Company is coming (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 8th, 2007 7:29:01 PM
Vorelle gives Rose a piggy back ride.
Oni offers Berlon a ride as well, and the gnome scampers up onto the centaur's back, while continuing a running commentary on Marteaus with Theo.
The number of lizardfolk in the villages controlled by the shaman is surprisingly large, though Vauhwyt doubts they really have to deal with them all.
The group's general realization that they need to keep moving is reinforced by the surprising arrival of Umbriel, who makes it known there are lizardfolk in the area.
The group starts south, moving with best possible speed through the tangles and marshes. Thliss'Ka and Umbriel lead, with the other lizardfolk and Rossa behind them. The eight sailors form a double column behind Rossa. Vauhwyt and Mookie are on the right of the sailors. Theo and Vorelle/Rose follow the sailors. Oni, Berlon, and Sho'va trail.
It isn't very long at all before Umbriel spots a trio of lizard folk 70' to his right, and another trio 60' to his left. They may or may not have spotted him, but the menagerie of tromping nobles behind him is pretty hard to miss.
Cannot run and All movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Vorelle d20+9=26 d20+9=17 d20+12=21 d20+12=32 Wednesday August 8th, 2007 11:39:30 PM
[OOC: Mike, I think you got your V's crossed. Rose is riding Vauhwyt, not Vorelle. :) It's kind of a pity the names look so similar, 'cause in "real" life a bold liontaur and a mousy little human would never be confused for one another. :) ]
Vorelle gives a little start when Theo mentions the half-orc Ba'Bac. She remembers the name. How could she forget that first adventure, when she and Rose and Theo and Vauhwyt first joined forces? But Theo is right; Ba'Bac is dead. Isn't he?
Vorelle can only shake her head in answer to Theo's question. She has no idea why the lizardfolk would write down the name of a dead half-orc.
She gives a bigger start when Umbriel appears. Her hands are already reaching for her nearly-empty quiver when she realizes who it is and stops herself. At his report, she begins moving off with the others, trying to remain hidden and stay on alert.
[With the -10 penalty for moving normal speed: Hide 26, Move Silently 17. Spot 21, Listen 32]
Rose d20+10=11 Thursday August 9th, 2007 2:32:26 AM
rose keeps an eye out, and when everyone is together she'll break a seal.
use hobgoblin seal of sharing a cure. all allies within 40' of user gain 3hp.
spot: 11, +2 for piper
Oni Thursday August 9th, 2007 6:59:22 AM
Oni barely notices the extra weight of the heavily armored gnome. Stepping more carefully, he movesthrough the undergrowth slower than usual. But where was he to go? There were many others ahead of him, that moved slower.
At the appearance of Umbriel his heart leaps. At last, the elf was not lost. The warning of lizards folk on their backsides was disturbing. If they continued in this direction, south, soon it would be evident, they would be surrounded. If not, at the very least flanked on 2 sides.
"Theo," Oni says the wizards name aloud. The wizard had been concentrating on the paper, anyone could see that. "Maybe Macaw could scout to the south for us? Give us some idea of how far we have to go, or of enemy forces? Any information would be good. ??" If Theo looks at oni he will have a questioning look on his face.
Sho'va follows, neck hairs at full bristle, Oni took note, danger very close.
Berlon d20+4=9 Thursday August 9th, 2007 11:55:45 AM
Unable to do much more than go along for the ride, Berlon tries to keep an eye out for what's coming up on them.
Theodore & Macaw Thursday August 9th, 2007 12:20:31 PM
Rose's seal cures the last little bit of Theodore's wounds, which he thanks her for. (Ring of regen heals 1 HP every hour. I'm assuming at least an hour's passed since leaving the lizard camp.)
Oni's request to send Macaw ahead is a sound one, something the wizard has asked his familiar to do many times. At this moment, though, he has another idea that he wants to run by his friends.
He rolls up the note Berlon had given him and stores it in his haversack. Keeping his voice low, "I have a couple of spells that might throw our pursuers off our trail. Or at least split them up into more manageable groups. If we paused for a moment, I could cast a darkness spell on our group. Then I could create an illusion of our group emerging from the darkness headed in a different way than the path we will be taking. With any luck, our enemies will follow the illusion. If they're smart, they'll probably guess it's an illusion but will need to send bodies after it to be certain. Then we can continue on our way with little or no enemy pursuit."
"Thoughts?"
Vauhwyt Thursday August 9th, 2007 3:14:06 PM
Vauhwyt keeps alert. She moves with the group. If she can do so, she will ready a spear thrust in case any enemy gets close enough.
Umbriel d20+20=35 d20+20=39 Thursday August 9th, 2007 7:21:24 PM
Motioning to the Left and Right with 3 fingers showing on each hand.
Then, Umbriel steps into the shadows again. *Hide: 35* *Move Silently: 39*
Whispering to Theo: can give it a try. Nothing to lose.
Lizard battle redux - round 1 (DM MikeK) 3d20(14+6+6)+1=27 d6=5 Thursday August 9th, 2007 9:40:58 PM
Rose, riding on Vauhwyt, not Vorelle, keeps her eyes open. Piper helps. The halfling also breaks a seal, healing everyone in the area. The sailors all murmur appreciately.
Vorelle stalks carefully behind the group, trying to remain hidden in the foliage while still maintaining the pace.
Oni asks Theo if perhaps Macaw could be employed as a scout. The taur keeps watch at the rear of the formation, Berlon barely noticed upon his back.
Berlon also tries to keep watch, but keeps getting slapped in the face by low hanging branches. It does something to the concentration when that happens.
Theo, talking over his shoulder to Oni, offers up an alternate plan. The mage estimates an hour has passed since they escaped with the former prisoners. Actually it has only been about 20 minutes.
Vauhwyt keeps alert.
Umbriel signs that he has spotted three somethings to either side of the group. The lizardfolk with him nod, and Rossa nudges the sailor next to him. Vauhwyt and Rose would also be able to see the rogue. Oni, Berlon, Theo, and Vorelle are too far to the rear to see him. Similarly, while the rogue can hear Theo, his whisper won't reach the mage. Instead, he nods his assent to Theo's plan.
--
Sho'va gives a warning growl, but it is too late. The jungle vegetation erupts around the Dark Horse Guild, their allies, and their charges. With a sickening, rasping sound, branches, vines, grasses, even entire trees entwine themselves about the group, attempting to hold them fast. [Entangle - Reflex DC 15 or be held fast. Entangled beings can make Strength or Escape Artist check DC 20 to make full round move at 1/4 speed. Anyone not entangled can only move at 1/4 speed while in the area of effect - this is because the jungle already limits movement to half speed, and the spell halves it again]
The lizard folk to Umbriel's right and left move forward. Other lizardfolk materialize as they push their way forward as well. Three get close enough to Vauhwyt to launch unpleasant looking javelins at the liontaur.
[75, 86, and 90 throw javelins at Vauhwyt. Note Vauhwyt loses Dex bonus to AC if entangled. atk 1 - hit ac15 for 6 hp damage atk 2 - miss atk 3 - miss]
All lizard folk carry javelins. All also carry clubs except 'ch' (near Oni) who wields a battleaxe, and g6 (near Umbriel) who has a longsword.
Map on the way
Umbriel *ac21 hp52 Hide(35) Move Silent(39)* d20+15=33 Thursday August 9th, 2007 10:13:58 PM
Deftly ignoring the vines that try to entrap him. *Escape Artist: 33*
Calling up his ancestral magical abilities, Umbriel surrounds the group in front of the party (guy with longsword) with a blanket of darkness. *Casts darkness 15' radius, attempting to get as many of that group in it as possible*
Then Umbriel takes a 5' step towards his right.
Vauhwyt (AC19/14/15, HP51 of 57) and Mookie (AC15, HP28) d20+11=14 d20+11=12 Thursday August 9th, 2007 10:20:54 PM
Vauhwyt tries to resist the entangling plants: a 14! Not enough to get free!
Her AC is 19 unentangled, 14 with no dex bonus to AC. The liontaur activates a seal (see below) and has AC15 against the next attack with a thrown weapon, for AC15.
One spear hits her.
She tries to make an escape artist check. She fails, and is stuck fast. (Bad rolls!)
• Goblin Seal of Dodging: +1 AC vs one thrown attack in the next ten rounds.
rose d20+3=23 2d4(2+3)+1=6 2d4(3+2)+1=6 Thursday August 9th, 2007 10:37:01 PM
Rose rose quickly jumps off of Vauhwyt before she gets stuck. she then points her finger at the nearest goblin while saying some words and two pink bullets fly out and hit him.
ooc: if a seal says the target of the seal gains xxx, does that mean rose can have the seal target someone else? or have someone else break the seal?
Oni 21 AC 70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36 HP d20+4=19 d20+7=12 d20+8=21 Friday August 10th, 2007 1:30:25 AM
As the woods seem to come alive and attack him, Oni is able to resist the branches entanglement. Sho'va however is caught by a vine of some sort, and yelps in frustration. Concentrating hard and pulling with considerable force Sho'va attempts to break free.
Oni wheels to the side and can see some figures in the woods to his left. Movement is slow, but he manages to move 15 feet closer to his enemy.
Oni reflex 19 save Sho'va reflex 12 fail, Strength roll to break grapple 21
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 63/63] d20+9=23 Friday August 10th, 2007 2:03:34 AM
Vorelle stammers her thanks to Rose as the seal neatly heals the wound in her shoulder. Then, unexpectedly, she has to deal with entangling greenery. She dodges their attempts to entangle her [Reflex 23], and immediately begins trying to move out of the area, lest the plants succeed next time. Unfortunately, she is smack in the middle of the writhing plants, and movement is at a crawl.
[Double move to S-15]
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge 84) d20+4=23 d20+4=24 Friday August 10th, 2007 9:31:36 AM
Theodore has a preternatural sense of the magic before it explodes about the party and manages to avoid being wrapped about by vines. (Reflex 23)
Macaw also senses the magical attack and flutters up into the branches. (Macaw reflex 24)
As the lizardmen emerge from the foliage, Theodore feels the tingle of battle slide up his spine. He quickly double moves to S18, within touching distance of Vauhwyt.
"Vauhwyt! Be still and I'll get us out of here. I can teleport us a short distance away. Tell me where you want to go, and I'll take you there."
Berlon - AC 20 HP 44/44 d20+2=17 d20+7=22 Friday August 10th, 2007 10:16:10 AM
Sliding off Oni once the attackers are revealed, Berlon manages to avoid the entanglement. Being about four feet tall helps every now and then. (Reflex save 17)
Once he sees the situation, he quickly leaps into action.
"Enough of this foolishness. Why are we always running?"
As a standard action, Berlon angrily removes the vines with a Dispel Magic spell. (Dispel Magic check 22)
"Oni, you engage the group at four o'clock. Vauhwyt, now that you are free, you take the ones at 8. Thliss-Ka and I will take the ones right in front of us! The rest of you provide ranged support and protect the captives! And try to pick out any spellcasters!"
"Just DO it! It's only a few lizardmen apiece! Dietrich wouldn't know whether to swear or laugh!"
Lizard battle redux - round 2 (DM MikeK) d20=17 d20=20 d20=19 d6=3 d6=4 d20=5 d20=17 5d6(5+4+6+6+2)=23 Sunday August 12th, 2007 2:28:35 PM
Umbriel dances out of the entangling vines, and casts a spell of his own. The group of lizardfolk to the south of the party are shrouded in darkened shadow. It is still possible to see the forms, but hitting them will be much harder. The drow takes a step to his right.
Vuahwyt is stuck fast by the entangling weeds. She activates a Woldian Seal to help herself somewhat.
Rose leaps off of Vauhwyt, and fires two magic missiles at 86. The lizardman squeals in pain.
Oni avoids the entangling vines, and struggles against their grip as he moves to the east. Sho'va is wrapped up, but the hound is able to rip free. He immediately heads for the closest part of the jungle not trying to grab his feet.
Vorelle dances away and struggles to get out of the area of effect.
Theo also manages to keep his feet. The mage moves next to Vauhwyt, promising to get them out shortly. Meanwhile, Macaw also escapes, and the bird flutters into a nearby tree - outside the area of effect.
Berlon, still on top of Oni, avoids the grasping plants and angrily casts a spell. The suddenly writhing and grasping foliage suddenly stops as the gnome eliminates the problem. Berlon shouts commands, directing the oncoming battle.
Rossa and his sailors hold their position, watching the lizards and waiting with the makeshift clubs they gathered earlier.
Thliss'Ka and his companion shift to their left, putting themselves between the sailors and a group of four lizardfolk.
-
The lizardfolk with a battleaxe (ch) barks a command in Draconic - Highlight to display spoiler: { "Back!" }. The call is repeated by each one of the lizardfolk.
Two of the three lizardfolk who attacked Vauhwyt earlier launch another javelin each at her, and then fall back with their severely wounded companion. First - ac18 - miss Second - nat 20, crit threat hits ac20 - damage 4 + 5 = 9 hp damage.
The lizardfolk facing Thliss'Ka retreat, as do those encompassed by Umbriel's spell.
Battleaxe and his group, however, advance. Two lizardfolk (74 and 85) throw javelins at Oni. 74 - ac5 - miss 85 - ac18 - miss
'ch' also throws a javelin. But this weapon no sooner leaves the warrior's fingertips when it transforms into a bolt of lightning. The electrical discharge rips through Oni, Berlon, and Vorelle before disappating in the jungle trees well beyond the ranger.
[Oni, Berlon and Vorelle hit by Lightning Bolt for 23 hp damage. Reflex DC 14 halves (11 hp).]
-------
Notes - Area of Darkness spell is in dark green. Beings inside it gain concealment (20% miss chance).
Line of Sight is limited to 60'. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and All movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, Woldian Seals can only be activated by and used on the Bearer of said Seal.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 52/63] d20+9=26 d20+10=18 d20+10=28 d20+5=13 d8+1=3 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 Sunday August 12th, 2007 11:28:57 PM
Vorelle dodges the worst of the lightning bolt [Reflex save 26], but hisses in pain as the eletricity sears through muscle and bone. She returns fire, sending three arrows at "CH"
[Hit AC 18 for 3 damage; hit AC 28 for 6 damage; hit AC 13 for 4 damage. Attack rolls do not include a cover penalty.]
Umbriel ac21 hp52 d20+20=32 d20+20=32 Monday August 13th, 2007 12:00:18 AM
T24 to Q25
Still moving Silently and Hidden.
Hide in Shadows: 32 Move Silently: 32
Oni 21 AC 59/70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36 HP d20+4=18 d20+8=26 2d8(1+5)+4=10 d20+14=16 d8+8=10 d6=6 d20+9=16 Monday August 13th, 2007 12:32:04 AM
Oni feels the electricity burn through him as he moves to engage. He drops the large halberd as he goes.[free action] Reaching over huis shoulder he grabs hold of his greatclub and brings it forth, at the precise moment he is range of 'ch'. [free action] Taking one swing downward he tries to fell the beast. The wood hits home as he feels the bonecrunching shuddr in his arms.
Shova finally gets a chance to exact revenge upon the efil lizards. She bolts to the side of 74 and bites him/her.
Oni hit AC 26 [AB, AC 14] Damage 10
Shova hit AC 16 [AB 12] Damage 10, +6 frost, to trip 16
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge 84) Monday August 13th, 2007 9:21:00 AM
Theodore is greatly relieved to be out of the entangle spell. Sighting the group of lizardmen unchallenged by his own allies, Theodore creates a blast of intricate swirling colors at AI29. (Cast Rainbow Pattern. Will save 19 to avoid fascination. Fascinates up to 24 HD worth of creatues; creatures with fewest HD are affected first.)
Berlon - AC 20 HP 33/44 d20+2=15 Monday August 13th, 2007 11:08:36 AM
"Oooh! Tingly!" Berlon says with an unsettling giggle. "But, not particularly impressive..."
Since Oni has temporarily eliminated the threat of more lightning bolts, Berlon takes a moment to cast Bull's Strength on himself. (standard action) He will then use a move action to engage the flanking lizardmen, moving to Z14.
Vauhwyt (AC 19, HP 42 of 57), Mookie (Hiding), and Wolverine (AC14, HP28) d20+11=17 d20+8=21 d100=15 d20+4=6 d20+4=18 d20-1=10 d4+2=4 Monday August 13th, 2007 11:12:29 AM
Vauhwyt made her reflex save, and with evasion, that's no damage. So did Mookie, if that matters, and he has improved evasion.
Vauhwyt moves 20 feet (half speed) to 21-22-N-O. She reaches into the Bag of Tricks and hurls a fuzzy ball 20 feet to 23-J. It turns into a Wolverine and attacks Lizardfolk Number 90. It makes three attacks: A claw hits AC18 for 4 hp damage.
Mookie hides in his belt pouch.
Wolverine Stats Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (28 hp) Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft. Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite -1 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Rage Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10 Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6 Feats: Alertness, Toughness, TrackB
Posting Report for 8/6/07 Monday August 13th, 2007 3:46:51 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXX Berlon XXXXX Oni OXXXXX Rose XOXXX Theodore XXXXX Umbriel OOXXX Vauhwyt OXXXX Vorelle XXXXX
ADM Shegger
D'oh! - DM Mike Monday August 13th, 2007 6:43:43 PM
The idiot DM left his flash drive at work, so no post tonight.
But, I will ask a couple questions for a couple of you.
Theo needs a Spot DC 24 to see the lead lizardfolk, and a DC 26 to see the whole group he wanted to target. Please make the check, and post an alternate action if he doesn't see them.
Berlon will require a move action to get off of Oni. If he stays on Oni, Berlon's move action will be used up by Oni's move.
Oni, please email me Sho'va's stats, including tricks known. mdknotts2000 at yahoo dot com
I'll delete this post when I post tomorrow night.
rose d4+1=2 d4+1=2 Monday August 13th, 2007 8:18:50 PM
rose points her a wand at the closest lizardman and two bullets come flying out.
wand magic missile: 4
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge 84) d20+2=17 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 9:23:35 AM
(Spot check 17; I'm assuming the spot check was due to the prisoners in his line of sight, so he will move around them and cast the same spell.)
Theodore moves to W20 and casts his rainbow pattern centered on AI29. (Will save 19 to avoid fascination. Fascinates up to 24 HD worth of creatues; creatures with fewest HD are affected first.)
Lizard battle redux - round 3 (DM MikeK) 5d6(1+2+1+5+2)=11 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 6:41:43 PM
Vorelle dodges the worst of the electrical discharge, and returns fire, sending three arrows at the lizardman with the nasty javelins. The arrows hiss past Oni and Berlon. One hits the lizardman.
Umbriel has pretty much disappeared from everyone's view. The drow stealthily moves onward.
Oni avoids a direct blast from the lightning bolt. As Beron hops off, the centaur drops his halbred, and moves toward the problem lizardman, drawing his greatclub as he approaches. Oni lands a solid blow, although his opponent manages to get a shield up (something else none of the other lizardfolk have) to absorb some of the impact. Vorelle's arrow combined with Oni's blow would likely have felled most lizardmen, but this one doesn't seem all that hurt.
Sho'va rushes forward and rips into 74. The lizardman falls under the attacking jaws and freezing Tear, and doesn't move. Adjusted Sho'va's size to correct dimensions. This is one big wolf.
Theodore thought he saw some lizardfolk beyond Thliss'Ka. He tries moving around the sailors to get a better look, but that group has pulled back so far that the mage cannot make them out through the intervening trees, ferns, vines, and other jungle vegetation. Theo can only move half speed. He can move 15' to V18. Spot check required is due to distance and the jungle foliage blocking sight.]
Beron casts a spell on himself. Move action used up dismounting Oni
Vauhwyt moves to the southwest. The liontaur pulls out a fuzzy ball and throws it at a lizardman (90). The ball turns into a Wolverine and attacks. The lizardman growls in anger as a claw draws blood.
Rose also fires off a magic missile at 90, which causes it to growl some more.
The sailors stay put. Thliss'Ka and his companion continue to stand watch, keeping an eye on the retreating group to the southeast.
-
Except for the group by Oni, all the lizardfolk continue pulling back. 86 is struggling, and his companions abandon him to his fate. Most of the other lizardfolk disappear into the foliage.
At another bark by their leader, 84 and 85 retreat. The leader moves with them (drawing an AoO from Oni), but is able to move twice as quickly as they. He has time to stop and fling another javelin at the centaur before his comrades catch up. This javelin also turns into a lightning bolt, and again slashes through the line formed by Oni, Berlon, and Vorelle.
[Oni, Berlon and Vorelle hit by Lightning Bolt for 11 hp damage. Reflex DC 14 halves (5 hp).]
Umbriel only - Spot DC25 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Umbriel cannot see the lizardfolk to the south. However, there are a group of three about 80 to the southwest. Unless they move really quickly, these are another group. They are currently moving westward, away from the party.}
-------
Notes - 'CH' is Ac24 others are ac15
Area of Darkness spell is in dark green. Beings inside it gain concealment (20% miss chance).
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and Aal movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation. Also, please specify targets by number, not 'closest one'.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, Woldian Seals can only be activated by and used on the Bearer of said Seal.
Berlon - AC 20 HP 22/44 - Bull's Strength 7m d20+2=3 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 9:41:41 PM
"Well for the love of Benjee!" Berlon exclaims once his hair is done standing on end. (Reflex save 3)
Berlon - continuation post 2d20(13+17)+8=38 2d8(4+6)+8=18 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 9:52:48 PM
(OOC: HULK SMASH STUPID VISTA!)
"Benjee, of course, being the Gnomish god of SMITING ANNOYING THINGS!"
Knowing that Vorelle is a tough warrior, he takes a moment to heal himself, curing 18 hp worth of damage. (Cure Mod. spontaneously replaces Shield Other)
"Everyone! Aim at the leader if you can!"
With that he will stow his mace in favor of his heavy crossbow, taking a 5 foot step to the south in the process.
Oni 21 AC 54/70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36 HP d20+4=22 d20+8=9 d20+8=23 d20+12=13 Tuesday August 14th, 2007 10:54:00 PM
As the enemy backs away from Oni, he takes a swipe with his great club. Oni nearly drops his weapon as he misses badly. Enraged by the despicable attempt at a free shot, Oni follows the enemy as the enemy retreats. The lightning damge does little, whether it was good reflex or bad aim, who knew. Oni takes a swipe aty 'ch once again. Although this blow was better taken, it seems the wry figure escapes the blow once again.
Sho'va tries desperately to cover Oni's flank, but misses wildly with her bite. The recent drain of strength, loosely her from the deadly plants, seems to have caught up with her.
Oni AoO 9 nat 1 Oni hits AC 23 miss Oni makes reflex save 22 Oni regular movement 60feet, mives 30 moves to Ap, AQ 14, AoO from 74
Sho'va misses with nat 1
Umbriel d20+20=33 d20+20=40 d20+13=28 d20+13=27 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 12:40:28 AM
Y25 to W28
Umbriel continues to act like a stalking panther and moves stealthily forward.
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge ch) d20+2=10 4d4(1+2+4+3)+4=14 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 10:26:24 AM
Theodore hears Berlon's shout and pushes through the brush to AG18. He brings his right hand up and speaks an arcane phrase before four silvery streaks of light zip from his fingers towards ch. (Cast magic missile for 14 damage. Spot check 10, if needed.)
Lizard battle redux - round 4 (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 15th, 2007 8:27:00 PM
Berlon voices his annoyance at the continued lightning barrage, and calls out for his companions to concentrate on the leader. The gnome casts a spell of healing on himself, and stows his mace while taking a step to the south. Sheathing a weapon is a move action. Berlon can draw his crossbow next round.
Oni swings at the lizard leader as it moves off, but misses. The centaur pursues and catches the fleeing trio. His next blow is better aimed, but the blasted lizardman's shield deflects it. BTW - Oni's Woodland Stride ability overcomes the hindered movement. He can go full speed.
Sho'va, aware that 74 is still breathing, rips out the lizardman's throat. [Sho'va Coup De Grace on 74] Yes, I know. But sometimes animal companions will do something unexpected. :)
Umbriel continues moving. Even his comrades don't know where his is. Everyone will need a Spot 33 to see Umbriel
Heeding Berlon's call, Theo moves to west. The mage spots the lizardman engaged with Oni, and send four magic missiles crashing into it. It recoils in pain and lets out a hiss of anger.
The wolverine chases after 90.
The sailors stay put. Thliss'Ka turns his head, looking for someone to talk to. Not seeing anyone in the immeidiate area, he calls out, "we should leave now".
- All of the lizardfolk pull back, including those near Oni. To the southeast, only 86 is visible to Umbriel, as that lizardman slowly retreats. To the northeast, the lizardfolk leader again withdraws (Oni gets an AoO). This time, he turns southward, moving so quickly Oni loses him in the vegetation. Oni can pursue, if desired
-------
Notes - 'CH' is Ac24 others are ac15
Area of Darkness spell is in dark green. Beings inside it gain concealment (20% miss chance).
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and Aal movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, Woldian Seals can only be activated by and used on the Bearer of said Seal.
Vauhwyt Wednesday August 15th, 2007 10:55:39 PM
The liontaur chases after Oni. "Let's keep together and get moving back to the ship," she says.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] d20+9=13 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 11:25:32 PM
[OOC: Sorry for the missed post. I was out very late, and my priority was my DM post for the Swords.]
Last round: This time, Vorelle isn't able to dodge the bolt of lightning. More electrical damage sizzles through her.
This round: Shaking herself out of her daze, Vorelle begins moving off with the others. She makes rather better progress than most.
[OOC: Vorelle's idiot player only recently remembered that she has Woodland Stride, and is therefore not hampered by the terrain.]
Oni 21 AC 54/70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36 HP d20+8=15 d20+8=13 d20+8=10 d20+17=25 Wednesday August 15th, 2007 11:57:34 PM
The shield wielding leader is becoming quite the nemesis for the drowtaur. Something must give, and it looks like the leaders resolve. The leader pulls away yet again and Oni swipes at him. He misses the wily foe yet again. He turns his head a split second and yells , "Sho'va guard Berlon." He hopes silently the wolf will guard the gnome.
Oni then takes off agter the leader, hopefully he will spot him again and be able to attack.
--Oni full movemnent 60 feet, want to attack again if I see the 'ch'. Spot 13 Hit AC 10 miss, [gotta love the die roller!!! not] Survival 25 [rolled for fun, maybe get someting for it]
Theodore & Macaw d20+4=10 Thursday August 16th, 2007 10:08:30 AM
Theodore whistles to Macaw, to get the bird's attention. The raven cocks his head at the scrawny wizard below him, stepping to take position directly above.
Theodore's brow furrows at the bird's odd behavior and then his eyes go wide.
"You...better...not!!" he huffs, hustling out from underneath his familiar. "Go into the air and tell me what you see."
The raven obliges, flapping up through the trees to peer about. Theodore gives him a mental command to look for two things: their current distance from the ship, and whether he can spy any enemies. (Macaw's spot 10)
Umbriel d20+13=31 d20+13=29 Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:25:09 AM
Stays put and watches the retreating Lizardfolk. Acessing their movements to Acertain (sp) if they are regrouping for another attack or moving out of the way for something bigger or badder.
Search: 31 Spot: 29
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 6m 54s Thursday August 16th, 2007 12:36:17 PM
"Try to stay together! Oni! Don't forget you're currently my way out of here!"
"Everyone follow Thliss-Ka!" The gnome turns to the lizardman. "What's the best way out of here?!"
Round 5 (DM MikeK) Thursday August 16th, 2007 8:22:20 PM
Oni pursues his lizardman nemesis. The drowtaur quickly understands that this lizardman moves just as easily through the brush as he can, and almost as quickly. The taur has moved southward a good 100' before catching up to the lizard folk leader. The 60' move is not enough to catch the lizardman. I gave Oni a full round move to enable an AoO next round. Otherwise, Oni is at AX-AY/26-27 and can act from there.
Sho'va looks up at Oni's command. The wolf considers for a moment, and then moves next to Berlon. Used Oni's roll of 17 on the Survival as a Handle Animal check to push Sho'va to perform the Defend trick. Check therefore was a 23 vs DC20 and succeeded.
Vauhwyt plunges through the undergrowth in the general direction of west. she cannot see the centaur, and calls out for him to regroup. Note - no one can see Oni, and vice versa.
The wolverine disappears into the jungle, presumably still chasing 90.
Theo manages to avoid a very special hello from his familiar, and, verbalizing with a series of odd clicks, directs the bird to fly up and look around for the boat. Macaw launches upwards, and Theo gets a feeling of happiness. He can tell Macaw is returning with happy news. Theo cannot mentally command his familiar. He can speak to Macaw using a personal language known only to the two of them (Speak with Master ability). The bird will return next round.
Umbriel - Highlight to display spoiler: { The group he saw last appears to be linking up with group retreating from Vauhwyt. Whether its to regroup or continue running is not clear. They do not appear concerned about anything else in area, other than the party.}
Berlon yells for everyone to follow Thliss'Ka, while also bellowing for his ride to come back.
Thliss'Ka ducks his head and points southward. "Thiss way. Not far." he answers. The lizardman begins southward again, followed by the sailors, who are nervously gripping their deadwood clubs.
- Except for Umbriel and Oni, no member of the party can see any enemy lizardmen. For that matter, none of them can see Umbriel (without a Spot DC 33) or Oni, either.
Umbriel - Highlight to display spoiler: { can see only 86 continue moving away southwest. The lizardfolk is obviously hurt, and struggling to move. But it keeps going, and will be out of sight in a few seconds. It is moving off in the direction where all those other lizardfolk went.}
Oni - Highlight to display spoiler: { sees beyond the lizard leader another four lizardfolk to his south. The lizard leader barks, and they retreat southward. The lizardfolk leader also retreats, but moves to the southeast, angling away from his four compatriots (drawing another AoO). The centaur sees him draw a battleaxe as he slides away. - If Oni pursues, he'll need to move another 100' southeast to close to melee again.}
-------
Notes -
'CH' is Ac24 others are ac15
Area of Darkness spell is in dark green. Beings inside it gain concealment (20% miss chance).
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and Aal movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, Woldian Seals can only be activated by and used on the Bearer of said Seal.
Vauhwyt Thursday August 16th, 2007 8:49:12 PM
Urges the people who can see each other to stick together. She follows Thliss-Ka since only he seems to know where the heck he is going.
"Boss," says Mookie, "Where are we, anyway?"
"Beats me," Vauhwyt replies.
rose Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:29:11 PM
rose follows the others the best she can.
Oni 21 AC 54/70 HP Sho'va 17 AC 36 HP d20+8=20 Friday August 17th, 2007 12:09:19 AM
Oni finds the leader i the foilage and swipes at him with the club. Alads the beast gets away once again. Oni doesnt understand why the lizard is running, he cant hit him afteall.
A ruse, yes,, he wants Oni to run into a trap. Not today, Oni turns and moves back to where he had left the others, and his halberd.
--Run back to where I dropped halberd. Miss AoO with 20
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] Friday August 17th, 2007 12:16:37 AM
Vorelle hurries to catch up with the rest of the group.
[Double move to AA-27. Vorelle has the Woodland Stride class ability, and is therefore unhindered by natural terrain.]
Theodore & Macaw Friday August 17th, 2007 9:32:38 AM
Theodore returns to marching order (somewhere in the middle) as the party regroups.
"Is anybody hurt? I wonder why they would attack and then retreat like that? Bizarre."
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 6m 48s Friday August 17th, 2007 10:07:30 AM
"Why Theo, you truly are a wonder some times!" Berlon says as he prepares for Oni's return back from his jaunt. "They attacked us because we invaded their village and stole their dark sacrifice."
When Oni gets close, Berlon sticks out his thumb. "They retreated like that because they have learned to fear us."
Oni Saturday August 18th, 2007 11:36:51 AM
Oni gets back to the others. Placing his club back in its makeshift sheath, he leans over and retrieves his halberd. Then he moves to Master Berlon and helps the gnome back aboard. He notes the blood on Sho'vas face and smiles, finally she had the taste of victory.
Following the others southward, he closes the gap between them.
Umbriel Saturday August 18th, 2007 5:14:11 PM
Stepping out from the shadows in front of the party, for all to see, Umbriel paces up to everyone.
It seems to me that the group that were attacking you Vauhwyt and your trio there are being reinforced with the group I seen to the southwest. And another thing, it appears that these Lizardfolks have no care in the world about anything but us so I suggest we move now. Send out those who can move through this swamp easily as scouts while the rest push on as fast as humanly possible. The sooner we arrive to the boat the sooner we can get to a spot to regroup and decide on our next course of action. Debating it here is not an option.
Almost there (DM MikeK) Sunday August 19th, 2007 7:43:53 PM
Macaw flaps back down through the canopy and chatters at Theo. Theo - Highlight to display spoiler: { Birds aren't much for distances, but the mage can gather that the water is close, and the boat is coming. }
Oni decides to abandon the chase, suspecting a trap may be in store if he continues. The black centaur quickly retraces his steps, recovers his halbred, picks up Berlon, and rejoins the rescue party.
While everyone closes ranks, Umbriel reappears and passes on the info that there are still a lot of lizardfolk around, and they don't seem to have anything else to do but mess with the party.
Thliss'Ka nods in agreement with the drow, and presses on southward. Rossa and the sailors dutifully follow.
[Spot checks everyone]
Umbriel d20+20=37 d20+13=24 d20+20=30 d20+17=29 d20+13=24 Sunday August 19th, 2007 9:03:25 PM
Stepping back into the shadows when the group takes off, Umbriel will assume his stealthy scout modus operendi.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] d20+12=22 d20+12=29 Monday August 20th, 2007 12:04:09 AM
Though she has nowhere near the skills of Umbriel, Vorelle, too, attempts to blend in and stay alert.
[Take 10 to Hide and Move Silently for 29 in each. Spot 22, Listen 29]
Theodore & Macaw d20+4=17 d20+4=8 Monday August 20th, 2007 9:48:37 AM
Theodore informs the group that the water is close by and so is their ship.
Umbriel's news is disheartening. Theodore does not want to fight with these lizardfolk anymore. "Then we should continue on, quickly."
The young mage is better aware of his surroundings, now. Ready for combat. (Theo spot 17, Macaw spot 8)
Posting Report for 8/13/07 Monday August 20th, 2007 9:52:44 AM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XOXXX Berlon XOXXX Oni XOXXX Rose XOOOX Theodore XOXXX Umbriel XOXXX Vauwhyt XOOXX Vorelle XOOXX
ADM Shegger
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 6m 42s d20+4=8 Monday August 20th, 2007 10:29:30 AM
Once again, Berlon will focus on keeping his balance, hoping the group will soon get a chance to catch their breath and regroup.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday August 20th, 2007 11:59:16 AM
"Didja hear that, Boss? We're almost there!" Mookie hops out of his pouch and perches on Vauhwyt's head for a better view.
"Just look out for lizardfolk," says Vauhwyt.
She keeps with the group and hopes to get to the ship soon. She is eager to put the sailors on board.
rose Monday August 20th, 2007 12:34:49 PM
rose follows the others the best she can.
Don't count them chickens just yet (DM MikeK) Monday August 20th, 2007 9:11:49 PM
The party regroups and keeps moving south. For several blessed minutes, nobody sees anything besides bootsucking swamp, mangrove trees, vines, leaves, and mosquitos.
But then, Vorelle notes a movement to her right. A lizardman moves in from the west. It gets to within 60' of the party, where just about everyone sees it. At that point, it immediately turns tail and disappears back into the jungle.
This basic scenario continues for the next several minutes. A single lizardman appears about 60' from the group on the right (west) side, and then disappears into the jungle.
Thliss'Ka is becoming visibly agitated. Both he and his companion slow down, each gripping melee weapons tightly, and studiously watching the right flank. The sailors take their queue from their guide, and also slow.
Umbriel - Highlight to display spoiler: { A parallel line of at least a dozen lizardfolk is pacing the party. The line is about 75' to the right. The scouts the rest of the party sees are individuals breaking from that line, approaching the party, and then returning back to it. There may be more, as Umbriel's visibility ends before he can be sure if he sees the end of the parallelling force.}
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] d20+12=21 d20+12=24 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 12:02:17 AM
"K-k-keep m-m-moving," Vorelle whispers. If they must stand and fight, then they must, but there's no point in courting it.
She continues trying to stay hidden and alert.
[Take 10 to Hide and Move Silently for 29 in each. Spot 21, Listen 24]
Moving close to where the group can hear yet stay hidden so as not to reveal his location to the enemy, Umbriel reports on his findings:
A parallel line of at least a dozen lizardfolk is pacing the party. The line is about 75' to the right. The scouts the rest of the party sees are individuals breaking from that line, approaching the party, and then returning back to it. There possibly could be more as my vision wavers past them.
Oni d8+1=3 d8+1=9 d8+1=9 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 4:02:25 AM
Oni pulls out his wand of healoing and taps homself several times. His small wounds seem to close, as they did when he used the wand. Travel was slow, ut it seemed they were making progress.
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor) Tuesday August 21st, 2007 9:10:25 AM
Theodore is quickly becoming agitated with the enemy's odd behavior. "What are they doing? Why don't they attacked?"
He tries to keep pace with the rest of the group, one hand on his pants legs to keep them as much out of the muck as possible. The bugs and the foliage are making him irritable and he begins to mutter Dietrich-like words under his breath.
Vauhwyt Tuesday August 21st, 2007 10:21:10 AM
Vauwyt thinks about it. She says to the group, as she keeps moving, "Theo, that is a great question. Why are they waiting? Seems to me they have a choice. Fight us on land, or fight us in the water as we go to the ship. Or when we are on the ship. They want to fight in the water, where they have the advantage."
"If we go to the ship and try to board, they will attack us in the waterr! That is a very bad idea! I think we need to fight them now! Does anyone have any way to make them fight us now? If I had spells, I could speed up. Captain Oni, do you have any entangle spells ready?"
She asks Thliss'Ka if what she is saying makes sense. Are they waiting to attack us in water?
rose d20+8=11 d4+2=6 Tuesday August 21st, 2007 1:16:35 PM
rose pulls out her bow and gets ready to shoot.
held action shoot arrow when see lizard man.
atack: 11, 12 if point blank damage: 6 (but i dont think it will hit)
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 4m Tuesday August 21st, 2007 6:16:18 PM
"Come now, Vauhwyt, your words surprise me," Berlon says quietly but with a hint of reassurance, "I can not be the only one of us who has fought in such conditions before, can I?"
"Like I said before, they are unsure. On one hand they have superior numbers against us, but on the other hand they threw Lightning Javelins at us and we literally laughed."
"They are trying to take our measure, not quite sure yet what the best course of action is."
He turns to Thliss-Ka. "Am I incorrect?"
Here they come again! (DM MikeK Tuesday August 21st, 2007 8:05:38 PM
Our heroes continue southward with their rescued prisoners, all the while keeping an eye on the constant incursions of lizardfolk from the west. The contact, combined with a lack of anything else, is wearing and fosters considerable speculation among the Dark Horse Guild.
Vauhwyt wonders if they are waiting to attack until the party reaches water, and asks Thliss'Ka his opinion.
"Perhapsss," the scout acknowledges.
Berlon counters that they likely lack the strength for an attack, and are trying to figure out what to do.
Thliss'Ka's answer is the same. "Perhapsss."
It is at this point that the lizardfolk provide some answers.
Sixty feet in front of Umbriel, the lizard with the battleaxe appears. Moving its hands in an intricate pattern, it calls out loudly a series of vocalizations. Seconds later, the lizards from the west appear - a solid line of a dozen or more advancing with javelins in hand. Their intentions do not appear to be friendly.
The lizard leader finishes his incantation, although nothing appears to have come of it. [Spellcraft DC 17 - Highlight to display spoiler: { Summon Nature's Ally II }]
-------
Notes -
'CH' is Ac24 others are ac15
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and All movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Oni 17 AC 70 HP --Sho'va 17 AC 36 HP Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 1:46:08 AM
Oni sees the line of lizardmen lined up against them. Odd he thinks to himself, such discipline. He begins to weave a spell, it was time to attack from a little distance. And, he had no idea what Berlon would do. Sho'va for her part movd over to place her large body betwen oni and the lizards, waiting to attack.
--Oni cast Call lightning, 1 round action
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge ch) d20+16=34 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:27:12 AM
Theodore moves to AC24 and begins to weave his hands in a hypnotic pattern, one hand holding some phosphor, the other a small crystal pyramid.
A spread of beautiful swirling colors appears at Q24. (Cast rainbow pattern in 20' radius spread from Q24. Will save 19 or creature is fascinated. Up to 24 HD worth of creatures can be fascinated, creatures with the lowest HD are affected first, as are creatures closest to the point of the spell's origin. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/rainbowPattern.htm)
"Do not attack the lizardmen staring at the colors!" he warns his friends. "It will break the spell, and they will attack."
Umbriel *ac21 hp52* d20+20=35 d20+13=29 d20+20=38 d20+17=29 d20+13=29 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 11:24:18 AM
Saying softly to the Lizard next to him: Lets get that bastard with the axe.
And then Umbriel begins hunting the lizardman like he would a deer in the forest. Crossbow at the ready. Hide: 35 Listen: 29 Move Silently: 38 Search: 29 Spot: 29
AB31 to AA34
Vauhwyt (AC 19, HP 42 of 57), Mookie (AC15, HP28), and Wolverine (AC14, 28 hp) d100=7 d20+4=6 d20+4=20 d20+1=12 d4+2=6 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 1:34:43 PM
Vauhwyt says, "Hang on, Rose!"
The liontaur moves to 27V (20 feet = half move) and then throws a fuzzy ball from her bag of tricks at the enemy. She throws it the allowed 20 feet into square 28R. It expands into a wolverine and attacks Lizardman 93.
It hits AC6 (miss), AC20 (hit?), and AC12 (miss). The hit does 6 hp damage.
Vauhwyt tells her friends, "Mookie, get ready to tumble and aid next round. Rose, you might want to get on solid ground!"
Spells in effect: None
Spells and resources used:
Six of six 0th Level Seven of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: four of ten this week
One scroll of Unseen Servant.
One of two hero points.
Wolverine Stats Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (28 hp) Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft. Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite -1 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Rage Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10 Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6 Feats: Alertness, Toughness, TrackB
rose Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 3:15:48 PM
rose wont attack the lizardmen looking at theos spell.
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 54s Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 6:56:21 PM
"This is starting to get annoying," Berlon muses out loud as he lowers himself to the ground in preparation of Oni casting a spell.
He will then produce a familiar-looking item, holding it high in the air with a soft purplish glow.
"Everyone make sure we aren't lined up like bowling pins for those lightning javelins; position yourself appropriately."
He finishes using his Pearl of Power, recasting his Silence spell on the leader.
"This is usually where Dietrich would make a rather direct and usually profane threat," he continues to Thliss-Ka. "Would you like to do the honors, or shall I?"
"Oh, and Oni, please don't leave without me..."
Silence - 7 minutes, Will save 16 negates
Second attack - round 1 (DM MikeK) d20+5=10 d20+2=10 d20+2=14 d6=5 d20+1=11 d20+1=19 d6+1=5 d20+1=11 d20+1=6 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 7:18:57 PM
With the appearance of the attacking lizardfolk, the Dark Horse Guild is back on familiar ground, and springs into action.
Oni casts a spell of his own, while Sho'va moves forward in a guarding stance. The large wolf bears its teeth and growls threateningly.
Theo takes a 5' step and casts a spell. A spread of beautiful swirling colors appears in the midst of the approaching line of lizardfolk. No fewer than eight of the enemy stop to contemplate the pretty lights.
Umbriel moves forward, stalking the lizardmand leader. His suggestion apparently appeals to Thliss'Ka, as the warrior hisses a cold "Yesss" back at the drow. Both he and his companion move forward, weapons drawn.
