Flea: SWALK (subbed by Carl) Thursday August 16th, 2007 4:35:18 AM Yesterday
The gnome does her best to comfort Grymash. "Gry, Gilan's right. Grand Maw is fine, the fact that she gave Tears to these two Murdocks proves it, see?"
She strokes the big half orc's back, realising the depth of his feelings for the first time. "Maybe- maybe she sent these two Murdocks to us as a message, you know; a message to say "I'm still here, still thinking of you", know what I mean?"
She nudges the big guy in the ribs, and she cannot keep an impish grin from her lips. "Maybe they're sort of like a letter, you know? I wonder what sort of letter they might be... a love letter perhaps?"
Today
At the first drops of rain Flea looks up and gulps. "Oh, this is isn't good" she mutters. "Anyone have any magic tricks up their sleeves to save us from this? Otherwise we need to get weaving, and quick!"
Ayreon Thursday August 16th, 2007 8:25:10 AM
Being fairly new to the Plains Ayreon is uncertain what the fuss is all about. Oh yeah he has been told not to spill any water but has never actually given it a try...
But when lightning strikes and the grasses seem to come alive Ayreon begins to worry.
Throwing everything in his Haversack he waits to see where the group will be heading. Lightfooted as he is he's able to keep up with a Half-Orcs pace easily (base speed 40ft) but he wonders about the rest of the Bloodpack especially the little Gnome...
His Longbow ready in his hands he begins to walk or run with the rest.
"Flea, can you run faster than the rest of your kin?"
Active spells:
Endure Elements: cast with Tatoo lasts 24 hours
Flea (Subbed by Carl, 2nd illegal post) Thursday August 16th, 2007 9:05:23 AM
"I can move pretty quickly when I need to" the gnome replies to Ayreon's question, "But not for very long. A minute at best. Gry, any chance of a lift?"
Trellus Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:58:49 AM
Trellus swivels to Tishe and Murdock, his face and tone very businesslike.
"Unless either of you can weave that Shelter spell, we gotta run."
Assuming they can't, the pack's leader grabs his gear. "I hope that dome is close. Gry, help out Flea. Let's weave."
Figuring he's now the slowest dude out here, Trellus heads in the presumed direction of the dome Flor mentioned as fast as the Grass will let him.
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia Thursday August 16th, 2007 1:06:25 PM
Ah, at last Grymash calms down. For Murdock, Tishe' isn't sure what is bothering him (not knowing anything about drow customs), but tries to be a comforting presence by staying by her packmates side.
And then it starts to rain.
Tishe' looks worriedly between Murdock and Trellus. "I don't have anything that will help with shelter." She pulls on her backpack and prepares to beat feet.
Vayine Thursday August 16th, 2007 6:57:54 PM
Having not been in the grasses al that long. Vayine wonders what would happen in the grasses in a lightning storm, He could imagine fires and floods. but than the thought came to him. STEEL GRASS, does it conduct electricity like metal, That could be a problem if it did. Looking to his brother.
Prepare to move as fast as you can, the others seem worried and that puts me on the edge. they have seen alot together and their attiitude towards this weather makes me worried.
Grymash Thursday August 16th, 2007 7:10:53 PM
Grymash clears his throat and answers in a low sober voice, "gry can carries flea," sniff, "lets be goin'." He slides the visor on his helmet down over his face. Trying not to let the reason be obvious. Gathers up his gear and Flea and prepares to travel swiftly.
Turning to the murdock called Vayine, Grymash taps his own breastplate armor. "dis be steelgrass. da steelgrass fends off da shocks, but da big shocks, no too much! steelgrass betters dan bare backhide to da sky!"
(Normal Movement 40. Even with Flea.)
Murdock Thursday August 16th, 2007 8:28:09 PM
Murdock knows the danger that the pack is in. He looks at Trellus and says, "I have only one spell that would help, but it wont last for long. I suggest we run for it and use the spell as a last resort. With that, Murdock sets off after Grymash.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday August 16th, 2007 9:57:05 PM
Gilan groans as the first drops of water fall. He had been hopeing that it would not happen, maybe what they smelled was far off. "The rest are right...lets run for it." He takes off after the group and though his movement is normally slower than some he is not slowed by the grass at all. He keeps his pace more even so that he doesn't outpace the group and possibly lose them.
Ciaran lops along at his brother's side, the grass seeming to not bother him as much either.
Pesty Pains. (DM Jim) Friday August 17th, 2007 12:49:03 AM
The group makes a mad dash through the grass and try to watch were they are going. You are heading in the right direction that Flor told you about earlier, but nothing seems to be presenting itself.
The heavens suddenly break and the rain starts to pour in earnest. It does not take long before your bodies are coated in rivelets of water. At first it is only a few bloodflies that zap your skin but then you notice that a few more flying bugs are getting into your clothing and armor, to bite. The pain is slight but it is creepy and makes you feel dirty.
Suddenly you bust out into a large clearing and the ground has changed under your feet. It is not ground but...yes it is large thin blocks of stone. Maybe another twenty feet in front of you is a large squarish buiding with a large dome going up in the center of it. A number of pillars stand along the the way to what must be a large door. There are a number of other large stone pillars as well and they have bands of metal around them near the base, up the pillar nine feet and metal rings are attached to them.
The dome seems to have four wedges extending and curving up to almost touch at a spot in the middle, but the rest is open or at least it seems that way. There is no other sounds but a number of large loud cracks of thunder and lightning as it slams into the grass a good fifty feet from the group. The rain has gotten worse and the bugs are starting to get too thick and it is obvious that if you stay out too much longer...they will eat you alive.
Ayreon [AC24 - HP77/77] Friday August 17th, 2007 9:37:17 AM "I don't know what this place is, but it sure looks more inviting that this horrible mess out here in the rain! If you guys know what that is ya better tell us now!!" Ayreon shouts to get heard over the storm.
He holds his bow tightly in his fist as he moves closer to the building... Those pillars with rings... almost ideal to tie some poor victem to it...
Not sure if the Bloodpack has a certain way for examining places they have never seen before Ayreon hesitates to walk right in. He looks back to his brother and his newly found friends...
Instinctively he touches the little tatoo on his left arm (mage armor 1 hour)
Active spells: Endure Elements : lasts 24 hours Mage armor : 60 minutes
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia Friday August 17th, 2007 11:46:35 AM
"It's not the lightning, it's the water that is the danger on the Sargrass." Tishe's enigmatic warning to the two drow brothers becomes obvious when the rains call up millions of biting insects!
As the drops begin to fall in earnest, Tishe's heart beats faster, and she endeavors to keep hustling towards the possible shelter. Bloodflies get into her clothing and make the dash through the rain a torture. Tacia gamely keeps up with her companion, but it is obvious the flies are affecting the short-haired dog as well.
And then stone under their feet! Tishe' looks up and sees the entrance. The small human woman pulls up with Tacia at her side and displays her white staff above her head. Shouting a command word into the darkened sky, Tishe' causes an ice dome to cover the Bloodpack and anchored against the stone-and-grass dome in order to allow unimpeded access to the entrance doors.
Dripping wet, she calls in the suddenly cut off rain. "This will only give a few minutes respite against the rain and insects outside! But there is no need for us to go shuttlecocked into an unknown shelter if we don't have to!"
The short-haired dog at Tishe's side sits on her haunches and begins to bite at the offending bloodflies.
Spells Active Endure Elements (24 hours) Ice Wall (6 minutes)
Vayine (Endure Elements.) Friday August 17th, 2007 7:54:57 PM
Seeing his brother walk into the building, Vayine lets out a loud sigh. He shouldn't have went into the building with out the others.
The building looked empty to Vayine but he couldn't track a horse through his own home if he had to.
He looks to the others. It looks like we have a scout out, he entered the building. I will move to the door way to cover teh rest of you.
Vayine reaches into his quiver and draws out a beautiful long bow, Its carved out of a wood that is almost black. After several seconds of noting the bow, you can make out that the wood is not black naturally. It has been smoked, over a fire. thus darkening the wood.
Seeing some of the others note the bow. " The dark color is easier to hide underground. A light wood would reflect light easier.
Notching an arrow Vayine moves to the doorway, and waits to see what the others are doing.
Murdock Friday August 17th, 2007 11:38:34 PM
Murdock smooths back his wet white and blonde hair. "Olot dos!", the drow mage shouts as he shakes the bugs out of his tunic. The mage then pulls out a thin ebon wand and prepared for what is to come inside the grass dome.
Gilan and Ciaran Friday August 17th, 2007 11:45:47 PM
Gilan and his brother Ciaran are both in a state of mild pain as the bugs continue to bite them. Even with the addition of the ice dome that now cuts off the storm, the bugs inside are causing more pain. "Geez, this is fun." He is already trying to get rid of as many bugs as he can...most of them bloodflies.
Ciaran is digging and biting at his own number of problems and neither are not intent upon the building right now. Myabe once the flies are gone, as well as the other bugs...yes.
A Dome of a Building. (DM Jim) d20+12=28 d20+12=25 d20+12=23 d20+11=22 d20+8=9 d20+8=19 d20+8=21 d20+8=12 d20+3=6 Saturday August 18th, 2007 12:07:50 AM
The group is suddenly protected by the dome of ice that Tishe' forms over them. She attaches it so that they can still get inside the building as it will not last forever. As some of the group go about talking about the building and dome...the bloodflies and other insects continue to have a feast on your flesh and a good cloud of insects did make it in with you.
Noone wants to be the first to enter the building and you see no signs of life outside and no noise from the inside. There is a large sign over the top of the big double doors that lead inside, but it is gibberish to most.
Right before the ice dome went up you think that you spotted a wooden dock off to the side of the stone pavement. It was large and seemed to be designed for grassboats to land at as the dock was at the grass level with a number of ramps coming down the the stone pavement.
[Read Orc: Highlight to display spoiler: {"KARV NA'GALA or Blood for Honor or Blood for Glory; this is the rough translation.']}
Flea d20+15=22 Saturday August 18th, 2007 12:14:51 AM
Flea jogs behind the others, clicking the heels of her magical boots together to give speed to her short legs as the rain brings out the insects. "Wait for me!" she wails plaintively, her short legs pumping for all they are worth as her sword thumps her thigh, and her pack bumps on her back. Flea makes a dive for the middle of her pack mates (Tumble=22) just as the druid lifts her white staff above her head.
...
Using her arms to push herself up to a standing position, Flea breathes out a small puff of white into the cool air under the ice-dome. Like Ice Vein she thinks to herself. Turning to the entrance with the rough sign above, she reads.
"It's Orc," she volunteers, continuing, "KARV NA'GALA. Something about Blood, and Honor, and Glory, right Gry?"
(OOC: Flea knows Orc! Thanks so much, Carl, for subbing Flea for me. I'll take her up from here.-Carla)
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia Saturday August 18th, 2007 3:59:33 AM
Tishe' turns her attention to getting rid of some insects. She weaves a little Prestidigitation and begins drying off her packmates' clothing as well as her own. "A cloudkill would be terrific right about now..." she mutters to herself.
Tishe' keeps concentrating on reducing the number of bugs and the reason to be hanging around the pack. She lets someone else worry about the door and dome.
