The Angry Giant Wants To Help (DM Cayzle) Thursday August 9th, 2007 4:54:13 PM
The party discusses the merits of meeting the powerful teleporting wizard.
But before too long, there is a sound that everyone can hear. FOOTSTEPS! Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.
Kendry wonders if it is the giant you met coming into the valley.
Podo's quick peek out the door reveals that it is! It is Slam! The giant who helped you up the cliff several days ago!
Dwight follows Podo to the door, and sees the giant too. But Slam is not smiling. In fact, he looks angry!
In the midst of this, Kendry ties the prisoner and cures him. Kendry turns to talk to Comey, but the healer has already gone out to meet Slam.
Airin leaves the Chapel and hides with her crossbow.
Fickle threatens the prisoner, who gets more upset. Kendry asks Fickle to take the prisoner outside, without killing him. Fickle can try that next round.
==========
Comey runs out to meet Slam. He yells, "Friend Slam! Have you come to help?"
The giant says angrily in broken common, "I HELP YOU! I HELP GET RID OF TRICKY POISONS!"
He is headed for the Chapel and will spend the next round running up to the building.
Kendry d20+12=21 Thursday August 9th, 2007 8:34:14 PM
"Comey - take them out, and give me the potions, please," Kendry requests. Oh, wait, Comey already is outside. He recalls his many misgivings about leaving the potions here in the temple, out of the group's direct control.
Obviously, someone has gotten to Slam, and fed him a lie. And, just as obviously, there is a spy - or spies - within the community.
He steps out of the chapel.
In giant, he says, Highlight to display spoiler: {'Slam, it is good to see you. Tell me who said there is poison here. I have some potions of healing, but no poison. There is a wizard who lies and steals. Help us find him. You know me - Kendry.'}
In common, he adds, "You met us all. If there is poison, I will help you destroy it. But tell me who told you that Alemi's good temple would hold bad poison. There are evil ones about who do not want people to be healed. Help us find them. Help us, Slam."
[Diplomacy: 21]
Selithe Thursday August 9th, 2007 10:07:13 PM
Selithe listens to everything and when she hears the thudding of feet and the sound of Slam's voice, she too moves out to meet the giant. She smiles at him hoping that they can talk this over rather then have to fight, "Greetings Slam, it has been some time. I too am intersted in who said there was poison here."
Dwight d20=17 Thursday August 9th, 2007 11:14:04 PM
Dwight, also urges Comey to open compartments to prevent Slam from uncontrollably smashing them. (17: not sure what it would apply to intimidate/coerce/encourage/strong suggestion and in the end i suppose diplomacy--i get +3 to it all so it doesn't matter really)
Once the vials are out, Dwight rushes to the theif/Fickle and gets a good description of the wizard he referred to. (height, clothes, hair color etc.)
Airin [AC21 - 42/42 HP] and Fioni [AC17 - 8/8 HP] AWAY Friday August 10th, 2007 4:01:57 AM
Upon seeing Slam enter the village Airin smiles. It's always good to see a friendly face in the dangerous Wold.
She steps out of her hiding place and waves hello to Slam.
"Hey Slam! Good to see you again!"
Then she waits to see how Slam will react to Kendry - even though she does not understand a word Kendry's saying, she's almost certain that he will try to make things clear to Slam that there are no poisons to be found anymore.
All the time Airin tries to stop the thoughts that race through her mind about Fioni. Thoughts of the tiny hawk being fried over a nice fire... She'll be back soon...
Fickle Friday August 10th, 2007 7:44:53 AM
Fickle will do as his cousin Dwight tell him to do, he'll tie up the Thief and Push him out side.
"HI'Z Slam. You'z look angry? Why? Where'z you's going Now? Can I'z help you'z with some thing'z?
Podo d20+9=24 d20+5=13 d20+14=34 d20+2=3 Friday August 10th, 2007 10:05:41 AM
Podo wonders how Slam knows that there is poison here. With everything that has just transpired, Podo tries but he just can concentrate right now. Podo stays hidden in the shadows for now.
Podo, looking back into the chapel, tries to see and spot what Slam migh be talking about. Also, Podo listens to Slam to understand him better about this matter; about the poison.
Tobias (AC 20, HP 34/38) [Message] d20+19=29 d20+8=20 d20+7=23 Friday August 10th, 2007 11:31:09 AM
Tobias remains hidden (inside the chapel near the entrance) to see how the giant responds to Kendry and the others... hoping that they can talk some sense into him. He prepares his short swords, just in case Kendry can't talk Slam down.
Hide: 29 Listen: 20 Spot: 23
Rushing Slam (DM Cayzle) d20+4=6 Friday August 10th, 2007 5:12:49 PM
Kendry thinks Slam has been misled, and tries to get the giant to see reason.
Selithe and Airin help Kendry in reminding the giant that they are friends.
Dwight urges Comey to open the altar compartments and take out the potions. Then he joins Fickle and the prisoner and asks about the wizard who hired him.
Fickle ties up the prisoner with extra rope. He calls a hello to Slam.
Podo keeps his eyes open and tries to figure out what is going on.
Tobias stays hidden just inside the Chapel, waiting to see what happens. He s ready to fight the giant, if need be.
==========
Slam seems so intent that he totally ignores all of you. He registers your existence, but does not seem to listen. "Must get poisons out of altar." he says. "Move, small folk!"
"Slam, wait -- " but that is all Comey can say before the giant pushes past him.
The giant bull rushes through Comey, then pries to push aside Kendry, Selithe, and Airin.
Do you three let the giant by, or should I roll bull rushes?
Tobias, the giant may enter the chapel. If so, do you take a readied attack? Do you try to block the door?
What are Fickle, Podo, and Dwight doing while this happens?
(Not quite in combat yet!)
Dwight Friday August 10th, 2007 7:44:25 PM
OOC: Did Dwight get the vials? Dwight's intention was to continue urging Comey until he complied.
If Dwight did get the potions, then he does not advertise it and continues wih original plan (talking with Sneak and getting description of wizard).
So the answer to "did Dwight get the vials" determines where Dwight is standing once Slam arrives.
Potions potions! (DM Cayzle) Friday August 10th, 2007 10:43:02 PM
Comey took all the potions and placed them in undamaged secret spaces in the altar. After that, he had no time to fetch them between listening to the interrogation of the prisoner and going outside to talk with Slam. So the potions are in the altar, and you do not know how to get at them.
Selithe Friday August 10th, 2007 10:53:19 PM
(Curious, would Selithe have time to cast a spell before Slam gets into the temple? Also the spell would have to be saved on her necklace since I forgot to add those to the spells listed before?)
[OOC: ADM Kim: Justin - tell what spell you are casting and how you are attempting to do so. If Cayzle rules it does not work, you'll find out. If it does work, you will not have had to wait for his answer... waiting can slow things down. So: Cast, explaining any conditions, so we can move along! - Buttinski Kim]
Kim, OOC Friday August 10th, 2007 11:59:04 PM
Neither Tobias nor Dwight gave Comey the two rescued potions, as far as I read it.
Podo d20+9=20 d6+2=3 d20+9=14 d20+5=7 d20+14=19 d20+2=9 d20+11=14 Saturday August 11th, 2007 12:07:49 PM
When Slam walks past Podo's position, Podo will strike out with a Stunning Fist attack, believing that Slam's mind as been confused.
After the attack on slam, Podo will tumble away back into the shadows.
Attacks Stunning Fist Attack DC: 20+1 = 21 Damage: 3hp Make Fort. saving throw vs. DC15 or suffer penalities.
Kim for Kendry Saturday August 11th, 2007 12:14:50 PM
Ack! forgot to post and have to run. Should do it tonight...
Tobias (AC 20, HP 34/38) [Message] d20+14=32 d20+14=29 d4+3=5 d4+3=5 Saturday August 11th, 2007 6:41:08 PM
If Slam doesn't stop or slow down before he comes through the chapel doors. He will take a readied action for one attack on the giant. And, yells up at him, "Stop it Slam, you don't know what you're doing."
And, through the message, he says, "Airin, go take the other two potions from the altar... we'll try to slow him down."
Tobias is still holding one of the potions -- the one he took from the dead sneak.
Dwight (ac 16, hp 35) d20+10=26 Saturday August 11th, 2007 8:23:25 PM
OOC: Dwight at least has his potion, and one other isn't in the altar.
Without the ability to get the remaining potions, Dwight runs to sneak to get description.