Vauhwyt launches herself toward the line of lizardfolk, and throws a fuzzy ball from her bag of tricks at the enemy. The ball turns into a wolverine, which (at Vauhwyt's command) launches into 93.
Rose holds on for dear life, while Piper flies up to a convenient (and safe) branch.
Berlon hops off of Oni, making sure he doesn't create a line with any more of his allies than necessary. The gnome pulls out his magical Pearl, intending to deal with the spellcasting lizard leader, but finds while he can hear it, its too far away to see. Berlon is forced to wait for his intended target to present itself. Lizard is 110' from Berlon, too far away to spot through the jungle trees.
With the exception of their captian, the sailors hesitantly shift, managing to move somewhat southward while also angling away from the threat of the lizardfolk to the west. "Stand fast boys," Rossa growls. "You all stay with me." The mild retort has it desired effect, as the crew stands by their captain.
-------
A huge bat - the size of a horse - appears in mid air directly above Thliss'Ka. The creature drops down on the stunned lizardman and tries to eat him. But the veteran warrior recovers quickly, and beats the attack aside.
Vauhwyt's wolverine attracts the attention of two of the lizardfolk. They drop their javelins, pull clubs, and strike at the critter. 61 misses, but 93 gives it a good thwacking. [61 miss 93 hits ac14 for 6 hp damage]
The rest of the lizardfolk not fascinated advance.
75 and 54 throw their javelins at Sho'va. The latter throws a strike. [75 miss 93 hits ac19 for 5 hp damage]
76 and 78 throw their javelins at Vauhwyt. Both missile weapons sail wide.
The lizardman leader ducks to his right and slips around Umbriel and the two lizardfolk allies without getting close. The vegetation hindering nearly everyone else's progress doesn't affect it in the slighest. In no time at all, the battleaxe wielding creature has flanked eastern side of the group and closed in on his former prisoners.
----
Notes -
'CH' is Ac22 others are ac15 Lizardfolk colored blue are fascinated.
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and Aal movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Vauhwyt (AC 19, HP 42 of 57), Mookie (AC15, HP28), and Raging Wolverine (AC12, 28 of 34 hp) d20+6=17 d20+6=10 d20+1=6 d4+2=6 d20+9=17 d20+8=10 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:43:56 PM
The Bag Of Tricks Wolverine is enraged by the damage he takes! He gains +4 Str, +4 Con, -2 AC. He attacks lizardfolk 93 as hard as he can! He hits once and inflicts 6 more hp on 93.
Vauhwyt says to Mookie, "That one!"
Mookie flies to square 30T (A tiny creature has no reach and must ENTER an enemy's square to attack. This normally provokes an AoO, but Mookie tries to tumble in to avoid provoking that.) Mookie's tumble check is a 17 -- so he avoids the AoO.
(Normally Mookie stays within 5 feet of Vauhwyt because of shared spells, but in this fight now there are none!)
Mookie tries to use the Aid Another action to help his master. He rolls a 10 -- JUST enough to give a +2 bonus to hit.
Then Vauhwyt wants to charge Lizard 78 with her spear. But Rose is in the way! She uses the Delay action to see if Rose will get out of her charge path! [OOC: I'll post again to finish my turn after I see what Rose does.]
Spells in effect: None
Spells and resources used:
Six of six 0th Level Seven of seven 1st Level Three of three 2nd Level
Bag of Tricks: four of ten this week
One scroll of Unseen Servant.
One of two hero points.
Raging Wolverine Stats Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (34 hp) Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft. Armor Class: 12 (-2 raging +2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Claw +6 melee (1d4+4) Full Attack: 2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d6+2) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Rage Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +9, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 18, Dex 15, Con 23, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10 Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6 Feats: Alertness, Toughness, Track
Oni 17 AC 70 HP --Sho'va 17 AC 31/36 HP d20+12=28 d8+8=15 d6=3 3d6(3+1+3)=7 Wednesday August 22nd, 2007 9:56:54 PM
The javelin knicks Sho'va bouncing off her back. She advances toward the attackers. She moves 25/50 feet to U14 and bites at #54.
As Sho'va moves to attack the enemy, Oni directs a bolt of lightning down on #75.
--Sho'va Hit |AC 28 15 Damage, +3 frost --Oni lightning bolt Reflex DC 16 half, spell resistance yes, Damage 7
Still stalking his prey, Umbriel continues towards the leader. Crossbow at the ready for a swift, decisive strike.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] d20+12=13 Thursday August 23rd, 2007 1:03:20 AM
Shaking off her doldrums, Vorelle does a quick mental assessment. Few arrows remain. It's time to face her opponents.
She moves easily through the undergrowth, seeming to shrug aside clinging branges and impeding roots. She draws her axes as she moves, and stands ready for the enemy to approach.
[Using Woodland Stride, move to X-20. Ready an action to attack any Lizardfolk that comes into range. Miss with a natural 1.]
DM Note Thursday August 23rd, 2007 7:49:54 AM
Movement is hindered. No charging.
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge ch) Thursday August 23rd, 2007 9:17:58 AM
Theodore shifts his hands to his left and the colorful pattern moves to center on Q27 (upper left corner). The already fascinated lizardfolk should follow and 61 and 93 should also be within the spell. (Will save 19 or be fascinated unless they are over the 24 HD limit)
"Keep away from the magic," he warns his friends, eyes still on the swirling pattern as he directs it.
Vauhwyt rolls poorly d20+6=11 d20+4=14 d20+2=13 Thursday August 23rd, 2007 10:01:53 AM
The liontaur moves to 28V and pokes at Lizardfolk 78 with her longspear. but she misses, even with Mookie's Aid Another.
If 78 takes a five foot step to attack her, fine. But if any of the others do so, the first one will most likely provoke an AoO. If so, here is Vauhwyt's roll for the AoO: a 14 is also a miss!
If the raging wolverine is potentially affected by the spell, here is its save: MISSED!
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 48s Thursday August 23rd, 2007 2:49:12 PM
(OOC: Since he couldn't cast the spell last round, can we instead say Berlon did a move towards the chief?)
Muttering to himself that he's unable to target the chief, Berlon will do a double move as far as he can towards the chief.
rose d20+8=18 d4+2=6 Thursday August 23rd, 2007 3:59:05 PM
rose makes sure to move out of vauhwyts way before shooting an arrow at the giant bat.
attack: 18, +1 if point blank damage: 6
Second Attack - round 2 (DM MikeK) Thursday August 23rd, 2007 7:01:52 PM
The enraged wolverine again rips at 93. The lizardfolk is severely bloodied and tottering.
Mookie flaps around 78 in an attempt to distract the lizardman, as Vauhwyt steps in and stabs with her spear. Unfortunately, Mookie is flapping too much for his own good, and the liontaur misses.
Sho'va rushes 54, and rips out most of its shoulder. Frost seals the wound as it falls to the ground.
Meanwhile, a bolt of lightning slams down on 75, leaving a prone, smoking body in its wake.
Somewhere in the shadows of the vegetation, Umbriel stalks the lizard leader.
Vorelle moves forward, ready for action.
Theo eases the ball of pretty colors southward, so that it encases the battle raging between wolverine and two lizardfolk. The mage could not have planned the result any better. Both lizardfolk are enraptured, while the wolverine is still raging.
Berlon struggles southward, moving to catch sight of the chief. As the chief was moving northward at the time, the gnome gets a much better view than he bargained for.
Rose hops off of Vauhwyt, and fires an arrow at the bat. The arrow flies wide. Bat is ac20. Additionally, Rose takes a -4 penalty for firing into melee unless she has the Precise Shot feat.
Thliss'Ka flails twice at the Dire Bat, but misses. His companion leaps to the warriors aid, trying to hit the bat with a club. It also misses.
The sailors, finding the lizard chief standing among them with a battleaxe, leap to the attack. "Get 'im boys!" Rossa roars, and the sailors do their level best to do just that. In no time, the lizard is nearly surrounded, as the sailors whale at it with tree branches. The chief blocks, parries, or just plain avoids every intended blow.
-------
The bat continues its assault on Thliss'Ka. This time it gets through his defense, and draws blood. The hero's ally doesn't appear badly hurt though.
The four lizardfolk opposing Vauhwyt take one look at the oncoming rainbow of death, and decide they've better things to do elsewhere. All four retreat.
Those previously fascinated lizardfolk that are no longer in the swirl of colors move southward, and join their fellows in the contemplation of the cosmos.
Which would make everything just peachy, except it takes only a few seconds to find out the sailors are completely outclassed by the lizard chief they have surrounded. Its battleaxe flashes once, then twice, and a sailor falls - dead before he can utter a sound. A claw attack rakes the face of another sailor. He does at least manage a scream before he is sent flying backwards onto the cold, wet earth and lies motionless.
"By Wardd, its a monster!" cries Rossa, horrified at the resulting carnage of his previous order. "Get out of there! Fall back!"
----
Notes -
'CH' is Ac22 others are ac15 Lizardfolk colored blue are fascinated.
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' required to see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and Aal movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Seeing his opportunity to inflict some major damage on the leader, Umbriel moves to within striking distance. Then, from the Shadows a crossbow bolt wizzies from nowhere, striking the axe weilding lizard deeply into his side.
*Attack ch from a flanking position, and from a Hidden spot, allows sneak attack damage.* Hit ac 32 *nat.20* Hit ac 29 *followed up for the crit threat* Damage: 15 Sneak Attack Damage: 20
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] Friday August 24th, 2007 12:22:49 AM
Realizing that the sailors are hopelessly outclassed, Vorelle hastens to assist them.
[Using Woodland Stride, double move to AF-27]
Oni 17 AC 70 HP --Sho'va 17 AC 31/36 HP 3d6(1+4+1)=6 Friday August 24th, 2007 2:55:31 AM
Oni rushes foirward the woods not bothering him. When he puts some ground behind him he can see more of what is happening in front of him. He can see the lizards near Vauhwyt, so he decides to concentrate his next lighnting bolt on one of them. Sho'va follows the best she can.
--Move to AA31 Concentrate bolt at #78Reflex DC 16 half 6
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge ch) Friday August 24th, 2007 9:00:24 AM
"Pull your wolverine back, Vauhwyt, if you can," Theodore says to his friend. He keeps his concentration on the swirling colors. "No sense in attacking them if they're not attacking us."
His arms continue to weave in his hypnotic pattern.
Berlon - AC 20 HP 40/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 42s d20+8=21 d8+4=6 Friday August 24th, 2007 10:15:20 AM
"Fools!" Berlon curses under his breath as he moves to engage the chief. As a move action he will press forward, getting into flanking position if possible. (move action)
He swings his heavy mace down, still affected with the strength granted by Alemi.
Heavy Mace attack hits AC 23 (with flanking bonus) for 6 damage.
Vauhwyt calls Mookie back, and also tries to call the enraged wolverine back into the Bag of Tricks. She does not know if that will work, because those things fight to the death once enraged.
If not, the wolverine misses twice and then bites AC18 for 8.
rose d4+1=5 d4+1=5 Saturday August 25th, 2007 10:40:11 AM
rose pulls out her wand of magic missile and points it at the lizard chief.
wand magic missile: 10 damage.
Second Attack - round 3 (DM MikeK) Sunday August 26th, 2007 1:45:47 PM
Seemingly from nowhere, a crossbow bolt slams into the lizard chief's side. It yeowls in pain, and swivels toward the direction of the attack. In vain, the lizardman searches for the shooter.
Vorelle rushes to the aid of the sailors as well.
Oni moves south, trying to get a better understanding of the battlefield situation. Seeing the lizardfolk retreating before Vauhwyt, the black centaur helps them on their way. A weak lightning bolt strikes 78. Sho'va looks down at the lizardfolk he dropped, and then questioningly at the centaur. The wolf decides to finish the job first, and makes sure 54 never gets up. [Sho'va Coup de Grace on 54]
Theo continues weaving his hands, keeping the nine lizardfolk he's entranced under control. The mage asks Vauhwyt to pull back the wolverine.
Berlon mutters a curse, and moves in to attck the lizard chief. The gnome wants to flank, but due to his small size, doesn't have much time to get into postion. The cleric decides to chance it, and cuts right across the fray. The lizard chief lashes out as Berlon moves past, striking hard with his battle axe. [Berlon moves to AH29 to get flank attack. Due to his 10' move speed in this jungle, he must pass through AH28 to do this, drawing an AoO when he exits the threatend square. Lizard chief hits ac30 for 12 hp damage.]
Berlon responds with a strike of his own.
Vauhwyt tries to call the wolverine back, but the animal is having none of it. It rips into 93, sending the lizard man crashing limply to the ground. Mookie hurriedly returns to the liontaur's pocket.
Rose also turns to aid the sailors. The halfling lets her bow fall, draws a wand, and fires two magic missiles at the lizard chief. They strike with a satisfying "urk". Rose needed to drop bow (free action) in order to draw and fire wand.
Thliss'Ka and his companion are still dealing with the horse-sized bat. The lizard warrior gets two nice sword strokes in, but the other one misses. The bat is bloodied, but still fighting.
Whether its Rossa's cry to fall back, the arrival of members of the Dark Horse Guild, or the plain fact that the lizard chief is cutting them to ribbons, the sailor think better of attacking. All scramble away from the fiend with the battleaxe. Rossa moves around and grabs hold of his wounded crewmember, seeking to pull him out of danger.
-------
The bat continues its assault on Thliss'Ka. Again, it strikes, and the lizardman is beginning to show the effects of the multiple battles (under 50% hp remaining).
Helped along by a lightning bolt, the last four lizardfolk continue to retreat. They start to disappear into the vegetation. Note distances if attempting to spot and engage next round
The lizard chief is looking pretty bad. Given all the damage he's taken, the fact he's standing at all is somewhat surprising. But its obvious he's not going to last long against the combined might of the party, and he knows it. A quick glance around, and the chief elects to run past the pesky gnome in order to escape. He disappears into the vegetation due east. [Withdraw action. However, chief's path takes him through a second threatened square - Berlon gets one AoO]
[Chief has moved out of 90' visibility, and so cannot be attacked. PCs can pursue if desired, but he's moving pretty fast.]
----
Notes -
'CH' is Ac22 others are ac15 Lizardfolk colored blue are fascinated.
Line of Sight is limited to 60' due to all the trees and plants and such in the swamp. A Spot check DC 20 +1 for each 5' square beyond 60' requiredto see anyone from 65-90 feet away. It is not possible to see anything beyond 90'
Cannot run and Aal movement in woods is halved unless have special ability. There is no trail.
Please indicate position - destination of movement, center of spell effect, etc - by use of the grids on the map. Otherwise, such direction is subject to misinterpretation.
Please remember to make save rolls for animal companions/familiars.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] d20+12=23 Sunday August 26th, 2007 11:50:07 PM
Vorelle tries to keep track of the sailors as they scatter from the threat. They don't want to lose anybody at this stage.
[Spot 23]
Oni 17 AC 70 HP --Sho'va 17 AC 31/36 HP 3d6(3+5+5)=13 Monday August 27th, 2007 5:04:02 AM
Oni watches as the lizard warriors retreat, not having their full force. It is then that he notices the large bat fighting Thlisska. Directing his concentration at the bat he concentrates another bolt of electricity at the flying creature. Having used 3 bolts, he knows he should have at least 2 left.
--Lightning bolt at Bat Refex DC 16 half 13 damage
Berlon - AC 20 HP 28/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 36s d20+11=23 d8+4=8 d8+8=12 d8+5=8 Monday August 27th, 2007 9:05:49 AM
Berlon grunts as he trades blows with the powerful lizardman, and is slightly surprised to see the chief decide to flee. Not so surprised, however, that he can't bring his mace upside his head.
Heavy Mace AoO hits AC 23 for 8 damage.
If the chief doesn't fall, Berlon yells one final threat.
"Surrender immediately or you will not see the morrow! This is your only chance!"
That said, Berlon takes a moment to heal his wounds, casting Cure Light Wounds on himself. (standard action)
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge ch) Monday August 27th, 2007 9:11:23 AM
"Take care of that wolverine!" Theodore again urges Vauhwyt. "The lizardmen are helpless now. Kill the beast, if you have to!"
Theodore continues to concentrate on his spell and keeping the fascinated lizardmen distracted.
Vauhwyt Monday August 27th, 2007 2:48:44 PM
Now that it has dropped its foe, Vauhwyt thinks she should be able to call the wolverine back into the Bag of Tricks. She does so.
Interlude (DM MikeK) Monday August 27th, 2007 7:50:23 PM
Vorelle stops, and makes sure she has sight of the scattering sailors.
Oni directs a lightning bolt at the bat, a risky idea with Thliss'Ka directly underneath the creature. I gave the bolt a 50% chance of hitting Thliss'Ka as well. Rolled 18 - hit The bat is able to slip to the side, avoiding the brunt of the electrical discharge. The lizardman cannot do the same, and it catches him full in the face.
Berlon smacks the retreating lizard chief with a solid blow, but it does not bring it down. The gnome calls out a challenge as he stows both his mace and casts a healing spell upon himself. Berlon will also need to drop or stow his shield prior to employing a heavy crossbow, as it requires two hands.
Theodore reiterates his desire that something be done about that crazy wolverine.
Vauhwyt again calls the wolverine back, and this time it complies. With a quick 'poof', the critter is gone.
Despite the efforts of the bat, and Oni's "help", Thliss'Ka is still fighting. A backhand slash connects deeply into the summoned creature's abdomen, and with a shriek, it disappears.
The sailors stop and look about, trying to decide what to do next.
Rossa drops to his knees, rips off his shirt, and wraps it around his wounded man, trying desperately to staunch the flow of blood from a wicked stomach wound.
-------
There is no sign of the chief or the four other lizardfolk.
Theo's seven entranced lizardfolk remain that way. How long he can hold them, and what happens when he can't, are two of the more relevant questions at this time.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 41/63] d20+14=26 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 1:05:18 AM
Knowing she can catch up with the others, Vorelle pulls out her healer's kit and takes a moment to help with the wounded sailor.
[Heal 26]
Oni 17 AC 70 HP --Sho'va 17 AC 31/36 HP Tuesday August 28th, 2007 3:47:58 AM
Oni movs up to where Thliss'Ka is standing. Right next to hoim, Onis says "My apologies, magic goes wild on me at times."
Oni searches for and pulls out his wand of healing ready to tap the lizzard in the next action.
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor) Tuesday August 28th, 2007 9:50:49 AM
Theodore continues to concentrate on his spell.
"Ideas on what to do with these fellows?" he asks the others. "As long as I concentrate on this spell, they will be fascinated, but any hostile movements towards them will break the spell. I won't allow any attacks against them while held."
Weaving his hands, he continues on, "Right now, I'm thinking we bring them with us to the boat. I can move the spell and have them follow us or go before us, whichever is best. They'll serve as hostages against further attacks and we can decide what to do with them at the boat."
Posting Report for 8/20/07 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 10:19:36 AM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXX Berlon XXXXX Oni OXXXX Rose XXXXX Theodore XXXXX Umbriel XXXXX Vauhwyt XXXXX Vorelle XXOXX
Great posting this past week!
ADM Shegger
Vauhwyt d20+10=26 d8+1=4 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 10:31:43 AM
If a sailor is alive but in the negatives, Vauhwyt will read a cure light wounds scroll: she cures 4 hp on the sailor.
She also says to Captain Rossa that she is sorry one sailor died. "He was brave and true. I am sorry for your loss."
"We should surround these lizardfolk so that when Theo releases the magic, they will see that they have no chance to escape."
Vauhwyt says that Thliss'Ka should decide. They are his people. But if they are evil cultists, the liontaur suggests death. If they are just regular folk, she suggests that they could be let go to spread the word that Thliss'Ka is coming back.
But she says that whatever the lizardfolk leader wants is okay by her.
rose d4+1=4 d4+1=2 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 1:53:19 PM
if the bat's still around rose will use her wand of magic missiles again. (6 damage)
Berlon - AC 20 HP 36/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 30s d8+5=8 d20+11=26 Tuesday August 28th, 2007 3:37:10 PM
Berlon takes the opportunity to check on both the wounded and the dead, and will insist on not leaving any friendly corpses behind...
"Thank you for assisting with the first aid," he says to Vorelle, "and let me assist you with yours."
What to do, what to do (DM MikeK) Tuesday August 28th, 2007 8:54:31 PM
Vorelle binds up the wounds of the unconscious sailor, and Vauhwyt casts a spell. The more serious sword slash heals as the spell's power takes hold and his eyes flutter open. Berlon also checks up on him, and confirms that while he's not 100%, the man can move under his own power.
Oni prepares to heal Thliss'Ka's considerable wounds as well. The lizardman hisses a grateful "Thank you, Dark Horse." He doesn't even acknowledge the errant lightning bolt. The bat is gone.
Theo, hands still waving, asks what to do about the entranced lizardfolk. Vauhwyt tries to turn the matter over to Thliss'Ka, surprising the warrior.
He considers, but Rossa jumps up. Face red with rage, he yells, "Whaddya mean whadda we do? Slit their throats and let 'em rot! My man is dead, and those droppings will go for more first chance we give 'em." The captain starts looking around and his feet, as if he expects a weapon to just appear. "Give me a knife. I'll deal with this right now." His crew murmurs assent, and look hatefully toward the loitering lizardfolk.
Rose's bow is still on the ground.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 49/63] Tuesday August 28th, 2007 11:53:45 PM
Vorelle begins putting her healer's kit away when the real healers show up. Berlon casts a spell, and she feels some of the pain of her injuries recede as a few of the wounds close. She shifts her shoulders a little and sighs with relief.
"Th-th-thank you," she says to Berlon.
Then Rossa jumps up, determined to slay the entranced lizardfolk.
"N-n-no!" cries Vorelle. "W-wait! Y-you'll b-b-break the sp-spell!"
Moving quickly, she tries to step in front of the enraged captain.
Vauhwyt Wednesday August 29th, 2007 9:43:47 AM
The liontaur explains to Captain Rossa that the lizardfolk are just footsoldiers. The enemy are the cultists who mislead them into evil. "Kill the leadership and the rest will follow noble Thliss'Ka, herre."
Oni 17 AC 70 HP --Sho'va 17 AC 31/36 HP Wednesday August 29th, 2007 10:00:29 AM
Standing next to Thliss'ka, oni will heal all his wounds. He also offers to heal the wounds of anyone else.
"Save your magics Berlon, we may need them in near future."
Talking to the group as a whole, "Captain Rosa dsoes not listen to advice. He is used to doing things his way, and his way only. I hope someone can talk sense into the man, i failed."
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor) Wednesday August 29th, 2007 10:19:01 AM
"Captain Rossa, I will not allow you to attack them. I understand that you are upset at the loss of your friend, but none of these lizardmen killed him. They are all entranced at the moment and won't harm us further unless someone breaks the spell by making a hostile move against them."
"Until we come up with a better solution, I will continue the spell and have their group march in front of us," says Theodore.
He slowly moves the swirling pattern to the south, making sure to give the captain and his men a wide berth. Once the group starts marching, Theodore will keep the spell, and the lizardfolk, moving about forty feet ahead of the main party.
rose Wednesday August 29th, 2007 2:06:02 PM
rose picks up her bow and puts it away, she doesnt get into the discussion because she doubts the captain will listen to her.
Berlon - AC 20 HP 36/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 24s Wednesday August 29th, 2007 4:16:22 PM
"*My* magics?" Berlon says, feigning being taken aback, "it is not MY magics they should be concerned about!" He is practically yelling now, making a show of things for the angered sailors.
"Why, had their leader not taken him by surprise, the full fury of The Future Prince of Dirt City would have saved the day in no time!" He smiles and and waves proudly towards Theo.
"But see, young Theo!" patting the mage heartily on the back and lowering his voice to a whipser, "once again, it is all a matter of resources! Certainly, the pretty lights are a good measure against many enemies, but..." he turns and looks towards the stupified lizards, "it doesn't really *solve* the problem, now, does it? I mean, unless one is willing to kill something while it stares defenselessly into space..."
He then addresses everyone as a whole. "And you are all being overly dramatic. There's an old gnomish saying that goes..." he pauses for a moment. "Never mind, it's hard to translate. The point is this: we have vanquished them and sent their leader bleeding into the jungle night. Let them go, Theo. They will flee before us, and if not, they will perish as the others."
Discussions (DM MikeK) Wednesday August 29th, 2007 8:16:53 PM
Reactions to Rossa's actions are varied.
Vorelle steps in front of Rossa, trying to prevent the captain from following through on his threat.
Vauhwyt tries to reason with him, explaining the group needs to concentrate on the leadership.
Oni has had enough of the sailor, as his remarks make plain. The taur does take the time to heal up Thliss'Ka.
Theo makes it plain the lizardfolk are his prisoners. The mage will allow no harm to come to them.
Rose picks up her bow and stays out of the way.
Berlon plays up the drama, before turning the tables and pointing out that just letting the lizardfolk go should do the trick.
Rossa tries to step around Vorelle, and simply ignores Oni and Vauhwyt. It is Theodore's comment that makes him pause. He stands rigidly, his face tight-lipped as his eyes bore a hole into the mage. The wheels turn in his head, as he considers the words just spoken. "Very well," he capitulates. "You have captured them, and so by right they fall under your dominion. I will abide your decision."
Rossa wheels, looking upward defiantly at the centaur towering above his head. "Perhaps, someday, I will have the good fortune to lecture you on leadership while your comrade's bodies still steam from their wounds," he remarks nastily. "Until that time, I would prefer to deal with your wizard - a true citizen of Dirt City."
Rossa returns to his men, where they put together a makeshift litter for their dead man. Upon completion, they all stand and wait expectantly. By the sulleness etched into their faces, it appears they will unhappily go along with whatever they're told.
Thliss'Ka steps up to Oni. "My kinfolk will return to Ver-lai, the warlord," he nods to the east, the direction the lizard warrior ran off in. "He is powerful, and rules many hundreds. If the shaman has allied with him, they have a mighty army. Release them, and they will return to fight again."
The lizardman looks at Oni, his reptillian face expressionless.
"We are very close to the water. Shall we stay, or move on?"
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 49/63] d20+12=21 d20+12=31 Wednesday August 29th, 2007 11:48:02 PM
"W-we should g-g-g-go," Vorelle says. She looks anxiously about as the others make their decisions. She does not think they can withstand another such attack.
[Spot 21, Listen 31]
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor) Thursday August 30th, 2007 9:20:31 AM
Theodore rolls his eyes at Berlon's continued teasing concerning the skinny wizard and his lack of aspirations for the throne.
"You're right, of course, Berlon. We do have a problem. What will we do when I must release this spell. I have no doubt we could slaughter these few lizardfolk, but I think we will come up with a better way. As Thliss-Ka has said, if I were to set them free now, they would most likely return to harass us later on."
Theodore then moves his spell to forty feet ahead of the group's path, swinging the colors in a wide berth from Rossa and his crew so there are no temptations to go back on his word.
"Captain Rossa, you are an honorable man. I appreciate your restraint. We, too, have lost a close friend." The wizard reflects briefly on the heroic Jack.
He turns his attention back to the lizardmen in front of him. "If we are ready to continue, I will keep the lizardmen walking ahead of us. Perhaps having them will deter any further attacks."
Theodore speaks to Macaw and sends the raven up through the trees, again. This time, the familiar is to fly ahead of the party to the waiting ship and deliver a message to the crew.
The message is brief: "The Dark Horse Guild is returning to the ship, shortly. A group of lizardmen leads the way. They are prisoners. Do not attack them."
rose Thursday August 30th, 2007 12:16:51 PM
Rose pulls some rope out of her bag. "Why dont we just tie them up and hide them so their friends cant find them? They should be ok for a few days and then Thliss-Ka can come back and rescue them. We shouldnt take them back to dirt city with us, they wont be safe there."
Berlon - AC 20 HP 36/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 18s Thursday August 30th, 2007 1:33:40 PM
Berlon seems unconcerned with the ongoing debate. "Let's keep moving back to the ship. If Theo wants to string them along until we are there, and then release them as far away as possible, that works too."
Shoreline sighted (DM MikeK) Thursday August 30th, 2007 9:20:57 PM
The highly charged emotional aftershock of the battle subsides, and despite some disagreement by Rose, general consensus is for moving on.
Macaw returns to Theo within minutes of leaving, something of surprise. But the mage's familiar assures the man that it found the boat and delivered the message.
Its an odd procession indeed. A swirl of lights, within which eight lizardfolk walk unawares, is followed by Thliss'Ka and seven rescued men, carrying an eighth who didn't quite get away. They in turn are followed and flanked by the experienced and watchful Dark Horse Guild.
Within a minute or two of marching, the swamp gives way to mangrove trees and brackish water. There is no path, and the raised, intertwined roots of the trees make walking across them even more difficult and time consuming than before. Somehow, the entranced lizardfolk manage to continue on without breaking out of the spell or breaking any appendages.
Ten minutes after the arduous march began, it is over. The group finds themselves on the bank of the bay as the sun rises in the east. The Dark Horse, in flatboat form, is pulled close to the shore - perhaps 30' off. On board, a cluster of sailors nervously eye the lizardfolk over the sights of well-aimed crossbows. But they don't fire. A much happier looking Champ wags his tail energetically. But even now, on the brink of a face slobbering homecoming, the hound knows better than to bark out loud.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 49/63] Friday August 31st, 2007 2:13:23 AM
Vorelle eyes her dog nervously. Just because he isn't barking now doesn't mean he won't start. She hurries to the boat as quickly as possible, taking care to avoid the enraptured lizardfolk.
Oni Friday August 31st, 2007 6:31:05 AM
Oni had used his wand of healing on everyone but those of Rossa's crew. He allowed them to make the makeshift gurney,and carry their comrade out. Rossa needed something to concentrate on. Once the boat is in sight, Oni moves to the wounded man and hels all his wounds.
"On the ship, Tara is in control, Iask you crew members to respect her authority. I expect Captain Rossa to support her as well. We saved you from death, this is what I require of you as payment."
Oni makes sure that Sho'va is healed as well. An empty feeling is stuck in his own craw as he considers the beast. Borrowing a dagger from someone he reaches down and cuts loose the Tear of Eberyon, given to the wolf. Holding the tear in his hand, he casts a spell, and begins to bark and growl.
He releases Sho'va from her oath of companionship. This immenent attack meant bad things for all creatues wild. He releases her to tell the wild wolves of the impending danger to all in the area, and her own pack, miles, even days away. He c annot stand by and allow the creatuires to be caught unawares.
Theodore & Macaw HP 28/29 AC 16 (mage armor) Friday August 31st, 2007 9:38:49 AM
"Now we have a decision to make," Theodore says. He keeps his main focus on the spell as he speaks to the others. "I think if I release the spell and these lizardfolk see crossbows, bows, and unsheathed weapons in the hands of a superior force, they will retreat without a fight. However, I think it would be beneficial to take one or two hostage so we might try to learn the enemy's plans. That might be difficult as any hostile move towards them, such as approaching them with a rope, will break the spell. And I believe they will definitely fight to resist capture. Thoughts?"
Berlon - AC 20 HP 36/44 - Bull's Strength 3m 12s Friday August 31st, 2007 12:22:16 PM
"Get everyone on the ship, and then dismiss the spell once we are at its maximum range. In the unlikely event they still have fight left in them everyone fires upon them. Let's get going."
rose Friday August 31st, 2007 6:15:37 PM
rose waits while everyone decides what they should do.
Vauhwyt Friday August 31st, 2007 10:05:57 PM
Vauhwyt will be among the last to go on ship.
She still thinks that Thliss'Ka should be the one to have a big say int he matter of his kinfolk. Does he know any? Are any of them the sort that might convert to his cause? Should we send a message to this Ver-lai fellow that if he continues to consort with Marteus followers and plan to invade Dirt City, he will pay with his life?
She tells everyone hre thoughts as the party prepares to board the ship.
She adds that she only wants to stay aboard for a night, to recoup resources, then to come back for a second blow.
Nice boat (DM MikeK) Monday September 3rd, 2007 9:41:36 AM
With Dark Horse in flatboat form, Tara is able to manuever close enough to the shore for ropes to be flung acoss. A couple of Rossa's sailors grab them and expertly tie them off, hauling the boat even closer. In rapid order, the boat is snuggled up into the root system of the mangrove, and it becomes possible to board without getting wetter than a tromp through the swamp has already accomplished.
Vorelle leaps across, and reunites with Champ. The dog licks her face and sniffs...well, everywhere, and refuses to be more than half a foot away from the ranger for the rest of the day.
Oni completes the healing on the wounded sailor, and then informs the crew of who is in charge, and the price of their rescue. His statement is met with puzzled looks by the sailors. Rossa stands stunned for a half second or so before recovering. "Accepted," he declares, somewhat formally. The puzzled looks now are focused on him. Rossa waves them to the boat. The sailors embark, most looking at the small flat boat with unhappy surprise. A couple look curiously at Tara, who simply nods to them.
Meanwhile, the black colored centaur has turned to his canine companion for much more unpleasant duty. In a series of gutteral growls, he releases Sho'va. The wolf's ears stand straight up and he cocks his head sideways, considering what has just happened. The scene remains frozen for several long moments, as wolf regards centaur. Finally, the wolf's head ducks, once, and then it turns and silently disappears into the trees.
Rossa is more direct with the navigator as he comes on board, "Tara?" he asks, not quite sure of her identity. The woman nods respectfully, and the former captain of Rossa's Pride exhales in surprise. "Huh", he exclaims. "Well, you sure moved up," he looks around the small boat while adding a more unsure, "I guess."
Tara lets a half-grin escape. "You'd be surprised," she remarks cryptically. The smile leaves as she glances at the covered body and back at Rossa, the unasked question obvious in her features. Rossa looks back at the body sadly. "Darrin", he replies.
A look of relief crosses the navigator's face. She recovers, and nods again to Rossa. "I'm sorry," she says, politely. It is Rossa's turn to nod. Then, he moves off with his crew, most of whom are discussing Dark Horse with Landry, one of the crew. Their opinion is not favorable.
"She's bigger than you think," Landry is saying. The Rossa crew snorts collectively. "Its Wardd's Luck you're still afloat," one offers. "One ten-footer, an' you're underwater. Landry shrugs. "By this time tomorrow, all of you lying end to end won't be able to touch stem nor stern." The declaration draws the collective laughter of the crew.
By the time the conversation is over, Landry has nearly 50sp invested in various bets concerning the size the boat, all of which are contingent on its form in 24 hours.
The rest of the Dark Horse Gang considers the prisoners. Vauhwyt asks Thliss'Ka for his ideas.
"Ssssail and releaasssse," he responds. "I will ssstay and talk with them. Ssssome will go back to Ver-lai. But I think ssssome will come with me."
OOC - DM is trying to figure out time of day. Looks like the attack on fort was a night attack. Therefore, it is dawn. Please note that future night attacks will have more limited visibility than occurred this time around.
Vorelle and Champ Monday September 3rd, 2007 11:16:52 AM
Vorelle pets Champ energetically and laughs off his enthusiastic welcome. Since the group is still in hostile territory, she concentrates on keeping him quiet as the sailors make ready to get underway.
Oni Monday September 3rd, 2007 12:13:01 PM
Oni stands in the water and watches as his companion fades into the jungle. Heart contrite, wishing he could alo take flight into the wildrness. The amasing army in the jungle would mean bad things for all animals near and far. It was only right, hios pack, would need to be notified.
Rossa accepts the new leaders command, although Oni perceives a bit of resentent. Tara probably served Rossa in other times. The man truly needed to be set down a peg or two.
Still no true plan in sight, Oni continues to watch the captives, agreeing with the wisdom of Thliss'ka. He would need loyalty, not traitors. Although their mission was to find and secure the figurehead, now the big problem remained. Could they reach Dirt City in time to warn of the invasion? One would think travel bysea would be faster than overland, but ,agic always tip[ped the scales. Oni and th others, really had no idea about the supposed force going to atack the city.
Master Berlonn always had the right keen advice, Oni would seek out his thoughts. Prince Theo, interesting young man, could be a prince Oni surmises. Shaking his head he had alot to think over.
Vauhwyt Monday September 3rd, 2007 6:03:08 PM
Before the lizard-man chief heads off, Vauhwyt thanks him for his help and lets him know that the Dark Horse Guild may be back in a day or two to attack again.
"These Marteus cultists need to be taken down a notch."
Vauhwyt brings Tara entirely up to date on events that just transpired. Especially, she tells the navigator/acting-captain-when-we-are-away that the city needs to be warned about the possible coming attack. If she returns without us, then it is her duty to report back to all the houses that contributed crew to the ship.
Vauhwyt's preference is to get out of sight of land, rest up, then return for another attack. Once again, Tara and crew would have orders to wait a day or two, then sail off without us. Thoughts?
Theodore & Macaw Monday September 3rd, 2007 9:37:45 PM
Theodore boards the boat, maintaining his concentration on the spell. He waits until everyone else is on board, then calls out to Thliss-Ka.
"Let me know when to release the spell!"
When the lizardman gives the go ahead, Theodore will cease his hold on the spell. He gives a short huff and wipes his forhead before aiming his crossbow at an enemy lizardman, ready for a hostile action.
Posting Report for 8/27/07 Monday September 3rd, 2007 9:48:03 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXX Berlon XXXXX Oni XXXOX Rose OXXXX Theodore XXXXX Vauhwyt XXXXX Vorelle XXXXX
ADM Shegger
Berlon - AC 20 HP 36/44 Tuesday September 4th, 2007 9:28:01 AM
Berlon seems uninterested in the scene unfolding on the ship, and rather more intent on catching up on a quick forty winks, and then preparing for his morning devotions.
Lizardfolk debate (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 4th, 2007 7:33:40 PM
The Dark Horse Guild board the increasingly cramped flatboat. Theo struggles to keep his concentration, but manages. At Oni's signal, Tara calls for the Dark Horse to be pulled back. Sailors strain at oars, and the boat glides stubbornly back into the bay.
After a bit, Thliss'Ka raises an arm, and the mage releases the spell.
The lizardfolk shake their heads and turn on Thliss'Ka, who discusses the situation. They are too far away to hear, and likely speaking draconic anyway. But the discussions appear to be heated, and involve a lot of sword waving on the part of the hero's ally. The biggest lizardman in the audience steps forward, and the discussion becomes more pointed, and eventually degrades into a duel of some sort. Thliss'Ka proceeds to beat the stuffing out of his antagonist, while the rest simply watch.
When its over, one of the group grabs the unconscious lizardman and retreats into the swamp. The rest kneel in front of Thliss'Ka.
It is dawn, and everyone needs a lot sleep.
Tara asks Oni whether or not to pick up Thliss'Ka - "we don't have room for all of those things", and whether or not to put out to sea, and whether or not to make for Dirt City.
Vorelle and Champ Wednesday September 5th, 2007 12:19:23 AM
Now that there is some distance between them and the shoreline, Champ has begun his new favorite pastime, barking at Mookie.
Vorelle stifles a yawn. She has been up all night, but she resolves to stay alert for a few more hours. Spellcasters should rest first, she thinks.
Oni Wednesday September 5th, 2007 12:49:12 AM
Oni waits to hear the suggestions of the other members of the party. He figured it would not take all of them to return to Dirt City with the news. But he doesnt want to be stranded either. Patience, wait to see what the otherstink.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday September 5th, 2007 9:03:07 AM
"I think it would be prudent to ask these lizardfolk what they know of the attack on Dirt City, before we go. Depending on their information, we can better decide what to do next."
Theodore looks at Tara. "Would you be kind enough to take us back to shore for a few minutes?"
Vauhwyt Wednesday September 5th, 2007 1:00:07 PM
The liontaur repeats her opinion that the ship should put off-shore, resume full size, and the party should rest up. Then go back to fight more.
Let the ship wait a day or two, then sail for home with news.
rose Wednesday September 5th, 2007 2:22:24 PM "Dont call people things." Rose says when she hears what is being said. "Although I do think we should question the lizardfolk about the attack."
Berlon Wednesday September 5th, 2007 5:28:55 PM
Making sure to heal everyone up with his remaining spells (2 2nds, a 3rd and a 4th if it matters) before he retires for the night.
"We can make a token offer to Thliss-Ka, but I am sure he is fine for now. I have a feeling he's back in charge."
With that he will begin his morning devotions and leave the debating to the others.
Ship to shore (DM MikeK) Thursday September 6th, 2007 2:44:14 PM
The Dark Horse Guild remain aboard their vessel, discussing next steps. Their mission to rescue the remaining crew of Rossa's Pride was a success, and they've renewed acquaintences with the lizardfolk warrior Thliss'Ka. Additionally, they've recovered a sheet of paper containing a list of names - a list that still needs to be considered.
But mostly, they've been awake for nearly 24 hours now, and need some sleep.
Before that can happen, though, Theo and Rose want to go back and speak with Thliss'Ka. The mage even asks Tara to go back, while Rose corrects the navigator on her identification skills.
Tara is confused by Rose's assertion. "But, they're not people," she protests. "They're lizards."
Regardless, she orders the boat back into the shoreline. Thliss'Ka motions his expanded company
to stand back, and steps forward so that he is within a few feet of the boat. Berlon will recall that the lizardman wasn't nearby the last time Theo read off the list of names.
Vauhwyt - Highlight to display spoiler: { Thinking back on the list, one of the goblinoid names Theo read was Fantta. That is the name of a goblin engraved in her memory. When last she knew him, he was the son of a certain goblin chief.......}
Oni Thursday September 6th, 2007 5:45:49 PM
Oni leaves Theo to talk to Thliss'Ka. Berlon is praying. The others walk the oat preparing for rest. Oni moves to Vauhwyt.
"I wasn't paying attention, how far away from Dirt City are we? I do agree with you we should not leave until we have the mast, or at the least, our newest ally is placed back in charge. I don't trust Captain Rossa, so any decision we make keep that in mind. He only looks out for 'his' interests. Anyway, we do need rest."
Vorelle d20+12=16 d20+12=16 Thursday September 6th, 2007 11:57:20 PM
Not a speaker for the group, Vorelle stands back as they approach Thliss'Ka. She concentrates on keeping Champ out of trouble, and on staying alert for signs of trouble.
[Spot 16, Listen 16. I was going to offer to apply a fatigue penalty, but I see the dice have done it for me ;) ]
Vauhwyt Friday September 7th, 2007 7:51:41 AM
Vauhwyt is no geography scholar, but she thinks she has an answer for Captain Oni, and she answers him very quietly: "We're west of Dirt City, not so far as Blackbird Lake or Aisildurr. It should not take long to get home."
"Maybe we should read the names to Thliss'Ka before we do anything else?" If no one objects, she ask him about the names she recalls that Theo mentioned.
She also whispers to her friends, "A name on that list of cultists is nagging on my mind. Does the name "Fantta" ring a bell with anyone? I think he was a goblin?"
Vauhwyt still thinks the party should rest up and then go back for more.
Theodore & Macaw Friday September 7th, 2007 9:11:04 AM
Theodore moves close to the front of the boat, holding on to the rail as he leans over the water. "Thliss'Ka, can the captured lizardfolk tell us anything about their plans to attack Dirt City. Specifically, we're looking for when, how many, and how. Anything, however insignificant, will be helpful."
After his conversation with Thliss'Ka, Theodore turns to the others, "I think someone needs to return to the City to warn them of the attack. I don't think we all need to, but definitely one or two. Jeraldh trusts us and will be able to rally the people. If no one else is able, I will go. I believe I can get there faster with spells."
Berlon Friday September 7th, 2007 10:11:07 AM
Berlon arches an eyebrow at Theo's offer. "No splitting up!" he mutters...
"Besides, I am sure we are faster than an attacking horde of lizardmen. Not to mention the fact that they have other concerns right now. I am sure we can get back to the city in time if need be..."
rose Friday September 7th, 2007 11:56:30 AM "No splitting up! we need to get back to dirt city. we dont know how many lizardmen there are, but I'm sure that there's to many for us to handle."