Spells Active Endure Elements (24 hours) Ice Wall (6 minutes)
Looking good! Nearly everyone got their 5 posts in!
Weekly summary: The Pack grows While travelling through the plains the Bloodpack has encountered two Drow who appeared to be lost. After a nice get to know eachother the now grown bloodpack finds itself running from heavy rain... The plains come to life and bugs feast on the poor adventurers. Then suddenly a flat stone combined with a well chosen Ice Wall brings relative safety. What awaits our bold group as they prepare to enter the strange building... ??
Ayreon [AC24 - HP77/77] Monday August 20th, 2007 3:11:07 AM
Ayreon senses his brother's dissaproval as he walks towards the building. It's exactly this kind of behaviour that got them into trouble in the first place...
Once the Ice Dome is protecting them from the heavy rain Ayreon looks back and grins to Vayine.
A quick prestidigitation spell dries Ayreon's clothes while he attempts to get rid of the nasty bugs.
"Does anyone of you knows this place?" Ayreon then asks to his new found friends.
Murdock Monday August 20th, 2007 8:15:19 AM
Murdock swats at the angry bloodflies feasting on his body. The mage shouts a word of command, and his body is dried, through the use of a prestidigitation spell. The angry red welts on his chest do not make Murdock happy, but it is the price he pays for not having the right spell ready at the right time.
Vayine Monday August 20th, 2007 9:37:49 AM
Seein ghis brother smile, Vayine nods his head and notes that while he is still dripping wet, his brother is dry. it seems to be Vayines turn for a smile crosses his features he hadn't thought to use his innate abilites. Casts Prestidigation to dry clothing.
Ah well, that was why the two worked well together. I fone of them was stuck the other always found the solution.
replacing the bow into its quiver, Vayine reaches into his pack and pulls out his everburning torch, Holding it high, he pulls the bastard sword form its sheath and looks into the doorway.
"Ayreon Do you see anything? What does it look like in there? the others are investigating the area. keep a sharp eye."
Trellus Monday August 20th, 2007 10:10:28 AM
"Blood for Glory, is how I read it" Trellus replies to Flea. "Light." The cleric waits impatiently for Tishe to dry off his clothes, and once that happens, his mood improves considerably.
"OK, you two just warp down a sec," he directs the newcomers, holding up a hand to get them to wait. "Flea has some shady picks for sneakin' and lookin'."
Trellus lays a palm on top of the gnome's head. "May Domi protect you," he intones. [Protective Ward: +9 on next save roll] He follows up with a spell. [Status - Gry, Flea, and Gilan]
"Flea, just a quick check, please. See if you can hear anyone in there. I'm thinking this might be a raider camp, so keep shuttlecocked. You get in trouble, I'll know, and we'll be in there faster than a rapke at a water hole."
Gilan and Ciaran Monday August 20th, 2007 5:41:03 PM
Gilan has been swatting the last of the bloodflies that have invaded his own armor and clothing. "Bugs." He moves to help out his brother who is having the same problems with the bugs. After a little work he has the ones killed off that are bother Ciaran as well.
Without much thought and not sure if he was going to be able to get his clothes dried, he pulls out new clothes. Striped down he takes a blanket and proceeds to dry himself and Ciaran with it. Soon they should be dry and ready to continue on with their plans.
Grymash Monday August 20th, 2007 8:36:40 PM
Grymash takes to swatting at the small swarm that became encased with them. If he can grab one, he will methodically squeeze it. Not too much, not too little. Just enough to cause it immense pain so it will squeal. A kind of sound indicating that its no longer the predator, but the prey.
Flea (Protective Ward, Status) d20+15=20 d20+11=14 d20+23=33 d20+14=15 d20+9=23 d20+14=27 Monday August 20th, 2007 8:57:15 PM
Flea snaps her fingers*, and like the drow her clothes dry off leaving little to tempt the bugs.
The rogue nods her head in acknowledgement of the cleric's request, and if a study of the entry (Search/Trap Sense=20, Listen=14) reveals nothing, she inches her way forward, ever so carefully (Hide=33, Move Silently=14, Spot=23). Sticking to the shadows, the rogue isn't quite her usual quiet self.
If on the other hand the entrance is trapped...
The rogue will go to work with her special tools, (Disable Device=27).
DM Sanity Info:
*Prestidigitation From Trellus - Protective Ward: +9 on next save roll Status
A Dome of a Building, 2. (DM Jim) Monday August 20th, 2007 11:49:15 PM
Flea moves forward as Trellus asks her to. She finds nothing to be worried about till she reaches the door. As she looks it over, the thing is huge and as she taps at it lightly...heavy. She can see no traps or anything that might be a problem for the pack...it will just take a little to move the thing is all.
[Flea:Highlight to display spoiler: {"If you happen to place your ear near the door to hear...you can hear nothing from behind it. You are not sure if that is because nothing is behind it or that the door is just that thick."}]
The rest of the group is soon dry, through one method or another. As you finally get yourselves together...you notice that the dome is starting to slowly melt away. Bits of rain are already splattering the area near the grass and if you don't hurry, you will soon be all wet again.
Grymash on the other hand is having a lot of fun, catching and squeezing the bloodflies. After he has made them feel a little bit of what it is like to be prey, he mercifully ends it.
[spoiler fixed by ADM StevenVdB]
Vayine Tuesday August 21st, 2007 11:09:09 AM
As he watchs the group, Vayine is amazed at the cohesion between the members. They each know their job, and fufill it to the best of their abilites.
Thinking to himself. Yes this will be a good experince for us. he appluaded his little brothers choice to join with this group. He wasn't all that sure that it was the wisest choice at the time. The copper dragon had informed them of the groups base inentions and teh two Drow had agreed with those. But to trust others didn't come easy. not after what had happened......
Ayreon d20+5=21 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 12:43:03 PM
Ayreon too is struck with awe as Trellus stops Vayine and Ayreon from examining the dome... Uncertain how to proceed as Flea is still looking at the dome the Drow warrier glances at the Ice Dome that appears to fade.
"I don't want to rush you, but unless you got another of these ice domes up your sleeve I suggest to get movin..."
If wanted Ayreon will help to open the door. (Str check: 21)
Trellus d20+6=13 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 3:39:07 PM
Upon hearing the door isn't trapped (and presumably not locked), Trellus nods his head.
"OK Ayreon, we'll see if we can move this thing. Gry? Three of us against this door, dude."
The blond man works his way in with Ayreon and Gryamsh and whispers a little prayer to Domi. "Domi grant me strength" [Domain power +9 Str enhancement]
"Right. One, two, THREE!" Trellus shoves, but can't get much traction on the slippery stone. [Str 13]
If the three can't move the door, he gives Gilan a grin and shrugs. "Maybe one of your elemental buddies can do better," he suggests.
Flea Tuesday August 21st, 2007 4:21:17 PM
Flea stands aside as others try the door.
"Didn't hear nothin' on the other side," she volunteers, continuing, "but doesn't mean there's nothin' there."
Stepping further out of the way, and closer to the drow, she looks up at Vayine, and then Murdock. "You guys got anything to open that?" The rogue points at the thick, and very heavy door, then rests her hand on the wand stuffed through the red sash belted 'round her waist.
DM Sanity Info:
From Trellus - Protective Ward: +9 on next save roll Status
Murdock Tuesday August 21st, 2007 6:04:41 PM
The dour mage looks at Flea and smiles, "For you, my dear, anything." The mage calls to Trellus, "I'll see if anything is blocking the door from the otherside." With that declaration, the drow cast Gaseous Form and melts into a soft mist that starts to move gently underneath the door, to scout for danger and for see what might be blocking the door.
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia d20+6=25 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 6:31:45 PM
"Shady pick", applauds Tishe' as Murdock wisps under the door. Casting nervous eyes at her rapidly deminishing Ice Dome and I thought its magical nature would keep it up in the face of the watershe mentally shrugs to herself.
Tishe' turns her attention to getting rid of some insects. She weaves a little Prestidigitation and begins drying off her packmates' clothing as well as her own. "A cloudkill would be terrific right about now..." she mutters to herself.
She calls her Pants 'o Plenty to provide an iron climing spike to which she adds a Light spell. When the door opens enough, Tishe' tosses the spike through the opening to light the other side. (AC 25 to hit the opening of the door)
Then, making sure that Tacia the dog and Wart the toad were still about her, she holds her staff and prepares to get in where it is dry.
Spells Active Endure Elements (24 hours) Ice Wall (6 minutes) Light (60 minutes)
Grymash d20+7=23 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 9:19:55 PM
Grymash brings all he has to bare upon the door, in time with the others of course.
(Str check 23)
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday August 21st, 2007 10:13:04 PM
Gilan moves forward with the others to the door and waits patiently. He keeps an eye upon the fast melting dome and then looks to the door. "If you cannot get it between the three of you...I can summon up something, but we might get wet waiting for it." At least they will be less likely to get eaten if he does that as they should be able to get inside fast.
Ciaran is at his brother's side already watching the door but shows no signs of aggression at this time. Then again it appears to be a thick door and since Flea could hear nothing on the other side....maybe he cannot either.
A Dome of a Building, 3. (DM Jim) Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 12:14:42 AM
With the combined might of Grymash, Trellus and Ayreon the left door slowly comes open. As it does, Tishe' tosses an enchanted climbing spike through the partially open door.
From inside the light is already starting to flood through the crack of the door and it has nothing to do with the spike as the light was there even before that.
With the door fully open you are met by the sudden chaotic sounds of men and animals as they go about whatever business it is that they do here. Though shortly you notice that there are at least twenty people inside the building and they all are turned to face the door and looking at the group. Some of them are nearly naked, some with weapons and they all seem to have been doing some exhausting exercise before you made the noise...as they are all sweating.
Six large men, maybe with ogre blood in there somewhere, are standing in front of the whole group of people and they are armed for trouble. Though they are only wearing what would amount to studded leather, it is of good quality as are the weapons they hold. One of the six holds up his hand and gives a grunt as he waves. One of the men breaks from the group and starts to run towards the back of the room.
For now, both groups stand and stare at each other with only twenty feet separating you. You notice that most of the twenty people behind the six large men have also found weapons...in fact there are racks of weapon all over.
Ayreon [AC24 - HP77/77] d20+16=33 d20+16=30 d20+11=27 d8+8=11 d8+8=14 d8+8=12 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 5:53:58 AM
Ayreon gasps as he sees what lies beyond the huge doors...
Making no movement at all he expects Trellus or another experience bloodpack member to speak to these folk. After all, Ayreon still hasn't got the slightest clue why they are here in the first place.
Ayreon does not draw his weapons though. He does not want to make any wrong movements that could alarm this odd group.
The drow fighter does however keep a sharp eye and his nerves are on edge. IF these men charge Ayreon will not hesitate to fight back.
prepared actions in case of battle: Quickdraw Longbow (free action) Rapid shot at the nearest opponent: Arrow 1 hits AC33 - damage 11Hp Arrow 2 hits AC30 - damage 14Hp Arrow 3 hits AC27 - damage 12Hp
Trellus (ac 25 with shield of faith) Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 8:06:42 AM
"Oh, this just bites grass," Trellus grouses under his breath at the sight of men.