To Fickle: "Watch the sneak, I'm gonna change myself to look like the wizard to try and calm the giant. Remember this is just a disguise, shout this to others so they know, but do not shout it in common. In halfling would be best."
Dwight is leary of such a plan and hopes Comey and others of the area hear him as well as he cast Disguise Self to make himself appear like the wizard. (disguise self: 26+3(skill, if it applies)+1(good)=30)
He then shouts in a human, older male voice, "Slam the giant, STOP. I have changed my mind. STOP NOW, DO NOT BREAK ANYTHING!"
Kendry Sunday August 12th, 2007 3:12:01 AM
There is a time for words, for persuasion.
Now is the time for grease.
Kendry steps aside 5' so as not to be knocked down by the giant and casts a grease spell in a 10' square in front of the area Slam is about to pass through.
Fickle Sunday August 12th, 2007 7:29:05 AM
"Okie Dokie, Cuzin Dwight." Fickle torns to the Giant Slam.
"Hey'z Slam! Look what I can's Do??" Fickle waves his arms and fingers, chanting all the time, "Hokus Pokus Domminokus! Poof!" nothing nappens??
Fickle repeats himself several times, until Slam catches on to his little play.
Airin [AC21 - 42/42 HP] and Fioni [AC17 - 8/8 HP] AWAY Sunday August 12th, 2007 7:57:44 AM
Watching Kendry's plan to stop the Giant without actually hurting him Airin follows suit to make sure that Slam remains prone.
Airin adds an entangle spell to Kendry's grease. Vines spout from the ground engulfing the Giant making it even harder for him to get up from the ground. Airin casts the spell centered not exactly where Kendry casts the grease for the radius is a lot bigger. She casts it so that no one besides Slam gets caught in the vines.
Slam Falls! (DM Cayzle) d20+12=20 d20+3=12 Monday August 13th, 2007 5:16:01 PM
[OOC: If anyone is unhappy with his or her position on the map, please let me know and I'll fix it next round.]
Disposition of the Potions: Dwight has one. Tobias has one. The others are in the altar.
At the start of this round, Slam was about 30 feet from the chapel. Combat starts on Slam's turn, and he uses it to bull rush 60 feet up onto the porch and into the Chapel. Comey, Kendry, Selithe, and Airin have only one choice: resist the rush or step aside. They all step aside. Sorry that was not more clear.
Tobias had a readied action, which takes place as soon as the giant comes in reach. He strikes out Slamm enters the building, inflicting 10 hp damage on the giant.
Slam ends his turn inside the chapel. (see map)
PLAYERS' TURN
Podo attacks to stun. He hits for 3 hp damage (letal or nonlethal?) and a possible stun. Slam rolls a 21 on his save and is not affected.
Dwight and Fickle are standing near the prisoner outside the Chapel. The prisoner says he does not know what the wizard who hired him looks like. Fickle tries to distract the giant, but that does not work.
Selithe thinks about casting a spell. [OOC: Feel free to do so from last round and the current round.]
Kendry casts a Grease spell under the giant. Slam rolls a 12, and falls down! BOOM!
Airin is too late to cast Entangle. Please pick actions for two rounds, like Selithe.
Tobias also gains an action this round.
Slam's action to come. Airin, Selithe, and Tobias can post actions. Everyone else, please wait.
Map to come.
Selithe-AC:20-HP:39 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 12:32:50 AM
Selithe frowns at how this is turning out and doesn't want to hurt Slam. She quickly thinks about her spells and such. (Don't have the book handy, can Selithe reverse the effects of the Enlarge person spell?) If possible Selithe will do her best to cast a reduce person spell and try to shrink Slam to a smaller size, maybe making him easier to combat. (Save For DC:14 Sorry if I'm trying to use a spell Selithe shouldn't have, I have to pick it up if she doesn't.)
Not knowing what else to do Selithe will move to try and follow Slam otherwise and keeps her bow out just incase things go badly.
(Cayzle:I really can't remember if the book split the spells like enlarge/reduce person or not, if they did then on the first round Selithe would of move forward also and second round depending on where she got in the temple or just outside, she would just keep her bow ready ro attack if needed. Thanks and hope this isn't to confusing.(
Slam Attacks! (DM Cayzle) d20+11=24 d20+11=27 d4+7=10 d4+7=10 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 12:47:12 AM
Slam attacks from prone, lashing out at Tobias with his fists. Even witht he -4 to attack from prone, the giant hits AC24 and 27! Tobias takes 10 and 10, for 20 hp damage!
Slam is AC16 vs melee attacks, AC24 vs missile attacks.
Sorry Selithe, but you cannot reverse Enlarge Person. You would have had to prep the spell earlier.
Airin [AC21 - 42/42 HP] and Fioni [AC17 - 8/8 HP] AWAY d20+9=28 d20+9=27 d6=1 d6=2 2d6(2+5)=7 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 6:31:47 AM
Slam has been most helpful for the group to climb the cliffs and now they are forced to fight him?!
Airin of course avoids the bull rush and draws her crossbow... she holds of her first turn hoping someone can talk some sense into Slam!
If the giant attacks Airin does not hesitate and fires back at him. She moves within 30 ft (same sqaure as Selithe) from Slam and since he is in melee and prone Airin takes advantage of her sneak attack.
Fickle (AC 21-58/58) d20+5=21 d8+2=3 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 7:28:23 AM
Fickle is taken by suprise?? "SLAM! WHY"Z You Hit Poor Selith?? Why's you'z so mad?? Selith Did Nothing to You'z??"
Fickle will take a rock and his sling Shot, pot a stone into the weapon, then shoot it at him. But missing Slam all togetter.
Stone - AC 21 - Damages 3hp.
DM Cayzle OOC Tuesday August 14th, 2007 7:56:51 AM
Friends, DO remember that you get a +1 on all d20 rolls, but not on damage. I myself forgot to give Slam his +1 last time. But he still hit. If you do forget, too bad for you!
Tobias (AC 20, HP 20/44) [Message] d20+14=26 d4+3=6 d20+19=25 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 11:20:37 AM
After the pounding from Slam, Tobias takes one attack action at him while he's still prone... then moves back into the shadows (G14) attempting to hide.
Attack: 26 Damage: 6 Tumble: 25
Podo d20+11=31 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 12:50:19 PM
All attacks made by Podo are non-leathal.
Podo realizing that any swing Slam makes might kill him, tumbles backwards as full movement rate to behind the altar near N9.
Dwight (ac 16, hp 35, disguised) d20+4=18 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 7:04:31 PM
To Fickle: "Watch the sneak, I'm gonna change myself to look like the wizard to try and calm the giant. Remember this is just a disguise, shout this to others so they know, but do not shout it in common. In halfling would be best."
Repost of Dwight's action (did to much last time)
Dwight is leary of such a plan and hopes Comey and others of the area hear him as well as he cast Disguise Self to make himself appear like the wizard. (disguise self: 26+3(skill, if it applies)+1(valley)=30)
OOC: Without a description from the sneak, Dwight uses what he recalls of the wizard in the cave who wants his familiar back.
He moves to (L20) see Slam and then shouts in a human, older male voice, "Slam the giant, STOP. I have changed my mind. STOP NOW, DO NOT BREAK ANYTHING!" Having heard him speak, Dwight hopes Slam's intellect is lower than normal and he falls for such a plan.
Bluff? 18+1(valley)=19
OOC: Not sure if I have made it clear in Dwight's action, but Dwight is attempting to pose as 'the wizard' and tell Slam to stop.
Selithe-AC:20-HP:39 d20+9=28 d4+1=2 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 12:15:50 AM
(OOC:Thanks Cayzle for the reply. I'm assuming since Selithe would of had to moved to the church instead of casting a spell that she has line of sight for a shot.)
Selithe doesn't like the idea of shooting Slam but sees little choice at the moment, if their lucky maybe they can heal him afterwards or something. For once she is wishing she had access to charm spells but there is little use crying over spilt milk at the moment. With this she whispers a sorry before taking aim and firing.
(Can hit:29 (forgot the +1 again so just added it in, sorry) Damage:2)
Fickle Wednesday August 15th, 2007 6:50:01 AM
Fickle Still onto hid prisoner replies to Dwight, "Okie! Dokie! Cousin Dwight, Him's Go nowhere's. Are you Bad ONE?" then he shakes the Thief by the back of the neck. Hear's me'm?"
