Disturbing Developments [SteveK] Monday May 14th, 2007 10:07:28 AM Rose continues to work on her magic, visiting family and helping the group. She spends a day with family, church, and visiting brother's grave/tomb. Another several are making magic wands, 1ea Wand Barnum's Appraisal, and 5ea Wands of Rose's Temp Control, which she sells to the WLA for 750g ea. Subtracting the cost of materials, Rose makes a tidy profit of 1875gp.
Berlon casts his detection spells and finds the place clean. Still, it was good thinking, and the spells were well done. He also remembers something about a shortage of certain spell components? He goes to Neezer to find out more about this lead. Neezer isn't able to tell Berlon any specifics about spells, but he does know the market trends. "Most spell components for higher level spells are imported, you know. We don't have a lot of natural resources other than our location." Neezer smiles. "For that, most exotic animal parts come from the Culverwood, most special metals come from Alisidur, and the best pearls from the Tauric Isles." He lets this information sink in before continuing. "There is a specific shortage of alchemist's silver (mercury) as well as ghost light (phosphorus)."
If Theo follows up on Berlon's suggestion Highlight to display spoiler: {he is able to learn a little more. Geoffery is more direct. "There is no mercury in the city. No one can cast Floating Disk, any Symbol spell, or Polymorph. The phosphorus is even more worrysome. Without a bit of phosphorus, all the higher level fire spells are impossible."}
Umbriel suggests getting a crew to help. With some descreet questions, it is soon evident that every House is willing to provide a crew to the Dark Horse Guild free of charge. Dietrich's contacts with Jeraldh and Rose's family contacts will be able to put together a crew as well, but it will have to be paid.
The warehouse is a big rectangle 120feet by 60 feet. It is all one story and one room, so any plans to fix it up into a headquarters (layout, 2nd floor?) will be up to the group. There is a small core group of about 10 people who come everyday to help on the warehouse. There are also two or three who help a day or two and then leave. It seems like word is getting around.
Vauhwyt spends time for the week keeping her contacts and friends up. Highlight to display spoiler: {The church wants to ensure its members keep up thier skills, so they will provide the components, but Vauhwyt makes the poison.}
Oni helps out and grows his bond with his companion, Sho'va. By the end of the week, she even accompanies Oni to the warehouse and sleeps there overnight.
.............
A week passes by and then Seafoam with her two defenders come to the activity at the warehouse. "Planning to become your own House, eh?", she says jokingly. But the guards aren't smiling. She soon comes to the reason for the visit. "Captain Rossa is missing. We can't find him or raise him on his crystal ball. His last contact was off the west cape near the Black Forest." She pauses and then continues. "He mentioned a good lead on the figurehead at his location on his last contact."
She lets the Dark Horse Guild talk for a while. "The Teeth need confirmation of thier death, or rescue of any survivors. Rossa is one of our most important operatives, and his apprentice, Janniver, is the great nephew of Horatio Mann, the Teeth's First Officer."
Theodore & Macaw Monday May 14th, 2007 11:04:26 AM
Theodore is troubled by Geoffrey's news and relays to the rest of the group that mercury and phosphorus are impossible to find in the City.
"We should probably consult with Neezer. Maybe he knows some information about why trade is lacking."
If no one else is willing to accompany him, then Theodore will go by himself to visit Neezer.
The young wizard discusses Seafoam's difficulties with his friends. "I'm for checking things out," he informs them. "I think we should take the ship and see what we can find. At the very least, it will endear us with the Teeth."
DIETRICH Monday May 14th, 2007 12:35:32 PM
OOC: Hi guys. Unfortunatelly IŽll have to take a break from the game for a while. Dietrich will stay in DC and take care of the our club and city connections while you all go after adventure, glory and cash... (you can imagine his disappointment).
THis will probably take some months realtime, after which I can probably come back.
Sorry and hopefully till soon,
Peter
Vauhwyt Monday May 14th, 2007 12:35:33 PM
Vauhwyt laughs in a friendly manner and tries to disarm Seafoam's worry that the Dark Horse Guild wants to found a House. "Who, us? No way! We just want a place to hang out and relax on our downtimes. And if we make a few friends along the way" -- "or paying customers," caws Mookie -- "then that's just fine! All Houses are welcome to frequent our new small establishment."
"We're very grateful for this news, Seafoam, even if it is not good news. We see this as a threat to all Dirt City, and we will be glad to go investigate it -- and, knowing us, put a stop to it. If we find the figurehead, though, it's ours."
At the news that every house is willing to supply crew, Vauhwyt grins.
"Crew from every house? Sounds great!" Vauhwyt explains to her friends, and if no one objects, to the different houses that she goes to visit for re-CREW-tment purposes. [Ha! A taste of your own medicine, DM! Roll that save vs pun!].
"We understand that there may be a threat to the City that lies to the west on the coast. We would be glad to take some crew from EACH house! We'll take one sailor from the houses that we already consider friends (Merchants, Wolves, Knives, Keys) and TWO each from the houses we have not yet had the chance to befriend (Teeth, Cloaks, Darts). Or if that is not enough to handle the ship properly, more in that proportion."
Vauhwyt is glad to come with Theo.
Rose Monday May 14th, 2007 3:31:35 PM
Rose is very busy, she is trying to sell enough wands of temp control to earn enough to upgrade her sword, and she has a good ways to go. She'll buy materials to make a bunch while on the ship.
Posting Report for 5/7/07 Monday May 14th, 2007 7:11:07 PM
MTWTF
DM SteveK XXXXO Berlon XXXXO Dietrich XXXXO Oni XXXXO Rose OXOXO Theodore XXXXO Umbriel OXXXO Vauhwyt XXXXO Vorelle OXXXO
ADM Shegger
Berlon Monday May 14th, 2007 8:15:26 PM
(OOC: Hurry back Dietrich!)
"I think Neezer has told us everything he knows regarding the component shortages, Theo. If Neezer can't scrounge them, they must be unscroungeable."
"And is that really wise?" he continues to Vauwhyt. "If we take crew from each house, keeping them apart might be a full time job. Perhaps we should just focus on a unified group?"
"Regardless, it sounds like there are many opportunities currently available to us. It might be wise for us to make a plan of attack regarding the logistics of maximizing profit in different locations in the least amount of time..."
Vauhwyt d20+14=20 Monday May 14th, 2007 8:27:26 PM
"Before the crew boards, we tell them it's the rule of the sea. If they act up, we toss them overboard. And then we do."
"We ran the ship with no crew beforre, so no worries."
Then Vauhwyt draws herself up (Intimidate check 20). "They won't give me any trouble."
"One thing's for sure -- we can't take a whole crew from one house."
Oni Monday May 14th, 2007 10:35:05 PM
Oni continues most of his time with the warehouse people. When not working or attending those inside he stpes out on the street. He stands a one who is guarding something. The difference is he salutes every passerby with a 'alo'. If people thought they were odd, or that he was, at least they would become accustomed to the oddness. He could see the familiararity on several faces even today. Without much trouble, he could feel a sense of aafty emanating from his nieghbors. This was a good thing.
Talks of sailing did not bring a smile to his face though. Seemed the groups idea to sell the thing, now has reverted to using it once again. He had to take Sho'va aboard several times so she could aclimate herself. Something wolves did notlikeit seemed.
OOC Best Wishes Peter. I hope life works out for the positive.
Cayzle to Peter Monday May 14th, 2007 11:20:28 PM
Wowsy, as Vauhwyt would say, we sure will miss you. PLEASE PLEASE do come back when you can. Dietrich is an important part of the team.
Vorelle Tuesday May 15th, 2007 1:03:32 AM
Reluctantly, Vorelle finds a spare moment to go to the Grubber district and visit her mother. Knowing Lisenne's habits, Vorelle leaves most of her money behind.
(OOC: Hope to see you back soon, Peter!)
Getting Ready [SteveK] Tuesday May 15th, 2007 10:10:08 AM
Building the warehouse into a headquarters is taking a lot of work, and Dietrich elects to stay and bring his dream to fruition. Besides, a fetch job doesn't seem too hard, more like needing the spellcasters than pure muscle.
Oni has done his own version of public announcements, being a black centaur saying 'hi' to the populous of Dirt City outside of the new Dark Horse Guild is better than any banner. And the Full Moon Market is by no means the least crowded place during daylight hours. He gets quite a few to look in and help for an hour or so. Oni and Dietrich also have many conversations with passersby to talk about the place.
The Dark Horse Guild are agreed on thier next job is to go after the figurehead. The quick-thinking of Vauhwyt got the Houses in a bit of a confusion. If any don't accept a combined team, they'll be left out and lose face in front of the other Houses. But a combined team doesn't sit well with them either.
So on the day of sailing, the heroes have a crew of 11, two from each House (Wolves, Darts, Knives, Keys, Merchants). The Teeth only send one, (Tara) but she is an experienced navigator. The Cloaks did not send a group.
The sailors are told the rules of the waves, and the group is ready to move out.
Vauhwyt d20+18=37 d20+18=38 d20+18=25 d20+18=19 d20+18=21 d20+18=37 Tuesday May 15th, 2007 11:04:43 AM Before the crew shows up ...
"Holy smokes! Wowsy! Now I get it! This is great!"
She looks Oni up and down with a very satisfied expression on her face. "It works on this level too! Oni, You are the Dark Horse of the Dark Horse Guild!"
"Jeezum Crow," Mookie caws. "How did you miss that, Boss?"
Vauhwyt says, "I vote for Oni as titular figurehead chief of the Dark Horse Guild! When we need to put a leader on display, you can do the job! All you need is a chief's black-feather headdress."
"Hey!" caws Mookie, fluttering out of arm's reach.
Also before the crew shows up, Vauhwyt practices enlarging on the boat so that she is ready for the effect of octupling her mass on the ship. Obviously, she won't do this on the dinghy version.
After the crew shows up ...
Vauhwyt stands before them all, then casts her Enlarge spell. She delivers her lecture about strict obedience and no tomfoolery. She explains that the Dark Horse Guild fights monsters that could make them loose their bowels, or at any rate, kill them easily if they stick their heads up. They are to head belowdecks when there is trouble, unless otherwise ordered.
She adds that she knows that each sailor is loyal to his house. That's fine. So long as we all pull together and work as a team, everybody will get back to Dirt City and be able to give their house a full report. The Dark Horse Guild has no problem telling the whole city the stories of how they keep Dirt City safe.
Intimidate checks in enlarged form: 37, 38, 25, 19, 21, 37. Note that there's a natural one in there -- that's when Mookie piped up, "Yeah, the Boss ain't no pussycat!" and Vauhwyt had a bit of a giggle fit. But she starts strong (37, 38) and ends on a good fearful note (37).
She describes the party and introduces any PCs around -- Theo, Vorelle, Rose, Umbriel, Berlon, and Captain Oni.
She names herself -- Security Officer Vauhwyt. And she names the Tooth as Navigator Tara.
Later, when she has a private moment, she says to Oni, "Hey, Captain Oni! Whenever you are ready, please tell the Navigator to plot a course and set sail when the tides are right."
Berlon Tuesday May 15th, 2007 5:12:53 PM
The gnome raises his eyebrows at the forethought and initiative shown by Vauhwyt. He is uncomfortable without having Dietrich in the field, and is sure the combat dynamic of the group is going to change drastically.
He will try to keep an eye on the crew, looking to see if he can identify any troublemakers. He will also make sure to keep two Create Food and Water spells for each day of the trip, just in case.
Rose Tuesday May 15th, 2007 5:37:37 PM
Rose insists on going with Vorelle the instant she finds out that Vorelle's going to visit her family. If Vorelle doesnt want her along, to bad Rose will go anyways. Rose will also inform her brother who's a guard where she and vorelle is going.
On the ship Rose stakes out an area for her to sleep and to make her wands and tells the sailors to stay away when she's working or Vauhwyt will be mad at them.
Rose will work on her wands during the day, and have fun cooking with her new stuff in the evening. She will let the others use her new oven.
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday May 15th, 2007 9:56:17 PM
Theodore isn't comfortable having folks from the various Houses on board his ship. He understands Vauhwyt's motive, but believes she might be a little too optimistic on how things will be handled. At the best, the group can expect every last move they make to be reported back to their respective Houses. They'll probably be keeping an eye out for any party weaknesses. At the worst, they might attempt aggressive sabotage. This is Dirt City, a place of scoundrels.
He shares his concerns with Vauhwyt before they leave the harbor. "I really think we should hire on a party of people we know and trust. I don't think this is a good idea."
Vauhwyt Tuesday May 15th, 2007 10:14:21 PM
"Sorry, Theo," Vauhwyt whispers back, not letting the crew hear. "I really did think it was a good idea. I still do. We have to reach out to the houses we don't know, and this is a good start. I'm sure I'll keep them in line. And besides, this was a good way to keep the houses on their toes. This got the Houses in a bit of a confusion. A combined team doesn't sit well with them eitherr. So that makes this a good thing."
Vorelle and Champ Wednesday May 16th, 2007 12:37:39 AM On a boat.
On a boat with strangers.
On a boat with strangers representing the Houses of Dirt City.
Vorelle hides a lot.
