DM Bob & Carla Jaer d20+11=17 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+9=28 ; Kerith d20+6=9 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+9=18 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 12:25:28 AM
The central fire burns a little bigger and a little brighter as the settlers celebrate their accomplishment and anticipate a day of rest. Tarketh shows Fatine (and Beren if the shy elf is interested) how he steeps the white flowered herb in water to extract its healing properties. It makes an antiseptic solution that cleanses the areas where the horse collar and traces have chaffed the animals. "This will prevent infection and speed the healing process," he advises. Later the herbalist takes the witch aside, and thanks her for her night time vigils of the past week. He voices his greater confidence in the security detail, and the fact that the caravan has put some distance between themselves and civilization and suggests the woman get a good night's sleep, though he hastens to add she should stay close to the wagon.
Caelnin and Beren resist the temptation to celebrate, using the opportunity to care for their gear, and prepare for their watch. Alexi and Jet are not above a sociable nip, but resist the urge to get caught up in the celebrating. The fighter notices that Lollena only has eyes for her skinny carpenter; however more than one of Mama Belle's girls have eyes for the dark haired Fist.
Older and wiser folks head off for a night of well earned repose, asJet starts his watch. He encourages a last gang of partying youths to call it a night, and makes sure they safely gain their parent's tent before making his rounds. Alexi and Beren pick up the second watch, followed by Caelnin and Anrete. The sharpshooter thinks he hears something in the woods beyond the campsite, however his sharp eyes are no match for the forest shadows this moonless night. He alerts the blacksmith and carpenter's apprentice who take the last watch.
The early morning sun sends rosy pink fingers across the sky, but it is not the light, but a white faced Pliny who wakes those responsible for the circle's security. "It's Lo-Lo-Lollena!" he stutters. "She's gone!"
On investigation, the young beauty's sleeping area is in disarray, as if there had been a struggle. [Survival or Search DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { to spot tracks in the soft ground around the wagon and a discarded glass vial. There are at least 4 sets of tracks. Two are identifiable as belonging to the young woman and the carpenter's apprentice. The other two are unknown. One set is more deeply marked, as if the individual was a big person or carrying something heavy.} Survival (with Tracking) DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { to follow the two sets of unfamiliar footprints on the firmer ground leading away from the campsite, to the forest road, and 5 or 6 sets of hoof prints heading back along the trail towards Floating City.}]
Caelnin d20+7=24 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 4:48:46 AM
"Lollena should be fine... She seems a smart girl." Caelnin says to try and console Pliny who looks very distraught.
Caelnin looks at the scene where Lollena was sleeping and looks for any clues to what actually happened in the area. (Search=24) He notes down the other tracks but Caelnin focuses on the discarded glass vial. He calls over anyone that can figure out what was in the vial before it was used.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) d20+7=25 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 10:27:17 AM
Striding towards the scene in his usual feline manner, Anrete scans the area for clues. "Someone must have taken them, I see 4 sets of prints here.", the youth whispered.
"Beren!", the barbarian bellows for the elven ranger. "We will track them down!" Anrete licked his lips as a feral lights creeps into his jaudiced eyes.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) d20+7=25 ; d20+7=15 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 11:59:21 AM
The Fighter Priest barely has on his day time armor before he hears of the incident. He has no time to pray to his gods and gather new spells before he hears of the abduction. He springs into action as a person of good character would when another is threatened or in danger.
"It looks like they are on foot until they left the camp, then mounted. I swear on Pantheons blank face, if it's that trouble maker from the docks, I will enact summery justice upon him and his lackies for being a kidnapper and forcing an oath taker sworn and signed from their responsibilities!"
He readies Bantom, without barding but with his military saddle for speed and ties the dwarven banner which is his sworn standard for the time, to his back. He looks to the others, "If your waiting for me, your late!"
He then rides off in the direction the tracks of Lollena and the others have traveled.
Survival: 25 Survival: 15 OOC: I'm not sure if I only needed one survival roll or two, so I rolled two.
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=23 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 6:46:11 PM
Beren hears the commotion, and goes to investigate. As soon as he hears what has happened, he looks at the tracks and keeps everyone away from them so as not to disturb them.
On hearing Caelnin's inquiry, he responds.
"My guess would be a drug of some kind to insure the girl's quiet cooperation. I don't believe she wished to go."
He nods to the human Anrete, and with bow in hand begins to follow the tracks.
Track survival 23
OOC--I started to post this morning, when someone cut a transmission line to our school internet. Go figure. Took them 4 hours to fix it.:o)
Mikal Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 8:41:47 PM
OOC: Apparently Mikal dank some bad water and spent the week in the back of the medic card incapacitated. He's back now.
Mikal awakens groggy and sits up. His head pounding.
He seems to have forgotten how he passed out, and decides to just let it go. He is safe and that's what matters to him.
He decides to get up and take a stroll arround camp, seeing some sort of celebration he mutters a prayer to Alemi.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+2=19 ; d20+1=6 ; d20+1=10 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 9:15:01 PM
Alexi Search= 19 (found somthing, oh there's where I dropped my mug from last night...) Survival= 6 (well, got my mug back at least)
In the fist few moments of the news Alexi is in shock. Then an anger rises up and threatens to cloud his mind. He strugles with it for a moment as he quickly finishes putting on his gear. By the time he reaches Lollena's camp site he's calm and collected. Years of training has tought him that cooler minds prevail.
Alexi sees the four sets of tracks too, as they are fairly obvious. He abstains from tromping around the site, though, per Beren's request. He ponders the vial and like Beren, thinks it is some potion to knock Lollena out. "Perhaps a sleep potion," he ventures a quess.
Alexi tells Pliny, "Get Garth to make a total head-count of everyone! Count everyone and count them again to be sure. We need to know if anyone else is missing!" For Alexi thinks, 'It will keep them busy for a while, and two, you never know what you may find.'
As time is the essence and Jet is already on the move, Alexi forgoes Lobo's barding and just saddles him up. Slipping his backpack on he mounts up. "Those extra longspears will have to wait for another day," he exclaims as he nudges Lobo to follow the trackers. Despite Alexi's plethora of weapons, Lobo covers good ground and quickly catches up with the trackers.
"Heading back the way we came, it appears?" Alexi asks Jet. "Could it be our jilted lover? I doubt he'd have the courage to come all this way himself, I'm sue he's paid someone, at least one big fellow, to do his dirty work!"
OOC: Didn't read the second spoiler but I'm making a wild guess from the first spoiler and what's been said.
"Jet, let's keep a sharp eye out. I'm sure they are bound to suspect we'd follow and may have set up and ambush to slow us down," Alexi warns.
Spot 10, Listen 9
Lobo Spot 9, Listen 11.
Fatine [AC 12, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] d20+2=11 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 9:34:55 PM
Fatine gets a good night's sleep, and wakes refreshed and in good spirits. She even seems to talk to herself less as she loiters near Tarketh's wagon, munching on some hardtack. Then she overhears the commotion regarding Lollena, and sees Jet prepare to take off after a presumed kidnapping.
Turning, she heads to Tarketh. "Master Darketh, I know I be an herbalist's assistant, but dis here happening do be dee type o' ordeal Fatine be good at handling. I tink I can help dose men . . . wit' Darketh's blessing, of course." She looks at him expectantly.
If he assents to her leaving, she unties her horse and hops onto it. Whistling, she calls her dogs and gives them a quiet command to heel as she rides over to the men. Whistling again, she looks around until the raven appears and lands on her shoulder.
"No good pidgin! Always slackin' when Fatine need ye. Now listen! dis morning be for work, not silliness, so fly away and find dat lady. You know, dat lady what stood up dis man" - she jerks a thumb at Alexi - "fer dat scrawny pigherder. Haw, ha ha ha! . . . ahem Now go fly and find her!" she tosses the bird up into the air.
If/when the men leave to find Lollena (and assuming Tarketh has agreed), she rides after them with a wide smile on her face.
(If Tarketh says no, she sulks a bit, but agrees to stay with the wagon)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 10:32:40 PM
"I'll take THAT as a compliment," Alexi smiles back at Fatine. "She may change her mind yet, provided I have the fortune to save her. Right Jet? Got a prayer for saving Damsels in Distress? I could use one about now," he adds and winks at Fatine.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday June 4th, 2008 12:31:02 AM
Pliny is distraught, and his eyes bug out when Alexi suggests he find Garth and start a head count. "I'm going to find Lollena!" he cries, as he shakes off the fighter and runs for his horse.
Tarketh supports Fatine's decision to accompany the security detail going after the villains who appear to have abducted the seamstress. The druid collects the vial from Caelnin and gives it a sniff. "Not Sleep", he says. Taking another sniff, he furrows his brow, "maybe something to allow one to be more secretive?" The druid pockets the vial if the elf is in agreement.
Beren and Anrete do what rangers do best, and follow the trail created by the kidnappers. It doesn't appear that they have done anything to hide their trail, though the firm ground makes tracks a little harder to read. Still, one of the horses is leaving deeper imprints, as if weighted down by a heavier load. [Survival with Tracking DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { the tracks appear to have been made about 4 hours previous and head in the direction of Floating City.}]
Horses and riders gather in preparation. Cairn, the blacksmith, assures Jet that he and a couple of the farmers will keep an eye on the wagon circle until the security detail return. A farmer's son is sent to notify the wagon master, as the riders strike out. The witch sends the raven ahead, and the rangers lead the way for the group while the fighters speculate as to the identity of the person responsible for Lollena's disappearance. Pliny, who has joined the group adds his two cents, "If its Mavitus, and he's hurt her, I'm going to kill him!"
Mikal Wednesday June 4th, 2008 5:48:22 AM
MIkal overhears the commotion in the morning. Getting his gear together and figuring that a cleric will possibly be usefull in the attempt to find the missing woman.
MIkal thinks back to times when he's had to find missing people, and found them dead. He mutters a prayer of protection to Alemi. Not for himself, but for the missing woman.
He has buried far too many people to bury another.
Mikal mounts with his gear on, planning on following the group as they go to watch. His face serious with past experience, and his mouth silent with the thoughts in his head.
Caelnin Wednesday June 4th, 2008 6:21:58 AM
Caelnin allows the druid to take the vial for more testing or whatever the druid wants to do with an empty vial. He doesn't need it, he just was wondering what was in it. Lollena must have important information to keep secret, unless the kidnappers wanted to keep something from her, which is highly unlikely... And the foot prints... It looks like she is in trouble, hopefully she is fine...
When hearing a new name, Caelnin looks quizzically at Pliny. "Who's Mavitus? And don't be too hasty there about killing someone... The offender will get what he deserves later on; but don't throw around names..."
Caelnin then thinks for a bit about who he knows that could do this to the fair lady Lollena. After a few minutes, Caelnin blurts out "Hmmm... The only person that I can think of that would try and take Lollena away is the man that we met at the docks trying to force her into marriage. As this is improbable and I have to proper evidence, it would most likely be someone else... I don't know many other people that would want to do it... I'm just rambling now..."
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) d20+5=7 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2008 11:25:39 AM
With Pliney's outburst and his sudden mounting of the horse, Jet pulls Bantom in front of the boy and brings him to a halt.
"I'll not stop you from going young man, but your not on the security detail, for one thing and you also have an oath you must keep with duties here that must be observed. If you actually live to make it back a public flogging for desertion may be your fate."
"Secondly, if you don't have any training in the arts of killing, your more then likely to hinder us from saving the girl. We don't have the time to save two commoners. After we save her, who's she to come back to, eh? You'll be dead and buried."
Jet lets the words sink in before he yells at his companions, "Their mounted, so get on your horses and lets go!"
In answer to Alexi's advice of an ambush he replies, "Perhaps they are. Let Domi guide us in this endeavor."
Jet attempts to spur Bantom to a greater speed, but the mount is to tempermental to be forced to do so this early in the morning.
Ride: 7
(ooc: Brickin, brackin, frackin dice roller just will not let me ride my horse the way I want to.)
Fatine [AC 12, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Wednesday June 4th, 2008 12:13:23 PM
Fatine raises an eyebrow as Pliny tries to join in the chase. "Don' worry, pigherder. It probably jus' be dat silly man what tried to marry her before. Men do all sorta silly tings when dey in love. Like a pigherder chasin' armed bandits. Do dat make much sense, boy?"
Without waiting for a response, she kicks her horse's flanks and rides after Jet, the two large dogs running quickly behind her.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) Seond Post Wednesday June 4th, 2008 3:37:55 PM
Jet slows up next to Fatine "It is possible there is a quicker route to the shore, where a boat awaits their arrival. Is it possible your flying friend could find and navigate us along that route, so that it will be us waiting for them?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=20 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+4=19 ; d20+5=9 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2008 10:02:20 PM
A lot of thoughts rush through Alexi's mind as the scene unfolds. First with Jet blocking Pliny, who in his love-distraught mental state is joining in the chase with no weapons whatsoever, and Jet admonishing him saying, 'who's she to come back to, eh? You'll be dead and buried.' 'ME of course!' he mentally blurts. Then with Fatine, in an attempt to reason with him by calling him a pigherder when he's a apprentice blacksmith (i think) would only spur him on the more says 'Do dat make much sense, boy?' as if he had had any he would be rushing off in the first place.
Alexi stiffles a blast of the giggles and joins Jet in admonishing him but adds, "I'll not have you confronting anyone without this,' and hands him his spare longsword. "If you live through this, I'll be glad to show you how to use it properly. And if it is to your liking, perhaps you can purchase it or trade some service for it." Then with a wide grin, "Or maybe name your first son after me?"
To Jet he says, "He's coming anyway, either with us or alone, so..." and shrugs.
As they move off and Jet confers something with Fatine, Alexi asks Pliny, "Tell me everything you know about this Mavitus. I'm assuming he's the one Lollena was betrothed to marry. Tell me everything, his associations, his friends, everything. Mind you, these kidnappers are probably hired thugs so you are not likely to get your hands on Mavitus for a while unless he was foolish enough to come himself."
All the while he keeps his eyes and ears attentive, specially to Lobo's ears and nostrils as a hint for unknown sounds or scents.
Alexi Spot 20, Listen 18
Lobo Spot 19, Listen 9
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=18 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=29 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2008 11:28:57 PM
OOC-- Sorry for the late post
Beren, seeing that the riders have a head start, grabs his horse, and in moments he is riding back down the trail of the kidnappers, for such he is sure they are.
If at any time he is unsure of the trail, he will slow down, or even dismount to find it again. However, he does not think there will be any problem. The riders seem intent on heading straight back to the city.
Focused on the trail, he sees little other than the tracks, but he keeps his ears tuned to the sound of horses ahead.
Track/survival 18 spot 11 listen 29--natural 20!
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) d20+8=22 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=18 ; d20+3=7 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 1:49:19 AM
His bloodlust stirring with the prospect of violence, Anrete said nothing as he leaps onto the saddle after the young man. His eyes burning with a cold inhuman fury, the savage youth rides after the kidnappers, his lance and shield readied.
DM Bob & Carla Thursday June 5th, 2008 7:24:11 AM
It will not be a day of rest for the security detail, who quit the camp in search of the kidnapped seamstress. The rangers are careful to ensure that they do not loose the trail and the others pace themselves in order not to spread the group too thin along the route.
Jet tries to discourage the carpenter's apprentice, but his, and Fatine's words only goad the young man to further action. "What kind of man would I be to abandon the woman I love?" A more careful examination by Alexi reveals that Pliny is not unarmed. There is a hand-axe in its sheath hanging from his belt, and a hunting knife strapped 'round his leg. Still, the man wears no protective garments.
The carpenter tells Alexi[/i] and [b]Caelnin how he fell in love with Lollena at first sight. He explains how when he finally got the courage to talk to her, their romance blossomed. And, how when Lollena's parents made arrangements for her to marry another, they decided to run away to the uncharted lands and start a new life. Pliny tells the party, "Mavitus is a merchant's son. He is to inherit his father's business. Some say his father has ties to the rogue enclave known as Dirt City."
"Like any merchant's son, Mavitus has been taught to use a sword, but I doubt he is any good. He was more one for the gaming tables. His best friend, Wido is a different matter. He was with the military, but there was some scandal. Now he works for Mavitus' father. I don't know any of his other friends." Pliny looks serious, and then says, "Lollena won't have him. I'm sure of it. We've got to rescue her!"
Mikal rides quietly behind, listening, and thinking sombre thoughts.
Riding up ahead, Beren spots a thrown shoe. He slows his horse and watches the tracks carefully to confirm that the gait one of the horses ahead has changed and his experience tells him that lameness will soon set in. At least one of the riders ahead will have to stop or double up with another. There is no doubt in his mind that they will catch up and that the kidnappers will have to set camp at least once before reaching Floating City, after all there is only so much a horse can be pushed, especially if carrying two.
Caelnin d20+7=18 ; d20+7=17 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 8:17:28 AM
"The two unknown tracks could mean that both of them are here, Mativus has a motive. Hopefully, Mativus still... what could you say... "love" her and not hurt her..." Caelnin says and wishes. He doesn't want anyone to get hurt, unless they deserve it. Always the optimist, Caelnin tries to cheer Pliny up. "As I said before, she's a smart girl. I expect her to say the right things not to get hurt."
He lets the two trackers look for the people that had taken Lollena away. But that doesn't mean that there isn't anything else out there. Caelnin, while protecting Pliny somewhat, looks out for any other dangers that could be lurking.
(Listen - 18, Spot - 17)
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=8 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=18 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 9:20:32 AM
OOC--Sorry, wrong modifier on first roll. :o)
Beren passes along the information gained from the tracks. He continues to follow the group ahead, his weapons are ready, his eyes and ears open. He hopes to slow the pursuit before charging headlong into what he hopes will be their camp.
Spot 15 Listen 18
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) d20+3=12 ; d3=1 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+7=11 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 11:03:02 AM
Jet is not really satisfied with the current situation however. He would still like to meet them with his own ambush. His biggest fears will come to pass other wise. The jealous, jilted lover may just slice her throat when he realizes he is out matched and can't get away. Those types can't let another have what they think they own. Then there is this out raged carpenter that will likely let his emotions run away with his brain when it comes to the entire affair, ruining any chance at surprise. It does not look good.
