DM Jan Friday February 1st, 2008 11:47:13 AM
There is an odd sensation, like cold drifting through the bones, and the scene changes. Cold gives way to warmth and sunlight as the whole group (Ingrge, too) find themselves once more outside the palace. It is a scene of ruin - a mostly demolished palace, two enormous, dead red dragons, and a ten foot diameter garden if beautiful white flowers where Parnoth was last seen.
However, all the townspeople are out, and to a man, woman and child, are hurrying past, all chattering excitedly about treasure.
All of them are moving - those able to do so are running - toward the north west, where Parnoth's lair is.
Falin Friday February 1st, 2008 11:55:12 AM
"I hate to sound greedy, but maybe we or some other appointed person should make sure that Parnoths treasure is utilized wisely for the betterment of the forest and its people."
He looks at all the women and children running by. "And I am sure that Parnoth laid booby traps all over that would kill almost all of these citizens."
Lian Friday February 1st, 2008 1:46:50 PM
"I have to agree with Falin on this one! Traps, monsters, all sorts of nasties."
"Maybe we should the rings and teleport to the lair as soon as possible! Cut off the populace. We can promise as Dragons to give them their fair and equal shares. Riots and murder will follow if any civilian makes it there before us. With any luck, Parnoth's treasure will have melted into the earth when he died or was taken."
Brother Bertram Friday February 1st, 2008 1:50:46 PM
Bertram, the smile still fresh upon his face, notices everyone scurrying about only in the most distracted way. He looks down at the unblinking Eye of Gargul, traced onto his hand by the God himself, and then slowly becomes more aware of what is going on around him.
Athalorn Friday February 1st, 2008 2:32:51 PM
The druid rubs his eyes in the stark daylight, a contrast to the dark journey he has just taken. He follows the others towards the lair, but stands near Gunther, holding his arm and pulling him to one side.
"My friend, I don't know what to say. That was clearly not easy for you, and yet you came for me. I feel.... different, somehow."
Lian Friday February 1st, 2008 3:51:40 PM
"We always feel different coming out of that situation.
Now, not to overshadow this huge and important experience for you Athalorn, Bert, but snap out of it. We have to protect the civilians from themselves."
(OOC: Still curious about this scaly patch. It can't just be for mundane show! Does it have its own pulse? Is it part, but yet separate from Lian? Parasitic? How large?)
The monk pulls his gloves tighter over his scaly hand, almost self-conscious of it.
Donna~ Is Ceil alright? We're starting to be come concerned. She isn't posting regularly in the LnB or Chosen apparently. Jay
Ingrge Friday February 1st, 2008 5:53:33 PM
Smiling to himself as they reappear and see the amsses rushing toward Parnoth's lair, he chuckles outloud as he thinks of the surprises waiting for any who get there and try to find a way in.
At Falin's and Lian's comments Ingrge snickers.
" It would serve anyone that stupid or greedy right if they got fried by one of Parnoth's traps, but I will be surprised if any can actually get inside."
Lian Saturday February 2nd, 2008 11:16:26 AM
"Though, we SHOULD protect the innocent or something, right?" Nudges the weapon mage. "Right?!"
Brother Bertram Sunday February 3rd, 2008 5:30:57 PM
Bertram hears Lian's voice and for a moment a frown crosses his countenance. "I think I am quite aware of how to protect civilians after all this time, Friend Lian." He shakes his head and moves over away from the others and sits down, taking a moment to light his pipe, puffing at the fragrant weed and watching the scurry of townsfolk overcome with unbridled greed.
Lian Monday February 4th, 2008 12:17:03 PM
He sits by his grumpy dwarven peer. "Look, all I was saying was 'we need to get a move on' and all you guys were doing was staring." He snickers. "Come on! You know I was joking!" He looks at the retreating crowd and his face slackens a bit. "Sheesh. You'd think after all they have been through, they'de avoid that Lair."
Brother Bertram Monday February 4th, 2008 7:11:12 PM
Bertram listens distractedly to Lian, his mind miles away wondering how Bella is faring. He really should write her another letter and tell her what occured with Friend Athalorn. He puffs his pipe and lets his mind wander, glad for a moment to be able to simply rest.
K'Nara Monday February 4th, 2008 8:16:43 PM
Relieved to see that Athalorn is once more among the living, the tall chestnut-maned woman embraces the druid in a heart-felt hug, then notes the stampede of people heading for the lair of the ex-Tyrant of the Emerald Kingdom.
"They aren't greedy so much as eager to get what they can and feed their families with it." K'Nara opines out loud. "Parnoth's taxes tended to make it rather hard to buy things like food, you know."
Falin Monday February 4th, 2008 8:40:51 PM
"So, who do we put in power now? I don't think we are the divinitve experts, but I think we should pick the interim person until the kingdom picks their person." Then with a devilish look, "We could put in a caretaker until we retire and then we run it."
DM Jan Monday February 4th, 2008 10:58:41 PM But I don't know what happens now. I am too scared to close my eyes. VNV Nation - Legion.
And so, as the entire town virtually empties itself and folk dash up the hill toward Parnoth's lair, the group find themselves wondering on their next course of action. Some decisions are more immediate than others, and there's quite a list:
Parnoth's treasure - is it safe? Why is Ingrge so confident? How should it be distributed? Two dead red dragons - disposal? Skins? City governance - will the townsfolk be able to figure this out? Kingdom security - are the borders secure? Osto - how does the town of villains figure into the equation. Parnoth's grave - should it be left? Guarded? Desecrated?
Athalorn's dire wolf appears to have wandered off, back up into Culverwood.
Beneath Lian's scaly scar, sections of his tattoo can be seen, that suggest it is still operative. As for the green scar's influence on the elf - part dragon, part Culverwood, maybe that's where the answer lies.
((OOC - folks I'm trying to get our XPs and treasure amounts sorted. Jerry's ill right now, so give me another day or so.))
Athalorn Tuesday February 5th, 2008 1:24:39 AM
Abashed by the attention of Olana and K'Nara, Athalorn smiles.
"I feel well, friend Olana. Though i feel ... different somehow. My magic seems weaker, and all these creatures I have met over the years; I sense them within me somehow, like an empathy perhaps. I don't know, I am just grateful that you came for me. Until the great Wood is safe, i could not rest."
"Let us go into the lair. The treasure will need dividing, and the people keeping safe. They are hungry and desperate, and some of Parnoth's coin might buy them food. Then we can begin discussing politics."
He sighs; politics had never been his thing. He heads toward Parnoths lair, entering carefully unless Ingrge warns him of known alarms.
Falin Tuesday February 5th, 2008 6:03:53 AM
Falin watches the crowd continue to run by. He understands their need to provide for their families, at least he guesses that is what most of them are trying to do.
Falin jogs up to where Athalorn is and clasps him on the shoulder. "It is good to have you back friend." Falin's smile beams.
OOC: Jan - If you want just roll a 1d6 + 2 and that can be the number of levels we all boost ;)
Athalorn Tuesday February 5th, 2008 12:12:25 PM
The druid smiles at Falin's remark, clasping his arm in return "Friend Falin. We have not known each other long, and so you have my eternal gratitude. Tis a strange journey that I undertook, like I was lost and being carried in a great river. I hope it will be some time before I repeat it."
Lian Tuesday February 5th, 2008 12:13:31 PM
The elf absently rubs the patch on the back of his hand, thinking. He glances at the patch of white flowers where Parnoth now, apparently, lays.
"I think he cursed me."
K'Nara Tuesday February 5th, 2008 6:44:27 PM
K'Nara grins back at Athalorn and nods agreement.
"We all know that Parnoth was the kind who planned for almost every contingency in existence--and likely many that none of us had ever thought of--so we'd probably best get over to the lair if only to keep people from killing themselves over the odd coin or two."
Ingrge Tuesday February 5th, 2008 7:08:35 PM
Well if we want to beat everyone up there I guess we should all grab the ring and go.
DM Jan Tuesday February 5th, 2008 11:31:11 PM
So, the group teleport and find themselves inside Parnoth's lair.
The entrance is blocked utterly, stopping anyone from the outside from getting in, and the interior is dark and shadowy. The only light comes from a sputtering torch here and there that could have been lit ages and ages ago, that highlight the ENORMOUS pile of coins in the centre of the cavern.
No sound can be heard coming from the outside.
Gunther Tuesday February 5th, 2008 11:32:10 PM
Still shaken from the encounter with Gargul and completely and utterly out of his league with the current political situation, Gunther tags along beside Athalorn and K'nara, though he does eye the dragon hide. He quries Ingrge. "Dat hide vould make goot armor for Athalorn... But I don't vant to drag it all de vay home. I have potions vich vill preserve it, but can you come up vith a vay to transport it ven ve leave?"
OOC: I am really sorry for the missed posts. I had a lot of computer, house and RL issues.
Falin Wednesday February 6th, 2008 4:42:22 AM
Falin looks around the lair of the once great dragon and lets his mouth hang open for a minute. "I knew he had alot in here, but you are still never able to really take it all in when you see it. There is just so much wealth here. You have to wonder how many peoples lives lay in this heap. How many dreams and futures lay here." He lowers his face into his hands for a moment as it all sinks in. He looks up with anew level of resolve and determination on his face.
"You know dispersing this to the populace will be difficult. Each are going to think they are entitled to more than they get. There is a very real chance of fights breaking out."
Brother Bertram Wednesday February 6th, 2008 10:25:15 AM
Bertram is transported in with the others, his vision quickly adapting to the semi-darkness. He looks around at the wealth usurped from so many people. He begins walking around carefully looking to see what might be found in here besides coin.
Lian Wednesday February 6th, 2008 12:26:11 PM
"Can an illusion be strong enough to conceal this? Or maybe transmute a stone facade blocking the gold, creating a 'false wall'."
Athalorn Wednesday February 6th, 2008 12:53:03 PM
Helps Bertram look around, his adaptable eyes quickly adjusting to the changing light. turning to Gunther. "It would be a waste if we do not do something with those skins, though you have already crafted me a fine suit, which I am waiting to have enchanted, friend."
Ingrge Wednesday February 6th, 2008 6:05:11 PM
Looking around with a grin on his face, he turns to the others. "Well it looks like noone is getting in here other than us anytime soon. I wounder how all this happened?"
Hearing Falin's comments He repsonds as well.
"I think dispersing a lot of this to the populace would be a great thing. Kind of like a reverse tax. And yes it will be difficult, but I believe it must be done."
"Gunther, I do believe I can get the hise whereever you want it, but you'll have to skin it here first."
K'Nara Wednesday February 6th, 2008 6:13:28 PM
The blade singer's hazel eyes take in the huge hoard of wealth and she sighs.
"How...sad." K'Nara says pityingly. "Parnoth had all this gold...and all it's doing is just sitting here. In the end, his trove did absolutely nothing to extend his life or make things better--not even for himself." The leader of the Emerald Dragons turns to her colleagues.
"Now that we have a relatively private moment, I can let you all know what I had always been thinking of doing when Parnoth got defeated: I wanted to make Ingrge the ruler of the Emerald Kingdom." K'Nara pauses, catching sight of the look on the less-than-thrilled weapon mage's face, shooting him a grin before continuing: "However...as I'm pretty sure that Ingrge would instantly retaliate with a well-aimed fireball, that wouldn't be such a good idea. I believe that we should now advocate that the citizens of the Emerald Kingdom should enact a democratic government, like the one they had in place the last time they needed to run the country in Parnoth's absence. What do you all say to this idea..?"
Gunther Thursday February 7th, 2008 12:14:22 AM
Eying the gold, Gunther sighs. He remembers the last time they had defeat a dragon and raided it's hoard...the elation and excitement it had brought. But it wasn't like that this time. No, this was a life time of misery and injustice all bundled up into a nice neat pile of gold coins. With a start, the warrior shakes his head. Where had that thought come from??