Cayzle Wednesday August 15th, 2007 7:18:38 AM
Posting Report? Somebody? Anybody?
Slam Stands Up! (DM Cayzle) d20=10 [Slam's Sense Motive] Wednesday August 15th, 2007 10:33:10 AM
Airin steps forward and fires at the prone giant.
[Aside OOC: He is prone but has not lost his Dex bonus to AC. So no sneak attack. In order to make a sneak attack against most creatures, you usually have to meet a required circumstance. Some ways to do that include:
- Catch the target by surprise (flat-footed, say). - Attack while you are unseen (invisible, say, or sniping). - Flank your target. - Attack a target who is being grappled by someone else. - Attack a blind, stunned, cowering, or helpless foe. - Attack someone who is unsteady, such as a target who is climbing or balancing.]
Slam benefits from being prone, and thus for presenting a smaller target, so his AC is 24 vs ranged attacks. Airin also takes a -4 on her roll because she is firing into melee. But she still hits! And its a critical! But only for 3 hp damage. [The +1 regional alignment bonus only affects d20 rolls, not damage!]
Fickle thinks about hurling a sling bullet, but stays to guard the sneak prisoner.
Tobias attacks for 6 hp damage, then cleverly tumbles out of reach.
Cautious Podo also tumbles back, behind the altar.
Dwight quickly dons a disguise and tries to bluff the giant into submission.
Selithe, like Airin, takes aim and fires, hitting the prone giant for 2 damage.
Kendry keep his eyes open but takes no action.
==========
Comey orders the people who are beginning to emerge from the burrows and buildings to stay under cover. His healer steps up and seems ready to offer a cure, but not to get near the giant! The patient, Sparks, heads for cover at last.
==========
The hill giant sees that the party is in retreat. A couple pinprick arrows do not bother him. He crawls out of the Grease (move action) and stands up (move action). He says, "Ow! Slam Thought you were friends! Stop hurting Slam!"
Then he responds to Dwight's gambit. His sense motive check (untrained) is a 10. Dwight's checks for disguise and bluff are excellent. On the other hand, a Disguise Self spell can only make you appear up to a foot taller. On the third hand, there is a complicating factor that the DM does not wish to divulge. Okay here goes.
The giant looks at the short for a human but tall for a halfling robed figure before him. "Um, Okay. I no break anything. Wasn't goin' to!"
Kendry d20+12=26 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 11:45:11 AM [OOC: Worked 16 hours yesterday]
"Slam - we're sorry - no harm meant I. But we brought potions to help some of the people here, brewed by a trusted friend. These are not poison, but rather for healing of the mind. Alemi's altar itself showed them to be safe, not bad.
"Please, let's take a moment and reason together."
He steps carefully forward to M16, avoiding the greasey patch.
[Diplomacy: 26]
Though there may be little reason to think otherwise, Kendry looks for any sign or signal that Slam is other than he appears to be.
Airin [AC21 - 42/42 HP] and Fioni [AC17 - 8/8 HP] AWAY d20+9=23 d6=6 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 2:06:55 PM
Airin does not fire a second time to await Slam's reactions. She does however ready a second bolt in case Slam decides to attack the group anyhow.
Readied bolt hits AC23+1 - damage 6Hp
If Slam calms down and no longer attacks Airin will lower her crossbow but stay at distance from the Giant... after all, she gave him a little sting...
Tobias (AC 20, HP 29/44) [Message] d8+1=9 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 3:32:17 PM
While in the safety of the shadows between the pillars and all the talking with Slam, Tobias reaches in a pouch for a potion of cure light wounds and drinks it - heals 9 hp of damage.
Dwight (ac 16, hp 35, disguised) d4=4 d20+3=23 d20+4=6 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 7:47:02 PM
Wanting to believe Slam, but feeling a part of him can't, he maintains his ill-suited disguise hoping myth is true about giant vision.
"Slam, before you get closer to the altar, perhaps you should explain what you intended to do and why to your friends. Tell the truth now, so no one gets hurt and we all can understand." Dwight, in his best guess older-male human voice says compassionately.
Otherwise Dwight remains where he is, wanting to keep his potion away from the others. He keens his vision on Slam, checking to make sure it appears to be him
(spot: 23+1=24--nat, gather information: 6+1=7--Slam telling the truth?)
Extra: In the event Slam ignores the group and advances to the altar again, Dwight will cast a magic missile at him (dmg4+1=5)
Selithe d20+5=12 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 11:51:27 PM
Selithe listens to Slam and wonders if he has finally come to his senses. She too speaks up after a moment, "I'm sorry Slam, I really didn't want to attack but you wouldn't stop to listen to us. I'm sure if you calm down we'll see to your wounds."
Selithe steps abit closer to Slam and takes a risk by placeing her bow back on her back, "See, I'm putting up my weapon but you have to stay calm."
(Diplomacy:12)
Posting Repot For Thursday August 16th, 2007 7:17:49 AM
Game # 13 Crescent Valley For the week of August 6,2007
The End of the Fight (DM Cayzle) Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:09:59 AM
[OOC: It looks bad when the game does not have a weekly posting report. Jerry comments on it to us DMs, and then we DMs get embarrassed, and then we take it out on our players in hideous evil ways. So, somebody? Anybody? Kim? Steve? Robert if you're readng this? Anyone want to step up? You kids! Don't make me come back there and do it myself! Okay, the Belt is coming off!]
Kendry tries to explain that the giant is misinformed. The bard sounds pretty convincing.
Airin readies an attack in case the giant gets violent again.
Tobias draws a cure potion and quaffs it.
Dwight tries to get the giant to tell the group what is going on. [OOC: What you need to roll to do somehting like this is Diplomacy, or maybe Bluff. And to tell if someone is telling the truth, use Sense Motive. I'm applying your nat 20 to a Dip check and your nat 2 to your Sense Motive. Hope that's okay.]
Dwight sounds very sincere. And the giant pauses to listen. But Dwight does not have any clue as to whether the giant is lying or not.
Selithe adds some calming words to help Dwight's efforts.
[I'm treating these extra diplomacy efforts as Aid Another actions and using them to grant an extra +2 on the roll].
==========
It is clear that this is Slam, but he IS acting a little weird. If you can make a Sense Motive check vs DC20, then you notice that he seems to be under some kind of magical mental influence. NOTE: If you do NOT roll the sense motive check, then your characters do NOT know about the mental influence.
[OOC: Kendry's efforts grant Slam a new save. Dwight and Selithe each grant a +2 on the save. The Will DC is 20. Slam's base will save is a +4. That goes to +8. The DM rolled d20+8=19! Oh! So close! But wait! Slam is good, and gains a +1 on his d20 rolls! a 20! He makes his save! Woo hoo!]
Slam looks around, and he shakes his head as if to clear some cobwebs. He mutters, in Giantish, Highlight to display spoiler: {I thought ... I thought ... what? What am I doing?}
He looks at you all and says, "Slam mixed up! Thought potions were poisons. Wanted save you all."
The giant sits down on the floor. "Sorry hurt you!"
[OOC: No map is needed. Combat is over. Unless there is no posting report! :-) Don't make me turn this fight around!]
DM Cayzle Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:11:15 AM
Thanks Ceil! I wrote the turn on my commute in this morning, before I saw Ceil's post report. Thanks Ceil! You are my hero! You get a special hero point that gets you no xp and which must be used before my tenure as DM ends!
Airin [AC21 - 42/42 HP] and Fioni [AC17 - 8/8 HP] AWAY d20+2=22 Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:28:42 AM
Sense Motive : 22 - Nat 20! Whaha!
Airin's pleased to see Slam stops fighting them but remains vigilent until she notices he has been under a spell or something.
After a short while she dares to go nearer and carefully checks with Slam.
"Euhm we ok Slam? Sorry I had to hurt you... Do you remember who you saw last before you ended up here?"
Dwight d20+3=6 Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:40:39 AM
OOC: Yeah Ceil!
Dwight stands listening to the conversation and finds releif when Slam seems to 'snap' out it. While at first believing it to be a trick, Dwight concedes once Slam speaks in giantese as that makes sense, though Dwight can't understand it.
Once Airin asks about who was last seen, Dwight drops his disguise, not wanting to be hit by Slam.
he does however remain outside the temple and listens to what he can with his ears and looks about with his eyes (spot: 6+1=7)
Tobias Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:10:04 AM
A little battered and bruised, Tobias emerges from the shadows to hear more about what's happened to Slam. He sheaths his short swords, but keeps a hand near them in case any other weirdness were to follow them to this place...
