Yanosh Wednesday August 15th, 2007 4:02:16 PM
Hearing the bell toll. Yanosh knows for who it tolls for. It tolls for him. Revenge surges into is veins. Switching hands with his battle axe, Yanosh quickly draws his War Axe and rushes to protect the rest of his wunjos. Tonight his failure will not be complete. Tonight no more of his friends will die, this is his silent vow.
Aiden (AC 19 HP 46) d20=17 d20=12 d8=8 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 4:50:24 PM
ooc: *fights off teens from the computer at the YMCA camp...sends another one sprawling with a ippon seonage* *phew*, sorry about that guys...it's been a fight to get on....
"So it comes..." rumbles Aiden, answering Rendal.
With a small snarl, Aiden tells his wolfen companion to stand back, and to guard Bohdi. Though a powerful mage, he still could be felled by these strange creatures.
And he did it to also protect his packsister...
"Yanosh...be wary. Strike swiftly, but fight warily. Their tainted touch has already once gone through you, and I have struck one friend too many this eve to put them at peace..."
And with that, he readied his axe, and when they come, he will strike them hard.
(OOC: no sheet on me at camp...) Handle animal: 17 + skill
The Return Round 2 d20+14=22 d20+14=29 d20+18=37 d20+18=31 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 8:26:30 PM
Rendall moves to Aidens side and peers into the dark, nothing. No sound or stirring.
Aiden too detects nothing and sets his wolf to guard Bohdi.
The gnome gives a sour look, unsure of his guardian. A gesture and arcane word brings more light to the area to the north, [Cast Dancing Lights]
The creatures were back and Yngvar was still naerly a minute from being ready. Nauthiz'Ull tries to speed up, willing his hands to move faster and looking for shortcuts. Straps are ignored and quickly cinched. There are simply so many of them.
Yanosh whirls and comes back up the slope. Even thought the sope is not terribly sttep, combined with the snow and ice, it is impossible run across for the dwarf.
combat rounds please, list AC and HP. sacred +2 bonus is still in effect for all d20 rolls. Remember animals require d20 handle animal roll and unless specifically taught to attack undead, they will not except in self defense.
Enemies Unknown Yngvar armor donning 4/20 Nauthiz assisting donning hastily Heyoka abandonded work no armor bonus to AC Yanosh 2 negative levels -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks
Rendal AC 20 HP 23 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 11:01:16 PM
Rendal prepares his shield and mace for a fight. Reading a tune in the back of his mind. He searches for the enemy he knows to be coming.
"Are they invisible?"
Yngvar the not so very tall Thursday August 16th, 2007 8:10:41 AM
The ranger redoubles his efforts to be properly prepared for the new threat.
Nauthiz'Ull [ac19 hp46/46] Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:54:24 AM
"We are close to finishing this right. I already saw one wunjo go down tonight, two if you would not have saved Yanosh, and I will not have another."
Keeping the lightning pace going at trying to get this thing to stay on, Nauth stares at Yngvar, looking for guidance at where the next strap must go.
"Wunjos, I am coming! Stay in tight formation and watch above you as well!."
Yanosh--AC20--HP31/34 Thursday August 16th, 2007 4:49:01 PM
Yanosh places his battle axe back onto his left side. Changing directions slightly he scoops up his shield and slips his arm into it.
Suddenly Yanosh remembers somthing. Shoulddering his War Axe Yanosh reaches into his pouch and pulls out a vile. Popping the cork yanosh then drinks it down. "The potion fro the Ice Witch. It will hide us from the Undead." He calls out to the others.
A few too many actions. Stowing a weapon and Picking up an item (Shield) are both move actions and will take the round.
Heyoka- AC 12 -HP 33/33 Thursday August 16th, 2007 6:46:36 PM
Looking at those around her bridling with rage, she pauses, and decides tht unles they go charging into the night, it makes sense to fix her armor properly.
<Putting on Armor>
The Return Round 3 Friday August 17th, 2007 8:39:31 AM
Rendall readies himself and scans the darkness still. Perhaps they are invisible, a nearly terrifying thought given the damage they deal and the speed in which they do so.
Nauthiz`Ull calls out some reassurance to the others and continues to help Yngvar. The pair tighten another half dozen straps and skip an equal amount. Almost fininshed...
Bohdi sweeps the lights across the north and brings them to the west. Still no sign of them.
Yanosh stows his axe and readies his shield. Remembering the potions from the Ice Witch, he calls to teh others about them. Not enough actions remain to retrieve and drink the potion
Heyoka returns to the shelter and begins the process of putting her armor on again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Erupting from the snow, a pair of snow and hoarey figures close rapidly from the northwest. Bohdi's lights had gone right by them by the looks of thier starting position, but they had eluded detection among the small drifts of snow so expertly appears thier skills at hiding.
Undead Orc AC ?? HP Slightly Wounded Undead Orc AC ?? HP Slightly Wounded
Rendal AC 20 HP 23/23 d20=9 Friday August 17th, 2007 9:50:22 AM
Rendal readies his morning star and swings at the closest monster in front of him.
"Begone evil creations. This is not your place."
attack 9+5= 14
Yngvar the not so very tall Friday August 17th, 2007 9:58:57 AM
Working as quickly as he can Yngvar is determined not to be left out again.
Rendal d8+2=6 Friday August 17th, 2007 10:03:56 AM
Ahh damage gotta do that.
If Rendal hits the creatures.
6 damage.
Heyoka d100=92 Friday August 17th, 2007 10:18:27 AM
Hearing the noise outside, she sighs and pauses forthe moment necesssary to summon some help.
<Summon Nature's Ally-Wolf>
<speak with Animals> -Wolfen Friend, please make sure the walking dead meat do no harm to the living out there. You will meet another out there as well. Go ahead and say hi.
<Bag of Tricks/Grey-Badger>
Tricks-Defend, Guard, Heel, attack, unkown 5th.
<to badger while still have speak with animals up> -Can you please make sure that my big white furry friend is ok, and keep him from harm? He tends to be overly anxious in his duties.
OOC: Go back to putting on armor. Fisher was at Guard Living. If they are being attacked, he will most likely either attack, or get in the way of the undead orcs attacking.
DM It takes a full round to cast Summon Nature's Ally. It appears just before your action on the following round (4), at which point you could cast Speak with animals
Yanosh--AC20--HP31/34 Friday August 17th, 2007 10:59:37 AM
Yanosh retrieves the potion and pops the cork from it and drinks it throwing the vile down. After its gone his hand flashes to his axe (Quick draw) and its in his hand with no more of a thought.
Yanosh will rush to R-21 as quickly as his Dwarven legs will carry him.
Aiden (AC 19 HP 46/46) d20=19 d8=6 Friday August 17th, 2007 11:03:02 AM
Aiden, a grim expression on his face, strikes with his axe at the creature that stood before him. It was once an ork, but NO creature should be put into the curse of undeath. Instead of attacking with multiple strikes as given by the two headed orken axe, he went for a more powerful blow.
"go to your just death warrior..." Aiden says in the orken language.
Nauthiz'Ull [ac19 hp46/46] d20+8=11 Friday August 17th, 2007 1:31:42 PM
The ranger continues to assist Yngvar and with a quick whistle gets the attention of his companion wolf. She perks up and looks at and Nauthiz'Ull tells her to Defend Bohdi with her sister. With a yip she moves to do so. [Handle animal 11]
Yngvar the not so very tall Saturday August 18th, 2007 9:09:57 AM
Yngvar curses the human armorers who find it necessary to use so many buckles and clasps on thier armor rather than the more efficient dwarven style. Pride, such a stupid thing.
Then Yngvar realizes what he just thought.
Heyoka Saturday August 18th, 2007 10:33:13 AM
Still casting spells it looks like <lol>
The Return Round 4 3d4(1+2+3)+3=9 d20+7=18 Saturday August 18th, 2007 12:04:04 PM
Rendall grips his Morning star, readying for the undead to close. Both creatures move in quickly and the bard strikes. His weapon swishes through the air as his target ducks the blow.
Aiden moves in and strikes hard and deeop. His axe lays open a mortal wound to the dead orcs chest. Ribs and frozen blood spray in crumpled bits. The undead horror simply smiles at him.
Yanosh pulls a potion and drinks its contents. Move and standard action to pul and drink a potion
Nauthiz and Yngvar continue to fix his armor.
Bohdi sends a set of Magic Missiles into the creature Aiden just struck. [Dmg 9] The gnome holds his position with the pair of wolves flanking him for protection. The Magic attack destroys the undead.
Heyoka begins to Summon more assistance to the battlefiled outside.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- The last remaining creature steps away from Aiden and towards Rendall's right. the creature strikes hard and fast, but Rendall is just faster and energy draing strike misses. [Hit AC 18 miss]
Undead Orc DESTROYED Undead Orc AC ?? HP Slightly Wounded
Rendal AC 20 23/23 d20=17 d8+2=10 Saturday August 18th, 2007 12:49:12 PM
Rendal seeing the creature duck his blow swings back and hits him in the head.
Attack 17+5=23 Damage 10
Yanosh--AC20--HP31/34 Saturday August 18th, 2007 12:58:18 PM
Yanosh continues to run to help his wunjos.
