Aiden d20=11 d20=18 d20=10 d20=13 Monday December 25th, 2006 8:37:15 PM
Aiden, who had been trying to follow the others on their climb, stopped and waited, as words came down from Yanosh.
Somewhere lost in time Tuesday December 26th, 2006 10:57:39 PM
Yanosh whispers to Neco to put out the light. Easier said than done when teh light is an everburning torch. The dwarf heard something though and as Aiden locates and successfully climbs to the second ledge his training at filtering out the background noise and focusing in on enemies, also hears a small creek and click from above.
Bohdi waits in the mounting tension below with Wolf and Garret. Whispered warnings to douse the lights? The others quickly scampering up? Does anyone see anything? Is splitting up like this such a waise idea? Is his imagination and slight pessemism to expect the worse just getting to him? Could he really be asking himself so many questions? Did you leave the Fire lit? Fire?! Squork, there is enough going on without your help...just lightening your mood.....
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday December 27th, 2006 10:01:32 AM
"Bloody bird," Bohdi muttered. And here the gnome was without a prestidigitation spell left for the day. He couldn't afford to get too excited.
"Steady on, mate, steady on," he counseled himself.
Garrett Wednesday December 27th, 2006 4:58:23 PM
Garrett sheathes his sword as requested, trusting those on the ledge to make the best decisions possible. He waits below for word.
(I'll be hit and miss for the next week. Holidays and all. Happy Holidays to you all.)
Yanosh Thursday December 28th, 2006 11:52:10 AM
Yanosh peers over the edge of the ledge and looks around trying to see what is up there. Silently he says a prayer to the gods as he looks around.
Aiden d20=6 d20=5 Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:30:41 PM
Aiden continued to await the orders from the others whether to continue to climb to stay in his current position.
listen:6 + 6 = 12 spot:5 + 7 = 12
Neco d20+8=27 Thursday December 28th, 2006 7:00:00 PM "Put it out! Put it out! You can't just put this kind of thing out!" The rogue thinks to herself as she stuffs the brightly glowing torch into her cloak, to blanket out the light. The rogue questions in her mind if putting away the lights is right. It can't be worse than frozen undead. Heeding the cautions, Neco hides on the dark ledge.
--Actions--
Hide [27]
Utter Dark Friday December 29th, 2006 2:41:08 PM
Bohdi mentally calms himself down, this waiting stuff was not his fortie, but he could certainly do it. Then Garret's sword sings into his scabbard and the lower area goes black. The light from Neco's torch shines out from above, but in a moment it too dims to nothing and all the cave is plunged into complete and utter blackness. Save for Yanosh alone, no one can see anything.
The trace of the sounds above are gone. There is movement on the second ledge, the crunch of boot on ice and slight clink of metal and russle of leather and cloth. Something is moving up there.
Yanosh looks up the second 10' climb, his darkvision, easily piercing the nothingness of this now lightless world below ground. Beyond the third ledge, he can see there will be two more climbs to reach the upper areas. One set to the left and about 20' higher then that third ledge the other to the right and only a 3-5' hop.
Bohdi Nackle Saturday December 30th, 2006 11:50:53 PM
Bohdi waited in the dark.
I hate waiting in the dark, he thought to himself. It felt too much like time itself had vanished along with the light. And yet, somehow, he sensed as if the pause was merely a signal--a sign that one period of time was coming to an end, and that another was about to begin.
He thought about the wizardmeets back in Zarnan City, with the great assemblages of teams competing from different schools, that would occur at the end of each year. Bohdi always had looked forward to the great wizard games that occurred at the wizardmeets. Each school brought forth wizards of awesome prowess, wearing the heraldry of their proud institutions. There was the red of the evokers, the purple of the conjurers, the yellow of the diviners, the black of the necromancers.... Bohdi, of course, was with the illusionists.
Yanosh Sunday December 31st, 2006 9:15:21 AM
"Beyond the third ledge, I can see two more climbs to reach the upper areas. One set to the left and about 20' higher then that third ledge the other to the right and only a 3-5' hop. Looks like we can have some light now. I'm sure bohdi will like to have some." Yanosh whispers back. "I dont see anything dangerouslooking on this level."
Aiden Sunday December 31st, 2006 1:43:52 PM
Hearing what Yanosh and Bohdi had said, Aiden waited for the orders to move onwards.
"he's not the only one..." he muttered in reply to Yanosh's whispers.
Neco d20+6=26 Monday January 1st, 2007 3:57:13 PM
Neco uncovers her torch letting the light drive back the obscuring darkness. Looking up to the ledges above, she wonders, "What is up their?" Neco attempts to climb up to the next ledge.
--Actions--
Climb (26) NAT! :)
Nauthiz'Ull d20+5=24 d20+10=25 Monday January 1st, 2007 7:05:01 PM
Nauth's fur-covered hand slowly begins to rub the icy ledge that he is perched on while his eyes are milky and glazed as if his spirit were elsewhere. He looks around scruntching his face to try and break the casket of darkness.
Hearing the slight whisper of his favorite gnome Nauth's head moves towards his voice and nods smoothly.
Turning his lithe frame back towards the next ledge Nauth begins to feel for some holds to grip onto as he tries to scale up further and with Yanosh. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ climb.24 listen.25
Recap and Progress Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 3:33:25 PM
After a hard fought battle the group has entered the cave where the trail has led. In essence, this hole in the side of the crevace, seems to be a single large cavern of a somewhat dome shape. Opposite the groups entrance lie several shelves or ledges that force a climb up as one would want to progress towards the back reaches of the structure.
the two animal companion wolves, Bohdi, Wolf and Garret stand at the very lowest level, while the group investigates. Aiden and Yanosh are both on the second shelf and Neco and Nauthiz`Ull have both just climbed to the third shelf. From here, Neco and Nauthiz look about themselves by the flickering orange light of the Everburning torch jammed into the rogues sword belt.
The the pairs left, a ledge wall can be made out. It is about 20' and almost entirely made of ice. To the right, just at the shadowed edge of the light, appears to be a small niche or burrow perhaps 3' off the ground. As the pair look about themselves a crackling female voice as ancient as the Vein itself breaks the silence and is easily heard by all.
"Who comes to seek my audience? Who is that slithering about in the shadows near my home?"
Neco, Aiden, Garret and Bohdi Int DC 15 (d20+int modifier if any) Highlight to display spoiler: {The speech carries a distinct orcish accent}
Bohdi Nackle d20+4=6 Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 5:10:37 PM
Bohdi listened to the voice and shivered. (INT check 6) It was creepy enough to think of someone who lived in a place infested with Bevroren Doden and called it 'home' that he noticed nothing else about the voice itself.
Garrett d20+1=8 Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 8:41:20 PM
Garrett hears the voice from above. and calls back before any of his comrades get hasty in their actions. He also pulls out his sword to spread some more light.
"We know not who you are, nor have we come seeking you. We come searching for a child. A human child stolen from our village by Tuskers. And, we are not slithering, we are merely being quiet. We have already met and killed many of the walking dead, and wish to learn what we can before more descend upon us."
"Step forth and show yourself. We mean you no harm unless you mean harm to us or the child we seek. Do you know of the child of which I speak? and if so can you help us to find her?"
Garrett awaits response or action by the ancient sounding woman.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith(cast), Bless(cast), Command(cast), Magic Weapon(d)(cast),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon(cast), Hold Person x2(cast x2), Bulls Strength(cast)(d)
Wand CLW: 21 remain
Aiden d20=18 d20=14 Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 9:39:30 AM
Aiden spoke back. "The other spoke well." Then, after a moment of thought, he added, "It was not our intension to invade your home. If you wish to speak in young other tongue, I can translate to those who do not understand."
notice the ork accent: 18 + 1 = 19 (OOC: is it similar to Aiden's as he had grown up in Twin Tusks?)
knowledge (local and having lived in twinn tusks) of who this could be: 14 + 2 = 16
Neco d20+3=16 d20+1=12 Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 11:47:13 AM
Neco's torch gives away her position. There is not no use in trying to hide. Still, she can't help but stop from moving or making noise. Standing quietly on the ledge Neco tries to visualize the speaker.
--Actions--
Int [16] Sense Motive [12]
The Voice Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 4:01:39 PM
The voice crackles off the walls, filling some with dread and others with curiosity. Garret speaks first and tells the phantom voice of the group's purpose in the cave and what has befallen them so far. At mention of the walking the dead, the old voice chuckles but says no more. Garret asks of the child and Aiden volunteers to translate if the old voice wishes to speak in its native tongue. The astute ranger having picked up the probable source of her accent. Neco, Bohdi and the rest stand quiet, little to add at this time to the conversation. Neco concentrates on the fluctuations of the voice, for the hidden meanings and unnatural pauses that could provide more information of intent. She can discern nothing however. The cave echoes and not knowing who or what she is listening to makes deciphering the motivation behind the voice quite hard if not impossible.