Names and dates (DM MikeK) Friday September 7th, 2007 2:45:09 PM
The Dark Horse is 18 hours sail from Dirt City, if in Sailing Ship form.
The group confers amongst itself, debating whether to split up or not. And, if not whether to warn Dirt City now or later. Thliss'Ka is invited to comment upon the names.
The lizardman listens carefully as Theo recites them.
"Mogg-ka, Maar-ha, and Ver-lai are great chiefs," he answers immediately. "They lead the sstrongesst tribessss." He ducks his head glumly. "Ver-lai now leads my tribe as well." He points to the other lizardfolk standing over in the trees. "They have sssaid thisss. All tribesss now follow the three chiefsss, and the shaman. Tens of hundreds of warriorssss - three, perhapsss four. I do not know when they will do thisss, but it will be soon. They will attack your city. They know even now they have too few, but the shaman has ssssaid they have help."
Thliss'Ka thinks some more, and shakes his head.
"The other names, I do not know," he states. "Perhappssss the help?"
The older members of the group might recall the names Graitchen and Ba'bac. Feel free to check the archives :)
The decision on what to do next remains unanswered.
Vauhwyt Friday September 7th, 2007 4:51:28 PM
"Hmmm ..."
"Some of those other names are Marteus cultists. That Ba'bac is an assassin who committed suicide rather than be captured by us. Evidently he has been raised from death."
"Well, we can certainly get home quicker than an army of three to four thousand can! But we won't be able to stop this invasion by ourselves all alone."
"Is it worth it to try to strike at the head now? Before heading home?"
"Or should we head for home right now?"
Theodore & Macaw Saturday September 8th, 2007 10:10:30 AM
"We need to warn the City," Theodore states, without hesitation. "If we try to attack and fail, then the City has no way of knowing they are in danger."
Theodore looks first to Berlon and then to Rose. "I understand your trepidation at splitting up, but I feel it necessary to warn our people of their danger. If the others want to stay here, then I will have to return to the City to give them the news."
He shrugs as if there were no other way. "I would much prefer everyone came with me, of course. Either way, I'm returning home."
Oni Sunday September 9th, 2007 5:39:55 AM
Oni listens to everyone, especially those who have family ties in Dirt City. The group needed reast, so he figured they coiuld rest on the way back.
He nods to Theo and goes to Tara. "Wwe better return to Dirt City. With no Prince to lead, many ideas will be put forth. Never easy to chose one plan, when so many are offered, We ned to get them the information so they have time to do something about it."
Moving to Vauhwyt, "My knowldge ofg the God Marteus is little. What ZI do know, it can only be bad."
Vorelle Sunday September 9th, 2007 3:22:59 PM
"W-we should r-return and w-w-w-warn th-them," Vorelle says firmly.
Berlon Sunday September 9th, 2007 6:59:37 PM
Berlon seems remarkably unconcerned. "If they want to take the fight to the city, I am sure we will be able to handle things. Between the houses, our forces and... other... resources we might have, I am sure they would find a direct assault to be folly."
"After all, did our small group almost take out one of their leaders? I am sure we are more than capable of proper defense. But whatever you all decide is fine by me..."
Visit of the Pixie Lord (DM MikeK) Monday September 10th, 2007 8:37:33 PM
There appear to be a great number of enemies intent on attacking Dirt City. After a bit more debate, the Dark Horse Guild decides to go back to the city and warn it before pursuing any other interests. Which leaves one more question, who to tell? For as Oni has remarked, there is no Prince, nor anyone else leading the city.
Thliss'Ka takes his leave. "I will watch my village," he says. "If you return, we shall surely meet again." The lizardman slips into the jungle.
The group is tired and all for some sleep. At Oni's command, Tara turns the Dark Horse toward Dirt City. Before Theo can get any rest, the navigator asks him to change the vessel's form. "I'm sorry, but we need the Sailing Ship, or we'll never get there," she apologizes.
Twelve hours later, a much rested party greets the setting sun. Yes, setting. Everyone has pretty much slept through the day and night is fast in coming. Tara, heading for a bunk herself, reports no issues. The Dark Horse is six hours out. "Probably more like eight," the navigator notes. "We don't want to go too fast in the dark when we get closer."
And then, the oddest sight.
A ten foot high waterspout rises from the sea next to the ship. About five feet in diameter, the waterspout parallels Dark Horse, staying 10' off the port bow, keeping both course and speed. A seahorse rises up the waterspout. It's as tall as a human, and soon the top half rides above the waterspout, while the bottom half glides within. Upon the seahorse, is a blue clad pixie.
"Oh Eberyon," he sighs. "More mortals! On the water yet. You just get everywhere, don't you?"
He looks around. "Let's see, let's see. Ah yes, Warrd's group. You have a great fondness for birds its seems, yes? Okay, by the grace of the Fae King, all your fowl will lay twice as many eggs for the next three years!"
"VWAA-HA!" he shouts, and somehow you know it is so.
"Send a couple over here once in a while, whould you, good fellows? Nothing like a cheese omelette!"
"Now, where were we? Oh yes, Ebryon! He asked me to tell you all that he is reformed and good and kind to mortals and all that. Ha! Let me see him in a couple centuries and then we'll know if THAT's true!"
"So consider yourselves told! Oh, and if anyone wants to get his help or be his friend, swallow an acorn and say three times,
Reform! Reform! Reform! and he'll come and help you. Frankly, I don't believe it. But I guess he might. Maybe. If he wants to."
Now, I got other mortals to visit! So darn many of you! You breed like mice! What else?"
The seahorse silently shakes it head.
"OH yeah, the story, the Story. Fine get it over with! Here you go!"
Send your questions to cayzle@cayzle.com or go to the Rules Board.
"Well!" the Pixie Lord exclaims. "That's that! Just to set the record straight! Any questions?"
Posting Report for 8/3/07 Monday September 10th, 2007 9:41:03 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXOXX Berlon XXOXX Oni XXOXX Rose OXOXO Theodore XXOXX Umbriel OOOOO Vauhwyt XXOXX Vorelle XXOXX
ADM Shegger
Vorelle and Champ Tuesday September 11th, 2007 12:16:10 AM
Champ barks and barks at the water pixie. When the fey departs, he turns Vorelle, looking very pleased with himself for scaring the intruder away.
For her part, Vorelle is startled by the sudden appearance of the fey, and all the more anxious to get back and warn...somebody.
"E-ev-everybody," she says softly. "W-w-we w-warn e-everybody."
[OOC: aren't all our birds male?]
Berlon Tuesday September 11th, 2007 9:16:58 AM
When the pixie appears, Berlon first at first thinks it's simply another flying annoyance that would be best off lit on fire. Rather than that, he instead listens with the others to the story. With eyebrows arched higher in doubt than normal, he continues listening until the story is done.
Once it is complete, he simply smiles and waves until the unwanted storyteller is gone. He pats Champ on the head gently, muttering "Good boy, good boy!" Once the visitor is gone, he is quick to let everyone within earshot know his feelings.
"Lies," he begins. "Lies and blasphemy against Alemi. Insane ramblings of a generally insane race. 'Wardd's Group'?!?! The unmitigated nerve! Did you notice he made no mention of the gnomes in its little story? Do you think that was a mistake? No, not all. Perhaps I don't really exist! And the birds are going to lay more eggs?!? What kind of prophecy is THAT?! Does that mean we have to listen to more bad jokes from Mookie? We should have ignited the pixie on that score alone..."
He breathes loudly and heavily, obviously worked up into a lather. He tries to regain his composure.
"As far as telling the city about the supposed "invasion"," he continues, "we have to proceed wisely. If we whip the city into a panic and then no invasion comes, we would certainly look foolish. On the other hand the city needs to be prepared."
"The wisest course of action would probably be to discretely alert each of the houses. That would let everyone prepare without needlessly frightening the general population."
"I'll tell you what happens when you look out the window," he resumes muttering to no one in particular, "you see pixies laughing at you for listening to them for even a fraction of a second..."
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday September 11th, 2007 10:34:03 AM
Theodore can't help but feel important when Tara asks him to change the ship. He pays special attention to Captain Rossa's reaction to the change. "Make sure all those bets are paid accordingly," he says with a grin.
The bizarre appearance of the pixie startles Theodore for a second, but the fright is quickly replaced by interest as the fey weaves his story.
After the pixie leaves, Theodore turns to the others. "We were a part of that, you know." The pride is evident on his features. He shakes his head at Berlon's rant, quite used to his friend's fickle nature, by now.
"I agree, Berlon. We need to tell the proper folks about the possible attack. I was thinking about informing Jeraldh first. We're all pushing for him to be the next Prince. If he has such information before others, he can use it to his advantage. Probably by showing off his leadership abilities in preparing the City. And if he doesn't act in the City's best interest, we can always take it upon ourselves. What do the rest of you think?"
Vauhwyt Tuesday September 11th, 2007 11:22:53 AM
Vauhwyt listens to Theo say that we were part of that. "Yeah," she says, "but I voted for him to die. I still think that would have been betterr."
Her accent reveals that she is no friend to fey.
"And Mookie, if you start laying eggs, then I'm getting a new familiar! Maybe a scorpion!"
"Boss!" says Mookie, startled. "No!!"
"Well, we'll see." the liontaur says. "One thing for sure, I'm not swallowing any acorn! That's a good way to choke to death! The so called King would laugh to see that!"
========
Later, in talking about the defense of the city, Vauhwyt says. "The first thing is to figure out if there is a new Prince. If so, we should go to him or her and offer the news and pledge our support."
"If there is no Prince, then I suggest that (A) we send each crew member back to their house with the news, and (B) we form a City Defense Committee and invite a rep from each house to attend."
Oni Tuesday September 11th, 2007 2:57:07 PM
Oni arches a brow as the gnone goes on his tirade. Til now, the little man had been nothing, if not reserved. Oni for himself knew little of Eberyon and his dealings with the Wold.
"One thing we must remebert in the city of Thieves, information is power. After we tell Jeraldh, the Merchants should be told.
"Also I believe Vorelle, Rise, Theo, nd Berlon return to their peoples and give them an extra early warning. Therefore the houses will not be able to dictate to the populace on what is happening."
He then moves off and talks briefly with Captain Rossa, reminding the man that the Darj Horse had rescued he and his men.
Sailing, sailing (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 11th, 2007 7:29:45 PM Berlon, Theo, Vauhwyt, Oni, and Vorelle receive 30 xp bonus for perfect posting - defined as posting as many times as the DM. Yes, this will be an ongoing thing.
Champ gives the parting pixie a couple of barks, but Vorelle gets the feeling its more of a farewell than a challenge of any kind.
Having heard no questions, the pixie and his steed and his waterspout drop down into the ocean and disappear from sight, much to the relief of most of the party. Berlon in particular is unhappy about the visit and the message. Imagine the gnome's reaction if he hadn't gotten a good night's rest!
Thanks to Theo, crewman Landry wins his bets the rescued sailors, all of whom present IOUs to the annoyed crewman. Each has the very legitimate excuse that they just got rescued from certain death, and none have any funds at the moment. Landry gets rather annoyed anyway, until Rossa writes up and signs an agreement to pay the man. "You can collect from me," he tells Landry. "I'll make sure to collect from them." The crestfallen faces of his crew seem to confirm the truth of the former captain's word. The contract is good enough for Landry, and he lets the matter drop.
The party discusses options upon reaching port.
Later, Oni seeks out Rossa to again point out the Dark Horse Guild has rescued him and his men. Rossa looks up with concern. "Why, has one of my men mistreated Tara?" he asks, somewhat alarmed.
The Dark Horse closes on Dirt City. Just an hour or two longer.
Vorelle Wednesday September 12th, 2007 12:49:25 AM
Vorelle opens her mouth to say she doesn't have "people", then closes it again. It isn't that she doesn't have people, it's that they won't listen to her.
She finds some out-of-the-way spot, then sits down with Champ curled up beside her.
"S-soon," she tells him. "We'll g-get off this b-boat soon."
Vauhwyt Wednesday September 12th, 2007 10:03:06 AM
Vauhwyt privately urges Captain Oni to gather everyone -- everyone -- together for a talk. "You are right that information is power," she tells him, "but by sharing information with everyone, it shows that we do not seek power, and that we want to empower everyone. We want friends, not enemies."
"Also, by giving information away, we take power from those who prefer secrets. That's not a bad thing."
The liontaur suggests that Oni might want to say to NPCs that they should return to their Houses to tell the truth about what they have seen and what is coming. And we should definitely (A) find out if there is a new Prince, and if not, (B) hold a City Defense Meeting right away.
That's her opinion.
Oni Wednesday September 12th, 2007 12:12:14 PM
As Vauhwyt sugests the meeting, Oni reminds her Dietrich has beren there working on the guildhouse and training place. A meeting should ber easy to arrange.
As far as the NPCCs go, oni had already given his suggestiobs to Rossa.. Oni was not an intimidator, he told things as he seen them. Whether anyone wanted to believe or not was their choice.
Oni still did not understand the workings of Dirt City. The only thing he did know was the information theuy possesed did not need to be told to everyone. He would allow his friends to chose who would and would not be told
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday September 12th, 2007 12:58:16 PM
Theodore joins in on Vauhwyt's discussion. "I agree that everyone should be told," he says whispering quietly amongst his friends. "But everyone doesn't have to be told by us. Like I said before, if we give our information to Jeraldh and he in turn uses his sway to inform the City and perhaps even form a plan of action, it should give him an extra popularity boost amongst the people. It will help him to become the next Prince."
Theodore looks at the others and then back to Vauhwyt. "If he decides to keep the information to himself, which I doubt he will from past performances in benefit of the City, we can then go ahead and tell everyone of the possible attack. All I'm suggesting is to give Jeraldh a day to use the information for the betterment of the City."
Vauhwyt Wednesday September 12th, 2007 1:08:58 PM
The liontaur whispers back to Theo and any of the party who is listening. "No, Theo. If we dock at noon, then at five past noon the full story will be out anyway. The crew will not hold their tongues. We cannot make them. Rossa, too, will talk. Since the news will get out to some people no matter what, we should start now by telling everyone to spread the news anyway, to the whole city."
"If we try to give the news to only one person, all we will accomplish is to show the city that we favor that one. And we must remain neutral, for the good of the whole city."
rose Wednesday September 12th, 2007 2:27:54 PM
rose just sits quietly listening to the others.
ooc: i'm going back to college. it starts on monday and i'm going to be a bit busy getting ready and stuff.
Land Ho! (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 12th, 2007 8:27:08 PM
Vauhwyt approaches Oni about including everyone on board in a meeting, but the centaur appears ambivalent about the idea. He lets each member of the Dark Horse Guild decide who to tell.
Debate continues as the Dark Horse eases into the harbor of Dirt City. In the pre-dawn hours, there is limited activity, although a few fishermen are already preparing for the day.
The vessel is tied off. Rossa and his crew depart as soon as practible.
Tara approaches Oni. "What are we doing in the next couple of days?" she asks. "I need to know whether to grant the crew shore leave or not." Sensing the sailing novice may not understand the question, she immediately rephrases it. "What it comes down to is how much advance notice will we have before you need to sail? Hours, days, or 'we're not going anywhere for several weeks' kind of thing."
Dirt City awaits.
Vorelle Thursday September 13th, 2007 12:11:04 AM
The grimy smudge that is Dirt City appears on the horizon. Vorelle imagines she can see the scheming and plotting, the strife and betrayals, the bullying and abuse, even from this distance. The approach of her "home" feels like the return to captivity, or perhaps the recurrence of some horrible disease.
On the other hand, she'll get to leave the boat. Vorelle sighs and tries to look on the bright side. Maybe a new Prince will have emerged in their absence. Maybe this new person will already have restored order and brought some measure of justice.
Maybe Dietrich will be there at the docks, waiting for them. Vorelle feels a blush coming on and tries to think of something else.
Oni Thursday September 13th, 2007 12:45:12 AM
Oni is enthusiastic to see the oncoming land. So much time spent on the water, he did not like. He felt empaathy for Vauhwyt and her idea of how to spread the word. But this city was not his element.
Tara's request is a good one, and Oni ponders a moment before answering. Then he explains the issue at hand. Whether or not the vcity would be attacvked, and where would the heroes fight from. Unknown. When her services would be required again, unknown.
So Oni approaches the crew alongside Tara. No reason she should be the bearer of the uncertainty. Oni tells the crew to take the day and evening to themselves. On the morrow, and each day Tara could report to the Guild house/Training hall and ask the status. Oni, or one of the others would give her the yay, or nay of ailing. In all efforts Oni would do his best to give at least a days notice. He does remind the crew of the dangerous actions of the heroess, and the complexity of their decisions.
Finally he thanks each personally for a job well done. Wishing them all a good eve, he looks to Tara for comfirmation, and if there are any questions. He also asks she make a list of things that need to be done, fixed or repaired. Inventory count, and anything she would recommend for the next voyage. Everything can be done in the days to come, no rush, he hopes.
Vauhwyt Thursday September 13th, 2007 6:07:10 AM
Vauhwyt waits for any of her friends to raise an objection.
...
Anybody?
...
If there is none, then she says out loud to the crew and passengers, "Friends, we have seen with our own eyes that certain lizardfolk are hostile to us. We also know that an army or three or four thousand of them -- and their allies -- are preparing to invade Dirt City even as I speak. I hope that a new Prince has been chosen, so that we can talk with him and help prepare a defense. If not, we want all the people and all the houses to know the truth so that the City can preparre. Go, and tell your people what you have seen. Tell them the danger that the city faces. And tell them that the Dark Horse Guild intends to help protect the City and all its citizens."
Theodore & Macaw Thursday September 13th, 2007 9:40:04 AM
Theodore can't argue with Vauwhyt's logic. "You're right. I suppose we can't just tie everyone down for a day." His look at the boat's crew suggests he's supposing just that, though.
"But I thought we had agreed to give our support to Jeraldh for Prince." He furrows his brow as he tries to think back. "Neutrality is all well and good, but in a time like this, we should use any leverage we have to get the right person in as Prince. Sitting back and allowing corruption into the Tower would be irresponsible." He shakes his head in emphasis.
Theodore watches the sailor's jump ship as the boat docks. He imagines them running home to wives and children with the terrible news of an impending invasion. "I have a few stops to make. First, I'm going to visit Jeraldh, just so he can hear the news from our lips first, hopefully. Then I'll visit Master Geoffrey to make sure that he's safe. Lastly, I'll visit the Merchants to inform them of our success. Although we didn't get the figure head, we did rescue his crew. Would anyone like to come with me?"
Whether anyone does or doesn't, he sets off towards Jeraldh's house, using his hat of disguise to appear as someone other than himself. If anyone comes with him, he'll lend the hat to that person and cast alter self upon himself, instead.
Berlon Thursday September 13th, 2007 3:30:16 PM
Berlon will first make sure that all proper burial arrangements are made, offering whatever assistance is required.
"Yes, Theo! Wonderful idea! Why don't you come and visit Neezer with me! We need to start planning for The Feast Of St. Hubbins! There is much work to do!" The gnome's smile goes from ear to ear as he slaps Theo heartily on the back.
Messengers (DM MikeK) Thursday September 13th, 2007 8:48:39 PM
Before Rossa leaves, Berlon offers to assist with the burial of the dead sailor. The offer is unexpected, and the captian stares blankly at the gnome for several moments while his words filter through. Understanding, along with gratitude, slowly dawns. "That, that is very kind," he stammers initially, before regaining his composure. "We're taking him to the Temple, and then will inform his family. By custom, he will likely be buried in the catacombs the day after tomorrow."
Oni fills Tara in on the situation. At first, her face goes white as comprehension sets in. But, the navigator is proving to be quite the capable First Mate. Recovering quickly, she sets herself toward the proper care of the Dark Horse.
"24 hours leave, with a half watch after that," he decides, pretty much talking to herself. She looks at Oni. "Sailors pretty much live on their ships anyway," she explains. "Otherwise, someone is likely to steal it." This is spoken without any animosity towards would be crooks, just plainly, a simple fact of life here in the City of Thieves.
Having made that decision, Oni and Tara gather the crew for Oni's speech. None of the crew appear all that surprised about the half shifts, although the taur's words of thanks do cause a couple grins and satisfied nods.
Vauhwyt then steps forward and delivers the hard news - an army or three or four thousand of them -- and their allies -- are preparing to invade Dirt City. Naturally, the declaration is an attention getter. To a person, they nod soberly in response to her instructions. They can be counted on to inform their respective Houses.
Shore leave is a precious commodity, and the crew - save Tara, Arsaber, and Havfr - are gone in ten minutes. The remaining three compose the ship's watch, and stay on board.
Umbriel has also quietly slipped ashore.
--
Theo and Berlon (and anyone else?) head straight for Jeraldh's home. A knock on the oval door brings out Lena, who beams in recognition. "Well good morning Theo, Berlon," she greets them. "What a pleasant surprise. We had heard you were out of the city." Plainly curious, she nonetheless refrains from asking further questions. She sets the two down in the sitting room, and disappears into the back. Within just a few minutes, the tall, white haired, straight backed form of Jeraldh appears in the doorway. "The boys are asleep," he greets them quietly, extending a hand. "Come step into my office."
Jeraldh leads the two down a hallway and into a innocous-looking side room, which turns out to be a well-appointed office. The man closes and lock the heavy wooden door, and relaxes into a leather chair. He grins expectantly. "So what brings you by so early in the morning, straight off the boat to boot?"
Vauhwyt Thursday September 13th, 2007 10:57:56 PM
Vauhwyt thanks Tara and compliments her management of the ship's arrangements.
The liontaur is glad that Berlon and Theo are going to Jeraldh -- and then to Neezer and the Merchants, right? -- but the Dark Horse Guild has other friends who need the news too.
Vauhwyt heads first to the Guild's clubhouse to fill in Dietrich.
Then to the Temple of Wardd to talk with Olyn and Brother Clu'eth.
Finally to the House of Wolves. If Ba'bac is really still alive, the Wolves should know it.
(Thinking about that list -- the list that names Ba'bac -- makes Vauhwyt nervous. Something is tugging at her psyche. She shrugs it off for now.)
At each place, she spreads the same news that she told the crew.
Anyone else coming? Maybe Vorelle wants to come with Vauhwyt to see the Wolves?
That would leave Captain Oni and Rose to go pay a visit to the House of Teeth and Seafoam -- mostly to give them the courtesy of news in person and to tell our version of the tale of how we rescued Rossa and their crew. Just a suggestion.
It also might be worth a visit to the House of Knives. If there is panic at our news, the Knives should be able to keep a lid on it.
Oni and Rose might also want to pay a visit to the Halfling Quarter, she suggests as well.
Theodore & Macaw Friday September 14th, 2007 9:22:16 AM
"It is a pleasure, as always," Theodore smiles at Jeraldh. "I wish I could tell you that good news brought us to you, but that is not the way the wold works, unfortunately. We recently got back from the swamps with legitimate information that an army of evil humanoids is preparing to march on the City."
He looks to Berlon for confirmation before continuing. "We don't have information on an exact date or their exact numbers, other than several thousand. I do have a list of names that the brave Berlon managed to confiscate on his way out of the enemies' camp. We believe it is a list of allies against the City."
He hands the list to Jeraldh, offering to translate the Draconic letters if Jeraldh is not fluent. "You'll notice one of the names, I'm sure. Ba'Bac, the half-orc who attacked your boys and afterwards killed himself when cornered. His name on this list leads us to believe he has either been brought back from the dead or that this attack has been planned for a long while, meaning the enemy will be more dangerous than a mass of savages."
"Unfortunately, this information is already spreading throughout the city," Theodore continues, taking a seat. "We were unable to keep our sailors from warning their families and respective Houses. But you are an important part of this City and we would like to extend our assistance to you if you plan to mount a defense."
Vorelle and Champ Friday September 14th, 2007 10:34:45 AM
Vorelle agrees to meet Vauhwyt at the Wolves' Tower. While the liontaur is visiting the Guild and the Temple, Vorelle and Champ make their way to the collection of filthy, narrow lanes the Grubbers call home.
"M-m-m-mother w-will want m-money," Vorelle tells Champ as they walk. "W-we sh-should g-give her s-some, but take c-care she doesn't t-t-take it all."
She dodges a laden cart and sidesteps a puddle before continuing. "F-f-father will w-want m-m-money, too," she says. "W-we sh-shouldn't g-g-give him any. M-m-mother m-manages the h-household." She sighs. "And we h-h-have to make p-p-people b-belive us about the l-lizardfolk. S-s-somehow."
Oni Friday September 14th, 2007 3:41:06 PM
Although Vauwhyts words have merit, Oni declines. Rose will need to do thiose things herself. There are more pressing matters that a harbor needs when war is imminent.
Oni disembarks and finds a small child on the docks. Her name is Josy. Oni gives Josy some gold piece and sends her off to buy food for those lleft on board the Dark Horse, and himselkf. /roast, fish, carrots, potatoes, etc. Enough toi feed 10-12 people. He alos tells the child to stay on board and be Taras messenger. Oni would pay the girl at the end of the day.
Oni then seeks out the harbormaster. Oni finds the man busy and waits over an hour to speak to the man. When Oni is finally summoned, he tells the man of the impending danger. The harbormaster laughs, not believing Oni. After a bit more talking, Oni's serious demeaner holds sway. The harbornaster agrees to give ni the names of the ships setting sail in the next few days.
Knowing that many livelyhoods depended on secure cargo he goes the the caprain of the first to leave. Oni tells him of the disaster to come, and offers to help speed up the loading so they can depart. As the ship readies to sail, the captain thanks Oni, and sails in the opposite direction of the upconing attacvk. Oni moves off to the next ship. The dock now is abuzz of activity, and all free hands are helping to load cargo. No reason to be caught in the harbor, sacked by an army.
Several ships leave earlier than planned. Several dock, then leave immediately to save their cargo. The harbormaster also puts into play the security measures for the docks.
Oni is dead tired as he returns to the Dark Horse. He had done as much as he could to help. Greeting Tara he find Josy had done what was asked and On pays her, and tells her to come back on the morrow if she wished. As Oni sits to east, he finds he is ravenous. With a little ale to help things along, he finally passes out in a fitful slumber, haunch of meat still in one hand, bread in the other.
Berlon Friday September 14th, 2007 6:01:05 PM
Berlon nods at most of what Theo has to say. "We expect, at minimum, two thousand or so. We dispatched more than a few ourselves, but we weren't really *prepared* for something like that. Had I a day or so preparation..."
He shakes his head, as if snapping himself out of a daydream. "But yes, we are alerting all houses, without prejudice. We are heading directly to the Merchants after our meeting here is done."
He smiles slightly and politely, as if done.
Then, after a moment or two, he quickly adds, "We also wanted to check to see if there was a new Prince yet. If not, we were going to nominate Young Theo here for the position." He punctuates with a hearty slap on Theo's back.
"That is, er... assuming that *you* did not want the position, Master Jeraldh?"
Berlon smiles widely.
rose Sunday September 16th, 2007 2:04:06 PM
when rose gets off the ship she tells the others she's going to see her parents and find out what's been happening while they were gone.
she makes her way to her parents and while eating some of her mom's delicious food gets caught up on what's happened.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday September 17th, 2007 10:01:47 AM
The liontaur chuckles as she and her friends disperse to the winds. "Well, I hope none of us get in trouble," she says to Mookie. "The 'always travel in pairs' rule didn't last long!"
"Hmmm," Mookie says, "You, one, me, two. Is that not a pair? What am I, chopped liver?"
Vauhwyt laughs. "Good point, Mookie. Togetherr, we make quite a pairr!" Her accent reveals her amusement.
Posting Report for 9/10/07 Monday September 17th, 2007 7:45:58 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXO Berlon XOXXO Oni XXXXO Rose OXOXO Theodore XXXXO Vauhwyt XXXXO Vorelle XXXXO
ADM Shegger
Delivery (DM MikeK) Monday September 17th, 2007 9:32:24 PM OOC - Bonus of 30 xp to Oni, Theo, Vauhwyt, and Vorelle for perfect attendance.
Vauhwyt decides she'll first head to the Guild's clubhouse to fill in Dietrich. Before leaving, the liontaur offers up suggestions about others that may need to be told.
Then to the Temple of Wardd to talk with Olyn and Brother Clu'eth. Finally to the House of Wolves. If Ba'bac is really still alive, the Wolves should know it.
She works her way quickly through the Backstab quarter toward the Full Moon Market. It is still barely down, and travelling alone like this through one of the meaner quarters of the already lawless City Above is not the best of ideas. This time, however, the taur makes it through without incident. She is challenged prompty upon arriving at the clubhouse. Dietrich's style is obviously wearing off on his group.
The conversation here is short and sweet. Dietrich accepts everything Vauhwyt says. The Bear is happy to hear Thliss'Ka is still making his presence known. As for the oncoming attack. "We've only got about 30 folks here," his says. "And we're still cleaning up. When the attack comes, I'm gonna have to take them below." He thinks a bit. "We might manage a scouting mission or a run for supplies or messenger service or the like," he continues. "Let us know. I'll keep my ears open about the lizardfolk's allies as well."
Vauhwyt's next stop is the Temple. While Olyn and Brother Clu'eth also welcome the taur, they are not as quick to accept her story. "Three thousand isn't enough to overcome our city," the man responds thoughtfully as he absently rubs at his withered hand. "And Warrd is with us, not lizardfolk." He considers. "We will check into it," he says at last. "And let you know what we find. Where can we reach you?"
-------
Vorelle agrees to meet Vauhwyt at the Wolves' Tower, and trudges reluctantly toward Spider Park for an unwelcome reunion.
Lisenne and Ulbrecht are right where she left them. "There you are!" her mother shrieks harshly as she comes into view. "You got Targo out of the slammer yet, or you just come round to shove your friends in our face again?"
--------
Oni locates a waif wandering the dock, and employs her as a dinner delivery person. Josy leaps at the chance for some cash, and races toward the food vendors to do as he bids.
The harbormaster isn't buying. Oni works him patiently, for a while. But the pot-bellied human doesn't budge. "Look pal," he retorts. "I don't care if Marteaus and his old lady come through shooting fire outta their butts. I ain't giving nobody the names of incoming boats just 'cause he says so. Ain't none of these ships going anywhere neither, not if they want paid for the cargo they're offloading. You got a problem, you see the boss." Any nicely phrased question will reveal the harbormaster is of the House of Teeth, and answers directly to the First Officer of the House, Horatio Mann.
----
Rose drops down into the City Below, and rushes to visit her parents and family in the Halfling Quarter. The reunion is a happy one, and the halfing is fed near to bursting before she is allowed to utter a word. At her queries about the goings on in Dirt City, her mother merely tsks in annoyance. "Same thing as always," she scoffs, "Houses trying to get their candidate into the Prince's chair. Be a mighty blessing if that man would come back from whereever he is and put a stop to all this. Its getting so you can't go Above without running into a fight about who should be in charge. Hmmph. The Wolves and the Cloaks aren't speaking to each other, and the Darts have all but disappeared into their tower. Can't get normal business done without getting through each separate House to do it. Crazy."
--------
Theo and Berlon continue speaking with Jeraldh. The man indicates Theo should read off the list of names, and he visibly starts when the mage hits the humanoids. But, its not Ba'bac that causes the reaction, its "Darid". "You say this information is making its way through the city?" he asks urgently. "All of it?" - looking significantly at the list.
At Berlon's comment, the man smiles slightly. But his words are serious. "If you want my advice, you'd keep those names to yourself for the time being, as well as any jokes about a new Prince." He grimaces. "The latter will get you a fight, the former could get you killed." The man sits back reflectively. "Tell the other Houses what you can, which I'll reiterate shouldn't include those names. Some may actually believe you. There is no Prince, but there might be another option. I'll have to do some legwork. Maybe have something tomorrow. I'll let you know.
Vorelle Monday September 17th, 2007 11:36:21 PM
Vorelle starts a little to hear the hectoring tone in her mother's voice. Usually, Lisenne takes the trouble to coat her vitriol in honey. Something unusual must be bothering her.
Vorelle takes a deep breath, and rests her hand on Champ's shaggy head. "N-n-neither," she says, pleased and surprised at how steady her voice sounds. "W-we j-j-just c-came from the s-swamp. L-l-lizardfolk. Th-thousands of them. R-r-ready to at-attack D-Dirt C-City. W-we c-c-came b-b-back to w-warn everyone." She pauses, panting for breath. She can't recall the last time she said so much to her parents all at once. "M-m-m-mother. F-father. Y-y-you h-h-have to h-h-help me w-w-warn p-p-people."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday September 18th, 2007 6:38:21 AM
Vauhwyt tells Dietrich that she is glad to see him and hopes he will hear something.
She tells the brothers at Temple that it is not just three to four thousand lizardfolk, but also their allies, including an unknown number of goblins and followers of Marteus, including assassins.
She asks the brothers to send any news to Dietrich or to the ship. "We'll be in both places."
Then it is on to the Wolves, hopefully meeting Vorelle.
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday September 18th, 2007 9:08:46 AM
Theodore takes the list of names back from Jeraldh. As he rolls the parchment, he continues to speak with the man.
"The Horses are the only ones who know the names on the list, I believe. We haven't shown it to anyone but our lizardman ally, Thliss'Ka, and he remains in the swamp. Who is Darid?" he asks as he places the rolled up list in his scroll case.
After his question has been answered, Theodore will ask Berlon if he's ready to go to the Merchant's.
Oni Tuesday September 18th, 2007 10:30:01 AM
Oni simply shrugs his shoulders in disappointment.
"I wii help those I can to leave the harbor, that yoou cvan count on. Your master may well have your head when you cost him so much money by not listening to my warning. Bur it is your call."
Oni does what he can to help load ships.
Berlon d20=14 Tuesday September 18th, 2007 12:06:26 PM
Berlon listens intently to Jeraldh's words, but doesn't say anything. Once both Jeraldh and Theo are done he nods and smiles.
"Yes, definitely, many places to go, many people to see..."
Once they leave, Berlon agrees a visit to Neezer is up next...
Morning in the city (DM MikeK) Tuesday September 18th, 2007 8:13:03 PM OOC - Apologies if I'm getting personalities of known NPCs incorrect. Please send me any relevant descriptions/samples you'd like me to work off of.
Vorelle gets straight to the point. Her parents look at one another, passing back and forth those silent expressions parents use when conversing around their kids. Of course, the ranger is well beyond kid, and easily picks up the gist. Lisenne doesn't believe her. Ulbrecht isn't sure, but doesn't want to go to the trouble to warn his neighbors. Lisenne then gets an idea. She turns back to Vorelle. "What do we tell them to do?" she asks sweetly. "Perhaps you and your friends could form an army out of us? With a bit of food and a nice shiny knife? We have nothing, you see. A bit of help would work wonders, I'm sure."
---
"Goblins, Marteaus, and assassins too," Brother Clu'eth repeats to Vauhwyt. He nods decisively. "Yes, an investigation is definitely in order. With Wardd's blessing, perhaps we can learn more." The priest turns away, beckoning for a nearby acolyte to attend. He his relaying instructions as the liontaur leaves.
Passing through the Crescent Moon Market on the way to the House of Wolves, Vauhwyt notes the vendors are ready for the day. A voice rings out, carrying farther in the mostly empty space than its owner may have intended. "There's one of 'em right there."
Should she turn (or should Mookie be curious), a food vendor is pointing at her from across the square. He is speaking to a middle aged human in studded leather and his four companions. The man turns to regard the liontaur, a pleasant smile on his face. His four companions also turn. They appear to be quadruplets, blond and blue eyed humans, two male and two female.
They were chainmail and carry longswords. Unlike the smiling middle aged fellow, their expressions can only be described as business like.
----
Theo asks about Darid, causing Jeraldh to start again. The white haired man leans back in his chair while giving the mage a half smile. "I knew I should've had some cafe before talking to you two," he chuckles. "You're too observant." The smile fades as Jeraldh grows serious once more. "Darid Skull is the man the House of Teeth is pushing to be Prince." He jabs a finger at the list. "His name, in association with those other names, on that list is going to make some powerful people very upset. So I will warn you again, your safest play is to keep it to yourself. At least for a while."
Having been warned, Theo and Berlon bid good day and head off toward the Merchant's Quarter. After a couple of steps, both realize it will be faster to climb Above and enter from there. Of course, it will be much safer to work their way around Below.
----
Oni gives up on the harbormaster, and moves to the individual ships. He approaches the first boat and offers to help load cargo. The captain proceeds to ask the centaur a lenghthy list of questions. After the first two or three, it becomes obvious the elf wants to make sure the offer of help is voluntary, and no pay is sought. Once he's convinced himself of that, the captain happily accepts the offer.
Vorelle Wednesday September 19th, 2007 1:00:54 AM
Vorelle sighs a little. It always comes down to money.
"All r-r-r-right," she says. She counts out 20 gold pieces and gives them to her mother. "Th-this ought to h-h-h-help. T-t-tell p-p-p-people to g-g-g-get to s-s-safety. B-B-Below. Th-they have to g-g-get B-B-Below." She hesitates. "Th-the T-T-Temple of W-W-Ward," she says at last. "I-I'll g-g-give them m-m-m-money for p-p-p-people to st-stay there. But p-p-p-please," she looks from her mother to her father. "P-p-please p-pass the w-w-w-word. I d-d-don't w-want to l-l-leave anyone b-b-b-behind."
She takes her leave soon after. "We'd b-better t-tell as many p-people as we c-can," she tells Champ. "I'm not sure they'll r-really d-do it."
She spends about an hour visiting everyone she can think of, stammering her warning, advising the Grubbers to get Below. At last, she hurries to the Wolves tower to meet with Vauhwyt.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday September 19th, 2007 9:20:48 AM
Theodore's face blanches when Jeraldh informs him of Darid's possible participation in the upcoming attack on Dirt City.
"Why would he..." He trails off, shaking his head. "Of course, you're right, Jeraldh. We will keep this information to ourselves. Can we trust that you will keep an eye on Darid? Perhaps we might, as well."
After Berlon and Theodore have left Jeraldh's house, the wizard sends Macaw out with instructions to find as many Dark Horses as he can to relay the information about Darid and the House of Teeth. He sends Macaw to the Grubbers' Quarters, Halflings' Quarters, Wolf's Tower, Wardd's Temple, Dietrich's camp, and the dock in search of Dark Horses, and only Dark Horses to relay the message.
The message being, "Darid of the House of Teeth is on the list. Keep your eyes open and stay away from the Teeth."
He then accompanies Berlon to the Merchants' Quarter. "I'll let you do the talking," he says to his friend. "Neezer gives me a headache."
Berlon Wednesday September 19th, 2007 9:23:42 AM
Pausing for a moment before getting ready to climb Above, Berlon seems obviously pensive. "There is an old Gnomish proverb that goes something like, 'The fulfilled man has no time for politics'. Hrm."
"Ah, Theo, it is difficult, is it not, to fix something that does not want to be fixed..."
With that he'll go Above and continue to Neezer's.
Vauhwyt (AC19, HP65) and Mookie (AC13, HP32) (Enlarged) d100=65 d20+4=11 d20+25=28 Wednesday September 19th, 2007 10:37:27 AM
Vauhwyt casts Enlarge Person (arcane spell failure roll of 65 is A-OK), shared with Mookie. The 12-foot tall, 20-foot long liontaur steps closer to the four blondes in chainmail. She stops 20 feet from them -- close enough to stab with her longspear, but far enough away that if they chose to close with her, they would provoke attacks of opportunity.
Her face is composed but fierce. She calls on her memory of working as a free-lance enforcer, before she was an adventurer, when Vorelle was her only friend in Dirt City. With an intimidating glare, she barks, "What's your business with the Dark Horse Guild?"
Mookie chimes in, "And you better not make the Boss angry!"
[Mookie's Aid Another intimidate check (at +4) is an 11 -- enough to boost's Vauhwyt's check by two. Vauhwyt's Intimidate check (at +25) is a 28 -- only a 3 on the roll, but still not too shabby, with the size and avenger bonuses added in.]
[This post uses the latest version of Vauhwyt's PC sheet, which will be sent to the DM today!]
Oni Wednesday September 19th, 2007 12:42:43 PM
Oni continues to help load the ship.
Stuff going on everywhere (DM MikeK) d20+8=17 Wednesday September 19th, 2007 9:11:55 PM
----------------- OOC - DM only has updated character sheets from Berlon and Theo. Please get the rest in soon.
Vorelle reluctantly hands 20gp over to her parents, whose expressions become more sugary and self-satisfied with each clink of a coin. They reassure her that they'll spread the word.
Not at all assured, the ranger endeavors to continue spreading the word herself. She and Champ flit throughout Spider Park, seeking friends and acquaintences and spreading the word of the impending attack. By sheer stubbornness her efforts start to pay off, as some of the Grubbers take up the call to evacuate to the City Below.
Near the end of an hour, Macaw lands on a nearby trashcan. The bird ducks its head, and open its beak as if to talk, but doesn't. It is only when Vorelle is right next to him that Macaw relays a message ' "Darid of the House of Teeth is on the list. Keep your eyes open and stay away from the Teeth."
---
Macaw's master and his gnomish friend scamper Above, intending to cut across to the northeast corner of the Backstab Quarter and the entrance to the Merchant's Quarter Below.
About 100 yards from their goal, however, the two find themselves on a deserted stretch of street. Three rough looking half-orcs amble across the pair's path. And quickly four more close in from behind. None look familiar, and none look like more than common thugs, complete with large cudgels. Apparently the band doesn't think much of a teenager and a gnome either. The lead goon leers. "Got a spare silver piece?" he asks unpleasantly. His buddies cackle at the comment.
----
Vauhwyt roars a challenge. The vendor blanches, and disappears into the back of his store. Like him, the four fighters also pale at the sight. Unlike him the don't run, but instead instantly form into a half circle some 20' from the taur, and space about 10' from each other. The four are obviously uneasy in the face of Vauhwyt, but still moved expertly into formation.
It doesn't take an expert to realize they're well trained. "Now, now, wait." The middle aged man speaks placatingly, hands raised and empty palms facing outward. He too shows signs of discomfort in the face of Vauhwyt's display, but strives to overcome his feelings. He continues in a most friendly manner, clearly seeking to resolve misunderstanding.
"We are merely seeking answers to a question. No harm is intended, good liontaur. I have come from Aisildur, by the grace of Gaal, seeking information on a missing member of our nation. I had heard the Dark Horse Guild might be of help, and merely inquired of this good man..." The fellow looks around for the 'good man', discovers he is nowhere to be found, shrugs, and continues - "...where I might be able to find you."
----
Oni keeps loading the ship. By midmorning, he's done. The captain extends a hand. "Not that I'm complaining," the elf asks curiously. "But why are you giving away your labors?"
Berlon Wednesday September 19th, 2007 10:21:09 PM
"Theo," Berlon whispers, "if this goes poorly, run to Neezer. Do not wait for me."
He then takes a step forward.
"Why hello there, my half-breed friends. Perhaps you are new to our fair city. Young Theodore and I are members of The Dark Horse Guild, and we have just returned from far away swamps, stemming an invasion against our city, and defeating a not too small dragon in the process! It was quite a battle, but a well timed Meteor Strike from my young master wizard here," he emphasizes with a hearty pat on Theo's back, "and the dragon fell before our feet!"
"Now," he says, obviously on a roll, "being new to our fair city, there's probably something else you don't know..."
He raises his arms to the heavens. "...Alemi doesn't look favorably upon bullies."
Berlon casts Divine Power on himself.
"You are not welcome here. Perhaps you should leave."