Aiden d20=12 d8=7 Saturday August 18th, 2007 1:02:59 PM
Aiden, having completed one successful arc, twists the axe handle with both of his hands and then made his movement to pull and follow with another powerful strike.
When he had first learned about the dual headed orken axe, the beauty of the twirling death was much to behold. But, of the late battles, Aiden has instead relied on the awesome power generated by releasing the fury within one powerful stroke.
To hit: 12 + 11 - 3 = 20 Damage: 7 + 16 = 23
DM ADDENDUM Saturday August 18th, 2007 10:42:08 PM
Rendall Yanosh and Aiden. post completed, you may change your post based on the new information
Heyoka Monday August 20th, 2007 3:31:57 AM
Continue to put on armor after sending help to fighters.
Rendal Monday August 20th, 2007 9:36:20 AM
Waiting for the creature to make a move Rendal aims and swings at the offending hand that the creature is using against him.
Same attack roll 17+5=23
Damage 10
DM Gotcha, will use your Saturday post np
Yngvar the not so very tall Monday August 20th, 2007 9:45:20 AM
Yngvar bristles under the time required to get ready.
Yanosh--AC20--HP31/34 Monday August 20th, 2007 3:05:08 PM
Yanosh still running to help. (It is a long way for a Dwarf to run.)
Nauthiz'Ull [ac19 hp46/46] Monday August 20th, 2007 4:01:11 PM
Watching as the buckles are fastend, fall loose and get refastened the ranger cannot help but look imploringly to Yngvar. He knows that he is needed outside, that his bow swings the favor of battle to the wunjos side. However, he also sees the need for Yngvar to redeem himself and he wants proof that the man of two paths has enough capability to handle himself; loss is heavy anywhere but the burden is far greater in the frozen wastes.
"You need to rethink your armor, especially if you are to be a hunter or tracker in the Vein. These plates are far too heavy and too cumbersome; you cannot even sleep in them. This suits well for day-long duties outside of Kayra's tent but unfortunately that comfort of yours is gone."
Combat over Monday August 20th, 2007 5:14:38 PM
Yanosh pounds of the slope as fast as he can. Blasted snow and ice, he feels like miles stretch between him and the foe. Will another warrior fall?
Aiden's axe and Rendall's morning star quickly put Yanosh's mind at ease. Betwewn the two strikes, there is little of the undead orc left. All but a pile of frozen flesh.
Heyoka completes here spell and a Wolf appears just outside theshelter next to Fisher. The wolf looks about, there is no longer any enemies about.
Nauthiz'Ull and Yngvar continue to strap on the complex breastplate armor as cries and grunts come to thier ears from outside. How fare their compainoins? Unknown to either of them, but soon the sounds of combat cease.
Both of the undead Garrett had turned through the power of Domi have returned and have been destroyed. The hour is late, but still perhaps 5 hours to sunrise.
Rendal Monday August 20th, 2007 8:41:22 PM
I think that perchance I should go back to sleep for the rest of the evening. As should anyone who needs to replenish their skills.
Good night all.
Saying this Rendal goes back into his tent to sleep.
Aiden Tuesday August 21st, 2007 8:24:26 AM
Grunting, Aiden spoke to Yanosh. "Take your rest..."
Of the warriors, he (Yanosh) had been hurt the most, and so, it was left to Aiden to pick up his guard.
The fury of the battle's song rang through his blood...and now, it was time to determine what to do next. With their heavy injuries, and the loss of Garrett, should they continue for the Shield of Domi? Or should they return his body, and then renew their quest?
Yngvar the not so very tall Tuesday August 21st, 2007 9:19:08 AM
Once he completes putting his armor on Yngvar shall take the remaining watch to allow spell-casters and the wounded their rest.
Nauthiz'Ull Tuesday August 21st, 2007 10:15:08 AM
Finishing up the last of the apparently necessary buckles, Nauth turns, pulls his bow and an arrow and rushes out of the tent searching for prey.
"Blast these Bevroren Doden! Ull'Heimdall's bow shall smite them all!"
As his footsteps turn to the sound of crunching ice and snow there is little else to be heard; the undead are destroyed.
"Well, um, Yngvar is ready to fight now. I thought he should get a shot, but perhaps next time will be better."
Nauth stores his weapon back into the magical quiver on his hip and strides over to Bohdi and Aiden. He looks to both of them, pulls them close and speaks only to them.
Aiden and Bohdi(Dan) Highlight to display spoiler: {"Wunjos, there is something that I need to talk to you about; I only hoped that Garrett would be in our company as well. The village has split. Kayra and the elders are trying to revert to the old ways; worshiping Celsiun and leaving Domi's name out of all talk. The younger ones are choosing Domi as their god. If we return we will be forced to choose and be in danger with either choice that we make. Garrett, Domi guard his soul, would have been in the gravest danger, as he represents a direct link with the new Gods. I am not sure what we are to do."}
Yanosh Tuesday August 21st, 2007 3:16:30 PM
AFter his long run through the snow, Yanosh feel the strain of the battle and his wounds. Agreeing with Aiden about his need for rest Yanosh enters his tent and falls to his bed furs. As soon as he sits on his furs Yanosh's head slumps to the side and he begins to snore. (Yanosh does not remove his armor.)
Heyoka Tuesday August 21st, 2007 5:35:17 PM
After struggling to finish her armor completion, only to find that the fighting is done, she sighs, and looks about.
"Obviously there is little need for me to go back to sleep. I shall take watch, with my friends. Everyone else should rest if possible. I can go without for a while. I have before, and will again, I am sure."
Looking at the huddle groups, she shakes her head, and walks towards the animals who know her, and start directing them to cover the area around the tents in a seemingly random pattern of post walking.
<Any who are spelled here will do so until the spell holding them here lets them go. When Fisher or Heyoka notices, they will fill in the gaps of this post walk together.>
Deep in the Black Tuesday August 21st, 2007 8:35:36 PM
The battle is finished nearly as fast as it was joined. The two former orcs lay split open and dead, the warriors now at rest. Skalti's ash and ruin lay about as well and so does Garrett, though in a better state of repose than any of the other three. An everburning torch lights the area and a small discussion of the rest of the night is quickly conducted. Heyoka declares she has slept enough and can stay watch with Fisher.
Bohdi waves her off, "Bloody can have it. Already going to be without many spells on the morning." The gnome trudges into a shelter and pulls the closure tight agasint the cold.
Aiden directs Yanosh to get rest and the dwarf obliges. Moving into a shelter and quickly falling asleep. In short order the morning will be in them.
Nauthiz catches Bohdi and Aidens attention, relaying the situation of the Village when he left. It confirms much of what both had been thinking those days ago when they left.
Rendall too, moves to go back to sleep and Yngvar moves out to take watch.
The night seems to deepen and Heyoka's flesh rises on her neck. The wind stirs and the snow lifts about her feet. It sets her on a knife's edge and the animals into submissive stances.
Aiden feels it as well, a deep tremor seemingly from within his own head. The Mountain again, he now has fully identified this touch. Burfell is reaching out to him.
Yngvar as well is not without a sense of these things. A precense is coming, a powerful one. Only once before has he felt this touch and that was when Svanhvit sealed him in the bonding. Įs tryggr`žér Domi, god's faithful servant of Domi.
The Everburning torch wavers and then the flame steadies on again. The touch departs the three watchers, as if the eye of powers unseen has decided to move on.
In long enough time the light of the first rays of morning spill across the land to the south. Deep on the western side of Burfell, it will remain fairly dark for a few hours more.
remember any spells cast in the previous nights conflict are slots unavailable to you for the day.
Rendal Tuesday August 21st, 2007 10:46:09 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Aiden Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:21:10 AM
"Nauth'iz...let us speak of this on the morning. We are all weary from the battle fury and deaths, and any decisions we make need to be with a clear mind and body."
How Aiden hated speaking with his heavy accented voice. But perhaps it wasn't that, perhaps he hated being put into the position of making decisions...Damn Garrett for dying!
Aiden stood there ready to take up the 'guard' task. However, the taxing events of the day, the long trek, the two battles, and the death of Garrett, caused his mind to wander.
And it was with that, his mind listened to the call of Burfell. ~thank you...~ he quietly sent out to the mountain, land, and ice that so controlled his destiny. They had given him some of their power, albeit temporarily, to fight the undead creatures.
He only wished that he knew for certain whether all of the corrupted creatures that had been called forth by Skalti, and even that which called Skalti from the dead, were now at peace. But that was beyond his means, nor any of the others, as far as he knew.
But what did Burfell and Celsiun wish of him? In Twin Tusks, the shamans spoke and did rituals, strange and wild that they were, to communicate. Garrett's 'talk' to Domi was more subdued as was those of Ice Peaks.
That brought up some more difficulties as well, as Nauth'iz had pointed out. The old and new faiths seemed to fight against each other. This was something that they would have to face.
Then, he repeated something that was quite strange (at least for him). Earlier in the day, he had actively 'prayed', perhaps for the first time in his life. And now, he was doing it again, silently, to the powers that had looked after him. Not for power, but he sought guidance.