The voice speaks again and as Aiden dwells upon it a single being matches all he currently knows. That of a very old, female orc living within a cave of unnatural ice. These three things all fit the star of many Tusker fire tales, The Ice Witch. She is hero, villain or uncaring third party but always a force of power and one not to taken lightly. The memory sends an involuntary shiver up the young man's spine.
The Voice crackles through the dimly lit cave, "Speak you of stepping forth? This is my home and if you wish to treat with me, you must do the stepping. Before you do I would know the answer to my first question." The voice echoes and fades slightly before continuing, "Child you say though, a human girl perhaps?" As this last sounds rebound from high above most there is another softer gentler sound as well, the coo of a female, likely a young girl.
Yanosh d20+1=20 Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 4:23:51 PM
Yanosh quickly and as sighlently as possible finished his climb to where his friends are at.(Ooc If he is not already there.) Yanosh listens to what the old voice has to say (Yanosh can speak orc though he has yet to let any know he can.) Still invisible Yanosh approches the hole in the cave wall to sneak a peek in after he arrives by his friends.
climb-19
Yanosh-Edd Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 4:24:49 PM
Ooc Sorry dont know what i was thinking climb check is a 20 not a 19.
Bohdi Nackle d20=7 Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 4:59:25 PM
Something about the voice made Bohdi think that this was not a being to be trifled with.
"It's Bohdi Nackle, illusionist, formerly of Zarnan City, now of Ice Peak Village," the gnome called from the cave floor. He began to climb (Climb check, untrained, 7), badly as usual. "And I'm--oof!--I'm coming up."
"At least, I'm bloody well trying," the gnome muttered.
Garrett Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 5:08:20 PM
Garrett calls back after hearing the womans voice, and what sounds like a child.
"I am Garrett, Cleric of Domi from Ice peak village. These are my friends Nauthiz'Ull, Aiden, Bohdi, Neco, Yanosh, and Wolf. I will be happy to step forth. Just give me a moment to do it for I am not quite as nimble as some of my companions."
Garrett begins to climb up the ledges towards the voice at the top, requesting help from his Wunjo's while climbing as may be necessary.
Aiden d20=15 d20=17 Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 10:23:31 PM
Aiden continued to climb up, after reaching the next 'step' he lowered the rope to the others to help them climb as well (though making sure to anchor himself so that he doesn't fall).
Speaking in ork, "I am Aiden, and I am...was from Twin Tusks. Yes....we are seeking a human girl."
Within the tales about the Ice Witch, the brave (read....foolhardy) who danced around the truth often had a difficult time about it. True...giving the full information about the hunt was not the wisest of decisions. BUT, the stories of her icy glare that could freeze a man's soul, or her breath that could encase a man in ice....Aiden knew that being brusk or foolhardy (or trying to sly their way out of things) would be an even worse decision.
climb: 15 + 5 = 20 knowledge (more on ice witch...like name, background why she left twin tusks, more stories, so we know what type of 'etiquette' to serve here and not become part of the glacier): 17 + 2 = 19
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=23 d20+5=15 d20+5=12 d20+5=14 d20+5=7 d20+4=21 d20+4=10 Thursday January 4th, 2007 12:03:08 PM
Looking about trying to capture the location of the voice Nauth straightens up into a powerful stance of pride.
"I am Nauthiz'Ull, son of Ull'Heimdall and brother always to Frigg'Isa daughter of Volva'Frigg from the Domi blessed Ice Peak Village."
Nauth will climb down the ledges and back to the ground floor in order to help others make their way up the ice shelves; he then turns to the ulfs and smiles.
"I will try my best to get you two up there, but I will need a bit of help on your part."
Nauth will attempt to help lift the pups up to the next ledge if they cannot jump up on their own. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ listen.23 climb.15,14,12,7 handle animal.21,10
multiple rolls just in case you require them for multiple actions
Neco Thursday January 4th, 2007 5:28:40 PM
Having been already introduced, Neco keeps quiet, and waits for things to get going or to get really bad. The rogue thinks to herself, about how untrustworthy orcs usually are, and how this could end up being really bad.
Climbing the Last Ledge d20+11=18 d20+9=28 d20+9=13 d20+9=26 d20+11=26 d20+11=29 Thursday January 4th, 2007 6:30:40 PM
Names and titles are boldly declared by most and the group as a whole seeks the higher ledges. Yanosh moves to the last climb, a 20' wall of frosted stone and ice and begins to climb. The surface is trecherous and slow, but he progresses upward. [one more climb check DC 20 to reach the top. Failure of 5 or more results in a fall and 1d6 damage]
Bohdi and Garret are in a spot, a very obvious spot. Neither has a prayer of climbing unassisted as Bohdi demonstrates. Nauthiz`Ull comes back down to assist and Aiden secures a rope to himself and sends it down. First Bohdi and then Garret climb up with the rangers' assistance. Nauth looks to the pair of wolves and then up the 10 vertical, the first of three. The pair make several valiant efforts and though the leaps are impressive, covering almost 8 feet, they can not quite get to the upper ledge. Lifting the animals is equally futile. The wolves are going to need to be hauled in a makeshift harness or something to that affect. Wolf then says to Nauthiz`Ull, "I will stay here on the lower level with them and keep them safe until you and the others return." A look on his face conveys to Nauthiz`Ull that nothing would befall the wolves while he stood by them at this time.
Neco keeps quiet, Garret had given her name and she waits for the others on the lower ledges to arrive at her position.
Within the span of 15 minutes the party is gathered at the base of the final 20' climb. Yanosh is invisible, though the group generally knows he kept going and is likely already up. During the last final climbs Aiden shares some of what he remebers about the Ice Witch of the Twin Tusks, if this is indeed her. She was said to a witch in every sense of the word. She was old and always was as far as any memory could say and her true name lost long ago, she was The Ice Witch and that was all any need know. Likewise why she left the Tusk or even if she was ever part of the tribe was lost. But the stories all told of the brave and desperate would sek her out for advise, power over rivals or for teaching. Some disappeared, others returned triumphant and still others as near mindless creatures. The rule is The Ice Witch is unpredictable and those who treastie with her do so at thier peril. All manner of evil acts have been atributed to her, but so to have acts of generosity and benevolance. A common start to any tale with her is 'When one speaks to a creature without a heart, one never knows how it will respond.'
Yanosh d20+1=3 d6=4 Thursday January 4th, 2007 9:45:11 PM
"I am Yanosh Ironfist I am climbing up the final level. I come to speak not to fight. I am new with my friends and I seek what they seek." Yanosh calls from the face of the Ice wall he is climbing up. Slipping and loosing his grip Yanosh plunges to the level the rest of his companions are on. "WHAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Landing hard Yanosh lays there staring up at the cave ceiling making sure he can still move all of his parts. "Well" he states out loud, "I'm not climbing anymore." Then a laugh breaks from his lips at his carelessness.
HP-26
Bohdi Nackle d20=16 Friday January 5th, 2007 9:12:12 AM ooc: Yanosh and DM: Bohdi cast Invisibility and Spider Climb on Yanosh, remember? (If he hadn't, Bohdi would have cast Spider Climb on himself at the base of the climbs!) So Yanosh probably didn't need the climb check, or if he did should have gotten a massive bonus--or if he still missed it, should have been a ...
BIC: "Falling invisible dwarf!" Bohdi warned his compatriots. He shook his head as the invisible bulk of dwarf and equipment landed in the snow and ice of the ledge, narrowly missing the gnome and the rest of the group. "Bloody starkers," he muttered.
He regarded the final climb. "Well, we've bloody well come this far, haven't we?" he asked with a shiver. It wasn't clear whether he was addressing the others or himself. Then he looked at the others. "Put away your weapons," he recommended, while sheathing his own wand. "I sense that swords will be of no use here."
Bohdi readied to climb when the others did, using what assistance the could offer (Climb 16).
Garrett Friday January 5th, 2007 9:24:54 AM
Garrett thanks his wunjo's for their help in getting him up the ledges. He climbs as high as he can get, trying to reach the ice witch, and waiting for her response to his original questions.
Garrett d20+4=14 d20+4=17 d20+4=11 d20+4=16 d20+4=10 Friday January 5th, 2007 9:28:05 AM
Climb Checks: 14, 17, 11, 16, 10.