Unfortunately, Champ is much less shy of strangers, and constantly--and unwittingly--gives his friend's hiding places away.
Oni Wednesday May 16th, 2007 3:43:32 AM
Standing on the rear deck, Oni calls for all to a meeting.
"As we embark on this adventure a few things need to be said. When you all boarded this ship you became members of the Dark Horse gfuild. Therefore, any alliances, or alefiances to other parties or houses are at this moment, forfeit. We shall all learn to work together.
"For easd of this adventure I will take on the titlwe of Captain. Next voyage one of my companions can take the title. As Captain there are several rules all will abide by.
"First, since we are all the same guild, we also are of the same station. That means noone is more important than anyone else. Do you new guys understand this? A simple nod will not do, you must say 'yes' aloud." Oni waits until each memeber has said yes.
"Second, this vessel will be named "The Dark Horse'. She is to be respected as you would respect any lady.
Third. Ladies. We have 3 on board. Vauhwyt, though imposing at times, requires your respect. Rose is our diplomat from the halfling quarter. She tends to desire privacy. Vorelle is very private, so respect her space. Any failure to do so will result in immediate termination. Drop kick the offender off the ship, all agree?
Very well, Tommorow I will talk to each of the new members to find out what talents you have in battle. Prepare yourselves now, I guarantee we will do battle sometime on the adventure, we always do.
"Master Berlon can you help Tara with the maps, plot our course? Master Theodore, could you begin interviewing our new members. Finds out next of kin, house and whatnot in case of death.
"One more thing. The Dark Horse guild offers equal treatment to animals as well. There are 3 ravens, a dog, and a wolf that are our companions. Respect shown to them is expected as well. That means you Mookie." Oni winks at the raven.
"May we all return safely."
OOC-Ok, I have no idea whether checks need to be made. Oni's speech is matter of fact, no bluff intimidate, etc. Oni takes the manytle as leader during voyage only. If anyone has a problem with thois let me know. If not, i will roleplay it best I can.
Mookie Wednesday May 16th, 2007 4:57:56 AM
The bird caws, "Aye-aye, Captain Oni!"
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday May 16th, 2007 9:31:10 AM
"What's done is done," Theodore replies to Vauhwyt. "But next time you want to make a decision like this, you need to consult the rest of us. At this point in our career it is foolish to continue being so spontaneous."
"I'm sorry if I come off harsh, Vauhwyt." He smiles at his friend to show that he holds nothing against her. "But you need to think through all the consequences before you make decisions. It's not just your life on the line, here."
Cayzle OOC Wednesday May 16th, 2007 10:15:17 AM
Excellent point for Vauhwyt, since she is definitely too "spontaneous" -- a nice word for "rash" or "foolhardy"!
But my original post was this: "Crew from every house? Sounds great!" Vauhwyt explains to her friends, and if no one objects, to the different houses that she goes to visit for re-CREW-tment purposes.
I did think about others objecting, but the DM jumped your gun! :-)
[SteveK]: Yep, jumped in and moved forward :) We had already had a good month of conversation, and I deemed it was time for a change.
By the way, all, this last month was very important in setting up the group, the goings-on in Dirt City, and a little R&R from constant dangerous situations. I think it was well deserved and needed. Give me a line to tell me 'yes' or 'no'! :)
Final Preparations [SteveK] Wednesday May 16th, 2007 1:15:59 PM
Vorelle, with Rose tagging along, goes to visit her Mother on the outskirts of Dirt City. Highlight to display spoiler: { Lisenne is at the ramshakle affair charitably called a 'home', and she grudgingly lets in her daughter and Rose. The inside is dirty and moldy, and Lisenne herself is paler and thinner than Vorelle remembers. She carefully folds herself into a padded seat and vaguely gestures at some hard stools. "Sit if you want. I'm sure you are here to bewail me with your misfortunes. YOUR misfortunes? HA! The family hasn't had anything right since you ran away from Targo. And poor Targo! Locked up in the Wolf Tower, and his faithless wife done nothing to stop it!" She coughs, wheezing and long, but waves away any offers to help. "No, you've made your decision. To think my womb once carried you, you ungrateful girl!" Her eyes are sorrowful. Most of the visit goes like that, with Lisenne vairously pleading and berating Vorelle. Looking around, she is indeed poorer than ever, and the illness does not look faked.}
Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: { The church will accept DMG rates for posion now in exchange for Vauhwyt to make some to restock the church. No more than 4 doses of one type. It is for responsible revenge, after all.}
The sailors listen to Vauhwyt and Oni respectively. Whether they agree with Vauhwyt is debatable, but they are certainly scared dirtless enough that they will listen intently to whatever she or Oni says.
Havfr speaks up. "Just to make sure. The lady-lion says it doesn't matter about Houses, and the man-horse says everyone is now the same group. So which is it?" He spreads his big hands, "I volunteered to be with the Defen... er, Dark Horse Guild, so doesn't matter to me, just thought I'd ask!"
The sailors all seem experienced in the ways of the sea, and take respect for whatever ship they happen to be on as a matter of course. The respect to females and animals is a new concept, but with the two largest heroes reinforceing the edict, there should be little problem. In fact, except for the occasional 'excuse me', all the females including Tara are studiously avoided.
None of the Sailors (or Tara) claims any fighting experience. To a person, they think Vauhwyt's idea of hiding until the danger passes to be the most sensible one. With further talking to each of them, Oni and the others understand that all of these are fairly low in the House pecking order. Expendables as it were.
The birds have been on a voyage before so it is no big deal. Champ and Sho'va, however, take some getting used to the motion and waves. They are both willing to be with thier companions and will go unless explained why they can't by thier companion (with the help of a Speak with Animals spell)
Berlon keeps an eye on the crew, looking for troublemakers.
Rose gathers the materials she needs to make more Wands of Rose's Temperature Control. She manages to quickly gather the materials she needs to complete five wands (ooc: please mark on character sheet and take off respective gold). Making them while in the dark, pitching bowels of a boat, however, may be iffy. She will find out in the days ahead...
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday May 16th, 2007 7:15:25 PM
Theodore is actually pretty happy to be going back to sea. He hopes the weather is nice.
After shaking hands with all of the newest members, Theodore settles in for the voyage.
Berlon Wednesday May 16th, 2007 9:19:14 PM
The gnome will assist Tara in any way he can, but he will be more interested in talking with her to find out a little about her personality.
Berlon grins widely while listening to the conversation between Theo and Vauhwyt, saying nothing, but nodding every once in awhile.
He will also take time to make sure Vorelle is alright. This many strangers can't be good for her state of mind, and Berlon will take the time to make sure she feels reassured and safe.
"Changes are on the horizon, my friends," he says, looking out towards the water. "Some are passed, some are here, and some are still to come. The signs and portents are all there. It is almost time."
Vorelle and Champ Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:18:46 AM
Vorelle suffers through the meeting with her mother. Lisenne seemed to have taken a page from Albrecht's book, now that more people have caught on to her thieving. Listening with a critical ear, Vorelle decides that her father is a better manipulator--but then, he's had more practice.
The cough, though, worries her more than she likes to admit.
She gathers her courage for the sea voyage, glad that this time Champ is by her side. She doesn't even mind cleaning up dog-sick, as long as she doesn't have to face another voyage without him.
Rose Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:43:18 AM
Rose realizes that Vorelle is worried a bit about her mother, and through her brother arranges that Lisenne is to see a healer and have some food.
Rose works on her wands on the ship.
Oni Thursday May 17th, 2007 2:32:16 AM
Oni does what he can to unite the crew. He helps each member in his/her duties. Finding out that each is a sailor only, does cause him concern. What would Dietrich do? He was the warrior.
The animals sem to be taking to the ship better than he had thought. He spends time with Champ and Sho'va. Hopefully they would be able to land soon. Oni did use his spoeak with animals spell. He conveyed the idea of what a swamp was, since it had been mentioned.
Oni also makes it a point to talk to Theo. "Vauhwyt concerns me Theo. She is like a housecat. As happy playing with a ball of yarn, as picking fights between Toms. It is hard to gauge what will attract her attention next. If you notice danger, please let me know. Seems zi am liable for more than my own life these days."
Vauhwyt Thursday May 17th, 2007 5:23:43 PM
Vauhwyt thinks Captain Oni is doing a fine job, and tells him so.
She leaves Havfr's queston to Captain Oni, but if he does not say anything, Vauhwyt will answer, "On ship, you work for us. When you get back home, you can go back to your house. It's that easy."
OOC to DM: Highlight to display spoiler: {Vauhwyt will buy two daggers and two doses of large scorpion venom (Injury DC 18 for 1d6 Str and 1d6 Str -- 200 gp each, or -402 gp total). She'll keep the daggers envenomed and sheathed under her clothes at all times, using her Sleight Of Hand.}
Sailing, Sailing [SteveK] Thursday May 17th, 2007 6:32:05 PM
Tara and Berlon plot a course to sweep the coastline. The navigator explains that a flatboat can prove hazardous on the open sea, especially in a storm.
The flatboat is also crowded with 10 sailors, 1 navigator, 2 large heroes, 2 lupine/canines, 3 medium and 2 small heroes. In fact, with 1,450 square feet of deck space, there is barely enough room for all to be on deck at the same time! With Captain Oni's permission, Tara suggests that the sailors are put into two teams, especially because five crew will be more than plenty to control the flatboat.
Rose finds it difficult to keep her material compnents for the wands to stay still. The pitching of the ship makes it impossible to make the wands. Rose is really going to have to get to a place with no distractions and doesn't move about so!
Despite worries over the animals, Champ and Sho'va seem to take well to the roling ship after the first day. There was a bit of a crisis the second day sailing when a belaying pin was knocked overboard and Champ tried to fetch it. Vorelle now knows that Champ can swim, but the waterlogged dog was no fun to smell while wet, or brush the salt from his fur when dry.
Four days journey takes the Dark Horse to the southern cape of Izen. The dark green of the swamp lays starboard and the open sea is to port, with salt spray and rollers hinting at lands unknown.
Rounding a swampy cape, the lookout at the bow sings out; "Shiii-iip!" There is a sailing ship close in to the swampy shallows, a thousand feet or so away from the Dark Horse.
Vauhwyt Thursday May 17th, 2007 7:26:43 PM
Why oh why are we using Flatboat form? Surely Sailing Ship is what we want!
[SteveK: Because no one mentioned trying to change the ship to sailing variety....]
Vauhwyt Thursday May 17th, 2007 9:41:37 PM
But Vauhwyt said she would not try the enlarge trick while the boat was in dinghy form. I thought the ship to be bigger. Well, can we enlarge it now? Vauhwyt gets Theo to do it. He has the keen mind required.
[SteveK: Ok, OK, OK. Didn't know what you meant by dinghy, since that is another name for a rowboat. :) Theo could certainly change the ship. And since Vauhwyt wanted to do it in the harbor, all Dirt City will know the boat can be a flatboat, longship, and sailing boat. Is the Dark Horse Guild sure that is what they want to do?]
Berlon Friday May 18th, 2007 8:57:54 AM
Until the group knows for sure how the boat works, Berlon advises against changing forms while at sea. He will consult with Tara to see how much longer the trip will take, to see if the crowded conditions will be alleviated quickly.
Theodore & Macaw d20+4=21 Friday May 18th, 2007 10:21:02 AM
Once out of the Dirt City harbor, Theodore recommends pulling close to shore so those who want to may hop off while he attempts to change the ship to its sailing form. Being his first attempt, he's actually quite excited to try.
When the other ship comes into view, Theodore squints his eyes as he peers at the vessel. (Spot check 21 to identify anything helpful about the ship; Coat of Arms, strange colors or other distinguishing features, weapons, etc.)
Vauhwyt (Reduce Person), Mookie (Alter Self), and Boar d100=61 Friday May 18th, 2007 11:06:19 AM
Well, I think we would have changed shape back at the dock in Dirt City. I assumed we had. Oh well.
Certainly, Vauhwyt votes with Theo for a try at changing it asap. But she sees no need to be off ship for the try. When Vauhwyt changed its shape twice, she no one on board was in any danger.
When the new ship comes into sight, Vauhwyt looks at it eagerly. When it is about a minute away, Vauhwyt casts Alter Self, shared with Mookie, to put him into monkey form. Then (if the DM is allowing multiple actions), she has Mookie pull a trick from the Bag of Tricks. It is a Boar. Finally, she casts Reduce Person on herself.
Boar stats
Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+12 (25 hp) Initiative: +0 Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares) Armor Class: 16 (+6 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 16 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Gore +4 melee (1d8+3) Full Attack: Gore +4 melee (1d8+3) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Ferocity Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +2 Abilities: Str 15, Dex 10, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 4 Skills: Listen +7, Spot +5 Feats: Alertness, Toughness
Oni Friday May 18th, 2007 1:28:48 PM
Oni agrees with Theos idea. Change the boat out of sight of Dirt City. Just before the new ship comes into view, Oni says its time for the 'Prince' to change the boat.
With the sighting of the new ship, oni gets a little nervous. With no where to run, they were not a good chance of fighting at sea.
"Crew man your posts. Everyone up and look busy, Move!!"
Umbriel Friday May 18th, 2007 7:00:21 PM
Watches with interest.