Gunther listens carefully as K'nara lays out her plan. "Let de people choose dere leader..." the idea is a very novel one to the orc born human. Usually things like this were handled with a nice normal brawl in the Grell clan. His eyebrows nit in contemplation. "Ummmm...I guess dat vould be ok."
Noting the grin on his face, she then sidles over to Ingrge. "What have you been up to?" she asks, puzzled.
DM Jan Thursday February 7th, 2008 1:34:24 AM
As K'Nara brings up the subject of governance, Bert, Athalorn and Milo take a look around the cavern. legend has it that dragons had all kinds of things in their treasure trove, some liked gems, others liked coins, some liked fine art, it was even rumoured that one treasure trove had been composed of thousands of pairs of ladies shoes. As for Parnoth, the green dragon was obviously a coin collector. This is the biggest mound of gold coins that the group have ever seen. Small dense ones, large fine, flat ones, some stamped with faces or scenes or plants, some have numbers or the names of places on them, but basically, what we have here - are coins, coins, and nothing but coins.
The dragon skins need dealing with before they spoil. It'll take a two man team two days to get the skins off properly and back to base.
There doesn't appear to be any immediate threat of the locals finding their way into the lair, so the money is secure for now. A likely method of wealth distribution might be a good thing to think about.
As for the governance, Emerald is probably like any other City - if left to its own devices, it'll sort itself out one way or another, unless the group really feels the need to intervene. The larger dangers are more likely to involve outsiders.
Falin Thursday February 7th, 2008 2:18:20 AM
"Should we tell someone that Parnoth is dead? Like the dragon consortium or some other such group?"
Falin keeps moving around just looking, not touching.
Lian Thursday February 7th, 2008 10:54:12 AM
"Telling the Consortium is pointless, since we are pretty much the whole consortium currently and we sort of know he's dead. And I'm sure the Plats already know somehow."
Frowning, the elf continues. "There is going to a clammer when some other rulers find out he's dead. A push to take this prime piece of realestate."
He looks at Ingrge, then back to KNara. "While I think Ingrge would make a wonderful and compassionate leader..." He chokes. "... I think we need someone on the 'throne' that can be neutral and easily manipulated when needed (by us! and no one else), someone of shrewd and spineless character that will be a face of the people but a silent character. Someone we know to be good when he needs to be and subtle with plans. Sneaky but not shady. We need - - -" He pauses for the effect. "... Mop." There is no humor here. He his completely serious. "No, really, the populace may not like him because of his association with Ol' Greenie, but no ruler is completely liked. All we need is someone to moderate for now and maintain order while we put things into place for the new government. Plus, I hate to say it, but he has knowledge we don't about the goings-on of the City. He knows the details."
"Then there is always Milo." He winks at Olana and looks around for the halfling. "Just like him to run off." He smirks.
He ponders something momentarily. "Parnoth's throne should be removed and destroyed as a symbol that that type of rule won't be tolerated."
Athalorn Thursday February 7th, 2008 11:50:06 AM
"I will help you with the hide Gunther, and we can return to the tower when we are done?"
He marvels at Lian's idea. A puppet on the throne of the Kingdom? Interesting. But would there be other puppeteers?
Brother Bertram Thursday February 7th, 2008 2:28:54 PM
Bertram listens to the others speak of picking a leader for the Kingdom much like it was deciding what was for lunch. He had no idea who was fit so he offered no opinion on the subject. One thing though had to be said out loud, "Whoever you decide to put on the throne, The suffering and slavery of the Elves stops today. No matter what the townspeople think of the idea." Having said all he really cared to say on the subject, Bertram found a nice spot on top of a pile of ancient coins and again resumed contemplating the smoke arising from his pipe.
Lian Thursday February 7th, 2008 3:03:40 PM
"I agree wholeheartedly Bert AND I will send for my parents if they still live and they will come live in the city. Dad won't like leaving the vineyard but things change."
K'Nara (again) Thursday February 7th, 2008 5:57:52 PM
"Remember, Lian," K'Nara reminds him, "We are probably the premiere active members of the Consortium...but not the only ones. And now that I've been reminded..." The human blade singer brings her right hand up to her mouth, speaking into the Ring of Communication so that everyone who possesses any such similar ring will hear her next words:
"This is K'Nara Illutu, leader of the Emerald Dragons...this is to let everyone in the Consortium know that the Emerald Kingdom is finally a nation freed from the tyranny of Parnoth the Green, and that the Emerald Dragons pledge themselves to the safety and security of all of its people."
Gunther Thursday February 7th, 2008 10:35:34 PM
The warrior nods at Athalorn. "Den as soon as ve leave, ve vill get to vork..." The warrior taps his chin thoughtfully. "I tink I know somevon else dat ve can gift vith dragon hide...somevon who needs to remember who his friends are...and how powerful dey are." Gunther lets the others mull through the ramifications of the future leader of the Emerald Kingdom. For now, he knows that his roll in this whole mess is to make sure he contacts Borden as soon as possible and make sure of his allegiances.
Ingrge Thursday February 7th, 2008 11:19:42 PM
Looks over at Olanna with an innocent hurt look on his face, as if to say would I do anything?
That look rapidly disappears as Knara starts in about Ingrge becoming King , even in jest. His look gets even more direct as Mop's name is brought forward.
Ruling council of elders, human dwarven and elven with any one or all of us as the fail safe. Let things settle a while then and see what we see.
Athalorn Friday February 8th, 2008 4:23:54 AM
The druid considers trying to make contact with his elders at the Sacred Circle, with whom he had not spoken for many years. But they would have sensed Parnoth's death, and the forest would have relayed its own message.
The druid sits near Bertram, leaving the priest some space, and contemplates the implications for the Culverwood.
Lian Friday February 8th, 2008 10:41:57 AM
"Who else is part of the Consortium? I don't remember initiating anyone. I know your probably right, but I can't remember anyone else. The Grey Knights and who else?"
(Rolling in the LnB for hit points, updated Lian posted here in Post Name)
Ingrge Saturday February 9th, 2008 9:05:29 AM
Well I expect Sturtevant needs to know.
Brother Bertram Saturday February 9th, 2008 10:29:58 AM
Bertram turns regarding his druidic friend. "Friend Athalorn, I am glad you are returned to us, but yet grieve for what I know you had to give up to return. Yet I am gladdened to have you back."
Gunther Sunday February 10th, 2008 10:28:16 PM
As he continues to ruminate his imminent trip to Izen, Gunther moves over to where Athalorn and Bertram are sitting. "Broders...it is a goot day to be alive. Ve should not spend our time cooped up here. Let us go out and breath de air of freedom vile ve get our exercise."
Athalorn Monday February 11th, 2008 8:55:52 AM
The druid smiles, Bertram's words and Gunther's incessant good spirit warming his blood, cold after his recent journey through Woldsblood. "Indeed you are right. Let us take a wander to the courtyard and see if those Corpses are still getting in the way."
DM Jan Monday February 11th, 2008 10:59:19 AM
((Woah - sorry about the missed post of Friday, folks. Got caught up in all the OOC, character sheets and wotnot, talked to Jerry, too))
The message goes out far and wide - to the Consortium, to major city leaders; it echoes through the leafy glades, drifts through the weed-choked swamps, and blows through the mountain passes. It brings a smile to some faces, introspection to others, and a few frowns.
The treasure safe for the moment, and the townspeople outside (with the exception of a few) are in too high a mood to get all twisted about the fact that the treasure is locked up, locked in - or hey maybe it never existed at all. They'll get by like they always did, only this time they have a chance at flourishing now they're out from under the iron rod of Parnoth's rule.
When the group leave the lair, they find everyone in a party mood. "We're having a celebration! The Heated Cross, by the river! Tonight!" the townspeople announce. "And we want you to be the guests of honor!"
Lian Monday February 11th, 2008 2:57:51 PM
Hearing about the party, the elf looks at the civilians and shakes his head. "You celebrate the death of one of the Wold's great creatures. Tyrant or not, Parnoth was and is part of the Wold."
Brother Bertram Monday February 11th, 2008 6:41:52 PM
Bertram thanks the townspeople graciously and agrees to attend, gladdened to see thier happiness.
K'Nara Monday February 11th, 2008 9:10:04 PM
The tall redhead smirks a bit.
"Any excuse for a party, eh?" she says and chuckles. "I like that way of thinking! Sounds like a date!"
Athalorn Tuesday February 12th, 2008 3:01:02 AM
"We would be honored to attend the party. We need to relax for a while."
Athalorn's thoughts go to his old companion. Returned to the Culverwood no doubt, and perhaps for the best.
Gunther Tuesday February 12th, 2008 8:10:16 AM
The warrior grins at all the smiling people. It was good to see them happy at last. And a party of the people...now that was one party he'd be happy to attend. No stuffy fancy clothes, no speeches...he could finally just be himself.
Heading over to the dragon corpses, Gunther sets about the process of removing the hides. Sure it's a messy business, but then again, he always liked that kind of work anyway.
Olana Tuesday February 12th, 2008 11:40:47 AM
Olana is glad to be out of that awful cave, the scene from many an oppressive visit with the almighty green one.
A party? Why not. She smiles at Milo. A party would be good.
Falin Tuesday February 12th, 2008 1:19:36 PM OOC: Updated CS is in the link above
"Anyplace has got to be better than staying in here. And a party sounds even better." Says the elf with a smile across his face. "Maybe it will be just what the doctor ordered."
DM Jan Tuesday February 12th, 2008 11:24:42 PM
And so the day rolls on. By twilight - one of the dragon's skins has been retrieved. It has been dirty work, and whoever works on it will need a good scrub if they're going to be presentable for a party.
There's talk in the square about what to do about the palace, whether to leave it and use another building, or re-build the partially demolished structure.
Some of the elven archers have taken it in turns to stand guard at the circular flower garden that signifies Parnoth's final resting place.
As night falls, music can be heard coming from the direction of the Heated Cross by the river, and there is a string of bright lanterns heading toward it from the main street.
K'Nara Tuesday February 12th, 2008 11:28:40 PM
K'Nara stands for a moment, staring down at the golden dragon-shaped prosthetic still clutched in her hand...who would have thought that the Great Green Tyrant would have come to such an end--and yet, how appropos it was that the Culverwood itself be the one to vanquish the ancient drake. Parnoth had been responsible for so much misery and destruction to not only the elven-blooded of the Kingdom, but the vast forest primeval that was the Culverwood as well.
"I truly do hope you end up exactly where you deserve to be, o Savior of the Wold." she says in an ironic whisper to the artificial hand before absentmindedly stowing it inside her haversack.
"We should probably make arrangements about harvesting whatever is wanted from the two red dragon bodies and then disposing of their remains." K'Nara says to the rest of the group. "I don't normally believe in trophies--but I think I'll make an exception in Nikolai's case...I'd like his head to hang over the main fireplace in the great hall of the castle." She looks at her comrades. "Unless there's somebody in our family who objects..?"
Athalorn Wednesday February 13th, 2008 2:52:12 AM
Athalorn wanders by himself across the bridge, drawn absentmindedly to the sweet music and sparkling lanterns. He muses to himself as he strolls, considering the strange feelings he has within him. Something was definitely... different. his magic seemed dimmer, and he couldn't remember the words to many of his spells. When he prayed later he would try and ask for guidance from the Culverwood.
For now, he enters the party with anticipation.
Brother Bertram Wednesday February 13th, 2008 1:24:38 PM
After making sure everything was in good hands around the corpses and that Mop's guards were taken care, Bertram followed the gaily light street leading to the Heated Cross. He could hear the townsfolk making merry long before he arrived. He smiled in spite of himself and joined them.
Lian Wednesday February 13th, 2008 2:47:47 PM
"A red dragon's head hanging over the hearth of the Emeralds castle..." The monk looks on with distaste but states no objection.