Yanosh d20+5=14 Friday January 5th, 2007 11:52:00 AM
(Ooc I had forgoten of the spider climb spell. oh well it is ice he's climbing I'll take the fall if need be. just for the sake of the game.)
BIC... Yanosh stands up and flexes his arms and legs. Rubbing is head he looks around and sees the imprint of his landing in the snow. "HAHAHA look a snow DWARF. HAHAHA. Oh well back to the climb." Yanosh laughs at his own harsh landing. Calling out, "Ice Witch I am Yanosh of the clan Ironfist and I come to talk with you of what we seek."
(Ooc climb check with atleast a +5 for spider climb will still make him fall so let me know if i need to take more damage or if he makes it.)
Nauthiz'Ull [hp33/38] aid another rolls-d20+5=13 d20+5=6 d20+5=20 d20+5=14 d20+5=10 d20+5=13 d20+5=12 d20+5=18 d20+5=25 Climb Check- d20+5=10 d20+5=16 d20+5=24 d6=5 Friday January 5th, 2007 12:40:45 PM
Stroking the frost crusted fir of the sisters, the ranger nods to the stoic warrior with warm eyes of gratitude.
"Right. Lets get you all up these ledges..."
Nauth quickly begins boosting his wunjos up the ledges, aiding whenever possible. The first two attempts by the ranger find him flat on his his back and gripping and climbing as he slides down to the ledge below.
"Looks like third time's the charm."
Once the top is reached he will take a moment to catch his breath and nod to Garret that he is ready to procede. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Not sure how you want to do this but I want Nauth to be the last one up after ensuring that the others are all up safely... aid anothers.13,6,20,14,10,13,12,18,25 Climb check.10,16,24 climb damage.5
DM Note Friday January 5th, 2007 4:04:16 PM
NOTE: I only have Yanosh as invisible. There was minor confusion on how high the ledges were and upon clarification I was under the impression Bohdi only cast his Invisibility to allow Yanosh to scout as the relatively easy 10' climbs were not dangerous to that extent. see dec 19 and 20.
Neco d20+6=26 d20+6=23 Saturday January 6th, 2007 7:44:42 AM
Neco waits another round for a few members of the group to get to the top. The rogue would rather not be the first to see the witch. Neco will offer her help to those who need it. "Anyone need a boost?" If there are two or more people already up top she will start to make her way to them.
--Actions--
Climb aid another [26]
Climb [23]
Yanosh d6=5 Saturday January 6th, 2007 12:25:19 PM
Ooc he is right the spider climb was never cast so Yanosh take 5 more points of dmg.
Aiden d20=19 d20=7 d20=5 Sunday January 7th, 2007 2:05:33 AM
Aiden looking at Garret, says quietly to him, "I will go with you to meet her..." It didn't come out as a request, but more a fact.
And Aiden led the way. Once he gets to the top, he nods, respectfully to the witch (if she is visible there). "Hello..." he says in ork to her in whatever 'respectful' tone that the language could muster.
Aiden, even as most of the other Tuskers were raised, respected their elders since they had to be VERY tough to become that age.
And the Ice Witch was one individual who was at the top of the list due to her infamy, ability to cast magicks that were strange and powerful, and be able to survive on her own.
Again, he will lower the rope, and try to help the others up...(Unless there is something up there too dangerous for him to divert his attention away)
Climb: 19 + 5 = 24 Aid climb: 7 + 5 = 12 (used climb in with this) and 5+ 5 = 10
Bohdi Nackle Sunday January 7th, 2007 3:31:20 PM
Given the DM's and Yanosh's comments, Bohdi will cast Spider Climb on himself before attempting the final climb.
Trying to Climb Monday January 8th, 2007 9:33:08 AM Yanosh continues climbing the icy edifice, but as he moves upward his foot slips and the dwarf quickly finds himself disengaged with the rock and falling. The cave echoes with his short cry and solid landing. Dwarves are hearty people though and with a small joke on his lips he looks to begin again. At the moment he is not having any luck.
Bohdi gives a warning to the others as Yanosh comes hurtling down and then looks back to the 20' near vertical climb before him. One Spider snack later and Bohdi is set to go. Advising the others to sheathe weapons and getting his wand located, the gnome begins his own much less perilous climb. He quickly moves up 10' and waits to see if the others will be able to make it.
Garrett looks for a good location to make the final 20'. There are few to choose from and despite a boost from Nauthiz'Ull, the cleric of Domi make no progress. .
Nautiz`Ull gives Garret a boost, back against the wall and hands cupped as a step for the man. Garret steps in and up but makes it no further
Neco waits to see if anyone is going to make it to the top of the last 20' climb. So far no one is even close.
Aiden calls out a hello in what is likely the woman above's native tongue and sets to climbing with Garrett. Unlike the cleric, Aiden progresses up the face of the 20' wall rather well and is soon halfway up.
The party is all at the same area of the cave. The last 20' near vertical climb to where the voice was emanating from. Bohdi, having spider climb is 10' up and waiting for someone else to make the top. Aiden is also 10' up. Everyone else either failed the climb check or stated they were waiting for others to get there first. The climb DC is 20, it takes 2 consecutive successful checks to make it. Failing by 5 or more results in a fall. Currently I can think of any way other than a boost to AID Another in a climb check until someone makes it to the top. It takes 2 hands to climb.
The cubby above has fallen quiet. Whoever or whatever awaits you is doing simply that waiting. The resulting silence is rather unnerving really. Is the creature Aiden has labled The Ice Witch waiting with some horrid spell or nasty trap to spring on the first to pull themselves over the lip to her lair? Perhaps an enchantment to bend your minds one at a time as each makes the top?
Bohdi Nackle d20=18 Monday January 8th, 2007 3:07:36 PM
Bohdi finished climbing the rest of the way to the top of the cliff. Once there, he looked around tentatively. "He-hello?" he said, part salutation and part inquiry.
Assuming that he wasn't immediately subject to a Baleful Polymorph, there was a way for Bohdi to help the others climb, of course--he retrieved and lowered the length of his knotted 50' silk rope, and looked for a place to secure it at the top. Should there be no place to tie off the rope, Bohdi would tie the end around himself and brace as best he could--with the aid of his Spider Climb enchantment, of course--to enable the others to climb up more readily.
(I believe that climbing a knotted rope with a wall to brace against is a DC 0. Slippery surface is DC +5. What's the modifier for climbing a rope supported by a Spider Climb-enhanced gnome? Hard to say--maybe a +2 difficulty? STR check for Bohdi to bear the strain of supporting the first climber, presumably Aiden--18, not bad, and not including any circumstance bonus for Spider Climb!)
BTW--we all forgot that Bohdi also has a Feather Fall spell prepared! Should anyone fall this round, including himself, Bohdi will use the spell--it's a free action usable any time.
DM Comment-Well if it makes you feel better. Not really on the Feather Fall forgetting. The only one who has 'wandered' from the wall has been Yanosh and as an invisible guy you couldn't really cast the spell on him anyway.
othere notes. No Baleful Polymorph or other nasty attack comes. While there is no where to tie the rope, Bohdi can readily loop around a low rock and use it as an arrest to hold against for the others.
Garrett Monday January 8th, 2007 5:40:11 PM
Garrett continues to try and get up the frozen wall, waiting for a rope if necessary.
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Monday January 8th, 2007 9:29:19 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of January 1-January 5 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........+...x...x...x...+ Bohdi-Kup............-...x...x...x...- Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...-...o...x...x...- Garrett-Chris.........-...x...x...x...- Aiden-Paul............-...x...x...x...- Neco-James..........-...x...x...x...- Wolf-Justin............-...o...o...o...- Yanosh-Edd..........-...o...x...x...- Dregar-Shawn..........walkabout...
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) + = see notes Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout. --Monday, January 1 was a date that will live in college football infamy. No DM post in solidarity. Yet we soldier on --There was a DM "Note" post on Friday but no new substantive post. --We're still missing Wolf-Justin. I sent him a message back in December when he first missed a week of posts--his email and Internet access were changing during the holiday season. No indication when he'll be back.
Aiden d20=16 Monday January 8th, 2007 10:20:20 PM
Aiden (presumably) finishes the climb, albeit without the magical aid that Bohdi seemed to possess. With each 'step' a wry grin of delight seemed to be born on his face. Once at the top, he, too, tries to help the others through lowering a rope.
Climbing: 16+ 5 = 21 (where are these rolls during combat?!?)
Yanosh d20+6=10 d20+1=12 Tuesday January 9th, 2007 11:51:38 AM
Remebering something he was once told about climbing Yanosh pulls out both of his daggers in an attempt to use them as climbing "spikes". He jams one into the ice at about shoulders hight and tries to pull himself up. befor he climbs Yanosh removes his pack and resettles his axe and shield on his back.