The Ship [SteveK] Friday May 18th, 2007 10:28:50 PM
[ooc: next week, co-DM MikeK is taking over!]
Since Theo is the one who is doing the switch, his thought carries a great deal of weight, and the ship changes to a sailing ship when Dirt City has dropped below the horizon. The crew still has little problems with the ship until the Dark Horse rounds the swampy cape to spy the other ship.
Getting closer, sailors and heroes can see the ship is a cog, a wallowy merchant-type sailing ship. It has been holed more than once and is settling in the sea. Tara estimates that it won't last till the next tide in a couple of hours.
Coming still closer, there is blood on the deck, a figurehead of a naked female liontaur, and a name: Rossa's Pride.
Vauhwyt (reduced), Mookie (monkey), and Boar d20+2=19 Sunday May 20th, 2007 6:59:40 AM
The liontaur looks at the ship in dismay. She looks for any living people on board (Spot 19).
"We have to try to save the ship AND her crew, if we can!" she says.
"Captain Oni, do you have a wood shape spell? Does anyone have any magic to patch that hole?"
"Could we go low tech and patch it somehow? If we can buy a half a day, then our good casters could get the spells we need to do a better job, like Wood Shape and Make Whole."
She urges Captain Oni to bring the ship closer, but she privately suggests to her friends that this could be a trap, so be alert and ready.
OOC to DM: How rough are the seas? That is, what's the DC to swim, and can we take ten?
DM Mike says - The cape is sheltered from the sea, and therefore is quite calm. Swim DC 10. You may take 10, until something happens to distract you.....
Vorelle and Champ Sunday May 20th, 2007 9:50:46 PM
Vorelle moves close to the ship's rail and draws her bow. Although she is perfectly willing to swim to the other boat, it is probably better to have her covering the swimmers with her bow. Champ runs about excitedly as he realizes that people are going in swimming, but doesn't jump in himself.
Oni Monday May 21st, 2007 2:20:32 AM
Oni peers at the ship in front of them.
"Vauwhyt hold. Lets ask the birds to fly over and give us a report on what they see. We have more lives at stake than just ourselves."
Responsibilities of command were not fun.
rose & piper Monday May 21st, 2007 3:16:05 AM
Rose has been below deck, since she cant make her wands she has been reading some of the books found on the island (anything special about them?)
When she hears the others call out she runs up and takes a look.
As soon as oni suggests someone take a look Piper flies off to see if there are people living on the ship or in the water.
Theodore & Macaw Monday May 21st, 2007 9:50:03 AM
"I have nothing set to fix the boat, but it looks like they need our help. We should hurry there." Theodore seems concerned.
"Macaw, go with Piper and see if there are any survivors." The wizard sends the raven flapping off after Rose's bird.
Umbriel Monday May 21st, 2007 10:38:57 AM
Looks to Vauhwyt and says: Oni is right, let the birds scout first, then we can devise a plan of action. Everyone needs to stop being impulsive and start worrying about security of yourselves before jumping into unknown waters. (pun intended)
Vauhwyt Monday May 21st, 2007 12:52:39 PM
The liontaur looks guiltliy away fromt he water. "I was just thinking about swimming! I wasn't going to do it yet! Wowsy, you guys are mind readers!"
The liontaur stays put and sees what happens.
She asks, "Anyone mind if my boar takes a little swim?"
Umbriel Monday May 21st, 2007 3:03:29 PM
Turns to Vauhwyt saying: You have ants in your pants or something? You are always wanting to go do something even when the best course of action is to not do anything.
Slowly shakes his head to the left then right a couple times then begins looking about the boat, making sure noone is sneaking up on them while the majority have their attention on the sinking vessel.
Posting Report for 5/14/07 Monday May 21st, 2007 6:42:43 PM
MTWTF
DM SteveK XXXXX Berlon XXXX Oni XXXXX Rose XXXOX Theodore XXXXX Umbriel OOOXX Vauhwyt XXXXX Vorelle XXXOX
ADM Shegger
Watching over the Pride (DM MikeK) Monday May 21st, 2007 7:54:21 PM
The Dark Horse holds its position while the Guild and crew gaze across the intervening space towards the foundering Rossa's Pride. The boat is punctured by at least four holes in the hull, and appears to have settled, while listing to starboard, into the floor of the shallow bay. At the moment, it looks stable. But when the tide comes in, it's a certainty what remains of the Pride will be pulled to sea and disappear forever.
Vauhwyt sees no bodies and no movement on the boat. She wonders about swimming across, and notes the brackish water is calm. The green water is also completely opaque [visibility of zero].
Others think perhaps an aerial view would be less hazardous at this point. Piper and Macaw dutifully fly over to Rossa's Pride and flap about it for several minutes. They return to report they didn't see any people or animals or birdseed on the vessel.
Meanwhile, both Umbriel and Vorelle notice the two Wolf crew members (Nunzio and Nikkio) engaged in a hurried, whispered conversation with many a worried glance at Oni. [Sense Motive DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { - It looks like they've got something they want to bring up, but each wants the other guy to go approach Oni about it. }
Vorelle and Champ d20+2=3 Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 12:31:31 AM
Vorelle hears the men whispering, but has no better idea than Champ what it might be about. [Sense Motive 3, natural 1!]
She keeps her bow ready, curious what the others will do.
Umbriel d20+3=17 Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 1:10:39 AM
Turning to Nunzio and Nikkio saying aloud: If you got something to say, say it. The captain aint gonna eat you, Yet.
Rose Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 3:10:26 AM
Rose asks Piper to look in the portholes and if possible to fly through an open door to see what is below deck.
ooc: cayzle, great comic today. Can you get the next one out by wednesday :)
Vauhwyt (reduced), Mookie (monkey), and Boar Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 6:00:09 AM
Blushing, Vauhwyt stands still and watches.
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 2:32:23 PM
Macaw returns to roost atop Theodore's head.
"Nothing interesting on deck," the wizard informs his friends. "I think we should bring our boat in closer."
Oni d20+3=5 Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 3:09:36 PM
Oni hears the report of the birds.
"Piper, Macaw thank you for doing that. As I suspected survivors are gone. Are they captives or on the island? Only oneway to find out.
"I dont want to split up the group, but it should only be for an hour or 2. Tara guide us into shore, where Myself, Vorelle, Umbriel, Champ and Sho'va can get off ship, and get to land.
"The rest of you go to the ship and recover anything of value. Berlon and Theodore, use your magics to help. Vauhwyt change shapes or whatever, just find out if they left volunterily or not. Rose may be able to find something hidden.
"Don't take all day. Quick, search and then get to the land. By then we should have a trail to follow if they are on land. If not, we can reboard and go from there. Lets move out. ALL hands on deck."
Oni looks to Umbriel as he talks to the two sailors, but paying little heed he moves to get the crew in motion.
Sense motive 3
Vauhwyt Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 3:23:49 PM
Vauhwyt tries not to grin too much. What part of "figurehead" did "Captain" Oni not hear her say? But that's okay, He seems to be doing a good job. Besides, so long as he is telling her to do what she would have done anyway, no problemo.
"Aye Aye, Captain Oni," is all that she says.
Vauhwyt casts Alter Self on herself and changes into a gargoyle, just like the ones they fought on the Cursed Isle. She picks up her boar drops him in the water. "Follow me" she tells the swimming porcine thing. She perches Mookie on her shoulder. Then she flies (clumsily) to the damaged ship. She watches the boar to see if it is attacked.
If not, then she lifts it up and dumps it on the damaged boat. She flies back and watches. She circles the boat and looks around. She tells the boar to Search!
Oni Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 4:09:13 PM
OOC I figured the figurehead was Rossa's since the DM didnt say there are '2'. I also assuming the boat is wrecked due to storm. Didn't assume it had been attacked, but may have been.
Preperations (DM MikeK) Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 8:02:20 PM
While Theodore is satisfied with Macaw's report, Rose asks Piper to get inside the boat and look some more. Via their empathetic link, Rose feels a flicker of annoyance wash through the bird. If it could have rolled its eyes and sighed dramatically, it would have. Nevertheless, the bird heads back for the ship.
Oni starts putting out orders about the same time Umbriel lets Nunzio and Nikkio know they need to speak up. A quick check by everyone will plainly show there is no island. Both ships are in a bay, the shoreline of which is covered in mangrove trees. There may be a hidden trail to be found closer to shore, but there is no obvious beach or landing point visible from the Dark Horse's current position, some thousand feet away.
Vauhwyt changes into a gargoyle, throws the boar overboard, puts a monkey on her back, and heads off for Rossa's Pride.
Nunzio looks guiltily at Umbriel, and coughs a bit to get Oni's attention. "Uh, Captian. I don't mean to be telling you something ya might already know, but uh...." Nikkio elbows him in the ribs, and he keeps going. "Well, that there sunk boat ain't in more'n six, maybe seven feet of water. And this here ship we're on is built fer ocean sailing. She's got a draft of, well.." Nikkio finishes the sentence, "six or seven feet." Nunzio nods. "That flatboat form is pretty crowded," he continues. "But it won't run aground...."
Vauhwyt closes in on the Pride. The liontaur/gargoyle spots at least three distinct pools of blood on the deck of the ship, but no signs of activity. There is a single closed cargo hatch in the middle of the vessel, and a receded doorway in the face of the aftdeck, probably leading to a room below. That door is open.
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=14 d20+12=32 Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 12:56:51 AM
Vorelle keeps her bow ready, and keeps an eye out for trouble as her friends cross over to the boat.
[Spot 14, Listen 32]
Champ explores some new smells.
Oni Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 1:20:18 AM
Oni looks at the 2 men discussig how deep the boat can travel in water. He makes it a point to lokk at Tara, our navigator for affirmation.
"Ya, ok, thanks. Make sure Tara knows of your concerns. Like Umbriel said, bring concerns up, I dont pretend to know everything. Then he turns his head back in time to see the gargoyle fly off with the boar and monkey.
"What in the name... Not this minute!!! Wait!!!" Too late, the liontaur shows her feline heritage, off without a thought.
"Tara, guide us as near the wreck as possible. We will do what searching we can first. Then we find a spot to dock, No one else act harshly!!"
Umbriel Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 2:11:04 AM
Moving closer to Oni and says for his ears: Perhaps you should take their advice and have Theo convert the boat to the flatboat so we dont run aground. Plus would give us the advantage of going around that other boat there to inspect it.
Looking over at the 2 crewmen, he gives em an approving wink.
Rose Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 2:32:37 AM "THEO! Change the boat!" Rose yells as she hears that the boat could run aground at any moment.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 10:21:25 AM
"Yaaaahhh!!" Theodore hollers in surprise. "No need to shout, Rose. Geezie weezie."
Theodore concentrates on the boat and commands it to change into its flatboat, form. "You know, I'm actually kind of enjoying this. Maybe I'm cut out for the sea, after all."
"Theodore the Sea Mage." A dreamy look spread across his face and his mouth turns up into a smile.
Vauhywt (gargoyle), Mookie (monkey), and Boar Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 2:42:12 PM
Vauhwyt picks up her swimming boar and puts it on the deck. She tells it to go through the open door. After it does so, then she waits a second, and calls it back.
Berlon Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 2:47:23 PM
With all the frenzied action, Berlon once again sees al kinds of commotion without anything really happening, and seems to once again be in his annoyed mode. Hopefully "Captain" Oni (air quotations (tm) Vauhwyt) remembers who is crew and who is not. He casts his trusted Air Walk spell on himself, just in case.
"Yes," he exclaims happily, "all hail Theodore the Sea Mage! A veritable *Prince* of the Seven Seas, no?" He chuckles and gives Theo a playful elbow in the ribs.
(OOC: Sorry about the missed posts, but the flooding in the northeast US sees me currently typing this from a last second hotel room. Everything is fine, and I should be back home tomorrow.)
What can you make of it? (DM MikeK) Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 8:36:24 PM
Tara's white face and mumbled expletive provide ample validation of the Wolves' concern.
Nunzio and Nikkio are pretty confused about Oni's reply. "So are ya gonna change..." Nunzio begins asking. He's cut off by Umbriel, and then Rose takes over. Then Theo.
Very quickly, the group is once more standing on a rather crowded flatboat.
Vorelle and Champ maintain their guard.
Vauhwyt sends the boar into the aft cabin, and then calls it back. It does both without causing any commotion.
Umbriel d20+15=28 Thursday May 24th, 2007 12:14:08 AM
A little uneasied about the sudden change, Umbriel reaches out and grasps the handrail firmly.
Walking up to the front of the flatboat, Umbriel peers intently into the dark holes of the vessel, attempting to see anything out of the ordinary.
Search: 28
Oni d20+8=22 Thursday May 24th, 2007 1:13:12 AM
"See, I forgot the ship could change shapes. Thanks Theo." Oni smiles and waves appreciatively. Following Umbriel to the front he too examines the ship for anything extraordinary.
Spot 22
Theodore & Macaw Thursday May 24th, 2007 9:51:41 AM
Theodore feels the rush of nerves take hold of him as they close in on the blasted ship.
"What could have done this?" he says aloud, not really expecting an answer. "Another ship? Or maybe some water creature?"