A part of him thought that perhaps Garrett would wish to be returned to the village for a proper burial, whatever that may be for one who had followed Domi. After all, Skalti had risen from the grave for not having been properly laid to rest. However, with the mountain cleansed, and Garrett's death in helping to fight for the mountain, perhaps Burfell would let his body become a part of itself and attain its peace.
Yngvar the not so very tall Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:33:34 AM
Rapid axe blows mince one of the felled orc's bodies. Turning he punts the other's head some 30 yards across the trampled snow.
With Heyoka alert within the camp, Yngvar makes a circular patrol well beyond the camp's perimeter. He laments his impotence alone, in silence.
Rendal Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 10:16:04 AM
Knowing that he needs 8 hours of rest without using a spell. Rendal will try and get his 8 hours in and wake up late morning early afternoon. Realizing this late he writes a note not to wake him unless needed.
While he dreams he realizes there is much he doesn't know and he must focus on destroying undead more.
Yanosh Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 3:59:25 PM
Sleeping fitfully Yanosh silently weeps for the death of his friend Garrett. The feeling that he could have/should have done things differently lays heavy on him. If only he stayed where he stood when the elk attacked he wouldn't have been so far from Garrett and the group wouldn't have been spread thin. If he would have been more effective at Killing the elk he could have gotten to Garrett before he fell. Dreams of his failure fill his sleep. Thoughts of his failure fill his waking mind. If only he could atone for his actions.
Heyoka Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 5:36:38 PM
With the ligth grey creeping into the sky, she will pad quietly to the ones who seemed to take over Garrett's position in the group, waking them quietly, and motioning for them to stay quiet.
She will slowly wake everyone, the magic users last if she can.
Day Light Thursday August 23rd, 2007 9:13:56 AM
The morning comes, Heyoka awakens those that are sleeping. Heyoka finds a note with Rendall, requesting to be left asleep until midday. The night had passed differently for all. For her the night was like many others, save for the occasional grunt of pain from the dark where Yngvar had gone. It took little imagination to put together that he fell now and again.
Yngvar, moving beyond the perimeter of the camp, found himself in near total darkness on the icy and rocky slopes of the mountain. The night was long and torturous and perhaps precisely what he wanted or felt he deserved. On more than one occasion he fell and now has more than one sore bruise and scrape. Fatigued and sore, Yngvar returns to the camp as he sees activity about.
Aiden prays and feels the connection to Burfell strengthen as he does so. His mind slips and eventually he sleeps. Dreams come to the ranger, his wolf companion padding to him, "What will you do now? Do we keep our promise to the Uršr Friš? Who do we look to for guidance?" the wolf sits smiling at Aiden for a moment and then with the quick turn of her head she bounds after a small rabbit sitting on the snow nearby. Aiden watches her move and a familiar voice from behind him says, "Beautiful creature." As he turns to look he awakens, Heyoka is quietly pulling him from sleep.
Rendall sleeps well but dreams find him in the night. Dreams of the dead and behind them a soft feminine cackle. Always near but never in sight. "And so Domi falls." the female voice coos. "Come to me and I will return him to you. He is no use to anyone dead." The voice causes the young man to shiver and seems full of age, despite the soft sing song quality of the sound. Rendall sleeps on.
Yanosh awakens to the cries of Skalti, "Failed, Failed FAILED! You're pathetic. Did you see how he died? I pulled his very soul from his body and I feasted upon it." Yanosh sits up and the leering twisted grin is there, right in front of him. Yanosh's axe swipes across and Skalti jumps back, "Too slow dwarf. Too slow again. Is this how I must get your attention? Is this what you need? Self pity? Doubt? The warrior I knew and died to protect is far stronger. Now get up and stop this foolishness." The twisted form of Skalti snears a last time and exits the shelter. Yanosh bolts upright at Heyoka's touch, sweat upon his brow, axe clenched in white knuckled fist.
Looking in on Bohdi finds the gnome gone. A note, or rather short story by its length, lies where his bedroll once lay. "My Wunjo's. The Package given by Rendall from the Diviners of Zaran City insisted upon my immediate attention. Staying these last few days will cause me an abundance of hardship and I lay full blame on you barbarians for the strife I shall have to endour. I also would have it no other way. I will return in short order as soon as I may. Bohdi"
It is now mid morning
Nauthiz'Ull Thursday August 23rd, 2007 9:41:30 AM
Nauth knew not what to do that evening, the presence of being lost is apparent on his face. He was always envious of Garrett for the others looking to him for leadership; a role that Ull'Heimdall filled for the village when he was around. But as the night crept on the ranger could not help but hear Frigga's voice whispering from behind him; he could not help but hear Ull'Heimdall's deep, somber voice stirring from somewhere outside the tent.
As light begins to erode the darkness cast over Burfell, Heyoka's touch startles the weathered youth. His hand reaches for her arm and, for a moment, he does not realize the strength of his grip as her eyes hold him tighter. There was something deep behind those eyes, something wild, that Nauth found greatly intriguing.
As the group slowly rose from slumber, Nauth began to circle the camp, searching for tracks and took his ulf a ways down the trail of the bevroren's footsteps. Upon returning to the campsite Nauth makes for his food and forces himself to eat.
After hearing that his little wunjo was gone, something comes over the ranger.
"Curse this forsaken land! Curse you Celsiun for not protecting us! Curse you Domi for not protecting one who was devoted to you! Do you exist Domi? Do you? And curse you too Bohdi Nackle for leaving us!" The ranger drops to his knees and pounds hte snow with his fists. "Take some more from us Celsiun, freeze us with your touch! I bet you are warm though, taking my sister's souls for your gluttonous ways!"
His voice seems to bleed as it is lost to a raspy gurgle and just as quick as the outburst rose, it subsided. Nauth stood, gathered his things and began to break down the empty tents.
shoot, just a bit too late...internet was down yesterday for the most part.
Yngvar the not so very tall Thursday August 23rd, 2007 10:47:37 AM
Rather bedraggled, the young ranger slumps into camp. He clearly won't be much good for the coming day but aids as he can in breaking camp.
Rendal Thursday August 23rd, 2007 12:27:39 PM
Wakes up and shakes off the deary dream.
Going outside he looks to everyone packing and says "Thanks for the extra sleep. What is the plan now?"
Aiden Thursday August 23rd, 2007 3:37:42 PM
Waking from his dream, Aiden is quite contemplative...and then is broken out of his meditations by Nauth'iz exclamations.
Stepping up (and out) of his tent, Aiden's eyes squinted as he finally noticed that Bohdi was now gone. There was a slight sigh as, though the gnome did at first annoy Aiden, Aiden began to tolerate, and then enjoy the company of the mage.
Making his way to Nauth'iz, Aiden quietly put his hand upon his fellow tracker's shoulder. "Do not curse at those more powerful than we..." Aiden spoke simply. "Especially as we continue on our travels..."
It seemed very certain that the quest was to be continued. He hated not returning Garrett's body to its final rest, but he also knew that they had given their word to the honorable orks.
Looking at the others, Aiden addresses them. "I am going to continue on the task to help the Uror Frio..." Rubbing his bearded chin, "it will be more difficult now since our numbers are even smaller..."
After a moment, he added, "if you return to the village or your homes I will understand...but I am going to finish the task I, and Garrett, had given our words upon..."
Yanosh Thursday August 23rd, 2007 4:21:31 PM
Startled from sleep Yanosh sits bol up right gripping his axe. As his eyes focus he sees its Heyoka that woke him and not Skalti. Relaxing his grip on the axe Yanosh watches as the Elf leaves the tent.
After gathering his things and eating his morning meal Yanosh helps Aiden and Nauth break camp and get everything stowed.
Walking to Garrett's remains Yanosh wraps them in Garrett's cloak and bedroll. After Garrett's body is properly prepared for travel Yanosh helps fasion a sled to drag Garrett back to the village of Ice Peaks.
Looking down at the sled, "I may have failed to save you my wunjo, But this I swear 'I will get you back to Ice Peaks for a proper internment'."
When hearing of Bohdi's disappearance Yanosh cant believe that he left in the dark with no one to defend him. "Crazy Gnome why did he leave like that. Domi watch over him and protect him."
"Aiden, Nauth I believe we are ready to go when the rest are." Saying that Yanosh straps on his shield and grabs the rope to the sled and takes first drag.
Heyoka Thursday August 23rd, 2007 5:38:14 PM
As they start walking towards whatever place Garrett called home, she falls in step with Yanosh.
"I am tired. While I still have many skills and spells left, My reaction will be slow if we are attacked again. Fisher will also need to rest and hunt before sunset. If we are continually attacked in the dark, I recommend we stop early, and make a defensible camp while it is still light out. I and anyone else who is tired can rest for a few hours at least, then we can continue."
She pauses, unsure how to continue.
"I have noticed that when I hunt, my prey is hardest to hurt when it is moving. If we travel towards this place we are going in the dark, we can expect an attack, and be more likely to survive, I think. I know it is colder then, but that's what walking, and the enemy is for. To move our hot blood through our veins."
Considering her words, she speaks further, haltingly.