"I swear on the blood of my mother Pliney, if you disobey any one of my commands while your with us on this mission, I will personally see to it your punishment is both severe and painful. Do you need me to be more clear about this?"
"Fatine, is that bird of yours able to find a way we can get to their boat before they do, on a shorter route or no?" His words harsher then he intends.
ooc: Sorry DM's I'm not really willing to just fall into some type of trap you devise if I can avoid it and still succeed in the mission.
(OOC: That's not our style, either. There's no fun in it for anyone.-DM Carla)
Listen: 12 Spot: 4 (natural 1) Intimidate Pliney to do as he's told: 11
ooc: I hate this roller. It's a conspiracy I tell ya.
Fatine [AC 12, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] d20+10=17 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=21 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 6:21:13 PM
Fatine looks Pliny over, then shrugs and takes a wand out of her belt. She taps the boy with it, frowns, then taps him again. Finally satisfied, she taps herself with the wand before riding over to trot alongside Jet.
[use wand of mage armor, twice on Pliny (first UMD failed), once on self]
Talking quietly to Jet, she says, "Doncha worry 'bout dat boy. If 'e be in danger, or cause a problem, I be sure to remove him from dee picture. Dee peaceful way," she adds with a wink.
Speaking normally so all can hear, she continues, "I don' know 'bout dat crow. Sometime he understand, an' sometime he dun't. I give it a try fer sure."
She gives a long whistle as loud as she can, then scans the sky for the bird while riding on. She also tries to make herself feel scared and upset in the hope that the raven returns to her from its scouting.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday June 5th, 2008 6:51:17 PM
OOC: out of curiosity, early on there was a horse name Red that I thought was Beren's. Beren, can you clear this up or does anyone recognize a horse named Red?
Alexi puts away his spare longsword as he sees the carpenter (not blacksmith apprentice) has some weaponry. The proficient use of a weapon is something you learn, and you don't normally carry weapons around you don't know how to use.
OOC: I thought there was something fishy between the two, it was too convenient to hook up so quickly, and to go it alone... yeah, I almost saw it coming, just didn't get a high enough Intuition roll.
Listening to the love story, Alexi feels sheepish. When Pliny is finished, he embarrasingly says, "I apologise for thinking you a mere commoner. I had eyes for Lollena myself, but she seemed disinterested, politely mind you, and now I know why. She was staying true to you." Alexi tries not to be hard on the guy, as this was not the time, but it was difficult. "It is understandable that your eloping was kept secret, however, after the incident at the pier you two should have told us. We half suspected he'd try something early on but had we known the seriousness of this, his background, his family ties, whe would have been more attentive." 'And I wouldn't have paraded around like a fool to get her attention,' he added in his thoughts.
"Anyway, tell me about this Wido. Is he a big fellow? Which military was he in? What weapons does he use? Does he know a horse well?" (DMs: treat these as Q: A: Q: A: etc. )
Catching Jet's inquiry of a deer path or other easier means through the forest to the lake, Alexi suggests, "Instead taking the time for that, why not send the raven ahead on the path to see how far ahead they are and how many?"
"Fatine, your bird can find herbs, can it count? Can it peck a tree four times to tell us there are four of them?"
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) Second Post Thursday June 5th, 2008 7:49:46 PM
Jet looks back to Alexi to answer his question, "Because if we can secure the boat, they will realize, if they want to go back to the city, they will need what we have and they have what we want, but your right, if there isn't a faster way to get to the boat then this wagon trail, perhaps the bird can identify the ambush location, but I still prefer to set a trap for them if possible."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday June 5th, 2008 9:56:20 PM
"You have a point," Alexi agrees. "That would be a preferred course of action. And Beren says he believes they will have to make camp at least once. If we can determine where that is, we can do a forced march, bypassing their camp, confiscate their boat and force their hand as you suggest."
He looks around and says, "Is everyone prepared to go all night?"
DM Bob & Carla Friday June 6th, 2008 12:13:20 AM
From the information gathered by the scouts, the party figures the kidnappers have a head start of 3-4 hours. There appear to be 5 horses, one carrying a heavier load than the others, and one that has thrown a shoe, and will go lame if forced to a hard pace. The kidnappers don't appear to have made any effort to hide their tracks. Maybe they thought they wouldn't be followed? Maybe they didn't think at all? At any rate, the kidnappers will have to make camp to recuperate before night falls.
The wagon train has kept more or less to a 20 mile daily pace in the past week, so the beach is well over 100 miles ride in the opposite direction from the route being taken towards Bryn Baraz. The kidnappers must have trailed the party for some time, waiting for the right opportunity. If the kidnappers are heading back to Floating City there is no way they will get there without making camp in the Crying Woods, likely a couple of nights, before they gain the beach.
The main transportation route through the woods has been quite straightforward. There have been the occasional game trails created by wild animals as they go about their routines, but no one really knows where these narrow trails lead. The area is, frankly, un-charted and un-mapped, except for the main transportation routes and no one recalls having seen any cross roads so far.
At Alexi's urging, Pliny reveals what he knows about Mavitis and Wido, which isn't much more than what he already told the group: the merchant's son has some basic skills, but likely doesn't practice much. His friend is more experienced, with a reputation for underhandedness. Likely the 'help' has motivations other than friendship with the scorned suitor. The thin young man then falls back to the rear of the group, putting as much space as possible between himself and Jet.
The party makes good time, slowed only when the rangers choose to pause to better examine the trail made by the kidnappers. After the better part of the day, the riders come within 1 mile of the previous night's encampment. Fatine senses a familiar presence, and looking into the tree tops spots the raven. Spreading its dark wings it swoops down to land on a lower branch, and tilts its head enquiringly at the witch. Fatine senses Highlight to display spoiler: { no worry or concern on the bird's part. Just a mild curiosity.} The bird makes a clicking sound, the same one it made when it had located the herbs in the forest, before taking flight, only to land in another tree a little farther down the trail.
[Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { examination of the kidnapper's tracks reveals that the horse missing a shoe and the one carrying the heavier burden had slowed considerably, and it appears the entire group has slowed to a walk in order to stay together.} ]
Fatine [AC 16, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Friday June 6th, 2008 12:38:30 PM
Fatine looks at the bird curiously, then smiles and turns to the men. "I no tink dere be need to ride all night. I tink my birdy found dee worms already. Maybe one o' dee scouts should look ahead?
"Col be very smart, but he no' speak much. I talk at 'im all dee time, an no idea if he unerstand or not!" Turning, she shakes a fist at the raven. "I bet you do, silly crow! Bet you do!"
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=16 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=27 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 5:11:29 PM
OOC--Red is Beren's horse.
Beren notices the change in the gait of the horse which lost a shoe, and tells the others. (survival check 15)
"One horse has gone lame. They have had to slow down to compensate. We should catch them soon."
He continues to watch and listen for signs.
"We need to come upon them just after they make camp, without them knowing we are coming." Spot 28 listen 27
Caelnin Friday June 6th, 2008 5:46:28 PM
"If we do find them, Should we go by night? Or shall we get Lollena back as quickly as possible. I wouldn't mind following them through the trees and getting closer to them..." Caelnin says. "I'm pretty good at stealth... Maybe when we get a bit closer...
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) d20+7=18 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 5:51:16 PM
Jet looks to Fatine and the bird for answers about what it's doing, then nod his head.
Jet's not positive if his survival skills can tell him what he needs to know or not, so he asks the ranger and barbarian the question, "Trackers, please tell me how much time they have ahead of us from here?"
Jet looks at everyone with a serious demeanor and an even tone to his voice, "I too want to do this without blood shed if possible, but if it comes to it, do not hesitate. I want those with missile weapons to take out whoever has the girl first and foremost. Alexi, you get to take the big guy Pliney mentioned. I will stand by as support for whoever needs it."
He turns back to Pliney, "Your job is to wait until Lollena is freed from her captors and get her back to the wagon train. The rescue may not take as long as the battle itself."
"Anyone have questions or suggestions?" Jet asks before they continue.
Survival: 18
ooc: How far away is the bird when Fatine sees it's actions? We haven't moved on yet and this is in anticipation that something lurks in the bushes ahead, hopefully they did not hear our conversation if the kidnappers are present.
Mikal d20+5=14 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 8:48:26 PM
Mikal continues his pace behind them. Taking an idle glance at the tracks, he can tell there's something different about them, but the exact details escape him.
However, he makes sure his weapon is free in it's sheath. Checking to see that his armor is strapped on tight as well.
Mikal takes an opportunity to speak up for the first time on the trip.
"I think, I"m not sure, but I think we should be able to catch up to them soon. I suggest we continue riding and wait for the opportune moment to strike. The cover of night should be sufficent to hide our approach. I'll volunteer to stay behind with the wagon, and ready medical assistance if nessicary. I'll pray to Alemi for our safety, and I would hope that you will show discresion. There is no need for bloodshead unless there is a life at stake."
Mikal closes his eyes and starts a long prayer to Alemi.
"Oh Alemi. Healer of body and spirit. I pray to you this day. Watch over us on our mission to free a woman from the tyrany of a foolish man. Keep this woman safe in your arms, and shepherd her to safety and freedom. Please protect us this day from both tyrany, evil, and our own fear. Deliver us from evil, keep us safe from harm."
Mikal closes the prayer with a simple gesture of faith.
OOC: 14 on Survival blek not enough to know really what's going on with the horse.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=8 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 10:18:45 PM
Alexi Survival d20+1 = 8 (drat, but I got a good idea just by the posts and common sense, he is a Cavalryman anyway and knows horses pretty well) Military training d20+ (3 year in the Fist + Sergeant + ?) = oh well, I just like to roll :)
OOC: I know my posts can be long but this is a planning stage so bear with me if you please, it's the only way. Thanks. : }
Oh, one more thing: Mikal said he'd stay back with the wagon. What wagon is this? We didn't bring a wagon did we? We would not have made such good time with one I don't think.
IC: Alexi doesn't manage to keep from rolling his eyes as everyone seems bent of a non-violent confrontation with the kidnappers. 'This is a military operation, dang it! They are paid to take her and they will put up a fight!' his mind exclaims in exasperation.
"Well, this is what I think we are up against. We know there are five horses, one carrying a heavier load. So we probably are up against five villains, one horse carrying double, a villain, possibly this Wido, and Lollena."
Alexi takes a deep breath because he's exited and he has a plan, well, two. "I have a cunning plan My Lord (OOC: if anyone catches where this frase is from he should get a thousand expts. Let me know if you figure it out. Hehe.) my friends. The most direct one and less likely to yield bloodshed, sorry Anrete, goes like this.
Phase One: Forward scouts pinpoint where they make camp. Then Anrete, Beren, and Mikal circumvent the camp, at a safe distance, and stay hidden in the trees on each side of the road, within easy missile range and wait.
Phase Two: They are bound to set up a watch, so whoever can put that sentinel to sleep or silence him will do so. That's when Jet, me, ride up, weapons drawn and ready, right in the middle of camp. Pliny can tell me which one Wido is and I'll stand Lobo over him. Jet can stand Bantom over Mavitus. Pliny stays outside protecting Fatine. A good burst of light would come in real handy at this point if anyone can call one up. This should scare the heebeegeebees out of 'em.
Phase Three: demand their surrender and return of Lollena. If any make a move down the road, we have three of us waiting in ambush. If they call our bluff, Anrete and Beren show themselves, with Mikal keeping hidden.
Now here's the trick. Mikal is our expert archer. Beren and Anrete need to protect him. Now Mikal, your job is to find any spell caster, priest or wizard. You are not to let the spellcaster get a spell off. If there isn't a spell caster, well, use your judgement. A well placed arrow inbetween someone's legs is a good deterrent.
Fatine, here's your job. I know you have some wizardry, so use what you know as best you know, but just as important are your dogs. If Lollena's life is threatened, your dogs are the best attack strategy. Sick them dogs on whoever has hold of Lollena. Jet can be ready with some healing prayers if she does get hurt.
Have I missed anything? How does this sound? My other plan would be more to Anrete's liking so I'll not propose it unless no one likes this one," he finishes with excitement.
Beren, so Red is the horse you started with. Is Moonshadow one your purchased later? I'm just curious because I'm taking notes on PCs and their companions and NPCs and such.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) Saturday June 7th, 2008 1:36:30 AM
Anrete gave the warrior a strange look before remarking, "Mikal looks like a priest to me.". Points at the two elves, "I bet those pointy ears are better shots"
Baring his teeth, the barbarian snarls, "And I aren't a babysitter!"
Turning back to Jet, Anrete continues, "Beren and I are probably the only ones that are skilled in both stealth and close combat. We can sneak past the sentries and get to the girl before the lumbering tin cans charge in. Mikal, lady Fatine, and Caelnin should keep themselves hidden just outside missile range. The heavily armored cleric and the hounds should be able to keep any stragglers at bay. Their group should be more than capable of providing cover fire, healing and magic supports if required."
"And you guys, should charge in only after we have secured the girl. But if we are discovered before we can get to the girl, we will retreat and try to draw as many guys away from the camp as possible towards Mikal and coy ambush site. Meanwhile, get the girl, before coming to support us."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday June 7th, 2008 6:38:00 AM
Alexi sighs quietly.
"Well, it is another plan. Less dramatic, but if you do manage to knock out the sentry quietly and recover Lady Lollena quietly, we wouldn't have to confront Mavitus at all, leaving them dumbfounded. With Beren and your skills, we could enter these woods and hide our tracks while they search in vain for her, returning to the caravan after they give up."
"If they don't give up, we at least would have the drop on them." Then Alexi's eyes brighten, "And of course, if we manage to abscond with a horse or two at the same time..."
Caelnin Saturday June 7th, 2008 7:34:45 AM
Hearing the words of "Expert Archer" without his name being in it sends alarm bells ringing in Calenin's head. 'Mikal?? Isn't he a Cleric? What is he doing with a bow... And why was I left out of the plan...'
"Wait," Caelnin says "Why aren't I in the plan... I want to be part of this as well..."
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) Saturday June 7th, 2008 5:14:13 PM
Jet looks to each of them as they speak and allows them to finish. "I don't want to wait until dark. Let the gods see their minions in full glory. I am no one to steal back that which should not have been taken in the first place." He looks around, "Besides, I don't see well at night, and if they used one potion, they may have more that does allow them to do so."
"Alexi, this is no regimented troop that you are used to. Elaborate plans fall apart the more difficult they become, lets keep it simple. If there is a fight, you kill the big guy, preferably with that big lance of yours."
ooc: MIkal, no time for a wagon, if you don't have points in riding, your doing it untrained at the moment on the light horse I loaned you. "Thanks for the prayer Mikal, now get ready to spill some blood if it's necessary."
"Anrete, take the woods to the right, with the same plan to take out whoever has the girl, if they don't have her, wait for battle and kill them quick."
"Caelnin, do you not use missile weapons? That means your in the plan, now take the left woods. Same thing for you, if you see the girl, take out who has her and get her back to Pliney to get out of here, if you don't, wait for battle to start and kill them quick."
"Fatine, I'm not exactly sure what you do, so stay with me, Beren, Alexi and Mikal for now until we find out what we are up against."
"Pliney, take their horses until it's time for you and Lollena to depart back to the wagons."
"That's the plan and we are sticking to it." he motions for Anrete and Caelnin to enter the foilage and blend in before those on the road continue forward."
ooc to DM's: Still waiting on a distance from the group to the bird, hopefully it's more then a few feet or all of this is pointless. Also wanting to know, still, how much time was made catching up to them at this point, with the current tracks in front of us, if the ranger Beren can provide that.
OOC: Dang, I keep getting you guys mixed up, Mikal, Caelnin, Caelnin, Mikal.... cart, horse, horse cart... Sorry. The plan should have had Beren, Anrete, and Caelnin on the other side. Not that it matter now anyway.
By the way, just plain riding takes no skill rolls. But if you have to do something extra, like fight, or anything more difficult than just riding, it does require ride checks.
I think Mikal was referring to Caelnin's cart (I may be wrong), and Caelnin would have left that behind.
IC: Alexi sighs. His plan was a good one, Anrete's was a good one and open to a lot of fun, especially if one would cut the saddle straps, release and spook their horses, and so on. "Yeah, yeah. I know, we haven't trained in pincer maneuvers. But, but... oh well. As you say. "
Then Alexi grins, "And no bloodshed eh? I'll try to remember that. But by all means, if you won't let us take their horses, then let's let them loose so they will lose a lot of time getting them back. And disable their saddles so they will have to lead them walking wichever way they go."
OOC: By the way, anyone wanting to guess where 'I have a cunning plan' is from? :)
(OOC: Blackadder?-DM Carla ;-)
Caelnin d20+8=24 ; Saturday June 7th, 2008 8:01:12 PM
OOC: Yeah... I wouldn't want to bring a cart with me anymore to any missions.... I have learnt from past experiences.
"Okay. I think I might've just misheard you. That sounds like a fine plan. And It would be nice if I could take a horse as well... I might want to learn to ride..." Caelnin says as he moves to the Left side, waiting if there are other objections to the plans.
(If it is going to plan out, Hide = 24)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday June 7th, 2008 8:31:26 PM
OOC: Black Adder it is. More specifically, Baldric always had a 'Cunning plan', which, of course, was always fairly stupid. Although his Last 'cunning plan' would have worked and saved them all from dieing when charging from the trenches in WWI in the last of that great series.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d8=1 ; d8=5 ; Saturday June 7th, 2008 10:44:08 PM
Fatine sits quietly on her horse while the men go back and forth with variations of the plan. Finally, as Jet speaks up again, she sighs contentedly. "Big boy be right. Dee simple plan is always dee best."
Looking sideways at Jet, she continues, "I not always know what I do eether. But I do know dis: if dere be a sentry, and dere always be a sentry, none o' yous tough guys do nothin' 'till ole Fatine put dat one to sleep."
She hops lightly off her horse and removes a potion and a wooden doll from her belt. "Now, any o' you have problems takin' ideas from a lady?
"I better sneakin' in with dee scouts. Yes, Fatine be sneaky. I put a few to sleep, den you boys do your jobs. You give ol' Fatine a minute here, and I be as sneaky as dose elfs dere.
"Just tell me when we be headin' in, and I do my ting."