(Ooc ok not sure if youll let him use them to climb with but its a thought. if he can what would the ac be of a large unmoving ice wall? and do i need to roll dmg? and do i need to roll a to-hit everytime as well as a climb or just a climb with a bonus and what bonus?)
to hit-10 climb-12
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=23 d20+12=14 d20+5=14 d20+5=21 d20+5=11 d20+5=10 d20+5=10 d20+5=22 Tuesday January 9th, 2007 3:04:44 PM
Watching as each wunjo attempts to scale this iced wall, Nauth shakes his head at inexperience and the anability of everyone to work together...still.
Hearing Yanosh's daggers splitting ice and snow Nauth turns to the spot where the invisible dwarf pressumably stands.
"Yanosh, let me help you up the wall friend."
Nauth will take the time to show proper footholes and grips for the invisible one to cling to as best he can. He will not ascend until all of the others are up on the ledge. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ listen.23 spot.14 aid another rolls.14, 21, 11, 10, 10, 22
Two on Top Tuesday January 9th, 2007 6:06:12 PM
Bohdi makes the top in short order, and secures a knotted rope line for the less enchanted to make the climb with. As the gnome tosses the rope down and creates an arrest around a 'will have to do rock jetty' Aiden pulls himself over the top of the ledge on his own. The light from Neco's torch down below does very very little to illuminate this cubby anymore than 2-3 feet. Bohdi feels a good tug and a grunt of effort as Garret starts to haul himself up. So far so good, though Bohdi will not be able to use his Feather Fall should anyone fall. Those below the edge are very much out of sight.
Yanosh sets to trying to use his daggers, slamming one into the ice and then the other. Ice flies on the impact of the blade, however the strike did not put the dagger into a good enough position to use as a wall pin. Nauthiz`Ull moves over to the invisible dwarf to assist him. Both men know that using daggers as driving pitons will work, but will take far longer and be a bit more dangerous than climbing the rope hanging nearby.
From the dark beyond Aiden the shadows seem content to wait
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday January 9th, 2007 8:52:32 PM
In the dark, one could hear the sound of a gnome's eyes rolling.
"The rope, you fools, use the bloody rope!" an exasperated voice came from the top of the cliff. A careful listener, however, would discern the following (Listen 10, say? Highlight to display spoiler: {The voice is Squork's, doing a spot-on imitation of his master!}).
Garrett Wednesday January 10th, 2007 8:03:29 AM
"Aiden, since you are already up, can you help Bohdi hold the rope. Everyone use the rope, one at a time. We can't afford any painful falls or broken limbs."
This must be a rather amusing sight Garrett thinks to himself. Look, look at yon heroes trying to climb the ice wall. Garrett continues to pull himself up the knotted rope, cursing ice and snow in his head.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith(cast), Bless(cast), Command(cast), Magic Weapon(d)(cast),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon(cast), Hold Person x2(cast x2), Bulls Strength(cast)(d)
Wand CLW: 21 remain
Yanosh d20+1=21 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 12:46:27 PM
"Now they say we dont need any 'painful' falls. Couldnt mention that before someone left two dwarf shaped imprints in the snow below." Reaching over to the rop Yanosh grasps it and begines to haul himself up and over the ledge, after Garrett. "Thank you Bohdi and to you too Nauth. Come now all up the rope." Yanosh states as he helps to hold the rope.
Neco d20+6=20 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 5:23:12 PM
Now that there are more than one person on top Neco decides that it is safe to move up. Carfully The rogue moves up.
--Action--
Climb [20]
Nauthiz'Ull d20+5=15 d20+5=15 d20+5=25 d20+5=12 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 5:28:51 PM
Watching the oddity that is a rope under the weight of an invisible climbing dwarf, Nauth again shakes his head; a slight chuckle sputters from his throat.
"I will head up last if our wunjo the anchor does not give out before that. Neco," Nauth turns to the better-than-plain girl and swipes a hand in front of him, "after you my dear." A wide smile and a twinkling eye follow the gesture.
Once his turn comes, Nauth grabs the rope and with a hefty tug to insure the anchor is set, begins to grip above each knot and search for footholes along the way.
"You know, I have heard that gnomes are great inventors and it seems that the gnomish grappling hook is no exception." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ climb checks.15,15,25 Nat20!,12
Together Again Wednesday January 10th, 2007 6:19:43 PM
Garret reaches the top and soon is followed by Yanosh and Nauthiz`Ull on the rope. Neco too, makes the ledge and the light from the torch spills out into the recess. The entire room, for lack of a better word, progresses away from you and narrows as it goes. Again very funnel-like. The voice breaks the relative silence, "Was not quite what I expected, do come closer dears." By the shadowy light of Bohdi enhanced vision he can just make out a medium figure, likely sitting and humanoid about 70 feet away. Next to this figure is the shadow of a smaller figure which also appears to be wrapped by one of the arms of the other figure, possibly in protection, possibly to hold the smaller one still and quiet.
"Yes not quite what I expected, but do come on young ones." The ancient voice intones.
Garrett Thursday January 11th, 2007 8:06:48 AM
Garrett, relieved to finally be up the wall, thanks his wunjo's for the assist. He then walks forward, approaching the woman in the darkness.
Garrett pulls out his sword as he moves forward, lighting up the path for him. He lets it hang loosely at his side and calls to the woman, "I mean you no harm or disrespect. My eyes were not made for the dark, and my sword allows me to light the way."
Garrett will continue forward unless the woman objects or asks him to stop. He is quite mindful of the person holding what may be the missing child, and until otherwise shown, considers the child a captive.
Bohdi Nackle d20+11=19 Thursday January 11th, 2007 8:41:17 AM
Bohdi stayed back behind Garrett, gathering up his rope. It was not so much fear, but a keen appreciation of how little he could do in such circumstances, that guided him. The hideous creatures that the party had fought below had convinced him that they were now facing a creature of great power.
Slowly and without comment, Bohdi stepped forward as the creature had requested. His mind raced: had his arcane instruction taught him anything about what to do when treating with a witch of great power? (Knowledge Arcana, 19)
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday January 11th, 2007 11:30:21 AM
Hearing the voice bounce off of iced walls and echo through the chamber Nauth gets a shiver down the back of his neck. Stretching to his fullest height the ranger continues down the hallway and the presence of the voice.
Frigga watch over us, sis.
His thoughts remain just that, thoughts. There is no attempt for teh deeply tanned man to speak.
Yanosh Thursday January 11th, 2007 12:00:55 PM
Yanosh moves down the corridor. "I am Yanosh you may not see me for I am invisable to normal sight. I meen to harm or disrepect. I come with my friends seeking what they seek." Yanosh states in orcish.
Aiden Thursday January 11th, 2007 5:26:28 PM
Aiden kept silent for it was not his place to speak for the group. No, that was Garrett's task. Aiden had told them of the witch, and what little he knew.
Instead of stepping forward with the others, he stayed back. His eyes were deep in thought, as he stood by Bohdi.
Leaning down, towards him (and possibly Neco) if they are nearby, quieting speaking to them, "Perhaps she set the raid to get the girl as bait...for perhaps a task for her, or that she needs something of whoever found her?" He really wasn't quite sure of himself, but for some reason, 'it' had felt as if a test. And the Ice Witch was manipulative enough to set things into motion for it.
<tags>
Face to Face with Ice Witch d20+10=28 Thursday January 11th, 2007 5:51:37 PM
Garrets sword adds more light to the area and he, Yanosh and Nauthiz`Ull move forward to meet the creature in the shadows. Yanosh sees everything clearly before any of the others with his ability to see into the black. What he sees is almost enough to rutn even his dwarven stomach. Perched upon a flat slab of ice is a humanoid, an amagamation of orc and human. The creature wears little, despite the cold, rags of a cloak and scraps wrapped about other areas. Her skin is sunken and pulled tight about her as if she has not eaten in years. Boils, potting and scars are eveident all over her. The left eye appears to have been forcibly removed, a great hump grows on her back and her nose is twisted and bent to be almost unrecognizable as such. "You disapprove of what greets your eyes master dwarf Yanosh?" her voice cracks. The light from Garrets sword soon shows the rest of the group her hideous features as well.
In her left hand she holds a staff, crafted of some dull grey silver like material topped by a crystal clear teardrop carved piece of ice. Her left arm is about the shoulders of a small girl, whom appears to be sleeping. the childs head in the Ice Witch's lap. "If you come at me with force, she will pay dearly for it. She is mine now, though I am surprised to see your like here. What do you plan to do Ice Peakers?"
