages to get down safely.
[Situation: 1. Up on the cliff: Arien, Jova, Juliander, Tratain. 2. Down on the ground: Draax, Monthor. 3. Not visible: Izen. 4. Flying: Horvis, Z, Aquila.
The beasts seem unaware of your preparations. People on the ground and flyers can enter map from W, E, or S. Those still on the Second Plateau can appear at any square in row 1, but keep in mind that there is a 120 ft drop from the top of the cliff to the ground. Once anyone enters map I start counting time in rounds.]
Horvis - Barkskin, Greater Magic Fang (AC 21; HP 126/126) & Aquila (AC 20; HP 28/28) Handle Animal d20+11=13 Bite d20+16=34 3d6(5+3+4)+6=18 d6=4 Claw 1 d20+16=30 d4+3=6 d6=5 Claw 2 d20+16=25 d4+3=7 d6=2 Rake 1 d20+16=33 d6+3=6 Rake 2 d20+16=32 d6+3=9 Thursday December 21st, 2006 8:57:29 AM
The griffon lands on the ground to allow Draax to dismount. Once his new companion is on the ground, Horvis lisps his intentions to Draax.
"I thall atthackth the backth one, clotheth to the clith. Withh Athuila."
Then Horvis takes to the air, squawking another command to Aquila that causes the eagle to circle away from the transformed druid. Handle Animal = 13
After gaining a little height above the ground, enough to clear the obstructions from the collapsed stairs, Horvis charges at his intended target. He barrels into the umber hulk, lashing at him with all four claws and his beak.
Aquila circles tightly overhead, alert for signs of other creatures joining the fight.
Position N6-O7
Actions Free - Handle Animal (Seek) Full - Charge (using Pounce exceptional attack, allowing full attack plus two rakes)
Bite - hit AC 34, 18 points (pierce/slash/bludgeon) + 4 points magical fire Front Claw #1 - hit AC 30, 6 points (p/s) + 5 points magical frost Front Claw #2 - hit AC 25, 7 points (p/s) + 2 points electricity Rake #1 - hit AC 33, 6 points (p/s) Rake #2 - hit AC 32, 9 points (p/s)
Wildshape 1/9 per day, 13 hours duration
Griffon - Size L; Walk 30, Fly 80 (Average); AC 23 (touch 12, flat 20); Attack - Bite; Full Attack - Bite, claw, claw; Special Attacks - Pounce, Rake; Specials - Darkvision, Scent Includes current active spells & items
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 126 minutes Greater Magic Fang - +1 to all natural weapons, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Arien - Fly (AC 17 HP: 60/60) Thursday December 21st, 2006 1:06:39 PM
Arien casts Fly upon himself and then flies down the cliff 50 feet and away from the cliff 10 to get closer to the combat but still out of range of the creatures.
Juliander Thursday December 21st, 2006 6:50:25 PM
Standing with his light crossbow ready, Juliander peers over the cliff, judging the distance between himself and potential targets before things start getting hectic. At the same time, he is looking for victims to be rescued.
Jova Kon d100=29 d20+11=24 d20+17=24 Thursday December 21st, 2006 7:39:26 PM
Jova walks over to the edge, just above one of the beasts. Aiming his left hand, he incants a spell waving his right hand in odd fashion. The beast in question is at E7.