On the off chance that just maybe these dudes aren't gonna try and kill him at the first opportunity, the cleric talks. He keeps the speech simple and to the point.
"Its raining. We want shelter."
If it looks necessary, the blond man repeats himself in orcish. These dudes know the danger of open water, and so his tone makes it clear he's declaring intent, not asking permission. The Bloodpack is staying here, one way or another.
Then he waits, his eyes expertly moving through the room, his body poised for action. [Ready Action - Cast Quickened Shield of Faith if anyone attacks]
Vayine Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 10:50:34 AM
Caps his torch and places it in his pack. He Readies his sheild and steps through next to the others. A silent curse flys through his mind before he stop it.
He steps next to his brother, ready to take his stance and defend him. His movements are as non threating as he can make them.
Flea Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 3:25:53 PM
"Shady!" mutters the rogue when Murdock disappears...turning into mist. "I was thinking something like asking the door to open or blasting it to bits!" Flea's eyes follow the Murdock-mist and sees that her other companions have managed to wedge the door open. Catching sight of who or what lays beyond she repeats herself, as she clasps the wand a little more tightly.
"Shady!"
DM Sanity Info:
From Trellus - Protective Ward: +9 on next save roll Status
Murdock Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 8:29:51 PM
The mist flows into the room unencumbered, and it "see's" the sweaty men scrambling for weapons. The mist knows instictively that the blood back is in danger as it spreads out across the floor. Wicked weapons glint from the armed men standing before the bloodpack, and the mist holds it's actions, waiting for the perverbial shoe to drop.
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia Thursday August 23rd, 2007 8:00:50 AM
Tishe' keeps to the rear of the pack, with Tacia holding close to her side. From what little she sees, a thought strikes her and she blurts out what is in her mind.
"Why, it looks like a school for warriors!" she exclaims, "There was a salle for the Hook City soldiers near where I grew up and it had an open space, lots of different kind of weapons, and always exhausted students filing out."
Spells Active Endure Elements (24 hours) Ice Wall (6 minutes) Light (60 minutes)
Vayine Thursday August 23rd, 2007 10:22:15 AM
Activating the Message ability of the gem. Vayine speaks with his packmates.
"What is the plan, should they become hostile? Do we take the large members down first, or worry about the trainiees? Have you encountered anything like this before, is their a leadership structure?"
Ayreon Thursday August 23rd, 2007 10:58:44 AM
Ayreon calmy waits without making any harsh movements. His readied arrow remain readied...
Jerry Thursday August 23rd, 2007 3:56:28 PM
Jim, please reply to my email. ;)
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday August 23rd, 2007 5:00:27 PM
Gilan moves through the door and is stopped instantly by all the sudden movement to get to weapons. The large hulking men do not make him feel any better and he wonders what they have stepped into.
Ciaran stays near the door but does not go back outside. It is still raining and he does not want to deal with the bugs again. Still he does not like what he see before them either.
A Dome of a Building, 3. (DM Jim) Thursday August 23rd, 2007 5:16:30 PM
Murdock stays in his gaseous form and noone seems to even notice that he is there. The rest of the pack fall into a somewhat ready stance in case of trouble. Trellus does the talking but gets no answer from any of the six large men in front of them. Everyone just seems to be watching the others, with a mixture of interest and suspicion.
From the very back of the room you hear a raised voice. "Get out of my way." This is followed by the sound of a whip coming into contact with flesh as someone does not get out of the way fast enough. Soon the sea of people part and you see a large half-orc walking in your direction. In his hand is a curled up whip and a rather strange look upon his face.
While you wait for him to approach you start to pay a little more attention to those in the room. You notice a lot of whip marks and scarring on all the people here, well almost all of them. The six big uglies seems to be fine and you now notice that each one is also carrying a whip on his side. A closer look at those that had been practicing before you entered, leads to another realization...each of them has either a metal collar around their neck, ankles or wrists.
The half-orc stops in front of the group and he is only eight feet away from you. He looks each of you over with an appraising look and then clears his throat. "I don't suppose that you are here to compete in the games...you don't look like slavers, hunters or slaves...and if you are here for the fights, there will be none till tomorrow." He is dressed in well made clothes of expensive cut. Tishe' can tell that the clothes are well made for hard work but also too make the person look important...which this half-orc does.
Staring at Trellus a little longer he nods his head as one of the large fellows leans down and whispers in his ear. "Ah...a place to stay for the night. I have a number of rooms that are usually used by those that come to watch the games or compete in them." His smile widens as he waves the large brute away and nods to him. "I could rent out one to you if you are not here for the games tomorrow...say a hundred gold for all of you?"
You notice that the six brutes have started to herd the larger group back through the doors in the back of the room. Each of them has put away their weapons and follow without much complaints or any.
Grymash Thursday August 23rd, 2007 8:02:23 PM
Grymash turns to whoever is next to him and asks, "Game fightin'?! Like whut da treadles be doin' wit da fur bags weez took?"
Grymash takes a little time to appraise the warriors in the room. What kind of weapons they use. Any massive puddles of blood on the floor. This is curious. He wonders if this is just plain old bare-knuckle fighting or a much dire blood sport to the death.
Murdock Thursday August 23rd, 2007 11:46:30 PM
The soft mist laying across the floor rolls slightly in disgust as the purpose of this place becomes obvious. It is a gladitorial training camp and arena.
The mist lays in wait, watching what is to come. The mist knows what is likely to occur, but waits, slowly drifting in the space between the bloodpack and the brutish orc.
Flea Friday August 24th, 2007 3:40:13 AM
"That's much too much!" pipes Flea as she pushes her way forward to stand beside the cleric. Looking up at the brutish figure in well cut clothes, she adds, "we'll accept your hospitality, but you'll have to do better than 100 gp my big friend!"
Having stood up to Rattledam monks, fought the barons army, made friends with a dragon, and faced Gargul, not once, but twice, and lived, Flea isn't about to back down from some half-orc bully.
DM Sanity Info:
From Trellus - Protective Ward: +9 on next save roll Status
Ayreon d20+3=16 Friday August 24th, 2007 4:47:40 AM
Uncertain what to think of all this the Drow fighter remains vigilent. He leaves the talking to the others and will await the outcome. Either they'll soon be freeing slaves or they'll be competing in these tournaments... both of which seem to appeal to the fighter's mind.
Readied arrows remain readied and shall be fired at the Half-Orc important looking.
Ayreon too appraises the 6 brutes and wonders if they were getting into a fight if these "slaves" would fight for their masters or fight for their freedom...
Appraise: 16
prepared actions in case of battle: Quickdraw Longbow (free action) Rapid shot at the nearest opponent: Arrow 1 hits AC33 - damage 11Hp Arrow 2 hits AC30 - damage 14Hp Arrow 3 hits AC27 - damage 12Hp
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia 2d4(3+4)+4=11 2d4(2+4)=6 Friday August 24th, 2007 6:53:14 AM
Collars. Slaves. Fighting for fun. The brown eyes flash in repulsion and anger. And her pack is just talking to these bullies??? Tishe's hand moves to her spellpouch with Wart, but her hand stops action incomplete.
"We don't know enough yet", her voice is low as if she is only speaking to herself. And then she glances at Tacia, her dear companion who has her recent harsh treatment still easily seen about her.
She puts her hand in her Pants o Plenty and wills her wand of magic missles into her hand. Keeping her wand inside her pocket, Tishe' Readies her action to pull and point at the half-orc who is getting rich off of the pain and suffering of others. All that is waiting for the trigger is Trellus giving the command to attack...
Readied action: wand to half-orc 17 damage (mistakenly did 2d4 instead of 4d4)
Spells Active Endure Elements (24 hours) Light (60 minutes)
Vayine Friday August 24th, 2007 10:06:45 AM
Vayine scowls. Their slaves, Their forcing slaves to fight. If they want a fight than its a fight they will get. waiting to see what will happen and what his new companions will do, Vayine doesn't want to be rash and rush into a fight.
Trellus d20+6=19 Friday August 24th, 2007 11:16:31 AM
Vayine's earlier Tear sent message goes unanswered.
Trellus locks eyes with the half orc, his expression cold as he tries to gauge the headman's intent [Sense Motive 19]. The dude can't help but realize he's dealing with a priest of Domi - a god that doesn't have a reputation of favoring the kind of school this appears to be.
No point in pretending otherwise. Half the Bloodpack would revolt if Trellus wove anything but the straight pick.
"We're not slavers," he answers coldly. "We don't like them much, either." He pauses for a moment, forcing his eyes to look beyond the half-orc and linger on the retreating collar bound men. Not long. Just long enough for this smart dude to get the message.
"And what was your occupation again?" Trellus asks, danger dripping from the words he speaks.
Gilan and Ciaran Saturday August 25th, 2007 10:30:10 PM
Gilan groans as he sees the possibility of another fight. He does not agree with what is going on here either, but they do not know enough. Still he prepares himself for the worst.
Ciaran keeps to the back and watches, though he will protect his brother and anyone that his brother orders him to protect.
The Dome Fighters. (DM Jim) Saturday August 25th, 2007 10:43:20 PM
The half-orc just shrugs as Flea brings up the price being too high. "Well, I suppose that say five gold apiece would be more to your liking?" His eyes turn though as he takes note of the new attitudes with the group. He does not look shocked or worried as he simply smiles. "That is as it maybe...but this place is mine to run as I see fit and I do not force you to do anything that you don't want to." Thinking back to what you saw and the looks of the floor, this man is not abusive to the fighters and the do not seem to be hurt badly in mock combats or training.
During the time that you are having you little discussion with the owner of the place. Seven people have come out into the main room, each looks to be a veteran fighter in his own right. Four of them are up on a catwalk that runs around the outside of the training room. Two of them have bows ready and the other two are holding a javelin in each hand. There is a low wall on the catwalk as well that you would suspect would give them some cover from the ground.
The last three are each different and carrying a set of well maintained and quality weapons...well that is but the one. The one without weapons stand six foot six and wears little to nothing in the way of armor. His hands are bound as are his feet in cloth and the scars that he bears are all worn with pride. On of the others, a female, is holding a net in her left hand and a shortspear in the other. The last is standing with a strange sword that is all one solid piece and he, like the woman is wearing some form of breastplate.
The way they walked, hold themselves and the grip upon their weapons tell you that they are all professionals and way beyond your skill. Yes, you could most likely kill one or even two of them...but it would be costly. Besides, what would the half-orc do with the losers?
The half-orc shakes his head. "Come now, there is no reason for a fight. You seek shelter and I offered it." He holds his hands out to his side and tries to settle everything out but you can tell that there is also a bit of tension there as well...he seems to figure this will turn into a fight. "I will allow you to stay here till the storm is over for two gold apiece." He tries another smile as he is really trying to avoid a fight...there is no money in it for him, only loss.
Trellus Sunday August 26th, 2007 12:20:39 PM
Trellus' eyes flick toward the others entering the room. Not unlike rapke entering an arena.
He lets out a long breath. Its time for the lessons of the Plains to be remembered.
"Done" he answers the half-orc. "Two gold apiece. No trouble."
The last two words are emphasized, and meant as much for his packmates as anyone else.