Bohdi Nackle Thursday January 11th, 2007 7:09:48 PM
"Do?" Bohdi echoed, his voice returning to him. He stepped forward. "What do we plan to do?"
He nodded toward the little girl. "You lay claim to a girl of our village. By what rights do you claim her? Did you bear her? Did you rear her, nurture her, give her suck? Did you come to her in the night when she cried, soothe her when she fell, give her the knowledge she needs to survive in the Vein? Did you welcome her into the pack, teach her the value of the hunt, teach her of her ancestors, her people, her heritage, her community? Did you do any of those things?"
He shook his head as he stepped forward again. Echoing through the chamber came the sounds of the Ice Peak Village--the sounds of children playing, of hunters greeting one another in the commons, of people coming and going. (Cast: Ghost Sound)
"No, old woman," Bohdi continued. "You are not of her clan or kin. You have not fought off the chill of the Vein to nurture the flame of her life. You have not paid the price of blood and iron that she might live. Not like her parents. Not like Kayra, Bjorn'Ursa, and Molka'Frodr. Not like the village that is her home. You have no claim over her. Her place is with us."
He extended his hand, and spoke in a clear, but gentle voice. "Come, Elfr'Ásleif. Get up. Time to go home."
Yanosh d20-2=16 Friday January 12th, 2007 1:16:08 PM
"Witch the sight of you is not pleasent to my eyes true. But then again I am not a stranger to being ill treated because of what I look like." With that said Yanosh unwraps his head and face. It is the first time that any of his new friends have seen what he trully looks like. Yanosh is bald with the exception of a flaming red goatee and moustache. His head and face are coverd in severe burn scars now healed but leaving the dwarf with a verry unapealing apearance. "As you can see witch I am defaced as well, so your apearance means little to me. Now the child is not yours she belongs to her parents and family in the village that my friends are from as well. Release her for we mean you no harm. What is it that you wish for the childs release? Tell us for maybe we can give what it is you trully want. For we want the childs safe return to her family."
Yanosh chr is a 7
diplomacy check untrained = 16
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=23 d20+2=12 Friday January 12th, 2007 3:02:09 PM
The sight is truly enough to gag those of a weak stomach; Nauth, however, has seen horrible sights before.
He starts to stiffen and grow tense in every muscle at the witch's words and moves to address her in typicall Nauthiz'Ull fashion when Bohdi, gnome of sense, clear thought and suprising moments of courage emerges from the shadows and soundly addresses this being's motives. He eases a bit and holds his lip for the time being.
Icy-blue eyes scan the illuminated areas of the chamber and try as valiantly as a human's set can to pierce the corners of darkness. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spot.23 sense motive (untrained).12
Aiden d20=18 d20=17 Sunday January 14th, 2007 3:08:02 PM
Aiden, blanched slightly, at the sight of the hag. He had, having been raised among orcs, and other...things..., seen many an ugly and deformed creatures. But perhaps this creature was one of the worst that he had seen.
He was surprised by Bohdi's vehemence, and felt a bit of pride in the small magician. Such courage was something that many of the tales within Twin Tusks spoke of about their heroes (whether they were doomed or not). However, it was Garrett that was selected leader, and Aiden, had little words he could offer in exchange.
However, he also knew that they could not simply overtake her (the Ice Witch) with force or even Bodhi's magic.
No...something else had to be done instead...And the dwarf, rather eloquently, put it to the Ice Witch most bluntly.
Aiden waited for the response, BUT did keep his wary eyes looking about to see if anything was trying for a tactical advantage in the shadows.
Spot:7 + 18 = 25 Listen: 6 + 17 = 23 (OOC: *winces at the rolls...why do I have a feeling that in our next battle, I'll be hammered by 1's and 2's?)
Staring Down the Witch Monday January 15th, 2007 11:51:56 AM
Bohdi moves a few steps closer, Garret stands silently nearby with his glowing sword in hand. As the gnome speaks, sounds, almost like those of human voices fill the cavern and the gnome advances. His companions move with him and the lone eye of the Witch grows wider and the hand grapsed about the staff starts to tremble. Clenching her jaw slightly she summons what appears to be some courage and replies.
"What Claim? I saved this creature. She was in the hands of a brutal and horrid orc war leader Jkull and were it not for me the rest of her relatively short life would have been painful indeed. But do not hurt an old woman I did not think Ice Peakers would come. It is not in your nature, but you perhaps are not like the others." Her eye shifts to Neco for a moment and then back to Bohdi, "But I see you have your own Austlander slave."
She pauses to see what the party might do
Yanosh d20=13 d20=20 Monday January 15th, 2007 1:06:54 PM
"Slave?" Yanosh looks around the group wondering who the witch could be speaking of? Seeing the Witches gaze shift but not sure to who Yansoh can only wonder who the witch was speaking of. "There are none slaved here. We are all free men and women. Are we not?" Yanosh mutters. Yanosh looks around for any possible dangers that may try to surprise them as he lets those more capable do the talking.
perception-13 spot-NAT 20
Posting Report (ADM Kup) Monday January 15th, 2007 1:35:34 PM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of January 8-January 12 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...o Bohdi-Kup............x...x...x...x...- Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...x...x...x...- Garrett-Chris.........x...x...x...o...- Aiden-Paul............x...o...x...x...- Neco-James..........o...x...o..o...- Wolf-Justin............o...o...o...o...- Yanosh-Edd..........x...x...x...x...- Dregar-Shawn..........walkabout...
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) + = see notes Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Shawn/Dregar is on walkabout. --We're still missing Wolf-Justin.
Bohdi Nackle Monday January 15th, 2007 2:02:06 PM
Bohdi scowled. "What's she on about, then?" he wondered aloud.
The sounds of the village continued. "We don't believe in violence for violence's sake, if that's what you mean," he said deliberately. "We don't use violence except when necessary. We try to live in balance with our environment and take no more than is needed, to respect the land and the Wold around us."
"We haven't come here with the intention to hurt you. We came to rescue the girl and bring her home. So, release her, and let us all go in peace, and no harm will come to you."
Nauthiz'Ull Monday January 15th, 2007 3:40:07 PM
Something was not right here but Nauth knew not what that something was. Looking around, he saw the shifting eye of the woman and a slight look of fear but Nauth knew that could just be the broken-leg routine of the cunning.
"You mettle with tradition and the keystone of survival...mother, and that jeopardizes our way of life; I will not let that happen. We are guided by higher powers," Nauth pulls up his mottled sleeve to expose the tattoo of Frigg'Isa, "Powers that are in the court of Celsiun himself. All we want is the girl and we will ask peaceably for her again, but you are right, we are unlike the others of Ice Peak and we are not as patient."
Nauth, standing well over six feet tall and deeply tanned with almost sparkling blue eyes, pulls his stature to it utmost lengths and pushes out his chest a bit as well.
"Come Elfr'Ásleif, you are to go home with us where you belong. Leave her side child and stand behind me."
Neco Monday January 15th, 2007 11:56:05 PM
It is the staff, crafted of some dull grey silver like material topped by a crystal clear teardrop carved piece of ice that catches Neco's eye, and keeps her silent as the party negotiates for the child, asleep in the old crone's lap.
The rogue is in the process of drawing closer to the party, when the witch refers to her as a...slave.
The small grey-eyed girl is startled at first, and her answer is abrupt, "old woman, you do not know as much as you pretend. You may know the name of the village where we live, but you know nothing of our ways. I am no one's slave, any more than that girl belongs to you." Neco points a mittened hand at the child, and her voice softens, "if you saved this child, then you must care about her. Why not bring her back to her village? We will show you the way. Her parents will be grateful, and you will be rewarded."
Garrett Tuesday January 16th, 2007 8:53:50 AM
(sorry bout the missed post, been extremely busy.)
Garrett holds up his hand to try and calm down the emotions that are running high with the group.
"You are right." Garrett says to the witch. "If not for you, she would probably not be alive now. For that we thank you, and are in your debt. I do not know what you believe to be our nature, but we here would do whatever necessary to protect our village and it's people. If need be, we would have followed after this child to the ends of the vein. As far as the Austlander goes, she is our friend, not our slave. She is as much one of us as any other."
"I can only begin to understand your thoughts and your desire for this child to remain with you, but her place is at home. Her parents wait for her return, and we promised to do everything within our power to bring her back. We have seen enough violence and death this day, and wish for no more, but the child must come home with us."