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {}THose rolls are ley rolls for 2 spells. I meant to cast guidance on two people, but realized it is only 1 minute per level. So, Fatine will cast it right before we go in. However, the first roll failed, so when she casts, the first will fail and the second will be okay. I just rolled before deciding to hold off.]
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) Saturday June 7th, 2008 11:40:48 PM
OOC--Sorry for the confusion Alexi. Moonshadow is the horse of the bard I have played for tha last two years. I accidentally slipped that name in to a post. My bad.:o) Caelnin is the arcane archer, and Beren is almost his equal as a ranger with his bow. Beren will follow a good suggestion, but if he disagrees, he won't tell you, he'll just do what he thinks is best.
Beren nods at the instructions given. Its what he would do anyway. He had already figured that the group needs to sneak up on those ahead of him, which is why he has been listening and watching for things on the trail ahead.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday June 8th, 2008 3:27:59 PM
OOC: ok, where I see Moonshadow, I know it's really Red, right?
IC: "Well, the success of any plan hinges on knocking the sentry or sentries out, but Jet doesn't want to wait until dark so most likely they ALL will be awake and on guard. And Jet, you'd better tell Anrete and Caelnin how you expect them to take out however has Lollena, without bloodshed," Alexi says trying not to sound ironic.
"So, before we go, let's get the plan straight. Fatine will go with Anrete while Caelnin takes the other side of the road. Now Fatine, how many can you put to sleep? If they are all awake, will it work? Remember, we are probably dealing with five. So, are we going to wait until dark and all are asleep except a sentry or two or are we going to act while it is still light? I'm unclear exactly what Caelnin and Anrete are to do if they are all still awake."
OOC: the short of the matter is that they will all be awake until after dark and they've turned in except the sentry. So, is it now while it is light or later when it is dark?
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 19, HP: 42) Sunday June 8th, 2008 4:01:33 PM
This is Jet's first time to be in charge of a group of individuals, so he too is a part of a learning experience with something he has yet to encounter before now, so Jet patiently explains what his plan is again, in a different manner, so that it is understood by all.
"Anrete, Caelnin and Fatine are to remain hidden and ready until battle is inevitable. I intend to try and talk with them with what little diplomacy I can muster. While that occurs, you others can move into position to flank them from the woods. IF and when battle begins, that is when those under cover act to get Lollena away from where ever she is and back to Pliney, while everyone else engages the kidnappers. Once her and Pliney are riding back to the train, the person or persons that secured her may rejoin battle if it is necessary."
His voice, firm and even with his plan, he does hope no one has to be hurt today, especially those that ride with him regularly, but his deepest fear lies in the harm that could come to an innocent girl who's only crime is to be pretty and betrothed to one she does not love.
"At this moment, Flower watches our actions as well as Pantheon and Domi, lets not let any of them down."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday June 8th, 2008 4:22:38 PM
"Ah, I see. Now I get it, I think," Alexi says with understanding and a nod.
Anrete and Fatine will keep hidden in the woods on one side while Caelnin on the other. You, Beren, and I will approach the camp head on, with Beren and I staying just outside their camp (OOC: I need at least 10ft of distance for a charge). Pliny will stay out of sight of their camp, ready to take Lollena back to the wagon train.
If negotiations fail, Fatine will try to put to sleep whoever is holding, or nearest Lollena. Anrete will then move in to take her while Caelnin gives archer cover. Fatine's dogs can keep any other trying to get to Lollena at bay. I charge Wido, you take whoever is closest to you, and Beren give cover fire as well. Beren and Caelnin can target spellcasters if there are any.
(OOC: hint, if you hold your action and fire on their turn while they try to cast their spell, you have a better chance of disrupting the spell, but you may already know this).
Once Lollena is out and taken to Pliny, Pliny takes off down the road and Anrete can return to help us out. We fight until we can all safely disengage, they surrender, or they are all dead.
Is that detailed enough for everyone?
OOC: Jet, is this pretty close to what you were thinking?
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday June 8th, 2008 4:26:05 PM
"OOps, forgot Mikal this time. Mikal can support either Jet or Beren, whichever is the best strategy."
OOC:Sorry Mikal. Got in a hurry trying to post before going to a movie.
DM Bob & Carla Sunday June 8th, 2008 11:36:35 PM
After almost 20 miles of following the kidnappers trail, the party approaches the site of the caravan's previous encampment.
Fatine gets the feeling from her bird friend that the party's objective is near at hand. She volunteers to go with the scouts suggesting she might incapacitate any sentry without bloodshed by using her magic to put him to sleep.
Beren confirms that the group the party is trailing has had cause to slow down, and suggests if they have made camp, they are likely not far ahead. The ranger thinks the kidnappers would have arrived at the camp site about 2-3 hours before the security party will.
Caelnin volunteers his skills as a scout and sniper, suggesting the group use the cover of night to their advantage.
Jet worries about how much time the kidnappers have had to set up camp and prepare. The cleric in him worries about unnecessary bloodshed, and he proposes some strategy involving diplomatic negotiations with the kidnappers. He suggests tactics, but is unsure if the young party, untrained in formal combat, and relatively untested as a group, will follow his directions.
Mikal checks his weapons and armour and prays to Alemi for the safety of the group.
Alexi suggests a plan, hoping that stealth will outweigh brawn, and not too much blood will be shed. The fighter suggests the horses could be separated from their masters, and this might foil a getaway by the kidnappers.
Anrete volunteers that the elves would be the best snipers, and he and Beren might actually be able to sneak into the kidnappers camp and snatch the girl and gain the upper hand.
The party continues down the trail, covering the last mile that brings them within distance of the little side trail that leads to the clearing where the caravan had camped the previous night. Sure enough, the kidnappers tracks point in that direction.
The adventurer's remember that the short trail leads to a space large enough for the wagon train to camp. The space was generally an open field, dotted by very large and stately deciduous trees with thick trunks topped by spreading branches and a thick green canopy of new leaves. This space was bordered by more large trees along the edge, while away from the edge, and into the forest, the understory though more difficult to move through, was riddled by game trails. Anyone approaching the clearing down the little path would have a good view of the area, but would be in plain view of those making camp there. The forest, on the other hand, would provide some coverage.
Dusk sets in as Fatine slides down from her horse, followed by Pliny. "What do you want me to do?" asks the carpenter's apprentice.
(OOC: Not in (6 sec) combat rounds yet, but soon. Please post AC, HP, any spells in effect, and your position on the map.-DM Carla)
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 16/16, Pos:) d20+7=25 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 12:26:23 AM
As Caelnin had followed Jet's orders, he ends upon the opposite side of path that he needed to be, however, he walks past the entrance to the clearing to get a good look while hidden in the trees (From Y31 behind a tree if possible Spot: 25)
He then thinks of the best place that he remembers that would be the most advantageous for this situation.
Mikal AC 18, HP 13 d20+3=16 ; d20+3=18 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 1:31:32 AM
Mikal draws his weapon and stands ready with shield out. (( AB 28))
His thoughts continuing a prayer for protection.
OOC: Spot 16, Listen 18
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=16 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=29 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 10:28:59 AM
Beren tries to follow the plan, but there is not much cover to get the ranger close enough for efective support. He dismounts, and leaving Red, he quietly moves to one of the last trees available for cover. (M24).
If he sees that from there he can move through the undergrowth using game trails, and still avoid detection, he will work his way closer to whatever camp he sees (Trying to get to S6).
spot 16 listen 17 move silently 29 natural 20!
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 13 without barding, HP: 42) Monday June 9th, 2008 11:10:44 AM
OOC: I totally misunderstood the DM posts and for that I apologize to everyone.
I was secure in the fact that they couldn't go very fast. They have a horse without a shoe and was going lame, plus one horse was carrying a double load. Little did it occur to me that they would make the 20 miles that day.
So this puts the group in a different predictament then I anticipated. We will all have to camp before we head back to the wagon train at least once, if the train moves on without us the following morning. SO PLiney will not be able to secure Lollena and "Head back" that evening as I had planned.
We also gained little to no time on them, which means Jet could have easily put barding on his horse and prayed for spells, which he didn't do.
Live and learn I suppose.
I will post this afternoon.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d20+6=17 ; d20+6=13 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 1:28:58 PM
In answer to a few questions, Fatine replies, "I put only a couple to sleep at a time, so I be startin' wit dee ones closest to dee girl."
When someone offers her dogs as combatants, she clears her throat. "Dis pair no' be leavin' my side. Dey will only fight if someone attack me."
Just before the group heads into battle, Fatine first goes to Caelnin and puts her hands on his shoulders. After a moment, she frowns and says, "Dee crones no like you today." Next, she goes to Anrete and does the same, this time smiling when she finishes. "Dat work much better.
[cast guidance twice, first failed (see ley rolls last post), Anrete has +1 on next attack roll, skill, etc.]
Just before we go into combat rounds, Fatine will do the following:
- cast Entropic Shield on herself (domain spell, no ley roll) - drink a potion of cat's grace
She moves through the woods until she can see the enemy camp, but does not go too close (she goes as close as needed for 120' spell range).
Move Silent 17 Hide 13
Once in position, she readies an action to cast sleep (will specify where when the camp layout is known).
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday June 9th, 2008 2:49:17 PM
Alexi asks anywone if they know how much moonlight to expect, if any, tonight, and when.
"That would be a good thing to know, for if we are to act tonight, it would be best when those of us who don't see well in the dark have some moonlight. On the other hand, we could wait until they move out tomorrow morning. This little pathway (the one leading from the road to the campsite) is a perfect trap for them. If they spend a night without incident, they will be confident that they got away and not be expecting us to trap them here. We stay hidding at each entrance and close off both entrances when they reach the middle. They will be surrounded and arrows pointed right at them. We parlay for Lollena's release."
"If that fails, Fatine puts to sleep whoever holds Lolenna and we attack from all sides. It's a much simpler plan than my original one, and is just a variation on Jet's plan. Jet and I would take the entrance from the road. Anrete and Beren take the entrance from the campsite. Mikal takes one side of the path, Fatine and Caelnin the other, with no room for them to scatter."
"What's your thoughts on this, Jet?"
To determine whether or not one knows if there will be moonlight, when that will happen, and how much (ie. full moon, quarter moon, etc)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 13 without barding, HP: 42) d20+3=21 ; d20+1=9 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 6:51:01 PM
Jet is torn on what actions to command. Damn that Garth Jet curses in private as he realizes the wagon master has indeed paid the fighter cleric back for his insubordination on the docks. Further more, he's likely to get another chewing out for not letting him know the group was leaving to follow the kidnappers, he shakes his head in disgust before he comes to the decision, "Nope, the plan is in motion, we do it now."
"Pliney, your back up. Wait a few seconds and decide for yourself where your most needed, unless I give you guidance in the middle of battle."
Jet waits about ten minutes for those in the woods to get into position and ready, before he rides up near the opening, hopefully with the others just behind him as was planned. He wants to remain out of view for now however. He pulls his weapon and dismounts from his horse with the command to defend his owner and trainer.
Almost yelling, so all nearby and in the camp can hear, "Mavitus, I am called Jet Stormway. I'm in charge of the security detail that has surrounded your camp at this very moment. I wish for you to hear my words before we have to kill each other."
"We with the wagon train are all indentured servants to the Dwarven Company that has arranged this expedition. We were all paid in advance for our services and that includes Lollena. So to put it bluntly, you are in possession of that which belongs to an entire clan of dwarves. I'm not sure if you know dwarves well or not, but I can tell you, if someone owes then a gold coin, they will spend 999 more gold to make sure the debt is paid in full."
"Dwarves don't take kindly to having that which is owned by them taken and, they are also aware of you and your fathers hireling Wido. This morning, before we set out, the trains wizard sent a magical message to the float in regard to this abduction. By tomorrow morning, more powerful wizards and priests will be casting divinations as to the veracity of what is suspected. You and your fellows will be wanted men by tomorrow evening, with nothing to return to but a lifetime of being on the lamb, hiding in caves and copses. Every Justicar bound by Pantheons' word will know your name and description."
"I would like to suggest to you, let the girl come back with us unharmed. We can say she went sleep walking and became lost in the woods. On the other hand, you and your friends went out on an adventure and returned when it pleased you. With this, you can grow old with wealth and many a woman to please your fancy, your friends can have families of their own and we can all die old and happy."
"The other option is not so pleasant and if the girl is in any way harmed, I will put aside my polite demeanor to ensure Pantheon's justice is both swift and everlasting."
"To those men with him, if Mavitus is not one to listen to reason, I would like to call upon your own sensibilities to not engage in the battle if it must occur. Your immediate surrender will ensure you leave with your life and possessions. On these words I swear to all the good gods, to let them come to pass."
Actions: move to V32 (That is if the Northern road is the direction we came from. I do not want to cross the entrance to the clearing.)
Bluff: 21 (On all opponents as to what will come to pass if Lollena is not released to us unharmed) Diplomacy: 9 (On the entire situation)
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) d20+3=11 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=22 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 8:46:48 PM
Flanking the masked elf, Anrete silently creep towards the edge of the clearing, trying to spot the location of the girl.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=4 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+5=6 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 11:33:04 PM
OOC: Since we don't yet know the location of their camp, I hope the DMs will let us adjust our position if we are in a very poor position in which we wouldn't be in if we knew where the camp was, right? :) If that information could be given us before Jet gives the ultimatum it really be nice.
IC: Alexi shrugs and hopes all goes well, repeating a few of the prayer words Mikal has said in the past, and positions himself next to Jet a U32. He has his lance in it's holster and bow ready with arrow knocked.
Just in case, Alexi also keeps an eye along the road for any suspicious movement, hoping that if it is one of their own they'll signal something recognizable.
Alexi Spot 4, Listen 21 (must be dusk or something)
Lobo Spot 23, Listen 6 (Between the two of us, we got it all covered.)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Monday June 9th, 2008 11:35:26 PM
Addendum, I forgot to chance Lobo's AC as he's not wearing the barding either. AC 14 listed above.
DM Bob & Carla (Taking back Lollena Rnd #1) d20+9=21 d20+6=9 d20+6=17 d8=3 d20+2=5 d20+1=21 d20+1=16 Monday June 9th, 2008 11:54:16 PM
The mantle of authority weighs heavily on the 4th standard bearer for the Stonehelm Corp. Concerned about the safety of the seamstress, as well as the security detail, and unwilling to shed blood if at all possible, Jet decides on a diplomatic course of action. Alexi agrees with the idea of parlay, and points out that anyone camping in the clearing has only one obvious exit route. Before announcing his presence, Jet lets the others position themselves.
Anrete is the lucky beneficiary of Fatine'sGuidance (don't forget the +1 on next attack, skill, etc.), before the witch looks after herself. Following close behind Beren, they creep silently through the woods. Only the masked ranger doesn't take care to hide as he moves from the cover of forest to a spot behind a wide tree trunk. The three who have crept through the forest can easily discern the seamstress bound and gagged at the base of a very large tree in the middle of the clearing. No fire lights the spot where 4 individuals sit eating trail rations, their horses hobbled and grazing nearby.
On the trail Pliny takes the reigns of the horses left behind, Mikal gets ready for combat, while several feet beyond the entrance Caelnen takes up his position. Caelnen only! Highlight to display spoiler: { looking down the narrow path sees movement in the canopy of the tree directly in front of the path }
One of the kidnappers accepts a bottle from the other and takes a swig. When Jet calls out, the one holding the bottle tosses it aside, and they all rise, turning towards the voice and listen, looking to the merchant's son for corroboration of what is being said.
In the silence after Jet's speach, a bird-call trills three times. The merchant's son (Mv) yells, "It's a lie!" One of the human's (S) utters some strange words, moving his arms Spellcraft vs DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: { casting Mage Armor} and the other 3 pull weapons.
Meanwhile two arrows streak out of the tree towards Caelnen, one flying wildly into the forest and the other striking the sharpshooter (Hit AC 17, 3 pts dmg.) Note: firing at R2 in tree-top, 20% mischance due to concealment.
Mikal AC 18, HP 13 d20+3=18 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 3:02:14 AM
Mikal hears the comotion and the sounds of someone casting a spell.
"They are readying for battle!" He says to himself, hustling (x2) quickly to help out if nessicary. ((Moving to V26))
OOC: Spellcraft 18.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: Y31) d20+7=14 ; d100=97 ; d20+7=22 ; d8+1=7 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 3:18:51 AM
"No bloodshed, indeed..." Caelnin mutters underneath his breath as his nocks an arrow and aims towards the tree. Wary that the person might have moved in the last few seconds, Caelnin tries and listen for it and then fires the arrow.
An arrow for an arrow? Sounds like a good trade,
----------
Blindfold trick to negate some concealment... Does DC 14 beat 10+level? Concealment %roll = 97 Attack Roll = 22 Damage = 7
Fatine [AC 16, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d20+9=29 ; d8=2 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 10:30:14 AM
Spellcraft: 29
fatine rapidly snatches a few of the dolls from her belt, pushes them together, and spits on the pile. Muttering a few words, she tosses the dolls to the ground and points a hand at the group of men in the clearing, slowly lowering the hand while she finishes her chant.
Cast: Sleep, centered on intersection of 11/12 and L/M. 10 foot radius burst encompasses all four enemies at that spot. Targets total of 4 HD, starting at person with lowest HD and moving up from there.
Will save DC 15.
Fatine also gives her dogs the guard command and collects her dolls after the spell is cast.
Ley roll: 2 (phew...)
Beren (AC 18, HP 16/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=27 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=8 ; d8=6 ; d8+2=9 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 1:42:15 PM
OOC--I thought I had rolled for HIde, my bad.
HIde 27 natural 20 - , listen 12, spot 22
Beren watches as Caelnin is hit by an arrow. The group is under attack, and an enemy is hidden in the tree!
Caelnin has already responded to the attack, so Beren focuses on the group under the trees. One of the number is casting some kind of spell, so he looks like a likely candidate. Taking aim, the elf lets two arrows fly at his chosen target. He uses the trees to his advantage to conceal himself from attack, and to try to prevent the group from knowing where his arrows are coming from.
hit AC 17 and 6(subtract 2 for extra shot this round) for 8 (forgot to add +2) and 9 HP DAM
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) d20+4=7 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 9:29:17 PM
His javelin readied, and his heavy chain loosen, the wiry human made use of the distraction to carefully skirted behind the horses towards the girl and the mage.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Knowledge(Local) 7: To see if Anrete know anymore about this bunch of pple
Move Silently 26, Hide 17 @ 1/2 Speed to C15
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 42) d20+5=15 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 10:18:06 PM
Jet realizes his plan has failed and the battle as ensued.