Vayine Sunday August 26th, 2007 3:51:45 PM
Noting the new arrivals, the drow agrees with Trellus and fishes out two gold coins. Handing them to the man, Vayine nudges his brother slightly and gestures towards the coins.
After he watches the others a bit longer, he looks about the room wondering if they are to rest here or if they were to enter the building farther in. (this thought worrying him a little as he didn't wish to feel trapped in this hostile area.)
Tishe', Wart, and Tacia Sunday August 26th, 2007 7:58:36 PM
Blood pounds. Her heart throbs. And Tishe' has a small thought for how Grymash must feel like when the bloodrage is upon him.
And, strangely enough, it is this thought that pulls her back from further confrontation. I will be in control of my own self, not my emotions thinks the plain-faced woman. As she takes her hands out of her pockets with the required 2 gold, Tishe' sends a look of understanding and ... sympathy to the noble half-orc who protects them all by losing himself.
Deflated, Tishe' huddles with Tacia and lets the Bloodpack be given thier rooms to learn more about the situation they have found themselves in.
Spells Active Endure Elements (24 hours) Light (60 minutes)
Flea d20+23=34 d20+13=30 d20+9=25 d20+11=30 Sunday August 26th, 2007 8:24:00 PM
"Ha! Ha!" laughs Flea, and she hands her 2 GP to Trellus to give to the half-orc with a wink for only the cleric to see. (Hide=34)
"Come friends!" she calls out, walking farther into the room than any of her companions has ventured so far. "Let us check out the accomodations our host is most generous to offer!"
Flea's eyes sweep from side to side, taking in the details of the dome, both general and specific. (Search=30, spot=25) She tunes out the bravaco and listens to the whispers of the minions (Listen=30) should they talk amongst themselves.
ADM StevenVdB : Posting Record Game 10 Monday August 27th, 2007 10:49:00 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of August 20th - 26th
Weekly summary: A Dome of ... Still scratching from the annoying bugs - though thankful for the ice dome - the group begins examining the odd Dome out here in the vast grassy plains... With combined strength the bloodpack manages to open the doors and then ... they stand face to face with a large group of well armed men! Gladiators? Slaves? Nerves are on edge and the slightest movement could make this encounter escallate to an onslaught. Uncertain the outcome would be... Luckily the leader of these Fighters calms everyone and for an acceptable fee he offers a place to spend the night...
Ayreon Monday August 27th, 2007 10:55:37 AM
Ayreon too digs up 2Gp to pay for the night though feels uncomfortable to walk into this place. At night they would be sitting ducks... He's certain he won't sleep more than 2 hours this night! And only if his brother remains awake!!
"Thank you for your hospitality" Ayreon says to the Half-Orc Leader. Checking with Trellus Ayreon continues "What are these games you referred to earlier? What are the rules? Who competes in them and who'll be here to watch?"
Vayine Monday August 27th, 2007 11:45:49 AM
Vayine listens to his brothers questions. knowing that while they seem asked in a carefree manner, his brother is only prying for more information. Quitely Vayine watchs the newcomers and their reactions. Also noting the HAlf-orc.
Murdock Monday August 27th, 2007 3:58:40 PM
The soft mist on the floor of the dome settles still lower but does not re-take it's shape. It gently glides along the floor watching Trellus closely for instructions. If the cleric moves, the mist will follow.
Grymash Monday August 27th, 2007 8:56:57 PM
Grymash maintains a stoic expression as he digs out two gold gingles and he hands them into the paw of the well-dressed half-orc. However he breaks his silence with a few, well chosen words. Calm and respectful, yet grim in tone, Grymash speaks to his fellow half-breed in the orcish tongue. "I agree to these terms, but understand this ... I would do anything to protect my pack. I don't know how many of your warriors it would take to slay us all, but I now know how many you would use." Grymash gives a short glance around the room. "But let it be known, many valuable heads will hit the floor before mine joins them. Besides that, this warrior thanks you for your, huh ... gute kindness!" Grymash was at a loss for orcish words. In all of the orish language there are no words for goodness or hospitality.
A Half-Orc named Keevis. (DM Jim) Monday August 27th, 2007 10:03:45 PM
The half-orc takes the offered money from each of the members of the Bloodpack and with a wave of his hand he dismisses the group of gladiators. "Please, my hospitality is yours to partake of. I have single rooms, but you will want a large single room with only one access I would wager." His smile tells you that he realizes that they have an uneasy truce at best. He listens to Grymash as he appraises him and then nods his head. In orcish he replies to the big man. "Yes, the fight would be spectacular...but how would I make a profit with noone to watch." It appears that he does nothing without something in it for him.
The seven fighters have since disappeared through a number of doors in the place. You are not sure where all of them lead but the half-orc leads you towards a door further down and to the right. "Most of the games here are fought to first blood or till one opponent gives up. There are the occassional fights to the death and some fighters come here only to fight that way. There are a number of nobles that come here from all over the Wold to see the fights since I established this arena. There is a teleport circle outside that is used for those that are farther away to get here. I have had spectators and participants from Hook City, Plateau City and even the mysterious Floating City here." He glances over his shoulder to the group and shrugs. "Maybe tomorrow I can show you some of the stock that I keep for entertainment around here. All of the animals are wild and most of them can be eaten once the games are over...so nothing goes to waste." He moves to open the door that he comes too and you notice a long hallway that just goes straight and then stops at a dead end. There are a number of doors lining the hallway and the whole thing has an air a poshness to it. "Your room will be down this way."
Leading you down the hall, he gives you the last room on the left hand side. Opening the door he walks inside first and then waits for each of you to enter. It is a large room, able to hold at least three times the number of your group with ease. The room is luxury in the making, with a number of soft beds and cushions laying around that you can take your leisure at. "There is a large bath in the back behind that curtain and there is a curtain to pull between the bath if you need privacy for the different sexes of your group." In fact there is a large curtain at the back of the room and he does not leave till you have checked out everything. The bath behind the curtain is as large as the rest of the room and a light steam rises from the water. "My name is Keevis and you are my guests tonight...pull this cord if you are in need of anything and it will be brought to you." Glancing to the group as a whole he seems to be considering something and then nods his head. "If any of you should require companionship tonight, a message or anything of that sort...there are a number of young girls and young men that will be happy to fill your needs."
He hangs around for a last few seconds as he waits for the possibility of more questions and he lays one out that might throw a loop for the group. "Post a guard as you see fit Bloodpack...but if something should happen to you within my walls...they will pay dearly." If there is nothing else he takes his leave and allows the group to make themselves at home.
Ayreon d20+7=11 d20+7=9 d20+7=26 d20+7=13 d20+7=24 d20+2=12 d20+2=8 d20+2=10 d20+2=4 d20+2=22 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:34:58 AM
Ayreon still feels uncomfortable being lured to the back of this placein the farthest room. Even though the room is beautiful and all the luxuries are there, Ayreon wonders if this is the same room that is given to those that are to die the next day in the Arena... He patiently waits for Keevis to leave them and then shared his concern with Vayine. After all, they were thinking to go to Rattledam and who knows where they are now!
The Drow fighter will wait his turn to enjoy the uncommon luxury of the bath. But afterwards he gets fully dressed and armed again.
"You people rest. Me and my brother will keep watch. We need less sleep than you spellweavers and we'll possibly need your strengths if we want to get out of here. I don't care Keevis said no one would come to harm us.
We may need our rest this night..."
The Bloodpack will quickly learn Ayreon won't trust people like Keevis too easily.
That night Ayreon keeps his eyes and ears open. Being able to see in the dark he occasionally checks up on his newly found friends too.
Vayine Tuesday August 28th, 2007 10:14:44 AM
Vayine looks to his brother and nods. Grabing a small chair from the area, Vayine sits down with his sword across his knees.
"It will be dark soon. If something enters the room, use your farie fire to light it up, It will give us light and make it easier for the others to see."
Reaching up to his face Vayine removes the googles that help him in the light, Aye yes he thought, now I can see in the dark.
Flea Tuesday August 28th, 2007 12:12:20 PM
"Waaahoo!" shouts the gnome in glee, as she drops her gear just inside the door and bounds for one of the big stuffed cushions. Rolling over on her back, she puts her hands behind her head and looks back at their host. "Ah, Keevis?" she asks, the half-orc, "anyone from, ah, Zarnan City, ah, from Ice Vein ever come this way?"
As her packmates file warily into the room, she calls out, "first dibs on the bath!"
Tishe' d20+4=13 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 4:59:53 PM
Tishe' also is not very trusting of the situation and carefully checks out the area (Search:13), to include casting a Detect Magic spell while observing the accomodations, door, and hallway.
At the end and with the information provided by Keevis, the young woman is rather confused. "We still don't know enough of this place. With a teleportation ring to places all over the Wold, is this an evil place, or run by someone that really doesn't care about the morals of their actions? I don't like it and don't trust Keevis isn't lying until we get some independant information, but I think we have to weave like Keevis is a black hand until shown different."
Tishe's mercurial mind switches gears and looks at the area. "I wonder if this is the place Faun told us about, or is what we're looking for still a day or two away?" ...........
Tacia's whine for some food brings Tishe' to the here and now. She waits for Trellus to pronounce the area safe before getting plans ready for refeshment. A light snack of succulents satisfies Tishe' while smoked meat and dead bloodflies takes care of Tacia and Wart respectively. Water is drunk by all three.
For the bath, Tishe' displays her usual unconcern with any body taboos and strips to her alltogether before cleaning herself and Tacia in the pool. While drying off, she continues conversations to learn more about Areyon and Vayine.
"I appreciate your concern, Aeryon", she tells the drow warrior without rancor, "but I will pull my weight with watch like everyone else. Besides, it is probably best to have two awake on any watch."
Tishe' glances at Trellus and cocks her head. "We can do a little magical sneaking if you think we won't offend our host..." She leaves the suggestion open ended, not really pushing for one course or the other.
Trellus Tuesday August 28th, 2007 8:42:31 PM
Trellus is pretty much silent as Keevis goes through his spiel. The half-orc merchant, for what else can he be, departs. His last words echo through the cleric's mind.
Post a guard as you see fit Bloodpack...
He thinks back, mentally replaying the entire meeting and ensuing discussion. It takes a while, long enough for him to need to raise his hand to forestall other questions.
Finally, he speaks, his eyes watching the closed door. "We never told him who we were," he notes pensively.
Flea breaks his reverie. "Light Flea," he chuckles ruefully, "you sure got it bad."
"And yeah, we'll pull two to a shift tonight. Me and Murdock, Ayreon and Flea, Gry and Vayine, and Gil and Tishe. You dudes wanna stay up later, its shady."
Trellus pauses to rub his hand on the back of his head. "I don't think this is Flor's dome. Its too big, and this dude's been here awhile. Lets just lay low and see what happens. Everybody assume we're being watched, and I think we'll be shady."
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:42:44 PM
Gilan files into the room and tries to block any views of the others that might want to make use of spells to check out the area. He does listen to Keevis and wonders much the same as the others. "A strange place to be sure." Waiting for Keevis to leave he finally turns to the others and listens to what they have to say. He has put his pack and most of his gear in a spot near one of the beds.