"Perhaps there is something we can offer in exchange to thank you for saving her. What keeps you here in this frozen cavern, huddled alone in the dark. Have you no family, no kin." Garrett's face softens as he begins to realize just how sad and lonely a life this poor woman likely endures. "Has anyone ever asked you what they can do for you, or if you need help? When was the last time that you sat over a meal and talked to someone just to talk. Let me ask you then, is ther anything that we can do for you?"
Garrett sets his sword down on the floor, and lowers himself to one knee so that they are about the same level as the sitting woman, and awaits her response.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith(cast), Bless(cast), Command(cast), Magic Weapon(d)(cast),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon(cast), Hold Person x2(cast x2), Bulls Strength(cast)(d)
Wand CLW: 21 remain
Yanosh d20=13 Tuesday January 16th, 2007 2:00:29 PM
Yanosh stands to the side letting other do the talking. Hoping that the Witch will allow them to take the child and not be forced to use force. He does not believe that they could better the Witch if force is used. Who or what made the undead they had fought? If the Witch made them them her powers must be verry stonge to change so many into undead and to control them to keep them from killing her. No force must not be used here if at all possible. Yanosh continues to stay watchful for other dangers.
spot untrained-13
Bohdi (second) Tuesday January 16th, 2007 3:39:58 PM
Bohdi listened to Garrett's words and his face lit with dawning realization. He nodded his agreement. "Yes, it's true--I've had it all wrong. We all have. I came here expecting to find a threat, and I saw what I wanted to see--not what was there. It's almost like illusion magic." He smiled at the cleric of Domi, then turned back to the old woman.
"He is right, and I was wrong. My apologies. We owe you thanks and appreciation for rescuing the young girl. Let us show you our thanks, however meager they might be. Would you not accompany us to our village, and let all of Ice Peak express its gratitude to you? How may we be of service to you?"
Treastie Tuesday January 16th, 2007 4:48:47 PM
The witch again seems to visibly shrink back as Bohdi speaks, the veiled promise of violence is certainly there. All in the cave know that if need be blood will be spilt in efforts to bring Elfr'Ásleif home. The witch seems less than confident in her ability to fight off the entire party. She cracks a smile that seems more a sneer born of contempt than humor at Yanosh's momentary confusion on the reference to Neco. It is a look that vanishes like the heat of a fire upon the tundra under the glare and words of Nauthiz`Ull. And while Bohdi made her unsure, it seems the powerful ranger before her, invoking the name of Celsiun causes downright fear to cross her face.
The small child is still deeply sleeping in apparent complete comfort on the old woman's lap during these exchanges.
Neco, rightfully so deals with the intended insult first and foremost. Illiciting a smirk of non belief from the old woman. "As you should rightfully say child." Is her cold reply. Neco is already shifting gears though and her voice alters with the tact. The witch maintains a weary eye towards nautiz and Bohdi, tough the reward aspect has certainly garnered more of her attention and a shift in her body language
Garret continues along the softer avenue, his sword in laid down and he takes a knee to put himself more on her physical level, instead of towering over her. Bohdi changes his manner as well, reinforcing the thanks and seconding thhe offer to come back with them.
"Back? To Ice Peak, no, I do not think my health could handle such a long journey. Sense Motive 20 Spot 25 Highlight to display spoiler: { She admirably disguises her disgust at such a thought}
But I will say what you can do for this poor old woman in wastes, labelled witch and feared so by all. What can you do is a fine question and I have an answer that answers much of your questions. Since the devastation of Ash the Tuskans have been torn asunder. The old and mighty city is destroyed and buried, the mighty fallen into disarray and squabble. Warlords have taken up where the proud Kull'Gjirn once ruled. He now is dead and the warlords have fractured the Tuskian people and they are scattered. To the river. To the great lake, the tundra and beyond." The invoking of the great leader Kull`Gjirn sends several shivers down the spines of those who grew up in Ice Peak and especially Twin Tusks. He was ruthless, vile, some thought evil incarnate, but also terribly powerful. Proud was never a trait any has heard attached to him, but the witch continues. "They have spit upon our heritage our pride our sense of worth. Their honor is as the Ash of destruction that fell upon them. One especially, those who call themselves Tundra Walkers. They took from the Tusk an ancient relic and I would have that returned to me. It was I who presented it to Twin Tusks and with their death it is mine to claim again."
The Witch's anger shows now as she thinks upon the item. Spot DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { the staff seems to give off a slight flutter of heat, but for an instant} "But I am but old and feeble now and could no more hold this child from you then take back what is mine. So I return you this child and offer a gift if you would do this for me, by your word and honor Ice Peakers."
The child still sleeps despite being irectly addressed on several occassions and the considerable noise brought into close proximity to her.
Yanosh Highlight to display spoiler: { something is amiss about what the witch is saying. A bad feeling is all you have to go on and given what you fought to get here and with whom you are talking , maybe it is just your nerves. The witch's recoil to Nauthiz`Ull did not happen to the name Celsiun, but when Nauthiz revealed his tattoo and mentions Frigga`Isa. This witch of the Wastes knows the name and face of the rangers dead sister.}
Aiden d20=8 d20=12 d20=5 d20=8 d20=5 Tuesday January 16th, 2007 7:34:41 PM
(ooc: same here on yesterday's miss, this week is exams for the kids, which means LOTS of correcting on my end. Plus being a private school, we didn't have MLK day off to help..:( )
Aiden allowed a small smile to appear on his face upon hearing Garrett's words. This was one method that none of the Tuskan's had ever tried before. Almost sympathizing, in some manner, much like what his master helped to foster in him with wild animals (those injured or infirm).
It was a good choice to have chosen Garrett as leader, Aiden admitted to himself, silently. He would not have thought of that tact...
However, his draw dropped with the incredible news of the former leader of the Tuskans, Kull'Gjirn, dying. "He is dead?!?" Aiden asked in a shocked, almost strangled voice.
Many a challenger had fallen to the whims (and weapons) of the tyrannical chieftain. Aiden privately thought that nothing short of these 'gods' that the Ice Peak villagers speak of would have been able to kill him.
With her reply, Aiden well understood the changes, and the resulting chaos, that would begin with Kull'Gjirn's death. He trusted little in his lieutenants, many boasting their skill, but never within earshot of Kull.
spot (for her disguising disgust): 8 + 7 = 15
knowledge (local- trying to figure out who possible warlords are and what possible territories they have carved out already): 12 + 2 = 14
knowledge (local - tundra walkers): 5 + 2 = 7
knowledge (local - Tusk...the story behind it, mythical powers/etc from when he was in the village): 8 + 2 = 10
spot (trying to see if the 'girl' that is in her lap is an illusion or spell...basically is she causing a shadow from our light/etc): 5 + 7 = 12
Garrett d20+3=17 d20+7=22 d20+7=9 Wednesday January 17th, 2007 9:38:18 AM
Sense Motive: 17 Spot: 22 Spot: 9
Garrett thinks for a moment upon what the old woman has said. "Tell us about these Tundra Walkers, and about this ancient relic." a brief pause follows his question, followed by another. "And let me also ask you this, since we are discussing lost relics. The shield of Domi that long resided in our village, given to us by Domi, what has happened to it?"
"You are obviously quite aware that these Tundra Walkers will not give up their treasure willingly. What would you do with this relic of yours?"
Garrett waits for more answers, obviously unwilling to agree to her request without more information. Wether the woman cares for the child or simply uses her as a pawn, Garrett will do what is necessary to secure her release as long as it does not jeopardize the village or the people of ice peak.
Bohdi Nackle d20+4=8 d20+13=20 Wednesday January 17th, 2007 10:54:27 AM
Bohdi again nodded his agreement at Garrett's words. "Aye, there is much we would need to know. But first, if you would, show us your good faith--release the child."
Bohdi's eyes narrowed and he studied the child's sleeping form carefully. There was still something not right here. (WILL save to disbelieve illusions, 8: Spellcraft check to ascertain whether spells are active, and if so what kind, 20) He reached into his pouch for a scroll and fingered it thoughtfully. (Dispel Magic--not using it yet but having it readied.)
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=22 d20+12=16 Wednesday January 17th, 2007 12:17:08 PM
The protruding chest of the ranger deflates a bit at the 'leaders' words; an interesting tactic indeed. A sideways glance and a crinkled corner of the mouth shows that Nauth is childishly jealous of Garret's idea.
Not really getting much of a read on the witch, Nauth looks down upon Bohdi and nods; if it is good enough with his little wunjo, it is good enough for him.