And, he whispers to the party members before Comey can get within ear shot, "We need to get the potions out of this chapel."
Kendry d8+1=7 d8+1=9 d8+1=4 d8+1=5 Friday August 17th, 2007 12:56:43 AM
Kendry translates Slam's self-talk into common. "I thought ... what? What am I doing?"
He uses a wand of cure light wounds to heal Tobias (7+9=16; 15 needed); and Slam (4+5=9; 11 needed?).
He looks around to see if any others are injured and in need of healing.
Airin & Dwight seem to be doing a good job of asking questions.
He tries to help Airin. Wait.
'Someone keep an eye on Sers,' he whispers to the people in the message circle.
"Yes, friend Slam, we are sorry that we hurt you, too. If you remember anything about anyone who talked to you today before you came running here, please tell us.
"There is a wizard who wants to rob these people of the help we bring them. One man knows where we might meet this wicked wizard. You want to help us find him, stop him?"
He lets the question settle a moment, then adds, "We need to go soon. Right away to the meeting place. Maybe you find some big rocks to throw, just in case?"
If Slam has a hard time understanding his common, Kendry will say the same things in the giant tongue.
"Oh, and Slam? Thank you for having the good heart to want to save us. You are a kind friend."
Podo d20+3=13 Friday August 17th, 2007 8:43:56 AM
Podo sighs.
Airin [AC21 - 42/42 HP] and Fioni [AC17 - 8/8 HP] AWAY Friday August 17th, 2007 9:24:27 AM
Airin awaits Slam's response to their questions with curiosity. If Slam too speaks of an evil wizard the hunt will be on!
"Hurry back Fioni!" Airin screams inside.
Slam's Story (DM Cayzle) Friday August 17th, 2007 4:33:22 PM
Dwight, ever vigilant, stays alert outside the Chapel.
The rest of the party, perhaps with some understandable caution, approaches Slam and feels convinced that the giant is now in his right mind.
Airin asks about who Slam met before coming here.
Kendry offers some thanks and healing and explains to the giant the facts as he knows them.
While this is going on, Tobias motions to Comey and gets his hands on all the remaining potions (except for the one Podo has).
Slam tells a simple story. He met an old friend of his -- or who he thought was an old friend. He was a human in a dark robe who hid his face in a hood. The friend warned him that there were dangerous poisons hidden here in the altar, and that Slam should go get them and bring them to his old friend. But now Slam realizes that it was no friend at all, but some kind of magician.
Kendry suggests going with Slam to the meeting place with the wizard. Airin agrees.
Fickle is still holding on to the sneak. The sneak says he didn't know anything about a giant, but it is clear that the place that the sneak was to bring the stolen potions is the same place that Slam was going to meet his "old friend."
What do you do?
Tobias Friday August 17th, 2007 7:27:53 PM
After collecting the potions, Tobias agrees that we should head out to the meeting place with Slam... Give Slam 4 vials filled with some other liquid... And, be there when the exchange happens so that we can grab the magician.
Also, should we split up the potions once more, so no one can take them all at once?
Podo Friday August 17th, 2007 7:53:31 PM
Podo sighs.
Selithe Saturday August 18th, 2007 12:29:40 AM
(OOC:Sorry for not posting yesterday, wasn't feeling good. Some what better today, all though the computer screen still makes my head hurt some for some reason.)
Selithe listens to Slam and makes note of anything said that sounds like it would be of importance. She wonders if the group will still plan to go wizard hunting.
Dwight Sunday August 19th, 2007 9:38:39 PM
Dwight agrees with Tobias about splitting the vials among the members again, or even leaving one in the altar.
However since Slam was suppose to destroy the vials, giving him fake ones won't accomplish much.
Everyone returning to the designated spot, with Slam sounds like the best idea. Any chance this location is a day away?
ADM StevenVdB : Posting Record Game 13 Monday August 20th, 2007 3:27:02 AM
Posting Report for Game 13 for the week of August 13th - 19th
Bad week... No one got 5 turns in... Well no one but DM Cayzle that is!
Fighting the Giant! Slam won't listen to the Crescent Valley Halfling and has set his mind on destroying whatever poison he thinks is hidden in the Chapel. Ultimately the Halflings need to use force on this raging hulk...
But in the end Slam begins to understand he has been fooled by his "Old Friend".
Time to find out a bit more about this "Old Friend"
Kendry Monday August 20th, 2007 4:23:45 AM
"Comey - you have spies, or a spy, among you. Unless you can think of some other way that this wizard would have known what was where and how to find it. Any ideas?" Kendry says. "No need to answer now - but something to ponder, eh?"
He asks Comey also the name of 'Sparks'. "Some real insight he has."
To the party he conveys a sense of cautious urgency. "We need to get to the meeting place, and prepare what greeting we might."
Fickle Monday August 20th, 2007 7:24:37 AM
Fickle listen to His leader (cousin Kendry) "Meeting Place?? Where'z?? Is It Good Place'z?? DUH!!"
Airin Monday August 20th, 2007 7:41:24 AM
"I agree love. Can't we ask Slam to act as if he did indeed destroy the potions as the Wizard has asked? On the other hand, if you think this wizard has a spy in this town than maybe he allready knows Slam didn't and will not show..." Airin says carefuly without too many people able to hear what she says.
"Anything we could use to nail a wizard?" Airin asks her friends...
Dwight Monday August 20th, 2007 8:46:08 PM
Dwight waits for consensus on returning, strategy and what to do about both Slam and the tied up sneak.
He also wonders if Comey has any input, but refuses to speak to him regarding this. Dwight is alittle annoyed that he was forced to keep his potion here and this happens jeopardizing everything. Of course only his friends could tell of this this, Dwight has learned to keep his mouth shut unless it makes things easier. Well perhaps is learning is a better word choice.
Selithe Monday August 20th, 2007 9:22:47 PM
Selithe looks to the others and nods before speaking up to Airin's comment, "I would say that the spy would already know to be honest." Selithe shrugs and looks to the sneak that they caught and ponders this whole thing before speaking to Kendry, "We still going to go wizard meeting then? I doubt it will matter this time if any of us hide or not, if there is a spy or if this is the necromancer from before, then he knows how many of us there are. He will have an idea of our stregnths too."
Slam Has A Bit More To Say (DM Cayzle) Monday August 20th, 2007 9:36:55 PM
Slam tells you again, but louder, that he was supposed to retrieve the poison. Not destroy it.
He adds that the meeting place is maybe an hour away for him, hour and a half for small folk.
He is willing to go try to catch or kill the wizard.
Comey tells you that the fellow who saw "sparks is named "Lubar." He says to tread lightly aroung him. He is a very sick fellow with multiple souls in his body, and at least one is dangerously violent. He says he can see souls, but today's behaviour is a first.
The party talks about what to do. Slam says in giantish to Kendry that if the group does not act fast, it will be too late. The wizard says that he is leaving and Slam thinks the group has barely enough time to make it there.
The other sneak confirms this.
Dwight Monday August 20th, 2007 11:16:59 PM
"I'm willing to go, but my spell power is low. But so should the wizard's if he charmed these guys and is bringing them back."
Tobias Tuesday August 21st, 2007 12:36:20 AM
Tobias votes for going after the wizard as soon as possible. Using Slam as cover should get us close enough to the wizard for a surprise attack. And, a giant in your face tends to distract someone trying to cast... :)
Kendry d20+5=6 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 2:47:49 AM
"How much would we slow you down if you carried us most of the way there, Slam? Are we too heavy for you?"
He understands Dwight's desire to have a full complement of spells, but such is not always possible.
He resolves to speak with Lubar later, should the opportunity show itself.
"Comey - will you come with us? Are there any from among you who might assist?" If Comey cannot or will not accompany them, he quietly sees about slipping one of the potions to the community's leader. "For Lubar, at the time of your discretion," he whispers.
He also asks if Comey, or someone in the community, can quickly give them four empty vials - or vials filled with something of little worth - all the same size and color, if possible.
Kendry thinks for a moment. "Sers, will you give us your word that you will aid us? If so, we shall loose your bonds as we go after the mage. And your behavior shall help determine your judgment."
Should Sers seem to make a sincere promise, Kendry will un-hobble him, as long as the rest of the group agrees. [Sense Motive: 6 (nat 1)]
"Let us quickly go, then," Kendry urges. "Bring what you need, and no more."