Cast Flesh to Ston on Beast E7 ASF-10%-29 is good Hit AC24 1-230 ft,, DC21 Fort save, 24 to beat Spell Resistance
Spells 0--6-DC15--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC16--Shield +4AC-1 min lvl, Mage Armor +4AC-1hr lvl, True Strike +20 ATT, Expedious Retreat +30ftt 1 min level, Protection from Evil 2--7-DC17--Glitterdust 1-230ft/10ftradius 1 round level- Will save, Hideous Laughter 50 ft-Will Save-1 round- level-SRyes, Blind/Deaf 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Darkvision 1hr level-60ft, Knock 1-230/130sqft 3--7-DC18--Dispel Magic +10, Phantom Stedd 1hr level, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch- 1d6/2level--Gain temp hp from damage-1 hr, SRyes, Hold Person 1-230ft- 1round level- Will Save round-SRyes 4--7-DC19--Charm Monster 1day level-50ft-Will SaveSRyes, Grtr Invis 1 round level, Fear 30ft-Cone Shape Burst-1 round level-Will Save-SRyes, Polymorph 1 min level 5--7-DC20--Summon Mon 5- 1 round level, Animal Growth 1-230ft-1 per 2 levels- 1 min level-+8str+4Con- Double Size-+2AC-+4 Save Throws-DR 10/magic-Fort Save-SRyes, Telekinesis 1-900ft- 1 round level-1-325lbs round-Hurl-Will Save-SRyes 6--4-DC21--Flesh to Stone 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Bulls Str Mass 1min level-1 per level+4str-50ft(-1spell)
Monthor AC 30 (31 vs U2), HP 124/124 d20+20=28 d10+32=35 d6=4 Thursday December 21st, 2006 9:43:13 PM
Active Effects Magic Vestment (+4) Magic Weapon (+4) Dodge bonus to U2 -------------------------
:: Monthor enters the frey (T3) then advances 30' (to O3) and power attacks the Umber Hulk (U2) with his axe. Monthor pays head to Draax's warning and tries to avoid the Hulk's gaze at all times.::
(Two handed power attack at -7 to hit, +14 damage. Total attack bonus +20, damage bonus +32)
Attack 1: Hits AC 28 for 35 physical and 4 fire damage/ total damage 39
Tratain AC 32 HP 113/113 (Magic Vestment, Shield of Faith) Thursday December 21st, 2006 11:44:10 PM
Tratain casts Shield of Faith upon himself and rushes down the steps after Monthor, hopeing he isn't too far behind the Dwarf when he engages the Beasts in Combat.
Draax (AC 25, HP 143/143 ) d20+21=39 d20+16=21 d8+2=7 d8+2=5 Friday December 22nd, 2006 12:08:06 AM
As soon as he dismounts from Horvis, Draax readies his bow, but does not activate its flaming ability because he is cautious about sending flaming arrows into the debris. He fires a couple of arrows at #3, more to get the thing's attention than to cause it any damage.
Attacks: Hit AC 39 for 7dmg, Hit AC 21 for 5 dmg.
Draax OOC Friday December 22nd, 2006 12:11:56 AM
(OOC: Draax's total weight including himself and his equipment is 297lbs.)
Izen (AC 25 +5 Combat Expertise, HP 82/82) (Invisible) Friday December 22nd, 2006 1:00:31 AM
Izen accepted Monthor's cloak with a shrug and a nod. "Makes sense."
Monthor's directions caused Izen to make a few changes. He took the cloak and donned it, carefully folding his own cloak and draping it over one arm, before disappearing.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Once in position near the umber hulks, Izen reactivated his boots as he saw the others approaching (counting that as an action within those 4 minutes). When the others launched their attack, Izen flew above and past Umber Hulk #1 to reach Survivor #1 (Fly movement of 60', double for descending, appears to be more than enough to move past the umber hulk without risk of provoking AoO). He touched the unconscious person and activated Monthor's cloak, instantaneously transporting the two of them back to the clifftop near the soldiers.}
The unconscious and prone body of the survivor appeared on the clifftop near the soldiers, and Izen's disembodied voice called from nearby, "Over here! This one needs help!"
Winged Boots: charge 2/3, 5 minutes remaining.
Ambushing umber hulks - DM Marcin Save vs petrification: d20+8=22 Concealment on Monthor's attack d100=82 Friday December 22nd, 2006 7:45:00 AM
Horvis, in his griffon form, is the first one to reach the enemy. His diving charge places him right on target. The bug under him staggers as it is mauled by mulitple claw attacks. [Shouldn't secondary attacks be at -2 with respect to the primary? Am I missing something here?]
Arien appears flying over the battlefield a good distance above the ground.
Juliander calmly studies the situation, his crossbow in hand.
Jova appears on the cliff and attacks one of the bugs with powerful petrifying magic. There is a roar of pain as the spell fights the creature for control of its body. The bug barely manages to survive the attack.
Monthor charges one of the beasts while averting his eyes. This makes striking a blow somewhat difficult, but he manages to land a powerful slash [the target has concealment if you attack it while averting your eyes]. This, combined with the efforts of Horvis, is enough to bring down #2, who falls to the ground oozing green ichor from its fatal wounds.
Tratain tries to catch up with Monthor stopping briefly to cast a spell of his own.