Berlon Thursday May 24th, 2007 10:41:00 AM
Closing in on the other vessel, Berlon continues Theo's conversation. "Well, Theo, any number of things, really. A knocked over lantern in the wrong place at the wrong time, angry merfolk, giant squid with eyes as big as your head, many many things...." He trails off before completing the rest, so as not to worry the others.
rose Thursday May 24th, 2007 12:32:11 PM
Rose doesnt like being squished. "Um, Oni. If it wont offend you could Berlon and I sit on your back to make more room?"
Vauhwyt (reduced), Mookie (monkey) and Boar Thursday May 24th, 2007 2:34:22 PM
The liontaur lands on the deck of the ship and assumes her usual form -- but still reduced since the Reduce Person is still in effect.
She perches Mookie on a shoulder and -- with Boar at her side -- searches the boat.
(Not taking the time for a complete search ... just enough for general descriptions and any creatures.)
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=14 d20+12=32 Thursday May 24th, 2007 3:24:17 PM
Vorelle continues to stand watch. Champ wanders over, demanding attention, and Vorelle scratches his ears absently.
[Spot 14, Listen 32, and isn't that exactly what I rolled yesterday?]
Investigation Begins (DM MikeK) Friday May 25th, 2007 7:43:35 AM
Tara calls out for some of the crew to go below. No one moves. She repeats the call, this time quite loudly mentioning five by name - Nunzio, Arsaber, Jhorl, Berhald, and Landry.
All five decide to follow instructions, and they move belowdecks.
The Dark Horse moves up to the starboard side of Rossa's Pride. As the rest of the DHG closes, Vauhwyt moves through the stricken ship, giving it a quick once-over.
Several facts become apparent. The port side of the ship (opposite side from the approaching Dark Horse) has been caved in from some massive external blow to the hull. The deck rail just above that hole is scarred with cuts and indentations, all fresh. The sails are also cut and torn. It sure looks like there was a mass melee on board. The ship still appears to be completely empty.
When the Dark Horse gets near, the tattered sails and chipped wood become apparent to the rest of the group as well. The sailors on deck murmur unhappily to each other, and more than one takes a long look at the surrounding mangroves and open sea. "Pirates," Nikkio says ominously, giving a name to the dread overtaking the crew.
The Dark Horse is now next to the Rossa's Pride. It will require a Jump check DC 5 to clear the distance between the two vessels.
Theodore & Macaw d20=20 d20+16=25 Friday May 25th, 2007 9:50:20 AM
Theodore jumps rather easily to the other ship, leaving all his normal clumsiness aboard the Dark Horse. (Jump nat 20!) He doesn't even seem to notice he didn't fall flat on his face as he normally would have.
With honest concern, Theodore summons a small amount of magic so he might scrutinize any clues not obvious to the nake eye.
(Cast detect magic and will look throughout the ship. Any auras he detects, other than those on his friends, he will wait the necessary rounds to determine strength and school of magic. Spellcraft check 25)
Vauhwyt Friday May 25th, 2007 11:30:05 AM
The liontaur joins Theo and makes sure he doesn't walk into danger -- at least not alone.
As she walks, she thinks about Rossa and the other sailors that fell victim to the pirates. She thinks to herself, "This does not seem right."
Vauhwyt searches the ship for blood as she walks with Theo. She especially looks for pirate blood. But how to tell if the blood she finds is the blood of the pirates or of the poor crew? She takes a square of cloth and uses it to gather wood chips that are stained with blood, gathered wherever she can find them. She holds her precious treasure as if it were a sacred relic -- which in a way, it is.
Then she casts a spell that Theo may not recognize. Theo and the DM, please Highlight to display spoiler: {
Detect Victim
Divination Level: Avenger 0 Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: 400 ft. Area: 400-ft.-radius emanation centered on you Duration: 1 round Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No
This spell reveals, by direction and distance, the nearest creature in range who yearns for revenge against a specific offender. The material component is a possession, lock of hair, or drop of blood from the offender. The spell ignores the caster and the caster's associates within line of sight. At the DM's option, if the spell is cast with no material component, then the spell may reveal a victim who has prayed to Jancassis for help in revenge.}
Vauhwyt says a silent prayer as part of this casting: Great Lady, help me find those who have been wronged by these pirates, who have been attacked without mercy, who have suffered at their hands. Let them know in their souls that justice will be served, and the longing of their hearts will be salved.
Berlon - Air Walk Friday May 25th, 2007 2:39:32 PM
Not being so good with the whole jumping thing, Berlon simply Air Walks his way over to Vauhwyt and Theo. He hurries to catch up with them once they are out of earshot.
"Tell everyone else to stay on the ship," he whispers to Vauhwyt, "we can't leave it unattended."
Just as he finishes the sentence he sees Vauhwyt cast the strange spell. Darned if he knows what's going on. He does recognize the standard recon Theo does, and he will make sure to keep an eye out, crossbow at the ready.
Umbriel d20+15=35 d20+12=30 d20+12=23 Friday May 25th, 2007 6:06:55 PM
Choosing to stay on the flatboat, Umbriel scans the area in case of a trap.
Search: 35 (nat.20) Spot: 30 Listen: 23
Oni Friday May 25th, 2007 11:12:49 PM
"Thank you Tara well done. I will need the help of Nunzio however. Nunzio, come here please."
When the man comes Oni mutters some words, movfes hand gestures, and then clasps Nunzios shoulder. "Nunzio, I need you to jump over there and investigate how the ship sunk. I have given you help in jumping, you will have no problem. My friends have secured the safety, but with their limited sailor abilities, well, we need your expertise. Once you have determined what you can, yell the go to the rail there and tell me. Your second duty will be to find anything that we can use here on this ship. You have sailed for seeral days, you know the things we will need. I will have others here that will help transfer said gear. Ok?"
Vauhwyt makes a good CSI, but on board a ship?
"No bodies have been found friends," this he states to all those still aboard. "We may want to find somewhere to land the boat. Enter that forest and look for the survivors."
rose d20+4=18 d20+10=12 d20+10=14 d20+13=29 Saturday May 26th, 2007 12:19:30 AM
rose nimbly jumps to the other ship and starts looking around. she tries to think about what spell vauhwyt is casting this time.
Sorry, peeping toms! Vauhwyt cast her spell when she and Theo were belowdecks. No one else knows she cast it! Ha! And stop reading spoilers -- and you know who you are!
:-)
Posting Report for 5/21/07 Monday May 28th, 2007 9:39:20 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXO Berlon OXXXO Oni XXXXO Rose XXXXO Theodore XXXXO Umbriel XXXXO Vauhwyt XXXXO Vorelle XXXOO
ADM Shegger
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=16 d20+12=32 d20+7=11 d20+7=17 Monday May 28th, 2007 10:38:47 PM
[OOC: Hey, I posted on Thursday! :) ]
Vorelle continues to keep watch. Champ jumps over to the Rossa's Pride, but when he realizes Vorelle isn't coming, he jumps back.
[Vorelle Spot 16, Listen 32. Champ Jump 11, 17]
Umbriel Tuesday May 29th, 2007 12:23:18 AM
ooc I posted friday but didnt get credit for it.
CSI (DM MikeK) Tuesday May 29th, 2007 8:19:30 AM
Theo moves purposefully about the ship, followed closely by Vauhwyt. The two enter the aft cabin, which appears to be the Captain's Quarters. The room is 20' by 15', and contains a bed, a desk, and an open locker. None of which is all that relevant to the pair, as Theo detects the presence of magic within the room. The wizard concentrates, and determines there is but one magical aura. He concentrates further, and determines the aura is faint, and is located in the center of the room and seven feet in the air (The ceiling is 8 feet high). Both Theo and Vauhwyt can plainly see there is nothing in the spot indicated by the detection. But Theo is certain there is an active spell or effect occuring right there in front of him.
Theo Spellcraft DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: { Faint Transmutation }
Vauhwyt finds a six inch section of broken turtle shell on the deck, which probably did not originate on the boat. While waiting for Theo to complete his investigation of the cabin, Vauhwyt also casts a spell, using the shell as her material component. However, no sense of distance or direction comes to her.
Berlon air walks across to Rossa's Pride. Rose jumps across to meet him.
Umbriel, Oni, and Vorelle (and eventually Champ) stay on board Dark Horse. Oni does encourage Nunzio across, and the sailor dutifully hops over. He investigates as ordered, although he sticks close to Berlon while doing so.
Those searching on Rossa's Pride roll a Search check
DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: { find pieces of broken turtle shell} DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { along the mast is bits of flint and tooth smashed into the wood} DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { a broken bone necklace (crudely carved) lies submerged in a half cask of water}
Theodore & Macaw d20+16=21 d20+2=10 d20+16=22 d20+14=32 Tuesday May 29th, 2007 9:24:43 AM
"Transmutation," Theodore tells Vauhwyt. (Spellcraft 21) "There's a spot in the air there." He points to the center of the room, seven feet up. "Let me think on it a bit."
While he's pondering what this could mean, he notices bits of turtle shell strewn about the ship as well as the items lodged in the mast. (Search 10)
He collects bits of the shell, tooth, and flint and sits down for a bit to wrack his brain. "Pieces of a spell? Maybe from a creature that attacked the ship?"
(Spellcraft 22 to determine whether these are components of a spell used. Knowledge Arcana 32 to determine if these are bits for some magical creature.)
ADM Shegger Tuesday May 29th, 2007 9:34:23 AM
Vorelle, you did post on Thursday, but it was in response to MikeK's Wednesday post, so it goes against the Wednesday post.
Umbriel, same deal. You posted Friday against MikeK's Thursday post.
rose d20+10=12 Tuesday May 29th, 2007 12:36:29 PM
rose looks about picks up the turtle shell and calls attention to the teeth in the mast.
search: 12
Oni Tuesday May 29th, 2007 12:53:11 PM
Oni stands patiently, intently watching the movements of Nunzio. The others are doing, well didnt matter. All that mattered was Nunzio.
"Tara, what do you think happened to that ship?" He asks the navigator as she navigates. All walks of life seen it is various perspectives. Living in the wild had taught him to look at problems from as many sides as possible. Each animal in the forest perceived things differently.
Vauhwyt Tuesday May 29th, 2007 2:59:18 PM
Vauhwyt looks at the spot that Theo points out as Transmutation, and she says, "Well, that's nothing then. Come on, let's look around the rest of the ship."
She ushers Theo out of the room, but makes sure that from where she stands, just outside the door, she can see into the chamber. Then she whispers to Theo -- and Berlon and Rose when they arrive -- VERY quietly: "I bet my eyeteeth it's a Rope Trick! There's at least a mage up there, probably more! We better gather the whole party, then dispel the thing and see who it is."
"I like the idea of setting a fire underneath or some other trap, but that might not be the enemy. It might be a victim, hiding. We have to be ready either way."
She asks Rose or Berlon to go back and get the rest of the group asap.
Berlon - Air Walk Tuesday May 29th, 2007 8:32:21 PM
Berlon nods with Vauhwyt's idea. "Go on ahead, Rose, but as I've said before, we should probably leave some of our own on the ship. We wouldn't want anyone sailing away on us."
"So," he continues, this time addressing Theo, "do you want to dispel it or shall I?"
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=27 d20+12=16 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 12:02:16 AM
Vorelle continues to stay alert. Champ watches the searchers, tail wagging.
[Spot 27, Listen 16]
Oni and Sho'va Wednesday May 30th, 2007 1:38:07 AM
The minutes pass by, and no word from Nunzio. The others he figured were on their own, but not Nunzio. What is taking the man?
He senses Sho'va at his side. The normal calm of the wolf is gone. Although Champ seems happy, Sho'va is still, concerned. This makes Oni more vigilant.
Pirates? (DM MikeK) Wednesday May 30th, 2007 8:26:24 AM
Theo points out the spell effect to Vauhwyt, and then turns toward the mystery of the flint and broken teeth he found in the mast. He's very confident they are not a material component. He can't think of a magical beast that fits the bill either.
Rose also sees the flint and teeth in the mast, and points them out to the others.
Vauhwyt relays her suspicions that there is a Rope Trick spell in effect in the cabin, and rounds up Theo, Berlon, and Rose on deck. The reduced liontaur advocates returning to the Dark Horse for reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Nunzio takes one look over the port side of Rossa's Pride, sees the big hole Vauhwyt saw earlier, and lets out a low whistle. "She's been rammed!" he calls back to Oni.
Tara nods, responding to both Oni and Nunzio. "These ARE the swamps of Izen," she points out to the Captian. "All kinds of unfriendly beings around - pirates, thieves, monsters, ghosts - could be anything. But right now, I'd say she was rammed, boarded, and plundered."
Oni, Vorelle, and the Guild's menagerie watch and wait.
Umbriel d20+12=22 d20+15=25 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 10:05:00 AM
Continues to stay alert on the flatboat for any signs of trouble. Keeping a 360o watch.
Search: 25 Spot: 22
Berlon - Air Walk d20+8=14 d20+8=19 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 2:38:16 PM
"Of course," Berlon continues as he makes preparations for action, "if it *is* a Rope Trick, the real question is who cast it. Attacker or victim? This might be a bad time to shoot first and ask questions later..."
"Oh, and Theo, don't forget, if you summon something, make sure it either flies or swims..."