He is ready to ride Cheann on the trip.
Fickle Tuesday August 21st, 2007 8:05:21 AM
Fickle listens to all the sugestions, then pot's his two gold peices in for his own pice of mind (or what's left of it??) "Here is the poison potion! Give me'z the onr in you'z hand. Then you go give'm to the Wizard! Okie Dokie! We'z Wait Here!"
After Slam goes (or starts) back th the Wizard. He'll tell Dwight "Okie Dokie! let's go and follow him'z!"
Airin Tuesday August 21st, 2007 12:35:52 PM
"Good idea Kendry. If Slam carries us and drops us of at a safe distance we can crawl closer and still get there on time!"
Airin looks at Lomar's face and hopes he'll accept to carry the group.
Tobias Tuesday August 21st, 2007 12:53:36 PM
Tobias travels light and has most everything he needs with him... So, he's ready to be on his way with the group.
Podo Danderfluff d20+9=28 d20+5=22 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 2:29:14 PM
Podo walks up the the group standing before Slam, with just his handy haversack. "Ready, cuz!" says Podo.
Looking around and pausing to hear anything new, Podo wonders what might arrive in their absence.
Dwight Tuesday August 21st, 2007 10:25:54 PM
Dwight nods acceptance of Kendry's 'stop being spoiled' statement. OOC: :-)
He isn't so sure about riding on Slam though, a fall would really hurt. In the end though, if Slam offers, Dwight somewhat reluctantly will ride knowing time is of the essence.
Selithe Tuesday August 21st, 2007 11:10:57 PM
Selithe listens to what Slam has to say and then Kendry. Selithe smiles and is ready right now, she has all her equipment with her and such so no reason to rush off for anything else.
Selithe does look to Slam and ponders the whole being carried thing, he did help them up the steps before so she knows he can be gentle and all so figures it should be okay if he offers.
Slam, Comey, and the Sneak (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 12:02:19 AM
There is a quick consensus among the party that it would be best to go after the wizard fast.
Slam agrees, and can carry four of you failry easily. He could carry more if he had a carrier or something. A rickshaw? But since he doesn't four is the limit.
Slam says, "That wizard fooled Slam! He needs a punched head! I will come with you!"
Comey is not as enthusiastic. "This fellow has shown himself to be very cunning. He has made three feints so far. What if he has another planned? I must stay here to protect my people."
The captured sneak is bluntest, and least willing, when Kendry offers him the chance to join in the fight against the wizard.
"Are you people nuts?" the sneak exclaims. "He is a WIZARD! He can TELEPORT and CHARM giants? How can you all beat him? And even if you can, what do you think will happen to me? One, maybe two fireballs and I'm history! Put me on the chain gang! Let me serve some hard time! But I won't go on a suicide mission!"
Comey will accept a potion, but he won't use it on Lubar. "It says Coma Cure right on it! Lubar is not in a coma! But some people we have here are!"
If you choose to race off, who is riding the giant? What prep are you doing? You CAN get some "fake" potions to bring with you.
Airin Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 5:43:35 AM
"Guys, I'm affraid Comey and this sneak are speaking some sense though... we can not just rush in there and fight a wizard of unknown strength. I think first we need to know where he comes from and who he is. If indeed it's the same wizard we met earlier we allready know where he lives and we can visit him anytime. If not, we need to wonder why we're getting so much evil wizards on our hands..." Airin says making a painful face.
Wizards are not to be dealt with lightly.
"Fioni is out there somewhere trying to find out where the Harpies came from. I say we attempt to do the same with the Wizard. We need to go to the meeting place - just one or two of us as cunningly as possible. With invisible spells or sneaking potions like the ones we grabbed from the sneak. Then we examine the wizard and check if we recognise him. If he teleports we're screwed... but if he does we also know he's pretty powerful... If he walks "home" we can track him cautiously and find his lair."
Airin looks at the others and wonders how they would want to proceed now.
"For all that matters I volunteer to go to the meeting place and spy on the wizard. If anyone has any good spells or potions up their sleeve now would be an excellent moment to share them."
Fickle Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 7:13:38 AM
Fickle stand there scratching his head, then smiles at Slam. "Slam Me'z Friend, can you pick me'z up and put me into your pouch? and not close it all the way?"
Fickle is hopeing for a 'yes' answer. It would be one good way to spy on the wizard.
Tobias Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 6:30:33 PM
"If we go after the wizard, we should all go. If he spots us with just a couple of people and Slam, they will be less likely to handle the wizard than the full group, but splitting us up just makes us weaker. Another option is to send Slam alone with better fake potions, that he may not be able to decipher right away. Put in some way to track the vials, and hope he takes them to his place for identification, and we find out where that is."
Selithe Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:02:44 PM
Selithe thinks over what has been said and looks to the others, "I agree that this wizard sounds strong. I really don't know rather to say hold off on facing him or not. If we wait, he can just try more and more to get to us or others and he can also grow even stronger. The problem is, is the risk worth it."
Selithe looks to Kendry and smiles to her brother, "I'll go if you go though brother. I've never refused to cover your back as best I can or anyone else here."
Podo Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:35:34 PM
[OCC: Pending the outcome of a message to Cayzle...]
Podo asks Kendry, "About the traveling plans to the 'wizard'...Slam can only carry 4 of us, what do the rest to do? What about one of us staying behind to protect the village?"
Discussion without Resolution (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 10:56:32 PM
Airin is willing to sneak in with the giant. So is Fickle.
Tobias thinks the group should stick together. Podo wants to stay behind (which would be A-OK by the DM, OOC).
Selithe seems to be leaning toward going to confront or spy on the wizard
So what's it going to be, friends? Time's a-wasting!
Kendry Thursday August 23rd, 2007 2:39:53 AM
"Should you choose to stay behind, in case there be yet another attack - of course you may, Pode. But I wish you would come with us.
"Think on it: The wizard set a three-pronged attack to gain the potions. The first was the distraction of the harpies. The second was the stealth of the temple thieves. The third was the enchantment of our friend.
"Mayhaps he plotted yet another means. There is a spy here, I believe. If you remain, perhaps you may have insight on who that might be. Identify that person - or people - and you'll greatly strengthen the security of this place.
"But if we have encountered the sum of his present efforts, then when we go to face him, we will lack your help, and insight.
"Whatever you decide, I will trust your decision, friend Podo."
He considers Airin's counsel. "Perhaps you are right. But I don't want you going just by yourself and Slam."
Kendry says, "Time is not on our side. Let us leave immediately, and plot and plan along the journey."
He takes the four 'fake' potion vials offered up, and places them in a small bag. One he takes care to break within the bag. The bag he places within his haversack.
He asks whether there is a riding pony that one or two of the group can borrow.
He quickly saddles up Cheann, and says, "Whoever is coming, then come now. Selithe - if you ride Gra, then six of us small ones can go, with four on Slam. Away! Let us fly!"
And off he goes in the direction that the sneak and Slam indicated.
Cayzle OOC Thursday August 23rd, 2007 5:58:41 AM
Cheann? Gra? Are those the mounts that could not make it up the cliff? Recall that Julian took the animals and mounts and such back to safety because getting them up the cliff was too hard.
The people here have montain goats and bighorn sheep, but no cows, horses, or ponies.
============ [Go back and read about Kendry roping up the dogs as we ascended the cliffs, Cayzle! -Kim]
Fickle Thursday August 23rd, 2007 7:30:09 AM
Fickle jugles a few stones, "Hmm! What to do? Go face this wizad, or wait? Hmmm! Hard to Think-um??"
Airin Thursday August 23rd, 2007 11:10:12 AM
"Okay let's go. Kendry's right. We need to get moving asap! We can run and be carried by Slam taking turns running and resting..."
"MOVE OUT!"
"Slam, Lead the way!! Drop us off outside of hearing range from the meeting place.."
Tobias Thursday August 23rd, 2007 11:25:10 AM
Tobias is ready to move with the group... he will switch between running and being carried by Slam as we move towards the wizard.
Dwight Thursday August 23rd, 2007 8:09:28 PM
Dwight awaits, a final consensus, but asks the following.
"Are we clear in our goal here, the wizard is going to be killed? He afterall has no remorse for those afflicted with the coma, and for all we know could be the cause of it."
Off to the side, Dwight will speak with Podo. "I understand your reluctance to not kill another creature, but his actions attempted to kill many. I believe he may reprieve his decisions in his next life, but this life has been forfeit. I do not take pleasure in it, but feel as if he has left us no alternative. If he does, I'll think on your views and see if an alternative punishment is possible."