"Domi, please protect my mount!" He says as he casts a spell. he then mounts up as fast as he can, but his riding skill is again lacking and it keeps him from battle this round. He sits securly in his saddle, sword in hand for actions next round.
Actions: Cast spell on Bantom Shield of Faith (Standard Action) Mount Bantom (Move Action)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 10th, 2008 10:24:19 PM
Alexi waits patiently, for Jet's command for action and for someone to pass on the enemies position to him. The Diplomatic aproach didn't work, to no surprise on Alexi's part, but cities have fallen without a drop of blood because of the eloquence of a general, so it was worth a try here.
"OOOps," exclaims Alexi as Caelnin get's hit, then as an arrow shoots out from the bushes right back towards the entrance he chuckles, "Heh, heh, heh, he's in for a surprise."
OOC: hold action until given a target.
DM Bob & Carla (Taking back Lollena Rnd #2) R1 vs Sleep d20+1=9 ; Mv vs Sleep d20+3=19 ; R2 attack and dmg d20+6=24 d8=4 d20+4=21 d8=4 S spot vs Anrete d20+2=12 MM 2d4(3+4)+2=9 Tuesday June 10th, 2008 11:01:59 PM Caelnin trades arrows with the shooter who winged him. (R2) The leaves of the tree provide little cover for his enemy as the sharpshooter's eyes pierce the sniper's hideout. A cry from the treetop lets the elf know his arrow struck the target.
Fatine draws on the power that courses in red rivers deep under the soil, and casts a spell at the grouping near the big tree. She has the satisfaction of seeing one of the group (R1) fall into a comatose slumber.
Beren targets the lone individual without a weapon. The ranger makes the assumption the individual has other resources at hand. The first arrow causes a nasty wound. (OOC: If people are observing you, even casually, you can't hide. However, moving behind the trunk of the tree can give you partial cover.)
Anrete uses the distraction to sneak across the clearing and get behind the kidnappers horses. Mikal hustles closer to the action, but doesn't take any preventative measures to cover his movement.
Jet and Alexi prepare for action, aware from the interplay of arrows between an unseen archer and Caelnin that the little passage is not undefended.
The archer in the tree (R2) changes tactics when he sees the cleric hustle across the path, and pings him with two arrows. (Hit AC 24 and 21 for 4 + 4 = 8 dmg.).
The sorcerer (S) looks at the skittish horses, but doesn't see anything to concern him. He intones arcane words thrusting out his hands in the direction of the elf who wounded him with 2 missiles of magical energy that find Beren no matter what he does to evade them. (9 points dmg.) The spellcaster then takes a step back closer to the tree.
The merchant's son (Mv) crosses over to the sleeping man, and gives him a kick with his booted foot. "Get up you lazy....", however the sound of his voice is drowned out by the roar coming from the fourth man (W) who has just unstoppered a vial and consumed the contents and who seems to grow larger by the moment.
Mikal AC 18, HP 5 d20+3=16 ; d8+1=7 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 1:42:48 AM
MIkal grunts loudly as he is hit with two arrows. He would be momentarily stunned if it wern't for the adrenaline now flowing through him.
Mikal screams a battlecry. "For Alemi! For Good!" and hustles towards the man shooting arrows at him from the trees. (Movement to V20) and swings downward furiously with his longsword(Attack roll vs AC:15, result16), landing a solid hit on the man. (Damage roll 7)
OOC: Finally, for once I didn't botch a roll.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: Y27) d20+7=20 ; d8+1=3 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 2:18:50 AM
As it now looks like combat is trulay at large, Caelnin moves closer in, not worrying that they might see him. Caelnin moves to Y27.
He also notices Mikal taking a swipe at the person in the tree, so he lets them duke it out for a bit. He then sees and shouts out "Big human!!!" and shoots an arrow into him.
------
Attack Roll: 20 Damage: 3
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) d20+6=24 ; 2d4+6=9 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 3:06:44 AM
Dropping his javelin in favor of his spiked chain, the savage looking barbarian burst forth from the shadows and dashed towards the girl. And before anyone could react, Anrete swung his heavy chain at the wizard as he stands over the bounded girl.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 3:18:43 AM
"Charge!! Charge!! I have the girl!", the reckless youth shouted when he reached the girl.
OOC: I hope I live long enough for you guys to reach me... hahah overeager I guess... I just notice there are 4 of them and 1 of me.
Beren (AC 18, HP 7/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d8=3 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+4=18 ; d8+2=3 ; d8+2=5 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 9:51:57 AM
OOC--and one of those just got real big! ignore first roll hit button by mistake
Beren reels from the strike of the missiles cast by the magic user. Then he watches dumbfounded as the barbarian Anrete foolishly charges into the middle of the group they are attacking!
He still sees the sorceror as the biggest threat, so shaking off the damage he has incurred, he looses two more arrows straight at the magic using man. (Hit Ac 18 and 18 for 3 and 5 HP DAM total 8)
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace d8=3 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 12:24:57 PM
Fatine, standing amid the trees, keeps two of the dolls in her hands. She repeats the process, spitting on them, throwing them to the ground, then pointing at Mavitus and W.
[Cast: sleep centered on 12/13, M/N, targeting W, Mv; Will save DC 15]
Bundling up her skirts, she moves forward out of her hiding spot, to M26, removing a wand from her belt as she moves. [wand of color spray] The dogs, teeth bared, move along with her, to either side, their eyes wary for any threat.
Ley roll 3.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {In case any enemy makes a ranged attack, including magical/ray, there is a 20% miss chance due to entropic shield}
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 42) d20+5=25 ; d20+5=19 ; 2d6+6=17 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 1:59:38 PM
"Bantom, you have disobeyed me so far, and that's enough, Heya!"
With a bolt of speed and two hands on his weapon, Jet spurs Bantom to action yelling at Alexi and Pliney "To battle!" As he rounds around the the edge of the trees and heads for Wido.
Once there, he swings his sword at the large human Hoping to slice into the body guard of the doomed Mavitus. "I gave you a chance, now there shall be no mercy, asked or given!"
Move action to spur Bantom (Run X 4) to O 13. Ride 25 (Natural 20) Attack Wido from horse back hitting AC:19 for 17 points of damage.
DM Sanity note. I used the diagnol conversion of 10 feet then five feet in accordance with the SRD for bantoms movement.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 42) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 3:39:08 PM
OOC: If Wido goes down from Fatines sleep spell, Jet will Coup de Grace him.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 42) Wednesday June 11th, 2008 5:12:18 PM
OOC: Never mind, I need a full round action for that.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:25/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+8=21 ; d20+3=22 ; d100=48 ; d6+2=5 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 10:38:57 PM
OOC: DMs the map grid on the third map is very difficult to see. I'm having to use map2 to get my position. The grid lines on map2 are much clearer.
IC: "Crap," Alexi exclaims as Jet takes off. Alexi has his bow in hand expecting to be able to approach the clearing before all pandemonium broke loose. Now Jet charged off and he not even with his lance and shield ready!
No time to waste though and Alexi spurs Lobo on after Jet. Ride check DC5 = 21 (weeeee Mom look, no hands!)
Lobo responds superbally and Alexi, with bow and arrow still ready, guides him around the bend and down the path to the clearing. However he sees Mikal swiping at some branches and quickly deduces that that is the tree the sniper is in. Bringing Lobo up to the tree and halting, (X23) he takes a shot at him. Shot d20+3=22 vs concealment d100= 48 Hit AC 22 Dmg d6+2 =5
OOC: Lobo has only used 1/2 his movment - 50ft w/o barding - so no -4 penalty on the archery shot
Alexi then drops his bow (free action) and draws his lance (free action bab +1 combined with another move action which is...) and readies his shield.
Alexi is now in his element and ready to charge the most strategically important target within range!
DM Bob & Carla (Taking back Lollena Rnd #3) Mv vs Sleep d20+3=13 ; R1 Int d20+3=12 ; S vs 10 d10=6 ; W attack vs Jet d20+8=25 ; d8+7=8 ; vs Bantom d20+8=18 ; 2d6+7=15 ; R2 attack vs Al d20+6=13 ; d20+4=20 ; d8=3 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 11:16:48 PM Caelnin moves forward and gets a better view of what the group is up against. He decides to take the big human down a notch or two. Wido's (W) increased size makes him an easy target for the sharpshooter's arrow. Bringing Bantom up in front of the large human, Jet swings hard slicing through chain mail, skin, sinew, and flesh.
Reeling from the effects of the Magic Missiles, Beren decides the sorcerer (S) is trouble. The man's magical armour is no match for the ranger's arrows, and the masked elf has the satisfaction of seeing both his arrows join their companion. Anrete drops all pretence at sneaking as he sweeps around the horses and into plain view of the enemy. The severely wounded sorcerer is however an easy target as the barbarian's chain snakes out and puts him out of commission. (OOC: Had to reposition Anrete, due to movement issues and can't give him the sneaking dmg., but the regular dmg. is enough!)
Mikal moves under the tree, hoping to catch the sniper (R2) unawares. Unfortunately, the archer is lodged too high up in the tree for the cleric to reach him with his sword. (Please read DM posts carefully!) ) Rounding the corner, Alexi makes a quick assessment of the problem at hand, and sends an arrow into the tree-top. An angry expletive lets him know he was successful. Dropping his weapon, the fighter on horseback gets ready for his next attack.
The witch casts another Sleep spell, before creeping up behind Beren. Fatine watches over the shoulder of the elf, as Mavitus (Mv) goes down.
Awakened by a boot to the ribs, the man (R1) gets up. A look of worry crosses his face at the sight of the severely injured Wido, however the rogue decides to hook around behind the cleric/fighter and his horse. Blood pulses from the deep gash in the huge man's side. With a grunt he brings his spiked shield up hard against Jet (hit AC 25, for 8 dmg.) trying to unseat the rider, then with a guttural cry he brings his battleaxe down on the horse where it cuts a jagged line from shoulder to breast. (hit AC 18, 15 pts dmg.) (Note: Handle animal DC increases by 2 due to wounded.)
The archer in the tree top has trouble with his close range targets. Picking the mounted fighter, he sends two arrows in the Fist's direction. One sails harmlessly past Alexi, however the second nicks the fighter. (hit AC 20, 3 pts. dmg.)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 19) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 42) Thursday June 12th, 2008 1:04:25 AM
DM's what about Pliney? I told him to engage where he thought best, but there are no actions for him in the post.
(See map. Pliny was organizing the horses left behind (previous post) now he has moved forward. The DM post was getting too long and complicated, so Pliny isn't featured this time around as it just didn't fit.-DM Carla)
Thanks for the quick response.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: Y27) d20+7=8 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 3:23:19 AM
Caelnin moves closer to the action and shoots at the one that Mikal just can't reach. However, while thinking of the perfect shot Caelnin forgets to properly nock the arrow and it flies off in the wrong direction.
What are you doing Caelnin? I should keep up my practice while on this trip... I don't want to screw up so badly next time...
------
Attack Roll: Nat one...
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP21/21) d20+6=9 ; 2d4+8=13 ; d6=3 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 3:50:05 AM
Moving into flanking position, Anrete cock his chain and swings at the enlarged warrior, but missed widely.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Move to L10 Power Attack: +2 dmg, -1 AB Guidance: +1 AB Attack W for AC9+2(flanking)=11: Missed? for Dmg13+3=16
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Thursday June 12th, 2008 9:28:19 AM
Seeing another enemy fall to her spells, Fatine smiles broadly. Standing up straight, she loosens the shawl around her shoulders and boldly walks forward, out of the trees.
[double move to O17]
She walks toward the enemies surrounding Jet. As she does, she lets her shawl drop into her right hand, and holds her wand in the left.
Her dogs, getting closer and closer to danger, begin barking and growling in anger, and stand right by her side, ready to pounce if needed.
[I envision them at N17 and P17, but that's just an assumption. Given the nature of guard, they could be putting themselves between Fatine and the enemy, I don't know.]
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 11) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) d20+5=9 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+5=13 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 4:33:27 PM
Jet feels the shield spike slide on his armor and pierces him where his breast plate and shoulder join at the joint. He snarls in pain anticipating the next blow, but his horse receives it instead, which further enrages him. He fails his ride check, so he allows Bantom the privilege of retaliation toward the enlarged Wido as Jet dismounts to get his attacks in, which also misses.
Ride: 9 failed. Bantom attacks W with 12, 16, 4 (all miss) Jet attacks W with 13 (mIss)
Mikal AC 18, HP 12 d20+12=32 ; d8+3=7 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 7:28:03 PM
Mikal curses the dark ones, and makes his retreat. (Hustling to U28) Trying to find some concielment in the underbrush as he attempts to pull out the arrow(s?) lodged in him.
He mutters a prayer of healing to Alemi and casts a spell.
OOC: 32 On the Heal roll. Trying to get the arrows out. 7 HP Healed from Cure Light wounds. Also, do I need to post my spell list at the bottom of my post? Or is it just extra?
DM Bob & Carla (Supplemental) Thursday June 12th, 2008 10:10:26 PM
Mikal was not hit by any arrows. It was Alexi who was targetted. Feel free to re-post, and yes, please post your spell list for the day at the bottom of your post.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:22/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+8=10 ; d20+7=9 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:07:00 PM
"Ouch!" Alexi exclaims but his mind is set and his actions are already in motion as the arrow grazes him. A quick glance reveals his original target is now blocked by Mikal, but another has presented himself (R1) and he nudges Lobo into a charge.
Ride DC5 d20+8 = 10 (that was close!)
Lobo responds but it takes Alexi an extra knee nudge to get him aimed correctly but in seconds the large warhorse is galloping towards R1. "Ah, the good old days," he shouts as he levels his lance.
OOC: my calculations put Alexi at O15, 60ft to attack R1. Ride-by-attack (no att. of opp.) puts him at J10 (next to Anrete) with 90ft covered, giving him 10ft of movement left to turn lobo around.
Alexi swears as the lance spears the air as the human ducks the point. Continuing just a little further he stops at the tree and turns Lobo around for another try. 'I hope I scared the crap out of him at least!' he says to himself.
But he brightens up as he realizes that now Anrete has backup and Lollena is protected as well. "Make my day!" he yells at R1 as he prepares for another charge.
(Edited by DM; please watch the language as this is a PG-13 site)
DM Bob & Carla (Taking back Lollena Rnd #4) d20+7=24 ; d8+2=9 ; d6=5 ; d20+8=25 ; 2d6+7=13 ; d20+4=7 ; d6=3 ; Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:43:40 PM
The battle in the glade loses all sense of strategy as Lollena's captors engage their pursuers. The speed at which the violence has erupted seems to have unsettled the caravan's defenders as first Caelnin, and then Anrete , Jet, and Alexi fail to get past their opponent's defences. Only Fatine seems at ease in the chaos as she calmly approaches the enemy, her two dog's presenting a formidable barrier to any that would choose to engage her.
Jet's horse seeks safer ground and warily makes it's way towards the hobbled horses at the north end of the glade. Without a rider spurring it into battle, the horse's sense of self preservation takes hold. [OOC once Jet is dismounted he can no longer command the animal in mounted combat]
With Jet's attention fully occupied by the enlarged Wido, the smallest of the thugs slips in behind and stabs at the now dismounted fighter [R1 hits AC=24 for 14 dmg; please roll a d10 (a 7 stabilizes Jet)].
Wido whirls around as Anrete's chain whistles harmlessly wide and retaliates, cutting the reckless barbarian across the arm and shoulder. [Hit AC=25 for 13 dmg] .
Isolated in his tree perch, R2 tries to jumps to the ground on the far side of the tree from Mikal but lands awkwardly and stumbles to his feet [Jump =7; failed and takes 3 dmg].
Pliny finally sees his opening and runs through the gap, swinging north of Fatine, he heads for the tree to which Lollena is bound.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:22/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:44:20 PM
Ooops. Sorry. I was thinking it was a generic term like dang, crap, etc. I'll keep it cleaner.
IC: Just before he takes off again, a thought goes through his mind, "Not making a good impression on Lollena, are we, Lobo?'
Jet (AC: 18, HP: -3) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) d10=7 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 1:52:24 AM
OOC: I'm confused by this ruling. I was mounted when it attacked, I dismounted as a move action then I attacked.
Now, on next round, I would need a DC 20 for it to continue to attack per this rule. It wouldn't have run away until our next round. Not that it is relevant at the moment since I can't command him next round, but I would like to clear this up for future reference.
Attack (DC 20): The animal attacks apparent enemies. You may point to a particular creature that you wish the animal to attack, and it will comply if able. Normally, an animal will attack only humanoids, monstrous humanoids, giants, or other animals. Teaching an animal to attack all creatures (including such unnatural creatures as undead and aberrations) counts as two tricks.
Jet falls unconcious as the rogues attack was successful.
Rolled 7 to stabalize.
Anrete Nanoc (AC15, HP12/25) d20+8=16 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 2:34:40 AM
Roaring silently against the pain, Anrete draws back his chain for a second swing which bounces harmlessly off the heavy armor of the enlarged bodyguard. Noticing Jet's fall, the bleeding barbarian curses and retreated, using the tree to guard his back.
----------------------------------------------- Wounds: 13 Enraged: +4 Str, +4 Con (+4HP), +2 Will, -2 AC, 7/7 rounds Attack W for AC16: Missed, very very bad luck... 5 feet step to K9
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: Y24) d20+7=25 ; d8+1=2 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 3:06:58 AM
As caelnin sees the archer fall down to the ground, Caelnin moves to the edge of the trees and shoots at him while he is down.
------ Hit AC - 25 Damage - 2 (Oh well...)
Mikal AC 18, HP 12 Friday June 13th, 2008 5:59:08 AM
OOC:
Ok, I just wanna clear this up before I repost.
Two rounds ago, I moved across the path into the trees. The Archer at R2 Fired two arrows at a cleric moving across the path.
"The archer in the tree (R2) changes tactics when he sees the cleric hustle across the path, and pings him with two arrows. (Hit AC 24 and 21 for 4 + 4 = 8 dmg.)"
