Trellus Wednesday March 26th, 2008 1:07:59 PM
The blond cleric smiles at all his friends.
"I appreciate you're all willing to come, I really do. We're not gonna stay long, I promise you that. I just want to see if I can convince my folks and brothers and maybe Jenny to come here instead. Then, we'll have to see the Council, and they'll probably tell us to leave Rattledam. Which will solve that problem.
After, I want to visit the Mankife's taudo. The local dudes, the Manfri, set us...well..me and Gry...on this path I don't think the Council quite wanted us on. 'The Land, My Life', we swore then, and still do now. But its looking like us and Galafar's faction take that oath to mean something different.
Galafar has never liked us, and we've returned the favor. Me and Jake..." Trellus grins, recalling several childhood pranks. He chuckles softly at the memory. "well, we twisted the beaters a lot."
Trellus nods grimly at Grymash. "Galafar did even worse to Gry, here." The cleric doesn't elaborate. But, its obvious he still seethes at that memory.
"The Bloodpack started as a group of kids who didn't fit in with 'normal' way of doing things - outcasts and unwanteds in a town that prides itself on accepting everyone, so long as they follow the rules." He grins "Which is why we have no problem with new membership."
"Let's get our gear together, and head out tomorrow. We'll do our duty, and then come back here and figure out what's next."
Yanosh Wednesday March 26th, 2008 3:46:07 PM
After remaining silent for so long. The stocky Dwarf steps forward. "I have said it before Trellus," he states grimly, "And I mean it now as then. I have no way to get home, to the Vein or me home mountain, so to you I pledge My Axe, My sheild and My life. To you and this Pack. Untill Gargul calls me home." With that Yanosh falls silent again and starts back to his "room" to pack and ready for the morrning.
Tishe' Wednesday March 26th, 2008 4:47:58 PM
"Oh, yes, the manfri!" exclaims Tishe'. "They are such sweeties and very close to the land.
She continues to chat about the beasts that may be encountered on the Sargrass on the way to Rattledam; the blind grass swallows, the piggie-slugs, the all-mouth-and-teeth Bounders, the horse-reptilian Rapke, the herbivorous but huge Great Ranthoms, and the fantastically huge Sarg Moth.
"Then there are the human dangers of the Sargrass, most notably the Barons. They warp the normal weavings of creatures to thier own evil ends, and they are also driven in getting the secrets of Rattledam. They have also sent evil against Rattledam, the Bloodpack, and the Manfri." She pauses and considers. "I have yet to deduce whether the monks and Barons are equally all 'the end justifies the means' type who hate each other or what."
Vayine Wednesday March 26th, 2008 8:36:31 PM
The Drow warrior listens to the others talk and prepares for the packs journey to the city he has heard much about.
Preparations (DM JohnP) Thursday March 27th, 2008 12:50:51 AM
The Bloodpack get ready to move out into the Sargrass. The new members have been thoroughly "instructed" ... or scared witless, take your pick ... about the dangers of the open grass.
Now it's only a matter of ensuring that everyone else is ready to go, and the Bloodpack can leave.
DM Note - Sorry about the abbreviated post. I've been bashing together the next module and that took most of tonight.
Flea [Sub: JeffC] Thursday March 27th, 2008 3:41:36 AM
Flea grins back at Trellus and the whole group. "I can't wait to get going! The Council won't know what hit 'em. Metaphorically speaking, of course. As for the journey there... Nobody messes with the Bloodpack!"
Ayreon (NPC - StevenVdB) Thursday March 27th, 2008 7:10:31 AM
As the Bloodpack prepares to leave the Dome Ayreon realises he, Gilan and Murdock will be staying behind.
There's plenty of work in and around the Dome and Ayreon looks forward to exploring more in the depts of the Dome.
Later when the departer is at hand Ayreon follows the Pack outside. He offers each and everyone of the ones departing a warrior embrace and whishes them all the best... He greets his brother last of all.
"Take care out there bro..." is all the drow fighter can say at the moment. He's certain that once they are gone he'll have a lot more to say to them but right now... that's all he can think of.
"So long lads 'n lasses..."
Ayreon will remain outside untill the Pack is out of his sight. Then he turns to face the Grass Dome... OddHolme...
and smiles...