Kendry, riding along on Cheann, one of two dogs who was pulled up the cliff Thursday August 23rd, 2007 9:55:30 PM
"Killed? perhaps, Dwight, we shall have means and will to kill him. Or perhaps only drive him away - for he has skill. But at least we will mark him - and perhaps he us." He switches to the halfling tongue. "He knows of our mission, and wants to thwart the kindly will of our benefactress."
Back in common, he continues, as they travel to the meeting site, "As Sers pointed out, he may be able to cast fireball spells. We should spread out as we approach the place."
A few minutes later, he says, "If our wizard is on the ground - and not an illusionary image set to deceive us - Airin, could you cast entangle centered where he stands? Who has missile weapons? I have my composite shortbow," he says, holding aloft the beautiful masterwork weapon. "How shall we attack this dastard?"
And a few moments later, he says, "It would be good to have our ferocious friend, Julian, along on this one. May Alemi and Domi guide him well, and Wardd grant him luck."
Airin Friday August 24th, 2007 4:01:34 AM
"We can discuss battle tactics while Slam carries us out there. Let's not waste any more time!"
Fickle Friday August 24th, 2007 6:26:00 AM
Fickle sing a little toon as they go forward, "Off'z to kill the Wizard, the wonderful wizard of Evil!"
"Well i'z know'z the song does not rhyme'z! But I'z Like it!" Singing with a smile.
Off to see the Wizard! (DM Cayzle) Friday August 24th, 2007 7:29:48 AM
[OOC: Thanks Kim for the clarification.]
Kendry mounts up and rides.
Airin too, and calls for Slam to lead the way.
Tobias runs and then is carried by Slam when he gets tired.
Dwight takes the time to offer a few words to Podo before he goes off with Slam.
Fickle? Do you travel in Slam's pocket too?
How about Selithe?
Podo opts to stay with Comey -- in case there is another attack here.
The giant and mounted halflings move fast toward the meeting place. After 50 minutes, Slam says it is almost time. How do you want to approach? Slam first? All together? Is anyone staying in Slam's pocket or on his shoulder? Who is hiding? Who is in the open?
Note that the terrain here is brush and stands of trees in hill country.
[OOC: Over the weekend, feel free to post as often as you need to to discuss strategy. I hope to make a DM post Saturday morning, especially to answer questions and make sure everyone is on the same page, but conflict will begin Monday.]
Tobias Friday August 24th, 2007 11:24:22 AM
Tobias would like to go with Slam, hidden in a pocket or pouch or some other illusive spot on the giant. He fights mainly in melee, and being too far from the wizard will just cost him time. Plus a halfling and giant surrounding the wizard may give him more to concentrate on than casting spells...
Airin [AC21 - dodge AC22 vs Wizard / 42/42HP] d20+17=37 d20+17=26 d20+17=31 d20+19=24 d20+19=37 d20+19=29 d20+10=11 d20+10=25 d6=6 2d6(1+6)=7 d20+19=23 Friday August 24th, 2007 11:51:25 AM
While being carried by Slam Airin says to Kendry "Since this appears to be a strong wizard, I doubt my feeble entangle spells could harm him... But being a wizard I doubt he is very strong or with heavy armor so a well placed crossbow bolt might do a lot more damage and could possibly distract him enough from casting a spell... I will first shoot and if he stays there, then I will attempt an entangle spell"
During Slam's walk when he approaches the end of his walk Airin quaffs another mage armor potion. (3 left)
Airin will walk the distance towards the wizard. She intends to make a quarter circle around the group so that she approaches not from where Slam comes. She will attempt to get within 30ft from the wizard if possible. Hiding behind trees and bush.
Move silently and Hide combo : 37 - 24
Still not within 30ft. Airin continues to close range...
Move silently and Hide combo : 26 - 37
crack a little twig snaps - the sound is faint but could be heard by a cautious ear... however Airin is well concealed should anyone look her way...
Ever closer she moves untill she is exactly where she wanted to be... within 30ft and clear line of sight hidden behind a tree or a bush...
Move silently and Hide combo : 31 - 29
There she will hide, readying her crossbow for a sneak attack.
After her shot Airin makes a 5ft step and hides again...
Hide 23
ooc: enough actions for a few turns :-) as I won't be posting this weekend
Podo Saturday August 25th, 2007 1:34:51 AM
Staying behind Podo speaks with Comey, in hopes to prepare a defensive stand against an incoming wizard.
Fickle Saturday August 25th, 2007 9:19:05 AM
Fickle thinks that if he squats down, and tries to hide behind the giant heels! "Boy'z! He Will Never! see me down here! But just'z in case that wizard is smarter than Me'z Think! I'll hide in the fold if his boot! Yah1 That's what I'll'z do!"
Approaching the Rendez-vous (DM Cayzle) d20+4=16 d20+4=5 Saturday August 25th, 2007 12:29:12 PM
The giant, carrying Airin, Fickle, Dwight, and Tobias, strides off. Two of our heroes each fill a "small" sack tied to the giant's belt. Two ride his shoulders, steadied by Slam's hands.
Kendry follows mounted.
Podo stays behind in case there is another attack planned on the village.
[OOC: Justin, if you post before the next DM post on Monday, you can choose to ride the other mount next to Kendry, or sty with Podo. Otherwise Selithe will stay with Podo as a default.]
After about 50 minutes, the giant halts and whispers, "We're almost there!"
Airin drinks a potion of Mage Armor, asks directions and then heads off most stealthily.
Are there any more preparations to be made, spells to cast, potions to drink, before it all goes down? Last chance!
Slam says that two halflings can hide in the sacks on his belt and probably pass unnoticed as Slam approaches the wizard. But that leaves two (or three if Selthe is with the group) halflings on their own. Who two will go in the giant's sacks? What will the others do?
Slam chuckles at Fickle's idea of hiding behind his boot. "That not work while I am walking," he says.
Airin works her way about 70 feet from the mage. There are 30 feet of underbrush between her and the wizard, then 40 feet of meadow. He is a human-size figure in a black robe wth a hood. His face is in the shadows.
Fickle Sunday August 26th, 2007 6:53:06 AM
Look up at Slams, answering him "It does if me'z stay in you'z Shadow!"
DM Cayzle OOC Sunday August 26th, 2007 9:09:36 PM
Friends, as Jerry said in an e-mail message this evening, after helping launch this game and DMing it for the last two years or so, it is time for me to move on. A new and very promising DM, Glenn, will be taking over Sept. 10.
This module will conclude at that time. So I NEED you all to think about what you want to do next. I'm not a "railroad" DM, so you get a big say in your fate. Here are some ideas and loose strings:
-- You still have that necromancer's homunculous. Being a construct, it won't die of hunger, thirst, or lack of air in your bag of holding. Do you want to deal with his master, or confront him, or something?
-- There are still some mysteries left at the end of this module. Where is Bella? What was this coma all about? What about this mage -- who is it? What does he or she want?
-- Return the Holy Thurible that the skeletal ghost asked you to return?
-- Go back to Angel Springs and look for new adventure?
-- What about those fairies you made a deal with? Is there more there?
-- You all have made some enemies. One of them may come looking to even an old score.
-- Other ideas? Let us know asap!
Thanks for a great two years! And thank you for putting up with my sometimes irregular posting and life issues. You all have been great!
JPWard OOC Sunday August 26th, 2007 9:45:20 PM
DM Cayzle...You've been an awesome friend and DM. You've helped me with Podo as well as with so many other aspects of Game Playing. We will miss you greatly here in the Crescent Valley.
Podo definitely wants to return the Holy Thurible as for the other loose ends, that is up to the rest of the group.
Robert OOC Sunday August 26th, 2007 9:51:06 PM
Thanks, Cayzle. You've been very helpful and supportive in my times of need. Grow a few more arms. ;-)
Fickle (Ceil) Monday August 27th, 2007 7:20:50 AM
I have not played here too long, You been a real friend. You have taken me in this wold, when I was ready to Retire, Thank-You for having faith in me, Will miss you.
Now I can bother a NEW DM>:-)
At the base of the Giant Steps, Again (DM Cayzle) Monday August 27th, 2007 7:52:21 AM
The story of Julian the Badger begins again where last we saw him -- at the foot of the giant steps that proved too big an obstacle for the group's ponies. Once again, Julian faces a climb -- this time without his free-falling friend, Podo. But there is a new twist to this story: Julian sees a stranger -- a halfling -- sitting at the base, as if waiting for him.