Draax, standing off at distance, sinks two arrows into the neck of the closest of the enemies.
Izen is still nowhere to be seen, unlike the effects of his work: the woman with a broken leg vanishes from the battlefield and appears among the startled soldiers watching the battle from safe distance. There are shouts and some confusion, but then she is quickly taken care of.
[No AoOs or gaze attacks from the enemies so far because of surprise.]
[...]
There's more of them! - DM MarcinAttack vs survivor #2: d20+11=20 2d4(1+2)+6=9 Attacks on Horvis: d20+11=30 2d4(3+4)+6=13 d20+9=11 Friday December 22nd, 2006 8:01:28 AM
The slumbering beasts wake up from their stupor. Their moves become quick and efficient. With an insect-like chatter #3 turns around and slides over to the griffon/Horvis, crushing wooden beams under itself as it goes. Without as much as a sidelong glance, with a single graceful swipe of its long arm it guts the man that has been trapped under the logs nearby. Then it turns its attention to Horvis, against whom it fares not so well [one attack hits AC30 for 13 damage].
The other bug (#1), alerted by its companion, turns around and approaches the griffon and the dwarf. Monthor can feel the gaze of its amber eyes fixed right on his face [Monthor is a subject of a focused gaze attack. As he is averting his eyes he has a 50% chance of avoiding it. If he doesn't, he needs to make a DC15 Will save or be Confused as per spell].
Then the ground starts to shake and TWO more beasts burst out of the grass like giant sharks from water! There are screams from the crowd watching the battle. The last remaining survivor screams out in fear, too, drawing the attention of the creatures to himself. It becomes obvious that unless something is done very very soon he is going to share the fate of #2.
[1. Juliander is off map and can appear on any square on top of the cliff. 2. Tratain and Draax are off map and can appear on any square on the E, W or S side. 3. Izen can place himself on any square on the W side if he spends his whole round moving. 4. Z and Aquila are flying overhead, off map.]
[At the beginning of their round Monthor and Horvis are in the area of effect of four gazes. Each forces a Will save DC15 vs Confusion as per spell at the beginning of their round. Standard gaze attack rules apply, see PHB. If they don't engage #4 and #5 this round they can keep their backs turned on them and avoid these two gaze attacks, having only the stares of #1 and #3 to worry about.]
[Polymorph is being discussed right now on the Lynn's Cafe board. If you want to use this spell or similar abilities in the future it might be worth following/taking part in.]
Izen (AC 25 +5 Combat Expertise, HP 82/82) (Invisible) Friday December 22nd, 2006 10:28:15 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { The halfling Izen could feel the palpable tension of the battlefield below--but he had a problem! He needed to switch equipment!
Floating upward slightly to remove himself from the path of the soldiers attending to the unconscious survivor (5' step straight up), Izen doffed Monthor's cloak and stowed it in his magical haversack. Just as quickly, he donned his own version of the same cloak.
(Assuming that these two equipment changes are a move and a move. If not, feel free to move Izen as far as allowed back toward the battlefield.)
His invisible lips were drawn into a thin line as he tried to ignore the possible ramifications of his delay. }
Horvis - Barkskin, Greater Magic Fang (AC 23; HP 113/126) & Aquila (AC 20; HP 28/28) d20+16=28 d20+16=21 d20+16=35 d20+16=35 d20+14=30 3d6(1+5+4)+6=16 d6=5 d20+14=23 d4+3=4 d6=4 d20+14=17 d4+3=7 d6=3 Friday December 22nd, 2006 1:03:26 PM
The griffon is not affected by the gaze of the two umber hulks ahead of, not when he turns to face the new arrivals. Will saves = 28, 21, 35, 35
Horvis moves five feet to stand astride the fallen, helpless man in an attempt to shelter him from the umber hulks' attacks. His beak swings forward at umber hulk [#5], hitting the insectoid monster.
If time permits, Horvis then lashes out with both front claws.