Tishe' and Tacia d20+10=20 Thursday March 27th, 2008 11:06:20 AM
Tishe' has been taking free time in attempting to train Tacia to perform certain actions as her Companion. So far, the brown-haired woman knows that there is plenty of work left to do, yet she enjoys her time with the beige-colored dog.
The night before leaving, Tishe' sets up her room for a temporary absence. She ensures her and Tacia's woven grass bedding is fresh and sprinkled with Sargrass herbs, her spindle, yarn, and weavings are in a hand-made basket by her bedside. She's got plans for furniture and pottery to be made through woodshape and stoneshape spells, but those are for the future, but already she has made several woven pillows and beds from the local grasses (Craft: Weaving: 20) and has plans for more.
Tishe' will leave the Grass Skiff with OddHolme, "in case you need to scout or send a message or something", she tells Murdock, who has skill in sailing the craft. "Who knows, you may be able to rescue some Sargrass orphans to augment the population of OddHolme!"
The day of travel arrives and Tishe' is up greeting Mother Wold while studying her spellbooks. When the time comes, she turns to say her farewells to the companions staying behind. She gives Aeryon, Gilan, and Murdock all a quick squeeze and peck on the cheek before hefting her pack and facing the Sargrass. "We'll be back soon!" she promises, "OddHolme still has far too many mysteries and far too many friends for us to stay away for long!"
And then she is ready to move off into the 'Grass.
Spells Highlight to display spoiler: { HookCity Cantrip (being born in HookCity, Tishe and her sisters have a natural Cantrip they can cast once per day. Tishe's is 'Dye', where she can dye one finished garment any color or pattern by touch.) Divine 0 (6)- Create Water, Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Know Direction, Resistance 1 (5)- Entangle, Calm Animals, Endure Elements, Pass w/o Trace, Longstrider 2 (4)- Barkskin, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Woodshape, Owls Wisdom, 3 (3)- Plant Growth, Stoneshape, Quench 4 (1)- Freedom of Movement Arcane White (5)- Prestidigitation, Mending, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Acid Splash Red (6)- Animate Rope, Mage Armor, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, Endure Elements Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, Scorch Ray, Sorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Tiny Hut, Stinking Cloud, Clairaudience Green (3)- Dimensional Anchor, SummonIV, SummonIV }
Yanosh Thursday March 27th, 2008 3:44:37 PM
During the down time at OddHolme Yanosh spends much time studying and praying to Gargul. In the crack of Dawn Yanosh is up and praying, at the midnight hours the Dwarven Cleric prays again. In the Hours during the times he is not on guard he is cleaning the areas around the 'Packs living quarters. Seeing the burning heat of the Sargrass Yanosh leaves his clothing from the Ice Vein as part of his bedding in his room. Maybe soon I will have a real bed again. With that Yanosh rolls his traveling bedding up and packs for the trip to this Rattledam.
Leaving the protection of OddHolme Yanosh casts Endure Elements on himself. With his War Axe over his right shoulder and his sheild loosely straped to his left arm Yanosh glares out at the shimmering heat waves on the Sargrass.
"Me Grandfather used to say, 'Youll never get there unless you take the first step.'" Yanosh then returns the farewell of those that are staying and takes the first step into a new life in a new Pack.
Highlight to display spoiler: { Level 0 Guidance, Creat Water, Cure Minor Wounds, Light, Resistance
1 Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Endure Elements, Hide from Undead
Vayine Thursday March 27th, 2008 4:41:43 PM
Vayine settles a small room that he has decided to use as his resting area and soon moves out to journey on with the others.
when he sees his brother he reaches out his arm and grasps his brothers forearm in a salute they have shared since childhood. "so long Brother, ny the gods watch your back. Hold down Oddhome for us and remember up here there are those you can trust...as we have found. Our journeys will lead us back here and we shall see eachother again." as if making a weak joke "and I expect a heroes feast upon our return little brother...and just a suggestion but your cookings a little shady...the first thing I would do is hire a cook....or some one with taste buds." the Older drow smiles and stares at his brother for a few more moments then turns and follows the others.
Grymash Thursday March 27th, 2008 6:18:27 PM "Grrrrrr... Gaallafarr!! Dat uh name Gry nevers forgets! Gry wills have a day wit Galafar some day. An Galafar will pay wit blood an bone!" The mention of his name has ruined Grymash's general bad mood to an even worse mood. He then takes his whetstone and starts to sharpening his double ax before heading out with his pack.