"Hello, traveller," says the stranger, who is dressed in bright green armor. "My name is Graeff. What's yours, and what brings you to these parts?"
[OOC: This post is for Julian. A full DM Post will appear later today.]
Julian Roscoe Holle Pipewood Trufflefinder 'the Badger' Monday August 27th, 2007 8:30:07 AM
"Ho! and Hello. Graeff, hey. I am Julian Roscoe Holle Pipewood Trufflefinder, but there are some who call me Tim.
"I mean, 'The Badger'.
Julian is friendly in disposition towards all halflings, specially those who are friendly first. He is, however, guarded regarding exactly what he and the party have been up to.
"I've, I mean, we, a group of halfings have been looking for, err, you, I think. Graeff, you said, right? That sounds like it. We've, well, they've got some potions from B'Heather- a good frien - someone we met in... not long ago. She 'hired' us to deliver these potions to you.
"I'm sorry if I am being a bit vague. I haven't really spoken to anyone for a few days. I travelled back to Angel Springs with our groups donkeys that we could see no way to get them up these stairs. Anyway, I've spent the last 2 days in the Temple of Domi, meditating. I've spoken to the priests there and... anyway, after 2 days I felt this urgent need to rejoin my friends and cousins. That and hunger. Lots of hunger.
"So here I am with my badger. His name's Shark, by the way. Back where I left them, still no idea how to get up. Is that why you're waiting? Looking for a way up?"
OOC Hello everyone *waving furiously* I don't think I mentioned this before I took the donkeys for a walk, but my wife Emma and I are expecting #4 this December, [spooky cinema voice over] and this time it's a boy
Dwight d20+9=20 d20+9=18 d20+11=31 d20+11=14 d20+4=8 d20+3=11 d20+8=14 d4=3 d6=6 Monday August 27th, 2007 9:47:08 AM
Once Slam announces they are he will also take for cover, with his bow out. He will circle around roughly opposite of Airin and attempt to get within 30'.
OOC: Tactics--Dwight intends on shooting arrows once it is clear combat is ready to begin.
Hide: checks: 20+1(valley)=21, 18+1(valley)=19 MS checks: 31 (nat 20)+1(valley)=32, 14+1(velley)=15 Spot: 8+1(valley) = 9 Sense motive: 11
Does Dwight recognize this human?
Attack (if we are to that point yet): 14+1(valley)+1(if within 30')=16 dmg: 3+6 (if considered flanking since across from Airin)=9
Airin Monday August 27th, 2007 10:23:33 AM
Seeing it will be virtually impossible for Airin to close range she decides to circle around untill she is at the opposite side of the circle from where Slam appears. This way if the Wizard decides to flee he might run into her arms...
(There should be plenty of rolls and a readied attack in my weekend post.)
ooc. Cayzle, I haven't been here long since I took over from Inge, but it's been great knowing you. Best of luck in your next assignment!!
ADM StevenVdB : Posting Record Game 13 Monday August 27th, 2007 10:36:30 AM
Posting Report for Game 13 for the week of August 20th - 26th
Planning to meet the Wizard... Quickly the group decides to go out to meet the wizard but it takes time to plan their actions. Slam will carry most - some on his shoulders others in his pouch - untill they get near the rendevous point.
Podo decides to stay behind to help protect the village when things go awfully wrong. Hopefully the group will manage without his help...
Just how close will they get untill the Wizards brings down his foul spells upon out little Halflings...
Tobias Monday August 27th, 2007 11:23:20 AM
Tobias volunteers to go in one of the giant's pouches, wanting to be close to the wizard when the combat starts.
Dwight Monday August 27th, 2007 2:00:30 PM
Dwight will be 90 degrees from Airin, halfway between Slam and Airin. His position will be 40-50 feet from the human.
OOC--Future desire: I would like to take care of the wizard (assuming this guy isn't him). It frightens me, that an strong necro is after us and can track us once he gets close enough. At our slow pace and our tendency to leave a trail (friends, footprints, damage etc.), he will eventually get to us. I would rather take it to him! Of course, if Slam helped I would feel more confident about it.
My second choice would be returning thurible. If I recall correctly we were relatively close to its destination.
Lastly, Bella is missing! Who caused plague/comas?
Selithe Monday August 27th, 2007 10:42:08 PM
(OOC:Sorry for cluttering the board with a ooc message but I wished to say and ask for a favor. First, my mom went into the hospital Thu and had surgery today. This is the reason for my missed posting and to the group and Cayzle, I'm very sorry for that. Next, I need to know if someone would be willing to post for my char for the next day or so. I just personally need abit of time to rest abit from worrying and running ragged. Cayzle, you'll notice this doesn't contain a post but I didn't know what you would prefer to do with Selithe with me stepping out for a day or two so I will let you decide that. Thanks for being understanding like I know you all will, your all good guys. Going to miss you as DM to Cayzle but I'm also looking forward to working with you soon also.)
Podo and Selithe stay behind to guard against attack or trickery.
==========
Fickle walks just behind Slam, trying to hide in his shadow. The halfling is not a very good hider!
Dwight, like Airin, takes to cover and sneaks into position.
Tobias hides in Slam's belt sack.
Dwight stays under cover, keeping out of sight.
The giant walks up to the wizard.
The human-size robed figure speaks in a male voice that is unfamiliar to you. It is NOT the necromancer from whom you stole the homunculous.
"Slam! What's this? Who is this halfling you have with you? Do you have the potions?"
The giant walks up to the mage and says, "I have something better than potions! Have a nice fist of punch!"
The giant hits AC20. That's enough to hit the mage, who is AC18. Slam connects with 9 hp damage, but it is like hitting a rock! The mage's damage reduction absorbs all that damage.
Airin and Tobias shoot! Tobias hits for 9 -- all absorbed by the stoneskin. Airin shoots for 13, and 3 hp get through. The mage actually sheds a little blood.
Tobias, Dwight, and Fickle step forward. Kendry seems off guard. The mage uses defensive casting to get off a spell: no prob. He teleports away.
The meadow is empty.
[We only have until Sept. 10, folks, so do lets move along.]
Actions here in the meadow? If not, do let's move onward.
Slam says that he really should be getting home. He will be leaving unless there is a compelling reason to stay.
==========
At the base of the giant stairs, Graeff tells Julian that he seems a little breathless. Sit down, relax, have a drink of this fine wine he has.
Then he asks who his friends are. And could he describe the person who asked them to make the delivery.
He says that he runs the Valley of the Four Peaks Free Clinic, and that he is waiting for his friend, a giant, to come by and help him up the cliffs.
Julian Tuesday August 28th, 2007 12:56:20 AM
Julian describes Bella as best he can, and only slips on the Bella/Heather name once or twice. He also describes the others he has been travelling with, trying to be flattering to each of them.
"Well, yes a giant would be in order, ordinarily..."
Julian talks to himself, and Graeff could hear this easily enough, wondering if... OOC, I don't know why I didn't think of this before: when Enlarged Julian is 7'2". How big are these steps? 8'? How long would it take to scramble up the steps? How many times would I need to cast Enlarge Person on myself to get up, whilst helping Graeff.
Sorry for such a succinct post today.
Airin Tuesday August 28th, 2007 2:29:57 AM
Worried that only a tiny bit of her shot hurt this Wizard - yet another wizard that's after them - Airin is struck with awe as he dissapears. Teleportation isn't the easiest spell in the book!!
This wizard fights in a different league and they should not have messed with him. Airin drew some blood from him and fears he'll get back at her...
"We need to get back to the village fast. There's no way tracing this Wizard and who knows what'll happen if he starts another assault on the village! Let's hurry back..."
"Maybe Fioni will find out more... if she ever comes back..."
ooc : ok so now we have two wizards that are out to get back at us... this frighthens me for out future but these are matters that need to be resolved. Although I think we should outrun this last one for the time being and get stronger first before dealing with him. We once succesfully fought the Necro but never actually won...
Dealing with Bella and her potions is less appealing but needs to be done but was our first mission untill be encountered the Lionesses.
Returning the Thurible was our latest mission untill we got sidetracked into this mess. I'd say we deal with one thing at a time.
Looks to me we have 4 future missions at hand.