If (and only if) Vauhwyt gives the signal, Berlon will first cast a Guidance spell on himself, the try a Dispel Magic (DC Check 19 rerolled w/hero point)
Vauhwyt Wednesday May 30th, 2007 2:56:23 PM
She still waits for friends to arrive.
rose d20+10=24 d20+10=11 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 2:59:37 PM
rose just keeps looking around all areas of the ship.
search: 24 spot: 11, +2 for piper
Vauhwyt Wednesday May 30th, 2007 4:08:46 PM
The liontaur sees that Rose has ignored herself and Berlon. "Gosh Darn It!" she says. "If you want something done right, you have to send your famliar to do it."
"That's for sure, Boss!" says Mookie.
"Mookie, please go tell the others what we found and encourage them to get over here right away."
"Okay Boss!"
Mookie moves away from his mistress, shedding his monkey form and becoming a raven again. He flies to each of the Dark Horse Guilders in turn, cawing ...
"Vorelle! The Boss found a Rope Trick on the sinking ship. Maybe there are enemies in it, maybe not. Either way, we need you over there before we dispel it! Please come right away, the Boss says."
"Captain Oni! The Boss asks that you turn over the ship to Tara and get over to the otehr boat, where we may be about to have a fight! Hurry!"
"Hey Mister Umbriel! There's a Rope Trick spell on the other boat, maybe with enemies inside. The Boss asks that you come over right away in case there's battle. Please hurry."
On his way back, Mookie spies Rose looking around.
"Rose! Rose! ROSE! You don;t have to search any more! We found it! Come over here in case there's a fight when we open it up. Rose? Rose! This way."
Then Mookie rejoins Vauhwyt, Theo, and Berlon near the Rope Trick (but a little away.).
Theodore & Macaw d20+7=26 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 6:57:13 PM
"I'll try my luck, first," Theodore says to Berlon.
When everyone has arrived, Theodore casts dispel magic on the space in the air.
Oni and Sho'va Wednesday May 30th, 2007 7:20:04 PM
Hearing nunzio exclaim about the boat being rammed, Oni nods his head. That still allowed for many different attaks. Tara has her ideas as well, all of them could be dealt with. But ghosts, how would you deal with a ghost? Hopefully this voyage would not be that one.
When Mookie comes over squaking about some rope trick, that there could be danger, Oni's blood arises.
Vorelle you and Champ get to where you can give the others some covering fire, ok? But stay aboard this ship. We can not leave it undefended with danger looming.
"Umbriel, can you flank me, Sho'v will protect us both. Sho'va guard." He points inbetween himself and Umbriel.
"Rope tricks dont hold alot of people, so I am told. The others were sent to 'scout' so they do their job. We stay and protect, no use going over there, for whoever in trick to escape to over here."
Umbriel d20+12=29 d20+15=33 Wednesday May 30th, 2007 11:32:04 PM
Moves to the assigned position and, with hands on his weapons, goes on full combat alert. Watching not only the ship where the others are but the surrounding area as well.
Search: 33 Spot: 29
Vorelle and Champ d20+1=15 d20+7=17 Thursday May 31st, 2007 1:15:01 AM
Hearing Mookie's message, Vorelle jumps over to the Rossa's Pride. Excited by this wonderful new game, Champ joins her.
[Vorelle's jump 15; Champ's jump 17]
rose Thursday May 31st, 2007 2:32:50 AM
rose comes when Mookie begins calling.
ooc: cayzle werent you inside a room? rose was on the deck, she wouldnt have known what you found and vauhwyt wouldnt have known what she was doing.
Umbriel Thursday May 31st, 2007 3:07:39 AM
/ooc it seems to me there is alot of out of character knowledge going on this go around. my advice is everyone start watching what is being posted. actually read what the other people say before you post. and take into account where everyone is.
Avengers Assemble! (DM MikeK) Thursday May 31st, 2007 9:22:58 AM
Having already exited the cabin and standing on the deck of Rossa's Pride, Vauhwyt signals to Rose and Berlon to join her and Theo.
Berlon sees the signal and joins the duo. Rose does not, and keeps searching the ship.
Frustrated, the liontaur sends Mookie out to round up the Guild. The bird dutifully flies about, and squawks a message at Vorelle, Umbriel, Oni, and Rose to come on over for a big fight.
Oni is mentally working over Nunzio's call and Tara's comments when Mookie comes over squaking about some rope trick and that there could be danger. The minotaur instructs Vorelle to stay put, and Umbriel to join him and Sho'va in crossing to Rossa's Pride.
But Vorelle, on hearing Mookie's message to her, has already crossed. Champ naturally joins her.
Umbriel moves with Oni and Sho'va. The trio jump the gap to Rossa's Pride.
Current situation -
Everyone in the party is on the deck of Rossa's Pride, including all familiars/companions and the crew man Nunzio. No one was all that quiet about thier movement. The rest of the crew is still on the Dark Horse.
In the base of the aft deck is an open door leading to a cabin previously explored by Theo and Vauhwyt. Its a standard door, allowing entry/egress to one being at a time. There are no windows. Vauhwyt and Theo are already aware of the size of the cabin. Nunzio has moved to the bow.
Vauhwyt (reduced), Mookie, and Boar d100=47 Thursday May 31st, 2007 9:51:33 AM
Note: Vauhwyt tells everyone that the room is 20' by 15'.
Vauhwyt enters the room and urges others to do likewise. Theo might want to stay outside and cast spells in. Nunzio should go back to the ship, she tells him.
Since Vauhwyt's Reduce has probably worn off, she casts another. (spell fail 47% is A-OK)
She sets her Boar on the other side of the room from herself.
Spells used: Two First Level, Two Second Level. (only one is still active right now)
When Theo is ready and everyone is in the room who wants to be in, she says, "Dispel when ready, Theo!"
Umbriel Thursday May 31st, 2007 10:13:31 AM
In my many many many years of life I have seen many a thing and if this is a Rope trick spell you are attempting to dispell, shouldnt you at least first try to communicate with those inside? It doesnt seem to me that the pirates would be hold up in one but more than likely the passengers of this vessel. Let them know we are friends and not foe. Let them know our intentions and perhaps they will come out on their own. Theo, if and when you do try to dispell that, is there a chance that instead of causing the people inside to pop out here that they could, in fact, be lost in the place they hide in, maybe even causing their death? Not everything we encounter needs to be dealt with force. You need to start learning diplomacy.
Theodore & Macaw d20+7=18 d20+16=30 d20+14=20 Thursday May 31st, 2007 11:07:14 AM
Theodore takes up position just outside of the cabin so that he can still see in and cast his magics as needed.
"Well, you're right in one regard," he responds to Umbriel. "We should offer those inside the opportunity to talk, whether they are friend or foe."
Raising his voice, he says, "To those hidden from us, we were sent by Seafoam to find Rossa and bring her safely back to Dirt City. If you are friends of hers, we mean you no harm. Please come out and speak with us. If you do not, or are wish us harm, I will end your spell and you will be dumped on the floor. It will probably hurt."
Theodore wracks his brain searching for consequences to the ending of a rope trick while people are still in it. (Spellcraft check 30, Knowledge Arcana 20)
If he comes up with no detrimental results, and everyone is ready to go, he will cast dispel magic on the area he sensed as magical. (Dispel Magic check 18)
Rose Thursday May 31st, 2007 11:37:04 AM
Rose wonders about this rope trick spell, doesnt it stay in one place? wouldnt it just stay in the same place and NOT move with the ship?
Vauhwyt Thursday May 31st, 2007 12:37:54 PM
Vauhwyt thinks back to when the party used a rope trick to hide in the Prince's Palace. Could sound travel into the Trick?
[OOC: This was posted by Then-DM Steve K on Jan. 12, 2006:
Rope Trick; 8 creatures any size can fit (rope if pulled up counts as one) No spells or senses can breach the interdimensional barrier (no Message, can't hear); but those inside can see through one-way window.
Vauhwyt says, "If you want to communicate, we'll have to write a note and hold it up. IF they are looking out."
Vorelle and Champ Thursday May 31st, 2007 12:44:37 PM
Vorelle grasps the situation based on what her friends are saying. She nocks an arrow and tries to find a good vantage point--one where she has a clear shot at the area Vauhwyt and Theo are interested in, but is out of the way of everyone.
"S-s-stay, Ch-Champ," she tells her dog. Whether he understands is anybody's guess.
Oni Thursday May 31st, 2007 2:16:07 PM
OOC-Ok, seems everything happened exactly like I didnt want. I wanted Oni, Umbriel and Vorelle to stay on the Dark Horse to protect her. I thought that was clear. I wanted Vorelle on one end, Umbriel the other. Champ could guard Vorelle, and Sho'va between me and Umbriel.
Since Vauhwyt decided upon her own to split from the group, cool its her decision. As the others followed thats cool. But remeber THEY are the ones splitting the group up. So in order to protect our ship from the unknown, wanted us to stay on board, the Dark Horse. If it is enemy we encounter, each vessel has 4 or 5 people/animals to protect it.
If I wanted to jump to Rossas Pride I would have put the word jump, or leap in my post. I specifically did not.
Oh ya, Oni is centaur, not minotaur.
Oni watches as the others decide to jump off the Dark horse and onto the Rossas Pride. He and Sho'va stay put. Guarding the Dark Horse and its crew is more important. The others can deal with the supposed 'rope trick'.
Berlon - Air Walk Thursday May 31st, 2007 10:33:16 PM
Berlon simply shrugs his shoulders at the usual confusion going on. Since he didn't yet cast his Dispel Magic, he will instead Guidance on Theo just before he casts his Dispel, assuming Theo casts it.
Guidance - +1 next check, makes Theo's Dispel Check 19
Company (DM MikeK) d6=6 d20=4 Friday June 1st, 2007 8:22:33 AM I deleted the purely ooc posts, as they are not relevant to the storyline. Please use email or the LnB (or preferably the Giggling Ghost - can always use bodies in the Giggling Ghost) for ooc conversations.
Correction - Oni, Sho'va, and Umbriel remain on the Dark Horse.
----------- Vauhwyt tells Nunzio to return to Dark Horse, and then enters the cabin with the boar. Liontaur and boar set themselves up on opposite sides of the room. She calls for Theo to dispel away.
Umbriel calls over several cautions. Is the effect even a Rope Trick? Will they kill whoever might be inside by dispelling it?
Theo takes up position just outside the cabin, with a clear view of the area that contained the spell effect. He calls into the cabin calling for friends to show themselves. The wizard is pretty certain dispelling a Rope Trick will not kill said inhabitants, but instead will just dump them on the floor.
Rose remains outside the cabin as well, and wonders about how a Rope Trick would move with the ship.
Vorelle tries to find yet another position that is both outside the cabin and has line of sight with Theo. The best she can do is stand behind the wizard. Champ sits next to her.
Oni remains on Dark Horse with Sho'va, awaiting the results of Vauhwyt's latest scheme.
Berlon takes position next to Theo, and casts a Guidance spell on him.
Nunzio hops back over to the Dark Horse.
Theo casts his spell....
There is no sound, but suddenly the empty space seven feet above the floor of the cabin is occupied by a smallish humanoid body - who apparently can't fly. The figure cries out in surprise and slams head first into the wooden floor. His skull meets the planking with a sickening "CRACK!". The rest of him crumples to the floor, and doesn't so much as twitch.
Only Vauhwyt, Theo, and Vorelle can see the figure - either a child or a halfling. The figure wears a homespun shirt, leggings, and plain boots. Berlon and Rose heard the cry and the sound of wood meeting bone. Oni and Umbriel are too far away to hear anything.
Theodore & Macaw Friday June 1st, 2007 9:56:37 AM
"Healing! Berlon, can you heal him?" Theodore is wringing his hands, horrified that he might have killed an innocent.
Macaw doesn't take too well to the erratic body movements and flaps up into the air.
Berlon - Air Walk 3d8(5+6+6)+8=25 Friday June 1st, 2007 3:35:01 PM
(OOC: I'm assuming since he just cast the Guidance on Theo, Berlon is on the spot next to Theo. I don't think it matters either way.)
Berlon stares for a moment at Theo, shocked and open mouthed, until his yell snaps him back to his senses.
"Everyone keep back!" he yells, and rushes to check on the status of the person. Assuming the victim is still alive, Berlon quickly utters some too-familiar gnomish words, healing 25 hit points. (Cure Serious Wounds spontaneously replaces Prayer)
Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Guidance x3 (1 used) Command, Divine Favor, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith Silence, Summon II, Shield Other, Bull's Strength/Identify CF&W (used), Prayer (used), Wind Wall/Dispel Magic Air Walk (used), Divine Power/Imbue
Vauhwyt smiles and says, "Good job, Theo, Good job, Berlon."
Mookie smiles -- if a bird can smile -- and says, "Yet another hare-brained scheme successfully completed, Boss!"
"Thanks, Mookie," the liontaur replies, "but we still have have some investigating to do."
She searches the fallen figure, looking for a spell book, scrolls (blank or otherwise), a spell component pouch, and anything else that seems interesting. She takes NONE of these -- just wants to know if they are there. And IS this a gnome or a halfling?
"Can you detect good or evil, Berlon?" she asks.