He looks at the great dragon tooth he's holding and smirks a bit. "A party huh? Might be fun after all." He tucks the tooth into his belt and joins the group.
"Don't we still have those Lyres of Building? We can use those to make repairs."
Falin Wednesday February 13th, 2008 3:29:51 PM
"Could we maybe have someone shrink his head and we put it in a jar?" Falin says thinking out loud.
At Lians suggestion about the building Falin adds, "Yeah, and the repairs would take only a few days."
K'nara Wednesday February 13th, 2008 3:53:00 PM
The chestnut-maned human hooks a companionable arm around Ingrge.
"Are you sure you wouldn't entertain the idea of being king...?" K'Nara teases the elven weapon mage. "Hey, I'm only asking because we both know that Caeryn would look just fabulous decked out in royal aubergine with a crown on her head..."
Ingrge Wednesday February 13th, 2008 9:31:25 PM
Looking back into Knara's eyes, Ingrge quickly responds. I'd consider it but my first act would be to appoint you as court jester and then put you incharge of personally reidistributing ALL of Parnoth's wealth to each individual in the Emerald Kingdon. And yes Caeryn would look love lovely deckey out in royal wear, ut then she looks lovely deck out in anything she chooses."
Still, if the others wanted to do it, then it wouldn't be the end of the world.
She looks forward to the party.
DM Jan Thursday February 14th, 2008 2:01:00 AM
The celebration, the party, isn't a particularly grand affair. No one is dressed in fancy clothes, or wearing expensive jewelry; there are no gold plated goblets and utensils, no ten course dinners, or MC's bellowing out announcements; there are no awards, no grand speeches.
Instead, this is a spontaneous affair, where bread has been hastily baked, and the best ale has been rolled out in kegs. Both elves and townsfolk have brushed themselves off, maybe hastily woven flowers in their hair, run a comb through tangled locks, and pulled off their aprons. Furniture has been dragged out of houses and set up in and around the Heated Cross tavern. Lanterns are strewn in an unruly manner here and there and everywhere, lighting up the area like a thousand fireflies.
The menu is plain and simple - ale, wine, savoury pies, bread, fruit, sweet cakes.
And when the group arrive they are welcomed with open arms and hugged and thanked. Some folk go as far as to burst into tears. It's like a huge burden has been lifted. Now there is hope, there is laughter, there is singing, there are children dashing in between the tables who have absolutely no real idea what it means but they're having fun and playing games.
It's late when the guards arrive - ten of them, and they dismount looking tired and weary, but above all, worry is etched firmly on their faces as they approach the group.
Athalorn Thursday February 14th, 2008 2:38:56 AM
This is just the kind of party Athalorn enjoys; no politics or diplomacy, no manners and etiquette. He allows himself to relax and enjoy himself, chatting with the common folk and telling stories of the Culverwood and its many denizens. He laughs with the children, and asks a young woman to dance to the airy music.
He considers the arrival of the guards a petty nuisance, and continues his dancing instead of talking with them, though he watches any discussion from the corner of his eye.
Falin Thursday February 14th, 2008 6:15:35 AM
Falin enjoys himself greatly at the party. Just being able to be himself around the townsfolk. No worrying about using the wrong fork or wearing the wrong colors.
When the guards arrive Falin makes his way over there to find out what is going on.
Lian Thursday February 14th, 2008 7:46:36 AM
From a corner of the party, away from the mass of revelers, the monk sees the guards approach. He moves to meet them. "What is it?"
Brother Bertram Thursday February 14th, 2008 11:09:53 AM
Sitting there feeling better than he has in a long time, Bertram eyes the guards as they enter. He debates moving to see what is happening but he decides instead to try and make this moment last as long as possible.
Gunther Thursday February 14th, 2008 5:59:53 PM
After cleaning up (with K'nara's help of course!), the warrior thoroughly enjoys the party, making sure to engage any willing party in a nice friendly match of arm wrestling. Relaxed and feeling almost at home, Gunther is startled by the arrival of the guards. Please don't be Izen...please don't be Izen...please don't be Izen.
Taking up a position nearby Lian, Gunther listens eagerly to what the guards might have to say.
K'Nara Friday February 15th, 2008 2:24:25 AM
"Well...we're in agreement about how good Caeryn would look, anyhow..." chuckles K'Nara.
The party is the best type the K'Nara could hope for...spontaneous but genuine. The proprietors of the Heated Cross are old friends and the heartfelt gratitude of the masses are ample reward for the moment.
And then the guards arrive, looking worried.
"What is it..?" asked the leader of the Emerald Dragons, willing herself not to frown...yet.
Lian Friday February 15th, 2008 11:05:22 AM
He waits.
DM Jan Friday February 15th, 2008 11:11:53 AM
The guards have arrived with no particular fanfare, and so the party goes on around them. Only a few of the townspeople seem curious, and some of them venture forth offering the men drinks and plates of food. But amidst the frivolity these men stand out, and the looks on their faces spell trouble in big, shiny capital letters. One of them, a man older than the others salutes the group. "I am Willan, captain of the guard down at Fort Hospitality. We came up here to report on a growing situation, and after hearing the news on the way up here, it appears our journey has been fortuitous. Unfortunately it also puts me at a loss. We have approximately 40 men in each of our southern forts, and we've been harried by orcs for months. It's growing problem, and I'd come up here to ask for reinforcements, or the council and his excellency Parnoth's intervention." He looks at the Emerald Dragons as if to say -So, now what?
Falin Friday February 15th, 2008 4:23:09 PM
Upon hearing the news Falin looks over at Gunther with worry on his face. "Perhaps we should go on a diplomatic mission to Izen. I have a sinking suspicion we know the guy in charge."
"We will, of course, have to send some type of reinforcement to the forts though, right?"
Brother Bertram Friday February 15th, 2008 5:45:23 PM
Bertram sees the troubled look on his companion's faces and sighs. With a last wistful look around he quickly drains his mug, sets it on the oaken table, and moves over to join his companions.
Athalorn Saturday February 16th, 2008 8:46:21 AM
Continues his frivolous dancing while watching the guards. He lets the others deal with their request, knowing little about Izen or Orcs or politics. He considers asking for an explanation, but decides to wait and ask Gunther more when the guards have left.
Ingrge Saturday February 16th, 2008 11:23:00 AM
Listening in , Ingrge is still feeling a bit grouchy and approaches William.
"Captain, Good evening. I am Ingrge Nightseer, a member of the Emerald Dragons. Why don't you head back down to Fort Hospitality and tell these orcs that Emerald Dragons have just killed Parnoth, his wife to be and his future brother in law, both also dragons, and are a bit irritated that they are annoying our folk and will be down there shortly to not so politely discuss things with them. You may also tell them that I personally will remove two inches of skin from each and every orc that draws a weapon on any law abiding citizen in the area, per incident of annoyance harrassment, injury or death, and I will do it while they are wide wide awake."
Lian Sunday February 17th, 2008 12:59:22 PM
"And should that not impress upon the kind side of their leader's heart, suggest that the Emerald Dragons, or at least their monk, think him a coward for not sitting down to talk out orcish problems diplomatically." Lian avoids Gunther's eyes, since this was a less than kind statement about orcs. Coward. That should get 'im.
K'Nara Sunday February 17th, 2008 5:12:26 PM
The chestnut-maned woman frowns contemplatively.
"Months now..?" she echoes. "Hmmm...that would coincide, amazingly enough, with Parnoth's saving the Wold and the onset of his...um...matrimonial urge." K'Nara looks Willan up and down. "How long have the current troops been at the Forts? When was the last rotation of personnel? Is there a specific commander or general that you reported these months of activity to? Perhaps we can get ahold of them and see what the state of support there is for the Forts."
Lian Monday February 18th, 2008 1:18:17 PM
Lian is not sure what to think. Orcs, again. Hadn't they set straight yet? And would Gunther be able to maintain his neutrality or have to make a choice?
Olana Monday February 18th, 2008 4:48:10 PM
Olana listens to the conversation with a puzzled look. Why would orcs be a problem? Up to now, they had the threat of Parnoth to keep them at bay.
DM Jan Monday February 18th, 2008 5:19:18 PM
((OOC - sorry about the delay on emails, folks. I'm getting there.))
Willan, the guard captain, listens to both Ingrge and Lian, then shrugs helplessly. "No disrespect," he says, "but if the threat of Parnoth himself won't stop them, I can't see a mere threat, coming from yourselves, doing anything either. "Up until some months ago, the orcs were never much of a problem, not after the latest Ascension anyway - tribes scattered to the winds, a few raiding parties. Just isolated groups of leaderless rabble. We actually took pity on some of them - its a hard country is Izen, not arable like it is up here. But then they appeared to be getting organized. We started hearing about trade caravans being escorted down as far as Dirt City, by orcs, no less, for a price. We saw some of the local orcs riding around on horseback." He shrugs again. "Then we start hearing about this leader, who's going to be king of the orcs, or somesuch - and then he disappears with some of his men. No one knows whats going on. Some say he's gone on a long quest with the Platinum Dragons." He scratches his head, looks back at his men, then continues. "Our biggest problem, is that we rely on tradesman gossip, heresay, and insults and boasts from our friends to the south. The latest - we heard this leader had returned, but by now some of the others have figured out they want to be king, too, and whoever these characters are - well, they're starting to get bold. "Both Kouri and Waypoint are starting to get nervous, and they're wanting to know what we're going to do about it."
To K'Nara, he says "Ma'am, we have around fifty men at each fort, rotated out once every six months. We report to the Council of Elders, but - we er... heard they'd been eaten?"
Brother Bertram Monday February 18th, 2008 6:28:15 PM
Bertram listened to the report, wondering how best to deal with the current threat, and of course speculating on how Borden fit into this mess. He also cant help but wonder how this will affect Gunther.
K'Nara Monday February 18th, 2008 7:52:04 PM
K'Nara sighs gustily at Willan's words.
"I'm afraid that the council got eaten by something that didn't agree with them, yes..." she admits, frowning again. "Well...we need to see about what troops may be available to bolster your numbers...and I believe that my colleague Ingrge may have the way of it--looks like a job for Mop." She suppressed a shudder. "He's the man with most of the answers about the way the kingdom has been run up to now, and troop dispersals would be his bailiwick...or, at least, he would be the one to know whose it is if he, himself, doesn't have the knowledge." The leader of the Emerald Dragons glances at the stoic elf.
"So...looks like you're right...again." she says. "You keep this up, you'll be King in spite of yourself." K'Nara chuckles and turns to Willan.
"We may be a humble group of adventurers, Commander Willan, but we'll gladly do what we can to help out." To the rest of the group, K'Nara says: "Sounds like a personal visit to Izen may be in order. Who feels like going...?"
Gunther Monday February 18th, 2008 9:54:16 PM
The orc is stunned by the guard's news, but recovers slightly as it looks like Borden may not be the root of the problem. He looks over at Ingrge and then K'nara. "I should be de von to go. I started dis and I should be de von who makes sure dat everyvon knows dere place." The big cat trainer looks over at Ingrge with mild reproach. It was clear from the elf's words that he neither trusted nor respected his orc brothers. "Give me de ring and I vill tend to my family matters." Readying himself to head out, Gunther makes sure he gathers as much of the red dragon's hide as he can take with him.
Athalorn Tuesday February 19th, 2008 1:38:46 AM
Pausing from his revelry, Athalorn comes to Gunther's side. "I will come with you. I have not been to Izen for some time, and sounds like the place has issues that need some resolving."
ooc: Who is Borden? his name does not come up in Woldipedia.
Falin Tuesday February 19th, 2008 6:50:37 AM OOC: Borden accompanied us on our Dragon mission and was slain by Nikoli. He was brought back to the land of the living though.
Falin looks over at Gunther. "I will come with too. A cushy diplomatic mission sounds nice." Falin says with a smile.
Lian Tuesday February 19th, 2008 11:44:30 AM
He roars with laughter at Falin's words. "Diplomatic? This will likely turn into a blood bath. I'm in."