Yanosh d20=13 d20=12 d20=5 d20=15 Wednesday January 17th, 2007 3:36:15 PM
"Nauthiz what is it about your tattoo that makes her recoil so for it was not the mention of Celsiun that made her react so." Yanosh states. "There is something not right here something wronge with this all. Something I just cant put in its place," Yanosh mutters to himself, not so quietly. Yanosh again keeps looking into the darkness around them knowing that something is wronge but not knowing what or where from.
spot-13 sense motive-12 spot-5 listen-15
Treastie Part II Wednesday January 17th, 2007 4:22:14 PM
The Ice Witch nods vigorously towards Aiden, "Ah yes you know you have seen and heard him first hand." Her face splitting into a stomach wrenching grin revealing the blackest and most foulest of tooth and decay. "Yes boy! Dead, dead, dead, dead, DEAD!" Her voice rises and falls, almost as if mad in her mutterings on this subject. "Not by foe or beast though, OH NO! They could not touch him and as you know." Her finger is hurled straight into Aiden's direction and then retracts to the girl and the witch's voice drops to a whisper. "Fallen by the Ash, strangled with the life of fire and now too is dusssst"
The woman peers at Garret for a moment or two, when he speaks of the Tundra Walkers and the relic stolen from Ice Peak so very long ago. "It is the name one of the warlords has given himself and those that follow him." At this point she harrumphs and spits, "Tundra Walkers indeed, more like vile plague, Dre`gaman `Iss Veerneet Suul." And she spits again to the floor. "Shield of who? Eh? fah, Lost your trinket too have you. I know it not, but the mountains and the snow and the ice have told me of a sacred relic. They said it was taken from the mighty peaks to lay them low. That the tundra would soon rise at the base of the mighty mountain and pour upon humans destroying them all. They must have known you were coming young warrior and that is what you seek." Her eye then narrows and her lip curls slightly, bringing her face to an even more twisted posture. "As for what I do with my own things that is my concern and what you do with yours is yours."
"Ah yes perhaps I should release the child, but then I am not holding her so release her I can not dear Bohdi of the Gnome city of Zaran. She is quite well, just tired" and with that the witch starts petting the girls hair ever so gently and almost cooing to the child. "There, there my love, sleep and dream pretty one." Her attention quickly leaves the girl and focuses back upon the party. "I will renounce my claim upon this girl when you agree."
As Yanosh speaks, The witch makes quite a point to not react or make comment to his musing in any way.
Bohdi can not determine if any spells are currently in place, nothing stands out as he watches. Not even the petting and cooing of the witch strike any cords of magic.
Aiden on local knowledge. If Kull'Gjirn is dead, who else may be. The list of possible and even probable now warlords is near endless. The Tundra Walkers is a completely new name to Aiden The story behind the Tusk (to be honest no one has written it but none of it would tie in here. The Twin Tusks has been around for a long time. Kull'Gjirn is one is a string of powerful rulers through the generations. The girl is no illusion.
Neco Wednesday January 17th, 2007 5:56:22 PM
The young rogue watches the witch and waits for the little girl to be handed over to the custody of the group, so she can get out of this dark hole. Still, it is the staff, gleaming faintly in the lack of light that gathers the most attention from the human girl. Magical no doubt it is, probably something with a high selling value.
Bohdi Nackle d20+13=17 Wednesday January 17th, 2007 8:47:03 PM
Bohdi scowled again. "Bugger," he cursed at the witch's words.
"Look here, I think we've all had about enough of this rubbish. You claim the girl, yet you have no right to her. You offer us a quest and a reward, yet you won't renounce your 'claim' on the girl. You speak in bloody riddles, old woman, and we STILL HAVE YET TO SEE THE GIRL'S BLOODY FACE."
That last part was amplified by the village sounds, still present, and now (Ghost Sound at Caster Level 4 = sound of 16 humans!) were quite loud. "Oh, dearie! Little dearie! Wakie, wakie! Lots of sweets and Gnomish Delight out here! Up and at 'em, dearie! Or are y'still pinin' for the fjords?"
The gnome waited for a response, either from the witch or from the 'girl.' His hands held the Scroll of Dispel Magic, and he stood prepared to cast it.
(Spellcraft check to ascertain whether the girl was under an enchantment, such as a Sleep spell, or was the product of a transmutation, such as a Polymorph, 17)
Garrett Thursday January 18th, 2007 12:00:26 PM
Garrett looks at the woman again. "What happened to all the tuskers that brought the girl here? Are any still alive? how did they come to meet their fate as the walking dead?"
"Perhaps we should let the child sleep for now Bohdi. I see no reason for a trick. What she asks of us would be void if there were any sort of deception with the child. Let us learn what we can, and decide what we will do before the child wakes. She has been through much, and sleep will probably do her good. She still has a long journey home awaiting her tired body."
Yanosh Thursday January 18th, 2007 1:45:42 PM
Starting to become restless with the witch Yanosh starts to clench and and unclench his right fist loosening it up preparing to draw his axe quickly if needed. "This is getting us no where fast. Witch release the girl! Show the good faith on your side. Let us know that the girl is real and not some trick of magic or some kind of undead or just dead." Yanosh glares at the witch flexing his hand.
DM Thursday January 18th, 2007 5:24:18 PM
going to hold for Aiden and Nauth
Aiden Thursday January 18th, 2007 6:27:15 PM
Aiden stepped forward, first to Yanosh. Making sure that the dwarf is aware that it is him (and that he meant no harm), Aiden lay a hand on his shoulder.
The warmth of the knowledge that the Twin Tuskers were in chaos still ran through his mind and blood. This was an ideal time to build up his skill and then unite them...and bring an end to the idiocy of unfocused war that plagues the tribe.
Aiden, then, stepped forward, well aware of the various stories (and dangers of paying heed to the word of the witch). His sharp eyes focused directly on the witch, his voice quite even, "I will not speak for them, but I will retrieve the Tusk from the Tundra Walkers. This howling and screaming of trickery is giving me a headache. If she keeps to her word, then an artifact is away from those of the Tusk until a worthy successor arrives. And the girl returns safe. If her words are false, then the Tusk is still away, and we move closer to our mark."
Treastie Part III Friday January 19th, 2007 8:19:20 AM
The witch recoils from Bohdi as his voice rises with his ending patience. The gnome is also now fairly certain the girl is under some type of sleep spell, though far more powerful than the common one. Garret speaks to ease the situation, but the dwarf's patiance in this conversation has reached an end. The witch seems to become terrified on the thought that Yanosh will spring across at her, "At ease master, there is no need to make a poor old woman start so." and she blows softly into the girls ear and she immediatley awakens.
"No do not hurt a poor feeble woman. Here take the child, but do not kill me." The Witch scoops and half throws half sets the girl upon her feet and towards Yanosh. A feat from a seated position with a single hand that belies the frail frame of the creature before you. "Whispers on the wind, secrets in the ice young Bohdi. The ansers are there, but not always plain." With these final words, the witch dissolves into a cascade of snow that flies upward through a crack in the ceiling on a mighty gust of wind. Leaving the party, the girl and a partially exposed chest in the floor. The wind having blown some of the snow from it.
Nauthiz'Ull Friday January 19th, 2007 11:50:16 AM
These events are quite beyond Nauth's comprehension and he shakes his head furiously to make that known. His stature diminishes a bit but bow and arrow are produced as he darts to where the snow blew up and out of.
"Is this the joke of evil? What is Gargul's realm would do this?"
Nauth turns with bow at his side and arrows nocked to Bohdi and to Aiden both.
"Aiden who is this witch and how does she get her powers. Bohdi how was that possible?"
Fear and anger both rise quickly in the eyes of the ranger; he has been tricked and played for a child. His chest rises and falls with heavy, sharp breaths.
Bohdi Nackle d20+13=21 Friday January 19th, 2007 1:27:43 PM
Bohdi shook his head wordlessly back at Nauthiz'Ull. The mystification on his face was clear to see.
He crossed the ice chamber to the girl's side and examined her. With a concerned look, he gazed into her eyes and studied her expression. "Are y'well, love? Anything hurt? Feel all right? We're here to bring y'home, love, is that all right then?" His worried gaze turned to Garrett as the group's healer.
When he was satisfied that the girl was being tended, Bohdi turned his attention to the now-exposed chest. "Was that to be our 'reward,' then, I wonder?" he asked. He pocketed the scroll that he had been fingering and reached instead for his Pearl of Power. "I've never tried this before," he advised the others. But, drawing upon the Pearl's power, he tried to summon his magic-detecting spectacles. (Cast Detect Magic)
(ooc note to DM--not clear whether this can work. The unused Pearl of Power 1st can refresh a 1st-level spell. But can it be used instead to refresh a 0-level cantrip? Usually magic items like this can be used for their designated level 'or lower,' but the SRD says that "the spell must be of a particular level," so I don't know whether refreshing a lower-level spell is permitted. If it works, then Bohdi will examine first the girl, then the chest, and then sweep the room. Spellcraft check, if applicable, 21.)