That's where I got the damage from, which is why I posted that I took damage and why I moved back to heal after I tried to swing at the guy in the tree (Which was my fault.))
So let me know guys, I'll hold off on my next post before I do anything. And maybe we should come up with a system to name us clerics, since there's two. I'm so used to being the only one, when someone says cleric, I assume they're talking about me.
Let me know guys, sorry if I'm misreading or assuming ^^;
(OOC: My bad. Since the two arrows post was back 2 rounds, I misunderstood and thought you were reacting to the prior round, where Alexi got pinged. Post your next action as if you had moved to U28, and we'll clear it up with the next DM post-DM Carla)
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace 2d4=7 ; d4=2 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 8:24:50 AM
"Now dat not be a good idea, big man," Fatine calls to Jet as he falls to the ground. "Dee fight not be over!"
She raises her wand and aims it at the Rogue, and a cone of rainbow color springs from the wand's end, hitting the man square in the face and chest.
After activating the wand, Fatine takes a few quick steps backward to O22. "Oh boys?" she calls. "Dee fight be over here. Maybe you all come help ol' Fatine?"
---------------------------------------------- Cast color spray from wand, 15' cone hitting R1 only.
Will Save DC 12.
Pass=negates
Fail= 1. If 2 HD or less, unconscious, blinded and stunned for 7 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 2 rounds, then stunned for 1 more round.
2. If 3 or 4 HD, only blinded & stunned for 2 rounds, then stunned for 1 more.
3. If 5+ HD, only stunned for 1 round (and we're in big trouble...)
Mikal AC 18, HP 12 Friday June 13th, 2008 11:28:34 AM
MIkal takes a deep breath after removing the arrows and healing his wounds. When he looks up he sees the man that was in the tree, jump out and stumble as his hits the ground.
Mikal takes the moment to nod to himself and starts running towards the now grounded archer. (x3 speed to X19.)
OOC: If I'm clear on the rules, I can run to the man in one round, but it's a full-round action, so that's it for me this round, I'm so going to get him good next.
Spell List. X=Spent for the day
Level 1 Cure Light Wounds (Domain) X Bless Water Hide From Undead Magic Weapon
Level 0 Create Water Detect Poison Light Purify Food
DM Bob & Carla (addendum) Friday June 13th, 2008 5:14:08 PM
Sorry to Jet/Buzz. Was mixing up the Ride skill called 'Control Mount in Battle', with the Handle Animal skill called 'Teach an Animal a Trick' with the trick being Attack. Was having some trouble reconciling how a horse would attack a human or creature like a dog might. However, it is clear for all to read on p. 74 of the PHB.
I think we will all become experts on 'mounts', 'ride', and 'handle animal', as well as other feats and skills involving animals before this game is through!
My appologies, Buzz.
-DM Carla
Jet (AC: 18, HP: -3) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) ooc Friday June 13th, 2008 5:36:41 PM
OOC: I thank you for looking into it. I would have gone with what ever ruling was made, I was thinking I misread something somewhere. There is so many counter circumstances to this game it is amazing.
Agreed on the "animal" skills, feats and usages available to this game. I'm looking forward to it.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:22/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+8=10 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+8=12 ; Friday June 13th, 2008 10:53:09 PM
OOC: It's a close call but I think I can find a straight path to Wido at N12, as S is down and Mv is asleep and Lobo'l just ride over him. I don't have Trample yet so I'll just move over him. It should be easy since he's asleep and not a barrier. I count roughly 25ft to N12.
IC: With a battle cry "FOR THE FIST!", Alexi spurs Lobo again, this time aiming for the giant Wido. Ride DC5 = 10 (dang, this had better not be an omen, but made it)
Lobo charges Wido even though there are two humans down in his path, but Lobo is used to having fallen enemies in his path and easily avoids them, charging straight for Wido. This time Alexi does not ride by, but plows into the giant. (ie, stops at N12) Charge d20 +6 (no size mod. this time) = 13 (yep, we got us a monkey on our back) Fight w/ horse DC10=17
Lobo senses the enemy and rears a hoof at Wido Hoof D20+6=14
The toghness of Wido is becoming very apparent to Alexi, as the villain has deflected all his attacks. HisCaptain would be sending him to latrine detail if he'd seen the poor action.
Undaunted though, Alexi drops his lance (free action) and pulls out his new sword (remaining move action). It's sword and horse now, mano-a-mano, spit-in-your-face, and it ain't gonna be pretty.
DMs, If Wido goes for the horse, Alexi will try to negate the hit (Mounted Combat) with a Ride check: Ride check D20+8 = 12 As 12 is less than Lobo's AC, the Ride check has no effect. (This string of bad rolls gotta end sometime!)
If DMs deem it that Alexi can't reach Wido in a charge due to obstructed path, Alexi then will move to L12 and Coup-de-grace Mv with a lance thrust to the throad. Crit Hit dmg to overcome = 20.
He'd rather let Anrete do it while he engages Wido but this is an alternative.
Beren (AC 18, HP 7/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+6=17 ; d20+4=19 ; d8+2=8 ; d8+2=3 ; Saturday June 14th, 2008 6:56:07 PM
OOC-- I want to apologize to all for missing posts the last couple of days. I took my daughter to an out of town Doctor, thinking I would be back Thursday to post. The Doctor ordered surgery for Friday. so we couldn't leave until afterwards, then had to wait one more night before she could travel.
Beren snaps out of a reverie after watching the sorceror fall. Choosing his next enemy, Beren decides that the large fighter is offering the only viable target since his friends are scattered amongst the foes. The large man's head and shoulders offer a clear view, so the ranger lets fly.
Hit AC 17 and 19 for 8 and 3 HP of DAM
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:22/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Sunday June 15th, 2008 5:41:45 PM
DM's: Alexi wants to know what armor and weapons Wido is wearing/using. Can you post a description of the obvious equipment (archers have bows - obvious, etc.) each NPC has? I'm trying to figure out the AC 19 of Wido. The Enlarge spell is supposed to take away 2pts of Dex, and a -1 penalty to attack rolls and AC. So he should loose two AC pts when enlarged, under normal circumstances. So if he wasn't enlarged, he'd have AC 21?
So what's he wearing? Naturally any spell enhanced AC will not be known by us, but we'd like to have a better description of their gear. Thanks. Happy Father's Day!
(OOC: as per previous DM posts...
"...Jet swings hard slicing through chain mail, skin, sinew, and flesh..."
"...with a grunt he brings his spiked shield up hard...then with a guttural cry he brings his battleaxe down..."
Wido's AC as posted is with affects of Enlarged taken into consideration.-DM Carla)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:22/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Sunday June 15th, 2008 11:42:34 PM
OOC: Thanks. Odd, I thought I had reviewed the post and how I missed this one is a mystery.
I think it was because I was spending so much time trying to make sure I got all the Riding things correct. I was so excited that I could finally use the Spirited Charge and so depressed I missed both times... snif, snif...
DM Bob & Carla (taking back Lollena Rnd #5) d20+1=14 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+8=23 ; 2d6+7=13 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+4=7 ; d10=9 d10=9 Monday June 16th, 2008 12:12:41 AM Caelnen watches the archer (R2) stumble and sends an arrow his way while Mikal runs to intercept the very badly wounded enemy.
Jet falls victim to a rogue's tactic, and succumbs to his (R1) blade. While Fatine tries to distract the sneaky human, Anrete, and Alexi both take a swipe at the enlarged fighter. Despite their efforts, they are unable to wound him. The archer Beren has better luck, and one of his arrows finds the big target.
The rogue (R1) is able to withstand the display emanating from the witch's wand (Will Save=14) and steps in close, however his attention is split between her and the two canines at her side and he misses. (nat. 1!) The man yells out, "it's time to get out of here!"
Pliny continues to run north towards the trussed up Lollena.
Wido focuses his energies on the mounted rider in front of him, and slashes down with his battle axe wounding Alexi. (Hit AC 23, 13 dmg.).
The severely wounded archer (R2) drops his bow, and tumble (Tumble 25) past the cleric. He comes up behind Mikal pulling his short sword, only to have his attack glance off the cleric's armor. ( Hit AC 7).
Mikal AC 18, HP 12 d20-1=3 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 4:52:45 AM
Mikal spins arround on his heel to attempt smacking the man in the head with the flat of his blade, but is thrown slightly off ballance by the spin.
OOC: Attempted to do subdual damage to the man, missed the attack roll T.T.
Anrete Nanoc (AC15, HP12/25) d20+7=19 ; d20+9=15 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 5:03:07 AM
Making use of Alexi's distraction, Anrete tumbles behind the enlarge human and swings again.
------------------------------------------------------------------- Wounds: 13 Enraged: +4 Str, +4 Con (+4HP), +2 Will, -2 AC, 6/7 rounds Tumble 19 to P10 Sneak Attack W (+8 AB -1 Power Attack +2 Flanking = +9) AC 15 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace d20+3=21 ; d20+3=9 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+3=22 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 7:50:51 AM
Fatine's dogs leap to action as the rogue attempts to slice into their master. The dark-coated dog snaps at the man's ankle, but misses (hit AC 9). The white-coated dog, on the other hand, is able to bite deeply into the man's thigh (hit AC 21, 9 damage), trying to drag him to the ground (trip 13, but see below).
Fatine lowers her wand and raises the shawl in the other hand. She tosses the shawl at the rogue, and it unfolds as it hits him in the chest, instantly wrapping itself around him and tangling him in the net's folds (touch attack 22).
Dog Attacks: vs. R1 first hit AC: 9 (miss?) second hit AC: 21 second dmg: 9
Fatine Attack: vs. R1 (net attack) hit touch AC: 22 dmg: entangled (-2 attack rolls, -4 dexterity, move half-speed, no charge or run)
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Regarding the roll for a trip attack: wolves get a free trip attack when they hit. Riding dogs (such as these) get a trip attack as well, but according to the monster manual entry, "only if they are war-trained." War-trained means the dogs at least have to have the attack trick, which I did not specifically teach these dogs. However, I was told over the weekend that riding dogs purchased via the "Mounts and Related Gear" list are war-trained, per the language that states they are "brave in combat like a warhorse." I am not convinced. I'm going to post this on the rules board as well, because I don't know the answer. So I rolled the trip just in case, but felt I should bring it to you attention since I'm not clear on the rule.}
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: X24) d20+6=15 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 8:26:05 AM
Caelnin thinks about his next step. Mikal seems to have a reason to keep the Rogue alive as he tried to smack it around the head with the blunt side of his sword, so Caelnin lets him be.
"Alexi seems to be having fun trying to subdue. Let's go and get Wido!" Caelnin says to himself, gets an arrow out and shoots from his position, wary of the other combatants in the fray.
------------
Attack roll: 15 (Blarg...) (If i am reading the shooting into melee rule correctly, there are no intervening figures between me and Wido, except Jet who has fallen to the ground. I will take the -1 penalty to I don't hit him, however it didn't really matter in the end.)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: -4) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) ooc d10=8 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 10:45:04 AM
Bantom, without leadership thinks he smells a mare in heat nearby. Since he was not attacked further, he does not have to defend himself and prances off to smell those hobbled nearby.
Jet's wounds continue to pump his life's blood from it. His eyes remain closed beneath his helm.
Stabilize roll:8
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+1=4 ; d20+8=22 ; d8+2=9 ; d8+8=14 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=14 ; d6+4=7 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 1:47:38 PM
OOC: I don't want to sound picky but I noticed that the archer made move action (tumble) and a move action (draw sword) and an attack action. That's two move actions and a standard action. I think most of us just get 1mv-1st or 2mv or a full round action. Of course, he may be hastened. Does he looked like he's moving swifter than normal? Spot d20+1 = 4. Hmm... did I just get my bad roll out of the way and things are looking up, or is this the trend again?
(OOC: PHB p. 142-drawing a weapon so that you can use it in combat requires a move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1, or higher you may draw a weapon as a free action combined with a regular move. PHB p. 84 Action n/a, Tumble is part of a movement.-DM Carla)
IC: The gash in Alexi's side hurts temendously but he focuses again on Wido, trusting that his friends will be able to help before it's too late. He glimpses Anrete tumble behind Wido and tries a smile as he brings his sword down.
Alexi d20+8 (+6 and +2 Wido flanked) = 22 (yeeehaaawwww, i may live yet!) dmg d8+2 = 9
With blood coating his new sword, Alexi exults, and commands Lobo to attack as well. Fight w/horse DC10 = 14
Lobo, now with now doubt as to who the enemy is, rears up his two hoofs for a pounding and tries to take some flesh out with his teeth.
Note: I forgot to add the +2 flanking bonus on Lobo's attacks so I'm adding them here: Lobo hoof1 d20+6+2= 23, hoof2 d20+6+2= 10, bite d20+6+2 = 16 One hoof hit, dmg d6+4 = 7
total dmg this round = 16
"All right, Anrete! Way to go!" he shouts with pride. He resists the tempation to look around and see how the battle is going elsewhere, but if he had, he would be even more proud of the how the battle was turning.
Beren (AC 18, HP 7/16 Moonshadow AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+6=25 ; d20+4=12 ; d8+2=5 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 3:34:28 PM
OOC--even after we discussed it, I had still left my horse as Moonshadow instead of Red. OOPS!
Beren watches one of his arrows strike the large fighter. Then Anrete and others begin attacking the big man from many sides, so the elf looks for a new target. Not far away, the archer from the tree has come into the open. Beren sends two more deadly missiles in search of a target. The first strikes home solidly, while the rogues movement causes his econd to miss.
Now, he finally sees Jet on the ground and bleeding!. He will move towards the downed man to see if he can help.
HIT AC 25 for 5 HP DAM
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Monday June 16th, 2008 4:47:04 PM
OOC: Jet stabilized on his first attempt. It's a 10% chance, and he rolled the specific number on d10 that the DM requested (7), so he stabilized. After that, he doesn't lose HP each round, and doesn't have to do a stabilizing roll each round any more.
He is at the neg HP he was at when he stabilized (-3). Once stablized, if a PC receives no further help, he has a 10% chance per hour to become conscious. If he fails that roll, he then loses his next HP. If he makes it, he is conscious and disabled, and next has a 10% per day to start recovering naturally.
None of that matters right away, except that Jet doesn't need to make another check until 1 hour has passed, and doesn't lose more HP after the -3 until then (Unless attacked).
DM Bob & Carla (taking back Lollena Rnd #6) d20=5 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 7:37:05 PM (OOC: Posting early since everyone has posted for the rotation. Thanks! It means I don't have to stay up late tonight!-DM Carla)
The sun sinks a little more, nearly behind the treeline. The shadows cast across the clearing lengthen and deepen. Working as a team, Anrete and Alexi astride Lobo, manoeuvre around the enlarged human. While Caelnin takes a shot. The barbarian's chain whistles past Wido's ear, and the archer's arrow flies wild, but the Fist's sword nearly severs the man's arm at the shoulder. Wido falls unconscious to the ground and is trampled to an unrecognizable corpse under the horse's hoofs.
The cleric Mikal tries to knock some sense into his attacker, but is unable to connect. Beren backs up the follower of Alemi, and his arrow flies true. The half-elf (R2) falls to his knees, then tumbles face first into the dirt, bleeding quite badly from his many wounds.
Fatine's dogs need little urging, and snap at the human (R1) attacking the witch. As the rogue backs away from the one dog, the other clamps down on his thigh, causing a very deep and vicious looking wound. The man blanches with pain, as Fatine's net enfolds him.
Jet lies unconscious and splattered with blood, some his own and some that of his enemies.
Wido and the enemy sorcerer are dead. The rogue/archer (R2) by the tree is unconscious and bleeding. The rogue (R1) is helpless, entangled in a net. Mavitis as splattered with blood as if he had been in combat, lies unharmed and oblivious as he slumbers on, stretched full length on the grass of the clearing.
Bantom limps over to stand by the group of hobbled horses. There is a sympathetic nicker from a plain grey mare with light spots on her rump.
Pliny runs to Lollena, and starts to work on the ties that bind her to the tree.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+1=10 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 9:19:56 PM
Lobo snorts over the body of Wido, an intelligent glare in his eyes, and stays his weight on the large human that attacked its rider and companion. Alexi winces as the exertion shoots a sharp pain all over his body.
Taking a deep breath, that also hurt all over his body, he finally manages to look around for more battle. A quick survey reveals only one struggling, and that one pinned by a net! 'Where'd THAT come from' he wonders and being treated as a chew-toy by Fatine's two dogs! Pliney is tending to Lollena and seems safe from attack. Mikal is looking at his sword while the sniper lays bleeding at his feet. Beren is heading over to Jet.
Then he sees Mavitis. 'I don't remember seeing him in any battle, wonder what happened,' he quickly muses.
The Great Wido makes no more move under Lobo's hoofs so Alexi dismounts, with pain, pats Lobo's kneck and says "Stay", and moves over to Mavitis, sword at the ready. Keeping the sword pointed at Mavitus he scans the body for wounds, not sure what downed the villain. Spot d20+1 = 10 (lots of blood, but nothing gushing, I don't get it, it's like he's sleeping, and he's smiling?)
(Alexi wouldn't have seen the Sleep spell so I'm just roll playing here for the fun of it).
OOC: That's all of Alexi's action for now, as others act, say things, etc. I'll amend as necessary.
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Monday June 16th, 2008 10:01:35 PM
Fatine smiles and she tugs on the lead rope of the net. "Now, now, little one. Stay still or ole Fatine be lettin' dese dogs have dere way again." She gives a quiet command and the dogs back away from the man, but their teeth remain bared in anger, the heat of battle still on them.
Pointing at Mavitus, Fatine calls, "Someone bedder tie dat one up. I put him asleep, but it don' last dat long. I tink Big Man wanna get his just dues for what dese robbers did."
Fatine tugs on the net's lead a few times, pretending to pull the rogue toward one of the dogs and giggling to herself.