Ciaran follows along with his brother and after turning what seems to be a million times, finally lays down upon the floor near his brother's bed.
Without much though he is also soon stripped to nothing and settling into the water that is lightly steaming. "So we will take watches and I think that the last bit was a private joke for him." Though he is not sure if the place is being listened to he shakes his head. "This place will be easily defended if we can keep anyone out of this room...shoot, I can block up the hallway easily and I am sure that Murdock or Tishe' could make us a hole to get out of." Of course he does not add the idea of no magic in the room, but that could easily be checked anyways. He settles into the water further and rest his arms on the smooth stone floor.
A night to remember. (DM Jim) Tuesday August 28th, 2007 10:32:31 PM
With Keevis gone the group sort of settles in for the night. As the talk and go about other business, it is for sure that they do not trust this place at all.
A quick scan of the room as well as the hall that you came down reveals no magic at all. This place seems to be just what it seems and there are no hidden bits of magic or spells that would give you any alarm.
Keevis had paused just long enough to smile at Flea and then his brow furrows. "No...we have never gotten any fighters or visitors from Ice Vein. I hear that they breed some spectular hardy fighters there and the gnome city that you mentioned is a one of a kind." He points to the large bath that will hold an army with some pride. "They had a hand in that though...or at least one of their mages did. A marvelous thing that heated bath." He then makes his leave and you are all alone.
[Can I get your email address again TonyR? I seem to have misplaced a few different items lately.]
Ayreon d20+2=17 d20+7=25 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 6:02:37 AM
At night during his watch Ayreon begins a whispered conversation with Flea.
"How did you end up with the Bloodpack? What were you guys trying to find out here? You asked about the Ice Vein? You know anyone from that place?"
But during his watch he also tries to listen if anything goes on outside their room. If only there aren't too many people snoring!
When Ayreon is off duty he lays down on a cozy bed with his rapier close to him but even though he appears to be sleeping he keeps an eye open - he only sleeps 2 hours while his brother keeps guard... Don't forget, Ayreon and his brother don't know the Bloodpack really well and now they end up in this weird place!!
listen: 17 spot: 25
Vayine d20=8 d20=2 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 10:14:35 AM
Vayine stays awake and listens to Flea and his brother talk. After he rouses his brother the Drow takes his 2 hours of sleep.
Listen=12 Spot=6
OOC: DM JIM, my email is Graywing05@aol.com
Trellus Wednesday August 29th, 2007 2:28:03 PM
Trellus sleeps through the night, secure that his packmates have their shifts covered. He notes the drow brothers run their own shifts, but makes no comment. There was a reason he had one of the old guard always awake as well.
In the morning, he performs his daily prayers, and then joins the group.
"So, do we try to find out more about this place, or do we call last thread and find our dome?"
The blond man is of mixed emotions on the question, and looks to his packmates to hear what they think.
Flea d20+11=30 d20+9=10 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 11:52:42 PM
Flea's small mouth makes an upside down U when their host responds to her question about visitors from Ice Vein. With a small shrug of her shoulders, she finds a corner in which to stash her gear, and then makes for the bath.
...
Later she takes her turn keeping watch over her sleeping packmates.
Listen=30 Spot=10
She willingly tells Ayreon how she first arrived in Rattledam and didn't know anybody. How she was getting picked on by some bullies and was quickly rescued by a 'pack', what they call any group of friends who band together in that place.
She tells the drow how her pack had a teacher named Malafret who sent them on a quest to learn, "kind of what my dad would call 'a field work assignment'." And how the pack went out onto the land around the city of Rattledam to learn about the circle of life, "without a map of anything, but we did have a very special compass," and how the pack learned a lot about the Sargrass Plains, and the creatures that inhabited it.
The rogue will recount some of the other adventures had by the party, and touch on how they were magically transported to a remote part of Ice Vein where they met a group that was charged with exploring for their small and remote village. "That's where I ah, um,...well, I met Bodhi." The rogue gets a far away, dreamy kind of look in her eye, and then looks to the hand where once she wore a simple ring that was now on the hand of the Ice Vein gnome magiker.
"Well, anyway," she continues, looking away from the drow, "he had to stay with his group, and the Bloodpack needed me...."
After a pause, the strawberry blonde rogue turns back to face the newest member of the group and asks, "and what about you?"
(OOC: You can learn more about Flea and other members of the Bloodpack by reading the PC histories in the Adventurer's Repose.-Carla)
Ayreon Thursday August 30th, 2007 8:02:08 AM
Ayreon listens intently to Flea and begins to feel more at home within the Bloodpack.
The drow knew very well the inevitable question "what about you" would come once Flea had told a lot about herself...
"euhm... me and my brother were euhm ... forced to leave our home and never return there because of an unfortunate misunderstanding... I'm sure Vayine will tell everything around a fire in good time. He's a far better storyteller than me! "
After saying this vague reason why they had to leave their home he goes on with renewed vigor.
"Ever since we've been wandering around the plains ourselves. It has been a learning experience too! Luckily we had not seen a lot of rain up till now for I would not have known what to do against the bugs!! Goo thing we ran into you! We actually how not had any adventures so far since we only recently left our home. Oh yeah we had our share of fun 'n trouble at home but not quite the same thing as real adventures like you and your friends have had. I do hope we will be able to contribute to this group.
But first I long to get out of this place..."
Ayreon knows he has been very vague about his past but hopes Flea will not try to pull out more at this time. He's very thankful that the little Gnome has been willing to share so much with the drow stranger and feels uncomfortable for not returning the favor.
A painful silence falls between Flea and Ayreon as he stops speaking... luckil their shift is about to end.
The next morning Ayreon touches his Endure Elements Tatoo which will protect him for the rest of the day and checks with his friends what they will do next.
Tishe' Thursday August 30th, 2007 12:48:27 PM
Tishe' sleeps well and wakes with Gilan to keep thier watch. She smiles encouragement at Vayine who also joins the watch. As she strokes and feeds Tacia and Wart, she speaks of her adventures and the meeting of the Bloodpack to the black elf.
"I was born in the magical Hook City of Dayvdd the Bard and Maya of Rattledam as the youngest of four daughters. My mother is a master weaver, and taught all of us, but it always seemed that I had more in common with my father. I apprenticed to a sweetie of a mage and soon became a protector in Hook City, yet I always wondered about the half-formed stories of my mother and father and how they met in Rattledam. So, soon I was on a south-bound GrassShip to Rattledam with another compaion, Machastai the Minotaur. We soon met the Bloodpack and, after assisting them in protecting Rattledam from the Barons, were offered to join them."
"Little Tacia, here, we just met this morning and rescued her from a pit where men were forcing her to fight." The brown eyes of Tishe' flash in suppressed anger. "We need to find out more about this place. It may be amoral, or may be completely evil. I just don't know enough yet."
In the morning, she spends an hour contemplating the Mother and her spellbooks before taking out her rod of Extend and casting Endure Elements upon herself.
Grymash Thursday August 30th, 2007 7:58:27 PM
Grymash keeps to himself most time since he enter this place with his pack. He takes a clean cloth rag from his backpack and cleans his double ax to a glimmering shine. However, Grymash takes great care around the blades. Especially now, knowing what effect the slightest cut would produce.
Vayine Thursday August 30th, 2007 9:42:07 PM
Vayine nods his head and listens along as Tishe' tells her history.
It sounds as though you had a decent childhood, My brother and I are the only people we could trust. I beleive that Our Drow companion could fill you in on Drow family life if you like. (gesturing towards the Drow wizard.) I thank you for the tales. I hope that I will soon feel I can share more about my past with you. You see Trust is a hard thing for us to learn, our lives so filled with the contrary.
Well the night appears to be over, perhapes we should all get moving, before our host takes more of an intrest in us.
A smile on his face, The drow fighter makes his way towards his brother. greeting him a good morning, he finds himself standing in front of the Human cleric.
"Well sir, you seem to be the voice for this group. I wanted to personaly thank you for allowing us to travel with you. I feel that we are some what safer in your Pack, which is a comfort that I have not had much. I am a warrior with the blade, I hope that I will get my to prove my worth to you and the Pack.
Having seemed alose for more words the Drow walks towards the door and waits for the others.
Ayreon Friday August 31st, 2007 9:50:22 AM
Ayreon too awaits the actions of the Bloodpack but is ready for anything...
Murdock Sunday September 2nd, 2007 10:39:22 AM
The rolling mist stays in the main compound while the rest of the bloodpack are led away. The mist is sure that it can find it's way to the Bloodpack, and takes careful not of their direction.
Murdock stays in the main room, watching and listening to the brutish yet well dressed Kreevis, until his gaseous form spell has almost run its course, then he slowly moves to join the others, relating what he has learned when he arrives.
ADM StevenVdB : Posting Record Game 10 Monday September 3rd, 2007 3:55:23 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of August 27th - September 2nd
Name - MTWTFSS - #posts DM JimW - XX----- - 2 - received email to inform about internet acces problems Trellus - -XX---- - 2 Tishe - -X-X--- - 2 Gilan - -X----- - 1 Grymash - X--X--- - 2 Flea - -XX---- - 2 Murdock - X-----X - 2 - Welcome Baby Cameron!! Someone willing to Sub for SteveH? Vayine - XXXX--- - 4 Ayreon - XXXXX-- - 5
A WEEK TO FORGET!!! BAD POSTING ALL!!!
[X = post, - = no post, 2 = 2 posts]
Weekly summary: Time to relax... Keevis -the Half-Orc leader of the Fighting Dome- leads our Bloodpack friends to the last room in his halls. It's a magnificent room with all the luxury they can ever dream of. An oasis in the middle of the grassy plains... Dispite Keevis's claim no one would hurt them the Bloodpack sets guards. During the night watch the Bloodpack has some time to talk to the two new Drow.
Ayreon Monday September 3rd, 2007 7:38:05 AM
Ayreon begins to get restless. He checks with Trellus and asks : "Master Trellus, how do you think we should proceed? Shall we leave this place or check out these battles? "
He shuffles his feet and fumbles his bow eager to go... where ever they will go.
If Trellys decides to leave this place Ayreon says : "Do you think you can tell me and my brother more about your headings?"
Vayine Monday September 3rd, 2007 3:33:40 PM
Listens to his brother, approving of his question, since they joined the group they had learned very little of the group and its history. But than again they hadn't shared much to the others either.
Flea Tuesday September 4th, 2007 1:41:05 PM
"I'm not 'xaclty sure what we'll be up to next," admits the gnome. She is addressing the two drow brothers, but her eyes slide over to Trellus for validation. "We're not thought too shady by the beater monks back at Rattledam" she continues with a shrug of her small shoulders, "but we have made a promise to dedicate ourselves to doing what is right for the Sargrass."
As an afterthought Flea intones, "Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki," and watches for the drows' reaction.
Tishe' Tuesday September 4th, 2007 6:46:59 PM
"I would be more than happy to speak of future plans and other secrets if I were more comfortable of the level of privacy we would experience in this place." Tishe' seems content enough, but wary of the gladatorial surroundings.
Vayine Tuesday September 4th, 2007 8:36:03 PM
I agree, we should be free of our current surrondings soon be for we wear out our welcome.