(Assuming that it doesn't work:) "I won't be able to check for enchantments again until we've gotten some rest, and this place seems about as safe as any for that. Maybe we should rest--at last--and set out in the morning?" He looked at Neco and added, "It might not be safe to tamper with the chest until then."
If the group agreed to camp in the cave, Bohdi would send Squork down to advise Wolf of the group's plan. Then. Bohdi would set his Alarm spell at the entrance to the ice cave--and, if the Pearl remained unused, another at the crack in the ceiling where the snow-witch had escaped--and ready for sleep.
Aiden d20=13 d20=19 Friday January 19th, 2007 2:20:56 PM
(ooc: Aiden would have tried to catch the thrown child or at least stand in front of her /protectively if something bad was going to come from the ice witch)
Hearing Nauth'iz questions, "She is the ice witch...she has been in ou-" as he almost said 'our' "Tuskan legends for years without end. She has aided and tricked many who sought her advice, blessing, and power. What she does is something that most cannot dare to reason, and her magick feared and coveted. But we should leave this place..."
His eyes looked around, as did his ears listen, in case something occurred to the witch's home with her disappearance. (OOC: just in case we get the infamous villain leaves and home suddenly crumbles in moment)
A wry smile appeared, "once we return to the village...perhaps the elder that I accompanied into the last meeting, could tell us more..."
(OOC: I can't remember the name of the elder that was reputed to be a warlock/etc, and knew the chieftain's grandfather...)
Spot: 13 + 7 = 20 Listen: 19 + 7 = 26
Yanosh Friday January 19th, 2007 3:57:51 PM
Yanosh steps forward to protect the girl as the witch turns into snow and departs. Looking at the group a sightly embarrassed Yanosh says,"I really didnt meen any harm. I am willing to find this tusk and return it to the witch as she wanted. She did release the child." Yanosh looks around the room as he approches the chest cautiously. Looking down at it Yanosh thinks out loud "Wounder whats in it?" Yanosh's ingrained Dwarven curiosity is starting to take over as he thinks of the possible treasure inside. "Neco my dear your a rogue are you not? Maybe you will seach for some traps on this as Bohdi checks for magic? Or I have a shovel we can use to pry it out with just in case you know." Yanosh smiles at the group with a smile that shows hes dieing to find out whats inside.
Garrett d20+7=17 Friday January 19th, 2007 3:57:53 PM
At the hint of action on her part, Garrett grabbed his sword and stood, ready to cut the old woman in half. Instead, he tried to pick his jaw up off the floor as he watched the old woman turn to snow and fly away. "What in the Wold...." was all he could manage.
He quickly tried to gather his wits. Seeing that Bohdi was with the girl, Garrett tried to make sure of where we stood. "Neco, Yanosh, can you guys check out the rest of the back of this cave behind where the old lady was.(assuming there is more, if not, disregard.) That snow bit could have been a simple illusion designed to disguise her real movement."
"None of us are in any condition to go trapsing around outside right now. I think it a good idea to rest and recover here. It may be a little... odd. But it's better than having undead sneak up on us while we rest. This seems to be a very safe spot as long as the witch is gone."
"I'll give you one thing Bohdi, you saved us from agreeing to recover her trinket for her. Speaking of that, let us not touch the chest. She has given us the girl, and us taking the chest could constitute her part of the agreement that was discussed. I'm not sure if she magicked it, but let's wait til tommorow and discuss it before we mess with it."
"Aiden, and Nauth, can you check the place out up here for tracks, or whatever else you might be able to find. It's not my birthday so I don't feel like any surprises. I'll tend to the child."
Garrett moves over to the girl. "Hello little one. Your parents and Kayra sent us after you. We are here to take you home. Are you hurt child? When you are ready, could you also tell us what happened and what you remember since the tuskers grabbed you?"
Garrett checks the girl out for injuries, (heal check: 17) and attempts to treat any minor ones she might have. He will use the wand if she has anything more serious.
After that, Garrett will cast detect magic and have a look around the cave, and at the snow and chest, telling Bohdi to save the pearl in case it was needed for something more.
Spells: 0 lvl: CMW, Light x2, Mending, Detect Magic(cast) 1st lvl: Endure Elements (cast), Shield of Faith(cast), Bless(cast), Command(cast), Magic Weapon(d)(cast),(plus pearl)(used) 2nd lvl: Spiritual Weapon(cast), Hold Person x2(cast x2), Bulls Strength(cast)(d)
Wand CLW: 21 remain
Neco d20+7=25 Friday January 19th, 2007 8:41:20 PM
Neco sets her eyes on the chest half buried in the snow. The former seat of the old hag, calls for inspection. "Don't worry, I have the chest covered" she holds her hands in front of her and crakes her fingers. The excited rogue activates one of her spells just to be sure that the chest is an illusion. Neco jumps at the partially revealed box, sliding on her knees in front of it. The young girl, full of joy, brushes off the snow. Half closing her eyes she feels her way around its contours, familiarizing herself with the box, rapping it sharply to feel its strength and the quality of its make. She analyses the difficulties of opening it, taking into account any hinges, locks, and any distinct qualities of the chest. Silently she evaluates the box before even considering opening it.
Detect Magic Search / Detect traps [25]
The Lost Child Found Friday January 19th, 2007 10:46:26 PM
Nauthiz`Ull turns to Bohdi, but the gnome is just as mystified. This 'Ice Witch' certainly had magical skills and they were defeinately not in the normal books of study Bohdi looked at. The witch could wait though, the girl was awake, confused and becoming scared. Bohdi gives her a quick glance and uses soft tones to calm her until Garret is there in less than a second. The Cleric of Domi takes the girl and moves a few steps away. She catches sight of the symbol on his armor and relaxes into his arms. The weight of the ordeal lifting from her, she buries her face in his chest and starts crying.
Garret cautions against doing anything with the chest and Bohdi echoes the thought at least until tomorrow when he can cast Detect Magic. The Pearl operates in a very specific manner and even though the spell is easier, the Pearl can not recall it to his mind.
Neco, however does not need to rely on Bohdi for such things. She was a woman of her own resources and talent. Summoning power of her own she examines the partially buried chest. An ever so faint aura comes from within it, partially masked by the container itself. Nothing further can be detected by the spell, other than the party's own equipment. Running trained fingers about the chest, she finds the hinges, the lock and the full dimensions of the piece. She also discovers that despite it's appearance, to the touch, it seems to be crafted of snow. He keen eyes and mind for such things also finds the small magical symbols lightly etched about the perimeter. If the chest is opened, some sort of magical affect will occur. It is highly likely that destroying the chest would trigger the trap as well. Being made of snow and seemingly no sturdier than a 3' square hand packed snow block, attempting to move it would almost certainly destroy the box and release the magic.
Yanosh asks about the chest and gets the details from Neco. The dwarf volunteers his shovel if needed. Can't just leave a box unopened.
Bohdi sends Squork to tell Wolf what is going on. the fighter is still well and has moved to the far right and back section of the lowest level with the two wolves. They will be there in the morning when you come down he assures you and Squork returns. Alarm spells are set, what safer location than the seat of the Ice Witch. Nothing suggests the place is about to come down about your heads.
Garret sees to the girl, she is unharmed from elements or treatment aside from a few small bruises almost healed. Likely during the original garbbing. No injury appears more recent than that. She is hungry and thirsty but not dangerously so and her memory is foggy since about 2 days ago. She remembers all to well being taken and the first days of flight. Most of the terror is cried about. She has no memory of a witch, but did dream of a beautiful princess dressed in flowing scarlet and golden gowns. Her hair a shock of white with deep brown eyes. there is little else she recalls until these moments. Garret's spell reveals nothing beyond the party's own magic, the cave is quiet in that regard.
Aiden half whispers again about the powers and dread and shifting nature of the Ice Witch as the Twin Tuskers knew her. Perhaps once they get back the old man could enlighten them on the ways of such creatures.
For now, the girl is safe, Alarm spells guard the two only ways to approach and it has been a very, very long day. Then again there is a trapped chest made of snow....
Aiden d20=4 Sunday January 21st, 2007 2:52:00 PM
Aiden nods towards Garrett. "I will..."
Though his reply was positive, Aiden's personal feelings were not as such. The woman had turned into snow, and so there was doubt within his mind that any tracks would be left.
But Garrett was more knowledgable about magick, so perhaps that was why he sent the trackers to search for signs.
However, Aiden was as unsuccessful as his inner thoughts had suspected...
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