Position O5-P6
Actions Free - 5' shift -OR- Move action to same position, if 5' shift not possible due to logs Full - Full attack -OR- Standard - Attack
Bite - hit AC 30, 16 points (pierce/slash/bludgeon) + 5 points magical fire
Front Claw #1 - hit AC 23, 4 points (p/s) + 4 points magical frost Front Claw #2 - hit AC 17, 7 points (p/s) + 3 points electricity
Wildshape 1/9 per day, 13 hours duration
Griffon - Size L; Walk 30, Fly 80 (Average); AC 23 (touch 12, flat 20); Attack - Bite; Full Attack - Bite, claw, claw; Special Attacks - Pounce, Rake; Specials - Darkvision, Scent Includes current active spells & items
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 126 minutes Greater Magic Fang - +1 to all natural weapons, 12 hours, 56 minutes
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Tratain AC 32 HP 113/113 (Magic Vestment, Shield of Faith) 15d6(4+6+6+3+6+2+2+2+3+6+5+2+4+4+4)=59 Friday December 22nd, 2006 5:10:00 PM
Tratain stops not far from the Umber Hulks and casts Blade Barrier, In a Ringed Wall with a radius just big enough for Horvis to fit around him and the last survivor.
-------------------------------------------- The Blade Barrier should be big enough for Horvis to fit in but not much bigger, with Horvis in the Center it should also hit Umber Hulks 4 and 5. 59 Damage Reflex save DC 22 to Negate.
Tratain is in Square T 10
Arien - Fly (AC 17 HP: 60/60) 14d6(3+3+6+6+1+4+6+2+2+5+3+2+4+6)=53 Friday December 22nd, 2006 11:03:40 PM
Arien casts Chain Lightning at the Umber Hulk nearest Horivis. The stream of electricity arcs off of the beast and strikes the two nearest it.
(Chain Lightning, 53 damage to Umber Hulk 5, Ref half DC 24; 26 damage to #4 and #3 ref half, DC 24)
Draax (AC 25, HP 143/143 ) d20+21=25 d8+2=8 d6=3 d20+16=33 d8+2=10 d6=1 d20+11=14 Saturday December 23rd, 2006 1:33:46 AM
Draax takes a step and moves to T16; he activates the flaming ability of his bow before firing three arrows at #3.
Hit AC 25 for 8 dmg and 3 fire damage Hit AC 33 for 10 dmg and 1 fire damage
Monthor AC 30 (31 vs U2), HP 124/124 d100=90 d20+8=24 d20+8=13 d20+8=25 d20+8=13 d100=34 d20+20=24 d10+32=42 d6=1 Saturday December 23rd, 2006 6:39:24 AM
" OH ORC POOP! "
:: Monthor can feel the gaze of its amber eyes fixed right on his face but is able to avoids U1's gaze attack (90%) ::
[ I'm counting Monthor's Dwarven +4 vs spell like effects. Couldn't find the gaze attack rule so please add other bonuses (for trying to avoid gaze???) as needed. A nice +2,+3 would be nice :-) ] Please correct if needed) Gaze 1 24 Gaze 2 13 Gaze 3 25 Gaze 4 13
Gaze effect %34 (babbles, does nothing)
Active Effects Magic Vestment (+4) Magic Weapon (+4) Dodge bonus to U1
If the gazes don't work, Monthor advance to K3 and attacks U1
Monthor tries to avoid the Hulk's gaze at all times.::
(Two handed power attack at -7 to hit, +14 damage. Total attack bonus +20, damage bonus +32)
Attack 1: Hits AC 24 for 42 physical and 1 fire damage/ total damage 43
The battle is concluded - DM MarcinRef save vs Blade Barrier: d20+3=22 Ref save vs Chain Lightning: d20+3=22 Monthor avoiding gaze attacks: d100=95 d100=51 d100=23 Tripping Monthor: touch: d20+11=30 opposed: d20+6=17 ref save: d20+3=7 Miss chance on Monthor's attack d100=9 Monday December 25th, 2006 5:23:04 AM
Izen is somewhere out of sight. [Changing cloaks: I would say taking off a cloak = 1 move action, stowing it in haversack = 1 move action, getting out the other cloak = 1 move action, putting it on = 1 move action.]
Horvis steps over the last survivor and defiantly lashes out at the nearest beast, scoring a solid hit with a claw and a beak. A second later he realizes that an umber hulk aftertaste is going to haunt him for the rest of the day.
A second later a barrier of whirring blades arises all round him, slashing umber hulk #5 into two roughly equal parts. Vertically. [There was 5ft between Horvis and #4, so, since the wall was supposed to be close around Horvis, #4 was not affected. If he was Monthor would be affected by the spell, too. (Joe, I assume from the description of the spell that the width of the barrier is negligible, but that is open to other interpretations if you want it to function otherwise). BTW, shouldn't the difficulty of the save be 23?]