K'Nara Tuesday February 19th, 2008 6:16:23 PM
The chestnut-maned leader of the Emerald Dragons favors Gunther with a smile.
"Now, now--none of that!" she says firmly. "If you kindly recall, returning Borden to this world was not just your idea...I was convinced of its merit to the point of promising the service of my firstborn to Gargul, and good Brother Bertram cast the spell instead making excuses. So we will all go find out what is happening and see what may be done to settle the matter."
Brother Bertram Tuesday February 19th, 2008 7:32:11 PM
Bertram frowns, again reminded of the need for more security at home, but realizes the need to address the Izen issue. He sighs and begins making a mental note of what all he will need for the trip.
(OOC btw-Any word on the treasure count yet?)
Gunther Tuesday February 19th, 2008 10:57:21 PM
The warrior looks over angrily at Lian. "Dis is no laughing matter... and if dere is any orc blood spilt, it vill be by me and me alone...do you understand?" The normally jovial man is angry at the frivolity being shown about the newly forming orc nation.
Gunther lowers his head in respect as K'nara speaks. He knows the price she was willing to pay to see his dream come true. "Alright...ve vill go togeder..." he says in low tones. "But I vill do de talking...and if needed, de killing." Gunther glares at Ingrge and Lian as he says the last part.
Olana Wednesday February 20th, 2008 12:54:19 AM
Olana moves up alongside K'Nara and says quietly. "Well, we can't let him go on his own." She nods in Gunther's direction. "From the sounds of things, Borden might have some competition, and things might get a little rough"
She lets out a long sigh at Lian's enthusiasm. he could well be right.
DM Jan Wednesday February 20th, 2008 12:57:48 AM
The suggestion of Mop as organizer and enabler is met with some bemusement from the guards, but not outright hostility, as though they're used to contact with the diminutive right hand man of the dragon.
Mention of the Emerald Dragons actually paying a visit to the southern border of the Emerald Kingdom inspires nods of eagerness and approval.
So, what will the Dragons find at the border of Emerald and Izen? And where is Borden? Is he in trouble? Lost his grip?
At some point, Milo has a quiet word with K'Nara. "How about if I go and do a bit of scouting in the opposite direction? Until the council of elders is re-established, we're probably a bit vulnerable, and it might be an idea to see what's brewing in Osto." he grins and shrugs. "It's a city of rogues. I'll fit right in."
It is now late at night. What is the plan? Does the group intend to let Mop out of confinement before they go? Or not? This could be a quick trip, and then again...
((Bad DM Jan still hasn't figured emails and treasure and suchlike. Again my apologies, folks. ))
Athalorn Wednesday February 20th, 2008 1:30:45 AM
Putting his right hand on Gunther's left shoulder, he senses the warrior's angst. "We are on your side, Gunther. And we will let you lead any talks if you should wish it. Of course."
"As for Mop, Let us send him on a diplomatic mission somewhere, to test his worth. The city and the kingdom will begin to sort themselves out I am sure. Such is the order of things."
Lian Wednesday February 20th, 2008 12:57:56 PM
"I am with KNara on whatever is decided." Then the monk sits and stretches for awhile.
Ingrge Wednesday February 20th, 2008 6:18:21 PM
Shaking his head slowly, Ingrge smiles at Gunther.
"Now Gunther, I do not believe I ever said anything about killing one single orc."
::He appears to think for a moment::
"Nope. I am sure I never said one single thing about killing any orcs, deserving or not. So I am not sure why you are upset with me. I think you do me an injustice."
Falin Wednesday February 20th, 2008 7:16:31 PM
"I am with whatever is decided." says Falin as he finds a good stool to sit on.
Brother Bertram Wednesday February 20th, 2008 7:19:42 PM
Hearing everyone beginning to argue, Bertram sighs and walks out into the night air, hoping to find some peace and solitude.
Gunther Wednesday February 20th, 2008 9:14:03 PM
Athalorn's hand resting on his shoulder, Gunther begins to slow his breathing. No doubt he over reacted. But then again, he can't think of anything else in his life that he's been so totally committed to...with the exception of K'nara of course. He looks over at her, awaiting her decision. "I vould like to leave now if possible, but I understand if you vant to make sure things are secure here... And come to tink of it...dis vould be a goot trip to take my kitty on. She vould make a goot impression."
Olana Thursday February 21st, 2008 1:03:14 AM
"Well, why don't we go back to the Tower, I mean the castle, and get ready?" sez the elf, before giving Milo a frown for volunteering to go on what sounds like a dangerous mission.
DM Jan Thursday February 21st, 2008 1:08:36 AM
While to group discuss the best course of action, the guard captain asks "So, what would you like us to do? Head back and let everyone know you're coming? Or, we could accompany you. To be honest, it's been a hard ride and our horses are tired and hungry, so a few hours break would be nice."
His men are currently eating anything the partygoers are giving them - bread, soup, cakes - some items are being hastily shoved into saddlebag - just in case they get their marching orders.
Athalorn Thursday February 21st, 2008 1:34:38 AM
The druid agrees with Olana. "Let us return to the tower for a night, then travel when we are prepared. I need to rest, and perhaps this would be a good time to travel to the Catacombs? As for the guards, I suggest they make their own way back when they are ready."
Lian Thursday February 21st, 2008 11:35:32 AM
Thinking a moment about Athalorn's statement, "Yes, perhaps preparation is better. We always seem to run off right away. Lets take this information and plan more carefully."
Falin Thursday February 21st, 2008 12:59:12 PM
"I would love to have about 2 or 3 weeks to prep, but I know it is something we can not put off." Falin stands and stretches for a moment. "I am ready to head back to the castle in order to get some of my stuff together. And I know I will need to do some shopping before we leave."
Brother Bertram Thursday February 21st, 2008 2:44:25 PM
Bertram spends his quiet time, puffing on his pipe and mentally trying to prepare a list of what will be needed. He also considers what preparation will be needed for protection for the tower as well.
K'Nara Thursday February 21st, 2008 8:57:06 PM
(OOC: aaack! sorry...thought I had responded to this game yesterday!)
"Willan, you and your troops rest and recuperate." K'Nara tells the commander. "My colleagues and I have to...eh...pop back to our castle and get stuff together for the trip. We'll meet you at the south gate out of the city at two candlemarks past dawn, all right?" (OOC: that's about 8 o'clock in the morning.)
To the other Emerald Dragons, K'Nara says: "We'll go back to Madyrn and consult with Mop...pick his brains and see if we can agree what to do with him now that his former employer..." And here the blade singer hefts the golden prosthetic that she still has as a souvenier from their battle with the green dragon, "...is gone from the landscape."
So saying, K'Nara utilizes the group's Ring of Teleportation to get everyone back to the castle.
Olana Thursday February 21st, 2008 11:12:08 PM
On the way home, Olana says to Bert - "So, whats in that pipe, anything interesting?"
Gunther Thursday February 21st, 2008 11:39:42 PM
The warrior returns with the others, just as happy to get some rest before they head off to Izen. As soon as they get home he heads to the cat enclosure. He's anxious to get a little time in with his kitty before they head out.
Athalorn Friday February 22nd, 2008 1:42:46 AM
Upon returning to the Tower, Athalorn wanders to the grove alone. It was strange being without a companion; like part of him was missing. As he approaches the grove, a winged figure swoops down from the canopy, landing deftly on the druid's outstretched arm. "Glannath! My old, dear friend."
The pair return into the grove, still defended by many magical wards and defences. He looks around to see if the Fey are still in residence, greeting them if they are.
The druid also spends time in meditation. He had just witnessed the mighty divine power of the Culverwood, as Parnoth learned to his demise, and so he prays. Giving thanks, and asking for power, he finds that his old spells are not gifted him. Instead, the magic he has accessed is limited somehow.
Lian Friday February 22nd, 2008 10:43:54 AM
The hand of Domi heads to the chapel for for prayer.
DM Jan Friday February 22nd, 2008 4:49:36 PM
The guards look relieved at K'Nara's decision to make the journey on the morrow.
Back at the castle, it's time to prep for the journey. Mop is still in the room Ingrge put him. He looks like he's been sobbing for hours. The castle grounds seem a little more lush, even though it's quite dark. A lot of the building's hard edges have been softened by climbing vines, some of which are displaying wide open flowers and giving forth scent, even in darkness. Songs of freedom can be heard coming from the elven enclave, and they drift through the window as Lian starts to pray. As for Gunther's cats - he knows as soon as he's on approach that they'll be a handful. They're sending out snarls of restlessness into the balmy night air. Glannath is at the topmost perch of the grove and is pleased to see his companion, while below - although there is no obvious evidence - the sense of the grove becoming a small town is hard to ignore. Tiny lights appear and disappear all over the place.There are carefully built, heavily disguised dwellings of all shapes and sizes, and fey in each, whispering and singing and chattering and going about their various businesses.
Athalorn Saturday February 23rd, 2008 2:36:12 AM
The druid smiles as he approaches his grove. Although he would never admit it to the fey, he loved having them in his home, and the semblance of purpose and noise is a good thing. Solace was always easy to find in the forest; company less so. He prays quietly. This truly was his home.
Ingrge Saturday February 23rd, 2008 9:16:39 AM
upon arriving back at the castle, Ingrge looks over at K'nara.
"You want to put a bow around that thing (pointing at the golden claw) before we present it to Mop as a gift? Or perhaps I should mount it on the end of a staff and make it a new symbol of his position as temporary regent? In either case we propbably out to head upstairs and deel with him."
As he approaches the room he dispels the force wall put in place and steps inside. Looking over at the distraught man, he shakes his head as an unusual feeling washes over him. With a sigh, as he realises he actually feels sorry for Mop, he waits until Mop looks up and sees them.
Brother Bertram Saturday February 23rd, 2008 10:46:29 AM
Bertram quickly packs for the journey then spends the rest of his time walking the keep making sure all is in readiness in case of another attack. The priest isnt ready to deal with more people under his care dying.
Falin Saturday February 23rd, 2008 12:37:58 PM
Going up to his room Falin kneels and prepares himself for the trip. Afterwards he goes out on the wall and just stands. He waits to watch the sun rise over the forest. Culverwood... now a free Culverwood. It almost looked like the forest was at peace. That peace passes over to Falin as he watches and waits.
At the appropriate time he goes down to join the others for the trip.
Lian Sunday February 24th, 2008 7:10:45 AM
After several hours, Lian leaves the chapel and moves up to his room. He collects some stuff he needs, which takes an amazingly short time and then goes and meets the group.
Gunther Monday February 25th, 2008 10:54:51 AM
Feeling his kitties restlessness, Gunther activates his Charm Animal tatoo before beginning his training time...just to be on the safe side. He goes through a few hours of basic combat training before he settles down for the night in the enclosure. Awakening early in the morning, Gunther joins the others in the Tower for an early breakfast. He looks over at K'nara. "Ve should head over as soon as possible. De sooner ve deal vith my broders de better." As soon as K'nara is ready to leave, Gunther gathers Delilah and readies her for the trip.
Lian Monday February 25th, 2008 12:07:51 PM
Lian meets up with Falin at some point and wanders around with him until they leave.
(OOC: Any word on treasure and booty!?)
Athalorn Monday February 25th, 2008 12:47:29 PM
Having prayed for much of the night, finding but more of his old spells are not forthcoming, Athalorn heads out to the tower before dawn. Glannath keeps his old friend company, circling in the sky above him.
K'Nara Monday February 25th, 2008 3:47:17 PM
K'Nara smiles at Ingrge's suggestions about the prosthetic that used to belong to Parnoth.
"We'll figure something out." she assures him. "For now, however, let's go see about what we can do with Mop." So saying, the tall human blade singer enters the room where the lackey to the late tyrant of the kingdom has been staying.