Grymash Tuesday September 4th, 2007 9:01:13 PM "Grymash be gute wit dat," agrees the half-orc. "Gry ready ta be free of dis place. Rain no last dat long. Dry up even less time than it took ta drop. Time ta go."
Murdock [temp SteveK] Tuesday September 4th, 2007 9:23:56 PM
Resting from his magical exursions from the night before, Murdock ensures that he uses the morning to tell the others what he had learned while hanging around as a gas cloud.
He keeps his thoughts to himself as he sits tailor fashion and contemplates his spellbooks in the morning.
/ooc: I was waiting for the DM to post something. I appreciate the sub Mike K. I will send you Murdocks character sheet. - SteveH
Ayreon Wednesday September 5th, 2007 12:08:49 PM
Ayreon is happy with the thought of leaving this place soon.
He lifts an eyebrow at Flea's "Talki Fresal, Dondit Liki"
"I'm sorry Flea but I don't speak Gnome, neither does it resemble to another tongue I master."
ooc: "The land, my life" Ayreon hasn't got the luck of reading the Bloodpack history bus I do ;-)
Vayine Wednesday September 5th, 2007 4:54:12 PM
Looks to Flea, Than hearing his brother mention that the comment that it was in gnomish and nods, thats why he hadn't understood the remark.
With a quick approving glance at his brother, Vayine resumes his guard position by the rooms doorway.
Flea Wednesday September 5th, 2007 7:41:37 PM
When the drows mistake the Manfri language as gnomish, Flea crosses her small arms across her chest and approaches the pair.
"And who was it again who sent you to find us?" she asks. This time there is an edge to her voice. "And what did they tell you about Bloodpack?" Flea peers hard at the duo. Summoning up all the courage she can muster, she draws her holy short sword...the one with the inscription GET TO GNO ME DOMI! on it. The rogue's voice rises an octave qand she repeats, "who sent you and what do they want!?
ooc StevenVdB Thursday September 6th, 2007 12:36:22 AM
Ok, I could not know Flea was talking in Manfri (unless that was to be found somewhere in the discriptions of the sargrass, or perhaps it was something we should have heard from Grand Maw who sent us out to find the pack.) Ayreon does speak Manfri so perhaps I ought to change the post. Also, it's unclear to me why Flea would react to this in the way she just did.
(OOC: The opportunity seemed right for a bit of role play since we seem to be in down time waiting for DM changes to take place, and the pack doesn't really know a lot about the new drow. I didn't mean to upset the apple cart, but Bloodpack had just been attacked by a Rattledam pack sent to take them out, and are sort of on the outs with the government of the place. The group don't really know who their friends are, or why they should accept newcomers. There are a few key hooks such as 1. the Manfri pledge, 2. the dragon stone embedded in the chest (currently not working for some pack members who were saucy with Gargul) provided by Grandmaw, 3. Malafret, the monk and special mentor/advisor to the Bloodpack that the pack would recognise and would smooth the way to acceptance.
The way I see recent develoments, the new guys have some of the 'qualifications', but have been evasive about disclosing their backgrounds or their motivations for wanting to travel with Bloodpack. Flea is starting to think the two might actually be spies sent by the monks to plant themselves into the group, etc.
Anyway, nothing a bit of role play can't smooth out! And...really...please don't be take it wrong. Flea is predisposed to like the newcomers, 'cause Murdock actually saved her life and has been very protective of her!-Carla
Ayreon Thursday September 6th, 2007 8:06:14 AM
"Huh ?? " Ayreon goes at Flea's outburst.
His mind clears... did she just speak Manfri? Ayreon tries to recall the words she spoke. Maybe it was her accent that got Ayreon confused...
"Yes yes, the Land, my Life, I had misunderstood you for speaking gnome. I wasn't expecting you to speak Manfri. But even so, why the outburst if I may ask? What have we done to diserve this? If the pack chooses to distrust us so shall we..."
He turns to his brother and says : "Come brother, these people seem distrustful... apparently there's no room for us among them."
Ayreon heads to the door and swings it open. Turning back at Flea he says :"We spoke truth"
He looks to Vayine and then steps out of the door, certain his brother will follow.
Outside Ayreon looks around to check if no one guards them or is expecting them.
Tishe' Thursday September 6th, 2007 11:46:17 AM
Tishe' eyes Flea speculatively with a huge question on her face. Sense Motive: what are you playing at?
At the same time, she touches Aeryon and Vayine with a Message from the Dragon's Tear. Please slow down, I think Flea is trying to play up to any watchers
Rising from her seat next to Tacia, the brown-haired woman comes to stand behind the gnome. Her hands are in plain sight, and she whispers to her smallest packmate. "What gambit are you trying? Flea, we've been over this and they are the night's soil. They have real Dragon's Tears from Grand Maw and I can feel them through mine."
It is obvious that Tishe' is more concerned about the outburst of Flea than any danger the drow may pose.
Flea Thursday September 6th, 2007 11:56:24 AM
Flea lets her hand drop, 'til her weapon is pointing down. Dragging it along the ground, she moves to block the way of the retreating drow. "Tishe'! I can't feel through the dragon tear!" she calls, then...
"You'll get yourself killed out there...alone!" she cries, suddenly alarmed at the reaction of the brothers. "I mean...it's just..." she stammers, looking to her companions to help bail her out, before continuing, and not wanting to give too much away. Flea's voice drops to little above a whisper, "we don't know who to trust anymore."
Flea steps back from the door. "I told you the good stuff, 'bout meeting the pack, and 'venturing on the Sargrass, but there's been troubles too. Betrayals, and such. An...an...we're not even sure who's shady and who's bright, you know?"
The gnome ducks under the drow's arm, and pushes the door shut, pressing her back against it so that the newcomer will have to use force to get it open again. "Go...sit down. We need to talk. We need to tell you our story, 'an you need to tell us yours..."
(OOC: Sorry folks! Didn't mean to cause problems.-Carla)
StevenVdB OOC : No problem Carla, I knew we were roleplaying. Admit, Ayreon's reaction is one you can expect from someone who feels he is being distrusted. I do understand Flea as well... neither Ayreon nor Vayine have been very talkative about their past although I would have expected Murdock to give us a much harder time especially about House Bralfah... Just following the RP :-) Most likely, Vayine, the older and wiser brother will have a way to calm down Ayreon and will most likely tell something more about our past ;-)
Nice RP'ing 's good fun !
Murdock Thursday September 6th, 2007 12:49:42 PM
Murdock observes the outburst, and here in this strange place, with new-comer drow in their mist. Newcomers that Murdock does not trust, regardless of whether they have a tear or not. Flea's outburst seems appropriate. When she raises her sword, Murdocks instincts kick in. He moves to stand beside Flea, and before the other two drow elves. If the drow attack Flea, Murdock is prepared to respond with deadly force.
Then Tishe' calms the situation a bit, and the taunt muscles along Murdock's neck are soothed a bit.
Murdock's violet eyes seek out each of the brothers and he says, " You have given us cause to mistrust you, but perhaps, we have given you cause to mistrust us." The drow continues, "However, we are in a strange place, and you are in a strange land, with newly met allies. Mayhaps you should not be so quick to abandon them?"
Murdock hates having said the above, because he would like nothing more than to remove himself from the company of the brothers. The scars of his past have brought him nightmares each night since he first encountered them. Yet, the two drow brothers have done nothing to earn his scorn. They are Bralfah, Murdock thinks, but is that enough to earn them my enmity?
Vayine Thursday September 6th, 2007 1:28:42 PM
Looking to his brother.
"Come brother, I feel they speak truthfully. I know that we have had little to trust in our past, and I can see in the little ones eyes that they two have suffered the same injustices. (with a nod of understanding towards the Drow mage."
Vayine looks To his brother when Flea says they need to open themselves to the others, but a little of the worry disaptes when Flea agrees that so should the bloodpack.
Vayine settles down and looks to his brother, before telling their history. Seeing that he had the attention of the others he starts his tale.
My brother and I have always stuck together, life for the Drow is in some ways very harsh when compared to the life of many surface races young. We are given few people to trust, and they you don't dare trust explicitly. They only person I trusted was my brother, and he I. we have always been togeather watching each others backs. life was hard for us, we came froma wealthier family, so we had all provided for us, and we even went to the best of training. I am ashamed to say that I caught the eye of a Female that took more than a passing fancy in myself. I was given more attention than most, but I saw to my brother as well. After a while, attention was not enough, the female needed more.....(pausing to collect himself.)I soon found out that the Mistress that had been seeing to me was none other than the head of house Bralfah, Larvanya. Before long I was no more than a slave to her whims. Than the others found out, their was much resentmant towards me and within the Houses. Atrae found out soon after and commanded me to prove my worth and loyalty to the House, my test was to kill my brother.
As we stood on the platform we faced off, I knew I could not kill him, so I was determined to let him kill me. I gave him the perfect opertunity, and he saw it for what it was, he botched the attack and saved my life.
we managed to flee the city, and have been on the run ever since. I owe him everything. even my life. You can understand why we are cautious I am sorry if we have caused any problems.
Looking worn and more aged than ever the Drow walks to the door way and stands in silence for a few moments, lost in thought.
Ayreon Thursday September 6th, 2007 3:33:15 PM
"Perhaps it was destined for us to tell our past to you. Now our faith lays in your hands... should you wish you can collect the bounty that is on our head if you bring us back to House Bralfah..."
Ayreon sighs
"But know that neither me nor my brother will ever go back there ... not alive ..."
In his turn he moves his hand to the hilt of his rapier ready to fight his way out of here if the Bloodpack chooses to become bount hunters...
Flea (2nd illegal post) Thursday September 6th, 2007 4:00:27 PM
Flea stands, the point of her short sword digging into the floor as she rests her weight on the weapon. Her jaw drops open as the drow tells his story of abuse and betrayal. The rogue blinks hard to shut out the image of what it must have been like when Ayeron and Vayine had had to face each other in combat. How could these drow inflict such atrocities on each other? No wonder these brothers left? No wonder Murdock sought the surface, despite the hardship of having to face the bright sunlight of the Sargrass Plains!
The gnome sheathes her weapon, and removes the belt that fastens the scabbard about her hips. Sitting tailor style on the floor, she lays it next to her, then crosses her hands in her lap.
"I've told you about the Cycle of Life, and the Drake from our adventure when we learned about the plains and the creatures, natural and unnatural, that dwell there. If was at that time that our mentor Malafret, and the Manfri chieftain had us swear our allegiance to the land, and we were admitted to the second circle. The circle that 'protects'."
"Our next adventure had us chasing after a Baron's raiding ship." Flea expands on the story and tells about how the Bloodpack helped sail the ship, and later had to deal with a fire on the plains. "Later we encountered some ant-like creatures called Oglian's." Flea tells the brothers all about the tunnels with the mushrooms, and the creatures who also worshipped a queen. She tells about how they enslaved folks, and had giants who seemed at her beck and call and dwarven slaves.