"Alexi," she calls. "Tink you can knock a few teeth outta dem robbers for Fatine? I like dee baubles," she says as she caresses her goblin ear armbrace with one hand. "But just from dat one," she points at Mavitus, "an dis one here," she points at the entangled rogue.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Not too big of a deal right now, but the only response I got in the rules board said that yes, the riding dogs get the trip attack like a wolf. I still leave it to the two of you for a final ruling though.}
Response: Highlight to display spoiler: {(I'm posting there also. Not sure enough myself to make an unequivocal statement!-DM Carla)}
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+5=22 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 10:39:23 PM
"Just asleep eh?" Alexi looks at Fatine quizically. "Hmmm....," he ponders then slings his shield aside and pulls out his flail. "You want them busted out," brandishing the flail, 'or just cut out," brandishing the longsword," he adds with a big smile, hoping the rogue sees it and gets the message. Intimidate rogue d20+5=22
Mikal AC 18, HP 12 d8+3=5 ; d20+12=26 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 3:57:14 AM
Mikal looks arround and assesss the situations. Jet is lieing bleeding on the ground, while the rest of the group is tending to the spelled and trapped men.
Knowing he has no time to loose he grabs the back of the dying archers shirt and drags him as quick as he can over to the unconcious and also dieing Jet.
Mikal prays to Alemi and casts a spell over jet. ((Cure Light Wounds, Burning "Hide from undead" for spontaneous healing)) his hands glowing with a warm light. ((Healed 5 HP, should bring jet up to 1hp))
After he heals jet, he takes out his healing kit from his pack and attempts to save the dieing archers life, knowing that his duty to heal comes before his duty to interrogate prisoners.
OOC: 26 on the heal roll, should stabilize the man, but not bring him awake.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: X24) d20+6=14 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 4:39:18 AM
As Caelnin moves towards the main group with the bow still in hand, he sees that Mativus is sleeping, even through the battle, with Fatine's explanation on why he fell asleep, he moves towards the slumbering human. Caelnin then pulls out some rope from his bag and starts to tie him up as best that he can, and then he fumbles around in his bag for his Manacles for a better job... "Dang, left them with Vilria. Any one have a spare set we can use on this guy?"
(Use rope: 14... Should've taken 10 >.>)
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP8/21) Tuesday June 17th, 2008 8:42:01 AM
His fury spent, Anrete slumps against a nearby tree as he catches his breath.
Beren (AC 18, HP 11/16 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d8=4 ; d20+9=19 ; d3=3 ; d20+9=23 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 9:35:06 AM
OOC==I changed my horses name last post, but the automatic naming feature put it back as Moonshadow! Can someone fix it?
The battle is over. Now it is time for healing.The Cleric Mikal beats the ranger to Jet. Just as well. The elf needs healing of his own. Taking a potion from his pack, he drinks it down (heal 4 HP), then he binds the wound which he took in battle. He's still not 100%, but he's better than he was.
He now watches as Mikal works over the two injured party members.
"I have another potion of healing if it is needed."
The soft statement made, he sits on the ground nearby and begins to clean up his gear as best he can. He is not an interrogator. He keeps his eyes open for further problems.
spot 19 listen 23 don't know what the 3 is!
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+2=16 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 6:38:24 PM
Alexi stands over Mativus while Caelnin binds him just in case he wakes up and tries something. Once he's bound, Alexi searches him and removes all his weapons and valuables (rings, money bags, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) and places the valuables to one side and weapons to the other.
Search d20 +2 = 16
OOC: give us a list of what he finds. Thanks.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 17th, 2008 7:18:45 PM
ooc: I just saw this:
(OOC: PHB p. 142-drawing a weapon so that you can use it in combat requires a move action. If you have a base attack bonus of +1, or higher you may draw a weapon as a free action combined with a regular move. PHB p. 84 Action n/a, Tumble is part of a movement.-DM Carla)
Thanks for clarifying. It was the Tumble move that threw me off. Alexi used the same rule above to drop bow, draw lance, and charge. There is so much to consider in a move that I have to literally sit on the floor with book open with markers on several sections (feats, movement, riding, attack actions, etc.) to make sure I get it right. Phwew! Ah, for the good ol' days of AD&D 1st ed. :}
(OOC: I do the same thing!-DM Carla)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: -3) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Tuesday June 17th, 2008 8:40:43 PM
Jet remains face up on the ground where he fell a few seconds ago.
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Tuesday June 17th, 2008 10:02:49 PM
"Don' madder to me," Fatine says to Alexi with her own grin. "Long as dey intact. I make a new bracelet tonight."
DM Bob & Carla d20+2=16 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 12:53:17 AM Alexi takes in the scene. Everyone has taken some hurt, with the exception of Fatine, who has her man firmly entangled in her net. The conversation between the witch and the fighter only serve to render the man a blubbering idiot. "We wasn't goin' t' 'urt the girl. We was on'y goin' t' bring 'er back to the city. I on'y did it for the gold 'e put up!" The rogue falls to his knees, "please don't knock me teeth out. I on'y gots a few left." His nervous grin shows that he speaks the truth.
Mikal ministers to Jet who becomes conscious (+5 HP), then turns his attentions to the unconscious archer, and stabilises him.
Caelnin ties a reasonably firm knot, to bind Mavitus wrists, and Alexi helps out, frisking the man for valuables.* Mavitus starts to stir.
Anrete sags against a tree, his energy spent, and his wounds causing him considerable discomfort, while not far off Beren quaffs a restorative potions and takes up watch over the campsite.
Pliny gets the gag out of Lollena's mouth, but struggles with the knots that bind her wrists and ankles. The seamstress weeps softly behind a veil of golden hair.
There is perhaps one hour before nightfall. The grass feels damp with night dew, and the air is growing cold. As the heat from physical exertion dissipates, some experience a chill as sweat soaked clothes absorb body heat.
*Alexi finds, and sets aside: 1 ring 1 gold necklace 5 vials, each containing 1 oz. liquid Sealing wax 3 gems 1 small metal container with a screw on lid 1 leather pouch (heavy) 1 rapier 1 dagger (fancy)
(OOC: Out of combat rounds. Post action that is reasonable for 15 minutes.)
Mikal AC 18, HP 12 d20+1=12 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 1:17:29 AM
Mikal wipes the sweat from his brow and puts away his healing kit. Walking back to his horse and leading it over to the group.
Pulling some water from his saddlebags, he washes out what's left of his wounds and Jet's.
Wiping the sweat from his brow he takes a large swig. He then pulls out some rope, and for good measure ties up the archer he just stabilized. Not seeming to be able to tie the rops sufficentally enough, he looks up and says.
"Hey, could one of you help me with this? I'm a healer, not a sailor."
OOC: 12 on use rope, I'd rather be safe than sorry when this guy wakes up.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16, Pos: X24) d20+6=25 ; d20=12 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 2:11:55 AM
Slinging his bow around his back, Caelnin walks over to Mikal to help him tighten the knots that he had made. "Pull it tighter here, and it should be done" (Use rope = 25)
"Now, maybe I can get a pick of one of those horses. Hopefully Lollena won't mind... I should've got one earlier, really." With that, Caelnin moves towards the horses to see which one he likes the best, or the one that doesn't mind him the most. (Handle Animal = 12)
After that, Caelnin notices night fall is coming and says "Should we star here for the night, or shall we push on through the night to get back to the camp? Are we leaving tomorrow? If so, we need to get back to the camp as quickly as possible so we can have a little bit of a rest before we start the journey forward."
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 1) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Wednesday June 18th, 2008 12:26:29 PM
Jet, still severly wounded and quite bloody drags all the prisoners together wincing in pain. "Search the dead as well, I'm sure their arcane caster and Wido have something worth while." As he walks by Alexi he scowls menacingly while looking him in the eyes but saves whatever words he has for the mighty figure of the Mailed Fist for later.
Jet picks up his two handed sword from the ground and holds it over Mavitus and his two hirelings with a sneer on his face, He addresses the scorned betrothed who has gone through so much trouble for a woman he does not own. "Twice now we have faced each other and on both occassions you chose not to listen to reason. I see that you are unwilling to let this woman go and determined to kill anyone that stands in your way. This is a disgraceful road that you continue to follow. Now, you have one last choice. I can judge you by the noble faceless Pantheon, in which case there is overwhelming evidense against you, or you can take your chances with Wardd and the three of you can walk back to whatever boat awaits you unarmed and unarmored, at the mercy of nature."
Jet appears to hope that they choose the first. He is not one for revenge but somehow he gets the feeling that if this arrogant kidnapper lives, he will not be rid of him.
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Wednesday June 18th, 2008 1:07:00 PM
Fatine laughs as the rogue pleads his case. "Ole' Fatine need her prizes, see?" She points to the goblin ears on her arm, and the various, unidentifiable teeth making up her necklace. "You want keep dose chompers? What do you offer Fatine instead?"
Once one of the men comes over and ties the man up, Fatine takes the net, folds it back as it was before, and drapes it back over her arms and back, making it look once more like the harmless shawl it once did. With a wave of her hand, she dismisses the dogs to do as they please, and the pair go scampering into the grass, wresting and barking at each other.
After all enemies are bound and accounted for, the black-feathered crow flies timidly from the trees and lands on Fatine's shoulder.
"Silly bird!" Fatine scowls at it. "Always hidin' when dee trouble be brewin! Maybe I outta use your teeth!" She reaches for the bird's face, but it quickly alights and flits about just out of her reach.
Beren (AC 18, HP 11/16 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+2=15 ; d20+9=14 ; d20+9=15 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 1:18:34 PM
"There are those among us who need the chance to heal and rest. We should stay the night. We will catch the caravan wherever it may be."
With that, the ranger begins to make camp. He starts a fire, puts water on to boil, and sets about gathering wood. As he does, he also looks for healing herbs, and items to add to the communal cook pot.
Knowledge nature 15, spot 14 listen 15
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 1) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Second Post Wednesday June 18th, 2008 1:31:58 PM
"We move on as soon as business is done here." Jet says matter of fact. "We will discuss it further after the field trial is ended." Jet's gaze never leaves the eys of Mavitus."
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP8/21) d20+4=17 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=13 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 9:24:49 PM
Giving Jet a bemused look, Anrete said nothing as he licks the dripping blood from his wound before turning towards the loots. Examining them, the barbarian tries to gauge their values before giving the metal container a closer look.
----------------------------------------- Appraisal: 17 -> ring 6 -> gold necklace 22 -> gem A 10 -> gem B 14 -> gem C 7 -> dagger (fancy)
Search 27 (take 20) on metal container Disable traps (if any) 28 Lock Pick (if any) 13
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Wednesday June 18th, 2008 9:49:13 PM
OOC: before I post I want to congratulate everyone, including DMs for a well fought battle. A little chaotic at first, and I take my share of the blame for not going after biggy right at first, but second half went very smooth, with everyone working together.
Jet's scowl is met by a nearly imperceptible shrug and a smile. Taking his right hand he wipes his wound, getting his hand bloody. Then with that hand he places it on Jet's bloody wound so both mingle. Then he places it back on his so they mingle.
"We are blood brothers now," he says with a smile. "We fought the same foe and was wounded badly by the same foe, and we live." He then cleans his blade on Wido's clothes and helps take all the valuables from all of Mavitu's henchmen, making a pile for armor and weapons and a separate one for coins, jewelry and the like. A third pile for items of clothing, like boots, vests, cloaks, hats, bandanas, etc. Basically, all clothing except the shirt and pants. (Don't want to embarass the women do we?)
'So THAT's what that thing is,' Alexi thinks as Fatine puts away her 'shawl'. "Fatine, I leave it up to you, I guess, on how you want to get the teeth," he says. Walking up to the already rather toothless rogue he pats him on the cheek, "Got any gold in there?" Then walks away laughing.
"I'd rather stay the night here too myself, but we'll do as Jet says," Alexi comments, almost with a sigh. He then joins Jet where the fighter/cleric has Mavitus (or is it Mavitis? I've seen it both ways).
"I have a third option, Jet. Since it is The Company that has the grievance against him, I suggest he pay his debt to The Company. Say, two years as a miner's 'apprentice'?"
Although Alexi winces a fair amount as he walks, he says nothing about it. He'll get around to it presently.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+5=9 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 10:37:01 PM
Addendum: got distracted and forgot my Intimidate roll.
When Alexi finishes the bit about a miner's apprentice, he grabs Mavitus' jaw and inspects it saying, "Fatine here is in need of some pretty teeth. Your friend with the bum leg over there doesn't have any to spare. It will be easier to get them if you choose Pantheon but more painful if you choose Wardd, but you'll live to smile at another pretty woman."
Alexi's eyes turn cold!
Intimidate d20+5 = 9 (hmm... the pain of his wound must be interfering with his steely stare)
DM Bob and Carla Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:20:10 AM
After triage of the most seriously wounded, Mikal fetches his horse and what gear he has brought with him. He and Caelnin make sure the three surviving kidnappers are securely tied up and Jet manhandles them into a group under the big tree, where Alexi makes sure they are relieved of most of their material possessions. Thoroughly humiliated and intimidated, the toothless rogue accepts Jet's offer. Sort of. "If'n you'd spare a few of our potions, for me an' poor Jael all bleedin' o'er there, an' if'n ye let us sleep by the fire tonight, we'll jus' take our horses an' disappear in the mornin'. Ye know, go back south, an just leave you folks to yer business," he says. The rogue's eyes slide over to the dour looking merchant's son, and he lowers his voice, turning his head away from Mavitus and whispers. Jet and AlexiHighlight to display spoiler: { "I kin tell ye' where daddy's boy hid the gold he was goin' to pay us wit', and ye kin' have it."} Mavitus sits tight lipped casting evil looks at his captors.
As night's dark cloak spreads across the sky, Beren makes camp and keeps an eye and ear open for dangers. Lollena creeps close to the fire, arms hugging her shivering body. The young woman is still in her night clothes, having been taken while asleep. Pliny removes his coat and drapes it about the young woman's shoulders. "I'll go get the horses, then come right back," he says. Beren locates a little patch of fern he knows can be used to make a sweet tea, but he doesn't find any of the white flowered herb he had learned about from Fatine earlier in their travels. He does locate the kidnapper's camp gear, including bedrolls and blankets, as well as some trail rations.
After a few choice words for Col, Fatine releases the raven. The dogs, too, are discharged from their duty as the witch settles her 'shawl' about her shoulders once more.
Anrete performs a quick appraisal of the items Alexi found on Lollena's would be lover, while Caelnin checks out the livestock. The animals appear to be in good shape with the exception of one, who avoids weight bearing on the right rear leg. The grey with the pale spots on her rump bobs her head and pulls back her lips, revealing her big teeth in a parody of a gin. She whinnies softly at the elf's approach. The horses appear all to be light horses.
Anrete carefully twists off the screw lid on the container and finds 20 tinder twigs inside.
ring (antique/heirloom-signet ring with letter L) gold necklace (valuable) gem A (red, worth about 20 GP) gem B (same as A in appearance) gem C (same as A in appearance) dagger (fancy) (seems old, gems appear to be real) 5 vials, each containing 1 oz. liquid Sealing wax 1 leather pouch (heavy) 1 rapier
The most seriously injured folks have been tended to, but no one, surviving enemy, or Lollena's rescuers, is in any shape for a ride through the woods...at night. And Bantom is in no shape to bear a rider.
(Complete loot list coming. Will be finalized and posted next week.-DM Carla)
DM Bob and Carla (addendum) Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:40:07 AM
Damage stats (HP):
Alexi 9/25 Anrete 8/21 Jet 1/19 and Bantom 27/42 Beren 11/16 Fatine (no damage) Caelnin 13/16 Mikal 12/19
Kerith (R1) 7/16 Jael (R2) 2/21 Mavitus (no damage)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 1) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) OOC Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:57:07 AM
OOC: DM, I would like to find out what you mean by this reasoning. How is Bantom in no shape for a rider? He could fight with me on top of him with one hit point left. I'm also not sure how we are in no shape to ride? Wounded though we are, we could press on until these results occur.
Fatigued A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a -2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.
Until we are
Exhausted An exhausted character moves at half speed and takes a -6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. After 1 hour of complete rest, an exhausted character becomes fatigued. A fatigued character becomes exhausted by doing something else that would normally cause fatigue.
(Exactly as you said.
If you want to push on through the night, please ensure you have the consensus of the party. I try to take everyone's post into consideration, and to keep the story moving.
Please realize that the party has ridden their mounts about 20 miles, engaged in a fight, almost all are wounded. There are 3 prisoners to deal with, Lollena is in a nightgown, there is loot that can be collected, but it is late on an early spring day in a climate where the nights can still dip to almost freezing, in The Crying Woods (magical forest) and the party has likely only crammed down cold trail rations if they have had anything to eat at all. Have I left anything out?
For most folks this is a 5 minute DnD fix. They can't multi post and engage in protracted debate about what to do. I'm trying to summarize the contents of 7 disparate posts and keep things moving forward. I didn't think the party wanted to spend the next week debating if they should make camp or push on through the night.-DM Carla)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 1) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Thursday June 19th, 2008 1:12:39 AM
Jet will respond to the two rogues before Matvius (sp?) gets a chance. "You were paid by him to take someone against their will, then you ignored the warning I gave you before battle to surrender. Do you remember what I said when I attacked? "No mercy asked or given. You share his fate, if he says trial by Pantheon you will also share in his fate. If he chooses nature, you will also share his fate, as you were paid to do. His filthy money can rot in the earth for all I care, justice will be served."
Jet looks over at the signet ring, "Let him keep that, it belongs to his family and not him."
"If you refuse to answer me, it will be by nature you will be judged." He responds to Mavitiuss' evil look.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16) Thursday June 19th, 2008 3:13:30 AM
OOC: Somehow I got confused with Lollena and Vilria in last post... Just to clarify...
Caelnin looks at the horse that looked like it smiled at him and says to her, while stroking her head "You're a nice horse, aren't you? You badly hurt? If i can, i'll try and take care of you, and Vilria shouldn't mind having another female for companionship. You aren't anybody's horse, are you?"
His father's love for nature showing through him, Caelnin sighs. He then sits near the fire gazes at the stars and reminisces about the good old days. "I have become more like him, and he doesn't even know..."
Beren (AC 18, HP 11/16 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=22 ; d3=1 ; d20+9=23 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 9:54:11 AM
"Once the 'trial' is over, shall we take our accustomed watches for the night, or double up because of the prisoners."
Beren clearly does not care what happens to the prisoners. In his battles against Orcs, he never took any. He turns once more to Jet.