"Please accept my most profound apologies for your loss." the redheaded woman tells Mop. When the aide-de-camp looks to her to inquire of her meaning, K'Nara casually dumps the golden hand of Parnoth in front of the man.
"Parnoth no longer rules the Emerald Kingdom." she tells Mop firmly. "The Emerald Dragons, however, are trying to put a fair system of government in his place. We need your expertise to aid the kingdom now. Do we have your cooperation with that or not?"
K'Nara is hoping that Mop will agree to help them, because she needs whatever knowledge the man has about whatever troops are available to bolster the Kingdom's presence within the Forts that guard the southern border to the land, as well as whether or not Mop has any intelligence about the orcs and the trouble they've been causing there.
Brother Bertram Monday February 25th, 2008 4:51:54 PM
After all he can to make the keep safe Bertram says his prayers then joins the others.
Ingrge Monday February 25th, 2008 11:20:18 PM
Don't get to excited Mop we aren't making you king or anything like that. However as we need to go take care of something right now, we felt some sort of consistancy mioght be nice for the EK and that means that you are temporarily going to make some decisions for some things that will benefit the entire Kingdom. And you know how we know you will do your very very best? Because if you don't I will make it my life's work to make you absolutely miserable for whatever time you have left after K'nara gets hold of you.
Olana Monday February 25th, 2008 11:24:48 PM
Olana decides to join K'Nara and Ingrge when they go to see Mop. Why? She's intrigued. This was a strange turn of events, but then again - these were strange days...
DM Jan Monday February 25th, 2008 11:56:34 PM
Up in Mop's Temporary 'Guestroom' -
The ghost is impassive, the elf trapped in the painting is looking on with interest as K'Nara drops Parnoth's gold claw on the wooden floor in front of Mop. The small man's face mirrors his churning emotions. He steps forward and tentatively reaches for the golden claw, then steps back. He can't bear to touch it, and then he seems to deflate, somehow, becoming grey faced and hunched over. This changes when K'Nara comes up with her proposition. Obviously it isn't at all what he is expecting, and even though he cringes slightly at Ingrge's promises, he starts to stand up straight and regain a little of his dignity. "Well," he says, clearing his throat and speaking softly. "Of course you have my co-operation. I have, as you know, vast experience with the day to day running of the realm." He's not boasting. There are no signs of bluster in his voice. "Tell me what to do." Inside, his heart is beating like a tiny jack-hammer. He's gone from being either murdered, or at the very least, being run out of town after a tar and feathering, to a situation bordering on miraculous. Darned straight he'll do his very very best.
Inside and outside the castle -
The night passes without anything particular significant happening. Gunther gets his training done with some success. Others pray, get packed up and ready, while the might of Culverwood breathes softly all around them. It will be a wrench, when it's time to leave. Now endowed with it's new strength, the forest is becoming quite seductive.
For those who walk around camp, questions are asked of them. Are they safe, now all the dragons are gone?
The morning arrives drenched in sweet dew and accompanied by the delicate scent of honeysuckle. Oh yes, it will be hard to leave, even for a short trip.
Athalorn Tuesday February 26th, 2008 1:37:23 AM
The druid waits in the courtyard for the others to prepare, his keen glistening eyes looking over the wild and unkempt forest; seeing rays of dawn bounce from the canopy, and watching whorls of mist rise through the trees. Truly, it was a beautiful sight. His home.
Prior to leaving, the druid decides to visit the Catacombs...
Falin Tuesday February 26th, 2008 4:10:26 AM
When questions are asked around the castle Falin answers, "There is a new threat to the South. Differing factions rise against one another, each vying for power over the others. We will travel to try to negotiate with them." Falin adds a smirk in with the end fo the statement.
Falin will seek out one of the elven archer captains he has fought with. He will tell them to ensure that those remaining have some training with at least a bow. He will tell them to slowly begin to grow a grand army of the Culverwood.
As Lina waits with him Falin will turn to him and with a smile say, "With everything going on I think about the furture more and more. I think I would like to settle down some day and raise little ones of my own, but then again maybe I am destined to remain a lone warrior till the end of my days." He looks down for a moment. "Do you ever have such thoughts?"
Lian Tuesday February 26th, 2008 12:09:07 PM
The monk looks at Falin, raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Yes, but not with you. Your ears are too long."
Brother Bertram Tuesday February 26th, 2008 4:01:08 PM
Bertram hears from one of the elves that Athalorn left for the catacombs and debates going as well.
Athalorn Tuesday February 26th, 2008 4:08:16 PM ooc: I won't go shopping until I know how much there is to spend...
Brother Bertram OOC Tuesday February 26th, 2008 4:18:29 PM
(OOC same here lol)
K'Nara Tuesday February 26th, 2008 8:57:58 PM
K'Nara asks Mop what he knows about whatever troops are available to bolster the Kingdom's presence within the Forts that guard the southern border to the land, as well as whether or not Mop has any intelligence about the orcs and the trouble they've been causing there. According to Commander Willan, he'd been sending regular reports about what had been happening, so Mop ought to be at least cognizant of that situation.
She also advises Ingrge (after they leave Mop's presence) to secure the polyhedron magic item so that it may be Identified...K'Nara is pretty sure that the group ought to find out what the magic item is and how it works.
Gunther Tuesday February 26th, 2008 11:32:12 PM
Out in the courtyard the warrior waits..thinking...plotting..planning. Which is hard when you're not the sharpest tool in the shed.
DM Jan Wednesday February 27th, 2008 12:13:51 AM
"The orcs have always been a problem," says Mop. He shrugs. "Izen has always been a problem. His Almighty Excellency was the best deterrent we had. Now..." He makes some mental calculations. "We have about 200 guards on active duty. I think you're going to have to double that - or at least double the garrison at the southern border. I could organize that," he offers hopefully.
The morning arrives, and the guards are waiting as promised at the southern edge of the city. Some of them look a little hung over, but nothing that a good morning's ride won't cure.
((OOC - folks don't worry about shopping. I'll take it as read that you went to the Cat while you were here. It's my fault this is dragging on, so no worries.))
Athalorn d20+24=30 d20+18=19 Wednesday February 27th, 2008 1:26:33 AM
As the party ride South, the shifter scouts ahead by around 1/2 mile, taking to the skies in eagle form, enjoying the cold winds and the warm currents on his wings. His keen eyes scan the skies and ground ahead of the party. Glannath accompanies the druid once more, flying some way behind and above his old companion.
Spot = 30 Listen = 19
Falin Wednesday February 27th, 2008 5:37:40 AM
Falin looks at Lian and with a smile, "What do you mean my ears are too long? Is it my hair?"
As they get to the Southern edge of the city Falin eyes the guards on their horses. Looks like they had a hard night. Not too much discipline.
On the ride South Falin just keeps his eyes open and looks around for anything out of the ordinary.
Lian Wednesday February 27th, 2008 2:11:22 PM
Goes to the Catacombs at some point.
"I think we should help at some point." He says to Falin, looking in the direction of action.
Brother Bertram Wednesday February 27th, 2008 8:33:07 PM
Bertram rides along on his pony, worry written over his face about the keep. Despite competent people being in charge he still cant help but wish he was there. His pipe hangs idly in his mouth, unlit, as he chews on the stem lost in thought.
Lian Thursday February 28th, 2008 1:20:21 PM
The monk rides the very annoying stubborn stud called Bob, which apparently doesn't like elves but for some reason likes monks.
"This horse just wants to go left all the time! He likes circles."
The elf ponders the green scales on the back of his hand, just hidden under his gloves.
She wonders what to expect and glances toward Gunther once in a while, hoping this doesn't get into a situation where loyalities are split. This will need some careful handling, she thinks.
DM Jan Thursday February 28th, 2008 2:04:20 PM
Keeping things moving...
It's a fine morning for a ride and Willan and his men are awaiting to accompany the group down to the southern edge of the Kingdom.
It's a well traveled road and every once in a while the group is approached by farmers and homesteaders who give the group gifts of flowers, fruit, and the occasional jug of mead.
Up in the air, Glannath has a good view, and everything looks peaceful. The forts are way, way off in the distance.
The only down side to this lovely morning - the mood of the guards - they're apprehensive and on edge, which perhaps makes one wonder what will be found when the group reaches their destination.
~~SIDEBAR~~ Any final decisions on Mop? Or do I let him loose?
OOC - don't forget to go and get tooled up at the Catacombs.
Athalorn Thursday February 28th, 2008 2:59:57 PM
With his wing man behind him, Athalorn continues scouting ahead. Death was a strange thing. An unusual journey through Rivers of Blood, a meeting with a God, and when he is brought back, he finds Parnoth dead. Stranger still, he was back where he was many months, nay, years ago: Flying under a blue sky with Glannath, his oldest friend.
He considers the forts upon glimpsing them, deciding that they will need serious reinforcement once the Izen issue had been dealt with.
K'Nara Thursday February 28th, 2008 6:22:04 PM
Before they go, K'Nara makes it a point to introduce Mop to his two new best friends: Caeryn and Kronan, the Minotaur aide to the Emerald Dragons.
"These two will your contacts with us, Mop." she tells him with a smile that is mostly teeth. "They'll be watching over you and making sure that you do whatever is best for all the citizens of the Kingdom...and make no mistake, Mop--we mean the elven-blooded, too."
K'Nara would offer to make sure there's at least one cart available for those who don't want to ride a horse themselves.
"Let's go see if we can't settle this thing with our southern neighbors, hmm..?" K'Nara says, smiling when she sees Gunther with Delilah.
(OOC: edited by Kent)
Brother Bertram Thursday February 28th, 2008 7:29:39 PM
The bright day and the smiling faces greeting them as they ride finally causes Bertram to shake off his apprehensive mood, at least to some extent. He nudges his fat pony over close to Olana. "Do you still need to inspect my pipe's contents Lass?", He queries with a smile.
Ingrge Thursday February 28th, 2008 9:36:48 PM
Watching the emotaional roller coaster run across Mop's visage was almost worth the pain of actually having to have him help out, and Ingrge keeps the serious demeanor throughout their interlude.
"Mop, we will release a certain amount of monies to you for use and it will be monitored and you will need to keep a good accounting of it and yourself upon our return and guess what we are even actually going to pay you to do this job. It will be a fair rate and their will be bonuses in there if we deem that you have done and are doing what you are supposed to be."
As he turns to go and just as he is about to step out of the room, he turns back.
"Oh one more thing Mop. Do you have any idea what happened to the Serpent Star that you, Parnoth and the Hands Of Love took from us? I think it needs to be returned to our safe keeping."
After waiting for a response, Ingrge steps out with K'nara and deals with the artifact they are currently in possesion of.
Falin Thursday February 28th, 2008 9:58:01 PM
OOC: I am shopping in the Cat right now. Just waiting for my number to come up :)
Falin turns to Lian, "What do you mean 'Action'?" Falin enjoys the morning ride and the conversation.
"You notice how much nicer and greener everything seems with a free Culverwood?"
From time to time he will ride off into the forest on the sides about a quarter mile in to just get a look around and then head back to the group.
Gunther Friday February 29th, 2008 12:22:50 AM
The warrior spends his travel time secluded from the others. It's not just that he doesn't trust Delilah around the horses... He needs time to think...plan. If the orcs were going to be taken seriously as a nation, this negotiation would have to turn out well. Maybe Borden's not the orc I thought he was. If he can't get the outliers under control, then someone else might have to step in. Gunther lets out little puffs of air, trying to organize his thoughts. It'll be ok...even if I have to split a few thousand skulls...my people will finally be free.
Lian Friday February 29th, 2008 1:36:28 PM
"It's probably greener because it ate Parnoth." Grins the monk.
Athalorn Friday February 29th, 2008 3:25:48 PM
...circles in mid air, the thrill of the flight never diminishing. He spots Gunther riding some distance apart, hoping his old friend is not too despondent.