"I am not sure I will be able to stay more than an hour or two inside of this place we are going. They will most definitely not appreciate Fisher, and I am, to say, uncomfortable with this large a group. How much mor uncomfortable to be surrounded by many more?"
"I and Fisher will take one tent, and find a defensible place outside the town, and if you wish, you can keep the body there while you arrange things for it. It's animation by the Evil one the other night means that he can do it again. Why put such a trauma on his beloved ones?"
_______________________________________________
Diplomacy is a -1, so I'm not even going to try a roll.
Decisions Friday August 24th, 2007 7:33:21 AM
Bohdi's timing sits poorly with the group and with Nauthiz`Ull in particular. The young ranger cries out against the vast powers beyond his control. Aiden is there quickly, for to do such things invites true disaster if the spirits were to hear him. As Yanosh questions the gnomes sanity on marching from the mountain the sharp eyes of all trained in such note out of habit that there is no such trail. Bohdi simply vanished, perhaps the Gnomes of Zaran had truly insisted?
Aiden informs the others of his intentions. That of fullfilling the promise made to the orcs and then Garrett's last wish to return the Shield of Domi to Ice Peak.
Yanosh prepares Garrett's body for transport and readies to head to the village of Ice Peak.
Heyoka mentions a change in tactic. Moving at night and sleeping by day. The opponents seem nocternal and it is harder to attack prey that is always moving. Ice Peak village obviously makes her nervous. The thought of so many others has her set off a little.
Rendall, Yngvar a bit wearey but not so much as to hinder him, and Nauthiz`Ull stand ready. The question lies in which direction will their travels take them.
The group stands as a collective on the difficult Western Slopes of Burfell. The pass to the orcs lies 8 days away, circling back to the south and then on towards the eastern slope. Ice Peak lies on the southern plains. The best route would be to circle back to the southern slopes of Burfell, 3 days hard march and then descend and make the 3 day march across the tundra to home.
Yngvar the not so very tall Friday August 24th, 2007 9:48:25 AM
"Circle round?" Yngvar votes to return the body.
"Week or more." He notes how long it will take.
"Then back?" The ranger expects to complete their mission after paying their respects.
Aiden Friday August 24th, 2007 1:38:24 PM
Aiden looked at the others, awaiting what they thought in terms of what to do next.
Yngvar seemed to indicate returning the body to its rest as did Yanosh. Aiden could understand and respect that.
However, he waited to hear what Heyoka, Nauth'iz, and Rendall each thought...
Yanosh Friday August 24th, 2007 5:08:07 PM
"As I have said we must return Garrett to Ice Peaks so he can be laid to rest properly." Yanosh looks over the group. "We will finish the mission that we started out on. By all that is holy. We will return the shield of Domi to its rightful place in Ice Peaks."
Yanosh waits for what Nauth and everyone else says. But he is detemained to return Garrett to Ice Peaks.
Rendal Friday August 24th, 2007 6:42:30 PM
I say we travel on by night and sleep for the day.
Could someone explain a little of our mission and what we are doing and what that evil bard was?
Heyoka Friday August 24th, 2007 8:44:55 PM
a bit disturbed by Rendal seemignly reading her thoughts, she nods her agreement with him.
"I too would like a bit more information on our attacker, and why is it he is attacking. And what the goal is here."
Aiden Saturday August 25th, 2007 7:48:10 AM
Aiden's explanation of Skalti was curt, but then again, so was his knowledge on such things.
"He was a foolish tale-teller who came into the wylds unprepared for the cold. Skalti, despite our warnings and aid, fell to the cold of Celsiun one night. He was given a simple burial since we did not know much about him before he died. Sometime later, we encountered him as that creature and were able to chase him off, until last night..."
His eyes staring off into the distance, "as to what we were doing...Our group had two journeys. One was to retrieve the Shield of Domi for the village as it would help bring prosperity back to Ice Peaks. The Shield had been taken during a raid by those of the Tusks some time ago. Along with this, we had also promised the uror frio to help them discover what evil plague them on this mountain, and defeat it, as well as the orken leader that held the Shield..."
OOC: this is from my limited understanding of the current threads...
Yngvar the not so very tall Saturday August 25th, 2007 8:29:22 AM
The gaunt ranger nods in agreement to Aiden's words.
More Talk Saturday August 25th, 2007 9:12:37 AM
Yanosh declares his intention as does Aiden. The steadfast dwarf will see Garrett's last request fullfilled, but he will not leave the man to the wilds of the mountain. Garrett would be taken home to his father.
Rendall and Heyoka both ask about Skalit and the groups current goal on the mountainside. Aiden gives them a breif recap with Yngvar nodding his agreement in what is said about Skalti, the orc tribe and the Shield of Domi.
Rendall also supports Heyoka's idea to move at night. As he does so Rendall starts to feel the cold of the mountain air beginning to bite at him.
The path home and the path to the hidden vale of the orcs currently both lie in the same direction. 4 days hard march over broken and snow laiden mountian to the southern slopes. From there the true desicion will need to be made.
Aiden, Nauthiz and Yanosh are now also beginning to feel the pricking of the Vein.
Heyoka Saturday August 25th, 2007 10:50:52 AM
Heyoka turns her eyes sharply to Aiden.
"So, let me make sure I understand. The Shield is found," motioning to Garrett's body, and the Shield atop it," But it's Good Luck Fortune seems to do little for individuals. Acutally it seems to attract envy fro other tribes."
Turning she looks further around the group. "And beyond this, we have a dead singster following us, who was dead of his own foolishness. I do not think he is still walking because of his own skill. He would still be alive if he had such skill. No, I think there is someone who pulls his strings, like the dancing-dolls of my childhood. Does anyone know who this doll-master might be?"
Aiden Saturday August 25th, 2007 11:44:07 AM
Aiden sadly shook his head. "We have not gained the Shield of yet, that is with one of the splinter tribes from what was Twin Tusks."
His eyes seemed to narrow in thought, "though the alpha behind all of this could be a dark creature, a shadow thing, that has attacked the spirits of nature and seem to corrupt things." Sighing, "but this is a guess..." Aiden adds, actually quite embarrassed by how much he spoke and his rather thick, cumbersome accent.
Yanosh Saturday August 25th, 2007 12:38:20 PM
"We will travel by daylight." Yanosh states flatly putting down the idea of night travel. "It is too dangerous to be out in the cold of the Vein at night. Some of us would freeze to death before the sun rises again."
Looking at Aiden he states, "I think we may have destroyed that which hunted the Orks of Burfell. We will travel back to them and let them know of our success at defeating Skalti. Then if I have to I will return Garrett home by myself." Yanosh addresses the group as a whole, "You can come with me or continue to the tundera after the Shield of Domi. I will catch up in time."
Yngvar the not so very tall Sunday August 26th, 2007 12:22:51 PM
"I'm with you," Yngvar says to Yanosh.
Rendal Monday August 27th, 2007 12:00:50 AM
I am just curious how far would it be to the Shield. I am of course with you.
I just wondered being that if we are just one day away I would rather get it and come back.
Though you are injured. I agree lets go back and get you healed.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=31 Monday August 27th, 2007 10:18:45 AM
"We walk during the day, Yanosh is right. The journey will be close to perilous for all of us as it is, as Garrett's and Bohdi's magics will not be here to protect all of us from the Vein's pressing cold. I have magics to protect myself, but I will not be able to use it again until we get a full nights rest. Heyoka, Rendal or Yngvar, do you have any spells which would help the group endure the elements out here?"
Nauth looks over the group, looks to the skies to see what the group is in store for over the next few days before remarking on which journey to take. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ survival [weather] - 31
Posting Report 8.20-8.24 [aDM Drew] Monday August 27th, 2007 10:29:16 AM
Posting Report for Ice Vein Week of August 20 - August 24 ............................M..T..W..Th.F DM-Daniel K........x...x...x...x...x Bohdi-Kup............+...+...+...+...+ Garrett-Chris.........+...+...+...+...+ Aiden-Paul............x...x...x...x...x Nauthiz'Ull-Drew...x...o...x...x...x Yanosh-Edd..........x...x...x...x...x Yngvar-Dru...........x...x...x...x...x Heyoka-Shelia......x...x...x...x...x Rendal-Jim............x...x...x...x...x
Great job everyone, keep up the consistent posting!
x = post o = no post * = substitute post - = skipped post (no DM post) + = see notes Notes: --"Days" begin with DM post on that day and continue until following DM post. This sometimes results in some "bistro math" when player posts count for the prior day. Weekend posts count for Fridays. --Kup (Bohdi) is hitting some stressful and burdening times in the real world so he has requested a temporary leave of absence for at least a month. --Garrett was killed and has been playing dead.
Heyoka Monday August 27th, 2007 10:36:02 AM
Nodding her head at the guy with the mouthfull of a name, she casts it on him immediately, so that his shoulders unknot, and he immediately becomes more comfortable in this environment.
It feels to him as if an invisible cloak of bear fur has been draped around his shoulders, though without the stink.