Olaf d20+8=14 Thursday March 27th, 2008 7:12:47 PM
Olaf spends time checking his nascent trap projects (Craft: trapmaking 14) before joining with the pack to head to this fabled Rattledam. He prepares to examine the strange grasses of the plains, curiouser than ever about their properties. And he wonders who Galafar, amongst the others told in tales these last days, truly are to think they can control this powerful bunch.
Into the Grass Towards Rattledam (DM JohnP) Thursday March 27th, 2008 11:44:54 PM
Ayreon bids farewell to his brother and recent companions just outside the dome. After he releases the handclasp with Vayine, the drow continues to stand in the shade until they enter the grass and disappear from sight. Once the Bloodpack have gone, the newly self-appointed Castellan (... Seneschal? Overseer? ...) returns to the dark interior of the dome. Thoughts about the renewal of the dome tumble through his head as Ayreon considers the webbing that covers much of the interior of the dome.
For most of the Bloodpack trekking through the grass, entering the grass is like a return to somethign familiar. The sound of the grass rustling overhead, the scent of soil beneath their feet and the twittering of the swallows flying overhead. However, for Vayine and Olaf the Sargrass is an alien, uncomfortable environment. For those accustomed to the barren fields of Ice Vein where ice and snow stretched to the horizon, entering the grass is nearly enough to trigger claustrophobia. There is slight consolation for both of the newcomers when they decide to think of it as trekking through a blizzard, especially since they need to keep sight of the person ahead of them.
The trekking is going as expected with no unusual occurrences that would allow Grymash to vent some of the anger boiling inside the half-orc. Tishe' figures that it will take several days to reach Rattledam if they continue to travel at a steady pace.
The newcomers from Ice Vein are surprised to see how quickly the light fades when evening approaches, as the sun moves lower in the sky and the grasses become dim. The Bloodpack need to find a place to rest for the night before they continue their trek in the morning.
Tishe' and Tacia d20+11=28 d20+8=19 Friday March 28th, 2008 10:35:29 AM
A couple of Endure Elements spells keep the heat of the day off of Tishe' and one of her companions (whoever first wanted it). She is happy enough to move through the 'Grass, and her druidic ability prevents her from being hampered like the others, so it is an easy stroll for the brown-eyed woman. Tacia keeps close to her companion, sharing the Endure Elements spells and preventing heat exhaustion or worse.
As evening comes, Tishe' comes to the realization that Gilan won't be able to scout for a likely place, so she calls out to whom she thinks is the most experienced member of the Bloodpack for wilderness trekking. "Grymash, sweetie!", she calls to the half-orc, "I think you're the best to find us a relatively safe camping spot for the night?" Tishe' will help Grymash with her own skill, confident that between the two of them, they can find a place without dangers and relatively close to some underground water pods. (Survival: 28)
Once a campsite is selected, Tishe' helps Trellus, Flea, and Grymash to teach Vayine, Yanosh, and Olaf about the special needs of a Sargrass campsite. "Fires have to be small and carefully tended, for there is nothing to stop it once the 'Grasses catch ablaze." and "Do not spill any water or get yourself wet; for the insects will come out of everywhere and reduce you to bones in a minute." and "Here is how to weave a ground mat to sleep on; the insects will find a body laying on the ground without it." (Weaving: 19)
She lets Trellus provide directions for night watch and other security concerns, knowing that he is the best to decide anyways. And for cooking, well, she is sure none of the Bloodpack want to taste one of her concotions ever again!