Olana Saturday March 1st, 2008 3:12:23 PM
Olana looks at Bert, then starts laughing. it's the first smile of the day after having to part with her dear Milo for the foreseeable future.
DM Jan Saturday March 1st, 2008 3:12:38 PM
A few loose ends:
Mop does his level best to claw back some of his dignity and stands as tall as he is able next to Caeryn and Kronan, giving the occasional nervous glance at the huge minotaur, who is doing his best not to smile.
On leaving the compound, the Dragons get the impression this wasn't worse decision they made. Time will tell of course, and it's up to Mop now to prove his worth. As for the Serpent Star - "It was destroyed," he says, adding "Honestly! It was. By Parnoth himself," as Kronan assumes an angry bull expression.
Milo bids his farewells to the group and sets off in the opposite direction toward Osto.*
And so!
The party continues south. The trees thin out, and the land becomes meadow, farmland and rolling hills. off to the east, the river continues its journey south.
Closer to Fort Hospitality on the southern border, the sensitive ears of the horses and ponies start to twitch. A view of the fort is currently hidden by a short rise in the road ahead.
Up in the air, Athalorn gets a clear view of the fort, and lots of tiny little dots running around to the south of it.
*This might have got missed in all the excitement -
At some point, Milo has a quiet word with K'Nara. "How about if I go and do a bit of scouting in the opposite direction? Until the council of elders is re-established, we're probably a bit vulnerable, and it might be an idea to see what's brewing in Osto." he grins and shrugs. "It's a city of rogues. I'll fit right in." This is Chris's out, until he has time to return.
Brother Bertram Saturday March 1st, 2008 3:52:11 PM
Bertram take joy in Olana's smile, But he senses her pain as well. He awkwardly reaches out his calloused hand and lays it over hers. "He will be fine Friend Olana, He is made of very stout stuff, and he has too much to live for."
Athalorn Sunday March 2nd, 2008 7:21:58 AM
The shifter screeches a command to Glannath behind him, then rushes forward to scout well ahead of the party. He swoops forward, as fast as possible, until he can see more of what is happening. When he has more information, he will begin returning to the party.
Lian Sunday March 2nd, 2008 2:20:53 PM
The monk tries his best to keep Bob from throwing him off.
(OOC: Updated Items on Lian's sheets)
Falin d20+21=37 d20+22=23 Sunday March 2nd, 2008 8:17:40 PM
Falin lets out a laugh at Lians comment. "We can only hope."
With the horses getting a little nervous Falin pats his on the side and begins to look around and listen for anything out of the ordinary.
Listen 37 Spot 23
Lian Monday March 3rd, 2008 4:39:58 PM
The elf continues along.
Athalorn d20+24=40 Monday March 3rd, 2008 5:00:03 PM
...looks carefully down to the figures below, his keen eyes seeing well in the sunlight.
Spot = 40
Gunther Monday March 3rd, 2008 10:51:18 PM
The warrior rides along, too caught up in his thoughts to notice the horses acting any more skittish than usual.
K'Nara Tuesday March 4th, 2008 12:37:13 AM
The redheaded leader of the Emerald Dragons rides along towards the fort, hoping that they'll soon get the most recent and detailed report about what's been happening.
Her attention is then drawn to her ride's ears, and she attempts to listen and hear what's going on.
Listen 16 (blah)
DM Jan Tuesday March 4th, 2008 2:00:45 AM
Up in the air, its easy for the Shifter to get a good lie of the land. And as the others come over the rise they get a similar, but lower view.
To the south, the trade road can be seen, running from east to west along the southern edge of Emerald and the corresponding northern edge of Izen. There is a gradual change as the land rolls south, shifting from green, arable meadow, until it becomes rocky and scattered with wild, tufted grasses below the Trade Road. To the south east is Waypoint - a community just the other side of the river at the southern border. And right alongside, just the other side of the bridge, is Fort Hospitality.
Distant shouts, the clash of steel and the occasional scream can be heard coming from the direction of the road, this side of the bridge. and there is movement there - folk on horseback milling around. there looks to be a caravan ground to a halt on the road, too.
Closer, Athalorn can see some kind of horseback melee going on. Orcs on large, powerful horses, pushing back what looks like fort guards.
Gunther Tuesday March 4th, 2008 9:01:27 AM
Catching the sounds of conflict, Gunther spurs his mount on full speed toward the melee, making sure that Delilah is keeping pace. Whatever is going on out there, he's going to be one of the first at the scene.
Lian (Owls Wis) Tuesday March 4th, 2008 9:58:06 AM
The monk hears the shouts ahead and looks toward Knara for orders. "Well?" He smiles. He can't think of anything else to say.
The hand of Domi casts Owl's Wisdom upon himself. (OOC: The plan is to remove his headband so that his Orc Bane tears will function.)
Athalorn Tuesday March 4th, 2008 1:35:35 PM
Swooping down towards the melee, yet not knowing whose side to take, Athalorn's emotions surge. A strange sensation rushes through his blood with the adrenalin of a possible fight, and he feels his form altering. His body grows, and seems to change, thinning and swelling; a sensation he has never felt before. His flight increases in speed and ease, his power growing. Instead of a small eagle, the shifter appears as a huge force of air; an elemental of significant size. Glannath flicks his wings and takes flight even higher in surprise at the druid's metamorphosis, while Athalorn races at great speed towards the melee, deigning to try and disperse the combatants but not to attack them.
Standard Action: Wildshape to Huge Air Elemental Move Action: 100' move towards the fight
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 4th, 2008 7:36:53 PM
Bertram curses and kicks his pony into a speed it is unaccustomed too. The dwarf goes bouncing towards the conflict, trying to remove his axe and stay mounted at the same time. From the looks of things it appeared doubtful he would be able to do either...
K'Nara Wednesday March 5th, 2008 1:37:52 AM
Swearing a blue streak and unsheathing Lucia, the chestnut-maned blade singer kicked her horse, Poki, into a gallop.
"Don't kill anybody unless you have to..!" K'Nara ordered.
Falin Wednesday March 5th, 2008 1:55:37 AM
Falin spurs his mount into action. The wind rushing across his face brings a smile to the Sharpshooter.
We are doing this to protect a free Culverwood he thinks to himself.
Lian Wednesday March 5th, 2008 9:35:02 AM
...pauses.
DM Jan Wednesday March 5th, 2008 11:26:52 AM
Down on the trade road, there's quite a melee going on between two dozen large, intimidating orcs on horseback, and about the same number of guards from the fort. The orcs appear to have the better horses and equipment.
Off to one side is a trade caravan, who's owner is shrieking along the lines of "Why doesn't someone do something!?"
It all comes to a grinding halt as the air coalesces into an air elemental above their heads and has all the horses spooked. Then they all turn to see the remaining Emeralds and the guards with them come charging down the hill.
One of the guards who'd been fighting points his shortsword accusingly at one of the orcs. "Ha!" he says triumphantly.
Everyone waits until the group arrive.
Olana Wednesday March 5th, 2008 11:29:35 AM
Olana clings to her mount grimly as they all go careening down the hill. No way she can fire a bow at this speed so she pulls her sword and yells "Yah!!" in an attempt to look threatening.
Falin Wednesday March 5th, 2008 11:58:15 AM
Falin draws his bow on the way down towards the battle. Having his horse slow up a bit towards the end so he can see everyone in front of him. He knocks an arrows and awaits the actions of the others.
Athalorn Wednesday March 5th, 2008 1:34:17 PM
The huge figure of the elemental hovers in mid air above the melee, his size hopefully enough to worry the combatants. He waits for Gunther and K'Nara to do the talking, and if he sees any try and flee he will move to intercept.
Ingrge Wednesday March 5th, 2008 5:39:16 PM
Riding up on Moonshadow, Ingrge has a fire in his eye and glances at Gunther as they approach what was obviously a group of orcs waylaying a trade caravan. Ingrge checks out the type of ground that is under the combatants. (rock, grass, etc.)
K'nara Wednesday March 5th, 2008 5:58:52 PM
As soon as she's within 30 feet of the two clashing groups, K'Nara reigns Poki to a stop and glowers at both sides.
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE WOLD IS GOING ON HERE???" she bellows in Common at the top of her voice, scowling at the guards and then at the orcs.
Brother Bertram Wednesday March 5th, 2008 7:58:47 PM
Having gotten his pony under some control, Bertram sees that his companions are more than adequate to negotiate between everyone. He immediately moves towards any injured first and then looks to see who might need protection should this escalate even farther.
Gunther Wednesday March 5th, 2008 10:19:58 PM
Not slowing down, Gunther and his mount barrel into the middle of the combatants, with Delilah not far behind. Wheeling his horse in front of the orcs he bellows out in perfect orcish. "Ich bin Gunther des Stammes von Grell, Smaragddrache. Sie stoppen diesen Unsinn sofort oder, also helfen Sie mir, den ich jedes von Ihnen zu meinem Kitty einziehe! Welches ist eins von Ihnen morons verantwortlich und was ist die Bedeutung dieses Angriffs?"
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I am Gunther of the tribe of Grell, Emerald Dragon. You will stop this nonsense immediately or so help me I will feed each and every one of you to my kitty! Which one of you morons is in charge and what is the meaning of this attack?"}
Lian Thursday March 6th, 2008 8:34:58 AM
The hand of Domi waits and prepares to cast if things look too dicey.
DM Jan Thursday March 6th, 2008 2:30:28 PM
The Emerald Dragons arrive at the scene, and enter an atmosphere that's thick enough to cut with a knife. One of the guards at the scene points angrily toward the orcs as K'Nara asks what's going on. "Ma'am, they're harrassing caravans - on a public road!"
"The road is part of Izen!" yells back one of the orcs in gutteral common, "and they should pay a toll!"
"Extortion!" shouts another of the guards.
Gunther finds himself in amongst hostile and suspicious glares as the orcs size him up. They're on black, sturdy mounts with long legs and are carrying a reasonable amount of weapons and armour. One of them edges to the forefront and cocks his head, regarding the human curiously. "I am Benno, of clan Detmar. We patrol the roads as our clan leader demands." Another of the orcs edges toward Benno and says quietly in orcish, "They have spell casters." Benno snorts and bares his teeth for a moment. A defiant gesture, although no one appears to want to raise any weapons right now.
Bertram finds the caravan owner bearing down on him. "Oh, thank the Gods, a cleric, I think I'm about to have a heart attack, or worse, I feel dizzy, I feel faint, I'm sure I'm about to drop stone dead in fear." All this is accompanied by a dramatic waving of the hands and rolling of the eyes. He's a small, rotund fellow, and at first glance doesn't appear to be badly at all.
Edit: (forgot to add) ground is soil, grass and loose stone.
Brother Bertram Thursday March 6th, 2008 4:04:37 PM
Bertram quickly sizes up the man in front of him and curses silently to himself. Quickly stepping forward he motions for the man to bend down and as he does Bertram slaps him once across the face, hard. "Get hold of yourself, you fool, your fine, now take me to who is really injured."
Falin Thursday March 6th, 2008 5:16:44 PM Updates made to CS
Falin lets a smirk cross his face as Bertram deals with the caravan leader.
He turns back towards the action and keeps his eyes open for hostilities.
Athalorn Thursday March 6th, 2008 5:56:49 PM
The huge elemental hovers still, shifting slightly towards the Orc's and waiting for the word to attack. He feels more anger than usual, finding it unusually difficult to resist the urge to strike Benno down. But this was Gunther's realm, and therefore his decision.
K'Nara Thursday March 6th, 2008 6:33:59 PM
K'Nara's hazel eyes narrow and she harrumphs.
"I was given to understand that the trade road is under the domain of the Emerald Kingdom for the stretch of it that lies a league west of Fort Silence through to a league east of Fort Peace." she says evenly. "And your...patrol...is clearly in the middle of the Kingdom's section of the road. Was there some change in the treaty that the Emerald Kingdom has not yet been notified of..?"