Divine Power - 8 rounds - new attack = +15/+10, new str = 21, new hp = 58/50
Vorelle and Champ Wednesday September 19th, 2007 11:44:48 PM
Champ joyfully begins his new favorite pastime, barking at Mookie. Vorelle manages to hush him long enough to hear the bird's message.
"We should st-stay away from the T-Teeth," Vorelle tells Champ. "Even m-more than we st-stay away from other p-p-people."
Together, the dog and the young woman hurry to the Wolves Tower to meet with Vauhwyt.
Mookie OOC Thursday September 20th, 2007 5:59:50 AM
Sure, all us ravens look alike. I get it. But that's Macaw Champ is barking at, not me!
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+3=10 d20+12=25 d20=10 d20+4=6 d20+23=37 Thursday September 20th, 2007 8:57:22 AM
Vauhwyt does not smile or relax. Her voice gets softer, but that's intended to just make the Ga'alians listen even more closely.
"Oh, *I* know who you are. And I know what happened to your countryman. I'll even tell you what you want to hear, my new little friend.
Vauhwyt packs the word "friend" with as much menace as she can manage.
"But I know that there is another reason you have come to Dirt City. I even have my suspicions of what that reason is. But just as I will share information with you, friend, I know you want to share with me."
Mookie pipes up, "The Boss knows a lots of things. You'd be surprised what the Boss knows."
[OOC: This is a bluff attempt to convince the Ga'alians that Vauhwyt knows more than she really does. Mookie's Aid Another atempt is a 10 -- exactly what he needs to give a +2. Vauhwyt's Bluff check, also boosted by her new avenger Resolute Will ability, is at +12. She rolls a 25 on the Bluff check.]
Vauhwyt continues, with some urgency in her voice, a voice that will not be denied, if the listeners know what's good for them. [b]"So tell me, my friend, the other reason and the other purpose that brings you to Dirt City. The truth, now!"
[OOC: Vauhwyt is attempting to use her Intimidate skill to force the Gaalites to be friendly, per the Intimidate skill write-up. I know that thereafter they will be unfriendly or even hostile, but since vauhwyt hates Ga'alians, she does not care.]
Mookie adds, "The Boss can be very nice, if you give her cookies and sweetmeats." Mookie's attempt to Aid Another on the Intimidate check falls into pathetic gibberish.
Vauhwyt's untrained Sense Motive check in case they try to trick or mislead her is a 10.
Vauhwyt's unaided Intimidate check to make them be friendly (rolling at +23) is a sweet 37!
She pauses to see how they react and what they say.
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge leader AC 17) Thursday September 20th, 2007 10:10:52 AM
Theodore lets Berlon do the talking, putting his back to the gnome so he can keep an eye on the thugs behind them. He brings his quarterstaff up into a defensive position and begins to cast a spell upon himself. (Cast mage armor)
The hulking brutes remind Theodore of when he was younger and in similar predicaments. His brow furrows in anger.
"I hate bullies," he says, softly.
Oni Thursday September 20th, 2007 6:56:39 PM
Oni says simply without preamble, "Dirt City will be under attack by a lizard led army. I am part of the Dark Horse Guild and we protect the city. Anyway the faster you get out of here, the safer you ill be."
My liontaur was soooo big.... (DM MikeK) d20+2=7 Thursday September 20th, 2007 11:30:05 PM
Vorelle heads toward the House of Wolves, also dropping Below. She gets to the Crescent Moon Market in time to see an Enlarged Vauhwyt roaring at five humans on the far side.
----
Vauhwyt bluffs that she knows more than she's letting on. The Ga'alian priest cocks his head sideways and furrows his brow in a look of confusion. "I confess I've no idea what you are referring to," he replies. "I am a simple priest on a simple fact-finding mission, seeking the facts surrounding the disappearance of one of our own citizens. Nothing more, really. In fact, if you are busy with some other errand, I'll be happy to meet you some other time." He looks hopeful that the invitation will be well-received.
---
Theo and Berlon take defensive measures. "Look out!" a goon calls. "They're casting spells!" All the thugs cringe for a moment. But when no fire falls from the sky, they recover their courage.
"All right," says the leader to Berlon. "You wanna play? Let's play." He steps forward, and swings a cudgel at the gnome.
Berlon easily ducks the amateurish swing. hit ac7
----
Oni's news that the city is about to be attacked silences the captain. "OK then," he finally replies, somewhat dubiously. "Well then, I better get going."
The elf retreats.
Macaw lands next to Oni, and relays a message from his master - "Darid of the House of Teeth is on the list. Keep your eyes open and stay away from the Teeth."
Vorelle d20+13=25 d20+13=16 Friday September 21st, 2007 12:57:21 AM
Vorelle hesitates, seeing that Vauhwyt is busy. Since the situation seems a little tense, Vorelle looks and listens for signs of trouble.
[Spot 25, Listen 16]
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor, dodge leader AC 17) Friday September 21st, 2007 9:20:37 AM
Theodore points splayed hands at the group of stinkers he's facing. Muttering some arcane words, he flicks his fingers and a brilliant cascade of colors explodes forward and through the bullies.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday September 21st, 2007 11:50:33 AM
In an ironic voice, Vauhwyt says to the Aisildurian, "So you do not plan to report to your superiors about conditions in Dirt City? About how receptive we might or might not be to missionaries? Are you so naive as to think that what you tell your high priests will not be considered with other motives? Well, tell your overlords that we do not want your kind herre, and that the God of Domination will not dominate us!"
"Let me tell you what you want to know, and you can be on your way."
"A month or so ago, people say, a sailing ship picked up a survivor of an Aisildurian wreck clinging to a wooden spar while rounding the cape west of the Black Forest. The sailor was delirious with dehydration, so the crew took him below to recover. Yet in the morning, the man was dead with strangulation marks of large hands around his neck."
"In addition, at a party we in the Dark Horse Guild were throwing on the docks for Dirt City citizens at about the same time, a foreign sailor from Alisidur was murdered. It seems the heartseed was carved out of him with a sharp but jagged object behind the stage where musicians were playing."
"We do not condone murder, and we had nothing to do with this sailor's death. It does emphasize that the Heartseeded are not welcome herre."
Vauhwyt sees Vorelle and turns to go without a goodby,
"Come on, Vorelle," she says softly to her friend. "I'd rather talk with Wolves than those perverts."
Berlon - AC 20 HP 58/50 - Divine Power d20+15=35 d8+5=12 d20+15=27 d8+5=7 d8+5=8 Friday September 21st, 2007 6:14:48 PM
"Yes. Let's play."
Not wanting blood running red on the streets, Berlon hopes it won't be necessary. When he sees the amateurish swing, he feels in a way relieved, yet no less angry.
He lands a odd-looking blow to the attacking half-orc's stomach, almost thrusting the mace rather than a full blown swing.
Non-lethal heavy mace first attack hits AC 31, nat 20, for 12 dge, crit check hits AC 23 for 7 damage.
Non-lethal second attack hits AC 23 for 7 dge.
"This will be your only offer," the gnome says loudly and angrily.
"Surrender now."
OOC: -4 to hit penalty for non lethal attack applied
Divine Power - 8 rounds - new attack = +15/+10, new str = 21, new hp = 58/50
And you don't mess around with Slim (DM MikeK) 5d20(9+12+4+6+19)=50 Sunday September 23rd, 2007 8:24:57 PM
Vorelle and Champ wait to see what will happen.
Vauhwyt rather plainly expresses her opinion on the matter, and turns to leave. She asks Vorelle to accompany her.
The Ga'alian priest continues to smile warmly and nods his understanding at the appropriate points of Vauhwyt's, uh, discussion. He says nothing and does nothing, even as the liontaur and ranger leave.
----
Berlon ducks the blow of the lead goon, and then slams him in the gut with a poke of his mace. The air rushes out of the staggered half-orc with a "Whooof!", and he crumples to the ground. He doesn't get up, but lies unconscious, involuntarily gasping for air. Most of his buddies don't have time to witness the 'fight'. Theo's spell slams into the four opponents behind him, and all immediately collapse.
The two remaining ruffians are gone just as quickly as they had appeared, leaving cleric and mage once more on an empty street - save five unconscious bodies.
Vorelle and Champ Monday September 24th, 2007 9:05:52 AM
Vorelle readily goes with Vauhwyt. "D-d-d-did you s-s-see D-D-D-Dietrich?" she asks as they walk. "I-i-is h-he w-w-w-well?"
Cham barks at Mookie.
Theodore & Macaw Monday September 24th, 2007 9:30:35 AM
Theodore turns from the fallen bullies to Berlon. "I guess that's that." He slaps his hands together to knock of the remaining rainbow dust.
"We should continue on to the Merchant's."
Meanwhile, Macaw continues his search for the remaining Dark Horses, delivering his master's warning when he finds them.
Vauhwyt Monday September 24th, 2007 10:57:35 AM
"Sure I did," normal-size Vauhwyt tells Vorelle. "First stop we made, right, Mookie? Dietrich says he has about 30 guys he can call on. He seems to be in good shape."
"I told them at the temple, too. They said they'd look into it."
"The Wolves are next. Take a deep breath. But rememberr, we're friends of them." Her accent shows that she is a little nervous anyway.
Oni Monday September 24th, 2007 1:29:12 PM
Oni sdlightly jumps as the raven talks to him. Slthough they had traveled for days together, Oni had never gotten to know the bird. Oni thanks him for the informatiuon.
Having done his best to help the elf captain load his cargo, Oni feels it time to check in on his crew on the Dark Horse. As he walks he ponders over the ravens news. Darid. Even in his short time in Dirt City, he was sure he had heard that name before.
He calls out to his crew before boarding. As he does he searches out Tara. At which pooint he stops dead in his tracks, just bartely making the connection. The harbornmaster informed him Darid was in charge of the port. Therefore he was also on the list. Could this mean a total attack from the Harbor?
When he finds Tara, he asks her with the utmost seriousness to tell him everything she knows of Darid. House, affiliations, etcv.
Berlon - Divine Power Monday September 24th, 2007 3:24:59 PM
"Now now, Theo, that is certainly not at all it! Restrain those ruffians! I mean, assuming you didn't kill them."
He cocks his head to the side questioningly. "You didn't *kill* them, did you?"
He chuckles slightly. "Anywho, tie them up and let's hand them off to whatever passes as the authorities these days. Except this one."
He moves over to the one he knocked out and relieves him of any weapons and/or moneypouches he might have on him.
"I have a feeling we might not be the first travellers these scum have preyed on."
If there is a pouch on the half-orc, Berlon hands it off to Theo, saying, "Give this to the next townsfolk you see who look like they could use it. It shouldn't take much looking. This is important, don't forget!"
He will then turn his attention back to the half-orc by roughly waking him up. "Hey! Wake up!" he yells, "Go. Go and tell your friends. The streets of Dirt City are under the protection of the Dark Horse Guild. Threaten others at your peril. Go. Run now."
He then smiles at Theo and heads off to Neezer's...
Posting Report for 9/17/07 Monday September 24th, 2007 4:49:25 PM
MTWTF
DM MikeK XXXXO Berlon XXXXO Oni XXXOO Rose OOOOO Theodore XXXXO Vauhwyt XXXXO Vorelle XXXXO
ADM Shegger
Information gathering (DM MikeK) Monday September 24th, 2007 8:54:55 PM OOC - 30 xp bonus to Berlon, Theo, Vauhwyt, and Vorelle
----------------- Vorelle and Vauhwyt proceed to the House of the Wolf without further annoyances. It is about noon by now, and the tunnels are filled with the usual assortment of travellers. All, of course, keep to themselves, in accordance to Dirt City tradition. There is a feeling a safety down Below, but nobody is interested in pushing their luck either.
Liontaur and ranger arrive at the gate between the House of the Wolf and the rest of Dirt City. Two guards are checking credentials and determining who is allowed inside and who isn't. As usual, the guards are paying attention. The Wolves don't like failure.
A darkly complexioned human looks the two over. "Your business?" he asks neutrally.
Macaw lands on Vauhwyt's shoulder. He cocks his head at the guards, and then at Vorelle. Theo's familiar doesn't say anything.
----
Berlon and Theo discuss what to do about their new captives. The gnome relieves the leader of a small sack containing about 50 pieces of silver. The half-orc also has a club, a dagger, and leather armor - all of average quality, at best. The other four also have clubs and daggers - no armor. Each has some 15 sp in various pouches and bags.
Berlon wakes the leader, and informs him the Dark Horse Guild protect the streets. For some reason, the would be thief doesn't feel like arguing about it. He spends the time bobbing his head like a broken toy and repeating "yessir" whenever possible. When the cleric tells him to scat, he scats.
A lifetime native of Dirt City, Theo will be perfectly aware there are no authorities to turn the other four over to. The Knives maintain peace below, but Above nobody will give two coppers about four suspected goons and an attempted robbery just outside Backstab Quarter. Most citizens would state, not incorrectly, that Berlon and Theo are in the wrong place. What to do with the four remains a question.
-- OOC - Harbormaster said Horatio Mann ran the harbor.
Oni heads back for Dark Horse, gets Tara out of earshot of the other crewmen, and grills her on Darid. The name is nagging at the centaur, and he wants some blank spaces filled out. Tara is somewhat puzzled by the question. "Darid?" she repeats in confusion. "Darid Skull is one of the most famous smugglers in the House of Teeth." The girl's statment is said with the pride of her house behind her. "He sails the Crimson Skull, and once took a load of Purple Wine through the whole of the Aisildurian Navy without them ever catching wind he was there. He's built up quite a following. Most Teeth would crew with him anywhere. There's even rumor the First Officer is trying to get him the Prince's seat."
Vorelle Monday September 24th, 2007 11:12:23 PM
As they approach the Wolves' Tower, Vorelle pulls her Wolf ring from her pouch and places it on her finger, clenching her fist as she does so to keep the thing from slipping off.
When the guards challenge them, she glances at Vauhwyt, confident that her gregarious friend can handle the talking aspect of the visit.
Oni Tuesday September 25th, 2007 2:09:43 AM
Oni listens to the information from Tara anbd becomes more relaxed. Somewhere he had gootten confused.
Vauhwyt Tuesday September 25th, 2007 10:57:26 AM
When Macaw lands on Vauhwyt's shoulder, Vauhwyt is immediately worried and alarmed. "Macaw! What is it!? Is Theo okay? Did you come to get us?"
Assuming the crow reassures Vauhwyt that there is no emergency, then she will proceed with the visit to the Wolves.
If the wolf guard was standing there while Vauhwyt talked with Macaw, then Vauhwyt will be sure to apologize for the distraction.
Vauhwyt shows the guard her Wolf friendship ring. Her voice is clear without being loud -- although her usual high pitch makes it a bit harder to sound businesslike. [You know the character Karen from Will and Grace? Vauhwyt sounds like her.]
"I'm Vauhwyt and this is Vorelle. We're from the Dark Horse Guild. We have information for the Wolves, very strange information about the attempted assassination attempt on Sarla we foiled a couple years ago, and on the current threat that Dirt City faces from outside forces. Please take us to see the Alpha or one of the Apha's top people."
[OOC: Sarla is the daughter of the Alpha, or of the guy who was the Alpha when we started the game. The only note I have on her is "Dark hair, calculating eyes." I seem to recall a rumor about the Alpha being deposed or killed? So Vauwhyt is careful not to say "the Alpha's daughter," since she may not be the daughter of the current Alpha. Also, at least in the past, the Wolf leadership seemed to have the tendency not to give their names out, at least not to the likes of us.]
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday September 25th, 2007 11:22:18 AM
"No, they are not dead," Theodore responds to Berlon. He looks at the fallen thugs. "And they won't be unconcious long enough for me to tie them up, anyway. No authorities would prosecute them. This is what happens Above. We'll just leave them."
He taps Berlon's shoulder and points the gnome towards the Merchant's Quarter. "We should get Below, quickly. There are more powerful bullies than these about."
Berlon Tuesday September 25th, 2007 12:19:20 PM
"Tsk. How sad." Berlon says as he pushes the coin purse into Theo's hand. "Don't forget! Give that away as soon as possible!"
With that he heads off with Theo to see Neezer.
Neezer and the three Wolves (DM MikeK) Wednesday September 26th, 2007 8:57:34 PM OOC - apologies. Work is getting intrusive :)
Vorelle displays her Wolf Ring to the guard. She waits for Vauhwyt to speak, but the liontaur is distracted by the arrival of Macaw. The blackbird doesn't answer her questions, instead it looks at the guards for a moment, and then back at her.
Vauhwyt asks about Theo. Macaw replies, "Theo Oh Kay."
Reassured about her friends, but still in the dark about what the bird wants, Vauhwyt gets back to her primary goal. She requests an audience with the Alpha.
The guards hesitate, which is more than such a request from your average Dirt City citizen would warrant. One says, "Wait here," and he disappears back through the entryway. Both Vorelle and Vauhwyt have the impression that the wait might be a while. The request, coupled with their bona fides, have clearly put them in a category the guard doesn't know how to handle. The other guards are curious and polite, but won't let the pair through. "Need to check with the boss," they say.
--
Berlon gives Theo the small sack of coins, and together they leave the scene and go Below. Very soon they are knocking on the door of the gnome's contact. Neezer opens it himself. "Ah, my friends," the elderly man greets them, "do come in. You've perhaps reconsidered my latest offer?"
---
Oni nods, reflecting on Tara's words. "Um," she asks curiously, "Why do you want to know about Darid?"
Vorelle and Champ d20+13=32 d20+13=24 Thursday September 27th, 2007 12:19:00 AM
Vorell is uneasy, just standing there on the street like that. She keeps an eye out for trouble.
Champ sniffs the guard's boots.
[Spot 32, Listen 24]
Oni Thursday September 27th, 2007 7:45:11 AM
Oni looks to Tara, " Oh I just heard someone talking about the name, figured I shoukd jknow more about it. Thanks for the information. And, I can handle the watch if you and your men wish to leasve. The other sailorsd should be back for duty soon."
Theodore & Macaw Thursday September 27th, 2007 10:22:19 AM
Theodore sits, if there are any seats available, and ponders the newest information he had been given by Jeraldh. He lets Berlon do the talking, chiming in if asked by the gnome. Otherwise, he keeps one ear on the conversation and his other mental faculties churning over the possible involvements of the Teeth in the coming invasion.
Berlon Thursday September 27th, 2007 10:28:31 AM
Berlon seems momentarily at a loss for words. "Err.. why don't you reiterate the offer to Young Theo, here, Friend Neezer! I don't believe he's heard it yet."
"Once we are done with that, we can discuss other issues, such as the potential horde of lizardmen planning on attacking the city, and what assistance the House might be able to offer."
"There are more than a few thousand."
"I might need some rope."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday September 27th, 2007 12:00:41 PM
Vauhwyt doesn't mind waiting. Frankly, if there is one house that she has a deeply healthy respect for -- as in, preserving her own health -- it is the Wolves.
Mookie seems to be a bit bored. He hops onto the same shoulder as Macaw and says, "So, Brother, decided to wise up and hang out with real heros for a change, instead of that puny kid you call a master? Master of falling over his own feet, that's about it."
Vauhwyt doesn't much like that. "Hush, Mookie!" she says sternly.
Wolves, Ga'alians, and Merchants (DM MikeK) Thursday September 27th, 2007 9:00:35 PM
Vorelle and Vauhwyt wait patiently for the Wolf to return. While they do, Macaw delibrately flies about 40 paces away from the door, lands, and stares at the liontaur.
Assuming she eventually decides to come on over, he delivers his message as soon as she is within earshot. "Darid of the House of Teeth is on the list. Keep your eyes open and stay away from the Teeth." Macaw flies off, just as the original guard returns.
"Your in luck," he says. "They're all ready for you." He motions the pair to follow him as he meanders through the sewers dedicated to the Wolves. The guard stops at an unremarkable door, knocks once, and leaves. The door opens, revealling a small, smoke filled room. There is a single long table dimly lit by a lantern in the center. On the far side of the table, four figures sit. They're known to Vauhwyt and Vorelle as Mr. Rapper, Mr. Smoker, Mr. Silent, and Mr. Smooth.
All four wait.
----
Neezer chuckles softly at Berlon's evasion, a twinkle in his eye. "Nicely evaded," he compliments the gnome. "Let us say I refer to the vessel still in your possession. The Teeth do not have it. Perhaps you are reconsidering your deal with them?"
Berlons comments about lizardmen erase the twinkle from the graying man's eyes. He studies the gnome carefully, his eyes occassionally flicking to regard Theo in an uncomfortable stare. "I'm afraid you need to speak more plainly. No one here has heard of any impending danger. And I confess I'm not following on the rope."
--
Tara regards Oni suspiciously. But as it becomes clear the Captain isn't talking, his First Mate returns to her business.
It is at this moment a middle aged, pot bellied human, escorted by four blond guards who all appear to look alike, make their appearance next to the boat. "Oh ahoy there!" the man calls out genially. "May the blessings of the mighty Ga'al be with you this day. Is this the Dark Horse?" The man seems completely at ease, with nary a care in the Wold. Of course, given the wide berth everyone else on the dock is giving his four bodyguards, he may really not have any.
Vorelle Friday September 28th, 2007 1:09:03 AM
Headlights haven't been invented yet, but if they had been, Vorelle would look like a deer caught in them. She stares at the four men seated in the room, and hopes that Vauhwyt's gift of gab hasn't deserted her.
Herself, Vorelle couldn't utter a word to save her lift just now, which is rather a pity because it looks as if it may come to that.
Oni Friday September 28th, 2007 1:50:06 AM
Oni looks at the five men suspiciously. Ga'al? What was that? Afraid his ifnorance may show through, Oni does his best to keep a straight face. The armored men looked like bodyguards, sure enough. He lamented silently the loss of Sho'va, would be nice to have support here.
Oni walks to the side entrance to the ship, blocking the men fronm boarding. Oni simply looks at the man and says, "It is."
Theodore and Macaw Friday September 28th, 2007 10:01:22 AM
Theodore squirms uncomfortably every time Neezer looks at him. The wizard averts his eyes whenever they meet the shifty Merchant's. He continues to let Berlon do the talking, trusting in the gnomes tongue more than his own.
Neezer's mention of the Teeth makes Theodore fidget even more. He wonders if Darid is working in conjunction with them regarding the invasion, or if he is involved in the attack only for himself.
Then his thoughts turn to Macaw. He attempts to feel if the bird is well or in danger.
Vauhwyt Friday September 28th, 2007 10:31:39 AM
Outside, Vauhwyt thanks Macaw for the message and sends him off to his master.
Vauhwyt quickly shoves Mookie into his pouch and pulls the closure tight just before stepping into the presence of the Wolves.
She senses Vorelle's hesitation and steps forward half a step to take the pressure off her. She gets right to the point.
"Long before we adopted our new name, the first thing we did was to foil a cultist plot against Sarla. Since then, I've been proud to wear this ring and call myself a friend of the Wolves."
"We were in the east looking for a magic item. We didn't find it, but we did find a sinking Teeth ship and we rescued the crew from death at the hands of lizard folk. That was Captain Rossa, of whom you may have heard."
"Now, we met lizard folk before, and a friend of ours among them warned us a while back about an invasion of the city by his kind. That was when we brought back that cursed Book of Mrteus, the one that corrupted Suran Corell."
Vauhwyt is about to mention that the Book was eventually taken away by the Gold Dragons, but didn't she hear a rumor about the Golds -- I mean Platinums -- that did not reflect too well on the Wolves? She decides not to mention Valdor in present company.
"At that time we also warned Suran about the invasion threat, but maybe our warning was lost in other events.
"Well, now we've been among the lizardfolk again, both with our friend and fighting cultists among them. Our friend tells us that the cultists are ascendant among the lizards now, and they will invade soon, probably with an army of about 3,500."
"We also got our hands on a list of the cult's allies. That list had some surprises."
"First, the name Ba'bac appeared on the list. That's the assassin that threatened Sarla before we took him down. But of course, people come back from death all the time. We thought you should know about this Ba'bac."
"And there were some kobold and goblin names on that list, leaders of goblin tribes. So I think, although I do not know for sure, that the 3,500 lizardfolk will be joined by an unknown count of kobolds and goblins too."
"And there is one more stunner. Maybe there are several people in the Wold who have the same name. We make no accusations, But you should know that another name on the list is that of Darid."
"We tell you all this because I hate Marteus and his cult, because we want Dirt City to thrive, and because we are friends. That is all I have to say."
She bows.
Berlon Friday September 28th, 2007 6:41:12 PM
Berlon seems confused at Neezer's words. "Well," he begins slowly, "if there's going to be an invasion of lizardmen..." he continues slowly to make sure everyone understands, "I would need some help with the preparations. You can't stem a horde of rampaging swamp creatures without proper preparations, and..." he finishes with a smile, "I would probably need some rope."
"Common sense, really..."
Once he's done with that, he will go into more detail with Neezer regarding their current plight with the lizardmen, making sure the Merchants fully understand what might be about to go down.
"As far as the ship goes," he continues, "that's really out of our jurisdiction. I'm more of a Vice-President In Charge Of Keeping People Alive, while Young Theo here is more about political clout than anything else."
"Er, we'll have to check with the others regarding the ship."
Warnings out (DM MikeK) Sunday September 30th, 2007 9:39:23 PM
Vorelle decides to let Vauhwyt do the talking.
And the liontaur doesn't disappoint. She lays it all right out in front of the quartet of Wolf leaders. Mr. Rapper lets out a low whistle as she names Darid. Mr. Smoker works diligently on rolling his second leaf. Mr Smooth leans forward. "That was possibly the most straightforward report I've heard in...well...ever," he confides. Then, with a rueful grin, he adds "You probably don't want to do that with anyone else, though."
"You hold the Wolves in debt," Mr. Rapper breaks in. "Do you wish refuge within our House during this attack?"
"The defenses are strong," Smoker adds. "And thanks to your warning, will be strengthened more. Our House will hold."
Mr. Silent holds up a hand, and the rest become still. "Who else knows of the impending attack?" he asks, holding up a single finger. Raising a second finger, he speaks again "and who else knows Darid Skull is on that list?"
-----------------
Neezer gives Berlon an apprasing eye. "You're serious," he finally accuses. "There's an army of lizardfolk on the way right now, isn't there?"
The man sits back in his chair and runs his right hand throught his wispy white hair. "Well my friend, unlike yourselves, I'm neither a 'Vice-President' nor do I have political clout. I'm merely the man who knows the Dark Horse Guild. And as you all refuse our offer of membership, even that isn't worth as much as it once was." He holds up a forestalling hand. "Now, now, no need to argue. I'm sure you have reasons. I will inform my House of your warning. I'm sure we can manage some kind of brokerage with the other Houses." He sighs heavily. "Troubled times. Troubled times. It is moments precisely such as this where a single man in the Prince's seat is required." The elderly fellow gives Theo a pointed look. "If your group had such a man in mind," he notes, "we could be able allies to his claim....."
-----------------
Oni gives the Ga'alian priest and his bodyguard an affirmative reply, even though the taur is still working out who "Ga'al" may be. The man smiles in gratitude. "Splendid! Splendid! Well, I see you're a taur of few words, and so I'll get straight to the point." He ducks, almost apologetically, and continues. "You see, I'm seeking inforamation on an Aisildurian sailor who was recently killed here on these very docks. A tragedy, youth taken so young. I'm sure you'd agree." The man seeks some reaction from Oni, but drives on regardless. "It so happens, I've recently learned that your group was hosting a, well, a party here at the time of the poor lad's demise. And I was sincerely hoping you, or someone on board your fine ship, could confirm this, and possibly even provide some additional detail about the event or day or anything really." He ducks again. "My government, you see. They are trying to piece together the story for the poor lad's family."
Vauhwyt Sunday September 30th, 2007 10:09:34 PM "Do you wish refuge within our House during this attack?"
Vauhwyt nods her head in thanks, but politely declines the refuge. "I suspect we'll be too busy fighting the invaders to take refuge, but it is good to know that if we get hurt, the Wolves will take us in. Thank you."
"The defenses are strong ... And thanks to your warning, will be strengthened more. Our House will hold."
"Yes," says Vauhwyt, "But even the strongest Pack needs a den and needs prey. If the rest of Dirt City falls, what will the Wolves do alone? I ask rhetorcally, of course, since I hope you will see the advantage in the defense of the entire city, not just this House."
"Who else knows of the impending attack?"
"We have been telling anyone who will listen. Everyone. I'm sure the word is spreading right now. And of course, our crew and Captain Rossa and his crew know as well and are spreading the news."
"and who else knows Darid Skull is on that list?"
"Fewer people. Of our closest friends in Dirt City, I suspect that my fellow Dark Horses have told Jeraldh of the Keys. We are good friends with the Temple of Wardd, but I think so far none of us have mentioned it to them, though we might."
"My fear, of course, is that a fifth column of Teeth will aid the invaders at the worst moment possible. Is this Darid the head of his house? I thought it was Vox Requin and Horatio Mann. Is it possible to contact sane elements within the House of Smugglers who can pull this rotten tooth and his followers?"
Vorelle Sunday September 30th, 2007 11:52:55 PM
Vorelle shifts her feet, glad that Vauhwyt can answer for the both of them. She senses that now is not the time to ask about Targo, though she is curious.
Theodore and Macaw Monday October 1st, 2007 9:37:44 AM
There he went again, offering to support whomever the Dark Horses wanted as Prince. Theodore didn't like it, one bit. It didn't make sense.
When Neezer gives Theodore a pointed look, the wizards squeaks, "Not me. I'm not Princely material."
He nudges Berlon with his elbow. He's uncomfortable and ready to go.
Oni Monday October 1st, 2007 11:48:26 AM
Oni listens to the mans story. Seemed innocent enough, although he wish he knew who this Ga'al was. Oni was still new to the city and all, especially when the party had occurred.
"In the city is a Guildhouse for the Dark Horse Guild. You should find and talk to Dietrich the Bear. He knows better the woerkings of that night, and probably has the best information to date. I really know little more than it occurred."
Oni then expects and motions a farewell to the man and his bodyguard.
Berlon Monday October 1st, 2007 12:47:42 PM
Despite Neezer's agitated nature, Berlon can't help but smile, albeit a small one. "Friend Neezer, your words ring true! It is certainly time for the vaccuum of leadership to be filled, and certainly your glorious House would be a powerful ally to whomever filled such a position....."
"But first let's ensure there's a city still standing if we fall under attack. Do you think it would be possible for you to contract someone to keep an eye on the lizardmen encampments? We do not want to be caught by surprise."
He then chuckles warmly at Theo's words. "Why, Young Theo, you never give yourself enough credit! Besides," he says as he rises, "it's not up to you to decide if you are princely material."
He harmuphs. "'Prince,'" he muses, "wrongly named and wrongly executed..."
"By your leave, Friend Neezer. Until we meet again...."
"Come, Theo, we are off to the Catacombs!"
Posting Report for 9/24/07 Monday October 1st, 2007 2:30:41 PM
MTWTF
Meetings End (DM MikeK) Monday October 1st, 2007 8:15:37 PM 30 xp bonus - Oni, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Berlon, Theo
-------
Vorelle keeps mum.
Vauhwyt answers each question, point for point. The liontaur continues to lay it down straight and true, and style that draws an appreciative nod from Mr. Smooth. When she has answered the final question, and asked one in return, silence fills the room. The three men are looking at Mr. Silent. Mr. Silent is looking at Vauhwyt.
For a good minute.
He nods, almost imperceptably. But Mr Smoker picks up the cue immediately. "We will contact you," is all he says. But the audience is obviously concluded. The four wait for Vauhwyt and Vorelle to leave.
The door closes behind them, and a different guard escorts the pair back to the gate. Mookie's head burst out of the bag. "Hey Boss! How 'bout some food here?" he asks. It is getting into the mid-afternoon.
Where to now?
-----------------
Theo, not for the first time - nor the last, he suspects - declines the offer to be placed in the Prince's throne. Neezer merely chuckles in reply.
Berlon moves the conversation back toward the problem at hand, suggesting perhaps a scout or two should keep an eye on the lizardfolk's movements, so as to provide ample warning.
"I'm sure such people could be found," Neezer agrees, then stretches out his hands wide. "But funding them may be more problematic. First I must convince my superiors such an action is profitable. I believe you, my friend. But they have only my word that your word is good." He shrugs. "I will leave you word when I have made some progress. Will you be at the ship?"
Berlon and Theo are pretty much on their own, then. It is getting into the mid-afternoon.
-----------------
Oni tells the Ga'alian priest to check with Dietrich. Just as the taur expected, the man murmurs his thanks and leaves, taking the blond escort with him.
It is getting into the mid-afternoon.
A few dozen persons, dirty, poorly dressed, and unshod are beginning to gather on the docks. Oni observes this small crowd moving down the dock, ship by ship. They ask some question, are turned away, and move on to the next boat. very shortly, it will be his turn.
Vorelle and Champ Monday October 1st, 2007 11:10:50 PM
Champ wags his tail and whuffs happily, sensing his friend's relief on leaving the Wolves tower.
"I n-need to g-g-go to the T-T-Temple of W-Ward," Vorelle tells Vauhwyt. "D-d-do you w-want to c-c-come?"
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday October 2nd, 2007 9:10:00 AM
Theodore is relieved to get away from Neezer.
"I need to visit with Master Geoffrey, first," Theodore replies to Berlon. "You're welcome to come along. He's actually a quite pleasant fellow, and I'm sure he would appreciate someone new to talk to. If not, I can meet up with you back at the ship."
He waits a moment for Berlon to decide what to do, then he will go to Geoffrey's.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Tuesday October 2nd, 2007 10:01:20 AM
"Sure, old friend," the sorcerer tells her familiar. "We'll get you something to eat right away. There's a shop on the way to the Temple that sells berries, I think."
Vauhwyt is more than happy to go with Vorelle to the Temple. "I was just therre," she says, "so they know the news. But I didn't tell them about --" she pauses and does not blurt out the big news of the name on the list -- "you know."
"Do you think we should? I'm not sure how it would help."
"Anyway, after the Temple, we should go back to the ship to compare notes. AND we really MUST go to the House of Teeth. After rescuing Rossa, it will seem strange if we do not. But we should ALL of us go together on that trip!"
Oni Tuesday October 2nd, 2007 12:55:14 PM
Oni bides his time doingdaily ship duties. He was tired and not able to do much more thasn rearrange ropes. The whole affair was beginning to take itstoll as well. He was confused about the whole thing. And he doubted the invasion as well.
Berlon Tuesday October 2nd, 2007 1:24:23 PM
Berlon smiles at Neezer's words. "Remind them, Friend Neezer, that profit comes in many forms. Hiring a few advance scouts costs less than rebuilding a few razed buildings, no?"
After taking their leave, Berlon smiles at Theo. "Why yes, Young Theo, I believe a visit to Master Geoffrey would be a wonderful idea!"
He lets Theo lead the way.
Grubbers on the move (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 2nd, 2007 9:05:21 PM
Vorelle and Vauhwyt return back to the Temple of Wardd, stopping for a bite on the way at a small fruit stand in the Crescent Moon plaza. Despite the obvious freshness and good quality of the figs for sale, the halfling woman minding the store is selling them at cut-rate prices. She's doing a booming business, but the ranger can't see how she's making any money.
Afterwards, its back to the Temple. As they approach, both note a steady stream of Grubbers entering the Temple as well.
There aren't very many, but by twos and threes, they keep coming.
At the Temple itself, nearly a hundred people - mostly women and children - are staking out areas inside the large common chamber and laying out ragged blankets and casks and baskets, and generally settling in for an extended stay. Acolytes are scurrying about, trying to create order out of the chaos. No one is being turned away, but by the frazzled looks on some of the cleric's faces, the influx was not expected.
-----------------
Berlon reminds Neezer it might be cheaper to hire scouts than rebuild a city. The elderly man shrugs, and sees Theo and Berlon out. The pair make their way through the brightly colored Main Sewer, weaving through the afternoon's traffic. After a reasonable interval they turn left into the Halfling Sewer, and then left again into the Trade Quarter. The sights, sounds, and smells of that area are comfortably familiar to the young mage, as is the small green door opening into a small magic shop.
A grey bearded man smiles warmly as the two enter, and creeps forward to give Theo an embrace. Geoffrey hasn't changed much. Theo even thinks the string on his thumb was there the last time he saw the man.
"Welcome, welcome" Geoffrey cries, his voice somewhat wavery, but still strong and loud. "Tell me what you've learned lad."
-----------------
Oni continues supervising the crew, wondering if the predicted invasion is for real. The small crowd has moved from next boat up, and now stands before the gangplank leading to the Dark Horse. They're a sorry looking lot, halflings and humans, mostly women and children with a handful of men among them. Every one of the 40 or so people are dirty, ragged, and smelly - even over the fishy stench of the dock. Their teeth are blackened, and each carries that lean, gaunt look of the perpetually hungry. One of the men steps forward, hat in hand. "Please," he says. "You gotta be leavin, an' we know there's room. Take us with you. Take some of us with you! The kids anyways. Have a heart an' save some of us!" The man, in fact the whole group, stare at Oni for an answer.
Oni Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 2:34:47 AM
Oni stares back. The sight truly makes his heart ache. But there is not toi do about this. But wait, an idea comes to mind.
"Good folk of Dirt City. We do not set sail. I understand that you have need of protection. To flee would be best I know, but alas I can not help you there.
We ofg the Dark Horse guild have friends with in the citry. Follow me, I will take you to our guild house. There you shall mert Dietrich the Bear. I will speak to him on your behalf, you shall be protected."
Oni then barks a few commands to the crew. Oni is leaving and only members of thecrew, and guild shall be allowed aboard. Then Oni disembarks the vessel.
"Follow me." Oni leads the group of unfortunates to the guild house, hoping Dietrich will have room for the group.
Vauhwyt Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 6:26:21 AM
"Looks like folk are battening down the hatches. The question is, when is this invasion coming? We need more info."
"Maybe Priscilla can help us get a better idea of when to expect the invasion, do you think, Vorelle? She knows a lot about lots. If she is not off in the BlackBird Forest. Do you think you could find her, oh outdoorsy girl?"
"Or maybe we should do some scouting outside town ourselves, looking for goblin and kobold hordes?"
Then, in a very very quiet whisper, she adds, leaning in close to Vorelle -- Highlight to display spoiler: {"I've been thinking we could sneak in to find this Darid and send him off to an early pre-invasion funeral. Good idea, do you think?"}
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 9:19:55 AM
Theodore returns the old man's embrace. "Master Geoffrey, this is my friend Berlon. He is a practicer of white magic," he introduces the gnome.
"Berlon, this is my Master Geoffrey. He's taught me everything I know."
Theodore points Berlon to a seat and takes one for himself. After he is comfortable, he launches into their latest tale of saving Captain Rossa and the impending invasion. He also informs Geoffrey of Darid's name being on a list of possible allies for the lizardmen.
"Have you noticed any funny business from the Teeth, recently," he asks his mentor. "We're not sure if Darid is acting alone in his support of the lizardmen or if the entire House of Teeth is behind the attack. Hopefully, it's the former because we can ill afford another civil war, right now."
Berlon Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 8:01:33 PM
"Hello, Master Geoffrey! Young Theo speaks very highly of you! You have taught him well, and should be very proud of him!"
With that he smiles and takes his seat, listening to Theo talk to Geoffrey. He nods when appropriate, but lets Theo do all the talking...
Vorelle Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 11:30:03 PM
Vorelle is a little awed when she sees how many people have already made their way to the Temple. She's used to thinking of herself as a person nobody listens to.
She adjusts, however, and moves to speak to one of the acolytes. "I t-t-told m-my f-f-family and n-n-n-neighbors to c-c-c-come here," she says. She frowns, but says the hated word. "G-G-G-Grubbers, m-most c-c-call us." She counts a hundred gold from her dwindling coin and hands it to him. "N-n-n-nobody is t-t-t-turned away," she says.
She turns to Vauhwyt. "I-If you n-need me to s-scout, I c-can," she says. "B-but d-do we have t-time? I'd hate to g-get c-c-caught outside."
She leans close to catch the liontaur's whispered suggestion, but shakes her head. "W-we d-don't kn-know for s-s-sure why he's on the l-l-list," she cautions.
More planning and learning (DM MikeK) Thursday October 4th, 2007 8:24:44 AM
Vorelle is surprised her words are having an effect. She pulls aside one of the acolytes and gives him 100 gold. The acolyte is surprised, but wastes little time in handing the gold to a companion, who takes it into one of the side rooms. "We don't turn them away anyhow," he answers, "but thank you all the same." The young, red-headed man looks around the main chamber, seemingly at a loss. "If they keep coming, though, I'm not sure we can hold all of Spider Park in here."
The acolyte is called away, leaving Vorelle and Vauhwyt to continue making plans.
-----------------
Theo and Berlon return the greeting's of the mage's mentor. The gnome stays out of the way, letting Theo do the talking. Theo fills in Geoffrey on the details of their latest adventure, the discovery of invasion plans, and the name of Darid on the list they found. Geoffrey stays quiet and still throughout, eyes closed and chin propped up on one hand. At times, Berlon would have to wonder if the old man was even awake, but Theo continues without pause.
When he asks about the Teeth, Geoffrey immediately shakes his head in a negative reply. He has not noticed any funny business. Even here, the man doesn't open his eyes. They remain closed until Theo completes his tale, and for half a minute thereafter.
The eyes pop open, and fix on Theo. "Have you asked them?" he inquires, staring expectantly at his pupil in a manner Theo instantly recognizes as 'teaching mode'. "You do know Mann and Seafoam lead the House, correct? You have friends, perhaps acquaintances in the House, correct? Can you not find some way to ask about Darid?"
Geoffrey lets Theo stew on this a while before dropping another little hint. "Darid Skull is a pirate, a smuggler, an action-taker. Very popular with the crowd Above." His eyes glint with merriment. "You may have to go Up there and ask some questions, young man."
As he finishes, Macaw flaps into the store and settles on Theo's head. The bird bends over to look upside down into the wizard's face. "Hungry!" he caws in their shared tongue.
-----------------
At Oni's words, most of the hopeful faces staring at him fall in disappointment. But no one disputes the taur, and everyone follows as he leaves the ship and the docks. The taur takes the most direct route, straight through the heart of the Backstab Quarter. The group garners a few appraising and/or curious looks from the locals, but no one is inclined to bother 30 odd Grubbers following an unhappy looking centaur.
Dietrich's group is busily gathering up equipment from the guild house, and loading it into carts. The human fighter sees Oni coming, and raises a hand in greeting - a hand that slowly falls as he sees the assortment following. He looks at Oni curiously.
"What's this?"
Theodore and Macaw Thursday October 4th, 2007 9:08:53 AM
Theodore is a little startled when Geoffrey suggests asking the Teeth leaders about Darid. It seems a little too straight forward for Dirt City.
"What if they're in on it?" he expresses his caution. "They'd probably just kill us on the spot. I suppose it's something to think about, though. We should talk to the others before taking any action."
He stands and gives Geoffrey another hug. "Please take care of yourself. If you don't think you are safe, here, you are welcome to come to our ship, The Dark Horse. There is safety in numbers."
"Are you ready, Berlon?" he asks his friend. "We should get back to the ship and discuss what to do next."
Vauhwyt Thursday October 4th, 2007 10:57:50 AM
The liontaur stays with her friend through whatever business she still might have here at the Temple, then urges a return to the boat.
Meanwhile, she thinks about how to get some real intelligence about the area around the city. How to know where the invading armies are, and how fast they approach?
Berlon Thursday October 4th, 2007 10:59:13 AM
The gnome jumps slightly at Geoffrey's burst from apparent slumber. He listens to the exchange and frowns. "Such drama and intrigue," he sighs. "It makes one almost wish for a lizardman invasion to repel. Do you see now why you should be Prince, Young Theo?"
"Yes, let us return to the ship."