Grueling Days Ahead d20=8 d100=51 Monday August 27th, 2007 1:43:26 PM
Night is deemed to dangerous to travel, the mountain has shown itself perilous enough in the daylight. Adding a lack of vision and colder temperatures might be tempting fate. Aiden seems fairly convinced of Skalti's destruction, but a few raise the question to a power behind the twice cursed bard of Ice Peak. The mention of such a possible force causes Aiden and Nauthiz`Ull to immediately think one word, Wishami. The name given to a malevolent spirit of terrible power that probably killed Edgar and a Dryad sorcerer in the tall pines several days west of Ice Peaks hunting borders.
Nauthiz`Ull brings another potential issue tot he front, that of the great Cold of Ice Vein itself in the near future. Before, Garrett was protecting nearly everyone with magic. He is gone now and everyone will need some other means to cope with the terrible cold. All those attuned to the natural world can tell it is well below freezing and the rising sun will not be of assistance this day or the next as the clouds have cleared to bright blue sky. Tonight will be the hardest on any unprotected. The Shelters will keep any inside warm, but those on guard outside will additional precautions.
The group begins moving back across the western slop towards the more trecherous and broken southern zone. Nauthiz and Aiden lead the group, picking thier way across the ice and snow.
Survival checks please
Please list current spell lists. Please list active spells. Currently the DM is assuming no Endure Elements have been placed on anybody. Heyoka posted about casting the spell on Nauthiz, but since Nauth stated he can cast it himself, the DM is considering the spell uncast
Yanosh Monday August 27th, 2007 3:26:22 PM
"Then it is back to the Orcs of Burfell, to let them know we have defeated the undead that has been hunting them." Yanosh states as he starts to drag the sled. "Come let us be off."
Yngvar the not so very tall Monday August 27th, 2007 6:59:05 PM
"No, Nauthiz`Ull," Yngvar returns. "Although I have items to see to my own safety I cannot be of any help."
"We do not know, for certain, that we have ended the undead plague of Burfell. We have yet to destroy their creator. No need to give false hope, Yanosh."
Addressing the group at large, "Since I do not feel the cold as others, when we make camp I'll go straight to bed for four hours and then stand watch until dawn fully armored. Any likewise capable will be welcome. Those without protection should stay within our shelters."
Aiden Monday August 27th, 2007 8:17:21 PM
Aiden rubbed his chin as he thought about the current situation. "Spellcasters need sleep...I will take first watch...Yanosh second because of your sight, Nauth'iz third..."
"And I agree with Yngvar...we have defeated Skalti, that we can tell the orks. But I do not think that the unnatural is defeated." After a moment, he then added. "We also have one other task, which some may not find tasteful..."
His eyes were hard. "We will have to look over Garrett's body for any equipment that shall help us. His armor, weapon and symbol are his, but he may have something from the Catacombs that could be helpful.." It was the survivor/tracker that Aiden was that was speaking, and, in no small way, the almost plundering of his friend's body did bother him.
(OOC: Could we find out what Garrett had?)
Heyoka Monday August 27th, 2007 10:35:00 PM
Looking over the night guards, she nods at them one at a time, and lets then know that when their shift starts, they must wake her up quietly, an ask for the spell that will keep the cold of their necks. <Endure Elements>
Any who look like they will suffer even in the shelters, she will cast on them after asking their allowance of this. _______________________________________________ 0-Know Direction, Flare, Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Mending
1-Endure Elements,Endure Elements,Endure Elements, Endure Elements (<-Wis of 18 mod)
2-Flame Blade, Barkskin, Cure Light Wounds (<-Wis of 18)
Heyoka d20=19 Monday August 27th, 2007 10:35:48 PM
Survival Check=19
Yngvar the not so very tall Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:56:14 AM
"You shall not despoil Garrett's body, Aiden," Yngvar commands gravely. "His loss is not your gain."
"He belongs to his family now. Not us."
Heyoka Tuesday August 28th, 2007 11:53:03 AM
Looking at the short, mouthful-named one, she eyes him curiously.
"Would Garrett have wanted us to die out here, if he could help us? Would he wanted to have been puppeted like he was the other night? What if the puppeteer used his items against us?"
"I'm not saying degrade his body, or even strip it. Leave the armor and weapon be. But when has a dead body needed a food sack? Or an earring? I agree with ... Aiden is it? If we're to survive another attack, we need all the resouces available. And attack can now come from within. Since no one wanted to give him a proper Pyre right there and then, we now have an 'in' to our group that we can't afford. "
Eyes flat and dark as granite, she continues. "I, personally have no problems attacking the body that was once Garrett, but do you? What if it attacks first? What if it was you dead instead of Garrett? Would you want to be controlled by the likes of which is controlling him and the dead bard out there?" She waves her hand towards the darkeness around them. "If you want to die nobly, please do so elsewhere. I'd rather live. Nobly or no, so that I can fight off these Evil things so that others who cannot will sleep better."
Ignoring him for the rest of the night, she will administer to those who request the Endure Elements spell.
Nauthiz'Ull d20+10=22 d20+10=30 d20+12=32 d20+12=13 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 12:27:18 PM
"Aiden is right, as is Heyoka. We take Garrett's food, waterskin and perhaps that rod that he and Bohdi used when casting spells; if Bohdi didn't take it with him that is. Perhaps Heyoka can use the rod to aid her spells? I am not sure what it truly does or how to use it myself."
Camp was set and Nauth dove straight to bed; he needed rest to restore his connection to Burfell. The majestic mountain granted him few powers but they were the most helpful on her slopes.
As his turn for watch came up, Nauth clad himself in his furs, strapped on his magical quiver and pouch of potions and scratched his ulf behind her ears to stir her. He spent most of his watch circling the camp, closing his eyes to better attune his ears and starring at the stars above, wondering how his curse would affect the remaining people of the group.
How can I allow myself close to those who are new to the group? I must keep them away from me; make them dislike me. If they like me or consider me wunjo then they will die as well. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ spell prepared: endure elements Spell cast: endure elements listen1-22 listen2-30 NAT20! spot1-32 NAT20! spot2-13 NAT1!
Rendal d20=8 d20=18 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 3:24:36 PM
Rendal feels the cold during the day and notices Heyoka is not cold. Talking with her he askes for her assistance getting warm in the form of a spell.
Survival Check=8
Seeing Nauthiz'Ull distances himself from the group in a sulky manner, Rendal will try and provide some song during the day and night to lift the groups spirits.
Performance roll 18+11= 29
Yanosh d20+1=14 d20+1=12 d20+2=9 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 3:35:53 PM
Yanosh also go to his bedroll as soon as camp is made for he knows he will have a long night on watch.
When his turn on watch comes he silently wakes Heyoka about the spell that will help protect him during the night watch. On his watch Yanosh settles in a spot where the winds is lessened by the surrounding rocks and growth but to where he can see most if not all of the camp.
As the weary warrior sets his watch he knows it is not as effective as his past watches have been. The recent actions having taken their toll on him.
Yngvar the not so very tall Tuesday August 28th, 2007 4:44:59 PM
"Very well," the ranger responds, "I shall part ways with the vultures of this group when we return to the village."
Aiden Tuesday August 28th, 2007 5:29:47 PM
Aiden's eyes narrowed at the implied insult, though he did not exactly know just what a 'vulture' was...(ooc: assuming those critters aren't around in the ice vein area.)
Aiden did keep tight reign on his temper as they were already reduced in number and health. Though insulted he was, now was not the time to challenge or deal with the situation.
However, he had expected something of the sort, though Aiden had not directly thought of whom would say it. He also did not want to seek the arms or armor of Garrett as he should be interned (ooc: pyre or burial?) with full honors and blessings. But the practical side also knew that they were now weakened even further with a majority of their spellcasters gone.
As Heyoka had bluntly put it, it was now survival....
Aiden gave a nod to Yngvar, understanding, though not agreeing with the tracker and healer.
During the evening, he shall meditate upon the cold, and to seek within himself (and Celsiun and Burfell) protection against it...
(Endure elements)
Heyoka Tuesday August 28th, 2007 6:51:25 PM
<Keeping Track> 2 Endure Elements -1 to Rendal -1 to Yanosh
Leaving- (2) Lvl 1 spells left
Inner War 3d6(2+5+2)=9 3d6(1+5+6)=12 2d4(4+2)=6 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:36:31 PM DM Note...You have not made it through the first day yet.
The group tracks over the western slope and it soon gives way to the harsher southern face. Ice, rips in jagged paths down steep inclines and lies thinly across perilous chasms. All hidden just under a light snow covering.
As the group moves they talk of Skalti, greater evil that may be behind the dead bard and of Garrett's possessions. The last item is where the greatest rift occurs. Some see using items or provisions of Garrett's as survival, others view it as grave robbing. The debate is heated with Nauthiz`Ull, Aiden and Heyoka on one side and Yngvar on the other. Rendall and Yanosh themselves look to stay out of it.
The group is seeming a bit fractured. Garrett was the heart and soul of this group, the cause and banner to which obviously Nauthiz, Aiden and Yanosh rallied. With him gone and in such a way, the bard has seen these looks on faces before. Men in this shape are not as shapr and in the Wilds, let alone an icy mountain side, men who are distracted die. In an attempt to divert minds and add cheer, the bard Rendal a common chatchy tune he has heard the Furriers and hunters chant and sing at the the Fire Circles.