Ingrge Thursday March 6th, 2008 10:07:48 PM
Moving away from the group a bit, Ingrge moves around to where he can cut the orcs escape route off if need be and then sits and waits, spell at the ready.
Lian (Owl's Wisdom) Friday March 7th, 2008 9:03:40 AM
The elf looks around and notices two things. One, Ingrge is slinking away. And two, Gunther seems to be upset. Both are not good signs of things to come. So, the monk moves mirroring Ingrge's moves and placement. Lian also prepares a spell.
Gunther Friday March 7th, 2008 1:03:50 PM
The warrior glares at the defiant orc in front of him. Typical...sad, but typical. The sooner he finds Borden the better.
His face hard as chiseled stone, Gunther looks Benno in the eye. Knowing the mental capacity of his audience, Guther keeps it short.
"Sie und Ihre Männer stoppen diesen Angriff sofort und kommen zu Ihrem Clanführer zurück. Dieses ist eine freie Straße, wie die Frau gesagt hat, und es gibt keine Abgaben, bis es eine Sitzung mit den Clanführern und Ihrem König Borden gegeben hat."
Highlight to display spoiler: {"You and your men will stop this attack immediately and return to your clan leader. This is a free road as the woman has said, and there will be no tolls until there has been a meeting with the clan leaders and your king Borden."}
Gunther snaps his fingers and Delilah lets out a deafening roar. ""Wenn jedermann traut, mich ungehorsam zu sein, sind sie tot, bevor sie ihre Waffe zeichnen können."
Highlight to display spoiler: {"If anyone dares to disobey me, they will be dead before they can draw their weapon." }
His hand and his sword, and the gigantic lion by his side, it is obvious that Gunther is prepared to back up his threats if needed.
Athalorn Friday March 7th, 2008 1:08:48 PM
The shifter moves right above Benno, hovering mere inches above the Orc leader... backing uo Gunther's threat
Saturday March 8th, 2008 12:10:07 AM
Olana reins in just behind K'nara then she can keep an eye on what's going on. Her sword is still out, and she has her game face on, although that almost dissolves into astonishment as Bert starts roughing up the caravanners.
DM Jan Saturday March 8th, 2008 12:54:03 AM
The caravan owner gasps and immediately shuts up has Bertram smacks him on the face. Over by the caravan itself, three young boys are peering out from the lead wagon, taking it all in. "I think - I think we're all okay," says the caravan owner in a small voice. Indeed, it looks as though the only ones injured are the guards and the orcs, all of whom are nursing small cuts - no gushers.
Athalorn hovers over the main melee area. Both he and Gunther's cat are making the horses nervous on all sides, resulting in a demonstration of snorts, small, sudden movements and flat ears. All riders are having to pay attention to their mounts.
"This so called treaty," Benno begins, then his eyes shift from K'nara toward Ingrge, Lian, Falin and Olana, and then glance up at the coalescing air right above his head. After a short pause, and after Gunther's remonstrations, the big orc appears to change his mind on something. "All right," he says, air whistling sharply past his tusks. It's a climb-down, but barely acknowledged. "Call off your hounds." His eyes shift toward those positioning themselves to take a shot before returning to K'Nara and the orc-speaking human. "We'll report back to Detmar, who - by the way, considers himself as much a king as Borden is." One of the other orcs in the party raises a sword "Hail Detmar!" he yells, before being thwacked by one of this fellows. "Maybe your knowledge of Izen isn't as good as you think it is," adds Benno.
"Hooligans!" yells one of the guards, feeling extra brave with all the newly arrived muscle in the immediate vicinity.
Brother Bertram Saturday March 8th, 2008 8:11:31 AM
Bertram moves over to the three young boys making sure they are alright. Seeing thier ages he prepares a spell in his mind, the syllables on his lips to keep them safe if things went wrong. He waits to see how his friends do with the 'negotiations'.
Lian Saturday March 8th, 2008 9:23:43 AM
Lian moves over to the stack of guards/people who are making comments and looks as if he'll swat the next one who says something stupid. "Your NOT helping. Shut up!"
Falin d20+43=53 d8+7=15 Saturday March 8th, 2008 2:49:48 PM
Falin listens to Gunter berrate the leader of this motley band.
Seems we may have to back Borden down the road if this is to be resolved any time soon Falin thinks to himself.
He keeps his bow down, but an arrow knocked looking for any sign of aggresion for either side.
If there is any sign of aggresion Falin is using Slice Shot to target the saddle strap of the offender. AC 53 DMG 15
K'Nara d20+3=20 Monday March 10th, 2008 3:24:57 AM
The redheaded blade singer scowls thoughtfully as the orcs take their leave for now. Then she reins Poki around to face the border guards.
"In case you don't know it," she announces, "We are the Emerald Dragons. We've brought up reinforcements for the forts...now that they are here, that means that the three forts that secure the southern border to the Emerald Kingdom will now be outnumbered by the natives of Izen by a mere 9.5 to one instead of the usual ten-to-one odds." She glares at the loudmouthed soldier who'd hurled the insult after the departing humanoids.
"I'm sure your fellow guardsmen would appreciate you not antagonizing the hoards that may take it into their heads to just go with their superior numbers and kill you all in your sleep...if you get my drift???" K'Nara's hazel eyes bore into the soldier's with iron resolve until he is intimidated into looking away (OOC: made a voluntary Intimidation check with a result of 20.) The leader of the Emerald Dragons looks over the company of guards.
"Who's in charge?" she asks brusquely. "We need an update on the situation and the names of whatever Izen groups or tribes that you know are operating here in the area. Hopefully we can find out what they're doing and why."
Ingrge Monday March 10th, 2008 6:36:40 PM
As the orcs seem to be leaving relatively peacefully, Ingrge lets them pass but keeps an eye on them all the same. After they depart Ingrge turns to Gunther.
"Hey Gunther, They don't seem overly impressed. I think I might get my turn soon after all."
Without waiting for a response Ingrge moves up behind K'nara.
Brother Bertram Monday March 10th, 2008 7:00:37 PM
Bertram relaxes seeing the orcs riding off, and reassures the children that all is well. He moves to the caravan driver and says quietly, "Get your men rounded up and get out of here as fast as possible. I dont like to think it could happen again, but it might." He then moves over and dresses the minor wounds of the guards as needed.
Gunther Monday March 10th, 2008 9:12:36 PM
Literally growling, the warrior watches the orcs as they leave. Izen was definitely more complex than he anticipated. He rubs his aching temples and snarls when Ingrge makes his comment. Uppity elves...always thinking they're better than everyone else...I'll show him...one day he'll eat those words! His face reddens as he begins to let out little puffs of air. Don't get mad...it just makes things worse. Think about how you're going to make this work. Think Gunther, think you stupid orc.
Olana d20+12=20 Monday March 10th, 2008 11:56:18 PM
Olana keeps her eyes toward the departing orcs while some of the others talk to the guards. She's watching to see what direction they take.
Knowledge Geography DC 20
DM Jan Tuesday March 11th, 2008 12:27:16 AM
The antagonist guards shrug at Lian, giving him a 'what?' expression. The one who bellowed out 'hooligan' however turns bright red after K'Nara's admonishment.
Capt Willan, who's ridden down with the group approaches. "My apologies for the men," he says. "Frustrations are running a bit high. Nevertheless I'll try and ensure we exercise a little more control from now on. "Capt Howell will be on duty at the fort. Together, we might be able to give you a better picture of what we know is happening south of the border. There'll be a place to freshen up, and bunks if you intend to stay the night. I can't guarantee what dinner will be like, though. Our cook is -" "Bloody terrible," finishes one of his men. Some of the guards laugh and roll their eyes. Willan lowers his voice. "I daresay the Fort would be appreciative of an update to the Parnoth situation, too, if you've no objection? Please, allow us to escort you in." The man points along the road that leads east over a wide wooden bridge. The fort can clearly be seen at the other side of it, and by the looks of the smoke rising, there's a fair sized community beyond, that would be Waypoint.
The caravan owner is still in a bit of a tizzy. "Can we get an escort into Waypoint?" he asks, wringing his hands dramatically. The three young boys are mezmerised by Bertram, Ingrge, Olana, Lian and Falin, their wide eyes staring, as though elves and dwarves are a rare sight to them. "What's that cloud?" one of them asks, pointing toward Athalorn.
The orcs head off in single file at a fair clip along a wide path that follows the river to the south. One or two of them gave Gunther a look as they prepared to leave. Who's side are you on?
Up in the air, Glannath is able to see smoke rising to the south, along the side of the river, which suggests a camp, at the very least, somewhere down there.
Lian Tuesday March 11th, 2008 1:38:43 AM
The monk stares back at the youth with no expression, not at all impressed by their 'manners'.
Lian pulls Knara to one side briefly. "I doubt he's entirely ignorant of the Parnoth thing." The elf looks skeptical. "Perhaps just elude to his absence and nothing else?"
Athalorn d20+25=35 Tuesday March 11th, 2008 2:35:46 AM
The shifter's airy elemental voice bellows to the party as they take their leave and head towards the fort. "I will meet you at the fort later. Let me scout the surrounding lands; something has alerted Glannath."
With that, he heads upwards with incredible maneuverability. Glannath starts flying south, high up, towards the flames, and the huge air elemental follows at a fast pace, looking to investigate the smoke and anything else that catches his attention.
Spot = 35
Falin Tuesday March 11th, 2008 5:42:14 AM
Falin reshoulders his bow as everyone seems to go in their separate directions. Falin looks towards teh fort and beyond.
"You know it doesn't look that far. I don't mind accompanying the caravan all the way to Waypoint. It should be a relatively quick trip."
K'Nara Tuesday March 11th, 2008 1:40:29 PM
In a voice pitched low enough so that they are less likely to be overheard, K'Nara speaks to Lian:
"Seeing as how Willan and his crew walked into the middle of a huge crowd of citizens graphically celebrating the death of Parnoth, I have a sneaking suspicion that the guards will know that the Big Green Meanie is gone. However, we can, at least, tone down on any embellishments to the event." The leader of the Emerald Dragons then nods to Falin.
"I agree--we ought to make sure the caravan arrives safely." The chestnut-maned blade singer turns to the others. "Olana, would you be kind enough to go along? I'm not anticipating any real trouble, but two Emeralds are better than one. Use your rings, of course, if there is anything you feel suspicious about." K'Nara's hazel eyes scan the sky and watch Athalorn and Glannath move south, bringing her own Ring of Communication up to her face.
"Don't forget to use your ring if you find anything that alarms you, Athalorn." she reminds the shapechanged druid. Then she tugs on Poki's reins.
"All right, then," K'Nara says brightly, "Let's go test the hospitality of...Fort Hospitality."
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 11th, 2008 6:37:11 PM
Bertram immediately accepts and ties off his pony to the wagon and climbs up on the seat next to one of the boys. Glad to be off the foul beast, Bertram lights his pipe and sits back relaxing for the moment. He leaves his axe sitting right beside him just in case.
Ingrge Tuesday March 11th, 2008 9:32:38 PM
Seeing that he has probably irritated poor Gunther enough, Ingrge rides up beside him.
"Hey Gunther, a while back you had asked me about magic for your feline friend. Are you still nterested or have you decided against that?"
Wednesday March 12th, 2008 1:15:24 AM
Olana nods at K'Nara and prepares to escort the caravan. It would give her chance to get the layout of the town and the surrounding area, as well as soothing the minds of the spooked caravanners.
DM Jan Wednesday March 12th, 2008 2:05:22 AM
So!
Athalorn drifts upward with the intent to follow Glannath, Olana, Falin and Bert prepare to escort the caravan, and K'Nara, Lian, Gunther (?) and Ingrge (?) go directly to the fort, in order to see what's what.