Vorelle Thursday October 4th, 2007 11:21:28 PM
Vorelle readily leaves with Vauhwyt. "I have one m-more st-stop, b-but it sh-sh-shouldn't take l-l-long," she says.
She stops by a marketplace and buys a couple of quivers of (mundane) arrows. She has a feeling she may need them.
[OOC: I'm assuming normal, non-magical arrows don't require a trip to the Catacombs.]
Her errand completed, she goes with Vauhwyt back to the ship.
Oni Friday October 5th, 2007 8:28:26 AM
Oni offers his hand in greeting to Dietricvk. Oni then explains the message given to him from Macaw. The issue with the harbormaster, and his helping to load the elven captains ship. Lastly he points out the group of grubbers and explains his reluctance to turn them away. Since Vauhwyt always says the Dark Horse represents all of Dirt City's folk, Oni could not turn them away.
Oni asks Dietrich for advice on what to do next with the poor folks.
Together Again (DM MikeK) Saturday October 6th, 2007 1:46:30 PM
Vorelle and Vauhwyt leave the temple, and stop by the Cresent Moon Market to buy some arrows. In Dirt City, arrows are in ready supply, and ranger is able to purchase some easily. 10% tax applies though - 11 sp per score of arrows
The two return to the Dark Horse.
-----------------
Geoffrey makes a face when Theo replies "What if they're in on it?".
"Well, you can't just blurt it out son," he notes with exasperation. "You need to be more discreet, more indirect." He looks his student over carefully "More sneaky." The old man leans back in his chair. "After all, this is Dirt City. You and I may be the only two straightforward people in this entire town, and I'm not all that sure about me."
The visit seems to be over, and Berlon and Theo return to the Dark Horse. -----------------
Oni describes the situation to Dietrich, whose expression becomes increasingly troubled as the taur goes on. "To tell the truth, we're making plans to evacuate this building as soon as the invasion force arrives," he confesses. "I secured an alcove in the under sewers, and we're moving our bulkier gear now. I can't possibly hold this building against an invading army with 30 men."
The warrior glances at the refugees silently for a moment, and sighs in resignation. "I suppose we can hire them as porters," he says at last. "They can help carry equipment and then stay on Below if and when the attack comes. Be as safe as anywhere else in the city."
Dietrich gives his group the appropriate instructions, and starts organizing the Grubbers. He gives Oni a serious look. "If more come, I'd take them to the Temple. I can't handle any more here."
His charges under control, Oni returns to the Dark Horse.
-----
And so, having spent the bulk of the day on separate forays, the bulk of the Dark Horse Guild find themselves back on board their vessel. Rose and Umbriel haven't appeared, and have left no word.
As the group assembles, Oni's hired waif, Josy, appears at the gangplank. She wordlessly hands the taur a scrap of paper, and waits for instructions.
Assuming he passes the paper to a literate member of the group, a message has been hastily scribbled - "Meeting tomorrow morning to discuss situation. Meet me at my place. J."
Theodore and Macaw Sunday October 7th, 2007 9:23:59 AM
Theodore is glad to see almost everyone safe and back on the ship.
"Does anyone know where Rose is?" If no one can account for her whereabouts, Theodore sends Macaw to the Halfling Quarter to check in on her. The raven's job is to make sure she's okay and to inform her that the rest of the group is on the Dark Horse planning out their next move.
"So," he begins when the others have settled in. "I hope you've all gotten the message about Darid. I recently spoke with Master Geoffrey and he suggested speaking with Seafoam about Darid. I would think finding out Darid's involvement in the attack would be the most important thing on our plate. What do the rest of you think?"
Vorelle and Champ Sunday October 7th, 2007 11:41:00 PM
Vorelle is glad to return to the boat, and Champ runs about, investigating new and familiar smells.
Vorelle is literate, but not excessively so. Nevertheless, she takes the time to puzzle out the note. "J-J-J-Jeraldh?" she asks the others.
Oni Monday October 8th, 2007 1:40:26 AM
Oni introduces Josy to everyone. Josy is a small girrl Oni is using ads messenger/gopher while on the docks. Hr also passes the note around, since he cant read it.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Monday October 8th, 2007 10:26:18 AM
Vauhwyt looks at the girl Josey and is worried. She reaches up and quickly yanks a feather from Mookie.
"YOWCH!" squawks the talking raven. "Boss! What'd you do that for?"
"Hush," says Vauhwyt. "We'll get you a cure spell if you need one."
She bends down to the girl.
"Hi, I'm Vauhwyt and this is Mookie. Put this feather in your hairr. If anyone gives you any trouble, you show them this feather and tell them it means you work for the Dark Horse Guild. Anyone who hurts you has to answer to us."
"And you can always get help at the Clubhouse. Just ask for Dietrich." The liontaur tells the girl how to get there.
==========
Vauhwyt sees the note and reads it. "Good enough," she says. "We'll see him in the morning."
==========
Vauhwyt tells her friends that Rose said she was going to the halfling quarter to see her family. Probably her momma is making her dinner. We'll see her later, probably.
[OOC to DM: could we get a note or message from Rose, maybe saying that she has family issues or something that will keep her away from adventuring for a liuttle while?]
==========
Vauhwyt takes the opportunity to speak with ALL the Dark Horses who are present ... PRIVATELY!
"Let's get down to business, friends. I'm glad we'll go see our good friend Jeraldh in the morning, but we need our own information and our own agenda."
Vauhwyt tells her friends all that she has done today, and asks each of the others what they have done and seen. That gets us all up to date. Then Vauhwyt launches into the work at hand.
"First, we have to talk with the Teeth. We just rescued their Captain Rossa and his crew. Rossa has already given them a report. We've been running all over the city today. It will look really bad if we do not go visit the Teeth."
"But we have to all go togetherr."
"Now, we know that this Darid Skull is on the Cultist list. But we can hope that the other Teeth are not infected with his evil. At the least, we go there, tell them about the invasion, and warn them about possible attacks on ships by lizard folk."
"Should we talk about the cultists? Mention Darid? I don't know. Being open and honbest is so unexpected here that it tends to throw people off balance. We might want to spill all our beans and fight our way out if need be."
"Also, we need to know when this invasion is coming, and from wherre. Does anyone have any ideas on what we can do to find out morre? One option is to have the familiars fly high above the sity on alert. But that only works in daylight, and these invaders will likely come under waterr -- the lizardfolk -- and in the dark -- the goblins and kobolds."
The urgency the liontaur feels can be heard in her accent.
"If we could find Priscilla in time, she would be a big help. But I don't see how we can leave the city to search for herr. That Kernorn fellow -- the bug guy -- would be a big help, but he flew away from the city long ago."
"The information brokers in this city are the Cloaks. Maybe we should go see them?"
Vauhwyt looks at her friends, eager to hear other opinions.
Berlon Monday October 8th, 2007 11:19:39 AM
Once everyone gets reacquainted, Berlon turns his attention to something he is fidgeting with in his hands. It would seem he isn't even paying attention to the conversation, except for an occasional nod of his head, seemingly in agreement to what is being said. Once Vauhwyt is done Berlon adds his thoughts.
"Focus on the list," the gnome offers without turning his attention to his still fidgeting hands. "That should be our priority. That, and settling the role of Prince. Did Theo mention that both Jeraldh and Geoffrey thought he would make a fine Prince?"
He mutters frustratedly towards his hands, his back still to the others.
"Don't worry about an invasion. There *is* no invasion."
He pauses a few seconds for emphasis.
"Well, rather, there will be an invasion. We gather up a few advance scouts supplied by the Houses, along with whatever help they want to offer, contact Thliss-Ka, set up a rendezvous, and take out the lizard chief. I am sure if we met up with Thliss-Ka while properly prepared we can come up with some sort of plan for installing him as new chieftain."
He dramatically whirls around to the group, and holds out a hand. In the hand is a small lump of clay.
"Does this look like a hand to you? I think it's still too lump-like. It's almost The Feast of St. Hubbins, and I haven't had a free moment to craft a vessel, it's very frustrating..."
Posting Report for 10/1/07 Monday October 8th, 2007 6:38:26 PM
SMTWTFS
A new way of reporting. Apparently, I was doing it wrong, before. Oops.
ADM Shegger
Dark Horse Plans (DM MikeK) Monday October 8th, 2007 9:01:59 PM 30 xp bonus - Oni, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Berlon, Theo
-----
Theo sends Macaw to the Halfling Quarter to check up on Rose. The mage fills in the group and inquires about next steps. He favors getting more information on David.
Vorelle wonders about the note, and guesses Jeraldh sent it.
Oni introduces Josy to the group.
Vauhwyt gives Josy a black feather (not quite volunteered by Mookie), directions to the Clubhouse, and instructions to seek help if necessary. The young girl nods seriously. The liontaur joins with Vorelle in assuming the note is from Jeraldh, and agrees to meet with him in the morning. Then she gets down to business, and lays out her thoughts and ideas for the DHG.
Berlon prefers to concentrate on the list, but downplays the danger of a coming invasion. The gnome seems distracted though.
Macaw returns shortly, bearing a note. "Birthday party for Aunt Arathana. Back in a few days. Rose"
Oni Tuesday October 9th, 2007 2:08:04 AM
Oni is tired it had been along day. Listening to the others talk about plans to come, he droops his eyes. Berlon is fidgeting constantly, and probably the only thing keeping Oni distracted enough to stay awak.
"Forgive me master Berlon, I understand nothing of a vessel, this St ? or a hand that you speak of. Allow me rest tonight so I can start new tommorow. Maybe then I can help you with your quest. Or whatever it is you seek."
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday October 9th, 2007 9:10:42 AM
"It's probably better if we meet the Teeth on neutral ground, if we're to bring up Darid. I'd prefer not to have to fight through an entire House if it happens that Seafoam is indeed privy to Darid's involvement in the attack. In fact, I don't think we need to be the ones to bring up Darid, at all. I could just as easily make an illusion or change my appearance to someone else and ask them about Darid. That way, if things go sour, at least they won't believe it is us who know about their dark little secret. Hopefully."
He glances at the others, trying to read what they might be thinking. "But you are right, Vauhwyt, on needing to speak with the Teeth. We should go to them, but hold off on asking about Darid until we have a plan. I suppose now would be as good a time as any."
Berlon Tuesday October 9th, 2007 12:05:11 PM
"The Feast of St. Hubbins!" Berlon responds with a finger in the air. "A time of great celebration, a time of Miracles, its coming is a time of great joy. Prepare for the meal of a lifetime!"
"But it's not just a celebration. Great rituals will be performed, and we will all be involved! Soon, soon, my friends..."
"But first we should prevent this invasion, no?"
He stares at the clay in his hand. "I still think it just looks like a lump..."
Vauhwyt Tuesday October 9th, 2007 4:59:22 PM
"Yes, do let's go to the Teeth now, this afternoon, but offer no hint about the enemies list."
She leads the group there, if all will go.
Special Visitor (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 9th, 2007 8:27:59 PM
Oni has had a long day, and is ready for some rest.
Theo and Vauhwyt prefer to leave immediately to visit the House of Teeth.
Berlon seems to be leaning that way as well, although he becomes most animated when describing the Feast of St Hubbins. He is somewhat mystified that said feast and said saint are completely unknown to his four companions.
The discussion is cut short by a polite knock on the door, followed by the appearance of Tara. "I think we're getting inspected," she tells Oni. "Seafoam just came off that Merchant trader next to us and is headed this way."
Sure enough, a few minutes later, the weather tanned elf is standing on the dock next to the gangplank. A trio of halfling stand beside her, writing furiously on rolls of parchment. "Sorry folks," she announces to the Dark Horse Guild. "Health and welfare inspection. I'm afraid I need to come aboard and give your vessel the once-over." Seafoam waits, somewhat anxiously.
Sense Motive check DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {Seafoam announced her intention more loudly than was necessary. Its as if she is trying to give the watching crowd a valid reason for her to be aboard the Dark Horse. Her intentions do not appear hostile.}
Vorelle d20+2=5 Tuesday October 9th, 2007 10:27:59 PM
"Y-y-yes," Vorelle assents to Vauhwyt's plan. "Sh-should I b-bring Ch-Champ or l-leave him here?"
She looks around, curious, as the elf and halflings approach the boat.
Health and Welfare? In Dirt City? Since when?
But although she is suspicious, Vorelle can come up with no specific reason to distrust them. [Sense Motive 5]
Berlon d20+4=5 Tuesday October 9th, 2007 11:48:53 PM
As usual, Berlon doesn't seem too concerned about motives. (Sense Motive 5)
"Health and Welfare?" Berlon asks incredulously, "you must be joking. Someone is presuming to be looking out for the Health and Welfare of this place?"
"On whose accord, may I ask?" he continues louder, making sure everyone in earshot can hear. "Let's say, for the moment, that we say to you 'No. We can not currently allow you on our vessel, as we are about to cast off to prevent untold horrors from attacking the city?' If we were to say that to you, please, let us know, who would you be reporting us to."
"You know, it's funny, on our way back to this vessel I was accosted by a gang of thugs. Thankfully I was accompanied by our Master Wizard Theo, and with one wave of his hands our accosters were subdued without injury. And yet," he continues, clearly building up steam, "when we went to turn over these that would prey upon our city to the proper authorities, there were no guard, no watch, no health and welfare officers to be found. Quite miraculous, really."
"So, now, once again," he adds "whose authority are you acting on again?"
Vauhwyt d20+1=8 Wednesday October 10th, 2007 12:32:57 AM
Vauhwyt gets no vibe in particular (Sense Motive 8), but she knows a con when she hears one. "Seafoam, what's this nonsense about an inspection? You're always welcome on our ship if you like, so take whatever look around. But what we want is to have a sit down with you and your house. Has Rossa given his report yet? We were just about to go over to the Teeth HQ."
She welcomes him aboard but keeps a close eye on him.
Vauhwyt (extra) Wednesday October 10th, 2007 12:35:21 AM
[OOC: Oops! Posted the same time as Berlon.]
Vauhwyt chuckles at Berlon's suspicions. "Come on, friend Berlon! This is our associate, Seafoam, who we know. Of course he is welcome aboard. We have nothing to hide and much to tell."
Oni d20=17 Wednesday October 10th, 2007 4:43:57 AM
Oni syspects the reason for Seafoam to board has more to do with the tales of how the ship changed shape. The whole house would know of the lost bet by now. Since Seafoam had made a bid to p[urchase the ship, this would be something he/she would like to know further about. But, who really knew.
:Seafoam as Captain of the Dark Horse it would be pleasant to have you aboard. Although, only you, your men escort may stay on the dock." Oni then motions for the gangplank to be placed so Seafoam can board.
--Hey, any way we can get a time of day. I have been posting like late evening, others like afternoon. It ould help woth decisions on what tpo do, visit whom, etc/
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=13 Wednesday October 10th, 2007 9:16:54 AM
Theodore's belly begins to twist when Seafoam suddenly appears after they were just talking about her. The wizard agrees with Oni's decision to let only Seafoam aboard.
If the sea elf boards, Theodore gives her a pleasant smile and a bow. "Welcome aboard. I trust that Rossa is safe?"
(Sense Motive 13)
Cayzle OOC Wednesday October 10th, 2007 10:29:28 AM
Oops! Sorry! Seafoam is a "weathertanned she-elf" -- got my pronouns wrong!
Seafoam Surprise (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 10th, 2007 7:42:50 PM
The sun set not long ago, and while there is some natural light left, it is quickly dying. It has been a long day, and it doesn't appear to be quite over yet.
Vorelle isn't buying Seafoam's story, but can't figure out what the elf is up to.
Berlon demands to know on whose authority Seafoam is acting. However, the gnome's question is nearly as odd as Seafoam's request. It is common knowledge the House of Teeth holds sway over the harbor, and that Seafoam is member of that House. In a city lacking central authority, the Teeth moving to take formal control of the harbor isn't surprising.
Vauhwyt doesn't understand Seafoam's request either. But the liontaur feels comfortable enough around her to invite her aboard.
Oni makes the same request, albeit more formally. He also would like the elf to come aboard by herself.
Theo nods agreement.
Seaform bows graciously to Oni. "Naturally," she replies in answer to his request. She gracefully bounds aboard, her elven blood and years on the sea making the mundane movement flawlessly. The halflings stay behind on the dock.
Theo asks about Rossa. "He is doing as well," Seafoam answers in uncharacteristically businesslike fashion. "The cargo hold is this way I believe?" She descends belowdeck.
At the bottom, out of sight of any onlookers, the elf drops the facade. Her body relaxes, and assumes a much less formal bearing. "Thanks for letting me on," she tells Oni. "I needed a public reason to meet you in private. And no," she confesses to Berlon with an easy smile, "there is no such thing in Dirt City as a Health and Welfare inspection. It happens that Rossa had quite a report, and it seems several other Houses were getting similiar reports, to the point where House Leaders actually talked to one another. "
She shrugs. "And so, Vox sent me here to get the straight poop." The elf's gaze fixes on Berlon. "Who wants to start shoveling?" she asks, more or less teasingly.
Vorelle d20+13=18 d20+13=21 Thursday October 11th, 2007 12:12:56 AM
Not trusting the stranger, Vorelle goes below with the others, if only to keep an eye on her. She leaves Champ up on deck, and keeps alert for signs of trouble.
[Spot 18, Listen 21]
Theodore and Macaw Thursday October 11th, 2007 9:33:03 AM
Although Theodore desperately wants to trust Seafoam, he understands that trust can lead to murder in Dirt City.
He looks to the impulsive Vauhwyt and shakes his head, "no."
Theodore then proceeds to tell Seafoam everything about their adventure except for the finding of the list. He doesn't lie, he just leaves that part out.
Oni Thursday October 11th, 2007 11:49:01 AM
Oni listens to Theodores explanation, but wonders why Darids name never surfaced. Oni did not understand why such information would be withheld from the house of the said pirate. It seemed the others had told others the information without delay. Whatever, Oni stayed silent.
OOC - DM retyped last part of post. It appeared Oni inadvertantly hit the Caps Lock Key, as uppercase and lowercase lettering was reversed in second half of post.
Berlon Thursday October 11th, 2007 1:33:37 PM
"Pah! More Elvish foolishness," Berlon mutters, still clearly annoyed. "They'll attack through your precious harbor, you know. That or the sewers..."
"This whole City! It's, it's like," he struggles for the words, clearly on the verge of a rant, "it's like a patient that doesn't want to take its medicine. We try to prepare against invasion and we have to deal with teenage orcs roaming the street because no one sees fit to spend a few coin on patrols. It's madness! We have swamp invaders and elves playacting and magical ships that do NOT change into monkeys and still, STILL above all of this, still no one has brought me any rope! Well, I can tell you this right now, this city will be fixed whether it likes it or not! I'll be in my lab if anyone needs me!"
And with that he storms off in a huff to his lab, apparantly where rope awaits.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+10=26 Thursday October 11th, 2007 2:00:38 PM
Vauhwyt smiles too. "We'd be lost without our Berlon." she says.
Meanwhile, she enjoys listening to Theo's tale, and sees no need to embellish it. She does add, after he is done, "And we HAVE been spreading the news. We were going to visit the Teeth just when you showed up. We were saving you for last because we figured Rossa would brief you."
"And note that we did not rescue your Captain and his crew for any monetary reward, but because it was the right thing to do, and for the good of Dirt City."
While saying the preceeding, Vauhwyt uses her Bluff skill to actually imply another meaning as well, to all who are present ... Bluff Check to pass a secret message: 26 .. her message ... We did not rescue Rossa for a reward ... but a teensy tiny token large gratuity as a thank you would be very nice.
Continuing as if she had not just implied that a reward would be welcome, Vauhwyt adds, "We just want to protect our fair city. And if you are inclined to dismiss a three-to-four thousand strong army of lizardfolk, be aware that we have reason to believe that they will be joined by goblins, kobolds, and even Marteaus cultists."
Problem Teeth (DM MikeK) Friday October 12th, 2007 11:53:08 AM
Seafoam asks for an update in the name of her House, and gets varied reactions.
Vorelle watches and listens.
Theo launches into the tale of the group's excursions and discoveries, with the notable exception of the list, as Vauhwyt and Oni look on.
Berlon, increasingly frustrated at the reactions he's been getting, storms out of the hold. OOC - Is there a lab onboard the Dark Horse?
As Theo finishes, Vauhwyt adds a subtle reminder that the group had rescued the Teeth's men, and have seen no recompense from that action.
The gnome's crack about "Elvish foolishness" draws a dark look from Seafoam. But, she holds her tongue and merely watches Berlon as he leaves, before turning her attention back to Theo and his tale. She sits quietly and attentively while he talks, only starting when Vauhwyt concludes with her comment about 'dismissing the army'.
"On the contrary," she replies. "My House takes this threat very seriously. And we do not appear to be alone in that view. The High Priest of Wardd has issued a call for a convocation of the House Leaders sometime tomorrow, and is backed by the Merchants, the Wolves, and the Keys. We expect all the Houses will attend, as such calls by the priesthood are rare."
"What concerns us," she continues seriously, "is none of the Houses approached us to join them in announcing the convocation. We have been isolated. And neither your account of events nor Rossa's is sufficient to explain why. It seems odd that the Houses your group is closest to, and the ones you've no doubt spoken with today, are the ones most reluctant to engage our help. Given our continuing business relationship concerning the eventual sale of this fine vessel, we were hoping you might possess some insight as to how the Teeth have put off so many other Houses without even knowing we have done so."
"Dirt City faces a grave threat, and the Houses must unite, under a single leader, to face it. And whether you like it or not, your collective opinion carries weight. Surely you are aware of both facts. Surely you have a preference. And if not, we have a proposal for one. But first, we must know why our standing is so low."
Omi Friday October 12th, 2007 12:16:14 PM
Oni listens to the elf and figures there is something he can do to help the situation.
"Seafoam, many Houses have bad seeds. People who have gone out on their own, and either the House, or the individual has not cut ties with the House proper. Therefore others dpont know whether to trust the House or not."
"It seems to me your House finds itself in this predicament right now."
---Sorry bout yesterdays post.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Friday October 12th, 2007 1:42:32 PM
The liontaur sighs. "Captain Oni speaks for all of us, maybe moreso than is politic ... but his word to the wise is a sign of good faith to you from us. No doubt all your questions will be resolved by the end of the meeting tomorrow."
"In any event, please be reassured that we consider the Teeth to be good friends, that our relations with yourself and Tara have been without blemish or problem. We are eager to retain and expand that friendship, as we want to be on good terms with every House."
"I'm especially glad to hear you say that all Houses must unite to face this threat. I hope you will find good news to bring to your masters when I tell you that we will speak well of the Teeth -- very well indeed -- when we are called on. The invasion may well come by sea as by land, and the Teeth will need to be sharp!"
Mookie caws in laughter, "Teeth! Sharp! Good one, Boss!"
"Hush up, Mookie!" says Vauhwyt.
Vorelle d20+2=12 Friday October 12th, 2007 8:44:57 PM
Vorelle watches the elf woman, trying to figure out what she's up to. In general, though, people are an unreadable book to Vorelle, and Seafoam is no exception.
[Sense Motive 12]
Berlon Sunday October 14th, 2007 3:48:55 PM
As Berlon makes his way back to his modest, two room dwelling (aka "The Lab") that he uses mostly for the small alchemist's lab he has set up, his mind naturally turns to exposition. And taxidermy.
Theodore & Macaw Sunday October 14th, 2007 5:26:29 PM
Theodore agrees with Vauhwyt. "If we should find anything out, we will inform you," he advises Seafoam.
"If you would excuse us, we have some plans of our own to discuss. Everyone has a part to play in the defense of our city." He gives her a smile.
Seafoam surprise (DM MikeK) Monday October 15th, 2007 8:12:59 PM
Oni alludes to 'bad seeds', and at his words Seafoam's left eyebrow shoots up to nearly the top of her head. That the sea elf understands the implication is obvious for all to see. That she is stunned by it is also obvious. Quite a few heartbeats of silence pass while she processes what she has heard, and composes herself for her audience.
"I...see", she answers. "Well. Well, thank you Vauhwyt for your renewed vow of friendship with the Teeth. Rest assured that our House" - the emphasis is clear - "will always seek to defend our city from its enemies."
Seafoam rises with a light smile and a nod toward Theo. "I think this inspection is concluded. I must go, there appears to be much to do before the morning." She leaves, and upon disembarking strides quickly from the docks, the halflings running to keep up and scribbling just as fast as they can.
Berlon has already left, but the four remaining members of the Dark Horse Guild find themselves by themselves for the first time all day.
Vorelle and Champ Monday October 15th, 2007 11:48:32 PM
With their visitor gone, Vorelle brings Champ down from the deck. He barks at Mookie a bit before settling down at Vorelle's feet.
She looks at the others, a worried frown on her face. "H-how l-long d-d-do you think we h-h-have?" she asks.
Vauhwyt Tuesday October 16th, 2007 12:11:14 AM
"How long until the invasion? That's the 64,000 gold piece question!"
"We need to find that out, I think. Any ideas on what we can do to get some advance info?"
Oni Tuesday October 16th, 2007 1:58:22 AM
Oni looks at the two females with tired eyes.
"We adventure. The city will do what it must to prepare. We should go back and help Thlsska. There we would be able to do more than here. The warning has been given."
Theodore & Macaw Tuesday October 16th, 2007 9:16:01 AM
Theodore gives Oni a strange look. "Of course, we will stay. It is our city to defend. What an odd thing to say."
He steps to the cabin door and looks outside. "I got the feeling that Seafoam was honest in her desire to protect this city. I think it's important to let her know Darid's involvement. Perhaps an anonymous note. Just to keep ourselves clean, in case I am wrong."
Theodore turns back to the other three. "What do you think?"
Posting Report for 10/8/07 Tuesday October 16th, 2007 9:22:20 AM
SMTWTFS
Once he is back at his lab, Berlon brews up a cup of tea, which he drinks quickly. He rummages around, stuffs a few quick items into his backpack, and then returns to the others.
Once he gets back with the others, he begins talking while going through his possessions. "So, did anyone make the sad elf feel better? Did we tell her how much we wuvs the Teeth and how shiny and pretty they are? Was it Theo, I hope?"
With that last part, he removes a long length of rope from his backpack. "There! NOW we're talking!"
What to do, what to do (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 16th, 2007 10:06:06 PM 30 xp bonus - Oni, Vorelle, Vauhwyt, Berlon, Theo
Berlon returns to the Dark Horse, having finally located that elusive coil of rope.
He finds the others discussing whether to return and relocate Thliss'Ka or stay and help prepare the city against possible invasion.
Night settles in on Dirt City as the discussions continue. No further intrusions are experienced.
Vorelle Wednesday October 17th, 2007 12:19:17 AM
Vorelle gazes unhappily out the porthole. "D-do you th-think we n-n-need to sl-sleep aboard?" she asks the others. She doesn't much care for boats, even when they're docked.
"I-I c-c-could g-go s-scout t-tomorrow," she adds. "I-if we have t-t-time."
Oni Wednesday October 17th, 2007 2:25:37 AM
Oni's tired eyes betray hius fatigue. At this point any surface is going to be soft enough to sleep on.
"Well, until tommorow." He waves at everyone as he retires belowdeck to literally collapse in slumber.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday October 17th, 2007 9:33:35 AM
Theodore finds a comfortable spot and beds down for the night.
Vauhwyt Wednesday October 17th, 2007 12:40:01 PM
Wherever the party bunks down -- on ship or in the apartments or at the Clubhouse -- Vauhwyt still insists that the party stay together and keep watches.
"You never know," she says.
She worries about the invading army, but sleeps at last.
In the morning, it is to Jeraldh's that the party goes.
Berlon Wednesday October 17th, 2007 12:49:24 PM
"We should probably stay together, but get some rest. We need to decide what we are going to do. I still say it is best to remove the chief from the equation. We weren't prepared for the situation before, but this time..."
He scratches his head. "I think the Houses will offer up some scouts at least, and Thliss-Ka would help come up with a sound strategy..."
"If you want to stay here, that's fine, but given the size of the city and the likely lack of support we'd have, I'm not sure the city is defensable."
With that said, Berlon hunkers down for a nap.
Good Morning, Dirt City! (DM MikeK) Thursday October 18th, 2007 7:47:42 AM
Its been a long day. With Seafoam having left, the group decides bedding down aboard Dark Horse is the safest option. Vauhwyt lays out a watch schedule, and everyone catches some well earned z's.
The night passes uneventfully.
Morning breaks. The meeting with 'J' looms.
On the docks, activity begins. Oni will note there are fewer vessels in port than there was yesterday. A good quarter of the ships have left the city.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday October 18th, 2007 9:31:34 AM
Suspecting that the Dark Horse Guild may be called to speak before the heads of several Houses, Vauhwyt uses a prestidigitation spell to help her look especially nice. She wears her embroidered white shirt (as well as her spiked armor, but the embroidery peeks out). She wears her special magic earring, the one given to her by Bill Troublefinder (aside from a faint glow and excellent crafting, it has no special property). She also wears her Wolf friendship ring, her WLA badge, and her amulet of Warrd, thus showing a few of her allegiences. She wears her finely carved Amulet of Natural Armor -- a gift from her only liontaur friend -- under her shirt, too. She leaves her longspear home out of respect, but with her spiked armor, spiked gauntlet, natural claws, and two hidden poisoned daggers, she's plenty well armed.
"Oh, no worries on that score, old pal," she tells her familiar, laughing as she ties a few ribbons on her spikes to symbolically peace-bond them.
A quick breaking of her fast, and she is ready to go with the group to the House of Keys.
Theodore & Macaw Thursday October 18th, 2007 9:52:24 AM
Theodore sets down in a quiet corner to study his spellbook for the day.
After an hour of meditation and memorization, he closes his book and returns to the group.
"I will attempt to make contact with Seafoam, today. I will take every effort to direct her away from us as the source of information, but I think she should know of Darid's involvement. I believe she wouldn't hurt the City, but we should still take precautions."
Theodore has a look of determination on his face. "Unfortunately, I will have to go alone, which I know is against our rules. But I can only keep myself from detection, so I'm asking for you all to trust me to keep myself safe."
He gives them a smile that he hopes is encouraging. "Have a good meeting with Jeraldh."
Theodore casts a spell before leaving the ship. Then he uses the power of his hat of disguise to turn himself into an average-sized human wearing dirty clothes. Someone you wouldn't give a second glance in Dirt City.
He gives his friends a smile missing a few teeth before leaving.
Oni Thursday October 18th, 2007 1:57:28 PM
Oni wakes to sore muscvles. After moving aroin the ship, doing daily chores, he feels better. Theo gives his plan, and takes off without another glance. For himself, speaking his mind seemed to be the best action.
"So if it be a meeting we ashould be off." Oni brandishes his halberd, and walks off the boat. He waits for the others to join him.
Berlon Thursday October 18th, 2007 7:17:54 PM
The gnome frowns slightly at all the activity but says nothing. He doesn't like Theo going off alone, but hopefully his magics will protect him.
"You folks do whatever you think needs to be done," he begins quietly. "Once we are done with all the political intrigue we can start to work on making sure the city doesn't get over run with lizardmen."
"Besides," he adds on with a slight smile, "I'm sure I'll just say something that makes someone mad."
"I'll wait here and mind the ship."
Vauhwyt and Mookie Thursday October 18th, 2007 10:11:05 PM
Vauhwyt at first seems alarmed at Theo's rash decision.
But Mookie pipes up, "Now, Boss, what would the Dark Horse Guild be without rash decisions and unilateral declarations?"
"Good point, Mookie," says Vauhwyt, chuckling. "If I recall correctly, the Impetuous Imposters was one of the choices we considered for our group name."
Vorelle and Champ Friday October 19th, 2007 1:40:15 AM
Vorelle considers, for a moment, sprucing herself up as Vauhwyt had. Alas, she doesn't have nearly as many options. She brushes the dirt off her clothes as best she can, then re-braids her hair (which promptly begins straggling out again). Using a bit of extra rope, she fashions a collar and lead for Champ.
"I won't p-pull you," she promises, tying it on him. "B-but people should know you're with m-me. J-just in c-case."
Champ does not like the collar, and shows his displeasure with barks and growls.
Vauhwyt Friday October 19th, 2007 6:35:36 PM
Vauhwyt also makes a mental note to ask how Jeraldh's two boys are doing
Jeraldh (DM MikeK) Monday October 22nd, 2007 8:36:10 PM
While the rest of the Dark Horse Guild prepare for their morning meeting with 'J', Theo makes preparations of a different kind, while Berlon elects to stay on board the ship.
The mage finds his task to be unexpectedly successful. Seafoam is just leaving the harbormaster's office as Theo leaves the ship. Within a few moments, the mage has in plan in full effect. The elf starts a bit as the 'boy' approaches her, and starts even more as he delivers his message. She does not pursue the 'boy', nor does she look about for any other comrades. Seafoam merely stands there, staring thoughtfully at the boy as his weaves his way into the crowd. Still holding her thoughtful look, Seafoam strides purposefully for the dock's entrance to the City Below.
Theo's mission is over before his three comrades are out of sight.
Oni, Vorelle, Vauhwyt (and possibly Theo) find their way on a long familiar route to the quarters of their friend Jeraldh. The liontaur is only two raps into her knock, when the white-haired, pale-eyed man answers himself. He glances up and down the corridor, and then again at the group. "Only four?" Jeraldh shakes his head, "Later" he tells himself. "Come in. Quickly" he tells the group.
Without further discussion, Jeraldh leads the quartet back to that innocuous looking room that he used the last time he spoke with Vauhwyt and Vorelle.
Closing the door behind them, he turns back to the group. "Have a seat," - evaluating Oni - "or whatever makes you comfortable. This might take awhile."
There is a chilled metal pitcher, condensation just beginning to form on its surface, setting on a table. Jeraldh helps himself to a mug, takes a swig, and motions an invitation for his guests to do the same. Half a dozen empty mugs remain on the table.
"It looks like you're right," he tells Vauhwyt. "The priests did their divination thing overnight and confirmed we're about to get attacked, likely anyday now. And it sounds like the lizardfolk are just a piece of the army. The Keys, Merchants, and priests are hinting about a second army, but I couldn't get specifics. Probably waiting for the meeting."
The man puts down his mug and leans forward. He is very intent, very focused. "You might not totally realize this. This meeting might be the most important event to occur in Dirt City for years. The heads of the Houses almost never meet face to face, and only then at the bequest of the Prince. For the priests to summon the Houses, and for all to accept, is unheard of.
We are at a turning point, right now. The scales are perfectly balanced, and what is decided there will tip them irrevocably.
And I don't mean the invasion. It's important, yes. But everyone knows we will defend the city. We'll argue about it, but its inevitable that's what we'll decide to do. And"
Jeraldh pauses, making totally sure he has everyone's attention.
"I am quite sure we will select a Prince today."
The albino lets that sink in a moment before dropping the next thunderstone.
"And I am quite sure you will decide who that person will be."
Posting Report for 10/15/07 Monday October 22nd, 2007 8:55:50 PM
SMTWTFS
Vorelle Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 1:16:21 AM
Not wanting to seem rude, Vorelle pours herself about half a mug of whatever's in the pitcher. She finds a seat off to the side someplace and sits, listening to Jeraldh and clutching the mug.
She looks up, surprised, when he states that "you" will decide on the next Prince of the city. She wonders who he means, but doesn't ask.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 9:29:25 AM
Theodore is quite pleased with how things turned out. In retrospect, he probably should have tailed her a little further from the docks before approaching, but he had a feeling that Seafoam was an honest, at least by Dirt City standards, person.
He quickly caught up to the others on their way to Jeraldh, making use of his invisibility spell. Although it's almost certain some or all of his friends will hear a mischevious giggle from time to time.
Before they reach Jeraldh's door, Theodore poofs visible again with a loud cry, jumping directly in front of the trio with hands raised above his head for dramatic affect. "Boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie!!!"
Whether his friends are surprised or not, Theodore has a chuckle over his supposed cleverness.
At Jeraldh's, Theodore is all business. He takes a seat and politely takes the offered drink. When Jeraldh hypothesizes that the Horses will be the ones to pick the next Prince, Theodore is legitimately confused.
"I think you are giving our sway with the City more credit than it's worth, friend Jeraldh. But I would like to hear the explanation for your conclusion."
Berlon Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 12:55:16 PM
Berlon works busily on the deck of the ship, chuckling to himself at the drama and intrigue that is sure to be unfolding at different points in the city.
"Houses! Princes! Bah!" he mutters to no one in particular, seemingly pleased to be talking to himself. "Does NOTHING in this place have an accurate title?"
He starts tying a large, pitch-smeared sack to a length of the oft-spoken of rope, yet continues his conversation with himself. "They can decide who can be fake Prince of a pile of cinder after the lizardmen attack..."
He pauses and frowns. He finishes tying the Alchemist's Fire to the length of rope and surveys his work. Three other such sacks are spaced out along the rope, and, for those in the group that have visited Berlon's gnome village, the contraption looks exactly like the ones hanging from the ceiling at the secret entrance of Haven's Edge...
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20+19=28 d20=17 Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 2:17:42 PM
On the walk to the House of Keys, Vauhwyt thinks about a dream she had last night. She was a mere cub again, working working, working, no sleep, no food, no rest. Always more work. Always the whips. Always the sound of curses in her ears. And a voice ... "Get out of Fantta's way! Stupid cat-thing!" That name! That voice!
She tells her dream to Vorelle as she walks.
Then Theo jumps out and yells "Boogie, boogie, boogie, boogie!!!" And Vauhwyt jumps a mile straight up ... okay, three and a half feet (Jump check 28), but it seems higher.
She laughs and laughs. "Next time I have to jump, Theo, you can use your Aid Another to boost me!"
Later, when Jeraldh says that WE are going to choose the Prince, she remembers teasing Theo and thinks about mentioning him for the position. "Serve him right for making me jump," she thinks, but then decides not to make the young man squirm.
She wonders if Jeraldh is serious, or if this is some kind of set up, or trap. She listens carefully to him.
Sense Motive 17
She waits for the answer that the man gives Theo's question.
But let's say that he is serious. Should she say anything whatsoever? She decides to hedge and try to be diplomatic.
"This is news to us, and we appreciate it, Jeraldh. We will definitely weigh all the issues, including the character of the many friends we have made city-wide. And if called on to offer our say, we will do what we think is best, for the whole city."
"When is the meeting? Where is it? Do we have time to go fetch Berlon? We will need him."
Jeraldh's Bet (DM MikeK) Tuesday October 23rd, 2007 8:41:37 PM
Vorelle helps herself to a drink (its water) and listens politely to Jeraldh. She looks up, surprised, when he states that "you" will decide on the next Prince of the city. She wonders who he means, but doesn't ask.
Theo is pleased with his successful message delivery. The young mage takes the opportunity to try out his invisibility on his friends, with spectacular results. Vauhwyt is in the middle of reliving a bad dream with Vorelle when Theo "attacks". The liontaur scares, and leaps high, forgetting in her haste that she's in a tunnel. Fortunately, the headache doesn't last long.
Later, Listening to Jeraldh, Theo shakes his head. He understands who the man means, but doesn't agree with the suggestion.
Vauhwyt waits for Jeraldh to answer Theo, and also asks more details about the meeting. Is there time to get Berlon?
Meanwhile, Berlon remains on board the Dark Horse but stays busy with defensive works. The problem is going to be where to set up the traps. There is no good single point of entry Above, unlike the much more defensively minded gnome village.
--
Jeraldh leans forward. "Listen," he says with complete seriousness. "Please listen. You, your group, the Dark Horse Guild, or whatever you call yourselves. You are Wardd's Throw. You have the ear of at least half the Houses. That is more than anyone save the High Priest. It is said a leader emerges in every crises, but that is only partially true. It is more accurate that a voice emerges in every crises - a voice that points to a person and says "He is the one, follow him". Think of Arturo and Violet. They became leaders at the end of that crises, but it was the bard who was the voice."
Jeraldh drains his glass.
"A new crises emerges. The Houses gather to decide what to do, who will lead, who will emerge..." The albino searches out the eyes of each of the four heroes. "You can be the Voice. The opportunity to name the next leader of Dirt City, to shape our future lies on the table before you. You need only reach out -" he plucks another mug off the table "- and grasp it."
The man stares at the mug a few moments, and then sets it back on the table.
"You are no doubt aware I desire the position. I hardly deny it, especially now. I truly believe I am best suited for the task ahead. In exchange for your Voice, I won't promise you riches, for I know you care little for such things. But, I do promise your association with a new central authority would allow you access both information and resources you surely would want for your own future plans. Plus of course, you'd have the ear of the Prince, not at all an undesirable benefit."
Jeraldh rises.
"I ask you for your support. We meet at noon on the floor of the Arena. YOu will no doubt wish to discuss this with Berlon, and I encourage you all to be at that meeting"
The man escorts you to his door, and turns at one last thought. "Um, do remember the most powerful beings in Dirt City will be gathered together. It would be wise to guard against, um, overzealousness once you've arrived."
"Please think carefully on what I have said"
The meeting is over, and the four find themselves back in the corridor, with quite a bit to discuss.
OOC - "Wardd's Throw" - a Dirt City saying taken from a dicing term that essentially means the bet is sure to be won.
Vorelle Wednesday October 24th, 2007 12:00:28 AM
Vorelle listens carefully to Jeraldh, but he doesn't say what she's waiting to hear.
Perhaps one of the other candidates will come closer. Or, perhaps Jeraldh is merely puffing the importance of the Dark Horse Guild for some reason of his own.
Eithe way, Vorelle will continue to watch and wait.
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday October 24th, 2007 1:21:31 AM
Once the party is out and alone, Mookie pipes up, "Boss, what did he mean, we care little for riches? Who went and gave him that idea? I bet it was Rose!"
"Hush," Vauhwyt tells her familiar.
She says to her friends, "He knows we care little for riches, and he is right -- well, mostly. Instead, he offers us his own confidence and competence, as well as information, resources, and access. But he neglects to say that he will put the City above his own House. He neglects to declare where his loyalty as Prince would be."
"I hope Berlon has prepared Zone of Truth. If so, we can question the candidates under the spell. And they can answer these questions: 'As Prince, will you put the welfare of Dirt City above that of your House? And will you work not to help yourself, your friends, or your family, but instead for all citizens?' "
Oni Wednesday October 24th, 2007 2:39:38 AM
On the way out the door Oni asks Jeradh , "What about our alliance with the Merchants. If we vote for you, what standing will they have?"
Afterwoords outside, Oni wonders where Vauhwyt got the idea they had so much sway in the lives of all the houses.
--Sorry site hasnt allowed me to post for 2 days
Vauhwyt and Mookie Wednesday October 24th, 2007 9:12:14 AM On the way to get Berlon
Vauhwyt laughs and tries to answer Oni. "My friend, I forget that you have not been with us really all that long. Well, let me count off some of the reasons for our high reputation in Dirt City."
The liontaur counts on her fingers ...
"We saved the Wolf Alpha's daughter from assassination."
"We rid the city of an infestation of bugs that were sucking the life out of people."
"We saved the city from the worst effects of the Fae King's plague."
"We stood up to the Prince after he went crazy."
"We have been to the Blackbird Forest and the Nightmare Realm of Koshe Marre and lived to tell the tale."
"We have powerfl friends -- we fought Marteus cultists with the Swords of Redemption, and Valdor Dragonstone knows us by name."
"Of course, you know about the hundred year ghost curse we lifted, and the rescue of Rossa."
"And we have done all that with no thought for reward. We are friends to every house, and to the Temple, the Merchants, the Halflings, and even the Grubbers."
"It is no real surprise that the Houses will seek our advice."
At the Ship
Vauhwyt calls to Berlon, "Friend Berlon! We need you!"
She explains to the gnome all that the party has learned (please read post couple posts). "We need your judgement, and we need you in case it all goes belly up. By the way, do you have a Zone of Truth spell of some sort prepared?"