Spells Highlight to display spoiler: { HookCity Cantrip (being born in HookCity, Tishe and her sisters have a natural Cantrip they can cast once per day. Tishe's is 'Dye', where she can dye one finished garment any color or pattern by touch.) Divine 0 (6)- Create Water, Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Know Direction, Resistance 1 (5)- Entangle, Calm Animals, *Endure Elements, Pass w/o Trace, Longstrider 2 (4)- Barkskin, Barkskin, Cat's Grace, Woodshape, Owls Wisdom, 3 (3)- Plant Growth, Stoneshape, Quench 4 (1)- Freedom of Movement Arcane White (5)- Prestidigitation, Mending, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Acid Splash Red (6)- Animate Rope, Mage Armor, Grease, Magic Missle, Shield, *Endure Elements Orange (5)- Glitterdust, Web, See Invisible, Scorch Ray, Sorch Ray Yellow (4)- Dispel Magic, Fly, Tiny Hut, Stinking Cloud, Clairaudience Green (3)- Dimensional Anchor, SummonIV, SummonIV }
Yanosh d20+2=22 d20+1=19 Friday March 28th, 2008 2:47:01 PM
Again feeling disoriented Yanosh listens to the teachings of the ones that have spent their lives in these infernal grasses. Once again Yanosh tells himself it would be him doing the teaching if they were in the mountains of his birth. Fire Yanosh dont see he would need. Water he is dieing for. Tishe's admonishment about getting wet stays his hand and mind as he was wanting to wet himself to cool off. In the Vein it too would cause death, but a freezing horrible death. Might be better then being eaten though he thinks.
On his turn Yanosh stands watch. He volunteers for the midnight watch.
Watch rolls Spot 22 (Nat 20) Listen 19
Highlight to display spoiler: { Spells Prepared
Level 0 Guidance, Creat Water, Cure Minor Wounds, Light, Resistance
1 Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Endure Elements, Hide from Undead
Trellus Friday March 28th, 2008 3:56:37 PM
Before leaving that morning, Trellus casts Endure Elements on himself, Olaf, and Vayine. He also casts Status on Grymash, Flea, and Olaf. It is a ritual he plans to repeat each morning.
During the day's walk, the cleric takes care to watch the non-natives and help them get acclimitized. He also asks about any favorite combat buffing spells anyone would like to get if they ever have some warning time going into combat. [If you wanna get buffed - speak up]
That evening, he nods along with Tishe's instructions. "Everyone make one of them mats," he adds. "The bugs crawl up out of the ground at night. You'll never get to sleep if they find you."
The blond man makes a face as he struggles to come up with fair watches for 7 people. Finally, he gives up. "OK, Olaf wins today. Shifts are me and Flea, then Yanosh and Gry, then Vayine and Tishe."
-------- Active Spells:
Endure Elements - 24 hours Magic Vestment - Extended (shield) - +2 AC Magic Vestment - Extended (armor) - +2 AC Status - Gry, Olaf, Flea
------ Spells Prepared: Highlight to display spoiler: { {cast as level 11 due to Setanos' Vestment): d -- domain spell p -- recast with pearl of power * - cast spell
Vayine d20=1 Friday March 28th, 2008 10:32:17 PM
The drow warrior looks to Trellus. "Thanks for the spell but save the energy I have the ability to create that same effect with my tattoo. It is appreciated though."
then looking towards Tishe' the drow seems slightly embarressed as he holds up his grass mat. the grass mat looks like nothing more then a bundle of grass. his face is crossed with a sheepish smile.
(rolled a natural 1 while trying to craft the mat.)
Tishe' d20+8=19 Saturday March 29th, 2008 9:29:59 AM
Her brown eyes light up as she laughs good naturedly over Vayine's chagrin. "Come here, sweetie, I don't mind helping any pack member. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and that is why when we weave together, our tapestry is all the stronger."
Helping out, Tishe' makes a sleeping mat for Vayine and anyone else who doesn't want to make their own. Her deft hands move with only an occasional glance to soon create the sleeping mats. "My family in HookCity are famous for thier weaving skills as is the artistans of Rattledam. My mother, Mara, always said that she was from Rattledam, and on our last visit I saw a tapestry in the Council chamber that had her signature patterns woven into it so I know it is true."
A Night in the Grass (DM JohnP) Saturday March 29th, 2008 10:55:41 PM
Tishe' takes the newer members of the Bloodpack under her wing, so to speak, and shows them the basics of survival in the nighttime under the grass. It's a good thing, too, since this area seems to be particularly plagued by the night insects. While Trellus is keeping watch with Flea, the pair marvel at the number of insects crawling up from the ground and onto the grass.
The night is uneventful until shortly before dawn while Vayine and Tishe' are on watch. Vayien is watching the morning stars when several of them are blocked by an enormous flying creature. He motions to Tishe' and the pair watch in awe as a the creature flies overhead, its wings silently flapping to propel it with deceiving speed. Neither of them get a good look at the creature, but they do see enough to tell that it is some kind of insect.