1) The Necromancer 2) Bella 3) Returning the Thurible 4) This new Wizard of whoom we no nothing yet
Kendry [My first crack at posting since Friday...] d20=18 d20+7=16 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 3:55:43 AM
Kendry had thought to cast a silence spell in the vicinity of the wizard... but this time was not as well prepared as his companions.
What he did do, nevertheless, was to listen well [18+7=25] to the voice of the wizard. He marks the timbre, the accent, and the words used.
He sees the wizard casting a spell, and tries to discern its type [spellcraft: 16].
He waits for a minute or so to see if the fellow returns. Perhaps he just cast a dimension door, and is still in the vicinity. With no further evidence of his presence, though, Kendry begins to relax.
"Thank you, Slam. I think you got our message through to the fellow. Yes, of course, if you need to get back home, please go with our thanks and blessings. Say - one or more of our friends may be wanting to come our way. Julian is one of them." He takes out a sketch of his friend and cousin. "If you see him, we'd appreciate any help you can give him - and let him know where we are." He hands him the sketch.
[OOC: I'm back. Will contribute more tomorrow]
Fickle Tuesday August 28th, 2007 7:40:50 AM
Fickle is confused?? So he will ask his cousin Kendry a question. "Couzin Kenny! What arez we doing? Wizard gone? I tried to bite him'z finger? but I'z got nothing butz a twig? What'z happen to the Wizzard?"
OCC: Sorry to hear you go, Dear Cayzle, you'll be hard to replace (PS- Kiss the baby For Me Will You!)
Tobias Tuesday August 28th, 2007 6:28:34 PM
Did I get any sort of look at the wizard, since I was with Slam?
If the wizard makes no further attempt to get back to the meadow, then Tobias will lead the group back to the town... wondering if now we have the wizard's full attention.
Kendry d20+4=6 d20+4=22 d20+4=22 d20+4=22 d20+4=6 d20+4=19 d20+4=9 d20+4=7 d20+4=8 d20+4=10 d20+5=6 d20+5=23 d20+5=14 d20+5=24 d20+5=19 d20+5=9 d20+5=7 d20+5=9 d20+5=14 d20+5=24 d20+5=24 d20+1=19 d20+1=8 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 12:28:16 AM
"Well, as far as I can tell, good Fickle, the wizard teleported away."
He makes a suggestion. "Let's have the dogs see if they can't track the wizard's path through this field by smell... Tobias - do you think you can discern the wizard's trail through here? Though perhaps he teleported in, too.
"Then let's take maybe twenty minutes, friends, to walk this field. Let's see if the wizard left anything behind - or if Tobias, or Fickle, or someone else, or the dogs, can tell from whence came the wizard.
"If nothing we find, then let us return to the community."
If no one finds anything from use of the tracking skill, then Kendry lays out a grid pattern, and leads his friends walking back and forth, with about six feet between them. He has his dog, Cheann, poke about, too, and Selithe's dog, Gra. "Everyone scan in front of you and to the sides as we walk along." He chooses a point to walk straight toward.
Once the meadow has been adequately criss-crossed, he suggests going round the edges of the meadow for a couple of laps.
[Let's each make 10 spot rolls (add +1 for the valley's 'good' bonus) for Cayzle to use as he sees fit. With our pattern, there should be overlap - if one of us misses it, perhaps another will see - whatever 'it' is, if, indeed, 'it' is.]
Cheann's tracking roll: 19 (figure we have a DC 15 under the circumstances - let us know if otherwise, Cayzle).
Gra's tracking roll (unless Justin can roll it for her - sorry to hear of your troubles, buddy): 8
Kendry's spot rolls: 6, 22, 22, 22, 6 (a palindrome for the first five!), 19, 9, 7, 8, 10
And then go home - to our momentary home in this valley.
================
I would concur with the Steve/Airin list: 1) The Necromancer 2) Bella 3) Returning the Thurible 4) This new Wizard of whom we know nothing yet
Although #2 & #4 may be closely related. And circumstances may dictate the order of precedence.
I'm trying to remember where the thurible is supposed to go. Usually I can recall such matters more easily...
Okay, the archives reveal that we need to find a church of Pantheon. Maybe Comey, or Graeff, when he arrives, may know where we can find such a place for the thurible, and thereby fulfill the last request of Sharles Grith, justicar of Pantheon.
Cayzle - It has been an honor and a pleasure to have you as DM for about 2/3rds of this game's run. Will miss you among the feisty hobbits!
Oh, and Robert - congrats to you and your wife on the bun in the oven!
Peace in the Valley (DM Cayzle) Wednesday August 29th, 2007 7:12:26 AM
At the Steps
Graeff takes Julian's story (such as it is) in stride. "Hmmm. Well, I'm looking forward to meeting your friends. I'm sure we'll see them soon."
Graeff sees Julian eying the steps. [Climb DC5 to get up them, enlarged] "Oh, getting up those is not so bad," he says. "But the 200 feet of vertical cliffs higher up is a pain in the neck."
"And Slam loves to help people." He suggests telling stories to pass the time until the giant returns.
In the Valley
Fickle is puzzled. But it seems that the wizard DID teleport in, with a couple people, confirming Ser's story.
Kendry thinks that he will be able to tell if he hears the wizard again.
Meanwhile, Airin is eager to get back. All this tracking has hastened the day.
A couple hours after saying godby to Slam, the party walks back into the village. Thankfully, no further attack has been made.
Comey urges you all to rest and eat. If anyone is injured, he and his folk can help. He is just grateful that the attacks were foiled with no lasting harm done to people or potions.
What about the possible traitor or spy in the village? Comey asks if you have any ideas for roting him or her out.
But the day is getting late. Anything else before bed?
Fickle d20+2=21 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 7:26:05 AM
Fickle look around for foot prints, but he's getting tired, "Me'z wanta rest. You'z tired too'z? Need little naps."
Fickle looks around, he may spot some thing, beside a nice pile of leeves to sleep on??>
Podo Wednesday August 29th, 2007 8:42:57 AM
Podo decides to head back to the temple to pray on a solution for Comey about the spy.
Tobias Wednesday August 29th, 2007 11:23:55 AM
"So how do you think the wizard knew Slam was carrying a halfling with him?"
To answer Comey's question, "We should put the fake potions in an semi-secret location in the town, and then let word spread of where they are... Perhaps the traitor will try to make a move for them himself."
As for the real potions, he tells the party members when they're away from Comey that they should remain divided between the four who have them, so that they're not all easily stolen in one fell swoop.
Airin Wednesday August 29th, 2007 12:20:11 PM
Airin agrees with Podo's suggestion to place fake potions to lure the traitor to steal them himself. They will need to keep a close eye on the potions at all time, without the traitor actually noticing they are holding an eye on them... euhm.. that's going to be tricky but at least it's the best plan they have.
Before going to bed, Airin longs for a good meal, a bath and a good cuddle from Kendry...
Dwight Wednesday August 29th, 2007 7:09:06 PM
Dwight agrees with placing 'fake' potions, and keeps his on his person at all times.
He remains uncomfortable knowing 2 high powered wizards are after him and hopes Gaeff shows soon.
Julian Thursday August 30th, 2007 12:57:21 AM
OOC: Sorry, lack of sleep and a huge day's work.
Julian is very happy to swap tales, though, he is, for the most part, a little, well, frequently, err, at least often, know to stumble, and tumble, over his use of words, and phrases, and, sometimes, though not too often, he mangles a series of broken, and disjointed, phrases together into one overly long sentence.
Fickle Thursday August 30th, 2007 6:29:09 AM
Fickle wonders if he should really take a nap (becuse he's so tired) or go with Slam to see this wizard? "Oh! What'z to do?? What'z to do??" His eyes almost closing.
Kendry Thursday August 30th, 2007 9:39:24 AM
"Comey has one of the potions, and let us keep the rest, until Graeff should arrive. Yes, some dummy potions, to divert attention - and maybe smoke out the traitor in the community - is a good idea. How to catch him - or her - we need to puzzle out."
After the day's excitement, Kendry agrees that rest would be welcome. "But first, let us thank the gods that we lost no one to harpies, thieves, or wizard."
He suggests that people convene in or around the chapel, and let the priest offer prayer, and Podo, too.
Then, to conclude the day, Kendry draws a few sketches of the day's happenings, writes in his journal (composing short poems that feature each of his traveling friends and companions), eats somewhere in there, takes a bath, spends some time snuggling with Airin, then goes to bed, to sleep soundly.
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