Then it is off to the meeting at the appointed time.
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday October 24th, 2007 9:43:28 AM
"I think both yourself and Jeraldh are giving our little group too much credit. Sure, we are appreciated and I'm sure our words are given weight, but I don't think it would be wise to act as appointing officials. I think our role is more as a voice for what the people want."
He thinks while they walk back to the boat. "Something more like a prepared speech regarding what the people would like out of a Prince would be appropriate. And I still maintain that Jeraldh would be the best person for the position. What do the rest of you think?"
Vauhwyt Wednesday October 24th, 2007 12:09:04 PM
"I think we should hear out the other candidates that the Houses might put forth. Rememberr, we need a war leaderr."
Berlon Wednesday October 24th, 2007 2:37:29 PM
In response to Vauhwyt's yell, the gnome shouts back "Quiet you! People are trying to sleep!"
After a few moments' pause he adds "Just kidding! Come aboard while I pack up!"
Once the rest are back on board, Berlon will carefully pack up his handiwork. When they leave the ship he will stop by his lab and leave it there.
As he does this, he listens to the tale retold. He says nothing and listens quietly until the part about "Wardd's Throw," where he lets out a short, loud laugh, but then contains it quickly enough.
"Well of course they want us to decide," he offers casually, "what do you think I've been saying to you people the past few weeks? Do you think it's just because I enjoy teasing Theo? Well I do, but that's not the point."
Vauhwyt then continues on to the part about a Zone of Truth spell, and the gnome looks at her like she is wearing a lobster on her head.
"Let us go to their little meeting, and let us see what unfolds. I am starting to suspect they are all quite mad, but perhaps we can use that to our advantage."
"The real issue is the invasion. Anyone killed by a rampaging lizardman will be removed from consideration for Prince. If any of you have loved ones, we move them to Haven's Edge in the morning. Speak to them this evening and I will take them there and return the next day."
"Theo, I may have a task for you once I am on escort, but I will know more after this whole Jeraldh thing..."
"Well," he adds with a mischievous smile, "are we ready?"
Discussions (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 24th, 2007 9:12:46 PM
The group discusses among themselves.
Vorelle remains wary, and merely listens.
Vauhwyt likes some of what Jeraldh says, but like Vorelle doesn't hear what she really wants to hear. The liontaur wonders if perhaps Berlon has a spell they can use at the upcoming meeting.
Oni asks Jeraldh point blank if the Merchants will still hold sway with Jeraldh in charge. The albino blinks, and then replies, "I would expect the House of Merchants to have no more and no less influence than they currently enjoy."
The centaur wonders aloud why the Dark Horse Guild would possess this kind of influence in city matters in the first place.
Vauhwyt helpfully supplies a rather long winded list of reasons.
Theo retains his reservations, not believing the group wields as much influence as suggested. The mage asks about Jeraldh, and his liontaur companion counsels patience.
Berlon listens to the tale, commenting in his usual style. He counsels even more patience at the meeting, perhaps realizing casting a spell in the middle of the House Leaders may result in severe misinterpretation of intent. The gnome wants to get the loved ones out of the city, before the place burns down around them.
Discussions continue aboard the Dark Horse. The meeting is in 90 minutes.
Vorelle Thursday October 25th, 2007 12:37:22 AM
Ninety minutes until the meeting. With lots of people. Important people. The kind of people who look down their noses at filthy Grubbers.
Vorelle glances unhappily around the group. "Are you s-s-sure you d-don't need me to s-scout s-something?" she asks.
Theodore & Macaw d20+11=21 Thursday October 25th, 2007 9:19:36 AM
Theodore looks to Vorelle. "I also would prefer to be somewhere else," he admits to her. "But I think it's important that we all stand together. You won't have to speak if you don't want to."
"I also think it's important that we go in there as a single mind. We can't have any dickering amongst each other in front of the Houses. And absolutely no crazy spur-of-the-moment schemes or outbursts." He looks pointedly at Vauhwyt.
"We should use this time before the meeting to come to an agreement on how we will all act, what we will all say, and how we will all respond to situations as they arise."
Theodore sits cross-legged on the deck of their boat. "I think that we're all in agreement as to what kind of Prince we want running the City: someone who will treat every one, House, citizen, or grubber, with the same respect; someone who has the City's best interests at heart; someone who will have an open ear to advice from every side; someone who will be understanding but firm." He ticks these points off on his fingers.
"Now, let me see if I can't remember whether such a meeting like this has happened before." (Knowledge Local DC 21 to determine any guidelines to the coming meeting (eg protocol, how things will run, whether their is voting involved, specific traditions, etc.)
"And if indeed we're expected to determine the next Prince, we should have a clear idea of who we want going in to the meeting. If things during the meeting lead us towards someone else, then so be it." He pauses for a moment. "Again, I think Jeraldh is the man for the job. He has proven time and again that he cares more for the City than his own House. Everything that we have seen and heard about him has been good. Why wouldn't we give him our support?"
Vauhwyt Thursday October 25th, 2007 9:32:17 AM
Berlon, I don't mind if they are crazy," says Vauhwyt. "Some of my best friends are nuts. It's the crazy EVIL ones I worry about."
"Vorelle," the liontaur says, "if you just stand and are quiet, they will not know what to make of you, and they will be wary of you. That's good enough. But I'll cast a message spell, so that you can whisper your opinions to us in the meeting."
Vauhwyt looks forward to the meeting and is ready to go to the Arena with her friends.
Vauhwyt after Theo speaks Thursday October 25th, 2007 9:38:09 AM
"What, me!" says Vauhwyt in faux outrage when the wizard suggests that she might come up with a crazy scheme.
"Crazy schemes are often the best kind," adds Mookie.
"Hus--" Vauhwyt stops herself from hushing Mookie and looks at him. "Um, good point, Mookie!"
"Anyway," the liontaur continues, "yes, we all want the same qualities in a leaderr. But in fairness, we have to consider all the possible candidates that the Houses offerr. I just wish one of us were perceptive and wise enough to figure it out. Failing that, we'll have to judge as best we can."
Oni Thursday October 25th, 2007 12:13:39 PM
Oni is as serious as you hsve ever seen. Deliberate. He removes and cleans his armor during the wait. Taking a brush from his pack, he also brushes himself throughly.
The mane of whute glowing hair comes to life with the stokes. The small beard mustache combo also glisten in the light. He then redons his armor, making sure each buckle is fastened tightly.
"I now see Master Berlon in his comfort zone. You like the City and the life it holds dont you? I understand the empathy, although my alligance runs more toward nature, but just the same, I empathize. You have my support fully Master Gnome." Oni has no idea why but he bows to the little gnome.
"As for chosing a leader. Let's gpo with Jeraldh. Theo likes him, none else dislikes him. As impartial as one can be in this City, so far he is the most impartial I have met. So, know now my support is with him. Maybe someday we can vote in Theo as Prince, although I do not believe it his time yet." He smilesd warmly at Theu.
"One las thing. Even if Jraldh makes mistakes, and gets overwhelmed in the duties, The City will go on. He gives it the best chance to grow, and not stagnate. My decision is for the City."
Berlon Thursday October 25th, 2007 5:02:29 PM
Berlon smiles widely as he listens to Theo, culminating in wild laughter at the dig at Vauhwyt. He even does his best Mookie impersonation: "You tell 'em, Boss! *squark*"
When Oni adds in, his smile turns more confused. "'City life'? I forget you've never been to Haven's Edge. Soon! Soon!"
He then listens to the rest of the conversation, the smile not leaving his face. "Now Vorelle, don't you fret about speaking. No one has to say anything if they don't want to."
"I hate to say it, but I think you are all missing the larger point. I mean, aside from the larger point of the invading lizardmen army reducing the city to ash. I mean the other other larger point."
"They don't just want us to decide...."
He smiles broadly and waits to see if anyone understands what the heck he is talking about.
Vauhwyt Thursday October 25th, 2007 6:30:40 PM
Looks curious to see what Berlon means.
Discussions Continue (DM MikeK) Thursday October 25th, 2007 10:06:35 PM
The group continues to talk about the upcoming meeting. Theo and Oni advocate supporting Jeraldh. Vauhwyt advocates patience. And Berlon - well, as usual, Berlon is up to something.....
Theodore & Macaw Friday October 26th, 2007 9:56:26 AM
"I agree that we should keep an open mind, Vauhwyt, but we need to go into this meeting with a firm opinion, and one that we all agree on. It simply won't do to be in disagreement amongst ourselves during the assembly. That's why we need to hammer out how we will conduct ourselves before hand. Try to limit any surprises."
"If we enter this meeting without a candidate already chosen, then we will have to discuss amongst ourselves who we like during the meeting. This will make us appear weak and indecisive. But if we go in there with a candidate chosen, our answers will be succinct and to the point; decisive and definite, exactly what the City needs at this moment. Now, I'm also saying that our choice can be swayed, but if this is the case, our deliberation will be much shorter, because we will already have a measuring stick against which to judge any other candidate. Again, a short discussion as opposed to a longer one will only look good for us."
"And as of right now, which other candidate do you view as more appropriate than Jeraldh? None. So I figure it a fairly safe choice to start with him and then change our vote if needed."
He stands after his long winded speech, a serious look upon his face. "When in there, we must be decisive and definite. If we act as a like mind, we will be viewed as strong and make folks think twice about crossing us, but will also entrench us as a necessary part of the City. If we are discordant and argue amongst ourselves in front of the most powerful people in the City, we may as well disband, because we will be looked on as a joke."
"And what is your larger point, Berlon?" Theodore senses a joke coming on.
(OOC - DM MikeK, what were the results of Theo's Knowledge check from previous post?)
Vauhwyt Friday October 26th, 2007 10:23:41 AM
Vauhwyt concedes that Theo has a point. Jeraldh is the best candidate we have seen so far. But it is important to keep an open mind and to keep the appearance of an open mind!
Vorelle Friday October 26th, 2007 1:55:37 PM
Vorelle nods. Theo's points make sense.
"J-J-Jeraldh, then," she says. Absently, she reaches over to pet Champ. She wonders if she'll be allowed to bring him. Probably not. She sighs.
Berlon Sunday October 28th, 2007 7:04:51 PM
Berlon feigns taking offense. "Up to something? Pfft! Why I never!" Despite his protests, his wide grin during Theo's monologue betrays him.
"What I'm trying to explain..." he continues, unwrapping a small bundle of leather he pulls from his backpack, "is what the city *wants* from us."
"I think at least some of you misunderstand," he continues, "but please, everyone, take a seat for a moment." He smiles warmly at the group until everyone takes a seat in one way or another.
"A leader isn't a leader by name. You can't just *say* someone is a leader, the population simply won't put up with it!" He takes his everburning torch and touches it to the leather bundle. It ignites easily, and soon a smell of incense and berries fills the air.
"No matter how well-intentioned one might be, a leader isn't a leader because he says he's one." He passes his hands through the wafts of smoke. "A leader is a leader because *others* says he is. Or she is."
"They don't want us to choose a leader, they want us to lead them."
He pauses.
"Now," he adds, eyes still closed, a smile on his face, "let us PLEASE, for the love of Benjee, move onto the real matters at hand."
With that, he completes the incantations of his Divination spell.
"O Alemi! Healer of the masses, Fixer of the Wold, please grant your servant the wisdom he lacks on his own, so that we maybe protect the innocent and defeat evil."
"Please foretell when the invasion of Dirt City will begin...."
Oni Monday October 29th, 2007 11:58:24 AM
Oni stands on the dock waiting for the others. When Berlon sits down, Oni has to reboard, in order to see him. The gnome is a talker when started.
Raising an eyebrow, while furrowing the other,m Oni is giving himself a headache. Leader Leaser Leader. Oni really did not care. Only when the prayer starts, and the mention of Lizards does he relax, enough to concentrate on what is at hand.
Posting Report for 10/22/07 Monday October 29th, 2007 3:53:53 PM
SMTWTFS
Discussions again (DM MikeK) d100=68 Monday October 29th, 2007 10:07:13 PM
Theo thinks back on his studies, trying to recall a similiar meeting in Dirt City history. There have been plenty of occassions in which the Prince has convened the Houses, but that is not the case here. Of course, there's always been a Prince before, too. The unnamed bard in the Violet and Arturo saga sorta brought about a consensual meeting, but again, the situation was different. No, this seems to be a rather historic event in Dirt City - the Houses are talking even without a Prince to force them to the table.
To his comrades, the young mage stresses the need for a show of unity and decisiveness. He also dutifully plays the straight man, and asks Berlon what he means.
Vauhwyt agrees, but adds that the group must keep an open mind as well. Don't select Jeraldh just yet.
Vorelle agrees on the choice of Jeraldh as well, and reluctantly decides to leave Champ on the boat.
Berlon opines that the various Houses want the Dark Horse Guild to be the leaders, not choose another. The gnome then casts a spell, hoping to learn the time of the attack.
Oni prepares for a long listen, but relaxes when Berlon begins his spell. It appears the gnome is cutting to the chase.
Cutting to the chase takes a bit of time, for Berlon's chanting continues for a good ten minutes. Berlon - Highlight to display spoiler: { The sea will run with blood before you see a second sunrise. DM Note - Berlon has already seen this morning's sunrise. }
Shortly after Berlon finishes his spell, the group hears some kind of commotion coming from the docks.
Vorelle d20+13=20 d20+13=32 Tuesday October 30th, 2007 1:30:09 AM
Hearing the commotion, Vorelle goes topside to see if she can see or hear more of what's going on.
[Spot 20, Listen 32]
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday October 30th, 2007 9:12:50 AM
Theodore looks to Vauhwyt after both Vorelle and Oni had agreed to go with Jeraldh. "We need a unified voice in this, Vauhwyt. I'm not implying we walk in there saying 'Jeraldh's our guy! It's him or bust!' To the contrary, I'm hoping our choice won't be needed until deliberations are finished. I'm just asking that we all go in their with the expectation of it being Jeraldh and needing to be convinced of another candidate. What do you say?"
"I also think we might want to gather those of our group not currently with us, if we can. Namely, Dietrich, Olyn, and Rose. They all have recognition in the City, as well. All of us together will be an even stronger voice."
Theodore stands when he hears the voices from the docks. "What's going on," he asks Vorelle.
Vauhwyt shrugs at Theo's words. "You've moved me from purely unbiased to leaning Jeraldh, my friend. That's plenty for now."
Whatever that commotion is, Vauwhyt thinks some intimidating can't hurt. She steps outside and casts Enlarge Person on herself, shared with Mookie.
Oni Tuesday October 30th, 2007 10:09:01 PM
Oni steps out of the way, the taurgiant needing the room. Oni looks to the sea, wondeering, thinking.
Ga'alian company (DM MikeK) Wednesday October 31st, 2007 9:26:59 AM
One by one, the members of the Dark Horse Guild climb the steps up to the deck of the ship and take a look out over the dock.
Standing there, in front of the gangplank, is the pot bellied priest of Gaal, the one who had previously visited Oni and Vauhwyt, and seen by Vorelle. Arrayed behind him are his four blond bodyguards. They form a protective semicircle between the priest and the small crowd that has gathered on the docks. The priest is bellowing, and stumbling about. It takes only a few moments of watching his unbalanced motions and listening to his slurred speech to realize the man spent most of the prior evening imbibing a whole lot of alcholic beverages.
"I'm telling you!" he roars to the assembled crowd, growing more hysterical with each phrase. "These heroes have played you for fools! [hic] You've heard the news! Armies approach! [hic] The city will be levelled! And we just sssssit here! While they...."
On 'they', the man swings an arm toward the Dark Horse and over-rotates, causing himself to spin in an ungraceful pirouette. His legs tangle together, and he drops heavily down onto the seat of his trousers. While he struggles to regain his feet, the crowd murmurs angrily. It appears the man's delivery is not well received, with occasional shouts of "Oh shut up" and "Stinking Aisildurian" coming out of the crowd. Although there is room to do so, no one attempts to cross the semi-circle forms by the four bodyguards, none of whom are displaying any signs of inebriation.
The priest spots the party. "YOU!" he cries, pointing an accusatory finger. "You killed that sailor! And now you want me too!"
At his shout, everyone else takes notice of the party. While the crowd begins to smile and murmur happily, anticipating a come-uppance, the four bodyguards move. Without any sort of noticable signal, the hemispherical line transforms into a circular one. One guard shifts to stand in front of the gangplank, shielding the priest from the party. His three companions simulaneously take up equidistant points on the circle. For the more military minded members of the party, the manuever - an instantaneous and silent reaction to the new "threat", is an impressive indication of the training and discipline of the guards,
One of the crowd doesn't want to wait for the party. "We've had enough!" he snarls at the priest. "How 'bout you take a swim?" The man steps across the imaginary boundry. In half a heartbeat, the two nearest bodyguards close on either side of him, grab his shirt in one hand and his trousers in the next, and heave. The man sails through the air, cartwheeling frantically. He clears the side of the dock by a good ten feet, ending the arc with a "sploosh" as he hits the water below.
The two guards returned to their posts long before the intruder splashed down.
Shocked silence, disturbed only by the sound of the man surfacing and splashing toward the dock ladder, follows.
Berlon Wednesday October 31st, 2007 1:04:36 PM
"Here, allow me..." Berlon helpfully volunteers to the others. "...but stay your hand."
With that he moves to the edge of the ship to a location where he can be easily seen and heard by those on the docks.
"Hail, good people!" he yells at the top of his lungs. He waits an extra moment to make sure he has been heard. "Please do not act! Return to your business and we shall speak with this Priest of Ga'al."
He then dramatically turns towards the Priest, showing that he is now talking directly to the cleric.
"Drunken imbecile. Go home."
He then turns to get with the others back on the ship.
"If the drunkard insists on confrontation," he mutters to the others, "let him come to us. We can not have a public melee."
Theodore and Macaw Wednesday October 31st, 2007 2:49:54 PM
Theodore watches the capering priest in disgust. "He's drunk," he says to no one in particular. More of an observation.
While pitching the group into the sea sounds enticing, Theodore has to agree with Berlon. He stands at the rail of the boat, watching to see what happens next.
Should the priest or any of his bodyguards make any hostile moves towards either those aboard the boat or the crowd watching the scene, Theodore casts stinking cloud on their whole group. (Fortitude save 17 to resist)
Vorelle d20+3=14 Wednesday October 31st, 2007 11:37:51 PM
Vorelle watches the priest, eyes narrowed. She doesn't trust the clergy. And the man is throwing insults while Above. To most of the common folk of Dirt City, that means he's picking a fight.
Vorelle studies the man, trying to determine how drunk he really is. Is he simply foolish with ale? Or do his antics mask a darker purpose?
[Sense Motive 14]
Vauhwyt (enlarged) Thursday November 1st, 2007 10:49:06 AM
The enlarged liontaur thinks something is wrong. "I think something is wrong," she says. "Since when are clerics of Ga'al drunkards? Does anyone have a detect poison spell? But don;t cast anything until we talk to them. We don;t want any misunderstandings."
Vauhwyt walks a little closer to the priest and his four guards. First she addresses the crowd. "That guy who got tossed in the water was lucky he didn't get worse. You people calm down. No need for fists."
Then she talks with the guards, who are clearly not inebriated, judging by the military precision with which they move.
"You four! What's wrong with your priest? Has he been drinking? Is he a drunkard? Why is he acting this way?"
She ignores any insults of provocations from the priest and continues to address the guards.
"Your cleric was polite and patient beforre. What the heck is wrong with him? Would you mind if we cast a Detect Poison and Detect Magic on him? Maybe he has been poisoned or bespelled? You have my word that we will not attack unless we are attacked first."
Oni Thursday November 1st, 2007 1:31:48 PM
Oni standsseveral yards behind the enlarged liontaur. He stands with halberd,as a guard of a temple. But he does not have the discipline for that work. His tail constantly swishes at flies, whether there or not.
Oni picks his back leg up often and kicks out, another sign of nervous energy. His face is stoic as usual.
What next? What will come next.....
Its Vomit Time! (DM MikeK) 4d20(2+7+12+7)+10=38 Friday November 2nd, 2007 8:27:44 AM
Berlon moves to the edge of the ship, and calls for the crowd to disperse. A giant Vauhwyt echoes his suggestion, while Oni waits nervously for something to happen.
Vorelle anticipates a fight, and regards the priest more closely, suspecting a darker purpose. However, she doesn't see anything in the man's actions that indicate more that way too much ale.
Theo, thinking along the same lines as Vorelle, readies a spell - just in case.
Berlon upstages the priest, dramatically telling the sot to go home. The priest reddens, and glances dangerously at his guards - none of whom move from their positions.
Vauhwyt asks the guards directly what is wrong with their charge. None answer, or for that matter, even look their way. The one at the gangplank is keeping his eyes focused on the spot where the gangplank meets the ship. Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { They are a disciplined group, and very hard to read. But the lack of eye contact, the tightly controlled faces, and their unwillingness to draw the longswords at their sides indicate that the four guards are embarrassed }
It turns out Vorelle's perception is right on the money. Despite the urging of Berlon and Vauhwyt, the crowd takes the insults and the sudden short flight of one of their own as an invitation - one they plan to accept. They push forward angrily. Three immediately end up face down on the dock, missing several teeth. In identical moves, three of the guards grabbed a foe, shoving his head down while bringing a knee up. The impact knocked out their opponents.
The crowd turns on the three guards. The fourth remains at the gangplank. None of the quartet make any move to draw their swords, making the hundred to three combat even-odds.
And then....
Theo casts his spell.
The entire dock area bordering the Dark Horse is enveloped in a bank of fog. A few seconds later, the entire dock area bordering the Dark Horse is covered in that morning's breakfast, accompanied by the heartfelt retching noises of a hundred or so souls.
Needless to say, the crowd disperses.
The priest collapses to his hands and knees. Based on his production now, he must have drank a LOT of ale.
One guards also gets sick. The other three don't. One moves to and supports the sick comrade at the gangplank. The other two grab up the priest. With an almost apologetic look toward the crew of the Dark Horse, they move off, dragging their charge with them.
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=22 Friday November 2nd, 2007 10:19:35 AM
Usually incompetent at readying body language, Theodore is able to interpret the guards' discomfort. (Sense Motive 22)
After the crowd disperses, and the guards have taken away the drunken priest, Theodore says, "Let them go. They weren't a serious threat, and we have more important matters."
Oni Friday November 2nd, 2007 1:48:05 PM
Oni watches as ther people lose their breakfast, and all else in their guts. The fog seems to cover most of it, but the smell gets irritatingly worse. As the fog clears so does the docks. Oni stays where he is, still feeling uncomfortable.
Berlon Friday November 2nd, 2007 10:17:33 PM
"Ew. Gross."
The gnome wrinkles his prodigious nose and heads back below decks.
Vauhwyt and Mookie d20=19 Saturday November 3rd, 2007 11:28:10 AM
Sense motive 19.
The liontaur and familiar watch and listen for a moment.
Mookie says, "Boss! Boss! I have a question!"
Vauhwyt says, "Yeah?"
Mookie says, "It's sort of a dumb question."
Vauhwyt says, "Mookie, there are no dumb questions."
Mookie says, "Okay. How much muck can a priest upchuck, if the priest is one dumb f--"
"MOOKIE!" shouts Vauhwyt, interrupting the raven. "Stop that right now!"
She stuffs the rude bird into his pouch and ties it shut. "That WAS a stupid question, after all," she says.
Vauhwyt steps away from the stench cloud. She calls after the guards, "Take your besotted priest away and return when he is soberr. Or better yet, just go home." Her accent reveals that she feels a little bad for the soldiers.
She waits for the cloud to clear, and then suggests to her friends that it is time to go anyway.
Vorelle d20+13=23 d20+13=14 Monday November 5th, 2007 12:48:50 AM
Vorelle glances uneasily at Theo, and makes a mental note to stop thinking of him as a bumbling apprentice. He is now a mage of not inconsiderable power.
As the crowd disperses, she looks about, watching and listening for signs of trouble.
Spot 23, Listen 14 [natural 1]
Posting Report for 10/29/07 Monday November 5th, 2007 7:54:15 PM
SMTWTFS
Time to Go (DM MikeK) Monday November 5th, 2007 9:21:02 PM
The crowd clears rapidly, and the priest is hauled away by his bodyguards. After a bit, the fog cloud also disappates, leaving a dock empty of all but the leavings of the sickened crowd.
Vomit on the dock is not all that uncommon around here though, and soon a couple dockboys are sent down with buckets to wash the stuff into the sea.
With Theo having very efficiently ending the commotion, all that is left is to make what final preparations the party deems necessary and head for the Arena.
Oni Tuesday November 6th, 2007 5:42:13 AM
Oni cant help but be excited about the m,eeting. New experience for him. Many people making a decision, more than his small group of companions. And he knew how much trouble that always was.
Mixed in is the feeling of the pending attack on the city. Dread at the loss of so much life. Hopefully thye would be victorious in the end. Hopefully...
Berlon Tuesday November 6th, 2007 8:35:57 AM
"One day, one day soon..." Berlon says to no one in particular while taking a sip of tea, "there will no longer be blood on the streets of Dirt City."
"After that, we'll work on the vomit."
He takes a long sip of tea.
"By the way, has anyone talked to Dietrich about things? It might be a good idea..."
He blows on his tea to cool it.
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday November 6th, 2007 11:01:31 AM
"Yes," Theodore agrees with Berlon. "We should visit Dietrich and get him to come along. We should also drop in on Olyn and Rose and try to convince them to come with us."
He watches the vomit being cleaned off the dock and shouts over the rail, "Sorry! I'm sorry about that!"
Vauhwyt Tuesday November 6th, 2007 11:22:41 AM
"I already visited him once to let him know what happened in the swamps. We should also stop by to tell him our latet news and see if he wants to come."
"I wish Rose were around, and Umbriel and Olyn."
Vorelle Tuesday November 6th, 2007 7:08:47 PM
Vorelle disappears below, briefly, to say goodbye to Champ. "B-be good," she tells him.
Then she comes back up to join her friends as they get ready for the big meeting.
House Meet (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 6th, 2007 8:12:49 PM
The time is upon them, and the party traverses the short distance to the Arena Above.
A young human female, dressed in simple brown robes bearing the symbol of Wardd steps out from a nearby archway and approaches deferentially. "You are the Dark Horse Guild?" she asks quietly, clearly expecting an affirmation. "I am to escort you to the summit. Please follow."
Sense Motive - DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The woman, well girl really, shows no signs of dishonesty or ill intent. }
The young woman turns, and walks back to the archway, and then turns to her right, following the main concourse around the Arena. The wide stone corridor is a familiar sight to those who have lived for any time in Dirt City, and not very surprising to those who have not. It is the same type of large hallway that likely circles every other arena and stadium in the Wold. During any event, the concourse would be crowded with spectators. But today, it is empty. The footfalls of the Dark Horse Guild and their escort echo along their route.
The woman turns again, entering an unremarkable side door set into an unobtrusive corner of the concourse. It is a stairway, and she descends to another door. She leads the group through a series of plain stone corridors and plain wooden doors of almost maze like complexity.
Int Check DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { She is taking a circular route, but you will be able to retrace the path, if needs be.}
Another door, and another hallway. But this one is wider, perhaps 15', and leads to a opening bright with sunlight. The woman heads that way, and the group follows. Stepping through the open tunnel, the heroes find themselves on the floor of the arena. Empty stands rise above the group in all directions. It is a somewhat eeire feeling for those who've only seen the arena packed with spectators. Almost hollow. However, the Dark Horse Guild are not the only ones on the arena floor. Filing in from multiple directions are quite a few other groups of people, each led by another brown robed figure. Like the party, each group moves toward the center of the arena floor, led by their guides in a manner so that none of groups approach within 40 or 50 feet of each other. As each group approaches the center, their guides stop. The young woman leading the party also stops, holding up her right hand to signal the party to do the same.
Across the dirt floor of the Arena, the groups assemble, forming a large circle.
To the party's right stands Jeraldh and four human males none in the group have seen before. The ablino wears black garments, calling out his paleness. He stands ramrod straight, his eyes taking in the members of the other groups in that calculating fashion he has. His four comrades flank him, two to each side. They are watching everyone else. All five are armed with shortsword and dagger.
To Jeraldh's right are the Teeth - Vox Requin and four guards. Vox stands comfortably, a six-foot tall, forty-something Amazon with long and lustrous black hair, and a muscular, athletic frame. Her large white teeth, square jaw, and pale grey eyes hint at an ancestry other than human. She stands proudly, but her eyes flick worriedly in the party's direction. She is armed with a longsword and a shortsword. Her guards carry - apparently a standard for the meeting - shortsword and dagger.
On Vox's right are the four leaders of the House of Wolves, and a single guard. They stand with quiet confidence - the stocky Mr Smoker, the rapier thin Mr Rapper, the effete Mr Smooth, and the tall, commanding shadow of Mr Silent. Smoker is apparently unarmed. The other three carry longswords.
Next to the Wolves stand an insanely fat dwarf, a thinnish man with terrible scars marking his face and hands, and three normal looking dwarves. Despite his girth, the fat dwarf moves as if he owns the place, and appears completely unconcerned about anyone else in the place. The thin man eyes the party carefully. He carries a longsword. The dwarves bear war hammers.
Next to them is a swashbuckling human with flowing black hair and black leathers. He carries a cutlass, and the arrogant sneer on his face never relaxes. Local Knowledege DC 12 - Highlight to display spoiler: { The man must be Spike, spokesman for the House of Darts. He's Well heard of in the City, especially since most of the other members try to remain unknown (its difficult to spy or assassinate someone if they know who you are)} Four more of the standard shortsword bearing guards attend to him.
To his right, a figure encased in a large, flowing brown cloak. A hood covers the figure's head, and a face plate guards against any sight of the features. The cloak is formless, and other than the fact the figure appears to be about 5 and 3/4 feet tall, nothing else can be determined. Standing next to the Cloaked Figure are four bodyguards.
To its right, Kassif and Neezer of the House of Merchants, accompanied by three guards. Kassif's girth rivals the fat dwarf, although the Merchant's robe are of much more expensive material and weave. Neezer inclines his head toward the party, a little smile playing across his lips.
Striding to the center of the formed circle is Clu'eth, priest of Wardd. As he approaches, the various guides retreat back to the arena's tunnels, leaving the leaders of Dirt City to their own counsel.
Vauhwyt d20=10 Tuesday November 6th, 2007 9:38:44 PM
At the entrance to the Arena, before entering, Vauhwyt casts a couple Message cantrips so that the party members can whisper to each other very quietly.
Vauhwyt wears her spiked armor and her spiked gauntlet, and she has her concealed weapons and her buckler, but she leaves her spear at home.
As they enter the arena, Vauhwyt makes sure that Mookie is secured shut in his pouch.
She gets no special vibe from the acolyte who leads them in. And since she is untrained, Vauhwyt cannot attempt a DC12 Know Local check.
Inside, she looks over the leaders and tries to assign them to houses.
"Jeraldh for the Keys, of course," she whispers to her friends. "Then the Teeth and the Wolves. Then the Knives, with those dwarves, for sure. Then the Darts, I'm guessing, and the Cloaks. Finally, the Merchants."
It actually calms her to think that the Dark Horse Guild has had dealings with five of the seven power centers -- six of eight, counting the Church -- and made enemies of none of them.
Vauhwyt bows to Father Clueth and murmurs to her friends, "This is the priests' party. Let them start it off, I suggest."
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=9 d20+4=17 d20+11=12 Wednesday November 7th, 2007 9:38:22 AM
(Sense Motive 9, Intelligence 17, Knowledge Local 12)
Theodore follows the guide through the maze and then out onto the arena floor. He feels his nerves begin to rise as they stand before the most powerful people in the City. Swallowing becomes a task for him.
"That's Spike, of the Darts, the one with the long black hair and black leathers," he whispers via Vauhwyt's message spell.
He has no issue with Vauhwyt's decision to let Clu'eth start things off. He wouldn't know what to say, anyhow. He tries to keep from fidgeting whenever someone looks his way.
Berlon Wednesday November 7th, 2007 1:38:35 PM
The gnome frowns slightly but intentionally at Vauhwyt and then Theodore. He then sighs.
"Fine," he whispers via the cantrip.
He moves forward slightly.
"Greetings, friends, those already known and those unmet." He smiles widely. "We do not wish to speak out of turn, especially given the... breadth of this meeting, but there is something you should be made aware of."
"From both first-hand encounters and celestial divinations performed myself, I can tell you that a not insignificant force of lizardmen plan on attacking the city before the sun rises tomorrow."
He looks around slowly. "To be honest, I don't believe we have enough time to prepare as it is, so any time given to discussion about this other matter could perhaps be tabled until the city is secure?"
He pauses a moment. "I'm not sure any of us has given you any reason to believe we would fabricate such a story."
He smiles politely, obviously done.
"Oh, er..." he stammers, having almost forgotten, "has anyone remembered to bring Dietrich the Bear? I was rather counting on him being here today..."
Oni Wednesday November 7th, 2007 1:40:41 PM
Oni follows the woman dilligently. He was lost within moments. No stars or sky to help with direction, he got lost easily enough.
Within sight of the arena itself, his blood begins to heat involuntarily. The smells. Although mostly human, still there were, feral scents as well. He grips hus halberd tighter, trying to keep up a good front.
Upon entering into the arena, flashbacks of terrible fighting flood his memory. Old wounds pulse where scars are now. His blood races through his body, and he can barely control his emotions, or can he.
Standing there looking at the others gathered before him he could not, would not allow them to attack him. The Drow had taught this Centaur well, fight weell or die in the arena. He takes a mock defensive stance with the halberd at the ready. Waiting for one opening and he would attack.
Oni hears nothing, sees nothing. At the same time alert as a cat on the prowl. Waiting...
So a part of his past rises to overwhelm him. Training in the arts of nature, the only barrier between his rage, and the foes that face him.
Vorelle d20+2=19 d20+2=8 Wednesday November 7th, 2007 9:26:37 PM
Vorelle finds herself trusting her guide, though the twists and turns of their route has her all turned about.
She glances about her with curiosity. Though born and raised in Dirt City, she has never actually visited the arena--lacking the inclination, and often the money.
She stands with her friends and watches the tableau unfold. As is her habit, she places herself at the back, and tries to be as inconspicuous as possible.
She waits for someone else to do the talking.
Greetings (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 7th, 2007 10:15:40 PM
Vauhwyt halts just prior to entering the arena floor, and casts a Message spell. The group's guide notes the action, but doesn't seem concerned or even surprised.
The liontaur quietly labels the various Houses represented, and suggests allowing Clu'eth to start things off.
Theo feels his nerves begin to rise as they stand before the most powerful people in the City. He readily agrees with Vauhwyt's suggestion, and waits.
Likewise, Vorelle waits for the others to make the first move.
Oni finds the memories of previous arena visits, and not as a spectator, threatening to take over the present. The taur assumes a defensive stance and waits. The guards of the Keys (to the right) and the Merchants (to the left) do not miss the signs, and keep a wary eye on the dark horse.
Berlon feels the need to move things along. He speaks up, revealing that the anticipated attack will occur before sunrise tomorrow, and asking that this meeting be tabled until the city is secure.
The reaction from the delegations can only be described as puzzled.
The fat dwarf snorts. "Well what did you think we're talking about, the weather?" Meanwhile, almost simultaneously, the Cloaked Figure, Jeraldh, and Clu'eth reply "its the morning after tomorrow." In response to that, murmurs arise from the Merchants and Wolves, as the leaders of those two groups hold internal conversations.
None choose to address the question of Dietrich.
Clu'eth raises his good hand, and slowly pirouettes, attempting to recapture the attention of group. The man's face is carefully controlled, and his withered hand is hidden in the folds of his robe. Sense Motive DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { He's nervous. }
"Berlon is correct that we should get moving." He clears his thoat, and speaks again, a more ritualized greeting. "Wardd thanks you for coming," he states formally. "We are all present, is it agreed?"
A voice emanates from the Cloaked Figure, a gender neutral voice that could pass for male, female, or even a child. "No" Clu'eth, startled by the denial, looks about, obviously counting groups. The Figure continues, each word carefully formed and slowly enunciated. "Seven Houses. Eight Groups. Too many."
Naturally, the entire assembly turns to regard the Dark Horse Guild.
"There does seem to be one too many groups here, Clu'eth," the swashbuckler drawls, before looking over at the party and addressing them. "Y'all may have appointed yourselves as a new House, but I don't recall anyone else agreeing to it." With that, the black clad man stares pointedly at Jeraldh. But the albino makes no comment.
Mr Smoker does. "The Dark Horse are friends of many Houses."
"Cloaks claim no friendship," responds the Figure, and the swashbuckler beams triumphantly. "I don't recall them doing any favors for the Darts either," he adds.
"For which we are all grateful," shoots back the fat dwarf, earning a sour glare from the swashbuckler.
Clu'eth raises his good hand again.
"The Temple of Wardd invites the group calling itself the Dark Horse Guild as witnesses to the impending crises," he declares formally. "They bear information of enemy forces and intent, and have experience fighting against them. Wardd seeks their story and their opinion."
"Speak yes. Vote no." the Figure replies.
Swashbuckler beams again, and addresses the party. "How 'bout it?" he asks. "You all agree you're here to bring us up to speed and then get out of the way? Or do you claim House status and voting rights?" The last sentence is spoken is a disbelieving tone, practically goading. The party can practically feel the stare of Jeraldh boring into them. Neither he nor any of the others seem to react to the swashbuckler's baiting tone. Sense Motive DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {Jeraldh REALLY wants no reaction to the swashbuckler's baiting.}
"Or perhaps," the fat Kassif interjects calmly, "your group will find commencement of this conference as the perfect opportunity to announce your affiliation with one of the existing Houses, in the interest of communal harmony and the preservation of our fair demense."
The assembly awaits an answer. Will the Dark Horses declare themselves a new House? Will they affiliate? Or will they declare themselves to be impartial newsbearers?
Vauhwyt Thursday November 8th, 2007 7:36:00 AM
"That's an easy question to answerr." says Vauhwyt, her accent revealing both her confidence and a slight undercurrent of nervousness. "We are not a House. We do not compete with the Houses, all of whom we respect."
"We are affiliated with all Houses who need help and ask for it. Sometimes they don't even have to ask. Our goal is to benefit all the City. If we have not directly helped the Cloaks and the Darts, then it is only because we have not had the opportunity."
"And although we have information, we are much more than mere newsbearers. We are protectors, defenders, and advisers. We were invited here for news, yes, and also, as we understand it, to give advice. Accept our help and advice, or not, it makes no nevermind to us. We will act, as we have acted, to help the entire city. That makes us friends to all here, and enemies to none."
"If that also makes us somewhat powerful, if it gives us a measure of influence, hey, that's fine with us too."
"We arre, if the good father will not be offended, much like the church. We serve all and hurt none but enemies of the City."
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=18 d20+3=20 Thursday November 8th, 2007 9:04:10 AM
(Sense Motive 18, 20)
"We have more sway here than they let on," he mumbles for only his friends to hear via message.
Out loud, he says, "As Vauhwyt said, we are here not to hinder the process, but to act as a voice for the people of Dirt City, those not affiliated with any House, but who still love this City." His nerves tighten as eyes are drawn to him. "Please do not think of us as anyone who wishes to usurp power from any House. We only want what's best for the City."
He then turns to Clu'eth. "Please continue, sir. You have our support." He hopes to confer some confidence in the priest, knowing he is backed by the Dark Horses.
Oni Thursday November 8th, 2007 1:43:57 PM
Oni fins himself sizing up everyone. D3finately the most dangerous is he who speaks out of mockery. It will be his guards Oni will need to worry about, used to fighting their masters fights.
But he stands listening. Calm surrounds him. His friends are talking, which is good. Patience Centaur. Yes just keep thinking that.
Berlon Thursday November 8th, 2007 7:11:05 PM
Berlon looks confused. "Vote? Vote on what? Technically I'm not even a resident of the city, but if I have a vote I'd like to vote for more money for guard patrol. Young Theo and I were accosted by a group of half-orcs roaming the street and had to defend ourselves!"
He catches himself mid-ramble. "But you're probably not interested in that."
With that he will recount the tale of the recent encounter with the lizardmen, including details about Thliss-Ka and the numbers they are dealing with.
Not so fast, my friend (DM MikeK) Thursday November 8th, 2007 8:59:03 PM
Vauhwyt and Theo make it plain the group doesn't want to become a new House and also doesn't want to affiliate with one.
Oni waits and watches.
Berlon goes off on a gnomian tangent, but sees his audience isn't in the mood. Instead he begins to recount the tale of their recent encounter with the lizardfolk. But he doesn't get but two sentences in before everyone calls out "Wait!".
Clu'eth shrugs at the party. "We need to move to a more secure spot before discussing these matters. Let us proceed." The priest claps his hands twice, and the floor of the arena begins a smooth descent. In a couple of seconds, the party can note that the whole convention has been standing on some kind of platform centered in the floor of the arena, and that platform is now descending to a lower level. No one in the any of the other Houses appear surprised or concerned about this development.
Soundlessly, the platform descends down a shaft. The floor of the arena is about 10' thick, and the shaft opens up on the north end and the platform stops. Led by Clu'eth, everyone files off of the platform and into a large, circular rotunda, about 150' in diameter. The platform rises back into its original position, enclosing the delegation in the space. Lights (Continual Light Spell) scattered liberally across the domed ceiling bathe the entire area. Visibility is quite good, and the multiple light sources ensure even the sides and corners of the space are lit up.
In the north side of this space, opposite the platform, is flat wall with three sets of plain oaken double doors. Clu'eth leads the assemblage across the space to the doors. All three sets are open, revealing a 60' deep, 110' wide square room on the other side. A large circular pedastal like table, about 30' in diameter, dominates the center of the room. Oak chairs, with unpadded arm rest and ornately carved high backs surround the table. On the right side of the room are scattered several smaller tables and with stools. The left side is open space. Like the atrium, the entire room is well lit with Continual Light spells on the ceiling and walls.
The delegations gather in the open space on the left side of the room.
Jeraldh clears his throat. "May we?" he asks Clu'eth, and the cleric nods. At that point, at least one bodyguard in every delegation breaks out at least one wand, and some two or three, and everyone starts casting spells. As some of the bodyguards spread out, holding wands and concentrating carefully on walls, tables, chairs and space, some of the House leaders also begin quiet investigations. Vox, Jeraldh, and Mr. Smooth begin a slow, careful walk around the large room, eyeing the wall.
The investigations take long enough that the bodyguards with wands are required to recast whatever detection spells they are using several times.
Clu'eth stands quietly, waiting for the various Houses to satisfy themselves that the room is safe and secure.
The party appears free to participate as well. It does look like it will be several more minutes before the Houses will be willing to hear Berlon out.
Vorelle d20+13=20 d20+13=22 d20+15=31 Thursday November 8th, 2007 10:51:38 PM
Vorelle is startled when the floor starts to move, but manages (barely) to contain her little "yip!" of surprise.
She watches the spellcasting precautions with bewildered interest. Unable to cast spells herself, she tries to see what she can determine from the more mundane evidence of her senses.
[Spot 20, Listen 22, Survival (to track) 31]
Theodore & Macaw Friday November 9th, 2007 10:51:39 AM
Theodore is also startled by the moving floor, but his love of the abnormal quickly takes over. "Who would have thought?! I wonder if it's magical or mechanical."
He is tempted to use his own magic to sate his curiosity, but decides he should save what he has for later.
When they reach the room, he casts a spell of his own, see invisibility. He then waits for the guards to finish their scrutiny.
"This is all very complex," he comments to his friends. "Kind of exciting, isn't it?"