Once the creature passes, it isn't long before the rest of the Bloodpack rise for the day. The 'Pack members familiar with the Sargrass figure that it is at least another day before they reach Rattledam.
Tishe' Sunday March 30th, 2008 10:59:41 AM
The brown-eyed woman waits in awe upon looking at the huge form sweeping over her, Vayine, and her sleeping packmates. Tishe' waits until the insects and night sounds resume before she feels safe enough to talk again. "Trellus, Gilan, and the other long-time members of the Bloodpack have told me of thier early adventures and how they discovered that the unique animals of the Sargrass are all part of a cycle of life. The slug-like prarie Piggies metamorphosize into the hound-like Bounders, which turn into Rapke. Every part of the cycle is linked, so Rapke in turn transform to Great Ranthoms and once in a great while, an ancient Ranthom goes into a coccoon and emerges as a Sarg Moth."
"Before I was of thier number, the Bloodpack worked with a tribe of Manfri to defend a Ranthom coccoon from a raiding party of Barons. The Barons wanted to capture the emerging Sarg Moth and turn it to thier own evil plans: can you imagine the trouble that could have caused?"
She smiles at the memory of the telling. "Grymash, the sweetie, said he drank 'fire-water' and was even able to breath fire on the approaching Barons. Wouldn't that have been a sight!?"
Tishe' Sunday March 30th, 2008 11:03:05 AM
Nevertheless, when morning finally breaks, Tishe' spends her morning on her mat with her spellbook in hand and a stem of Sargrass across her knees; contemplating Mother Wold and her own arcane symbols.
When all have broken thier fast, she stretches, renews the Endure Elements spell on herself and one other person, and is ready. "If we push hard, we can make Rattledam by dusk" she urges. "A night with Trellus' family or in Gilan's home would be a good rest before seeing the Council."
Yanosh Sunday March 30th, 2008 12:40:42 PM
After thanking Tishe' for the help with the mat Yanosh settles in for his rest before watch.
Rising with the dawn Yanosh says his prayers and cast endure elements upon himself. Obviously the Sargrass has more to it then one can see. Sleeping out under the Stars is not going to be easy. But his tent maybe to obvious out here in the open.
The kilt wearing Dwarf readies for the days march.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells Prepared
Level 0 Guidance, Creat Water, Cure Minor Wounds, Light, Resistance
1 Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Endure Elements, Hide from Undead
Olaf Monday March 31st, 2008 6:11:01 AM
Olaf wearily hunkers down for the night in the mat so kindly provided by the weaver. A fitful rest is had in the strange warmth of the Grass.
In the morning, he too attempts his devotions, but for all his stamping and spitting, and looking askance at the sky, no spell comes to replace the cast deeper darkness. He sighs, and inwardly shakes at the continuing problem, but prepares to march, regardless.
SteveK Monday March 31st, 2008 10:51:48 AM
Stephen Flrming - working loot via email but I think I have the wrong email address for you...
Flea Monday March 31st, 2008 5:47:16 PM
On rising, Flea gives her Cloak of Comfort a good shake before once again wrapping it 'round her shoulders. The magical cloth is showing some wear, but still it manages to keep the gnome comfortable...neither too hot, nor too cold.
"To Rattledam," she says matter of factly, as she scans the sky overhead, then, a hand to her brow, she looks as far as she can across the plains in the direction of the dome.
(OOC: I'm b-a-c-k! Thanks JeffC!-Carla W.)
Vayine Monday March 31st, 2008 9:42:25 PM
Thanks Tishe' you make it look much easier then it really is." holding up the grass mat. "to rattledam we go then."
Grymash d20+10=19 Monday March 31st, 2008 9:58:27 PM
Grymash, having adequate survival skills for the harsh environment of the Sargrass, tries his best to keep his pack together and avoid unseen dangers. (Survival 19) If fact that morning, he gives the newcomers a small sampler of some of the local delicacies. Like dry-roasted grassdarter, creeper crunchers, swallow eggs, fresh slugs and arachnid-on-a-stick. "Hmmm, slugs best when thay wiggles an squirm!" However, he does show which vermin are best to be left alone, like the stink bug.
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