"You still need healing before you do too much more. I have one more small potion for that use."
With that said, he begins to make a stew for the groups supper.
spot 22 listen 23 D3?
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Thursday June 19th, 2008 2:54:56 PM
After sufficiently primping and rearranging her attire, Fatine stands by and watches the goings on. She gives Jet a long look up and down after his speech, then nods her head approvingly at his decision regarding the enemies' fate.
Looking at the rogue, she spits on the ground. "Faugh! You be too sniveling to make a trophy worth me time, boy!" She walks over to Mavitus and grabs his chin in her hand. Pulling his face to and fro, she hums as she peers into his ear then up his nose.
"Hmmm . . . yeeessss . . . . You fell sleep quickly, weak one, but your soul be strong! I tink dere be some goodie Fatine could use from you, hmm?"
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 1) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) OOC Thursday June 19th, 2008 4:31:42 PM Ok, this is how Jet sees the entire situation, from start to finish. Party takes off after Lollena without speaking to garth first. One red flag. The wagon train was resting all day without movement and without protection (our portion anyway) That's another red flag. The three will likely take the trial by nature. If they don't then Jet will just kill them and take the hit on what may consider an evil deed, but right now, jet doesn't care. If they take nature, then we will be stuck with two trained rogues over night with skills we are really unaware of. One or both may escape and could take out the guard. third red flag. If we are going to be further attacked by something in this magical woods, as a random encounter, it's just as likely to attack us while we are camping then if we are on the road. fourth red flag. The stench of death and carrion from the dead is more likely to attract something to this area where we would camp then if we were to be on the road, away from these three nuisances. If we get back to the wagon, we could be there by midnight and hopefully nothing will have happened to it. We can finish the guard shift, likely exhausted and get caught back up on our rest the following day, the wagon train would not need to slow down. As for Lollena, I have an endure elements spell she can use.
We've spoke about this over email. Two are for and two are against, if those that want to stay and camp really want to, that's fine. Those that don't can head back with Jet. If Garth doesn't like the way I am running my command, he can give it to someone else. Jet would be more then happy to sit around and watch someone else make the decisions, but at the moment, he was given the command and it's his butt that is on the line.
I think I have provided more then enough reasons to head back tonight, which is way more reasons then to stay around the likes of mavitius and his two cronies.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 7) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) d8+1=4 ; d20+4=8 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 4:48:33 PM
Jet does these actions in the following order, given the three choose trial by nature.
Jet strips the three of everything they have and slice deep lines into their clothing as well, so that they are also unarmored against nature.
Jet then walks over to Lollena and casts Endure Elements on herself, attempting to not admire her beautiful young body. "Pliney needs his coat back for the ride."
Jet sacrifices his other endure elements for a cure light wounds for himself restoring 4 hit points. "Maybe Garth will have some mercy for our leaving without permission, if our wounds are grave enough", he jokes.
Jet then attempts a heal check and sacrifices a 0 level spell to bring the horse back from lame so it can travel. Rolled 8 on heal, maybe the one hit point will. If neither works, we leave it for them to fight over.
Jet uses his last two o level spells to cure himself two more hit points.
Packing up all the loot, including weapons, armor, bedrolls, food rations, everything they had. Then Jet makes sure that the prisoners can not run by cutting deep lines into the sides of their boots causing them to fall off if they try to run. "I did say you would be walking back to the boat."
"Those of you that wish to continue following my orders," he looks directly at Alexi when he says this, but it's for everyone, including Pliney and lollena, "Then mount up and lets head home. We can leave these bird watches to their peaceful night in the woods together."
However long that takes. We were in fifteen minute increments. I don't know what happened to that though.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP8/21) Thursday June 19th, 2008 9:06:59 PM
Anrete laughs before digging out a pack of ration and throwing it at the rogues. Smiling mockingly at Jet, the feral barbarian roars, "I laugh because I can!", as he turns away towards Copper.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Thursday June 19th, 2008 10:37:35 PM
OOC: don't know if things stand as they are after e-mail from DM but I'll post as if nothing has changed.
Alexi knows the heart of mercenaries better than anyone else here and nods understanding at the two rogues. After Jets makes his offer again, Alexi bids Jet come out of hearing distance from the three and whispers to him, "I can't speak for Mavitus, but I'm sure the intentions of the rogues are genuine. It is true they attacked when you gave them an out, but they really didn't have an option, no more than we do to fight for The Company. However, this incidence may have tought them a valuable leason for choosing the Good, versus the Evil. Perhaps a night of religious teaching may cement their change of alliance to that of more approval to your gods. Perhaps not, but it is worth a try, and the gods look favorably upon those who work to bring others into the 'light'. I hardly think Mavitus will throw his life away so calously, his pride is injured but he's no fool, but goodwill with these rogues may insure our story gets told correctly. And, hmm, that gold to pay these rogues, would, well, be a very good dowry present to Lollena, don't you think? Kinda ironic and put to much better use, eh?"
OOC: wait for response here...
After hearing the rogues' and Mavitus' response, (and respoding respectively) Alexi heads over to Lollena and Pliny and bowing slightly despite the pain, says, "My Lady, glad to have been of service. Pliny has told us of your love for him and I wish the best for both of you. Perhaps a wedding at dawn in front of Mavitus will kill any desire he has left to continue pursuing after you?
Alexi then goes to Lobo and checks him over, happy that his companion came out unscathed. "Good boy, got him good didn't we?" he says as he patts the horses neck.
Glad that he thought to bring his backpack, Alexi goes over to Beren and hands him some trail rations for the stew. "I have a fish hook too, would that help?" (OOC: I don't see any pond or stream on the map so if there isn't anything that could have fish just ignore the fish hook part)
Then when Jet reitterates moving on that night, Alexi says, "I'm not going to counter your orders, but let us at least eat something warm before we go. I will say that as a sergeant and millitary man, I can push myself to extreemes and have done so many times. However Lollena is more fragile than I, and it is for her rescue we are here. I'd hate to have something happen to her on our way back in the dark. We are safest here, whith them tied up until morning. But if you insist, I'll go." However he says to Jet quietly so the others don't hear. "If Lollena and Pliny decide to stay, I'm obliged to stay too, as I've pledged to remain their Champion until they are wed."
"Now, something hot to eat. Beren? Got that stew warmed up? I'm famished. Fatine? Let Mavitus have one last meal with all his teeth. He may be having stew for a looooonnng time after tonight."
"Mikal, got something to stop this bloody bleeding in my side? I don't want to accidentally get blood mixed in my stew." (cure minor wounds if available would help)
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 7) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) (Fifth post? whew) Thursday June 19th, 2008 11:07:34 PM
Jets response to Alexi, "I'm not oppsed to resting, but just not near here. Lets puts a few miles between us, so that there is no chance of them catching us again tonight, if they tried. As far as mercenaries", he scowls, "If Garth had me kidnapping helpless women, I'd face a legion of Justicar's for my breaking of the oath I have taken, before I would help him with that. They're not mercenaries, they're pigs and they should have known they were in the wrong when they first seized the girl. I have no pity for fools and highwaymen. I do hope they live, just so they know not to mess with the people I am sworn to protect, let Ebyeron decide their fate."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+1=3 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 11:50:58 PM
"Well, whatever. You can't put yourself in their place, nor I. I know that if we were to have a trial, as if we were in Floating City, they would probably hanged, or put to work in chains. Wido got what was coming to him, that's for sure. As for Mativus, he's bad all the way through, nothing good about him to write home about. He'll end up doing harm to others. There's no learning in him. I'm not concerned they'd catch us if we stayed here the night with them tied up. But I doubt they'll try anything without their weapons either. Maybe Beren can remember seeing some place suitable for camping on up the road a bit."
"If we give them horses, let's not give them saddles. Just a rope to help guide them with. They'll get home, but will discourage them from following us," 'as if they need more discouragement', Alexi finishes in thought.
Remember what the trail looks like looking for a small campsite (survival): d20 +1 = 3 (that's because Alexi just camps anywhere so he doesn't pay much attention to 'good' campsites)
OOC: further posts coming depending on Lollena's response to moving on.
OOC: Jet, I guess you are waiting to hear from Mavitus to see if you take up the offer from the rogues or does Jet ignore Alexi's suggestion to have Mavitus' gold given to Lollena as Mavitus' wedding 'gift' to Pliny and Lollena?
Just thought we'd wrap up that thread.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 7) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) (sixth) Friday June 20th, 2008 12:26:54 AM
The three get nothing but one lame horse when we leave, if Jet can't heal it well enough to travel. We take everything they had and pack it onto the horses we just captured. The only other thing they get to keep is Mavituss' family signet ring.
Jet doesn't care about the money, to him it's dirty. Pliney and Lollena seem willing enough to earn their way, they don't need it.
Perhaps it will slow them down as they try to carry it out, securing their death and an end to their chosen trial?
However, if the party wants to find out how much money there is and give them one good horse for it, Jet may agree. Three human males can't ride one horse for long.
DM Bob and Carla Friday June 20th, 2008 12:36:37 AM Jet metes out rough justice to the kidnappers, with the help of Alexi and Fatine. The Fist's ears prick up at word of hidden treasure, but the party leader voices his opinion that the gold can rot for all he cares. The witch's threat helps the merchant's son find his voice. "Nature! I'll answer to Ebyron, if you'll let me go. I don't want to become some crone's shrunken head!" Mavitus scowls at his two accomplices, and then continues, "Leave us the fire, three horses, and do something for Jael like that idiot said," he growls. "It's got to be a hundred miles to the city! We'll not leave 'till tomorrow morning and you'll not see us until we meet in Grey-Eye's realm."
Jet weighs the pros and cons of night travel while Alexi puts forward a case for locating the kidnappers gold. The two fighters discuss various options as they check on Lollena and Pliny, tend to the injured horses, and themselves. They find Caelnin making friends with a gentle grey mare belonging to the kidnappers, and are able to help the plain brown horse with the limp, before caring for their own mounts.
Beren gets a hot stew going, so that the party can at least have a hot meal before they strike out. The multi-tasking elf is never off his guard. The barbarian, Anrete, reveals another side of himself as he tosses a bag of rations to the prisoners.
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Friday June 20th, 2008 7:14:32 AM
Fatine caresses one of the glass daggers tucked in her belt and sighs, loosing Mavitus' head. "You be lucky dee Big Man says we go. My cauldron be itchin' for a cookin.'"
Looking around at the others as she walks toward her dogs, she comments, "Mercenaries or no, dey chose dee job dey took. An evil man no be less evil just because he be paid to do evil. Dese fools be gettin' off easy, if you ask Fatine.
"Big Man," she looks at Jet, "I follow you for now, 'til you give Fatine reason not to." Whistling, she calls her dogs over and heads up the trail toward her horse.
Beren (AC 18, HP 11/16 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=23 ; d3=1 ; d20+9=21 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 12:35:39 PM
"We can eat. As for leaving, Jet was the most injured. If he is willing to travel, so be it. Eat first."
In answer to Alexi's question about a camp site, he says,
"There are many places we can camp, not all of them comfortably."
The elf eats, and once the others have done so, cleans up quickly, packing his small pot back on Red. Then with bow in hand, he silently mounts to await the others, his mask in place, and his cloak wrapped around him.
spot 23 listen 21
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16) Friday June 20th, 2008 5:42:02 PM
After Caelnin has a long think about some things, he stands and has a quick bite of Beren's stew and head's off to his new friend.
"I never got used to riding horses... But I think you're going to be nice to handle and stuff. Aren't you girl?" He says to the mare when Caelnin mounts her and moves her about to get used to handling her. "I'm gonna have to think of a better name for you..."
Once comfortable, Calenin says to Jet "I'm ready to go when you are..."
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 7) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) (sixth) d20+7=21 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 6:54:07 PM
Off in the distance, Jet seems to be pacing back and forth across the open field where the caravan once set up camp. An argument with himself plain to see. He makes sure his captives have their back to him, unable to witness his conflict.
I knew you would go soft. The longer we waited here, the softer you were going to get. First thing is, we execute them, now your letting them live by Eberyon's trial. Next thing you know, you'll be sewing up their britches and handing them the girl to take with them! Bah, enough, Eberyon's the hard type, he'll see to they suffer even if they live. But what if they live? Mavitus said we wouldn't see him again, but he's a stinking liar. I should have killed them all, yes, quick and clean. That would sure piss Alemi off though, Domi too. If Pantheon had a face though I could see him laughing though. Nope, have to respect all the gods, you did what you could and you did what was best. Don't be needing to go and execute people in front of innocent commoners like Lollena anyway. She'd carry the nightmares for years. So, should we find out about the money? I don't care about the money! But....you have people with you that do, they came here for the money, it would be nice if they could save it up when this contract is over. Alright, we will ask about the money.
After about ten minutes, Jet can be heard clanking up behind the three that are bound. He picks up the lightest looking rogue in one hand and carries him off where the other two can not hear what he says, "How much did Mavitus pay you? I have ways of finding out lies and I will be asking the other one the same questions, so your stories better corroborate, or I'll be adding some human tongue to ol' Fatines stew pot myself!"
Intimidate DC: 21
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP8/21) Friday June 20th, 2008 7:44:39 PM
Chewing on the remnants of Beren's stew, Anrete had a hurried meal as he prepares for the journey ahead.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Friday June 20th, 2008 10:11:09 PM
Alexi savors some stew while he watches Jet pace to and from. Ah, the pressures of Leadership. From Alexi's point of view, if they don't take the money, Mavitus will just take it back. The money, per se, is just money. It is neither good nor evil, it's the heart's intent that has to be weighed. 'If Jet doesn't want the money, it's fine by me, but it's stupid to just leave it in the ground to rot. Money that was intended for evil can be turned to be used for good. Surely the gods approve of charity to the poor, sick, homeless... The Fist had a fund for widows, orphans,... sigh.'
Alexi's thoughts are interrupted by Fatine. "They are getting off rather easy, I agree. But don't misunderstand me. Because I understand the ways of the mercenary doesn't mean I condone the reasons one becomes one. I became a mercenary for the Fist, not to kill for money, but to learn to be a superb warrior. Fortunately, the Fist chooses its battles very carefully and requires a strict code of conduct that my father interpreted for Good. Some vanquished foes deserve to be eliminated, for they will never, ever, change. Mavitus, I can see in his eyes, is one of that type. It's Jet's decision since Garth isn't here and I hardly think he'd go for taking Mavitus before Garth. Perhaps he is seeking guidance from his gods at this very moment." Alexi looks out at Jet again.
Alexi thanks Beren for the stew and congratulates him on putting up such a tasty meal so quick. "Well, I don't think Jet will care how unconfortable the spot may be, just as long it's away from here," he says when Beren asnwers him. Then he goes to the first tree to fetch his bow. Back at Lobo, he stows his lance back in its holdster.
By the time he's back Jet has the rogue by the colar. "Ah, we are finally getting somewhere," he says and stands by to give support if needed.
OOC: DM's, there wasn't any response from Lollena and Pliny about a dawn wedding. If you could post something that thread can be closed. Otherwise I'll assume Alexi never proposed it in the first place just to keep the flow coherent.
OOC: Treasue. The treasure list, was that from all five captives? Is the list of all their weapons and armor still coming? Wido had chain, how bad is it damaged? etc. etc. What did the sorcerer have? Too bad he won't have a spell book. :(
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace d20+9=28 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=22 ; Saturday June 21st, 2008 7:07:13 AM
Since the group is having a meal first, Fatine instead sits with the rest of them and munches on some hardtack from one of her beltpouches.
While she eats, she examines the five vials, attempting to discern their contents. She is able to figure out what two of them are, but is frustrated by the remaining three.
[spellcraft checks to identify potions (DC 25), 28, 12, 26, 12, 22 - assuming they are potions and not alchemical]
"Maybe one o' dee priests can figure out dese tree here," she says, the annoyance evident in her tone.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Saturday June 21st, 2008 9:37:26 AM
With the stress of the battle now gone but the excess adrenalline still not dissipated, Alexi feels in a friendly joking mood and replies to Fatine, "One o' dem rogues hinted dat sum o' dees potions be healing potions," Alexi says trying to immitate Fatine's accent in a friendly manner. "We culd ask dem which ones, but I wuldn't trust him." Smiling he continues back in his own speach, "Of course, we could ask the unconscious one, he's not likely to lie to us, eh? They are all bound to do something good, but if you turn into a giant woman, we can tell the folks how Fatine The Giantess dealt with these kidnappers single handed. Hahahaha."
"Er, sorry Fatine, no offense taken I hope? Please?" he says pleadingly.
Jet/ The word of flower Second/third/or fourth attempt. Sunday June 22nd, 2008 3:36:09 AM
Jet refuses any attempt at negotiating on the subject of a prearranged marriage. "When Flower her self says it's time, for the couples requests, only then will it be accepted".
His eyes show a blank space as if he is not present to his current responses, and that a feminine nature has taken a hold to his most masculine nature.
It is again he shakes his head in a feral nature and looks to the others as if he asked them a question?
What?
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Sunday June 22nd, 2008 3:14:40 PM
OOC: What pre-arranged marriage. The conversation was between Alexi and the couple while Jet was busy doing something else and to my knowledge no one else is aware of the suggestion. A Listen check from everyone might do the trick but no one said they were trying then and it would be too late to try now. If the couple do come to Jet for his blessing in the morning at the current meadow as Alexi proposed, what will he do? Don't they have a right to choose when and where they want to get married? Is Jet going to say NO, got word from my god that you can't today? Hmmm....
But at this point, since the two haven't said anything... I'm guessing they'll just smile patiently at Alexi's excited suggestion, pat him on the shoulder and say something wise, then go with the leader's orders.
Jet ooc Sunday June 22nd, 2008 6:52:18 PM
OOC Uh, yep, Jet might just say no, if their reasons as you put it, was for Mavitius to watch. They asked him if he would do it when they arrive in Bryn Baraz and that he agreed to.
Not only that, but Jet intimidated Pliney before they left and Jet wanted to have a heart to heart with the man and apologize to him for doing it. They may not want him performing the wedding any more. I don't know?
Mikal Sunday June 22nd, 2008 9:49:23 PM
OOC: Sorry for being absent since wendsday. I had to help a friend move, and got caught up in all the surrounding stuff.