Arien sends down a bolt of lightning at the enemy nearest to Horvis, which is now #4. The bug lights up like a glowworm on a warm July night. The rest of its companions are just out of range of the secondary bolts. [Shouldn't the difficulty of the save be one higher here, too?]
Draax's arrows find their mark. Their target slows down a bit, but doesn't fall dead yet.
Monthor shakes off the effect of the gaze [if you are averting eyes you get a 50% chance to avoid all gazes, rolled separately for each. BTW, the dwarven bonus is +2 and it doesn't apply against supernatural abilities.] Then the dwarf charges #1. This puts him within reach of the long arms of the creature [AoO]. The bug reaches out and tries to trip the warrior, but is unable to contain his momentum and instead falls prone itself. The dwarf's axe, however, strikes only the ground next to the umber hulk's head [missed due to concealment].
With two of their number already gone, and the rest badly wounded, the beasts lose their will to fight. One by one, the remaining three umber hulks dive down and grind into the ground, leaving behind what looks like giant molehills [double move - no AoOs from party]. About a minute passes without them coming back and finally one can start to suspect that this was indeed a full retreat, not a tactical maneuver.
The crowd nearby starts to cheer and applaud and a group of men armed with shovels and picks starts to run towards the debris. Some of them carry litters. Soon the last survivor is carried away and the townsfolk begin the grim task of removing bodies from the piles of shattered planks of wood.
Once the spell effects die down the party (well, those of you who are standing on the battlefield, anyway) is approached by the mayor.
"Excellent work! I wish those buffons up in the fort were capable of such prowress and efficiency! Pity about the last man killed by them, but I suppose even Valdor himself couldn't have saved everyone. There will be funerals today, but it appears none of the local folk have been killed. Allow me to extend to you the full hospitality of Goodlamond!"
Draax Tuesday December 26th, 2006 6:01:05 AM
Draax smiles at the applauds, but keeps his bow out until all victims and/or survivors are moved out of the rumble. Once he is assured that everyone is safe, he puts his bow away and heads back up the lift to retrieve his horse.
Once he is back on the ground level, he remounts his horse and waits to see if the others want to take the mayor up on his offer of hospitality.
Monthor Tuesday December 26th, 2006 8:55:15 AM
Monthor kneels next to the last killed man. A small tear runs down his cheek. Yes, they managed to save a few but even the lost of one is a lost. And Monthor takes all loses personaly. These umber hulks have made a powerfull ennemie today. And they will soon learn to regret it. Monthor stands and turns towards the mayor....
" Why are ye rejoycing!!! This may not be over yet! What is to stop them from coming back?!? Gardner was right! Had we planned this better, this poor man would still be alive! "
Monthor advances towards Gardner and walks up to her. On his way there he pats Tratain on the arm and nods to Horvis in recognition of their part in the battle on the field.
" Ye need to plan in case they come back Gardner. Me would offer me help if ye are good enough to take it? The rest of the lads are, as always, free to do as they wish. "
Izen d20=7 Tuesday December 26th, 2006 9:28:26 AM
Izen floated down near the battlefield, found an out-of-sight location behind a tree (Hide 23 +40 for being invisible, net 70!), then reappeared before strolling out to join his companions.
"Thanks for the cloak," he said to Monthor as he extended the cape back to its owner. "Helped one of them."
He looked around at the battlefield and at the cheering people. He scowled and snorted with disgust. "Peasants. Pathetic weaklings." He shrugged off any congratulations with a snarl.
Tratain Wednesday December 27th, 2006 12:44:30 AM
Tratain surveys the battlefield. He is upset that one of the people he was trying to save died, but he had no way to prevent it, such a malicious act.
He asks the Captain "Have those Umberhulks ever come here before? I'd like to know what drew them here, so perhapse we can prevent them from attacking this place again."
He says to the Mayor "I'm not sure if my friend wish to stay, perhapse we could take you up on your offer on our way home? We have pressing matters that we need to attend too."
Cleaning up - DM Marcin Wednesday December 27th, 2006 10:12:52 AM
Monthor and Tratain head up to the fort, but find that it's commander is coming down the stairs herself. They meet at the base of the Lesser Stairs.