Heyoka notes it first and to the elf's alarm, both of the human rangres, men who have recently proven themselves quite attune to the natural Wold, the Awakened mountain and of survival instincts, seem to be obliviously walking right onto the ice sheet. The elf calls out and the sound snaps Aiden and Nauthiz`Ull out of thier fog and an inner voice calls out to both of them. Adrenaline floods thier viens as the ground beneath them caves away. Both men disappear in a blast of snow and shattering ice. A section nearly 30' around them gives way.
The ground comes in fast and as you hit, you see it also continues to slope away further to your right. Thick ice and snow rock pummels the area about you. The ground is slick ice with rock eddies running through it. Pain rolls up as each of you hit and bounce. [Aiden damage 9...Nauthiz damage 12]
Aiden and Nauthiz please roll reflex save DC 10
Sucess, hands wheeling out and spikes boots dig into the snow, arrresting your slide only 10 from another 20' drop and then to only Celsiun knows where. A few hudred cubic feet of snow and ice rip past you and over the side
Failure, Try as you might to stop, the ice propels you off a small rock, spinning you in midair. The ground falls away again as you hurl off into a second small gorge. The impact punches you through the upper snow layer and with a final small drop. A breath later snow and ice crunch sickeningly around your prone body, pinning you beneath.[Damage 6]
Yngvar the not so very tall d20+9=22 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 10:04:24 AM
"No!" Yngvar cries as snow and ice gives way. The problem of disrespecting Garrett's family and the hero himself vanish as the young ranger throws himself prone in an effort to catch the falling adventurer closest to him.
(Given his short stature Yngvar doesn't make much of a human ladder, but it's better than nothing.)
Reflex Save to react quickly enough to help: 22 (+2 sacred bonus) = 24
Nauthiz'Ull [endure elements] d20+8=16 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 1:09:38 PM
IT was very true and quite obvious that his mind was far away from the group's current path through the Vein and along Burfell. His eyes seemed to glaze over at times and their usual sparkling iciness was muted. That was his first mistake. His second was to assume that Aiden was not having the same set of inner turmoils as himself.
Ice gave way and the ranger's thoughts snap to This is it. It is suitable. An unheroic death for such an unworthy human.
He lands with a painful thud and for a moment he wonders why dying is so painful. Then the survivalist kicks in and he scrambles for safety.
"Perfect!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ REF-16
Heyoka Wednesday August 29th, 2007 4:04:19 PM
Thinking over what just happened, she becomes concerned that this might've been a trap.
"Everyone, stand still." She says quietly. <Detect Magic>
Yanosh d20+2=11 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 4:17:44 PM
Yanosh, being from the Northern Continent, knows full well what a vulture is. His head snaps around to look at Yngvar. "A Vulture is an honorable member of nature and does its part in keeping our Wold clean. It also does what it must to survive in a world that hates it. We are in a dire place right now and need all of the help we can to survive, Garrett would think we were ignorant for not taking what we need to survive. And I for one Will Survive."
When the ground gives way Yanosh drops his center of gravity even lower and braces himself. "AVALANCH," he calls out. Then seeing the two rangers going over the edge Yanosh curses in Dwarven and begins to untie his rope from the sled. Once again Yanosh thanks the Gods of the Vein that he can help his Wunjos.
"STAY BACK THE REST MAY GO TOO" Yanosh calls out as he unties the rope. Laying down he crawls forward to the edge and looks down. "Aiden, Nauth can you hear me? Are you Ok?" After everything settles and Yanosh can see he looks to spot his friends.
Spot=11
OoC DM I know there maybe too many moves in my post. If there are just cut me off and I'll post what needs to be in my next post. TY
DM I only get real picky in combat. this is not combat and so therefore just fine
Rendal d20=5 d20=9 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 4:43:15 PM
Seeing his comrades fall into the crevice, He stops his singing and makes a quick hand gesture to conjure light for them to see. He cast the spell on one of his arrows and passes it to Yanosh so he may lower the arrow into the chasm.
"Here you go this should help them see down there. When they are ready to climb up let me know and I will sing to help them climb up one at a time."
Aiden d20=5 d20=16 d20=7 d20=19 d20=12 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 5:36:26 PM
Aiden's head perks up momentarily after hearing the warning of Heyoka (and then that within his voice).
Growling a curse, he lost his balance as the ice gave way from underneath him. Tumbling downwards, Aiden tried to turn and roll himself to see not only the two legged companions, but also the four. And if either wolves were in danger, he would throw his hand (arm) out to grab and hold them without thought to himself.
His gloved fingers scraping against the ice wall, Aiden dug his feet in, to slow his descent.
To the loud hues and cries of warning and concern from the others, all they could hear (though they could possibly see) of Aiden is continued and rather nasty (even for the language) cussing in ork. Most (actually all) was aimed at himself for not paying attention and letting his wind blown thoughts wander from the most important thing at the moment, survival.
It is almost an animalistic growl as Aiden, clutching to the ground, brush and whatever else broke from the mountain with one hand, loosed the small hand axe that hung from his side. Slowly, carefully, he would start making his climb out, but only after Nauth'iz made his way up first. Again his speech filled with profanities from not only the orken language, but the pigeon tongue of the Tuskens, and even a few from the speak of those from Ice Peaks.
He was even making up a few between the languages...
Reflex save (see below) (OOC: does tumbling come into play here? reflex (with tumbling): 5 + 7 + 3 = 15 without tumbling: 12)
Climb: 12 + 5 = 17 (not including bonus from Rendal's singing)
(OOC 2: I'm an idiot for missing the survival roll (even in italics)...sorry for that one folks!)
That was an Adventure now Wasn't it Thursday August 30th, 2007 9:01:22 AM
Yngvar starts to move for the pair of men, but the widening sinkhole forces him to rethink. If he moves forward, he will end up needing rescuing himself. Instead he drops to his belly and moves cautiously to the edge.
Yanosh cautions about an avalanche as he starts to prepare rope and move it to Yngvar to lower.
Rendall passes a magically lit arrow forward and the rescue efforts are well under way.
Heyoka's thoughts are more purposeful of this accident and she casts a magical detection spell. For long moments she filters the precense of magic all about her, to the location of the many magic possessions of her companions, but outside of them, there seems to be no other magic at work.
Yngvar, peerimus over the side sees both Aiden and Nauthiz`Ull resting on a slope bout 30 down and maybe 10' to the right. Both are alive and managed to stop thier own slides before dropping into a second crevice. Both men for the moment were safe, though not unharmed. From Aiden's spew of language it would appear what was hurt the most was the man's self esteem. To be caught so, most certainly did not sit well with him.
During the descent Aiden caught sight of his wolf and probably the other bounding up and away from the collapse. It seemed they were not heavy enough to break through themselves and were able to take that small fracture of time to jump clear as the heavier humans broke through.
Ropes are lowered and the two are hauled / climb out. A few scrapes and a good bruise or two and buffeted ego seem the extent of injury.
The group puts forth again, the diversion behind them and resumes the hard hike across the mountainside. Rest this eveing will certainly be welcomed. Many more hard hours finds the group camped in a sheltered area, their own shelters erected. The day was long, hard, mildly exciting and the night is promising to be quite cold.
[i]Endure Elements lasts 24 hours remember
Heyoka d20=10 d20=17 d20=15 d20=19 d20=10 d20=9 d20=1 d20=15 Thursday August 30th, 2007 10:57:42 AM
Shaking her head at the almost tragedy that happened that day, she focuses on her surroundings, asking for fisher to <hunt> while they traverse this expanse. His tummy might as well not go empty. And if he catches too much fish or game, he'd bring it back for her, as he's done before.
Thankfully, he also knows when to back away from a bigger animal. He'd seen his share of bullies.
While he was exploring the expanse, she focused on the natural world around her, one hand on the person in front of her's coat to keep her steady. She know's that things other than magic can trip up her companions, so she's becoming very aware of her surroundings, listening to the crunches under foot, the feel of the wind as it changes direction seemingly at will, and the smells and taste that the winds bring.
She sends her Druidic senses as far around them as they will go, trying to get a feel of what lives here normally, and how their homes are created, their life-cycles, and what preys on them. The little plant life she can sense, she looks for it's sustaining source, whether it is new to this ice plain, and what animals are attracted to it.
Concentration- 2+ (d20=10)=12 Handle Animal- 6+ (d20=17)=23 Know/Nature- 7+ (d20=15)=22 Listen- 2+ (d20=19)=21 Search- 2+ (d20=10)=12 Spot- 6+ (d20=9)=15 ---------------------------------------- Survival- 11+ (d20=1) <assuming no rerolls for a 1> =12 Survival- 11+ (d20=15) <assuming yes rerolls for a 1> =26
Nauthiz'Ull d20+12=16 d20+12=14 d20+5=17 d20+9=26 d8+3=5 d8+12=14 d8+12=15 d8+10=15 Thursday August 30th, 2007 12:00:27 PM
Clawing his way up the last few feet of the crevice, Nauth pats Yanosh on the back for his help and begins to walk away from the group without a word. His face in mangled in anger, frustration and embarrassment.