Spells active: See Invisibility 80 min
Berlon Friday November 9th, 2007 1:00:01 PM
"That's one word for it, Theo..." Berlon says via the cantrip with a slight roll of his eyes. "Do you have a haste spell to get them to move things along?"
Oni Friday November 9th, 2007 2:28:22 PM
As the floor moves so does Oni. Instantly he takes a warriors attack stance ready to cleave the swashbuckler type in two. Something in the back of hisd mind shouts to wait. Oddly he blinks and looks around. Everyone else is calm, and secure. But the floor is falling.
Magic? Some form of mechanical imaginings? Oni's pride is hurt that he reacted in such a way. But he recovers quickly, surmising none of these had ever fought for their life in the arena. The had no idea. With thst thought he slowly calmed himself.
Casting spells in the room, everyone trusting noone. So that is why they did not react when he had, they also had trust issues. Just different ones. Oni decided at that moment, intrigue and politics were not for him. Keep his head down, and ears open. Yep this was not his world.
Vauhwyt Friday November 9th, 2007 6:53:38 PM
Vauhwyt chooses to cast a divination as well -- a holy divination!
Detect Victim
Divination Level: Avenger 0 Components: V, S, M Casting Time: 1 standard action Range: 400 ft. Area: 400-ft.-radius emanation centered on you Duration: 1 round Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No
This spell reveals, by direction and distance, the nearest creature in range who yearns for revenge against a specific offender. The material component is a possession, lock of hair, or drop of blood from the offender. The spell ignores the caster and the caster's associates within line of sight. At the DM's option, if the spell is cast with no material component, then the spell may reveal a victim who has prayed to Jancassis for help in revenge.
Vauhwyt casts it on herself, hoping to find anyone who years for revenge against the Dark Horse Guild.
Posting Report for 11/5/07 Monday November 12th, 2007 8:53:42 AM
SMTWTFS
No post tonight - DM Mike Monday November 12th, 2007 5:15:05 PM
Work stinks.
Sorry.
Vauhwyt d20+19=28 Tuesday November 13th, 2007 5:24:00 AM
Since she has the time, the liontaur also casts Alter Self on her familiar, turning him into a monkey. But he is still in his pouch, and Vauhwyt sends Mookie an empathic message that if he says even one peep, he'll be sorry! (intimidate check 28)
ACDM Cayzle OOC Wednesday November 14th, 2007 6:51:07 AM
Friends, the Powers That Be have heard from DM Mike. He is having some real life issues, and we are working hard to get a substitute DM in place asap.
Best hopes for Mike to return as soon as he can. Meanwhile, we'll keep you informed.
Jerry Wednesday November 14th, 2007 12:32:44 PM
Shegger is listed as the ADM. I'll email him and see if he can do his ADM job. ;)
DM Shegger Thursday November 15th, 2007 9:41:43 AM
Hey, all! So, it looks like I will be taking the reins for a bit. If you would all be so nice as to send me your character sheets, that would be terrific. The sooner the better.
mjhaman24@yahoo.com
I'm aiming for my first post tomorrow evening. For your reference, I will probably be posting Sunday - Thursday evenings.
Will also send this via email.
Vauhwyt Thursday November 15th, 2007 4:40:43 PM
Checking in.
Oni Thursday November 15th, 2007 8:42:31 PM
OOC I sent my CS today
Vorelle Thursday November 15th, 2007 11:14:31 PM
I sent mine, too. :)
Vauhwyt Friday November 16th, 2007 2:51:52 PM
Checking In
DM Shegger Friday November 16th, 2007 8:56:28 PM
Vorelle Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that one of the walls has an engraving of manacles wrapped around an upright sword.}
Vauhwyt Highlight to display spoiler: {You sense no hostility directed towards yourself.}
After the guards have finished their inspection, Clu'eth enters the room and beckons for the rest to enter. "Take a seat. We should begin."
The heads of the Houses sit about the central table as their guards spread out through the room and the space outside of the meeting area.
"We know why we're here," begins Clu'eth. "The Dark Horse Guild has discovered an enemy of the City. This enemy is marching on us and we need to defend our city."
There is some muttering amongst the Houses as they debate amongst themselves. The muttering turns to louder arguing, denials, and calls to action.
Clu'eth tries to regain order, but his soft voice is lost in jumble.
(OOC - Next post will be Sunday evening.)
Vauhwyt d20+19=21 d20+19=21 Saturday November 17th, 2007 9:26:06 AM
Vauhwyt wishes she could cast an enlarge, but dares not, since it might be considered an attack. So she relies on her natural talent, size, and divine inspiration.
"Hey! Are you the leaders of Houses or of Barns!" she roars in her high-pitched voice, designed to drown out the others and intimidate if she can. "Show some respect! Listen to the priest, and take turns talking!"
Intimidate 21, but she uses one of her two hero points to reroll. Another 21! Darn it. Well, maybe it will do. And maybe some of her friends, like Oni, can give her a bonus with Aid Another.
Theodore & Macaw Saturday November 17th, 2007 8:33:16 PM
Theodore takes a seat at the tables, excited to be involved in such high filutin affairs. He grimaces when Vauhwyt shouts right next to him, but otherwise stays silent until things are back in hand.
DM Shegger Sunday November 18th, 2007 7:58:37 PM
Vauhwyt's demand for respect seems to do the trick. The speaking stops and all eyes turn towards the liontaur.
Clu'eth clears his throat and attention is again on the crippled priest. "Wardd has blessed us with a vision of part of the approaching army. We have seen an army of Undead marching on the City."
A hush falls over the assembly. The cloaked and masked figure speaks first, "And why should we believe the temple? They're known associates of the Dark Horses. This whole invasion is probably some scheme cooked up between them, the temple, and the Keys to take over our City. Bah!"
Voices are raised again, the normally tactful Jeraldh is standing and pointing his finger accusingly towards the masked figure.
"Hold! Hold!" yells the fat Kassif. "The priest tells it truly!"
The ruckus dies down again and the Merchant continues, "One of our caravans was ambushed on their return to Dirt City. They were attacked by ghouls."
"Aye," pipes up the fat dwarf. "Men from the Knives were with that caravan. I'll attest to the same."
The masked figure folds its arms across its chest and leans back in its chair. Otherwise, it says nothing.
Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {The masked figure appears to be a little shaken by the corrobarating talk.}
"I'm sure you've all done reconaissance on this information," Clu'eth takes the conversation back into his hands. "We should lay out what each of us knows and we can go from there."
He looks in the direction of the Dark Horses. "Please, would you all start us off. Everything you know or have heard of the coming attack, we need to hear about it. Now."
Vorelle Sunday November 18th, 2007 9:49:17 PM
Vorelle does what she usually does when somebody in authority demands answers. She gasps, chokes, and makes a few incoherent "urk" noises.
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=16 Monday November 19th, 2007 9:16:25 AM
Theodore is a little shocked about the news of an undead army. "We haven't heard anything about that."
"I wonder what kind of wizards and priests they have that would be able to raise an entire army. This might be real trouble."
He shakes his head, clearly troubled. Then he looks to Vauhwyt, and whispers, "Do you want to give them the run down of what we know. I still think we should keep Darid's name to ourselves. I let Seafoam know about him and to mention his name now would only cause infighting. If he's a problem, we can deal with him ourselves."
Berlon Monday November 19th, 2007 12:22:00 PM
The gnome's look of confusion is quickly replaced by a broad smile when Theo questions the logistics behind an undead army.
"Undead?" he messages with the cantrip, "we should BE so lucky. And Vauhwyt, PLEASE cut it out with the spells for the time being..."
Other than that, he remains silent until he spots an opening.
"If you all don't mind..." he says loudly, "there are some things that should be done if they haven't already." He finishes the sentence less loudly but no less firmly.
"Some riders should be sent out to let us know details about both the size and distance of any advancing groups. Some ships should also be sent out for the same purpose..." he pauses but only adds, "just in case."
"Once that is taken care of, and I'm sure it's already been addressed and I'm simply stating the obvious, you can continue your discussion..." He smiles broadly.
Oni Monday November 19th, 2007 2:41:37 PM
Oni has composed himnself now that he is out of the arena. Glad to be out of the arena. All this arguing seems to be normal. Just like the casting of spells and whatnot, this almost looks staged. Civilization had certain rules to live by, he guessed.
When Chu'leth asks for their story, Oni defers to Vauhwyt, the obvious choice for speaker. But before she says anything he adds simply, "We know of lizardmen coming. Now there is word of undead. How many other beings are aligned against the city? Sounds like the Houses need to alignm become allies, if any are to survive. The enemy seems to be well prepared, I see we are not," Simple said.
Vauhwyt Monday November 19th, 2007 4:33:17 PM
It falls to Vauhwyt to tell the tale, then, and she tells the long version.
How the Dark Horse Guild defeated Ba'Bac, the assassin who had targeted the Wolf Alpha's daughter. How he proved to be a Marteaus cultist.
How the Dark Horses teamed up with the Swords of Redemption to foil a cell of cultists who had killed the Prince's right hand, Th'ayvanen. How the Dark Horses first met some honorable lizard folk, learned of the invasion, and brought back the Cursed Book of Marteaus to the Prince.
How the Prince was corrupted by the Book, and chose to ignore the news of coming invasion.
How the party went to the coastal swamps, found Captain Rossa and his people about to be sacrificed, and rescued them. How another encounter with honorable lizard folk led to more information that the invasion was happening very soon.
And how the Dark Horses stole a list of cultists from the evil lizardfolk cultists, and how the list included names of those from several humanoid races. How that list of names also included Ba'Bac, making the circle complete.
DM Shegger Monday November 19th, 2007 8:19:28 PM
The Houses are quiet, for the most part, as the Dark Horses speak.
When Berlon demands the Houses send out scouts, several people respond.
"Of course, we have sent out ships," says the large Vox Requin. "The Teeth will protect our harbor." She says this last bit with enthusiasm.
"The harbor is an important part of Dirt City," adds Kassif. "It's vital to our survival."
Sense motive 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Merchants would have an obvious interest in keeping the harbor safe.}
"We have men out, as well," Jeraldh informs the table. "Of course, we will inform everyone as soon as we receive any information."
Oni voices his opinion and gets a few nods as well as some dirty looks.
Then Vauhwyt tells her story. After she is finished, the tall fellow from the Darts lets his head drift slowly to the side and snaps it back with a mock snore.
"No doubt the Horses are nothing but a band of bards and storytellers," he says with a smile. His gaze falls back to Vauhwyt. "And not very good ones, at that. As the astute masked...thing...has stated, we need proof of such an invasion. But, all you give us are words."
"We've given you proof!" Jeraldh says. "The Temple of Wardd has seen an army coming. The Merchants and Knives have been attacked by this same army!"
"Bah!" says the Dart. He doesn't appear to be rankled by the albino. "The Temple needs more petitioners. Nothing like a crusade against deaders to beefen up their ranks. The Merchants will do anything for money and the dwarves are too naive to think for themselves."
This causes another uproar around the table. Now even the gentle Clu'eth is standing, red-faced and shouting.
Only the Wolves are silent, now. The only House yet to offer a voice in the discussion. Mr. Smoker reclines lazily, enjoying a cigar as his eyes flit between the loudest speakers. Mr. Rapper smiles wolfishly at Vauhwyt. Mr. Smooth gives Vorelle a sly little wink. Mr. Silent stares at the table, apparently lost in thought.
Posting Report for 11/12/07 Monday November 19th, 2007 8:23:11 PM
SMTWTFS
DM MikeK has some real world issues he must see to. We should be back on track for this week, with the most estimable, handsome, and tactful DM Shegger stepping into Mr. Knotts' large shoes for a bit.
ADM Shegger
Oni Tuesday November 20th, 2007 2:11:44 AM
Oni stares at the Dart who had called him a storyteller.
"If you live after this fight I challenge you to a duel sir. Noone calls me a liar and gets away free. As for the rest of you, if an invasion is immenint then we should plan. If you are like the intelligent, gent mere from the arts, then take your leave now.
--OOC Seems the ADM is correct on all points.
Vauhwt Tuesday November 20th, 2007 5:54:01 AM
Vauhwyt whispers to her friends, "Take a lesson from the Wolves. This rude fellow wants nothing more than to get us angry and sow dissent. Do not let him get your goat."
What Vauhwyt says, speaking in a normal tone of voice so that anyone who wants to hear will have to listen, is this: "Sir Dart, you add nothing to this discussion. I see no reason to listen to you. We will save you with all the City, despite your effort to divide us."
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=23 Tuesday November 20th, 2007 10:04:49 AM
(Sense Motive 23, nat 20)
Theodore puts a hand on the rankled Oni. "Calm down, friend," he whispers to the centaur. "These guys don't fight fair. If you challenge him to a duel, he'll hire a knife to kill you in your sleep. Especially the Darts."
Theodore feels the tension building at the table and his own blood begins to boil at the Dart's taunting. He takes several deep breaths to steady himself.
He casts a prestidigitation spell to enhance his voice, "Gentlemen! He is right, of course. We don't have any hard evidence. But what we do have are corroborating witnesses. You have three Houses and the Temple of Wardd that affirm there's an oncoming army. You have another House that is willing to go on this information and send out scouts of its own to confirm. This is Dirt City. Information is one of our most vital exports and yet we dicker amongst ourselves over the lack of hard evidence."
Theodore looks at the Dart leader. "The evidence you desire will be at your doorstep in a few days. If that's the proof you're waiting for, I think you'll agree it will be too late to do much about it, at that point."
"Oni is correct," he continues, casting his gaze along the Houses. "The least we can all do is send out scouts. Shore up our defenses, talk out a strategy. If the army doesn't show up, where's the harm? If it does show, then we're prepared."
Vorelle Tuesday November 20th, 2007 12:19:14 PM
"I-I can sc-sc-scout," Vorelle says, astonished by her own boldness.
Astonishing herself even more, she turns to the Darts. "I c-c-can t-t-take y-you w-with me, i-i-if you l-l-l-like. You c-c-c-can s-s-s-see for y-y-yourself."
She takes a deep, shaky breath, wishing she could fight dragons or do something else easier than talking to these people.
Berlon Tuesday November 20th, 2007 5:35:44 PM
"Vorelle! Hush!" Berlon whispers via the cantrip, taking a moment to appreciate the odds of ever having to say that.
"Can we leave now?" he cantrips the rest of the group.
Vauhwyt Tuesday November 20th, 2007 9:05:34 PM
the liontaur whispers back to Berlon, "We can't leave yet. We have to stick around to make sure they don't mess it up. And we may have to coordinate our work defending the city with theirs. Where are we needed most? Should we scout? defend the port? defend the uppercity? Abandon the uper and defend in the tunnels? Go scouting first? Seek out the leaders of the opposition and kill them? We have to see what all are doing to decide what we will do."
Vauhwyt does not mind if she is overheard.
DM Shegger d20+1=5 Tuesday November 20th, 2007 10:00:48 PM
Through the various curses and accusations, you are all able to infer that the swaggering bravado that represents the Darts is named Spike.
Sense Motive 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Spike seems to take pleasure at all this attention directed at him. Even though it is mostly bad.}
"Aha!" squeals Spike. "Now we come to it!" He raises a hand, flat palm facing upwards, fingers pointed towards Oni. "These vagabonds are unable to hold a proper conversation but must resort to bullying tactics. Well, I'll let you know right now that the Darts won't be bullied!"
He thumbs his nose at the centaur. And then again at Vauhwyt for good measure.
Listen 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Four-legged freaks," he mutters under his breath.}
Theodore attempts to calm the angry Oni, but it might be for nothing. Then the wizard begins to speak, trying to cool heated heads. After his speech, everyone is quiet for a moment.
The masked figure, who everyone has been calling Mask, speaks again. "The Cloaks are dealers of information, Theodore. I'm sure your Master Geoffrey has explained this to you." The figure pauses in its speech and leans forward to place its hands upon the table. "But you speak well. The Cloaks know better than anyone else here the necessity of the spoken word. We also know how easily the word can be twisted and turned to resemble something the speaker wants it to be."
Mask leans back again. "We will play along for now," it says. "Assume you are all telling the truth. Because it would be a shame if this were some big scandal. We might have to bring in your friend Rose for questioning. Or perhaps Vorelle's mother could give us better...information."
Spike folds his arms over his chest with a harumph. Clu'eth looks at the sulking fellow, "And what are your intentions, Spike?"
The black haired fellow wags his head. "I'm still here, ain't I?"
During another moment of silence, Vorelle offers her services as scout to Spike. Berlon immediately calls her down, via Vauhwyt's message.
Spike smiles at the taciturn ranger, a playful twinkle in his eye. He unabashedly looks her over. "You can take me anywhere you wanna go, sweetie."
Jeraldh cuts in quickly, trying to deter another war of words. "We should move on to how we will defend the City. The Keys are ready to band with the rest of the Houses. Let's discuss how we should approach this."
Clu'eth agrees, "The table is open for suggestions. Ladies and gentlemen, we must devise a plan to protect our people."
(OOC - Let's start implementing the social skills, such as Bluff and Diplomacy. For the rest of this meeting, anyone who seeks to influence a reaction or direction of this meeting (such as convincing Spike or Mask to jump on board) should make the appropriate check. If your just providing information, no check is needed. Also, keep in mind that how you say things as well as what is said could add bonuses or penalties to your check. If I feel a particular action or speech would influence someone either positively or negatively, and you neglect to make your check, I will make one for you.)
When Spike threatens Rose, Vauhwyt says to Spike, calmly, "I know a certain lady, who knows a certain spider, who some say actually is the spider ... and this lady, who I serve, might grant me the grace to make you regret those actions, should you take them. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but you would regret them, I promise you that.
Vauhwyt is making a bluff check to secretly communicate to Spike that she is an Avenger of Jancassis, and she it making an intimidate check to put the fear of that fact into Spike.
Bluff: 30 is a nat 20. Intimidate: a 24.
After a pause, Vauhwyt puts some questions on the table.
How big a force are we facing total? How big an army can we field to fight it? Should we put our army against the enemy in open battle? Should we retreat underground to make a stand in the sewers? Where are the leaders, and can we sneak in and kill them before the battle? What are our defenses? Traps? Tricks?
What high level resources do we have at our disposal?
Vauhwyt gives a general sense of the powers of the Dark Horse Guild: We have fair-to-middling powers, maybe one third those of the great Dragons such as Valdor.
Vauhwyt is a sneaky type with arcane magic. Vorelle is a ranger. Oni is a tank with druid magics. Theo is a mage. Berlon is a cleric. Rose is like Vauhwyt. Dietrich is a fighter. Olyn is a cleric. One other, maybe unknwn to you, is a rogue.
Vauhwyt clearly expects the other House Leaders to give some indication of the strengths they can bring to the table.
Diplomacy (untrained with bluff synergy) if needed: 15
Vorelle Wednesday November 21st, 2007 1:10:07 AM
Vorelle frowns at the masked man. "M-m-my m-m-m-mother is a l-l-l-liar," is all she says.
At Spike's crude innuendo, she hunches her shoulders a bit and sidles closer to Oni.
Oni Wednesday November 21st, 2007 2:27:10 AM
Oni simply stares at Spike, never taking his eyes off himn. Foe good or bad, the others need to know the seriousness of the offense. Oni does not intimidate, nor try and scare, simply is what it is. Maybe in earlier years he would have burst into a rage, reacting withour thinking. Now however was not the time.
So Oni simply stares at Spike not caring about what the man thinks. Although Theodores words were probably true, Oni was Centaur, and would not accewpt the slight.
When the subject of Jancassis conmes up, Oni does grin at Spike. Hopefully Spike knew the Drow worshiped the woman, and would make the connection with him as well.
--OOC Dont know how to play this. I am untrained in any diplomacy skills. Centaurs do get s'some' ranks in Intimidate, but it never says how much. So whether I fail or succeed, is a matter for the DM. In Oni's mind it just is, he is not bluffing or trying to scare. Just like paying the barkeep for ale, it just is.
Theodore and Macaw d20+3=22 d20+4=18 Wednesday November 21st, 2007 9:20:23 AM
(Sense Motive 22, Listen 18)
"Drop the back and forth with Spike," Theodore whispers to his friends. "He seems to feed off of it."
And then Mask is threatening his friends through innuendo. Vauwhyt returns the threat, as Theodore was sure she would. He's surprised, but thankful, that Oni is restraining himself.
A bit of order is restored and Clu'eth and Jeraldh begin to steer the conversation back towards relevant matters.
Theodore has little to offer in the matter of defense. His mind never really worked with such matters.
"Where's Dietrich, when we need him?" he mutters.
DM Shegger (OOC) Wednesday November 21st, 2007 9:23:07 AM
(OOC - Just a little more on the Diplomacy, etc. You can use the social skills untrained. Just add the appropriate skill modifier to your roll. Most importantly, roleplay your character how he/she should be played. But your character should also be cognizant of the situation they are in. You're meeting with people who run a city of thieves, liars, and assassins. Your words and actions here could have severe consequences, good or bad.)
Berlon d20+4=16 d20+7=24 Wednesday November 21st, 2007 1:53:05 PM
At Spike's innuendo towards Vorelle, Berlon stands between them. He looks the Dart up and down, sizing him up.
"You're like a child," he says slowly, as if realization is slowly coming over him (Sense Motive 16) "all you want is attention, and you don't care how you get it."
"Is that what you want? For everyone to tell you how wonderful the Darts are, and how much the Guild loves them? No, you just want to be noticed. Tell me how much you care about pending invasion. Tell me how much you care about the pending loss of life. Tell me why Oni and Vauhwyt are freaks. (Listen 24) Is it because they are different from you, or is it because they are bigger than you. No, it's not that, it's because you're a child. You dishonor yourself and the Darts."
"Go ahead," he finishes, "tell me, Little Spike, tell me you care about the invasion of Dirt City. Go ahead. Lie to me. I dare you."
"The times are changing," he says to the assembly as a whole, "the old ways are coming to an end."
"Your ways," he says looking at Mask but still theoretically speaking to everyone, "are coming to an end. It would be wise to adapt."
"And now," he says turning dramatically, "I have had my fill of both posturing and insanity. I have scrolls to scribe." He walks back towards the group and looks around. "What's the fastest way out of here?"
Vorelle [illegal second post] d20=10 Thursday November 22nd, 2007 1:40:29 AM
[OOC: I suppose I could roll a Bluff check, although Lisenne really is a liar. Bluff 10.]
Thanks for putting up with me, guys! DM MikeK's back! Hooray!
ADM Shegger
And baby makes three (DM MikeK) Monday November 26th, 2007 8:12:17 PM
Seriously irritated by Spike's tone, Vauhwyt responds to his veiled threat with one of her own. The dark haired man regards the liontaur, and then winks at her.
Vauhwyt plows on, asking the general stratetic questions one would expect in the face of an impending invasion. She goes on to describe the general abilities of the Dark Horse Guild, and waits the Houses to reciprocate.
Vorelle shrinks back next to Oni.
Oni stares down Spike, grinning as his fellow taur speaks of spiders and ladies who control them.
Theo attempts once again to get the taurs to emulate the Wolves, who've yet to respond to any insult or implied threat.
Berlon chooses the opposite tactic, attacking the honor and maturity of Spike, and telling Mask to get with the changing times. If his words have any effect on the Dart, Spike doesn't show it. The man's grin widens as he regards the pontificating gnome. The Mask makes no reaction at all. Berlon declares he's had enough, and looks to his companions to find a way out.
Clu'eth again tries to restore order, and shoots Theo a "Help Me" look while taking in the rest of the party with his eyes.
Spike is enjoying himself immensely, but doesn't say anything more. The Mask appears to be watching Berlon (in fact most of the representatives are) but he or she doesn't say anything either.
Into this slight pause comes the voice of Mr. Smooth. "The Wolves propose we select a Battle Leader to centralize defense plans for the duration of this crisis."
The Mask's reply is immediate, "Define the end point of the crisis."
"When we all agree, by majority vote, that these two armies no longer threaten us," Smooth states.
Jeraldh clears his throat. "Three armies," he declares. There is stunned silence. Jeraldh, almost apologetically fills the space. "We had a Clean Op in Plateau City. On the way back, our team spotted an army of goblins and orcs, a couple thousand strong, reinforced by trolls and giants, assembling a couple days walk west of here. Our team got in this morning."
"Cloaks second the Wolf's motion" Mask interjects into the strained silence.
None of the representatives are very comfortable right now. The thoughts of not one, but three, armies descending upon the city are enough to give even Spike pause. Eventually, Clu'eth realizes he must answer the Cloak.
"Uh, motion to select a Battle Leader?" he asks.
All seven Houses agree to the motion, which brings the inevitable question.
"Nominations?" the cleric asks.
"Is anyone interested that we don't already know about?" responds the fat dwarf.
For some reason, the seven House leaders turn to regard Theo.
Oni Tuesday November 27th, 2007 1:22:24 AM
Oni continues to stare down Spike. Her does notice all the attention shift to Theo. The wizard was probably casting a sell or something.
Berlon Tuesday November 27th, 2007 8:31:54 AM
"Define the end point of the crisis?" Berlon asks incredulously. "Well," he says, unsuccessfully trying to fight back the sarcasm, "when there are no more undead looking to eat your brains, or there are no more lizardmen looking to eat your liver, or there are no more goblins trying to eat your children, that would usually be the end point of the crisis."
He sighs heavily.
"But I digress."
He then clears his throat and speaks clearly and loudly, with a slight pause for extra dramatic effect.
"The Dark Horse Guild nominates Dietrich the Bear for Battle Leader."
Theodore and Macaw Tuesday November 27th, 2007 9:30:23 AM
Theodore is glad that the meeting is back on track. He touches Oni on the shoulder again, just as a reassurance that he has friends around him, too.
He puts his other hand on Vauhwyt's shoulder, to ease her temper, as well.
"We need to think rationally, now, guys," he whispers for the message spell to pick up. "These guys are trying to make us angry. Don't let them win. You said so, yourself, Vauhwyt."
He realizes how silly he must look: a tiny young man reaching up with either hand to console his vastly larger taur friends.
Seeing Clu'eth's wordless plea for help, Theodore removes his hands from their respective shoulders and stands up.
"People, please!" he makes a calming motion with his hands. "If we're to survive this attack, we must put aside our differences and work together. Most of us at the table agree. We simply have a few people a little too pig-headed for their own good." He turns to give Mask, Spike, Vauhwyt, Oni, and Berlon equal looks of "shut the heck up if you don't have something helpful to say."
Theodore sits back down, a heavy feeling in his gut when Jeraldh informs everyone that there's now a third army approaching Dirt City. He vaguely hears some others gabbling and then silence.
He looks up to see everyone looking at him searches his short term memory for what was just said. His face turns a pretty red and his eyes widen in horror. "Me? No-not me! I don't know anything about battle! I always get shot with arrows."
Berlon jumps in to save the wizard by nominating Dietrich. Theodore is glad for the shift of attention and thinks the gnome has a good idea. "As long as it doesn't impact Jeraldh's bid for Prince, Dietrich probably would make a good battle leader," he whispers via message.
Vauhwyt Tuesday November 27th, 2007 9:52:32 AM
Listening to Theo, Vauhwyt ignores further provocation.
"I agree with Berlon and Theo," she says, smiling. "Dietrich the Bear is the best choice. Not only is he a professional military soldierr, used to command, and tested on the field of battle, but he stands above politics, making him an acceptable choice for all."
"It is for that reason -- to avoid political entanglements -- that he chose to stay away from this meeting. He is even now ordering the defenses of the city with such resources as we can musterr. To some he is an enigma, because he has no personal ambition, but that makes him an even better choice since he will step down willingly when no longer needed."
"Let's call for him, and he will serve the City well."
Vorelle Tuesday November 27th, 2007 4:08:42 PM
Vorelle doesn't speak, but nods her agreement to Dietrich's nomination.
Nominations (DM MikeK) Tuesday November 27th, 2007 7:31:47 PM
Oni notices the attention shift to Theo. But Theo isn't the problem - Spike is. The centaur continues to bore holes into the annoying little man with his gaze.
Berlon helpfully supplies the representatives with a better idea of what is likely to happen very soon if they don't get to doing something about it. They listen politely, but make no other sign. Int DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { The general reaction to Berlon matches the general reaction to Spike - none at all}
Berlon then nominates Dietrich as Battle Leader.
Theo, correctly interpreting Clu'eth's cue, again attempts to restore some civility to the proceedings. The mage's look singles out Oni, Vauhwyt, Berlon, Spike, and the Mask as the main troublemakers. Getting nominated as Battle Leader is right out, however, and the mage declines vigorously.
Vauhwyt takes the hint, and stays on message. She echoes the nomination of Dietrich.
Vorelle silently agrees.
The fat dwarf from the Knives smiles broadly at Theo. "Relax, young man," he chuckles. "No one here is suggesting you be battle leader. You're just the only one of your group displaying any political sense at all, and we wanted to hear your suggestion."
Spike chimes in, "and you don't get to nominate. A House has to do that."
Clu'eth looks around. "Will a House nominate Dietrich?"
The dwarf shakes his head ruefully. "I don't see us letting a newcomer boss us around, even to save the city."
Vox Requin steps forward. "The Teeth nominate Dietrich." She casts a significant look at Theo. "Huh?" gasps the dwarf. "I thought your man Darid was all the rage." Vox frowns before replying, "Darid Skull is no longer of the Teeth."
Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {The Knives and Darts are surprised by this news. The Keys, Wolves, and Merchants are not. }
"Any other nominations?"
Jeraldh steps forward. "Me" Mr. Silent does the same. "And me" The dwarf speaks up. "Liam Kent"
The name of the commander of the Woldian League of Adventurers ripples through the representatives.
"Actually," Spike admits grudgingly, "that's not a horrendously bad idea."
The dwarf nods toward the party, "same reasons as their man, just expanded a bit to a fellow we all know."
Jeraldh is about to reply, when he's interrupted by a loud noise from the atrium. The Knife guard closest to the doors looks out. "We're under attack!" he calls back over his shoulder as he draws his sword.
Theodore & Macaw HP 33 AC 16 (mage armor) d20+4=16 d20+3=20 Tuesday November 27th, 2007 9:14:36 PM
Theodore listens through the nominations. He is surprised at Vox Requin's nomination of Dietrich, and also when she claims Darid is no longer part of their house. He gives Vauhwyt a significant look.
Theodore gets a little flustered when Vox Requin looks directly at him and quickly averts his eyes to another's face.
He is a little curious about the Knives' nomination, but has no time to think about it. A guard is calling attack.
Theodore stands and casts mage armor upon himself. "How many and what are they?!" he calls to the guard.
Berlon Tuesday November 27th, 2007 10:40:19 PM
"'Political sense' is an oxymoron, and half of "oxymoron" describes more than half of you." Clearly Berlon has been conversing with hobbits lately.
"So," he says matter of factly to the assembly, "which of you would like to nicely ask the rampaging hordes to please hold a moment so you can continue your teatime conversation?"
"I *TOLD* you!" Berlon hisses angrily via the cantrip, "WHY must you insist on playing their foolish games?? No doubt innocent blood has been spilt already!"
Those paying attention see Berlon's fists clenched, shaking slightly by his side.
Vorelle d20+1=7 d20+2=7 d20+13=20 d20+13=24 Tuesday November 27th, 2007 11:50:30 PM
As usual, Vorelle completely misses the undercurrents of what is going on [Int check 7; Sense Motive 7]. It's just as well she makes a point of not trusting people.
At the noise, she moves to get a better shot at the door, though she keeps her bow in the magic quiver for the moment. She watches and listens for clues about the commotion.
[Move to P-11. Spot 20, Listen 24]
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP65) and Mookie (AC17, HP32) and Wolverine (AC14, HP28) d100=19 Wednesday November 28th, 2007 9:53:57 AM
Vauhwyt nods at the mention of Liam. But she has no time to voice an opinion. An attack!
Vauhwyt casts Reduce Person on herself, shared with Mookie. "Mookie! Animal!" she calls out. The monkey-form familiar climbs out of his pouch onto Vauhwyt's back, and pulls a furry ball from the Bag of Tricks.
Vauhwyt moves to Q15 and tells Mookie to cast the furry ball through the doorway. He tosses it through the door. It becomes a wolverine!
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person
Wolverine Stats Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (28 hp) Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft. Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite -1 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Rage Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10 Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6 Feats: Alertness, Toughness, Track
Oni Wednesday November 28th, 2007 5:31:58 PM
Whether he is concerned or not, Oni shpows nop outeard appearance of danger. His gaze is still locked on Spike. The room seems to jump to activity, but he stays put.
This would be a battle of longevity, no use running off half cocked. Oni places himself in position to protect his friends. At guard, at attention, watching the betrayal of the one known as Sike.
Summit Attack - round 1 (DM MikeK) Wednesday November 28th, 2007 9:59:53 PM
OOC - We are in combat mode now. Please place stats in the post name, and provide any DM sanity information as you can.
--------
The cry of an attack mobilizes the Dark Horse Guild, as well as the other representatives. While some very interesting things were said, or not said, it can wait.
Theo casts a defensive spell upon himself and calls for more information from the guard who raised the alarm.
Berlon waits, the attack a validation of the urgency of the situation that no one but himself seems to acknowledge.
Vorelle moves to get a better view of the atrium area. She does not yet pull her bow.
Vauhwyt reduces her size, the better to get around in the crowded hall, and moves to the nearest doorway. Mookie, a monkey now, climbs onto her back and tosses a fuzzy ball into the atrium. The ball becomes a wolverine, which looks this way and that as it attempts to determine which of the thirty odd people around him are the bad guys.
Oni is a lot more concerned about betrayal from within the room, particularly from Spike. The taur watches the swashbuckler intently.
Berlon, Vauhwyt, and Vorelle all have a good field of vision into the large atrium. The platform at the far end is down, and a couple dozen humaniods are piling off it, weapons drawn and striking for the conference room. The attackers have split up into groups. The first group of seven swordsmen have formed a line, and are driving hard for the conference room. Behind them, another half dozen appear to be forming a perimeter, while a group of six or seven archers are just now exiting the platform behind them.
The fifteen guards in the atrium, accounting for all the Houses, close on the intruders.
Inside the conference room, all the various representatives are moving - some to get a better view, some to get closer to their guards, some to get away from everybody else. Weapons are drawn, but no one inside the room has attacked anyone else or appears intent on doing so.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 68/68] d20+13=17 d20+13=26 Wednesday November 28th, 2007 11:52:54 PM
Still not sure what is happening, Vorelle leaves her weapons sheathed. She moves just inside the other room, continuing to scan for hints of what is going on.
[Move to R-16. Spot 17, Listen 26]
[Vorelle would like to remind the DM that she has the Quick Draw feat. :) ]
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP65) and Mookie (AC17, HP32) and Wolverine (AC14, HP28) Thursday November 29th, 2007 6:55:09 AM
Vauhwyt urges Theo to hit them with a stinking cloud or fireball while they are all bunched up in the front there.
She casts Expeditious Retreat and then moves 70 feet south to 29Q.
The wolverine makes a double move to 31Q.
Mookie gets a scroll of Cure Light Wounds out of Vauhwyt's saddlebags.
==========
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person
Wolverine Stats Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (28 hp) Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft. Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite -1 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Rage Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10 Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6 Feats: Alertness, Toughness, Track
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor) Thursday November 29th, 2007 10:20:36 AM
"Unfortunately, I've already cast my stinking cloud spell," Theodore replies to Vauhwyt.
He steps out into the atrium and quickly moves to T16. Once there, he casts web upon the doorway the enemies are coming through, hoping to catch or slow the bulk of the attackers. (Reflex save 16 to avoid; http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/web.htm)
Active Spells: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from meeting's start Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning
Oni 79 HP 17 AC d20+11=25 d20+14=15 Thursday November 29th, 2007 2:02:33 PM
Oni stays put. He tries to make out the nature of his enemy before running smack into them. He watches as the others move into the atrium, although he is not quite ready to leave. Somethin is nagging at hinm. He checks the room for Spike and his crobies.
Nature 25, dont know if the skill applies or not. Spot 15 nat 1
Berlon - AC 20 HP 50/50 Friday November 30th, 2007 2:16:00 PM
Shaking his head silently and angrily, Berlon casts Divine Power on himself and prepares for the worst.
Posting Report for 11/26/07 Monday December 3rd, 2007 9:05:04 AM
SMTWTFS
No post tonight Monday December 3rd, 2007 10:05:52 PM
Sorry guys. Work just stinks right now.
I will do my best to get a post out tomorrow.
Summit Attack - round 2 (DM MikeK) 12d20(16+19+3+13+20+16+18+4+17+2+7+3)=138 d20+5=11 d20+5=17 d20+5=7 d20+5=24 d20+5=16 d20+5=13 d20+5=6 d6+2=5 17d20(7+1+14+14+14+8+13+9+1+15+1+12+4+16+9+10+7)=155 d20=10 12d20(15+19+2+8+4+20+8+5+9+3+13+5)=111 Tuesday December 4th, 2007 10:03:25 PM
Vorelle moves to just inside the other room, continuing to scan the area.
Vauhwyt and her wolverine race toward the attackers. The liontaur suggests a nice nasty fireball to Theo.
Theo steps around Vorelle [she's blocking a full move to T16, Theo gets to S16] and casts a spell. A sticky mass appears on and around the lowered platform, engulfing a dozen of the attackers. While the column leading up to the arena floor is free of webbing [its 50' above the room's floor], nobody is gonna be riding that elevator for a while.
Oni stays put, keeping an eye on Spike. The swashbuckler appears to be moving to a spot that keeps him a good 15-20' away from everyone else. Whether he wants the room to pull something, or just doesn't trust anyone to be near him, the taur can't tell.
Berlon casts a spell on himself, still shaking with anger at the insanity of the city dwellers.
In the atrium, all the guards converge on the lead wave, the only attackers free of Theo's web spell. Swords rise and fall.
Inside the conference room, nearly all the House leaders have the same reaction. They find a wall to get behind them, get their remaining guards close by, and stay away from everybody else. Vox and her Teeth guard enter the atrium. Clu'eth moves forward, either to get a better look at what is happening, or to get closer to the protection of the Dark Horse Guild.
While the majority of the attacking first wave stops to engage the guards, one man doesn't. Slipping through the line, he dashes forward. He passes by a Knife guard without stopping, even when the man opens a large wound in his side. Pulling up short of Vauhwyt, the attacker opens a box.....
[Vauhwyt and wolverine - Will save DC 20 or fall into catatonic slumber for 3d6x10 minutes]
With the exception of a single attacker, and possibly Vauhwyt and the wolverine, the entire first wave, and all the guards engaging them, topple to the floor.
Three of the attackers escape from the webbing, and emerge hugging the back wall. All three pull out bows.
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP65) and Mookie (AC17, HP32) and Wolverine (AC14, HP28) d20+8=12 d20+2=19 d20+10=16 d20+10=30 d100=30 d100=96 d100=74 d100=60 d20+16=29 Tuesday December 4th, 2007 11:13:39 PM
Mookie's Will Save vs sleep is +8. He rolls a 12 and falls asleep.
The Wolverine is a +2. He rolls a 19, yawns, and keels over.
Vauhwyt has a +10 on her Will save. She rolls a 16!
She makes a heroic effort to stay awake. (Hero Point Reroll) A 30! Natural 20! That's her last hero point, and a point well spent!
Vauhwyt wakes up Mookie (move action) and casts Darkness on her buckler.
Her spell fail chance for the Darkness is a 30, so no problem.
It occurs to me that I forgot to check for spell failure on my prior three spells: Alter Self on Mookie: ok. Reduce Person: ok. Exped Retreat: ok. No problems there.
Then she wakes up Mookie and takes a five foot step, hiding in the Darkness. Hide 29.
Mookie picks up the scroll he dropped and wakes up the Wolverine.
The Wolverine wakes up and moves 30 feet toward the archers, to 37Q.
==========
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person Expeditious Retreat Darkness
Wolverine Stats Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 3d8+15 (28 hp) Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares), burrow 10 ft., climb 10 ft. Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+4 Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+2) Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+2) and bite -1 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Rage Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 10 Skills: Climb +10, Listen +6, Spot +6 Feats: Alertness, Toughness, Track
Vauhwyt extra OOC Tuesday December 4th, 2007 11:15:21 PM
If the lighting conditions tell Vauhwyt that her Darkness spell will not work then she will cast Jump instead.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 68/68] d20+11=14 d8+1=7 Wednesday December 5th, 2007 12:14:16 AM
Vorelle is prepared to shoot when an area ahead of her is plunged into Darkness. Snatching her bow from her quiver, she slides along the wall to get a better view of her target. It's a long shot, but she fires anyway.
[Move to L-16 and shoot at Orange #14. Taking a -2 range increment penalty. Hit AC 14 for 7 damage. Not sure if I need to roll a 50% miss chance from the Darkness, but I probably missed anyway.]
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor) d4=3 d20+6=12 Wednesday December 5th, 2007 9:33:13 AM
Theodore pulls his crossbow out and loads a bolt. His adrenaline rises as he watches all the defending guards fall to the ground, fast asleep.
"That's not good," he notes.
The hair on the back of his neck stands up as he sights down his crossbow and pulls the trigger, releasing a bolt that shatters against the far wall.
Attacked 17, hit AC 12 (rolled 3 on magic crossbow for a +1 attack bonus, -2 for range increment)
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 9 rounds http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/web.htm
Oni 79 HP 17 AC Wednesday December 5th, 2007 1:20:56 PM
Oni watches as the Houses gather and protect their own. This war was going to be lost if these men didnt drop their affiliations and work together. The noise from the other chamber is loud, then oddly silenced. Magic was about.
"Well we can cower in here all day , or we can go and fight the invaders. There are alot of people in Dirt City looking for help, looking for a leader. No more voting, the tiome is now for someone to step up, with actions. Good luck," With that he either slides past or over the gnome as he enters the next room.
Oni does what he can to move to J-20. Whether that be through or around whoever is in the way. hehe, or over.
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 8r Wednesday December 5th, 2007 6:43:43 PM
"The one with the magic box, please, Theo," Berlon hastily advises via the cantrip, "and with something other than your crossbow if you can..."
Taking his own advice, he will move three squares due south (move action) then target the Evil Box Wielder with a Hold Person spell.
Hold Person - Will Save 16 to negate paralysis for 8 rounds, new save made each round as full round action, range 180 feet
0 - Detect Magic x2, Guidance x2, Light, Read Magic 1 - Bless, Command, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Sound Burst x2 3 - Magic Vestment, Prot from Energy, Wind Wall, Prayer/Dispel Magic 4 - Divine Power (used), Lesser Planar Ally, Death Ward/Imbue
Divine Power = +6 str, base attack = 8, +8 temp hp, new str = 21, new attack +15/+10, 1d6+5/1d8+5
Summit Attack - round 3 (DM MikeK) Thursday December 6th, 2007 10:22:29 PM
Vauhwyt is able to resist spell's effect, but both Mookie and the wolverine succumb. Worse yet, the liontaur is unable to wake her companion. Despite a good shaking, the monkey keeps on snoring away.
[Mookie and wolverine remain asleep]
Vauhwyt casts a spell, enclosing herself in shadows.
Vorelle moves along the wall and takes a long shot at an archer across the way. The shot is a bit high. [Archers are AC 15. No concealment from Darkness as they are not within the spell.]
Theodore misses with a crossbow shot.
Oni calls out the representatives, and then moves out into the atrium - stepping over Berlon and pushing past the Teeth guard in the process. [even so, I could only get him to L19]
Berlon makes to cast a spell on the Evil Box Wielder, but realizes the man knocked himself out of action along with everyone else. [Berlon can take a double action next post] Vox contemplates the sleeping bodies in the middle of the atrium. "This way," she says to her guard. The two move eastward.
The fat dwarf and his human companion emerge from the far eastern set of double doors.
Clu'eth takes up a position next to Theo, and takes in the scene.