"Nice performance, given the circumstances." - her face is unreadable. "You probably saved a few lives today, but what this whole mess spells for the town in the long run nobody can tell for sure."
"Some of the beasts occasionally try to cross over from the Preserve to the First Plateau - that is one of the reasons why I keep my watch here - but that's the first time some actually burrowed under. I'll need to write a report on this and let wiser heads than mine ponder on it. On that note, exactly who are you? I believe you haven't given us the name of your group?"
"I have absolutely no idea what drove them here. Might be something going on in the Monster Preserve. Have you noticed how everything up there seems to be more vibrant and alive these days? Some of my men say that it's almost as if the whole forest was awakening. Pretty scary thought when you sit right on the edge of it. Not sure where you are heading, but something tells me there will be work here a'plenty in a short time. If you work for the City we might be seeing each other again soon."
"As for the plan, since you can't exactly drag the beasts from under the ground, there is little left but to remain vigilant. I'll have my men patrol Goodlamond at night for the next two weeks. If you could stay here for a week or two I'm sure everybody would feel much safer. I don't see how we could do anything more. Unless... some of your companions seem to be spellslingers of no small skill. There was enough magic being thrown around down here just a moment ago to lay low a whole regiment. I hear magic can see the future, maybe it could tell you if we should expect a return visit."
Nearby the Mayor is busy directing workers cleaning up the field. His booming voice can be probably heard even up on the walls of the fort. "That's trash, throw that out and burn it! We need new logs and new planks! Tear down the barn near the pond and bring it all here! Move it, move it, that's our lifeblood that's right now not going up and down these stairs! What? Uh, but of course. You are welcome to stay with us when you have more time. We don't forget those who did us kindness."
The rebuilding effort has already started. It seems that half of the town is working on it; not surprising given the amount of income that travellers bring to local inns. The head of the umber hulk that has been slain in the less messier way (by Horvis and Monthor) has been mounted on a pike as promised. It's dead amber eyes, now dim and harmless, look sadly at the horizon. Nearby wounded people are being tended to by local healers. Dead bodies, eleven in total, have been respectfully laid down near the cliffs and covered with cloth.
The crowd on the Second Plateau has slowly dispersed. The horses and ponies of the party have been led down the stairs by the soldiers. It's still an hour before noon. The sun choses this moment to appear from behind a small cloud and suddenly there is a rainbow over the waterfall.
Izen Wednesday December 27th, 2006 11:13:57 PM
The halfling looked back up to the cliff. With a clear look of misgiving, he said, "I suppose that someone should go back up and retrieve the mounts. After that--" he glanced meaningfully at his compatriots. "We should be moving on. We draw far too much attention to ourselves."
Draax Wednesday December 27th, 2006 11:37:52 PM
Draax takes his horse from the soldier and waits for the others to complete anything they are doing. "Yea, I agree with Izen; time to get going."
Arien Thursday December 28th, 2006 1:23:55 AM
"I say that we take a look at this waterfall before we go. That is the reason we left the city in the first place after all. Since we are nearby we might as well head there now." Arien flies a little in the direction of the waterfall, an inquisitive look on his face.
Juliander Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:21:18 AM
Feeling less then useful at the moment, Juliander takes his cue from Izen and retrieves the mounts, bringing them down to join the rest of the group.
The waterfall - DM Marcin Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:42:15 AM
The waterfall does not, unfortunately, look anything like the one on the painting. There is a small orchard of trees growing on the banks of its pool, but no particular tree stands out as special. After a moment of observation from his vantage point high above it Arien concludes that this is not the place the party has been trying to locate. Three is the charm then - what is left is the fall between Trojemaret and Golpherand.
Some voice the opinion that the party should waste no more time and move on. The day is still young and the group could still travel a long way today. The map shows that there are two roads to choose from now: West towards Edenmoor and North towards Windhorn Hamlet.
Izen Thursday December 28th, 2006 5:55:05 PM
"West road, right?" Izen looked at Horvis. He straightened his pack on his back and reflexively tied a slip knot in the pony's bridle as he waited.
Jova Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:02:49 PM
Jova walked down with the soldiers and the mounts. The village, if it could be called that, was uneventful. He follows the others, no desire to stay here.
Monthor Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:48:24 PM
Previously...