Once he and Aiden have scouted out a camp and set up the shelters, Nauth sets up his one man bivouac and sets Garrett's wrapped body within for the night.
"Garrett will not be left outside, even in death, for the true cold of Celsiun to blacken with frostbite."
After that he heads out, bow-in-hand, to try and find some real food to eat. He will take a wide birth of camp, searching for any tracks that could result in food and take down whatever game he may come across.
The ranger spends the rest of the evening making poor attempts at jokes of his folly; he has never been that great at saying thank you, but the few remaining who have traveled with him for a while can see the attempt. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spot [tracks] - 16 Survival [track] - 14 Prof [Hunter] - 17 Attack [if game found] - 26 Damage - 5 Survival [weather] - 14 Spot - 15 Listen - 15
Completely crappy rolls all around.
Yanosh Thursday August 30th, 2007 3:25:21 PM
Yanosh understanding of self-honor accepts Nauth and Aidens thanks with out a word as to their slip in judgment. Everyone misses a step one in a while and with most everyone's mind still reeling from the loss of the party members it's a wonder that more did not fall in.
Yanosh has come to See that his own Clan of Dwarves are not that much different from those of Ice Peaks.He has truly found a home among them.
Yngvar the not so very tall d20-2=7 d20+1=20 d20-2=12 d20+1=21 d20+3=14 Thursday August 30th, 2007 8:13:12 PM
Sticking to his plan to assist in the only way he can, the ranger helps set up camp and goes to bed without eating. He'll be up in four hours to remain on watch until it is time to break camp in the morning.
Know (Nature) 7 Listen 20 (+2 vs orcs) Search 12 Spot 21 (nat 20) (+2 vs orcs) Survival 14 (+2 vs orcs)
Aiden d20=17 d20=1 d20=15 d20=10 Thursday August 30th, 2007 11:27:08 PM
Nodding, he silently acknowledged his thanks to Yanosh (and the others) for their aid. "let's find a good site..." was all that he said in his typical gruff manner.
Even as they set for the night, he agreed with Nauth'iz about Garrett's body, and not leaving it to the cold. "yes...let us protect him as he did us..."
It was going to be a difficult evening, but he would try to (while the spell was functional) visit the body to make sure that it still remained at rest (and also privately give his thanks).
Just as the darkness of evening fills the camp, Aiden will say the words that had come to him during the prior evening (casting Endure Elements). Upon uttering these words, he will then go to his meditations after his watch and prior to his sleep...
Rendal d20=15 d20=12 d20=17 Thursday August 30th, 2007 11:46:55 PM
Humming a tune while setting camp, Rendal will smile and tell stories he has heard through out his travels.
"Here is to getting out of that scrape in one peace and to having no more trouble on our way. I would also like to take a moment to wish our friend a peaceful rest in the next life."
Diplomacy 15+9= 24
Spot 12 Listen 17+5=22
Returned to the Vale Friday August 31st, 2007 11:49:01 AM
Heyoka sends fisher off and the white bear readily nods and heads down slope and is soon lost to Sight. For herself, the elven druid tries to put her mind into a restful state after the camp is set. Mostly she senses her companions and the fair amount of noise they make. Eventually things settle. Heyoka can feel the mountain beneath her, all around her. Its presence in the very air and she knows that it can feel her and the others as well. There is a feeling of peace, for the most part, but there is also solitude, isolation and a bit of irritation. Heyoka is brought further into her mind and the rest of the world is pushed further away. "I am", it speaks directly into her thoughts and then falls silent. She is then alone with her thoughts and her head aches slightly. Fisher arrives shortly after dark with a small fox. Having now been on the slopes for a few days, Heyoka has seen signs of fox and stag, rabbit and vole and squirrel. All the small mammals of the Vein she is familiar with from the broken southern range where she make her home. Trees and shrubs are more sporatic, but the ice plants grow beneath the snow and ice. One just needs a little luck and a lot of skill to find them. She has seen on rivers or streams and nothing to speak of as avians either.
Nauthiz'Ull sets Garrett into a small one man shelter and then goes for a relatively quick hunt himself. He figures a few hours of daylight exists and that he could come up with a fox or set of rabbits in that time. Nauth gauges tomorrow will bring more of the same as today as will tomorrow night. The Endure Elements spells will be needed by dark.
Yngvar assist with the shelters and soon retires until his watch. As dozes off he can hear Nauthiz`Ull returning with the declaration of a few rabbits for breakfast and handful of wild onions. That night the young man's dreams are of a bitter dark cold sweeping across the tundra. Screams of men and women peel off into the night all around him and a core fear seizes at his throat. There is a shape upon the open tundra and it is coming quickly with death following. A feeling or pull to his left and behind him, shifts Yngvars gaze. Impossibly far away, but somehow visible to him a pair of figures stand. In one hand, a hammer is held by the broader of chest. The taller has his hands folded, watching and waiting. Then the dream is over.
Aiden checks on Garrett through the night and discovers that the cold has not touched his skin. The small canvas shelter is not the cause, it is as if the cold can not settle upon him. Something keeps it at bay and as Aiden pauses to think upon that and feeling of watchfulness comes over him. Just over his shoulder, the ranger could swear the moon itself just blinked, as if it were a great eye. The feeling is gone and only the cold dark of night is about him.
Rendal hums as he helps and at the small fire proposes a toast to fortune and to Garrett peaceful rest. He then relays a story that has come to his mind. A light hearted story of young men getting into harmless trouble and where upon in the end all ends well.
The night passes with watches attentive to the small fire and sounds of the mountain life about them. It is peaceful and uneventful. The cold is deeply pressing, but magic holds it at bay for all who venture out of the small shelters with their warming fires.
The next few days of hard march and deeply cold nights are the same and the party soon enough finds itself at the vales pass leading into the caldera where the orc clan called the Uršr Friš have made a home.
Heyoka Friday August 31st, 2007 2:56:04 PM
Unsure as to what to make of a mountain that speaks to one's mind, she is grateful to be out of it's shadow, and entering the caldera. However, at the slight nervous tension that several are giving off, she pulls one of the Rangers to one side.
"What is it ahead that has everyone ready for anything? Trouble, or mischeviousness? And is the thing we seek here, or beyond?"
A bit irritated by having to get the story out of people in bits, she patiently waits for him to explain the needs of the immediate future.
Yanosh Friday August 31st, 2007 3:41:10 PM
Looking into the entrance to the Orcs village Yanosh smirks and has a thought of calling down to them to let them know that they are coming. For the party returns as concurring Heros. Besides he realizes he cannt wait to restart his 'conversation' with the big Orc.
Aiden d20=4 d20=5 d20=5 d20=20 Friday August 31st, 2007 4:14:08 PM
"It is the unknown..." Aiden responded to Heyoka, "at least for me."
"we go to those orks to say that we think we have killed that which had hunted them" but it is obvious in Aiden's voice that he wasn't completely sure as to the truth of the statement.
"I know of their tribe to be what some call 'honorable' as they were accepted by the mountain..." Aiden continued, "but I suspect that they, as with the village of Ice Peaks, are having their own challenges on the chieftain, like upstarts looking against an alpha, but they were not yet snapping defiance when we last left."
Yngvar the not so very tall Friday August 31st, 2007 9:18:40 PM
"No, recall my dream," Yngvar reminds Aiden of what he had relayed days earlier. "Where one fell two have taken his place."
"Heroes? Bah."
"We have had our asses handed to us and we are in retreat," the gaunt ranger points out. "Bickering over the fallen's possessions that rightfully belong to his family."
Rendal d20=15 Saturday September 1st, 2007 10:12:52 AM
"Yngvar My friend we have not taken his possessions yet because we have no need. Now that we are safe mabey we will not need them. As far as I am concerned his family will get his things or we can have someone raise him. Ease your heart my friend. We are all in this toghther."
Diplomacy 15+9+24
OOC :That should turn Yngvar around:)
OOC: Dru for Yngvar Sunday September 2nd, 2007 9:11:24 AM
One might think so, but Yngvar is very hard on himself despite my best efforts to get him to 'chill out'.
Aiden Sunday September 2nd, 2007 10:49:21 AM
Aiden was looking, searching while the conversation with Yngvar was occurring. However, upon his statements of 'being in retreat' and the tone (ooc: which may well be misconstrued to Aiden at the moment), implied something that caused Aiden's head to jerk upwards...pulling his attention from whatever he was examining at the moment.
His eyes and voice were as frosty as the air, or snow on the ground even as he turned to face his fellow tracker. It seemed, now, as if Yngvar was now starting to question his (Aiden and the group's) courage.
Right now, it was only the respect of Garrett that held him back from challenging, or just outright attacking this 'newcomer'.
Rendal d20=20 Sunday September 2nd, 2007 11:05:18 AM
I am with the group and want Garret and his family to get whatever they want.
Peace among us is my goal. You are a great team mates and I am sure together we will make this place a better place.
What say you my friends?
Diplomacy (d20 20+9=29) OCC :couldn't have rolled it better auto success.