The Wolves, Cloaks, and Keys also start moving, while Spike and the Merchants remain where they are.
The lone attacker of the first wave, now standing amidst a sea of sleeping people, decides he really needs to get out of the area. He scrambles back to the wall and yells something into the webbing.
The three archers decide to pick on the most obvious target the can see, the big honkin nasty looking coal black centaur. They carry crossbows, but are awfully fast on the reload. Each gets off two shots at Oni. Of the six bolts, one gets through.
[6 bolts attack Oni, 1 hit ac19 for 5hp damage]
Theo only Highlight to display spoiler: { about 20 more attackers - invisible - fly down through the shaft, above the webbing, and into the atrium. They are all humanoid, and have no obvious mechanical means of flight, but they are flying. Ten break left and ten break right, with each group staying near the walls. Each group follow the line of the circular atrium, turning northward as they reach the edge [right now, they are centered on M41 and AE41, at a height of 30']. Hovering just inside the shaft, looking about, is Ba'bac.[U44]}
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 68/68] d20+11=20 d8+1=8 Thursday December 6th, 2007 10:57:47 PM
Seeking to close the range, Vorelle moves forward and fires again.
[Move to L-23; fire at Orange #14 again. Hit AC 20 for 8 damage.]
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 7r Friday December 7th, 2007 8:37:08 AM
After realizing he has no target, Berlon instead does a double move (last round action) and then breaks into a full run. (this round action)
OOC: Should be a total of 15 squares, as due south as possible.
0 - Detect Magic x2, Guidance x2, Light, Read Magic 1 - Bless, Command, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear/Nystul's 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Sound Burst x2/Identify, Pearl of Power 3 - Magic Vestment, Prot from Energy, Wind Wall, Prayer/Dispel Magic 4 - Divine Power (used), Lesser Planar Ally, Death Ward/Imbue
Divine Power = +6 str, base attack = 8, +8 temp hp, new str = 21, new attack +15/+10, 1d6+5/1d8+5
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor) 20d20(4+7+15+15+19+1+18+13+7+8+5+12+5+2+6+1+17+4+17+14)+8=198 Friday December 7th, 2007 9:30:45 AM
Theodore blanches and almost drops his crossbow at what he sees next.
"Guys! More assailants coming down the shaft! They're invisible and flying." His head swivels east and west, east and west. "About twenty of them, they've split along the walls, grouping in the southwest and southeast corners. Probably thirty feet off the ground."
"Berlon, if you can dispel the flying and invisibility of those in the southwest corner, I'll try the same of those in the southeast corner."
Theodore then aims an area dispel magic centered on AE41. (My calculations put that exactly 180' from Theodore, MikeK, which is just in his range. If I'm mistaken, move Theo the necessary distance to get the spell there.)
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 9 rounds http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/web.htm
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP65) and Mookie (AC17, HP32) and Wolverine (AC14, HP28) d100=44 d20+16=34 Friday December 7th, 2007 10:06:29 AM
Vauhwyt checks on Mookie to make sure he is in his pouch securely (possible move action? Possible free action?)
She calls the sleeping Wolverine back into the bag of tricks and then pulls out a new trick. If necessary she'll take a five foot step and stuff the sleeping beast back in herself. The new trick is a Wolf.
She summons the wolf to M31 and tells it to sniff for enemies.
She continues to hide: 34.
==========
Position: 30P
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person Expeditious Retreat Darkness
Resources used: 2 Hero Points. 2 Tricks.
WOLF STATS
Size/Type: Medium Animal Hit Dice: 2d8+4 (13 hp) Speed: 50 ft. (10 squares) Armor Class: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 12 Base Attack/Grapple: +1/+2 Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+1) Full Attack: Bite +3 melee (1d6+1) Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft. Special Attacks: Trip Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1 Abilities: Str 13, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6 Skills: Hide +2, Listen +3, Move Silently +3, Spot +3, Survival +1* Feats: TrackB, Weapon Focus (bite)
Oni 74/79 HP 17 AC Friday December 7th, 2007 4:57:29 PM
Oni feels the arrow nick his shoulde5r, drawing blood. Hr id snut rready to charge the archers, when Theo yells out that there are invisible flyong attackerers. Invisible, not the best thing for the centaur. So instead og engaging, he moves 30 feet to the center, staying parrellel to his current p[osition. Maybe the darkness in the middle of the room would offer him cover frpom the archers.
Vorelle moves forward, skirting around Oni, and fires another volley. Her arrow slams solidly into the crossbowman against the wall.
Berlon breaks into a run, moving forward into the fray. As the gnome pulls on line with Vorelle, his mind is overcome with an intense feeling of lethargy. [Berlon gets to P23 and then must make a Will Save DC DC 20 or fall into catatonic slumber for 3d6x10 minutes] If the save is made - Berlon continues southward, entering Vauhwyt's Darkness spell and nearly bumping into the medium sized liontaur. [If save, Berlon is at P28]
Theo calls out that another round of attackers has entered the atrium, are invisible and flying, staying along the walls, and grouping in the southwest and southeast corners. Probably thirty feet off the ground. The mage then casts a spell to deal with the group in the southeast. Out of nothingness, three men appear 30 in the air. No one else can be seen, but there are a great deal of surprised exclamations and the heavy thumping of bodies hitting stone flooring coming from that area as well. Theo Highlight to display spoiler: { six attackers had the Fly spell dispelled. They fall and crash to the floor. All six struggle to their feet. }
Vauhwyt orders the wolverine back into the Bag, and it immediately disappears. [DM ruling is its a command word recall and the condition of the wolverine is irrelevant] She then tosses another fuzzy ball, which turns into a wolf. [Wolf save Will Save DC DC 20 or fall into catatonic slumber for 3d6x10 minutes] Should the wolf make its save, it looks about intently.
Oni doesn't want to mess with invisible attackers, and so moves toward the center of the room.
The appearance of several flying attackers in the southeast corner does more than verify Theo's words.
Vox looks over her shoulder and spies the Knives behind her. "Time to play, Bearclaw!" she cries. The Amazon lopes toward the southeast corner, the Teeth guard and the two Knife representatives in her wake.
The Cloak and his guard come out of the eastern doors and look about.
Jeraldh and his guard enter from the western door for the same purpose.
Everybody has a sword out.
Crossbow guys 14 and 15 return fire on Vorelle. One of the bolts grazes the ranger [nat 20, no crit (16) for 2 hp damage.]
Crossbow guy 17 shoots at Vox, with one bolt slamming home. The amazon glares over at him, but continues toward the flying attackers.
On their part, the three flying attackers (28, 20, and 24) appear a bit hesitant, flying forward about 20'.
Theo - Highlight to display spoiler: { The flying guys are moving slowly to allow their ground bound invisible companions to get ahead of them and flank the oncoming Teeth and Knives. Still coming up the other side too. You get your very own map!}
Vauhwyt listens -- check 19 woo hoo! -- and does her best to figure out where those thumps came from. She moves up to 45 feet, the last 15 tumbling to avoid AoOs. Tumble Check 21. She attacks into a space that she thinks has a foe. Miss chance (roll 1-50 = miss): 37 is a miss.
She is glad she is in darkness because it gives her a 20% miss chance and renders her immune to sneak attacks! (Of course, she can't make any herself either.)
She continues to listen: 9, 22 (nat 20), and 9.
==========
Position: to be determined by the DM
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person Expeditious Retreat Darkness
Resources used: 2 Hero Points. 2 Tricks.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 66/68] d20+13=30 d8+1=7 Sunday December 9th, 2007 12:34:42 PM
The news of invisible attackers worries Vorelle--but if she can just get a little closer, she'll be within optimum range of her bow.
Deciding to take the chance, she takes a few steps forward, hoping not to run into anybody invisible. She then fires again at her target.
[Step to K-25. Assuming I don't run into an invisible person, fire again at Orange 14, this time with no range penalty. Hit AC 30 for 7 damage.]
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 6r d20+9=24 Sunday December 9th, 2007 1:25:23 PM
Berlon yawns slightly, but manages to fight off the effects of the magic box. (Will save 24)
Continuing as fast as his little legs will carry him, he'll use this round to break into a run, trying to cut off the attack of the trio to the southeast. Heading due east, he should be able to make it to Y28.
0 - Detect Magic x2, Guidance x2, Light, Read Magic 1 - Bless, Command, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear/Nystul's 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Sound Burst x2/Identify, Pearl of Power 3 - Magic Vestment, Prot from Energy, Wind Wall, Prayer/Dispel Magic 4 - Divine Power (used), Lesser Planar Ally, Death Ward/Imbue
Divine Power = +6 str, base attack = 8, +8 temp hp, new str = 21, new attack +15/+10, 1d6+5/1d8+5
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor) Sunday December 9th, 2007 2:05:08 PM
"Berlon, we really need your dispel magic on the other group!" he yells as the gnome goes charging towards the eastern group.
He then looks to Clu'eth at his side. "Do you have any dispel magic spells prepared?" He points to the western wall at H33.
He then moves to Q20 and pulls forth his potion of invisibility. "Or any other area spells!"
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 8 rounds http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/web.htm
Oni 74/79 HP 17 AC Monday December 10th, 2007 2:07:55 PM
Oni stands his ground. Trapped underground, he has no feel for his surroundings. Not being able to move freely, only holds his conviction to stay put harder. He watches the unfoldings before him. He wonders at the dropped bodies everywhere, some seemedto still be breathing.
Posting Report for 12/3/07 Monday December 10th, 2007 10:01:40 PM
SMTWTFS
Vauhwyt's wolf falls asleep the moment it hits the floor. The liontaur doesn't worry about it, moving to the southeast after the sounds of the falling bodies. Weaving around sleeping forms, she tries a strike, but makes no contact. She's pretty sure the sounds came from closer to the wall, past the three flying guys [28, 20, and 24].
Vorelle cautiously moves closer to the crossbowmen, and fires again. She plants an arrow into the stomach of her target. He drops his crossbow, and slowly slides down the wall into a sitting position, before toppling over altogether.
Berlon shakes off the effects of the spell, and also heads for the three flying bad guys, and their assumed contingent of invisible helpers.
Theo again calls for Berlon's help in dispelling the invisible attackers to the southwest, opposite where the gnome is heading. The mage also asks Clu'eth for assistance. The cleric shakes his head ruefully in reply to having a Dispel Magic prepared. He doesn't. As for any other spells - "Not really. I wasn't expecting a fight." Theo moves up next to Oni, and pulls out a potion.
Oni continues to wait, trying to get his bearings. It seems to the centaur that all the collapsed folk in the center of the room are still breathing. Heck, most have started snoring.
Vox leads her guard and the two Knives toward the flying trio. All four draw weapons. But as they close, the Teeth guard suddenly pitches forward to the floor. His breathing becomes deep and heavy, like the rest of the sleeping people. The Knives stop, but Vox keeps going, eyes raised contemptously toward the three men hovering above her.
"Stay away from the center" The unidentifiable voice emanates from the Cloak. "Obviously the spell is still active" Heeding his own advice, the Cloak and his guard move the the eastern wall.
Jeraldh and his guard close up with Vorelle. Both are looking around anxiously.
The four wolves emerge from the rear room, and draw up next to Oni and Theo.
Clu'eth casts a spell. [Bless on Theo and Oni - +1 to attack rolls]
From practically above Vorelle comes the sound of firing crossbows. Five attackers appear above her head. All five shots clatter around Jeraldh, but none connect.
The three flying attackers near Vox all fire their crossbows and her. The amazon easily eludes the quarrels. The three men retreat a few feet and reload.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 66/68] d20+11=27 d20+11=21 d20+6=24 d8+2=7 d8+2=4 d8+2=8 Wednesday December 12th, 2007 11:23:29 PM
Startled to see so many foes materializing so close, Vorelle fires arrows as fast as she can.
[Fire at Orange #38 until he drops, then switching to 36 if necessary. Hit AC 27 for 7 damage; hit AC 21 for 4 damage; hit AC 21 for 8 damage. I'm adding Point-Blank Shot damage, but I'm not sure how high up they are and anyway I was never any good at that Square of the Hypotenuse stuff. :) ]
Oni 74/79 HP 17 AC Thursday December 13th, 2007 2:21:19 AM
As Oni watches he sees more fall to the invisible sleep monster. The flying creatures were being dealt with, so Oni continues watching the middle of the room, hoping the monster would show itselrf sooner than later.
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor) Thursday December 13th, 2007 9:52:41 AM
Theodore drinks down his potion of invisibility and disappears. (Invisible for 3 minutes)
A few seconds later, Ba'Bac appears out of thin air, hovering at J29, an arrow protruding from his chest. The half-orc screams in agony as he falls from the sky and collapses to the floor to lie still. (Theodore casts minor image to make this appear. Hoping to make the attackers retreat if they think their leader has fallen. Will save 17 (+1 spell focus) to disbelieve if interacted with. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/minorImage.htm)
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 7 rounds http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/web.htm Invisibility - 3 minutes Minor Image (Ba'Bac lieing dead) - concentration + 2 rounds
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP65) Thursday December 13th, 2007 10:43:16 AM
Vauhwyt sees that Jeraldh is under attack, and she thinks maybe he is the target. But it will be hard to hit those fliers. So she casts Jump and then moves to N23, hoping to cover Jeraldh with the darkness.
==========
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person Expeditious Retreat Darkness Jump
Resources used: 2 Hero Points. 2 Tricks.
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 5r Thursday December 13th, 2007 1:39:53 PM
"Yes, yes, one moment Theo," Berlon cantrips. "How odd," he comments to everyone else when he sees Jeraldh get attacked, "but still, now's not the time."
He moves to 29AA (move action).
"Vauhwyt, just hit them hard. We don't want a lucky shot through the darkness. Oh, and Vorelle, be a dear and move a few feet, would you?"
With that he casts Wind Wall. The wall is 15 feet wide, taking up hexes I, J, & K24. It is set at a 70 degree angle, blowing up and preventing any normal missile fire against Jeraldh. There are also side "walls" that should protect both his sides as well.
"Now, Theo, what was it you wanted again? All that math made my head hurt..."
Wind Wall - Range 180', 80x40' wall(s), prevents normal missile fire, etc, PHB302)
0 - Detect Magic x2, Guidance x2, Light, Read Magic 1 - Bless, Command, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear/Nystul's 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Sound Burst x2/Identify, Pearl of Power 3 - Magic Vestment, Prot from Energy, Wind Wall, Prayer/Dispel Magic 4 - Divine Power (used), Lesser Planar Ally, Death Ward/Imbue
Divine Power = +6 str, base attack = 8, +8 temp hp, new str = 21, new attack +15/+10, 1d6+5/1d8+5
Summit Attack - round 6 (DM MikeK) 5d20(2+11+17+8+18)=56 d20=3 6d20(2+16+12+16+2+3)=51 Thursday December 13th, 2007 9:11:55 PM
Vorelle reacts quickly to the fusilade, filling #38 with arrows. The man isn't down, but he's very close.
Oni stays where he is, trying to catch a inkling of the invisible monster putting all to sleep. No such monster is forthcoming.
Theodore drinks down his potion and disappears. A few seconds later, Ba'Bac appears out of thin air, hovering at J29, an arrow protruding from his chest. The half-orc screams in agony as he falls from the sky and collapses to the floor to lie still.
Vauhwyt casts a spell on herself, and moves back toward Jeraldh. Both the leader of the Keys and Vorelle are enveloped in the shadowy darkness surrounding the liontaur.
Berlon casts a spell, causing a wall of roaring wind to appear between Jeraldh and his attackers.
Vox starts running. The amazon climbs into the air as if running up an invisible stairway. Soon she is even in altitude with the trio (28, 20, 24) of attackers. Her climb ends as she slashes a deep wound across 28.
The Knives move cautiosuly easterly, linking up with the Cloaks.
The Keys pull back behind the wind wall and into the darkness offered by Vauhwyt.
Meanwhile, the Wolves are moving to the west.
The five men attacking Jeraldh give up and retreat. So do the three Vox is threatening to chop to pieces.
However, another five appear to the sound of crossbow bolts some 30' above the Wolves. All aim at Mr. Silent. One hits. The Alpha Wolf immediately collapses to the floor.
Six more attackers appear on ground level against the east wall. All six fire up at Vox. Two bolts seem to fly true, but ricochet off of some kind of barrier just before reaching the Amazon.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 66/68] d20+7=12 d20+7=19 d20+2=16 d8+2=5 d8+2=8 d8+2=6 Thursday December 13th, 2007 10:58:56 PM
Timid and unassuming as she is, Vorelle was still born and raised in the worst part of Dirt City. She stammers a very, very bad word when she finds herself on the wrong side of the Wind Wall as the Wolves are attacked.
She steps around the wall as best she can, taking the best shot she can find.
[5-foot step to L-24. Shoot at Orange #34, taking a -4 pentalty because he has cover. Hit AC 12 for 5 damage; hit AC 19 for 8 damage; hit AC 16 for 6 damage.]
Vauhwyt (AC21, HP65) d100=71 d20+14=24 d6=3 d100=1 Friday December 14th, 2007 9:27:14 AM
Vauhwyt charges to K21 and attacks Orange 34. If he is down, thanks to arrows, etc, then she charges to J21 and attacks Orange 31.
Her miss chance due to darkness (20% chance) is 71, no problem.
She hits AC24 for 3 hp damage, raking the enemy with the spikes on her forearm.
[OOC: Forgot to check for spell failure last round: SPELL FAILURE! NAT ONE! Vauwyt does NOT have a Jump spell up!]
==========
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person Expeditious Retreat Darkness
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor) Friday December 14th, 2007 9:29:08 AM
There is some mumbling about the corpse of Ba'Bac, and then the dead half-orc rises with jerky, uncertain movements to his feet. His head lolls to the side at an unnatural angle, spit and blood trail from his opened mouth. The arrow still protrudes from Ba'Bac's chest as he lumbers to H25, his whole body twitching and convulsing as if some invisible force above were controlling him with puppet strings. His dull hating eyes are focused on the attacking group at I21 as he moans and wails incoherently.
(Theodore is remaining where he is and invisible. Everything "Ba'bac" is doing is part of the minor image designed to frighten the attackers away.)
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 6 rounds http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/web.htm Invisibility - 2 minutes 9 rounds Minor Image (Ba'Bac moving after attackers as a zombie) - concentration + 2 rounds
CDM Jerry Friday December 14th, 2007 3:56:21 PM
Greetings Woldians!
I am excited to tell you that BIG, even HUGE changes are coming for The Wold. The Wold is evolving and everyone one of you will be affected. But I'm not going to tell you about it here. I'm just going to whet your appetite:
--A new type of game --Major changes to the website --Greater choice for both DMs and players!
I will begin introducing the new material in the LnB sometime between now and Monday. You will need to start watching that board daily to understand what is going to be happening. This process will be ongoing for a bit, so you really do need to view the Loot 'n Booty board daily starting now.
I'm mass emailing this and also posting it on every game board so everyone sees it.
Enjoy your weekend!
Jerry
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 4r, Wind Wall 8r Friday December 14th, 2007 4:14:00 PM
Trying to get between the attackers and the others, Berlon takes a double move, ending at AF29
0 - Detect Magic x2, Guidance x2, Light, Read Magic 1 - Bless, Command, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear/Nystul's 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Sound Burst x2/Identify, Pearl of Power 3 - Magic Vestment, Prot from Energy, Wind Wall (u), Prayer/Dispel Magic 4 - Divine Power (u), Lesser Planar Ally, Death Ward/Imbue
Divine Power = +6 str, base attack = 8, +8 temp hp, new str = 21, new attack +15/+10, 1d6+5/1d8+5
Oni 74/79 HP 17 AC Friday December 14th, 2007 6:10:59 PM
Onis legs eem leaden. For some reason he dowant act.
--Under weather, sorry.
Posting Report for 12/10/07 Monday December 17th, 2007 9:08:39 AM
SMTWTFS
Vorelle steps further into the Darkness, but at least gets around the wall of wind. She fires a volley at the crossbowmen attacking the Wolves, striking #34 once [attackers AC 18].
Vauhwyt charges to K21 and attacks #34, raking him slightly.
DM Note - Orange 30-33 are flying 30' above ground level. It wasn't all that clear, so DM will say #34 descended for a better shot and is only 5' high
There is some mumbling about the corpse of Ba'Bac, and then the dead half-orc rises with jerky, uncertain movements to his feet. His head lolls to the side at an unnatural angle, spit and blood trail from his opened mouth. The arrow still protrudes from Ba'Bac's chest as he lumbers to H25, his whole body twitching and convulsing as if some invisible force above were controlling him with puppet strings. His dull hating eyes are focused on the attacking group at I21 as he moans and wails incoherently.
Berlon moves to assist the Cloaks.
Oni stands fast.
Mr Smooth grabs the downed Mr Silent, and pulls him into the shadowy area of Vauhwyt's spell. Mr Rapper stalks forward and buries his shortsword to the hilt in #34's chest. The man slides unmoving to the stone floor.
Vox turns from the retreating flyers and charges down through the air toward the crossbowmen who have revealed themselves against the east wall. A slash from her longsword send blood and entrails flying from #27, who topples over.
The two Knives double team #21, who falls under blows from both waraxe and shortsword.
Part of the web clogging the entryway bursts into flame [V46].
A loud voice, gruff and authoritative calls out from the same general area. "Abort! Abort! Abort!" Theo only Highlight to display spoiler: {Babac is doing the yelling. He then looks directly at you, flashes a well known - and not very nice - hand signal, and flies back up the column}
What follows is a general retreat toward the webbed up column. Those would be ambushers that can still fly do exactly that, and don't appear to be stopping to pick up their comrades. Those poor unfortunates reach the back wall to find their egress doesn't exist.
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor, invisible) Tuesday December 18th, 2007 9:52:13 AM
Theodore ceases concentration on the illusion. The drooling, zombie Ba'Bac stands still, waiting to disappear. (Illusion disappears 2 rounds after concentration ends. If possible, Theo would prefer to have the illusion stop completely, now.)
"We have plenty of prisoners that are asleep," the invisible Theodore says, motioning to the attackers, forgetting no one can see him. "Let the others go, for now."
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 5 rounds Web Invisibility - 2 minutes 8 rounds Minor Image (Ba'Bac standing about as a zombie) - 2 rounds
Vauhwyt listens, trying to pinpoint the location of the person with the commanding voice. Somewhere around V46?
Listen check 21! A nat 19!
Vauhwyt charges 140 feet to U45. If she has to save vs Theo's Web, she rolls a 25. If she can make a charging attack, she will, attacking into the space from which she heard the attacker.
Vauhwyt rolls her miss chance: 65% is a hit. She takes a swipe: She hits AC31 for 2 hp damage!
If all this works, she laughs! She thinks to herself: I have yourr blood on my hand now! You won't escape me! I'll track you down and make you pay for this! But she says nothing aloud. She'll take her revenge when it is cooler.
==========
Active Spells: Alter Self (Mookie) Reduce Person Expeditious Retreat Darkness
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 3r, Wind Wall 7r Tuesday December 18th, 2007 4:56:19 PM
"Vauhwyt! Have someone perform first aid on the fallen Knife if it will still help!" Berlon messages. "I will heal him if I can. The rest of you might want to start rounding up captives...."
With that he will make a full run to move towards Mr. Silent in order to hopefully perform some healing.
0 - Detect Magic x2, Guidance x2, Light, Read Magic 1 - Bless, Command, Obscuring Mist, Prot from Evil, Remove Fear/Nystul's 2 - Hold Person, Silence, Sound Burst x2/Identify, Pearl of Power 3 - Magic Vestment, Prot from Energy, Wind Wall (u), Prayer/Dispel Magic 4 - Divine Power (u), Lesser Planar Ally, Death Ward/Imbue
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 66/68] Tuesday December 18th, 2007 7:47:56 PM
Since the enemy is retreating, Vorelle isn't inclined to give chase--and she's worried about the Alpha. Theo's suggestion seals the deal. Vorelle moves away from the battle and toward Mr. Silent, pulling out her healer's kit.
Oni 74/79 HP 17 AC Wednesday December 19th, 2007 1:03:09 AM
Oni pulls forth his wand of healing and movbes bout looking to heal anyone who is hurt.
The drooling, zombie Ba'Bac stands still, as if waiting for something. A voice near Oni, that sounds like Theo, recommends letting the attackers leave.
Be that as it may, Vauhwyt has a pretty good idea on the location of The Voice Giving the Orders, and rushes forward to get to the spot. Unfortunately, she has to take care not to trip over one of the five sleeping figures in her path, and the web spell presents an obstacle as well. It simply takes too much time to cover the intervening space. [Cannot make charging attack as both sleeping bodies and web spell hinder movement]
At the same time Vauhwyt is charging the enemy, Berlon messages her to attend to Mr Silent, who is in the other direction. Berlon hurries to help the Wolf.
Vorelle pulls out her healing kit, and moves to assist Mr Silent.
Oni pulls his wand. The only person down who is not enemy and doesn't appear to be asleep is Mr Silent, the Wolf leader everyone else is heading toward. Vox is wounded, but she's on the other side of the atrium.
She is also much less inclined to just let the attackers go. The Amazon races forward, slaughtering #22 as he tries to flee. Both the Knives race after her, catching up near the south wall.
Clu'eth also moves to help Mr. Silent. The other three Wolves have weapons drawn. They allow Clu'eth and Vorelle through the perimeter they're maintaining over their fallen leader.
The fire in webbing continues to burn, and is approaching Vauhwyt. Several of the non-flying attackers start climbing a series of rusted rungs embedded into the back of the elevator shaft.
The flying attackers escape through the air.
Which leaves two crossbowmen (15 and 17) caught between Vauhwyt and the exit - they stand still, waiting for the web to burn out. And one still caught in the web (16). And five unfortunates who got Vox and the Knives bearing down on them. Two take potions, and evaporate into gaseous clouds, which make their way up the shaft. But the other three (4, 25, and 29) have no such magical aid. They throw down their weapons.
Vorelle [AC 18; hp 66/68] d20+14=27 Thursday December 20th, 2007 1:04:56 AM
With the help of her healer's kit, Vorelle attempts to stanch Mr. Silent's wounds, and figure out how badly he's hurt.
[Heal check 27]
Theodore & Macaw HP 33/33 AC 16 (mage armor, invisible) Thursday December 20th, 2007 9:23:09 AM
Theodore moves to Q32 and steadies himself in case an other attackers appear or his pursuing allies find themselves in trouble.
"Careful, Vauhwyt," he calls to his friend. "You'll be surrounded in a moment."
Spells Active: Mage Armor - 8 hours See Invisibility - 80 minutes from start of meeting Detect Scrying - 24 hours from this morning Web - 79 min 4 rounds Web Invisibility - 2 minutes 7 rounds Minor Image (Ba'Bac standing about as a zombie) - 1 round
Berlon - AC 20 - HP 58/50 - Divine Power 2r, Wind Wall 6r Thursday December 20th, 2007 11:56:31 AM
Berlon continues to make haste to the fallen Knife, moving to N19, hoping that his wounds have been stabilized, if possible.
Oni 7979 HP 17 AC d8+2=6 Thursday December 20th, 2007 5:22:57 PM
Oni tsps himself wit the wand, to heal the small wound on his shoulder. He then walks on along the wall, staying out of the miuddle of the room as much as possible. His aim is to get nearer the entrtance and Vauhwyt without breathing in the sleeping drug.
Battle Wrap Up (DM MikeK) Thursday December 20th, 2007 9:07:50 PM
Several more of the would-be attackers escape up the shaft, but Vox and the Knives make sure 4, 25, and 29 are captured. 15 and 17 also throw down their crossbows and give up. Additionally, all them sleeping folks is still snoring away.
Oni works his way down to Vauhwyt along the west wall.
Berlon heads over to the fallen Wolf. Clu'eth is already there, looking over the man. "I think he's been poisoned," the cleric notes. He glances up at the gnome. "Can you help?"
Combat rounds are over. Posting of multiple actions is OK. Nobody in the center of the room is waking up though.
Vauhwyt Thursday December 20th, 2007 11:28:26 PM
The liontaur helps bind the enemies who have surrendered or are sleeping.
Then she urges the leaders to resume the meeting.
"We were discussing Liam, if I am not mistaken," she says.
Vorelle d20+14=22 Thursday December 20th, 2007 11:55:01 PM
[Vorelle would like to reiterate her Heal check of 27. Did it tell her anything? Has Mr. Silent been poisoned?]
Vorelle keeps going with her healer's kit.
[New Heal check 22. If the first Heal check revealed that he had been poisoned, Vorelle would like to use this 22 to substitute for Mr. Silent's secondary save, if there is one. See pages 75-76 of the Players Handbook ]
Oni 7979 HP 17 AC Friday December 21st, 2007 1:56:27 AM
Oni searches out Vox and heals the wounds she suffered.
Berlon 2d8(5+8)+9=22 Friday December 21st, 2007 8:42:28 AM
The gnome raises an eyebrow at Clu'eth's question, but instead of a sarcastic comment he instead produces his small ceramic jar filled with Keoghotom's Ointment. He applies the beeswax-looking substance around the wound entry points, drawing out the poison from Mr. Silent.
Once that is done, he follows up with a Cure Mod, healing 22 hp.
Theodore & Macaw Friday December 21st, 2007 9:14:07 AM
Theodore releases his invisibility and appears about halfway between the elevator and the meeting room. He bends down next to the nearest sleeping ally and casts detect poison on him to make sure that he's just sleeping and not in any danger.
Standing up, he reports his findings to everyone and adds, "We should bind the sleeping attackers before anything else. We don't want them waking up and surprising us. Anyone have any rope? Lots of rope?"
He tries shaking one of the sleeping allies to see if he can wake him up or not.
Posting Report for 12/17/07 Monday December 24th, 2007 3:19:50 PM
SMTWTFS
After Attack - DM Donna Monday December 24th, 2007 5:17:07 PM DM's Note: I have yet to get a wrap-up email from former DM Mike, but that's okay...as it's the holidays for us in the Real World, I can deal for the moment:
There are five conscious prisoners to make sure are secured in some fashion.
Everyone who was Sleeping remains so, mostly because there are a few details that need tending (making sure that the burning Web doesn't accidentally start anything else to burning, checking on Mr. Silent...you know, basic Welfare of Others and Safety stuff.)
The DM wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and invites the players to RP doing the "non-essentials" stated above while she's trying to get the game particulars (whether Mr. Silent is poisoned, the nature of the Sleeping characters, etc.) Thank you for your patience and enjoy yourselves!
8)
Oni Monday December 24th, 2007 11:35:00 PM
Merry Christmas to the Dirt Dwellers!!
Oni finds and heals Vox's wounds. Then it is off to the staircase to make sure the fire doesnt get out of hand. Thinking back on it, they had gotten down below with the moving platform, so he didnt know how to get to top level. Oni waits for cooler headss to speak up.
DM Donna OOC Tuesday December 25th, 2007 9:18:15 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARK HORSE GUILD!
Vorelle d20+13=15 Tuesday December 25th, 2007 10:12:45 PM
Vorelle looks around to see what she can see.
[Spot 13. Happy Holidays to all! :) ]
Blink of an Eye - DM Donna Wednesday December 26th, 2007 4:10:51 PM
There are five conscious prisoners to make sure are secured in some fashion.
Those who go about awakening allies find that, although it takes a bit of effort, they do, indeed, wake up.
As long as nobody is shaking any of those identified as attackers, none of their number wake up yet--which means that these prisoners will likely need to be dealt with soon, even though they sleep for now.
POOF! The fire, the web and other such miscellaneous spells/spell effects are gone.
Mr. Smooth and Mr. Rapper are with Mr. Silent...who, indeed, seems to have been poisoned--unconscious but still alive.
Vauhwyt Thursday December 27th, 2007 10:08:03 AM
Vauhwyt helps secure the prisoners. She also wakes up Mookie, and she puts her Bag of Tricks animal back into its bag.
She assumes that Father Clueth and Berlon and Vorelle can help the poisoned Wolf leader? If she can help, she will, but mostly that means getting out of the way.
Vorelle d20+14=31 Thursday December 27th, 2007 3:50:56 PM
Vorelle keeps anxious watch over Mr. Silent. She knows he has been poisoned; what she doesn't know is whether her efforts to assist him were successful. She also doesn't know whether Berlon's ointment helped, or whether he or Clu'eth will be able to cast some sort of spell to make the poison go away.
Not knowing what else to do, she keeps going with the healer's kit.
[New Heal check 31. Mr. Silent can use this instead of his secondary Fortitude save.]
Berlon Thursday December 27th, 2007 6:31:13 PM
Berlon pauses a moment to make sure his ointment takes full effect to remove the poison, and then checks to see if Mr. Silent needs any more healing after the 22 hp.
Oni Friday December 28th, 2007 5:22:22 PM
Oni star3es at whe5re the web and fire had been. He wonders if it had be34en an illusion, much like the magic he knows Theo uses.
Life's Illusions..? - DM Donna Friday December 28th, 2007 8:31:26 PM
Between Berlon and Vorelle, they get Mr. Silence stabilized. There is something rather nasty...insidious, if you will...about this brand of poison. However because of Vorelle's excellent mundane Healing skills and Berlon's ointment, at least they can be reasonably sure that the poison won't kill the House leader.
Well...not yet, anyhow.
Vauhwyt is securing prisoners all over. Mookie finally wakes up. And that critter gets bag in the bag in spite of its protests.
Oni ponders whether the odd workings of magic are simply due to the mysterys inherent in mysticism or if, perhaps, the gods of the Wold are fallible..?
Gods? Fallible? Ch'yeah, right!
Mr. Silence is the House leader who speaks up first.
"Report...we need a security check to find out what in the Wold just happened and to get somebody tracking the ones that got away!" Mr. Rapper immediately leaves the room, ostensibly to get just that done.
CDM Jerry: OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Saturday December 29th, 2007 12:00:04 PM
Greetings Woldians,
I hope you've been keeping up with the changes we've been discussing on the LnB. If not, you have a novel to read amongst all the posts.
Basically, we're doing the following things:
--purging all 2nd characters from everyone except DMs...that's their reward for being a DM. --We're adding a new type game: Challenge Games. It is a 2 year campaign game. We're calling our normal games Career Games.
Anyway, because of the Challenge Games, which will begin ASAP for their first 2 year run, as well as the pruning of the 2nd characters, we'll be holding a vote starting
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2ND
...and ENDING on
MONDAY, JANUARY 7TH
We'll be voting on one thing only:
Do you want to play in a Challenge Game or a Career Game?
If you choose Career Game, I"ll want a second piece of information. I will need to know if you want to remain in your current game or move to another.
That's it.
Voting is NOT accepted until January 2nd and all votes will be emailed to me here at gericko@gmail.com. I will not accept votes that are made on the LnB, though you may post your vote there if you want.
If you don't vote, then the ACDMs and I will be PLACING you into a Challenge game by default as that is the "new thing" and we're kinda pushing it as a new option.
Let me repeat that and reword it:
If you don't vote you lose your right to choose your game and WILL be placed. Yeah I know that is hard, but we're moving forward and don't want to have votes trickling in weeks later.
This email is just to get your attention in case you haven't been following the information overload on the LnB.
If you have a question about all this or are now totally confused, reply to me only or post on the LnB where you'll get 100s of people telling you what is going on. :)
Or you can IM me on AIM. My handle is Gericko.
Enjoy your day and don't freak out!
CDM Jerry
Vauhwyt Sunday December 30th, 2007 8:31:32 PM
Vauhwyt suggests that the mages check out the room and that the talk resume. "If we delay, we just play into our enemies' hands."
But she intends to interrogate some prisoners. Oh yes.
Theodore & Macaw d20+3=12 Monday December 31st, 2007 9:29:01 AM
Theodore shakes his head and blinks his eyes, coming out of a mental fog.
He looks back to see several folks bending over Mr. Silent. Stepping over to the group, he touches Clu'eth on the shoulder.
"Would you mind if I take a look?" He squats next to the fellow and casts detect poison. (Wisdom check 12 to detect kind of poison. Failed.)
He stands again, shaking his head. "Sorry, but I don't know what poison it is. If he's stable for the day, I can try again tomorrow."
He looks about the room. "I have no rope. If no one else is going to bind these fools, lend me some rope and I will do it."
Details, Details - DM Donna Monday December 31st, 2007 5:07:02 PM
Mr. Smooth nods to Theodore, allowing him to check on Mr. Silence. Mr. Smooth puts a hand up over his mouth and mutters something relatively unintelligible to all but the most sensitive and discerning ears.
Anybody making a Listen check versus DC25, Highlight to display spoiler: { you can hear Mr. Smooth relaying Mr. Silence's instructions about doing a security sweep of the immediate area as well as confirming that "Gamma" has gone to track the escapees.}
Some ropes are wrangled. Anyone tying up prisoners needs to make a Use Rope check for me to have the prisoners make an opposed Escape Artist check against.
Theodore & Macaw d20+4=21 d20+4=21 Tuesday January 1st, 2008 10:24:58 AM
(Listen 21)
Theodore looks about for the Knife representative, "Sir, could you possibly send one of your men to get some people to round these criminals up? Then perhaps we might return to our discussion."
He keeps a steady eye on the bad guys, making sure none wake up and make any hostile movements. (Spot 21)
More Details - DM Donna Tuesday January 1st, 2008 5:43:15 PM
Barlon blinks when Theodore advises him, then turns to the thin man with terrible scars all over his body...the one who accompanied him to the meeting.
"Bearclaw, see to it. Go get Dancer if you have to." the dwarf orders his fellow house member. Bearclaw nods and leaves the area.
Berlon d20+7=23 Tuesday January 1st, 2008 6:26:13 PM
Once he is sure proper healing is taken care of, Berlon will assist with securing the prisoners.
"See, Young Theo? See what happens when you leave home without your rope?"
Vauhwyt d20+15=18 d20+15=21 d20+15=19 Tuesday January 1st, 2008 8:23:18 PM
untrained rope use checks: 18, 21, 19
Note: "Bind a Character When you bind another character with a rope, any Escape Artist check that the bound character makes is opposed by your Use Rope check.
You get a +10 bonus on this check because it is easier to bind someone than to escape from bonds. You don't even make your Use Rope check until someone tries to escape."
DM OOC (raising an eyebrow): these are rolls that I wanted on hand JIC (just in case). But thank you for the reminder.
DM Donna Repeating CDM Jerry's Important Announcement: Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 3:42:08 AM CDM Jerry: OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Saturday December 29th, 2007 12:00:04 PM
Greetings Woldians,
I hope you've been keeping up with the changes we've been discussing on the LnB. If not, you have a novel to read amongst all the posts.
Basically, we're doing the following things:
--purging all 2nd characters from everyone except DMs...that's their reward for being a DM. --We're adding a new type game: Challenge Games. It is a 2 year campaign game. We're calling our normal games Career Games.
Anyway, because of the Challenge Games, which will begin ASAP for their first 2 year run, as well as the pruning of the 2nd characters, we'll be holding a vote starting
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2ND
...and ENDING on
MONDAY, JANUARY 7TH
We'll be voting on one thing only:
Do you want to play in a Challenge Game or a Career Game?
If you choose Career Game, I"ll want a second piece of information. I will need to know if you want to remain in your current game or move to another.
That's it.
Voting is NOT accepted until January 2nd and all votes will be emailed to me here at gericko@gmail.com. I will not accept votes that are made on the LnB, though you may post your vote there if you want.
If you don't vote, then the ACDMs and I will be PLACING you into a Challenge game by default as that is the "new thing" and we're kinda pushing it as a new option.
Let me repeat that and reword it:
If you don't vote you lose your right to choose your game and WILL be placed. Yeah I know that is hard, but we're moving forward and don't want to have votes trickling in weeks later.
This email is just to get your attention in case you haven't been following the information overload on the LnB.
If you have a question about all this or are now totally confused, reply to me only or post on the LnB where you'll get 100s of people telling you what is going on. :)
Or you can IM me on AIM. My handle is Gericko.
Enjoy your day and don't freak out!
CDM Jerry
CDM Jerry Voting Begins Now!! Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 3:44:45 AM
2008 WOLDIAN PRIMARY BEGINS NOW!
Here is the ballot: Please complete, copy, and post your vote in Lynn's Café Message Board on the site.
Please avoid any "additions" to the vote if possible. Yes, we know you're an individual.
You need to vote by Monday January 7th or you may be assigned to a game.
I'll post my vote after this one as an example.
If you have a question about voting, not a comment or discussion, post your question.
Take all comments and discussion about the votes to the Loot 'N Booty board please.
Jerry
-----------------
OFFICIAL BALLOT
Character Name(s):
Current Character Game(s):
-----
Place an X BEFORE your single choice of vote:
--I wish to play in a Challenge Game.
--I wish to play in a Career Game.
------
If you voted for a Career Game, please place an X BEFORE your single choice of vote:
--I wish to continue playing in my CURRENT game.
--I wish to play in a brand new Career game.
--I wish to play in a different Career game. (I want to join __________. Fill in the name of the game you wish to join.)
-----
If you voted for a Challenge Game, please place an X BEFORE your single choice of vote.
--I wish to play in The Great Dwarven Adamantite Rush Challenge Game. [DM to be decided. May be Jerry(me)]
--I wish to play in The Uncharted Lands Challenge Game to be DMed by Bob and Carla. --I wish to play in the HELL ON WOLD (Earth)!!!! Challenge Game to be DMed by Jim Frick. (note that there may be other Challenge Games offered, but as these were the first to have an approved advertisement, I'm offering these to be filled first.)
DM Donna Again Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 3:45:51 AM
...and in case you haven't noticed, it IS now January 2nd, 2008...we are back to posting once a day, Monday through Friday. I usually make my Offical DM post about 5pm or so Eastern time.
Have your post for today in by then (or, at least, BEFORE Midnight Woldian Time) so that you aren't noted as having missed the day's post--you do NOT want my Mom chasin' your butt with a +20 Cane of Ungodly Whuppin'!
8)
Theodore & Macaw Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 9:38:08 AM
Theodore nods soberly at Berlon's wise words. "I never took it seriously until now. The first thing I do when we leave here is go and buy some rope."
He stands about feeling both helpless and anxious. Helpless that he doesn't really know what to do next. Anxious that another attack might come while they are unprepared and tending the wounded and rounding up the instigators.
Macaw seems not to care. He sits calmly on his master's head, trying to spy the next exciting thing.
Vorelle d20+4=10 d20+4=20 d20+4=6 Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 4:14:56 PM
Quietly, Vorelle puts away her healer's kit, relieved that Mr. Silent is feeling healthy enough to give orders.
She retrieves some of her rope and assists with tying up the prisoners.
[Use the Aid Another action to assist Vauhwyt with tying up. Succeed on the first two checks; fail on the third.]
DM Donna Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 5:08:34 PM
This about the time I have access to and then make my game posts. Hmmm...two out of five players posting.
I would like to ask for clarification: according to the copy of the module that I have, the Dark Horse Guild was at the Arena with the representatives of only three Houses (House of Keys, House of Merchants and House of Wolves)? So only three Houses were present for this talk?
Oni Wednesday January 2nd, 2008 6:09:28 PM
Oni stays put. Waiting for his friends to make the decuision on how to proceed.
OOC I always post after the sun goes down, this is early for me.
Berlon Thursday January 3rd, 2008 8:35:09 AM
"Hmm..." Berlon says, pausing to look at the numbers of the unconscious, "we may *not* have enough rope."
"If we do, hmmm, I guess prop them up against a wall?"
Posting Report for 12/24/07 Thursday January 3rd, 2008 1:20:45 PM
SMTWTFS
DM Donna OXOXOXO Berlon OOOOXOO Oni OXOOOXO Theodore OOOOOOO Vauhwyt OOOOXOO Vorelle OOXOXOO
Terrible posting from Theodore's player! Someone needs to beat that sucka!
LOG ON