"Later, we found ourselves lost in a place called 'The Scab'. We found a boy who looked like a prince who was being led around with a chain. We freed him and it turned out he was a dragon transformed! That was when we met his family and Grandmaw, and she gave us these." Flea pulls at the throat of her tunic and reveals the red gem embedded in her chest. "We used to be able to send touchy-feely messages," but Gargul made that go away. Flea lowers her head and starts to pick at a ragged nail, and mumbles something about 'punishment' and 'disrespect'.
"Anyway," she continues, raising her head and continuing, "we met an elf-spider guy who claimed to be some nature god. He wanted us to help him, and we had to vote if he should be allowed to stay away or go back to sleep. I think he got to stay in the Wold, but I'm not so sure that was a good thing. Things just don't seem to be the same since...but Gillan would know more 'bout that." Flea indicates the druid with a nod of her head.
Nearing the end of her story, Flea places her hands behind her and leans back. "So, every time we go back to Rattledam an' tell the monks 'bout all the good stuff we do, you would think they would be happy 'bout it right? Tell us we did a good job? Maybe have a little feast? Let us stick around and visit with folks? Swim in the fountain? Explore the caves under the city?" Flea looks around at her companions, "No!" she exclaims. "Instead, they grill us like we did something wrong. If we showed compassion they get angry like we should 'of killed all the baron's minions 'stead of killing the ringleaders and lettin' the rest run away. An' that Galafar! He's the worst! We hardly arrive, an' he's got us off on some terrible mission sure to get us killed!"
Flea brings her hands 'round and dusts them off one against the other. Catching the eyes of her pack mates, she asks, "did I leave anything out?"
Flea doesn't tell the drow that the more the pack finds out about the Sargrass Plains, the more they question the teachings of the monks. That not all the baron's people seem to be evil, but rather to have different agendas than the holy order running Rattledam. Her firm opinion that all things new and strange shouldn't be kept hidden from the people who live under the great dome. And, the burgeoning of a concern that the monks may have alterior motives where it comes to the Bloodpack! Lastly, Flea doesn't reveal to the brothers that she doesn't have a clue what the Bloodpack are going to do next!
Tishe' Thursday September 6th, 2007 7:21:08 PM
Wearied aftereffects of the adrenaline and tense standoff make Tishe' sag with relief as she listens to Flea's story. And then she brings in her own thread.
"I and Machasthai joined the Bloodpack while going after the Baron's grass ship. I have had little time in Rattledam, but the secrecy and animosity against the pack is all that Flea says."
"The Fey King is the partner and opposite of Mother Wold, and is a necessary part of the cycle of life." she gently corrects the gnome's view.
"Mac has since continued his own quest in the Wold, and I have kept searching to see how my parents met and why they left Rattledam." She turns her attention to her packmates and tells them a new bit of information about herself. "The last time we were summoned to the Council chamber, I recognized a tapestry with the same weaving style and skill that my mother still uses. So what is the big mystery?" Fire lights in her eyes and she turns back to eye the dark elf brothers. "I HATE bullies. Feel me through the Dragon Tear to see the truth. I am so, so sorry for what you have experienced, but perhaps you have met brothers-in-soul at last."
She pauses and thinks to give one last piece of information. "The Dragon Tears that we all wear were altered by a visit we had with Gargul to save Umbriel, another drow wizard that jouneyed with us for a short time. Now, only Grymash, myself, Murdock, and now you two can use the powers of the Tears. Trellus, Gilan, and Flea are blocked."
Ayreon Friday September 7th, 2007 9:00:41 AM
Ayreon listens to Flea adn Tishe' as they reveal more from the Bloodpack's past. Yes perhaps they were meant to find the Bloodpack and join them. It is as Tishe' says , perhaps they have met brothers-in-soul indeed...
He looks at his brother and smiles. It seems all will work out in the end. Then he nods to Flea and Murdock. Ayreon is uncertain how Murdock will now react since he now knows Vayine and Ayreon are from House Bralfah indeed... he eyeballs Murdock and awaits his reaction.
Incoming DM Request (DM JohnP) Friday September 7th, 2007 8:53:57 PM
Hi all
Can everyone send a copy of their Character Sheet to my alternate e-mail address?:
john_e_petherick AT yahoo DOT com
Please and thank you! Oh, and if anyone has a copy of the current module, please send that as well.
Vayine Sunday September 9th, 2007 9:51:18 PM
Listens to the storys that are told, And silently agrees with his brother, Was it fate? or was it something more sinister that brought these two groups togeather. It didn't matter he desided they would all weather it together and be better because of it.
ADM StevenVdB : Posting Record Game 10 Monday September 10th, 2007 3:33:17 AM
Posting Report for Game 10 for the week of September 3rd - September 10th
It's a pity to see no posts at all from DM Jim in his last week here with the Bloodpack. But we wish him all the best on his next assignment in the Wold. We also welcome DM JohnP as he will guide the Bloodpack to new adventures...
[X = post, - = no post, 2 = 2 posts]
Weekly summary: Thruth be told... A slight misunderstading nearly led to the departure of the two Drow that just recently joined the Bloodpack. A heated discussion finally led to honesty and openness. Vayine told the truth about their reasons for leaving House Bralfah and the Bloodpack shared more about their past adventures... Perhaps this test will now bring the enlarged group closer together.
It's up to DM JohnP to find that out now... Good luck!
Ayreon Monday September 10th, 2007 2:08:28 PM
"Now that things are settled perhaps we ought to see what happens in this place? Shall we?" he checks with Trellus. Ayreon expects Trellus to give the word for departure.
Vayine Monday September 10th, 2007 4:55:04 PM
Looking at the others, who have been very silent through the whole ordieal, Vayine cannot help but wonder what they are thinking. With one last glance about the room for anything he may have forgotten Vayine walks over to the chair he placed by the door and sits, polishing his sword and waiting for the others to ready themselves for their departure.
Flea d20+13=21 Monday September 10th, 2007 6:15:04 PM
Flea decides to give the room a thorough going over. "...might find somthing interesting left behind by the last occupants...or another way out'ta this place..."
Search=21
Grymash Monday September 10th, 2007 8:12:37 PM
Grymash snorts back into consciousness. He allowed himself to get too comfortable and dozed off. All the noise thankfully woke him up. Everything still seems in order. No one is dead ... yet! "Gute!" His head slumps over again and a snore emerges.
Packing Up and Moving Out (DM JohnP) Monday September 10th, 2007 10:58:18 PM
Everyone gets ready to leave the room that has been assigned to them by the proprietor of this place. For some reason, everyone is suspicious although that hasn't prevented some from sleeping. Still, the time has been well spent with sharing of tales and getting to know the two newest 'Pack.
Just before departure, Flea takes the time to search the room. Besides some old food wrappers tossed under one bead and a sock with a badly darned hole under another bed, the gnome discovers a section of wall that sounds hollow. Fiddling around, she finds two small holes hidden in the wainscotting at about eye level ... for her, that it.
Flea (Trap Sense) d20+13=19 d20+11=21 Monday September 10th, 2007 11:54:27 PM
"Hey guys! Over here!" calls the rogue, "listen to this!"
Flea raps gently on a section of waiscotting. "It sounds hollow" she continues, stating the obvious, before adding, "and get a load of this." The rogue points out two small holes hidden a little lower than three feet from the ground.
Flea continues her investigations, rapping ever so gently with her knuckles, and then pressing an ear against the wall.
Search/Detect Traps=19 Listen=21
(OOC: CS sent via e-mail aabout 5 minutes ago-Carla)
Ayreon Tuesday September 11th, 2007 12:36:47 PM
When Flea notices something odd and a few small holes Ayreon suddenly gets the creeps about this place.
"Plus those holes with cloth... I don't know why, but I would expect gass or something to seep through them. But then again, I might be too paranoid."
Tishe' Tuesday September 11th, 2007 12:45:05 PM
"Or a spy hole to observe and listen in to what we have been saying.", notes the brown-haired woman. "I think it has been a very good idea to not speak aloud the more sensitive information we carry while in this room."
Tacia the ridgebacked canine sidles up close to Tishe' as she shrugs into her pack and picks up the white staff. "I do not think this is a place to linger. Let us continue our journey onward. Once away from this place, we can speak on where we are going and what we intend to do there."
Trellus Tuesday September 11th, 2007 3:40:48 PM
Trellus listens to the various commentary for some time before throwing in his two cents.
"Flea, I think the Dragon Tear and our oath are totally different. The oath came from the manfri and The Council, and I don't think these dudes ever said they had experience with that." He winks at her. "So, we'll cut them some slack, there."
Addressing the two drow. "The Bloodpack have always been a group of outcasts. Gil, Gry, myself and others got together as kids 'cause we were pretty much excluded from the 'normal' life. Its looking like we were directed toward that end more than we thought, but there you are.
You should also know that we're very likely to be expelled from Rattledam not long after we get there. Some powerful members of the council tried to kill off a druid couple we've befriended, and we cut the threads of the pack sent to do it. The Council ain't gonna like that.
But, we're pledged to defend The Land. And we think we're doing a decent job at it."
Trellus finishes about the same time Flea makes her discovery.
"Warp down, dudes", he responds calmly. "If they was gonna poison us, they'd've tried already. What do you think it is Flea? Secret door, maybe?"
Murdock Tuesday September 11th, 2007 4:06:37 PM
Murdock is still stand-offish with the two new drow. He never new the leaders of House Bralfah personally so can only guess that their story is true. Although it sounds like the Bralfah that he remembers.
With the discovery of a possible hidden door, the drow perks up and is ready to go exploring.
Gilan and Ciaran Tuesday September 11th, 2007 9:20:47 PM
Gilan is awake this morning, like all the rest...early. He goes about his morning prayers to Mother and Father, though this morning his does not do that in the normal way...with song. As the others prepare themselves he looks to the two newcomers and nods his head. "I guess that I have told little of myself to anyone. Gry, Trell and Flea know more of my history than most. I originally came from HookCity with my parents for a cruise through the grass and some business. They were looking to set up a trade route to Rattledam and since they had a very successful shop, they figured they could do it. The grass ship we traveled on was destroyed by a ranthom and everyone was killed. I only survived because a Walker found me and took me to Rattledam but I did not have any memory of who I was. As you can guess, I learned who is was and though I had a business back in HookCity that I could have returned to and lived the pampered life...I stayed here." He glances to the others that know him better but says no more of his true reason for staying, though he does rub the second ring silver ring he now wears.
Ciaran is awake and looking around the room once again. He is as hungry as the rest and would be more than willing to get something to eat before they left. To this end he starts to pester his brother by nosing his hand.
[Just an FYI. My internet is still not working up to snuff and I have not been able to change over to another provider. This may cause me to miss some posts or be very slow as I fight for a connection.]
Examining the Wall (DM JohnP) d20+5=20 d20+10=16 d20+7=10 Tuesday September 11th, 2007 10:54:27 PM
Flea pokes and prods at the wall around the two openings that she found. There's no sign of a trap but there's also no sign of a way into the space behind the wall. The gnome comes to the conclusion that the openings are simply for watching and listening. She doesn't hear anything from behind the wall, either.
The others wait for Flea to announce her findings. Once she does, the others can help and Murdock notices that the desk is set unusually close to the wall near the peepholes. After some more examination, Flea and Murdock determine that there is a small secret door under the desk, scarecley big enough for a gnome or halfling to easily. A human or elf could probably wriggle through, although it would be a tight fit and depend on what was on the other side.