Yanosh d20+2=17 d20+2=21 Sunday September 2nd, 2007 11:56:04 AM
Tiring of the constant friction with Yngvar Yanosh remains quiet. He knows he owes a small debt of gratitude to him for saving his life in the fight with Skalti. But his lack of understanding that they did not wish to take Garrett's personal belonging just the things that Garrett would give freely to help the group survive.
Yanosh surveys the entrance for any Orc guards or anything that maybe different then before. And what of the Ice Witch? What does the old Hag have to do with any of this? Why he thought of her he does not know but she remains in his thought and behind the scenes.
Search stonecunning=17 spot=21
Nauthiz'Ull Sunday September 2nd, 2007 4:25:10 PM
There is only so much that any man from Ice Peak Village can take in terms of someone calling him dishonorable and Yngvar was at the breaking-point with a few of them. Nauth, knowing full well Aiden's thoughts and the way in which he was raised to manifest those feelings, heads over to his fellow hunter and nudges his shoulder.
"It wouldn't be much of a fight wunjo. You would have to use my dagger to help even the odds." Nauth winks a bit, a wry smirk etched roughly under an ever thickening beard which he scratches.
"Yngvar, you are from the same village. You should understand that out here we are the only family that matters. Garret has no one back in Ice Peak save the bloodline ceremony family (sorry, forgot what it was called exactly and who is family was). You are ignorant and selfish for acting in such a way. Perhaps if you were thinking more about the family that we need to rely on right now, Garret would still be alive." There is no bitterness or blame or anger or sorrow hidden behind the ranger's words, he is just stating facts as any man of Ice Peak would. "But you worry too much about honor and dying and your ideas of both are muddled and intertwined. Perhaps next time I will take your armor and throw it to the bevroren doden. Will that make you fight? And be sure to know that I will personally be eating your rations if you die." There is a smile on lithe man's face and his air is much like one that would be found around the bonfires at night, induced by a few mugs of ice wine.
Yngvar the not so very tall Monday September 3rd, 2007 10:40:33 AM
The young ranger just doesn't get the idea that this group is a family. Perhaps more important than his bloodline back at the village.
Nauthiz'Ull's condemnation of Yngvar's late (if timely) arrival in the combat that claimed Garrett's life causes the young ranger's head to bow further. There is clearly a great and heavy weight on the guant youth's shoulders.
His paladin background and the natural sense of honor bound up in such a calling is clearly a stumbling block for the conflicted youth. His belief system is being crushed under constant onslaught and Yngvar has no reserves of experience to draw upon.
He silently, resolutely takes the party's criticism. The world he knows is naught but chaos.
OOC: Yngvar has never eaten while on this journey and sleeps but four hours a night. Despite his best efforts at being ready the undead always seem to attack only when he is unprepared.
Rendal d20=20 d20=2 Monday September 3rd, 2007 11:14:09 AM
Talking to these experienced adventures has given Rendal lots of experience on the wild side of a Rangers life style. He is glad that they are so knowledgeable about the landscape and its dangers.
For without them he is unsure of his skill in the wild.
Lightly smiling he looks to the and asks "My friends where do we see these friendly clans people."
Spot 20+0+ 20 OOC: wow getting great rolls here :) Listen 2+5= 7 ah well :)
Heyoka Monday September 3rd, 2007 12:26:46 PM
Unsure how to deal with these contentious beings, just eyes them as she plods along.
First Meetings Part II Monday September 3rd, 2007 1:14:21 PM
Heyoka looks for more information about teh immediate future.
Aiden fills her in briefly.
Yanosh's stride picks up a bit. This part is nearly over. Then they could see to Garrett and then they could go after the Tundra Walkers and the Shield of Domi. The dwarf also had a conversation to continue that despite himself he found enjoyable and a complete surprise. The gruff dwarf chuckles lightly at the thought of the big orc and thier well traded barbs.
Yngvar finds some fault in Aidens recap and his mood sours the more he thinks of it. Yngvar is far more pessemistic of the past few days and the dreams some of them experienced. Yngvar falls into line of Garrett and the items Garrett owned. They belonged now to his father, the very man who had also Blood bonded Garrett a few weeks ago. On that Nauthiz and Yngvar agree.
The fight starts again, for three days the bickering had gone on, but Rendall this time sees a clear middle ground. During the harder marching and cold it had simply eluded him. Rendall speaks well and calmly. His voice commands attention and respect and leaves little room or further debate.
The group moves into the caldera and towards the orc encampment. Before long a small group of 4 armed orcs approaches through the light trees. Yanosh recognizes one as his 'friend'. The barrel chested orc holds a hand out and his face reads as one who is not very happy. "You return" he pauses and smiles, his dull yellow and black tusk like teeth showing, "And you have brought dinner. The Warchief will be pleased."
His eyes shift to Heyoka, Rendall and Nauthiz`Ull. "But you also bring strangers. Who now speaks for you." he gestures to the body upon the sled behind Yanosh. "Now that the god worshiper is dead."
Aiden d20=15 d20=10 d20=9 Monday September 3rd, 2007 4:56:47 PM
During the journey, Aiden kept quiet, trying to not cause further anger or contention (ooc: great word there, kudos for Heyoka for using it) within the pack of friends and strangers.
Few of the others knew what had been discussed, and during the first meeting, he had served as Garrett's second. If he did not step forward, he (and the group) would lose face to the orks.
And so, he stepped forward.
First, within the orken language, he speaks, "I speak...as I was the second, and with our leader, the Domi worshipper Garrett, dying in glorious battle against the dark spirits that had struck cowardly from the shadows at your people, now am first." His voice emphasized the fact of how Garrett died. He then says it aloud in the human tongue for the others to understand.
As to his second...Aiden was of mixed thought. His loyalty to Nauth'iz was strong, and seeing another warrior come to take his spot would gain within the orken eyes.
Yanosh, though respected by some of the orks, would still not be trusted being a dwarf....
However, Rendall had shown himself to be quite cunning of mind and tongue. Though not as physically imposing as the other two, he could serve well as his second, and help with an area that Aiden was far from strong (aka Diplomacy...).
So...he would let them (and fate or whimsy) decide who shall follow next. Aiden just hoped that only one did, for if more did, then it would be looked upon as a weak group without any form of leadership or comraderie...
Which would be bad....VERY bad....
His eyes continued to look ahead, though Aiden did try to see from their markings, body posture, and reactions if anything had changed (with the leadership of the chieftain, and views of the Ice Peaks group).
Yanosh Monday September 3rd, 2007 7:16:28 PM
Yanosh holds his hand out in greeting. Listening to Aiden speak Yanosh knows that he can not step forward as second. Being a Dwarf he is still not respected in the eyes of the orcs. "This is Nauthiz'Ull he is a member of our group that was not here when we last visited. He was needed back at the villiage and came to meet us later. He is a tracker for our group." Yanosh states. He says it hoping Nauth would step forward as second but not making him such without him claiming it himself. "This is Rendall and Heyoka they are new to us. Both of which have shown their bravery in battle. We bring news of the destruction of the undead that has hunted this mountain."
Yngvar the not so very tall Tuesday September 4th, 2007 9:23:20 AM
The young ranger holds back as before, wary of this sub-human tribe.
Nauthiz'Ull Wednesday September 5th, 2007 3:10:33 AM
It is very odd to see how similar other tribes are to the likes of Ice Peak, although they get misconstrued by village slander. Nauth looks upon Aiden with a well concealed amount of shock for stepping up and taking charge of the group. He sees Yanosh stir a bit and then proceed to introduce him. Nauth stands as straight and full-chested as the lithe man can.
Extending his arm in greetings as Aiden and Yanosh have done Nauth speaks up loudly and powerfully.
"I am Nauthiz'Ull sveinn Ull'Heimdall sveinn Heimdall..." The list goes on through four generations. "My father was the great hunter of Ice Peak and I have trained in his ways. My sister, Frigg'Isa sacrificed herself to Celsiun himself to save our lands. I am now the second."
Nauth stares at the orcs with his icy blues eyes trying his best to imitate Aiden's posture and body language but waits for his fellow ranger's move as to what to do next.
Yngvar (Dru)-I want to say that I hope you are not taking any of Nauth's banter personally; he has a history of being very short/gruff/abrasive. You keep on doing what you are doing and things will works themselves out. Nauth also has a struggle with others being the leader of the group that he wants to lead so badly (i.e. just like his father) so that will explain a lot as to why he is so hard on others.
Heyoka Wednesday September 5th, 2007 10:51:13 AM
Unsure as to what to do, besides look menacing, she steps up, off to the left and three steps behind Nauth, all but glaring at the Leader of this new group. Fisher will join her, pressing against her side.
Yngvar the not so very tall d20+1=3 d20+1=13 Wednesday September 5th, 2007 11:09:06 AM
The young ranger jumps a bit as Nauth all but shouts.
Then returns to keeping his awareness beyond the confines of the group.
Listen 3 (+2 vs orcs) Spot 13 (+2 vs orcs)
OOC to all: I am not my character; I take nothing personally. Press on, Yngvar is who he is in spite of my efforts to cheer him up.
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