I'm back on track now. I'll read up and get ready for monday's post.
Mikal - Addendum Sunday June 22nd, 2008 9:53:22 PM
OOC: Thought I'd post something afterall >>
Mikal watches over the injured, keeping quiet to himself as he says a prayer for the departed.
"Alemi please find forgiveness for those who have died today."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Sunday June 22nd, 2008 11:00:41 PM
OOC: Ah, I see. I (player) wasn't aware of the request. So all the DMs need to do is have Pliny tell Alexi that they had already had made plans, in a more happier and festive time, not while trampeling on bloody grass and dead bodies still to be buried.
DM Bob and Carla Sunday June 22nd, 2008 11:36:46 PM Beren dishes out a warm meal for his friends, and then tidies up the camp, while Mikal keeps vigil over the unconscious rogue Jael. Suggesting that the kidnappers have gotten off too easy, Fatine consoles herself with trying to figure out what the various potions are. In addition to the 5 taken from Mavitus, there are another 5 collected for 10 in total.
7 vials are identical, and a quick sniff reveals them to be potions of curing. One is slightly more potent than the other 6. (6 CLW, 1 CMW). Mavitus also had a vial with 1 dose of Elixir of Love and a vial of Elexir of Sneaking. The final vial contains an ounce of Potion of Haste.
Caelnin continues to befriend the gentle grey mare, and decides he will claim her as his own. Now he should be able to keep up with the group on future missions. Anrete bolts a quick meal, anxious to be moving on.
Pliny bashfully thanks Alexi for the offer of an early wedding, but declines. Though he wouldn't mind having the job done sooner rather than later, the girl wants a proper wedding, and has been working on a special dress for the occasion. The Fist banters with the witch, and thanks the masked elf for the food, while he waits for Jet to finish with the kidnappers.
Jet worries that the kidnappers might not appreciate the mercy they have been shown. He questions the rogue with the missing teeth regarding the gold Mavitus had bought them with. "What about Jael?" the man wines, "are you just going to let 'im die? An' the 'orses! We gots to 'ave 'orses! Two anyways. For me an' Jael!" Regardless, the man's eyes give him away, as he looks past Jet's shoulder, and up into the branches of the great tree.
Alexi hears the rogue's pleas and chuckles a little with the knowledge that Jet has his hands full in dealing with these rogues. "Two horses, my foot!" he mumbles. "One! And that's to carry this Jael," he opines as he watches the interrogation some 10 feet to Jet's side. "And Jael will be just fine, as long as you don't drop him. His wounds are patched and shouldn't bleed anymore as long as he gets a lot of rest and care."
Beren (AC 18, HP 11/16 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d8=1 ; d8=6 ; d20=17 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=12 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 1:22:17 PM
Beren has offered healing twice to those who need it. His offer was not taken up, so he drinks the potion himself. (die roller rolled twice, ignore second roll darn it--heal 1 point of damage).
Beren watching the interrogation notices the direction the rogue glanced, and goes to investigate the tree. (search 17 + Can't remember my modifier at the moment and don't have access to it, but 17 shuld be enough to find something) :o)
spot 28 listen 12 The elf continues to watch and wait after his search.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 7) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Monday June 23rd, 2008 2:14:34 PM
"Anrete! Check out that tree please! You can climb better then us I assume?" he yells to the rogue and points in that direction.
Sorry, have to run for work, will finish posts later.
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace d20+9=16 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=25 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 2:52:22 PM
While Alexi jokes with her, Fatine's hand glides to one of the dolls hanging from her waist. The raven lands on her shoulder, and she stops, turning her head to look at it. The bird squawks a few times.
"Maybe jus' turn dee hair pink? . . . No . . . Fine. Stupid pidgin!" Turning back to Alexi, Fatine says, "Col say you jokin', say leave you alone. You lucky dis time," she finishes with a grin and a wink.
Fatine tries to decipher some of the scrolls, but without magic, she has a hard time, only able to figure out what one of them is.
"Why not we pack everyting up on dose dere horses, an' keep it all. We make a pretty copper sellin' all dat junk to dem dwarves."
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16) Monday June 23rd, 2008 4:53:59 PM
Getting used to and liking the horse, Caelnin says while patting the mare on the head "You're a nice girl, letting me get close and stuff... Next thing I have to do if give you a name. I don't know your name already, so I'll think of one while we are on the trip. Is that okay?"
Sorry, Couldn't think of what to write.
Mikal - Addendum d20+12=15 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 7:50:58 PM
Mikal continues to watch over the man he rescued from the brink of death. Making sure that his patient stays alive.
OOC: Heal check 15 for long term care.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 16) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) d8=2 ; d8=7 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 7:57:58 PM
Jet looks back at the rogue that asked if he would just let his friend die, he puts his finger to his chin as if to ponder before responding, "You anticipate living? You attacked us in cold blood after I gave you a chance to surrender and you expect mercy? No, I think Ebyeron will be as just with you as you expect. I cut your boots to keep you from being able to run and you believe I would give you a horse?" Jet laughs and pushes the rogue away to roll around on the ground, to keep him from stealing a weapon or something, just in case. "Your lord over there made a choice in his justice, I anticipate it was the wrong one, but what do I know, really?"
"Alexi, drink that potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. When everyone else is feeling better, then I too will have some healing."
Jet finally sits down and has a bite to eat. Pretty good for hot and on the road. He stands and looks over Bantom's wound and spits toward Wido. "Don't worry boy, I'll take care of you tomorrow after I praise the gods. You can last till then I think, painful as your wound may be." He drinks two of the light wounds potions.
He loads up everything they have recently earned from the group of kidnappers and looks to his comrades. "Do any of you really want to leave them a horse? If so raise your hand, majority says we leave them one." Jet visibly does not raise a hand and is willing to let the trial by nature begin for the last three. He believes Lollena and Pliney have a say, if they want one.
ooc: So at this point, the only thing from the list of treasure they are keeping is Mavitus's family signet ring. After we get the gold from the tree. Maybe three or four tindertwigs.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP8/21) d20+4=22 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+7=23 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 9:21:12 PM
Giving Jet a shrug, the agile human scampers up the tree and searches through the foliage, as droplets of blood splatters from his wound.
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 16) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27)OOC Monday June 23rd, 2008 9:49:07 PM
OOC: You could have quaffed a potion or two first, before climbing the tree, lol. I said Jet would have others drink them before himself.
DM Bob and Carla Monday June 23rd, 2008 11:42:41 PM Jet finishes his interrogation of the rogue, while a taciturn Mavitus remains sullen and tightlipped. With guidance from Jet and Beren, Anrete is able to locate a saddlebag draped over a branch in the tree. The nimble barbarian scampers down safely with the heavy load.*
Alexi is encouraged to quaff a potion taken from the kidnappers, and it is suggested to others that they do the same in preparation for the trip to join the caravan. Fatine and Caelnin ready themselves and the horses for the ride through the night, loading any collected loot on the kidnappers horses in preparation for departure.
Pliny helps outfit Lollena with some spare breaches and a tunic, and then gives the seamstress a boost onto one of the spare horses. Pliny suggests that one horse, the plain brown one that was missing a shoe, be left with the kidnappers. Though it had been healed of its lameness, it couldn't be pushed hard like the others.
Mikal does what he can for the unconscious Jael, then leaves the kidnappers huddled in the gloom by the remains of the small campfire. He joins his companions as they make their way through the clearing and towards the forest road that will lead them through the Crying Woods towards the wagons approximately 20 miles ahead.
There is sufficient moonlight to see the route and perhaps certain landmarks, however a low lying mist rising from the ground obscures details of the road.
Fatine was able to identify Spider Climb
*600 GP
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+5=17 ; d20+5=24 ; Monday June 23rd, 2008 11:49:11 PM
Alexi thinks he heard Fatine say something about minks, "Turn me into a mink?" he whispers, then scuttles off to help gather the horses.
Handle Animal d20+5 = 17
Alexi helps gather the rest of the horses, letting Caelnin take care of his new one. Alexi helps saddle them up and load up the gathered gear.
Alexi takes the potion from Jet and looks at it pensively. "Hmmm... I may get thirsty later. I will trust the gods for healing for now. I should do fine until we reach the caravan, unless we find some more dire weasels."
Alexi raises his hand to leave them a horse. "Believe me when I say this, but I really would rather not, but I did consider that they could have done far worse at the camp than just kidnap Lollena. They could have killed a guard, or Pliny, but they did try to take her without harming anyone else. That's not saying much, but I'm not a god's Right Hand of Retribution. Toothless here can't take Jael on foot in his severly wounded state and it would take one of these potions to get him on his feet. Mavitus isn't going to help, I'm quite sure. Now, my experience tells me that one of these potions is more valuable than one horse. So that's my reasoning in giving a horse without saddle. The one missing a shoe. Toss in what's left of the rations they brought. If that's not enough to get back alive, then it's the gods doing, as Jet says. That's my humble opinion."
He picks up the tumbled Toothless and sets up again. "Look at this emblem real good," he says pointing to the Mailed Fist emblem on his breastplate. It sounded funny as it was dark, but the light of the cookfire was enough. "Do you recognize it? You'd better, because I have lots of friends that wear the same emblem. I will have a message sent back to Floating City with your descriptions. They see or hear of anyone in Dirt City making deals with this man," poiting to Mavitus, "they won't hold back a blade. Pass the word around."
Intimidate d20+5=24 (Yessss, now to be a fly on the wall in Dirt City, you never know...)
OOC: there are clerics back at the caravan that can heal us up good in a snap, so as long as nothing else happens to us on the way back, it's best save the potions to when you have a sword poking you and a cleric is just not quite close enough.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Monday June 23rd, 2008 11:50:53 PM
OOC: dang, when I refreshed DMs hadn't posted. When I posted there it was... sigh
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+1=20 ; d20+1=18 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+5=23 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 12:15:32 AM
Alexi is the last to leave the clearing and makes sure the ropes that bind the three are sufficiently loose enough that they can wiggle out of them after a short time if they put the effort in. He tries to make sure that Toothy's binds are less tight than Mavitus'.
Use rope d20+1= 20
"Remember what I said about the Mailed Fist," he yells as he gallops to catch up. Pulling up alongside the last in line he takes a deep breath, "Odd, seems like we've been here before," and smiles. The moonlight has a strange effect on Alexi and he feels a burst of energy despite the wound and tiredness.
"Lobo, keep attentive, it's a creepy night," he tells his horse.
Alexi Spot d20+1 = 18, Listen d20+1 = 21 (now why now? why not in battle? gack!)
Lobo Spot d20+4 = 24, Listen d20+5 = 23 (see? two N20's in a row! We are soooo wired for this night trip!)
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16) d20+7=20 ; d20+7=27 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 4:51:55 AM
While on the long trip back to the campsite, Caelnin thinks of some names to give his new horse. "Hmmm... How about 'iHuethira' which, in elven, means 'Horse Friend.' That should do for now."
"It's gonna be a big night, Hue. Let's see how you cope, or how I cope for that matter..." Caelnin sighs. He knows the night is gonna be long, he does his best to keep a lookout to make sure that nothing comes up that people should be worried about.
(Listen: 20, Spot: 27 (Another N20... The roller is being nice out of battle, ain't it?))
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Tuesday June 24th, 2008 8:43:47 AM
Fatine shrugs at the suggestion of horses. "I say dey walk. It do dem good to get dee exercise."
Seconding Alexi's comments, she says, "We have two clerics here, no? Save dose bottles til dey needed, and you two do your jobs," she points at Jet and Mikal. Turning to Alexi, she adds, "And stop getting hit by tings! Stupid men . . ." Fatine trails off, mumbling to herself as she walks over to her dogs, beginng another, quieter conversation with them.
Mikal d20+3=9 ; d3=2 ; d20+3=5 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 9:36:27 AM
Mikal follow behind the group, keeping his watch up in the back as usual.
Mikal keep to himself. Not wanting a conversation after today's deaths. unnessicary deaths always bugged him. He shook his head, no they wern't unnessicary, they were in self defense.
Mikal sighs deeply and hums a soft tune to himself.
OOC: Spot 9, Listen 5 that d3 was an accident.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17, HP8/21) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:43:48 AM
The jaundiced human stalks over to the pile of weapons and picked up the Wido's battleaxe. Flicking away the blood droplets, Anrete gave the axe a few test swing. "Nice blade. So are we going yet?"
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 16) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 2:34:32 PM
"Pliney, your a better man then me. If one of these scum had taken someone I loved like a wife, I'd stake them out in the sun for ant food." He pats the carpenter on the shoulder. Then, he turns to the kidnappers, "This man may have saved your life, I think you owe him a bit of thanks, though I doubt your capable of such words."
Jet is ready to leave and he wants to get at least ten miles away before they break a new camp. They will need rest, for the long day tomorrow to catch up to the train. Once on the road, he opens up his saddle packs and pulls out a iron rod with a gold tip. He strikes it against his chest and it illuminates the area, to help them see through the foggy mist obscuring the road.
Actions: Use Sunrod once mounted on the road.
DM Sanity note: Sunrod This 1-foot-long, gold-tipped, iron rod glows brightly when struck. It clearly illuminates a 30-foot radius and provides shadowy illumination in a 60-foot radius. It glows for 6 hours, after which the gold tip is burned out and worthless.
OOC: To DM's, Jet won a t-shirt and cure light wounds potion in the LnB a few weeks ago. I haven't updated my sheet to add that yet, but I will do that when I subtract the Sunrod.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 6:27:53 PM
Alexi laughs at Fatine's words about keeping from getting hit by things, "Yes, I'll remember your words AND quote them, next time Jet orders me to charge a giant."
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 16) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Second post d20+3=7 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 8:59:40 PM
In the light of the rod, Jets back is to most of the group as they plunge themselves into the darkness. The pounding hooves behind him prevents the fighter cleric from hearing Alexi's words to make a comment.
ooc: I was going to say something else, but then I thought, there's a chance I couldn't hear what you said. :)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:23:07 PM
OOC: with a 7 and Alexi being in the back, yeah, maybe not. :) Good try though.
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:24:52 PM
As the party takes to the road, Jet lights a sunrod. The device illuminates the area around the human and the others follow carefully behind. Anrete admires the war axe taken from the big human, while Caelnin speaks softly with the grey mare. His conversation is a little one sided, but the mare does twitch her ears when the archer suggests a rather elegant elvish name. Fatine and Alexi discuss the merits of different forms of healing, with the witch suggesting the fighter try to avoid getting hit altogether.
Mikal brings up in the rear, musing over the days events, and watching the party's back trail. A little farther ahead, Caelnin sees naught but some small nocturnal creatures as they flee the light and dive into the ditches or hedgerows at the side of the road. A "Who, who? Who, who?" is all hears, but it turns out to only be a large owl that witnesses their passage by.
Beren (AC 18, HP 12/16 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+2=8 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+9=14 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 4:04:41 PM
OOC--Internet is down at my place for some reason. I kept hoping it would come back so I could post last night, but it didn't. Posting from the library today.
Beren does not vote on the horse issue. It is never wise to leave an enemy alive behind you, but the gods might favor the group for their mercy.
He takes the lead in the group, scouting the trail ahead for a decent defensible camp spot. He does not trust these men even in defeat and injury. Once camp is found, he will volunteer for first watch, and watches double before waking anyone else if possible.
spot 24 listen 14 ignore first roll--wrong modifier.
Caelnin (AC: 16, HP 13/16) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 4:55:27 PM
Caelnin rides on without a complaint, He could go on for a while, but he notes that the bunch is mainly human, thus needing a lot more sleep than he will ever need.
Caelnin yawns. "hmmm... Are you guys feeling tired yet? I wouldn't mind taking a break and gaining energy for the next trial of getting back to the caravan in time. We have been riding for a few hours now, and concentration wanes slightly when tired...."
Jet (AC: 18, HP: 16) Bantom (AC: 16 without barding, W/ Shield of Faith, HP: 27) Second post d20+7=21 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:11:35 PM
Jet relies on his survival skills as well, to determine a safe and defensible location to rest for the evening. He is very much more at ease knowing the group is successful and away from those that presented the danger to Lollena.
Once the site is found, he dismounts from the back of Bantom and unstraps his saddle, letting it fall to the ground. "You are one handsome animal", he lovengly tells his steed. Bantoms ribs heave at the work he has been through today, The stallion also begins to relax. "We can likely catch the caravan tomorrow evening at the latest." He begins to rub down the long, strong flanks of the war beast.
He gets an area set up to light a fire and pours just a dab of oil on the side to help it start. He uses good old flint and tinder to get the fire going.
"I'll take third then, I need to get some sleep straight through. Anyone mind if I wear our new chain mail for pajamas, so I might get some real rest, yet wake armored, just in case?"
Survival: 21
Mikal Wednesday June 25th, 2008 9:53:59 PM
Mikal quietly nods at the decisions made.
"I'll take the pre-dawn watch. So I may pray to Alemi for guidance in the day's events."
Mikal sets up his bedroll and removes his armor for the night. Curling up and going to sleep without any more word.
Fatine [AC 18, HP 10/10] Dogs [AC 16, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor, Entropic Shield, Cat's Grace Wednesday June 25th, 2008 10:28:52 PM
Fatine is mostly quiet along the ride. Having pulled an all-nighter for Tarketh the night before, and ridden most of the day, she is quite exhausted, and barely takes the time to lay out her bedroll before falling asleep.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:9/25) Lobo (AC: 14, HP:37/37) d20+1=8 ; d20+1=8 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 10:35:04 PM
OOC: DMs may correct me but I'm thinking that by the time we get to a camp site and make camp, our normal Watch 1 will be over. So our watches tonight may be shorter it we keep to the norm, or normal length if we double up some.
IC: Alexi volunteers to take the second watch. Once camp is made, he tends to Lobo first, then removes his armor and has Mikal look at his wound. "I can't very well clean and bandage it myself, can you do me the favor?" (OOC: just bandage wound for now)
In the pale light he inspects his breast plate for the damage and mutters, "Gonna have to get the blacksmith to fix these dents sometime". But for now, the dents mean status!
At his watch, with armor back on, he does the best he can under the circumstances. If all goes well the rest of the night he sleeps soundly, even snoring occasionally until a poke does the trick to silence him.
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