And where is the rope? The one that was used to cast the Rope Trick? She looks for that too.
Finally, if the small fry is awake, she helps him or her to their feet and says, "Hiya! We're the Dark Horse Guild, from Dirt City. I'm Vauhwyt. What's your name and story? How'd you come to be herre?"
Note that since she is reduced, Vauhwyt is not as Intiidating as usual.
Search rolls: 11, 12, 12 Diplomacy: 16
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=17 d20+12=13 Sunday June 3rd, 2007 9:37:46 PM
Vorelle tries to stay alert for other signs of trouble, but for some reason she finds all the activity distracting.
[Spot 17, Listen 13.]
Umbriel d20+12=27 d20+15=35 Sunday June 3rd, 2007 10:00:47 PM
Continues on the alert for trouble outside of the sinking vessel and the Magical boat.
Search: 35 (nat.20) Spot: 27
Dropping In (DM MikeK) Monday June 4th, 2007 8:50:32 AM
There is a half second of stunned silence, as the minds of those Guild folks present process the idea of the prone form lying on the floor of the cabin. Then, Theo cries out for someone to help, and Berlon springs into action.
The cleric casts a healing spell, and the figure draws a deep gasping breath, and then slowly pushes himself up with his arms. He has almost reached a sitting position before he lifts his head up to take a look around. By all appearances, he's a human boy, somewhere in that gangly pre-teen set of years. He has brown hair, brown eyes, and pretty bad acne. He's lying on top of a normal looking length of rope, probably 8-12' long.
The boy flashes a smile of gratitude at Berlon.
Vauhwyt comes over to look the boy over. She sees no sign of pouches, bags, books, or any other possessions. There might be something in the pocket of his trousers, but its hard to tell with the boy scrambling away from her as fast as he possibly can. His backward skitter is soon halted by the desk, and he cringes next to it, his wide, panic stricken eyes flicking back and forth between the medium sized liontaur, the gnome, the mage, and the boar.
Vauhwyt asks her questions, but the boy is a tad preoccupied, as he is trying to determine if he's about to be eaten.
The rest of the Dark Horse Guild maintains their viligant stance. Other than the commotion in the cabin, nothing else of interest is going on.
Theodore & Macaw Monday June 4th, 2007 9:19:29 AM
"Vauhwyt, would you mind stepping outside for a moment with you friend, there," he nods his head towards the boar. "I think this young man would like to speak with me and Berlon about something and your presence is a tad startling."
Theodore ushers everyone but Berlon out of the cabin and gently closes the door so it's just the three of them.
Turning back to the boy, "I apologize for having to end your spell. I didn't mean for you to get hurt. My name is Theodore, and this is my friend, Berlon." He motions to the gnome.
"We have no intention of harming you. We were actually sent to help find Rossa and her ship. It appears that something very bad has happened here. Could you tell us what's going on?"
Berlon - Air Walk Monday June 4th, 2007 11:15:36 AM
Once he is done with his healing, Berlon huffs and puffs while he sits on the floor, trying to process everything that just happened. He continues to just sit there as Theo springs into action.
Once he sees the child start to panic, he tries to reassure him. "Now now, young one, everything is all right. You are safe now." With that said, he will cast Remove Fear on the child, and then let Theo continue talking to the boy.
Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Guidance x3 (1 used) Command, Divine Favor, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith Silence, Summon II, Shield Other, Bull's Strength/Identify CF&W (used), Prayer (used), Wind Wall/Dispel Magic Air Walk (used), Divine Power/Imbue
Oni Monday June 4th, 2007 12:51:50 PM
As Oni, Sho'va and Umbriel stay focused on the boat, oni relaxes. Whatever was happening must not be to dangerous, no yells or screaming. Oni stamps in irritation as the bugs seem to be geeting plenty to eat off his hide. He places the halberd in the crook of his arms.
"Umbriel, you have taken up with a group, who best is described as organized chaos. The kids on the boat over there, like to act impetuouslt I have found. One needs to be careful, it is contagious. On the other hand, they do get alot accomplished."
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=19 d20+12=23 Monday June 4th, 2007 2:26:59 PM
Champ begins barking as the new arrival begins skittering backward. Knowing that the barking doesn't help matters any, Vorelle hushes her companion. She continues to stay on the alert.
[Spot 19, Listen 23]
Vauhwyt Monday June 4th, 2007 2:32:43 PM
The reduced liontaur is indignant. "I'm only just as tall as Rose! Why am I so scary! Hmmph!"
She stalks out of the room, taking Mookie and her boar.
Over her shoulder she says, "Find out who the mage was who cast the spell for him!"
rose Monday June 4th, 2007 3:33:56 PM
rose, quickly looks into the room when she hears the thud. but as Vauhwyt comes out she remains where she is.
Posting Report for 5/28/07 Monday June 4th, 2007 7:31:03 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK OXXXX Berlon OXXXX Oni OXXXO Rose OXXXO Theodore OXXXX Umbriel OXXXX Vauhwyt OXXXX Vorelle OXXXX
ADM Shegger
Umbriel Tuesday June 5th, 2007 12:15:56 AM
In response to Oni: And that youthful impulsiveness may one day get them hurt. Perhaps you and I should set an example for these youngsters and help them to keep a cool head. Especially that Vauhwyt. She's a kid with 4 paws. <looking the the 4 legs of Oni, then smiles at him> You are the one to teach her.
Janniver (DM MikeK) Tuesday June 5th, 2007 7:06:27 AM
Theo shoos Vauhwyt, Mookie, and the boar out of the cabin. The liontaur gets huffy, but leaves. Theo then shuts the door. He and Berlon do their best to calm the boy and assure him that they are friends. The gnome goes so far as to cast a Remove Fear spell on him.
With the help of the spell, but the lad calms down quickly enough, and is soon able to answer some questions. He tells his story, which can be boiled down to -
"My name is Janniver. I'm the cabinboy for Captain Rossa. We was rounding the swamps when this pirate ship just appears outta nowhere and starts chasing us. We ducked into the bay to hide and there's all these really big canoes just sitting there, full a lizard men - least that's what the Cap'n called 'em. Big snake like guys with arms an swords an shields an everything. The Cap'n takes me into the cabin and makes the rope stand up and tells me to climb up and take the rope up and not come down till he gives the all clear. I do like he says, but then I can't hear nuthin, and can only see straight down. Then the Cap'n comes in with a bunch of lizard guys and they smack him around till he opens up a door in the desk. There's a bunch of rubies and diamonds and gold and they take it and tie up the Cap'n and leave and take him with them. I was scared and didn't move and waited a long time and then you guys came, but I didn't know if you were with the bad guys so I didn't come out and then the room disappeared."
Rose, Vorelle, Champ, Vauhwyt, Mookie, and the boar stand on the deck of Rossa's Pride, awaiting the outcome of the interrogation.
Oni, Sho'va, and Umbriel discuss the merits (and difficulties) of the group.
As they speak, a brightly plumed parrot flies in from a mangrove tree on the north side of the bay, and alights on the yardarm of the mainsail. "Squawk! Friend or foe, friend or foe." It stops, and looks at Oni. A few seconds later, the parrot repeats the query. "Friend or foe, friend or foe. Squawk!"
Vauhwyt Tuesday June 5th, 2007 7:40:04 AM
Vauhwyt comes back to the party ship and tells Captain Oni and Umbriel what has happened on the Rossa's Pride. She says she hopes the boy will give more info.
In the meantime, the Rossa's Pride is taking on water. Is there any way we can patch that hole and save the ship?
"Captain Oni," she asks, "can you use a wood shape spell or some other magic to put a patch in place? Does any of the crew have any shipwright skill?"
The parrot comes up, and Vauhwyt is careful not to scare it too. She stands still and whispers to Oni that maybe he can make friends with it, druid-like.
Berlon - Air Walk Tuesday June 5th, 2007 8:08:25 AM
After listening to the boy's story, Berlon will check again to make sure he is fully healed and does not require any more medical attention.
Once back with the others, he chips in his two cents. "Swamps and lizardmen," he bristles, "perhaps there are Swamp Goblins to be slain, as well." He will ask the boy if there were any Goblins involved in the attack.
Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Guidance x3 (1 used) Command, Divine Favor, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear (used), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith Silence, Summon II, Shield Other, Bull's Strength/Identify CF&W (used), Prayer (used), Wind Wall/Dispel Magic Air Walk (used), Divine Power/Imbue
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday June 5th, 2007 9:46:13 AM
"All right, Janniver. Thank you for telling us what happened. I'm going to bring you over to our ship because your ship's not in the best shape. Now, there are a lot of people over there that you don't know, but there's no one who will hurt you."
Theodore opens the cabin door and offers his hand to Janniver. "Come with me and I'll take you there."
Along the way, Theodore introduces Janniver to the rest of his friends.
Vorelle and Champ Tuesday June 5th, 2007 4:38:46 PM
Now Champ is barking at the parrot. Vorelle sighs and hushes him again.
Umbriel d20+12=24 d20+15=27 d20+11=26 Tuesday June 5th, 2007 4:49:43 PM
Upon seeing the others returning, Umbriel backs up slightly, out of instinct you might presume. Listens to Vauhwyt's tale. Upon seeing the fanciful bird fly to the listing vessel, squawking its message, Umbriel moves to the front of the flatboat and peers into the jungle from wence it came.
Search: 27 Spot: 24 Listen: 26
Rose Tuesday June 5th, 2007 7:51:15 PM
Rose quickly answers the parrot "Friend" she whispers to piper to follow the parrot if it leaves and not to let herself be seen.
Oni Tuesday June 5th, 2007 11:55:14 PM
Oni looks at the bird long and hard. Calling upon the forces of nature, he casts a speak with animals spell. In the parrots own tongue he answers, then asks.
"Friend colored one. What can you tell us of the survivors of this ship? Where are the lizardmen that were here?"
Oni want a cracker? (DM MikeK) Wednesday June 6th, 2007 9:19:27 PM
Vauhwyt crosses back to the Dark Horse, and asks Oni if it is possible to patch the hole in Rossa's Pride and save the ship. Then, the liontaur spots the parrot, and suggests talking to it.
Berlon asks Janniver if goblins were also involved in the attack. The boy shrugs. "Dunno. All I saw were the lizard guys."
Theo encourages Janniver to come across. The boy seems to have calmed down quite a bit. He nods, and follows the mage to the Dark Horse, nimbly jumping the space between the two ships. He does stick close to Theo once across.
Champ barks a warning at the parrot, only to be shushed by Vorelle. The dog obeys, while the parrot flaps its wings at the noisy canine.
Umbriel moves to the front of the flatboat and peers into the jungle where the bird emerged. He sees nothing besides mangrove trees.
Rose and Oni both reply "Friend". Oni continues in limited birdspeak.
The bird replies in Common. "Crocodile men. Little boats. Whee-oot! Cap'n be plunder! Cap'n be plunder! Squawk!" The parrot bobs his head. "Croc men home with plunder! Drinking hearty me maties!"
Berlon - Air Walk Wednesday June 6th, 2007 11:49:49 PM
Air Walking his way back with the others, Berlon sees the scene unfold before him involving the parrot. He frowns as the parrot rambles on.
"You know, I am VERY disappointed in you all."
"I mean," he continues using his most serious voice, "if this little group has learned nothing (and sometimes I think that might be the case!) and I mean, if this group has learned NOTHING, I thought we've learned one thing."
"Don't talk to strange little birds..."
Mookie Thursday June 7th, 2007 12:17:45 AM
"Well, I never!"
Theodore & Macaw d20+4=18 Thursday June 7th, 2007 9:16:26 AM
Theodore listens to the parrot speak, trying to decipher his rudimentary language skills.
"Macaw, would you fly a little ways over the jungle and let me know if you see anything?"
The raven caws a reply and wings off maybe a mile from the ship. (Macaw's spot 18; looking for anything out of the ordinary such as people, monsters, some kind of path or shelter, etc.)
Theodore then turns to Janniver, "Have you seen this parrot before, Janniver? Was he with you on the ship?"
Vauhwyt Thursday June 7th, 2007 10:30:52 AM
Vauhwyt also wonders if this is the ship's bird -- and listens to see what the boy says.
If it is the ship's bird, then we can believe what it says: Captain Rossa is held under duress in a lizardman camp, and our job is to go rescue him -- the sooner the better, since it seems the lizardmen are at their revels.
If it is not the ship's bird, then likely it is bait to lead us into a trap.
But before we go, Vauhwyt again talks with the crew and the party to see if there is any way to save the Rossa's Pride. Can Captain Oni use a Wood Shape? Or maybe he couls spontaneously summon a water elemental to help with the repairs? Could we salvage wood or cloth from our own ship to make a patch?
Oni Thursday June 7th, 2007 11:35:15 AM
Oni eyes the bird. Oni figures Rossa and crew were taken hostage. Beleive or trust the bird further was the question.
OOC-Vauhwyt, i havent answered because i dont have the spell. I cant summon an water ele either, sorry, no idea how to fix boat. That is why I wanted to salvage any usable sruff, ropes, ammo, whatever. But Nunzio didnt find anything.