The discovery does reinforce the group's decision not to discuss anything important in the room. And it makes others eager to leave and continue on their journey. Or, rather, to explore.
Vayine Tuesday September 11th, 2007 11:53:31 PM
After hereing that their might have been someone able to listen in on there conversation, Vayine worries that their previous conversations may have been over heard. Reaching to his side, the drow warrior places his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Ayreon Wednesday September 12th, 2007 10:38:03 AM
Once Murdock and Flea tell some more about their findings Ayreon is intrigued with the secret door. As it seems to be a way out and in to this room, made for the little folk and ... did they spot any halflings or gnomes when they came into this place?
"If not for Halflings, Gnomes or Manfri I'd say that's used for an animal perhaps?" He whispers pointing to the secret door. The look on his face reveals he isn't too eager to squeeze through the hole in the first place. But then he looks at Grymash and wonders if he himself woudl have a hard time crawling through how Grymash would ever manage.
Trellus Wednesday September 12th, 2007 11:34:55 AM
Trellus looks dubiously at the small secret passageway. "Only one of us is gonna be able to weave through that," he agrees. He turns to Flea. "Up to you," he tells her. "I'd just as well get out of here and go weaving for Flor's Dome."
Murdock Wednesday September 12th, 2007 11:55:39 AM
Murdock is still intrigued and eager to squeeze into the tiny hole. Then Trellus talks about going to Flor's grass dome, and Murdock shakes his head.
"Ummm.. Trell.. " he says, " How do we know this isn't the place Flor was talking about?"
Flea d20=11 d20=5 Wednesday September 12th, 2007 12:12:41 PM
The rogue doesn't need any encouragement. After pushing the desk to one side, she drops to her knees and examines the small door. Taking out her special tools, she starts to work on it. (Open Lock=11+ mods*)
"Maybe it leads into some tunnels that will get us out of here?" Flea grins widely, thinking about the surprised look on their host's face if he should return to find them gone!
If the door opens easily, the gnome will poke her head in, ever on guard for traps.
Search/Detect Traps=5+mods
*Posting from work-will amend when I check CS at home.-Carla
Tishe' Wednesday September 12th, 2007 2:00:56 PM
The brown-haired woman is eager to be gone and chafing at the time spent looking at the door. Still, the possibility of learning more is intriguing enough that Tishe' doesn't express anything aloud.
Instead, she waits while standing in the middle of the room, watching the wall curiously.
Vayine Wednesday September 12th, 2007 7:46:40 PM
Vayine sits back and watches as the others go about their busness. Weary of anything out of the ordinary.
Gilan and Ciaran Wednesday September 12th, 2007 9:22:40 PM
Gilan glances to the small door and then chuckles. "Actually, I think that we could come up with three or maybe four others that could get through there easily." It would not be a total waste to use a wildshape to follow Flea and he knows that Ciaran can get through there.
Ciaran just sits back and listens to the goings on, even if he cannot understand them. He is still unhappy about not getting anything to eat.
Gilan digs into a pouch at his side and pulls out a number of dried meat strips. He gives over a couple to Ciaran to appease his brother and tears off a hunk for himself. "I will be glad to get on the move again and this dome does not seem to be the one that Flor described. A lot of this structure is awfully new to have been around here for so long." He offers some of his rations to the others if they are hungry.
The Little Door (DM JohnP) Wednesday September 12th, 2007 11:12:28 PM
Flea pokes and prods and manages to release the secret door. When the panel swings back into the wall, the rogue puts her head inside after taking a quick look. A good thing she did, too, for the space behind the wall is dusty and covered with cobwebs.
When she looks inside, Flea sees that the passage seems to run behind the rooms on this side of the hallway. It seems to be built into an eave, or something like that, since the opposite wall slants inward. Flea could move through the space relatively easily but larger folk would have to crawl, and it would be tight even for the drow. Looking down at the dust-covered floor, there's no sign that anyone has been in the passage for a considerable period of time.
Vayine relaxes slightly when Flea announces that it's unlikelty that anyone was spying on them. Gilan and some others feel that they could accompany Flea if they explore the tunnel, but the bigger members of the Pack couldn't follow.
The secret door hangs open, inviting exploration. Of course, the door to the hallway is still there, too, but the proprietor of this establishment may not like them wandering about.
Flea d20+1=17 Wednesday September 12th, 2007 11:45:22 PM
Flea shares her knowledge with the others. "Can we explore, Trellus, hunh? Can we? Can we?" Flea gives the cleric her most winsome, pleading look. (Diplomacy=17)
"Maybe everyone can be magiked smaller?" she suggests hopefully.
Ayreon Thursday September 13th, 2007 9:26:51 AM
"What if someone comes knocking on the door and we have all vanished into this secret corridor. Perhaps the bigger folk should just stay here?"
"When do you think thise gladiator games will start? I'm certain someone will come for us once they start."
Trellus (Status, Magic Vestmentx2) Thursday September 13th, 2007 5:00:48 PM
Rubbing the back of his head, Trellus answers Gilan and Murdock. "I got the impression Flor's dome was smaller and older and beat up." He shrugs. "'Sides. If we leave and don't find anything, we can always come back."
The blond man turns back to Flea with the look of a person who knows he's not going to win the next arguement, and isn't sure he wants to argue anyway.
"Fine," he relents, rolling his eyes. "You and Gilan. Please don't get caught, and try to get back here in an hour or so."
The cleric casts Status, targeting Gilan, Flea, and Grymash. He also places a palm on the gnome's head. The motion and following intonation is quite familiar by now. "May Domi protect you." [Domain Feat - Protective Ward: +9 on next save roll. Duration 1 hour.]
He spreads his hands theatrically as he surveys the his packmates. "The rest of us should probably just stay here and make like we need some more rest."
--------
Spells Prepared (cast as level 10 due to Setanos' Vestment): d -- domain spell p -- pearl of power used to recast
0 - Create Water (x2), Detect Magic (x2), Guidance, Read Magic 1 -- Endure Elements (x3), Remove Fear (x2), Shield of Faith, Enlarge Person (d) 2 -- Lesser Restoration (x2), Resist Energy(fire), Resist Energy(elec), Hold Person, Status*, Bulls Strength (d) 3 - Dispel Magic(x2), Prayer, Searing Light, Magic Vestment(d)**(p) 4 -- Air Walk, Freedom of Movement, Divine Power, Spell Immunity (d) 5 -- Flame Strike, Shield of Faith (Quickened), Spell Resistance (d)
Tishe' Thursday September 13th, 2007 6:49:15 PM
Seeing that Flea is itching for some action, Tishe' puts her pack and staff back down and tries to relax as much as she can while in a pleasure room of a gladatorial slave pit.
Which isn't very well at all.
Highlight to display spoiler: { Divine Spells: (4level)(DC 10+2+lvl) Orison: Resistance, Cure Minor Wound, Detect Magic, Detect Magic 1 : Faerie Fire, Entangle, Speak with Animal, Detect Animals/Plants, 2nd: Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Heat Metal
Into the Dark (DM John) Thursday September 13th, 2007 11:16:04 PM
Flea slips into the crawlspace, finally finding a space in this crazy world that is nearly gnome-sized. Even a bit snug, really. Once inside, she waits for Gilan.
Anyone entering the crawlspace, please make a Move Silent roll
The space stretches ahead of Flea (and Gilan, too, if joining Flea) as she pads along quietly. After exploring a bit, Flea finds a peephole and hidden door into the next room. As she goes along, she finds more spy-holes although none of the other rooms seem to be occupied. Still, there is no sign that this space has been used or explored for a considerable period of time.
After going quietly along, nearly at the point where she should be turning back, she hears a muffled voice that sounds like Keevis coming through the walls. Looking about, Flea can find a peephole.
++++++
Back in the room, everyone waits for the results of the exploration. It should soon be time for their appointment in the gladiatorial pit.
Vayine Thursday September 13th, 2007 11:44:32 PM
Vayine silently listens for the others, keeping an eye out for anything of suspistion.
Gilan and Ciaran Thursday September 13th, 2007 11:59:18 PM
Gilan just nods his head as his form melt into that of another wolf, nearly the same size as Ciaran. He pads to the hole and follows along after Flea. Though he has no way of communicating he can still understand the voices coming through the small holes. He waits for Flea to do what she feels like doing and then he will move back down the hidden hall.
Ciaran does not like the idea of being separated from his brother but will not do anything else but wait for him. He was given no orders specifically but that is fine as he knows his job.
Ayreon d20+2=19 Friday September 14th, 2007 8:15:06 AM
Impatiently the Drow fighter puts his ear against the door to check if no one is approaching or if he can catch some noise at all outside...
Listen 19
Flea (Protective Ward) d20=15 d20=14 d20=6 Friday September 14th, 2007 10:13:07 AM
Trellus barely has time to bless the gnome, when she is gone, down the secret passageway.
Move Silently=15 (+mods to be added)
On hearing the muffled voice of their host, the rogue catches the wolf's eye and lifts a finger to her lips before pressing an eye to the peep hole to see what she can see.
Listen=14 (+ mods to be added) Spot=6 (+ mods to be added)
DM Sanity Info:
Protective Ward cast by Trellus on Flea: +9 on next save roll. Duration 1 hour.]
Murdock Friday September 14th, 2007 11:15:55 AM
Murdock waits patiently for Flea's return. Although he does notice with some humor that the new drow Ayreon is listening to the door. He walks over and says to the drow, "If anyone were to come, would you be able to hide the fact that there are now three drow, when only two entered? How would you hide the fact that two of us are completely missing from the room. There is no since listening for a conflict that will enevitably come..." Murdocks voice trails off, as he thinks again of his time with the hated Bralfahs. His face turns slightly darker as he looks into Ayreon's eyes, and then he turns away.
Trellus Friday September 14th, 2007 3:12:25 PM OOC - I don't recall the group being invited anywhere. Do they have an appointment to be at the gladitorial pit?
The blond man finds a chair. He sits, legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankle, hands interlocked behind his head.
"I cast a spell on those two thats kinda like the Tears," he says to no one in particular. "I can tell where the are and what condition they're in. Although how we get to them from here if they get sunbaked is beyond me."
The cleric looks around. "Be interesting to find out if The Council knows about this place. Dudes from Hook City come here, you'd think the monks would know it exists."
Vayine Friday September 14th, 2007 3:49:26 PM
The Drow warrior paces around the room like a caged beast, feeling helpless to help those in the tunnel.
Tishe' Friday September 14th, 2007 8:37:54 PM
Alternately pacing and sitting still while pretending to weave something, Tishe' worries about her packmates.
Slowly, she settles down and begins to start thinking. "Flea and Gilan should have no trouble looking about and they may even find out more about this place, whether we should leave it be (like a rapke herd being niether good nor evil) or whether it should be eradicated."
Highlight to display spoiler: { Divine Spells: (4level)(DC 10+2+lvl) Orison: Resistance, Cure Minor Wound, Detect Magic, Detect Magic 1 : Faerie Fire, Entangle, Speak with Animal, Detect Animals/Plants, 2nd: Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Heat Metal
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