"On that note, exactly who are you? I believe you haven't given us the name of your group?"
Monthor: " We were formally the Windhorn Hamleteers. We were also known briefly as Monthor's Angels. Now... we wish to be called the company of the Grey Knights. "
" I'll have my men patrol Goodlamond at night for the next two weeks. If you could stay here for a week or two I'm sure everybody would feel much safer. "
Monthor: " Unfortunately, we are already on another mission. We cannot stay. "
"I hear magic can see the future, maybe it could tell you if we should expect a return visit."
Monthor: " Tratain? "
Monthor: " We need to get back to the rest of our company. Me thinks that you'll need to deal with that mayor of yours before he gets more people killed. Me don't like his style. A dwarf needs to have his hands bloody before he can lead. Me doubt that that one ever held an axe in his hand for more then cutting wood. Good luck. "
Draax Friday December 29th, 2006 2:25:08 AM
"Yea Izen, I believe you are right about the west road. ::Looks over at Hovis for confirmation.::
"I guess that narrows down the available waterfalls left to investigate. The question is, do we want to check it out now since we are so close or wait until we return? Either option is OK with me."
On the road - DM Marcin Friday December 29th, 2006 3:39:39 AM
The party gives some final words of warning to the captain of the fort, mounts their horses, and then leaves Goodlamond behind.
The western road leads in the direction of Edenmoor and, very conveniently, near the third waterfall, so the Grey Knights won't have to make a detour to examine the place depicted on the painting. The old Saferoad is very busy - with the traffic up and down the Plateaus blocked at Goodlamond a lot of travellers had to turn back and seek ascent to the Second Plateau elsewhere. Even though the road is wide and generally well maintained it's impossible to take full advantage of the speed offered by the horses, at least not for the first twenty miles.
The sun reaches its zenith and then begins its slow descent to the horizon. The day is a bit chilly, just as predicted. The Brinkwater is a constant companion of your journey, always to your right. The lands around the road show some signs of cultivation, but it would be enough to enter the forest on the other bank of the river to find yourself in the wild. Game can be seen grazing peacefully on the edge of the woods.
By the late afternoon the party reaches the outskirts of Trojemaret. The settlement sits on the very edge of the cliffs of the First Plateau. The houses and cottages are huddled together in a chaotic fasihon, creating a small maze of zig-zagging passages and narrow alleys - not a town yet, but well on its way to becoming one. Columns of white smoke rise from many chimneys instantly bringing to mind the smell of freshly baked bread. The village peacefully goes about its business. The only unusual feature is a queue of travellers waiting for their turn to descend from the First Plateau to the Lands Beyond. It is, I'm afraid, more than half a mile long.
Arien Friday December 29th, 2006 5:54:33 AM
"Well I don't know about you but I vote that we stay the night here and resume the journey in the morning, I certainly don't feel like waiting in that." The elven mage indicates the long line with a nod of his head. "Also the last waterfall is here, perhaps we can find out some information regarding it, see if there has been some unusual activity and such in the past."
Arien knees the horse to a canter and heads into town looking for an inn and a stable.
Izen Friday December 29th, 2006 8:47:16 AM
Izen shook his head slightly. "What does a waterfall have to with our mission?" he asked, only partly rhetorically.
He eyed the descent. "Many of us made it down the previous cliff without a lift. Perhaps we could again."
Draax Friday December 29th, 2006 10:14:47 AM
Draax narrows his eyes at Izen until he remembers that Izen did not know about the oak tree. He smiles as he says, "The waterfall has nothing to do with our mission; it is a personal curiosity for a few of us. A few of us are part owners of an estate in Plateau City. We did a favor for Queen Maab and when we returned to our home we found an eighty-foot tall oak tree that magically appeared on our estate. Shortly after the discovery, a gnome appeared selling paintings and one of the paintings had a waterfall with an oak tree that was a twin to the one that appeared on our estate. The gnome did not remember painting the tree and did not know how it appeared in his painting. So we decided to see if we could find the waterfall with the tree and see if it was connected to us in some way. During our search and a couple of side trips, we became acquainted with Lord Arrak which led to us being here. We put the search for the tree on hold for now, but we still plan to find it."
To the comments about whether to stay or try to make it down without using the lifts, Draax says, "I am gamed for staying a night here, unless we can somehow get our horses down too."
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