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=28 d20+12=20 Thursday June 7th, 2007 6:54:41 PM
Vorelle peers at the water. Nope, no tracks.
Again, she scans the area, this time looking for anything unusual.
[Spot 28, Listen 20]
Kerka (DM MikeK) Thursday June 7th, 2007 7:53:39 PM
Berlon seizes upon the opportunity to zing the assorted feathered friends.
Theo asks Macaw to take a little trip, and the bird takes off, Flying off about a mile is gonna take a while The mage asks Janniver if he's seen the bird before.
Vauhwyt and Oni await the boy's answer, while Vorelle continues to keep an eye on the nearby swamps.
Janniver nods. "That's Kerka," he answers with a sour expression. "The Captain's bird."
"Capn's bird! Capn's bird!" Kerka repeats, bobbing his head like a cork. "Boy clean cage! Clean cage! Whee-out. Kerka wanna cracker! Boy givva cracker! Squawk!"
As the two appear to know each other, Vauhwyt gives her recommendation - Captain Rossa is held under duress in a lizardman camp, and our job is to go rescue him -- the sooner the better, since it seems the lizardmen are at their revels.
Kerka bobs his head again. "Rescue! Rescue! Whee-ot!"
Theodore & Macaw Friday June 8th, 2007 9:26:25 AM
"So, what's our plan, then?" Theodore asks his friends. "I've sent Macaw out to see what he can."
(OOC - This should only take a few minutes, correct, MikeK. He's flying, after all.)
"What was your ship doing around here, Janniver? Were you headed somewhere or away from something? Or just looking?"
Umbriel d20+11=31 d20+11=20 d20+15=27 Friday June 8th, 2007 10:18:15 AM
Stays on alert. Listen: 31 (nat.20) Search: 27 Spot: 20
Vauhwyt Friday June 8th, 2007 11:17:24 AM
"Well, I think we should follow this bird, senak up on the lizardmen, and ambush them while they are at their revels."
"More than everr, it brings home to me how much we need for everyone to have some stealth capability. Even just a couple Elixers of Stealth and Hiding. Let's see:
Me, Rose, and Vorelle are quiet. We should be in the front.
Umbriel, are you loud or quiet? My guess would be quiet.
Theo is loud, but at least has no armor.
Berlon is loud. Oni is loud. They should bring up the rearr, a ways back."
Vauhwyt suggests that we tow the sinking ship closer to shore, or even up on the beach, so that we can repair it later.
Then Vauhwyt asks the bird to lead the way. "We can take the boat as far as we can, then wade ashore as soon as we can walk."
Vauhwyt asks the boy about the rest of the crew. Where are they -- or their bodies -- now?
Oni Friday June 8th, 2007 1:15:42 PM
Oni looks menacing at Vauhwyt. When/if he gets her attention he mouths the world silence. If that dont work, he moves to her and says, "Shh, this planning should be done in private. We dont 'control' the colored bird."
Although her plan sounds solid, the parrot may fly ofdf and tell his captain the plan without knowing it is a secret. The loud squawk of the bird will surely alert the lizardmen.
Vauhwyt Friday June 8th, 2007 4:30:47 PM
The liontaur takes a hint and shushes as soon as Oni alerts her.
rose Friday June 8th, 2007 6:42:38 PM
rose, takes the hint that oni gives vauhwyt and takes it a step further. She rummages around in her bag of holding and pulls out some crackers and holds them out to the parrot. When/if the parrot comes to her to get the crackers Rose will hold the bird and then put it in Mookies pouch. The bird may have to stay behind so it wont alert the lizards.
Berlon - Air Walk Friday June 8th, 2007 9:21:11 PM
"It depends on the situation, Vauhwyt. It depends on the numbers involved as well as the terrain involved. We need to do some scouting, and then go from there. If things go down badly, we need to make sure we have folks in the proper position. Rose and Vorelle can do the recon, and once we know the situation we can figure out what to do then."
"But I can tell you," he continues, speaking as if someone talking from experience, "if there are a lot of them, and I mean a lot of them, and battle is our only option..." he pauses as he cinches up his shield...
"Then *I* will take the point..."
Vorelle and Champ Saturday June 9th, 2007 3:59:38 AM
As Vauhwyt lists the members of the party capable of stealth, Vorelle shakes her head at Champ in fond exasperation. Now he is barking at Mookie. Definitely not one of the sneaky ones.
"Ch-Ch-Champ should st-stay on the b-b-boat," she says.
Ready the Rescue [DM SteveK] Saturday June 9th, 2007 1:39:19 PM
It takes 15 minutes for Macaw to make the mile flight out, look around, and fly back. This gives the Dark Horse Guild ample time to reorganize and prepare for a land-side trek.
Theo asks more questions.
Vauhwyt suggests several courses of action and more questions for Janniver.
Umbriel keeps watch on the shore. Though his eyes and senses are keen, he can see no movement.
Oni hushes the planning, worried about unknown ears of the parrot. The planning can be done better alone.
Rose tries to lure the parrot with some crackers. Though Kerka is happy enough to take the crackers, he hops away when Rose comes for him (to grab Kerka, Rose'll need to successfully Grapple, then Pin the bird).
Berlon makes his own suggestions for recon and battle.
Vorelle is certain that whatever else, Champ needs to stay on the boat and NOT on recon.
Janniver answers the questions as best he is able, but it is clear he is starting to be very sleepy after his harrowing experiences. "The Captain was searching for something for our House, and was in a happy mood before the attack came." He doesn't answer Vauhwyt directly, but talks instead to Theo. "And I said that the Captain sent me into the Rope Trick, and I didn't see anything. I don't know where the... the others are!"
Kerka appears very happy about the crackers and Janniver. "Rescue! Rescue! Whee-ot!" He bobs his head reapeatedly. "Kerka Hero! Keelhaul scallawags, lotta crackers, lotta swag! Rrawk!" The parrot also squauks at Rose Nah, nah, can't catch Kerka! Kerka won't show the way, Whee-oot!"
Any discussion with the crew of the Dark Horse confirms that the Rossa's Pride has already settled on the bottom in the shallow bay. The only chance to save the boat would be to fix the hole, and empty the water to refloat before the tide comes in. Of course, waiting for the evening tide would continue to keep the Dark Horse exposed and end any possible scouting for the day...
Oni Saturday June 9th, 2007 3:15:45 PM
Oni speaks to Kerla in simple common, since the bird seems to understand. "Kerla, master of the jungle, for rescue to be a success it demands quiet. If you can be quiet I will allow you to go, if not, you can stay. Or we will kill you. Or we will take you back to your house and tell them it was all your fault, that Rossa's crew were eaten."
"Vorelle, Iwill cast anothe speak with animals spell, see if I cant convince Champ tostay with me. Sho'va can go with you, we can trade, maybe Champ will go for that."
Oni casts his second speak with animals spell today, and talks it up with Champ and Sho'va. His bestargument to Champ is the wild versus the city. Sho'va is accustomed to the wild, back in the city, Chanmp would take role of scout.
Theodore & Macaw Saturday June 9th, 2007 5:29:33 PM
"Well, maybe Macaw will have some more information for us. We should make any definite plans until he returns. But if he doesn't find anything, our only option is to follow Kerka."
He gives the bird a once over. Sheesh! I mean, who keeps a talking bird as a pet, anyway?
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=32 d20+12=22 Sunday June 10th, 2007 3:44:21 PM
Vorelle continues to watch and listen for trouble.
[Spot 32, Listen 22]
[ooc: not sure whether I'm supposed to give Champ's reaction or whether the DM does. I'd say Champ is willing to stay behind, especially if Oni thinks to offer a treat.]
Umbriel Sunday June 10th, 2007 7:23:50 PM
Waits for the groups decision on the next course of action.
Berlon - Air Walk Monday June 11th, 2007 1:06:53 AM
"Birds," Berlon mutters to himself as he tends to some scrolls he has on hand, "we're talking with birds. Everyone's talking to birds. We have a tribe of lizardmen and Dietrich back in the city and a group of House representatives and everyone's talking to a bird."
"'Who's that?' they'll ask."
"'Why, that's the new Prince of Dirt City, that is! Him and his goofy looking pet!'"
"'Aye,' the punchline will go, 'but which one's which?'"
Vauhwyt Monday June 11th, 2007 10:51:42 AM
Vauwhyt grins at Berlon and teases him. "A sense of humor, too? Berlon, your unplumbed depths continue to surprise me!"
Speaking softly, Vauhwyt asks Oni if he intends to stay with the boat.
"My only reservation is that while the boat is important, our fighting strength is already reduced by the loss of Dietrich. I fear that we will need your strong arms and hooves."
Either way, with Oni or without, Vauhwyt thinks that the party has to strike now, while the lizard men are in their revels. "It will be easier to sneak up on them," she says.
But they will have left a guard or two. The sneakiest ones should go first, to disable the guards.
As soon as Theo's bird reports back, or after a half hour either way, she strongly urges the party to get moving: bring the boat close enough to shore that the party can debark, then follow the bird (hopefully smart enough to keep quiet) to the lizardman camp.
"Come on, friends! Our window is closing!"
DaveT-OOC Monday June 11th, 2007 12:57:22 PM
Hey, We have two different scenarios shapin up. If only a scouting party, then yes oni may stay. But since Macaw is doing the scouting i think this point is mute. Seconly, i figure we have told Tara to find a suitable place to let us disembark. That would be the implied intention. Do we need to state that???
Also, we are all going, except the crew, when Macaw comes back with his info. Vauhwyts marching order sounded fine.
Rose Monday June 11th, 2007 6:08:40 PM
rose goes over to Vauhwyt and whispers "I think somebody should stay with the boat so that it does get stolen and we'll be ready for a quick get away if necessary"
Ready the Rescue [SteveK]] Monday June 11th, 2007 7:14:39 PM
Champ seems just fine to stay, but just fine to go, too. His reddish pupils look at Vorelle in complete trust.
Macaw comes back and reports there is a trail that basically parallels a sluggish river that goes back into the mangroves. He could not see any village, but could faintly smell burning wood. There is no evidence that his little birdie brain could see of any canoes.
Kerka seems indignant with Oni's suggestion that the parrot would do anything to cause harm to Captain Rossa. "Whee-oot! Know Cap'n is close. Feel him. Help break out, Rawk!" The parrot is willing to lead and to help get his Captain back.
Janniver keeps listening and urges quick action. "I heard lizardfolk eat people. If they are going to have a party, I know who's going to be the main course." He shudders. "Help me get Captain Rossa back, he's a good man!"
Tara comes to Oni to report she is confident that the Dark Horse as a flatboat can get within ten feet of shore. Then, if the heroes jump off, it will be light enough to put back out to sea. She can stay around the headland until a signal comes to bring her and the boat back. "It'll be alright in the dark, but the boat will be vulnerable at first light without you all on it for protection. What should be the plan if you don't come back by then?"
Posting Report for 6/4/07 Monday June 11th, 2007 9:16:21 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXO DM SteveK OOOOX Berlon XXXXX Oni XXXXX Rose XXOXX Theodore XXXXX Umbriel XXOXX Vauhwyt XXXXX Vorelle XXXXX
ADM Shegger
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday June 12th, 2007 10:11:20 AM
"If the path stays near the river, why don't we just take the boat up the river?" Theodore suggests. "But I don't mind hoofing it, either." He gives Oni a sly look and then giggles behind his hand.
Theodore collects his gear, shoulders his haversack, and grips his staff. He's ready to continue on the ship, or to hoof it.
Oni Tuesday June 12th, 2007 12:15:54 PM
"Tara make it so. We can land, then you can come back out to sea. We can always send one of the ravens to tell you to come back. We never know where the pirate ship went, or coming back, so be careful. Take us in, lets disembark."
Oni gets everything settled to leave the boat. Theo gives the suggestion of going up the river.
"Although that is a good idea, I beleive with our few numbers we risk losing the boat. Dont want that do we? "
Sometimes Oni did not understand people. Talking and laughing at odd times. As he looks toward land, it finally gets through his thick skull the pun used on the word hoof. He turns towards Theo and shakes his head negatively, although with a wide grin.
Berlon - Air Walk Tuesday June 12th, 2007 2:03:12 PM
Berlon smiles uncomfortably at Vauhwyt. "Had I more time to prepare, we would be able to use a similar stategy used by my village in the Swamp Goblin War. It's very effective in the murky terrain, even if it *is* a bit... messy...."
"Regardless, we must make haste. I think it might be wise for (*ahem*) Cap'n Oni and Tara to stay with the ship, just to keep a safe eye. Once we get there, Rose could do a quick recon, perhaps magically aided. Depending on how things go down, it might be wise for Vauhwyt and I to take the point. They are likely to have a shaman of some sort, so young Theodore can take care of THAT potential issue."
"Is everyone ready? Be prepared..."
Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Guidance x3 (1 used) Command, Divine Favor, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear (used), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith Silence, Summon II, Shield Other, Bull's Strength/Identify CF&W (used), Prayer (used), Wind Wall/Dispel Magic Air Walk (used), Divine Power/Imbue
Rose Tuesday June 12th, 2007 3:11:36 PM
Rose grabs her stuff and goes with the others, hopefully the others wont want to move to fast for the little people.
Vauhwyt (AC19, HP57) and Mookie (AC15, HP28) d20+11=25 d20+11=25 d20+16=24 d20+16=27 d20+2=19 d20+2=9 d20+2=4 d20+2=9 Tuesday June 12th, 2007 4:42:02 PM
[OOC: I'm presuming that even my longest duration spell -- 40 minutes -- will have expired by the time we get ashore and sneaking.]
Vauhwyt agrees that the best course is to sail the boat a little up river, but she thinks the crew and Oni should hide the boat there. Maybe he can use some druid spells, like entangle or something, to hide the boat in local foliage. The thing is, the party may be coming back at a run with the prisoners and lizardmen hot on their trails, and we'll need a fast get-away.
Also, if there is too much trouble, Oni might be able to come in an emergency.
The liontaur does not want to sail very far up the river because the lizardmen are good swimmers and probably have it watched near their camp.
Vauhwyt understands (at last, when the bird says it "feels him") that the parrot is the Captain's familiar, and that it was Rossa who most likely cast the Rope Trick for the boy to hide in. She feels a litlle dumb that she did not realize it herself already.
Frankly, the more she thinks about it, the more Vauhwyt is wishing Oni would come. What if there are animal guards that Oni could make friends with? A strategic entangle could turn the tide of battle. And with Dietrich gone, the centaur's ax would come in very handy. She shares these thoughts quietly with Oni.
The cabin boy should stay on the ship, of course.
"Doesn't much matter if the ship is intact if there's no one to come back to herr," she whispers.
What time of day is it? I think that Vauhwyt would advise Tara to wait until dawn, then, if there is no word and no bird, set sail for home with the next tide.
Vauwhyt is all for going now. "We've dilly dallied long enough."
About ten minutes out from the lizardman camp, if the parrot can give her a quiet signal, Vauhwyt uses two message cantrips to allow secret conversation among the party and the parrot.
Sneaking up on the camp, Vauhwyt will rely on Vorelle to look for tracks and to spo tthe enemy. The liontaur will say just behind the ranger, ready to act as muscle if a lizard scout or guard is encountered.
"My strategy if we see a lone enemy is to enlarge, grapple, pin, and silence the foe. With luck, I can do that (surprise round to grapple, first round to pin) before it can react and give an alert."
When the group is about a minute out, Vauhwyt will cast Reduce Person on herself, Alter Self on Mookie, and Expeditious Retreat shared on both.
Spells used (does not include spells cast on approach to lizard camp!):
None of six 0th Level Two of seven 1st Level Two of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
Vorelle and Champ d20+12=32 d20+12=26 d20+16=23 Tuesday June 12th, 2007 11:56:42 PM
Champ stays behind, content to let others do the stealthing.
When the group is ready, Vorelle joins the scouts in moving stealthily toward the camp.
[If possible, I would like to take 10 on Hide and Move Silently, and get 29 for each.]
As she moves, she stays on alert, and scans the ground for some sign of the foes they seek.
[Spot 32, Listen 26, Survival (to track) 23]
Umbriel Wednesday June 13th, 2007 10:15:45 AM
waits........
In the Swamp [DM SteveK] Wednesday June 13th, 2007 5:39:15 PM
Despite the ideas that are thrown about, Tara and the sailors seem inclined to follow the orders of Captain Oni, the designated one in charge Careful orders couched in nervous whispers, and the Dark Horse flatboat glides in close to shore. The muddy bottom causes the boat to lurch when it beaches, but after the group jumps ship, they can see Tara and the sailors are deftly backing oar and taking the boat out again. "We'll await first light or one of your bird-friends", she says.
Sunset is fast approaching, the last rays of the sky streaking the clouds orange and purple. The Dark Horse Guild is now in the mangrove swamp on foot. There is a path into the marshy and overgrown woods that keeps the wide river in sight. Champ and Sho'va sniff the air, and they show silent growls as thier hackles rise in the muggy air.
Vauhwyt and Berlon throw out possible tactics for a rescue.
Vorelle looks closely at the path and notices that there are booted feet as well as lizardfolk spoor on the trail. And the boots do not look like they were dragged or impeded.
Theodore & Macaw d20+4=13 Wednesday June 13th, 2007 6:52:07 PM
When Theodore disembarks, the familiar tingle spreads across his body, up his spine, and onto the base of his neck.
He smiles to himself, "I'm becoming an old hat at this."
He prepares by casting mage armor on himself. (Good for 7 hours)
Macaw leaps into the air, keeping just above the party to provide a bird's eye view against any sneaky baddies. (Macaw's spot 13)
Berlon - Air Walk Wednesday June 13th, 2007 8:01:51 PM
Berlon frowns as Vorelle examins the tracks. "Perhaps things aren't what they seem, after all..." he muses quietly.
Before finishing the thought, he offers his options on recon. "If one of us can go in invisibly, that is the best option. If not, we could send in one of the birds, if they could promise not to squawk too much...."
Vorelle d20+12=29 d20+12=32 d20+16=35 Thursday June 14th, 2007 12:11:57 AM
Vorelle signals her friends.
"Th-the l-lizardf-f-folk have a-allies," she says. She finds what she hopes is a very obvious boot-print to show them. "H-h-humanoids. N-not p-p-prisoners."
She continues to be alert for trouble.
[Spot 29, Listen 32. Survival (for tracking) 35]
Umbriel d20+13=28 d20+15=31 d20+13=30 d20+13=26 Thursday June 14th, 2007 10:42:30 AM
To finally be off that boat, Umbriel breathes in a sigh of relief. Taking off his shaded goggles and placing them in his pocket Umbriel scans the surrounding area. Crouching next to the path examining tracks the group hasnt already obliterated. Survival(Track): 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { How many, what kind other than lizard (ie elf human etc..), how fast were they moving and were they carrying anything heavy (ie bodies and booty from the ship). } After examining the tracks Umbriel peers into the swamp with his Dark Elf vision, and Listens to the night air for sounds other than those made by the natural surroundings. Listen: 28 Search: 31 Spot: 26
*Go ahead and post what I find. I'd tell the group anyways and it will move things along faster.*
Oni and Sho'va Thursday June 14th, 2007 12:18:44 PM
Oni allows everyone to get off the boat. As Vorelle and the scouts go forward to find tracks, he gives final orders to the crew. He tells Tara to sail around a bit, scout the shoreline, and wait for a raven to tell her to come back to the river entrance.
Oni then jumps out of the craft as well. He ans Sho'va will bring up the rear. He will rely on Sho'vas's sense to help him travelling through the thick undergrowth.
Vauhwyt (AC19, HP57) and Mookie (AC15, HP28) Thursday June 14th, 2007 3:01:10 PM
Recap from last post:
About ten minutes out from the lizardman camp, if the parrot can give her a quiet signal, Vauhwyt uses two message cantrips to allow secret conversation among the party and the parrot.
Sneaking up on the camp, Vauhwyt will rely on Vorelle to look for tracks and to spo tthe enemy. The liontaur will say just behind the ranger, ready to act as muscle if a lizard scout or guard is encountered.
"My strategy if we see a lone enemy is to enlarge, grapple, pin, and silence the foe. With luck, I can do that (surprise round to grapple, first round to pin) before it can react and give an alert."
When the group is about a minute out, Vauhwyt will cast Reduce Person on herself, Alter Self on Mookie, and Expeditious Retreat shared on both.
Spells used (does not include spells cast on approach to lizard camp!):
None of six 0th Level Two of seven 1st Level Two of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
Scouts Out! [DM SteveK] Thursday June 14th, 2007 7:21:20 PM
{DM Note: I deleted a couple of ooc posts that detracted from the overall adventure. Recommend non-play posts be done as emails to Players and/or DM. Thanks! :-))
Theodore casts Mage Armor, and is ready to follow the others. Macaw hops from perch to perch, keeping near the trail and ahead of the lead scout to give any early warning.
Berlon is concerned about the footprints, and then suggests for the lead scout to be invisible... any takers?
Vorelle and Umbriel keep alert and look for further tracks. In the fading light, they are both able to tell that there was more than one human track, and a smaller track that could be an elf. The tracks and the bent vegetation indicate they were carrying something moderately heavy into the swamp trail.
Oni gives final instructions to Tara and then keeps to the rear.
Vauhwyt reminds everyone of her eventual actions once closer to the lizardfolk lair, and waits for the parrot to give a signal.
Kerka the parrot also hops from perch to perch, waiting on the Dark Horse Guild to catch up before moving on. A half mile into the mangroves, and even the humans can smell the woodsmoke of fires ahead. Kerka flaps back to Oni and does a low whistle, "Close, close, me hearties!", which is Vauhwyt's signal to cast her cantrips.
Further on with Vorelle and Umbriel, the two scouts catch up with Macaw (who did not fly ahead). From around a mangrove thicket on a small mound of mud/dirt, they are able to see the lizardfolk camp.
A wood-palisaded lizardfolk town with a long house and two dozen round huts is nestled between the river and a cypress forest about 200 feet in front of the scouts. The palisade is a half moon covering the landward side of the settlement. Even in the darkness, it is easy to see that mud is the predominant color of the town and used on walls and thatch as waterproofing. Hut openings that the heroes can see are covered with muddy skins or old rugs. A long pier juts out into the sluggish river but currently, there is nothing but a half-dozen barrels waiting at the end. Six dugout canoes the size of entire trees are beached on the nearby mudflats, and dozens of smaller dugouts or hide covered wicker framed boats are scattered around. Fish drying racks and a couple of tool sheds are the only buildings outside of the palisade.
A bonfire on the mudflats near the swampy forest on the near side of the village attests to yet another huge dugout being built.
(ooc: map via email)
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP57, Reduced, Exp Retreat) and Monkey Mookie (AC17, HP28, Reduced, Exp Retreat) d20+2=20 d20+2=15 Friday June 15th, 2007 10:28:26 AM
Vauhwyt quickly finishes her casting: Expeditious Retreat shared with Mookie, Alter Self to make Mookie a monkey, and Reduce Self on herself and Mookie.
"We need to know morre," Vauhwyt whispers to her friends via Message. "Where is Rossa? Where are the revels? What is going on out therre?" Her accent betrays her nervous energy and feline curiosity.
Now three feet tall, five feet long, and weighing just 61 pounds, Vauhwyt climbs with Diminutive Monkey Mookie up into the trees. She wants to see over that palisade. She hopes to see the enemy. Taking 10, Vauhwyt has a 15 climb check, and Mookie has 26. Mookie climbs five feet higher than Vauhwyt does -- still in range of shared spells!
Vauhwyt and Mookie continue to hide as well as climb very quietly, taking 10 on checks: V Hide: 26 Move Silent: 27 M Hide: 23 Move Silent: 23
In the foliage, Vauhwyt takes a good look and listen around. Spot 20, Listen 15! Rolling instead of taking ten paid off that time! Especially, are there any guards or watchers?
Vauhwyt whispers to her friends anything that she discovers.
[OOC: Steve, could you clarify what is what on the map? Where is the half-moon palisade? What is that red box -- a wall around the town? How high? Is this a five foot scale? What's that tan circle between Vauhwyt and the six beached boats -- the bonfire? What's that long building in the village? Most of all, where are the people?]
{DMSteveK: Oh, no matter how much I slave, you always want more. more! Arrggh! OK. I'll add a Key to the map next iteration. The red box is the palisade (I'll adjust outline). Tan circles are fires. Long building is a long building, the characters don't know what it's used for yet because you haven't gone inside. Palisade is currently hiding everything except the tops of buildings and flames from bonfires, so heroes don't see any people.)
Spells used:
Two of six 0th Level Four of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: one of ten this week
Theodore & Macaw Friday June 15th, 2007 10:47:53 AM
"Before we go into the camp, we should disable their canoes so they can't pursue us. I think punching holes in them should be fine. Fire would make smoke and draw their attention."
Theodore remains where he is, waiting on what the others think.
Oni 17 AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36HP Friday June 15th, 2007 12:46:35 PM
Oni agrees with Theo. Quietly he discusses with the group the best way to go about that. He also tries to adjust his eyes to the fading light.
Berlon - Air Walk Friday June 15th, 2007 1:28:55 PM
"I *knew* it!" Berlon hisses under his breath. "An entire clutch! Curse my unpreparedness! Never again!" He seems very upset with himself.
"Are we *sure* no one has an inivisibility spell for me? I could recon from above while invisible..."
He calms himself slightly, nodding at Theo's words. "Good idea, Theo, except in this case we wouldn't want to draw attention to disabling the canoes. That, and I'm not sure we'd be running from the lizardmen anyway. Maybe Vorelle could quietly poke a hole or two in each canoe, just in case?"
"Regardless, NO ONE do anything until we are sure of who is an enemy and who is not."
"Oh, and, er, Theo, stick close to me, would you? This might be the part where we get to blow stuff up..."
With a smile on his face, he casts Guidance upon himself.
Create Water, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Guidance x3 (1 used) Command, Divine Favor, Obscuring Mist, Remove Fear (used), Sanctuary, Shield of Faith Silence, Summon II, Shield Other, Bull's Strength/Identify CF&W (used), Prayer (used), Wind Wall/Dispel Magic Air Walk (used), Divine Power/Imbue
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