By the time it is dark and dinner is ready at the Fort -
Athalorn and Glannath have spied a fair sized encampment about 12 miles south, at the side of the river. It looks reasonably well organized, and is inhabited by orcs - maybe 150 to a 200 of them.
Olana, Bert and Falin escort the caravan into Waypoint (Bert's donkey braying all the way), that seems to cater utterly to travelers. It has inns and taverns, bathhouses and stables, a farrier's, carriage repair, horse feed (and human feed) stores. The caravan owner has a booking at The Happy Goat Inn, and thanks the group profusely for their help.
K'Nara and the others are shown to their billets and the bathhouse, and are informed dinner will be at night in the mess hall.
Dinner is held in a room with an arched ceiling and rafters. A number of feral cats appear to be perched up there, feet tucked in, tails dangling down, their faces expressing half an interest in what is going on below. The dining table is a long, rough-hewn affair, where no one gets special seating preferences. There's a decent ale, and tasty loaves of bread, but the accompanying stew is as tough as old boots.
Doing his level best to chew through dinner, the other captain - Howell - a man with a slight belly and a large bushy beard, asks - "So, its true then - about Parnoth?" he gestures to some of the men with his spoon. "Forgive our questions and ignorance, I mean we were informed and everything, but it just seems so - " he shrugs - "fantastic?" he laughs. "It's going to take some getting used to."
Athalorn Wednesday March 12th, 2008 2:30:16 AM
When he has finished scouting, the shifter and Glannath turn in the air and head back towards the fort, where they rejoin the Dragons for dinner. As he lands, he changes quickly into human form; his new Blue Dragon Armour resplendent in the torchlight.
Glannath flies up to the highest point of the fort, taking solace amongst battlements or tower.
In the dining hall, Athalorn notes carefully the cats amongst the rafters (ooc: What are they Jan?) before approaching Gunther and K'Nara. "A camp of almost 200 Orcs lies to the south. 12 miles. I do not know their intent. Otherwise, the land is clear."
Falin Wednesday March 12th, 2008 5:35:42 AM OOC: Are we going to be traveling back yet this night are are the escortees coming back in the morning?
Falin enjoys the uneventful trip. "Not often we have an encounter free trip. Actually kind of nice."
After they drop off the caravan Falin looks to the sky to determine the time. "Are we heading back now or waiting until morning?"
Lian Wednesday March 12th, 2008 11:56:40 AM
Lian turns to Knara. "We haven't heard back from Milo. Should I scout ahead? I can take a ring and teleport back here or the castle if things get dicey."
K'Nara Wednesday March 12th, 2008 12:49:09 PM
K'Nara makes use of the bathhouse and sits near Howell in order to be able to converse with him easier.
"Parnoth is not going to be returning any time soon," she confirms to the commander of the fort, "It was the Culverwood itself that claimed him...so I'm assuming he's as dead as one can get, barring resurrection magic." She washes down the food she's just eaten with a gulp of her drink.
"However, my colleagues and I are concerning ourselves with the security of Fort Hospitality now." K'Nara says firmly. "Willan got our attention with a very sketchy description of how things are here by the Trade Road. I need to hear from you what the situation is."
To Lian, the chestnut-maned blade singer says: "That may be something you can do after we get updated on what's happening here."
DM Jan Wednesday March 12th, 2008 3:28:35 PM
((OOC - there is time to get back to the fort in time for dinner, for those escorting the caravan.))
((OOC - cats are feral domestic shorthairs, in assorted colours.))
Brother Bertram Wednesday March 12th, 2008 6:18:33 PM
Having delivered the caravan, Bertram eyes the sign of the Inn. "I wonder how one names an Inn 'The Happy Goat'? I think I am best off not knowing." He grins then joins the others after stabling his loud uncomfortable mount.
Gunther Wednesday March 12th, 2008 11:21:51 PM
The warrior is startled by Ingrge's sudden change of topic. His slow processor struggles to catch up. "Umm...yeah. I tink dat vill still be a goot idea." He shakes his head in confusion. Elves...I don't think I'll ever understand them.
Back at the Fort, Gunther nods his acknowledgment of Athalorn's report. His discomfort in the human settlement is clear as he picks at the awful food in front of him. Who's side are you on? A good question indeed. Unlike the others, Gunther sticks to the wide open area in the center of the Fort, knowing that Delilah will likely not do well in the common areas. He strokes her coat lovingly as he worries about how he's going to go about bringing some semblance of civility to his brothers. Spiting out a chunk or rock hard meat, he smiles longingly at the collar around the dire lions neck that allows her to go without need of food or drink. "If only you knew how lucky you are.." he murmurs as he continues his ruminations.
Thursday March 13th, 2008 1:40:59 AM
Once the caravanners have been delivered, Olana wrinkles her nose. "I think we'd better get back to the fort," she says quietly to Falin. "This place looks like it might get a bit lively, later."
At dinner, she tries her best to pick out the meaty pieces in her stew. Maybe the cats in the rafters would eat them.
She's all ears whn it comes time for explanations.
DM Jan Thursday March 13th, 2008 2:03:07 AM
News goes back and forth across the table, while the cats look on from above with mild disinterest.
The guards who had stayed at the fort and not traveled with Willan appear to be astounded by the Culverwood aspect of Parnoth's demise. "Got a mind of its own, that forest has," one of the says, nodding sagely.
As for the orcs, Howell lights his pipe. "From what we can gather, there seems to be a power struggle going on between two factions, although sometimes it's hard to tell. It's not an easy language to understand at the best of times, and they're a suspicious lot. They'll tell you one thing, then do another. "This Detmar, though. He's pushing it, and I reckon when he finds out about Parnoth, he'll just get more bold. This trade road is lucrative to them. I hear they've been escorting travelers up from Dirt City and Aisildur and back. Now they want what's coming from the east, west and north west. "And to be honest, we're wondering if this Borden leader is a figment of someone's imagination. I mean we hear talk about him, but no one at the Fort has ever seen him. Cobble over there," he points ot one of his men sat near Ingrge, " heard one of the orcs say he'd disappeared, over by Mount Bone. So, who knows?" The man blows a large smoke ring into the air.
Outside, Gunther pulled a fair audience, although they keep their distance. Big cats were rare.
Falin Thursday March 13th, 2008 2:14:09 AM
Upon returning Falin gets off his horse and stretches. Turning towards Olana he says, "You know I am pushing 140. Not as young as I used to be. This riding in the saddle is going to be the death of me." A smile crosses his face.
At diner if that is what you would call it Falin is glad he does not have to eat the food. He leaves the meat in the bowl and eats the rest.
Listening to the conversation Falin glances up at the cats from time to time. Finding one of the other men from the fort sitting off to the side Falin asks, "Why do you have so many cats here?"
Athalorn Thursday March 13th, 2008 2:36:52 AM
The shifter looks at the food, then quickly walks back outside with Gunther, sitting to play with the big cat. During a moment of silence, he speaks to his old friend.
"Gunther I have lived too long in the forest. Tell me of Izen. And tell me what troubles you so. Do you wish to return home?"
Lian Thursday March 13th, 2008 12:39:32 PM
Call it paranoia, but Lian doesn't like the sudden appearance of the semi-curious cats.
"Athalorn, my friend, are those cats entirely on the up and up? or are they druid spies? I love felines, but those are just too weird."
Brother Bertram d20+6=13 Thursday March 13th, 2008 4:28:03 PM
Bertram sits eating dinner, listening to the talk. He pulls on his pipe, wondering what might have happened to Borden and tries to recall anything he might have heard about Mount Bone.
K'Nara Thursday March 13th, 2008 6:56:12 PM
K'Nara mulls over the information Howell tells her about the recent orc activity.
"It certainly does sound like this Detmar person is more than willing to fill a perceived power vacuum." she concedes. "However, Borden is a real leader...I've met him myself. This news you tell us of his disappearance near Mount Bone--that may have to do with his part of the battle he and his troops helped to fight. He returned from that, though--or, at least, he was supposed to have." The chestnut-maned blade singer frowns, for she had personally been called upon to pay a very steep price to return Borden to the land of the living--Gargul had demanded no less than her firstborn child--and she didn't like thinking that the intended sacrifice had failed to provide Izen with the stable government it so desperately needed.
"We just might have to go looking for Borden and see about getting his organization to unite with Detmar's tribe." K'Nara points out.
Gunther Thursday March 13th, 2008 10:41:05 PM
The warrior is greatly relieved by the arrival of Athalorn. He takes a deep breath and blows it out. "Izen...land of monsters...of uncivilized demi-humans. A wasteland only suitable to be the hunting ground of "adventurers" looking to make names for themselves. Izen...full of stupid orcs." Gunther looks out past the walls of the Fort. "Izen...the home of my family. And just when there's a glimmer of hope for some honor and civility for orcs..." Gunther waves his hand in the general direction of the orc encampment. "This happens. And that my friend, is what bothers me."
Olana Friday March 14th, 2008 11:00:35 AM
"Have you ever met this Detmar leader?" Olana asks Howell, wondering what they might be up against.
DM Jan Friday March 14th, 2008 11:28:15 AM
The talk continues around the table.
"Always had cats," one of the men grins at Falin and Lian. "Plenty o' rats to be had between the fort, Waypoint and the river. But ever since our old cook retired and we got the new one - they've taken to sittin' up there, see?" He points upward. "Oh, they're tryin' to look bored, but you wait till we vacate the table, an' they'll be down here like a pack o' wolves after the scraps." He then looks at Falin's plate, and the meat that's been left, and then chuckles to himself. His own bowl is empty. " Ha- harr. However bad it is, it's better than raw rat meat by all accounts."
Eyebrows are raised and heads are nodded as K'nara explains about meeting Borden, and the men seem impressed. "Not met either of them," Howell says, leaning back in his chair, partially enveloped in a cloud of smoke.
"I have!" asserts another of the men. "Well, not met exactly. I've seen Detmar at a distance, on horseback. He looks old, I'd say, and he's built like a barn door."
"Aye, that's what I've heard," continues Howell. "An old warhorse. A savage #*&^$, too. Sorry, ladies. Excuse my language."
Bert's recall of Mount Bone will no doubt conjur up some of the myths and legends that he's heard surrounding it. Geographically, it is the main focal point in north/central Izen. It exhudes evil and continues to do so; it has swallowed many an adventurer, and is still rumoured to contain a mysterious and evil cabal of necromancers who, by all accounts, had Parnoth captured at one point.
Outside, twilight is giving way to night, and fireflies can be seen bobbing about. Men walk to and fro, nodding at both Athalorn and Gunther during the watch change. To the south, Izen's sky is utterly black, shrouded by cloud and mystery.
Lian Friday March 14th, 2008 12:38:45 PM
"Its okay Howell, these ladies know words that would make YOU blush." Grins the elf.
Athalorn Friday March 14th, 2008 2:20:58 PM
The shifter nods back at the guards as dusk sets in. He considers Gunther's words, and nods in consent. "Aye, seems like this fellow Borden is who we need to find. Tell me more of him. And what is the sacrifice you and K'Nara made to bring him back? It must be a grave thing you promised."
Brother Bertram Friday March 14th, 2008 8:00:23 PM
Bertram stands and walks out, not willing to listen to K'nara and Gunther explain the terrible sacrifice that Bertram himself felt responsible for. He walks out into the nigt and finds a stump and makes himself comfortable. His pipe's glowing bowl is the only sign he is still breathing as he begins to pray. For his daily learning, but also for forgiveness.
K'Nara Friday March 14th, 2008 11:45:26 PM
K'Nara thinks about all that's she's heard, even as her lips quirk at the wit in Lian's one-liner.
"Detmar will need to be heard, then." she mused aloud. "Whether or not we may believe he is entitled to such consideration, he is obviously a leader of some skill and capable of being a thorn in the side of the Kingdom. Contacting him will be our job. The security of the Kingdom's section of the Trade Road will obviously be yours, commander."
When the meal winds down, K'Nara thanks the leader of the fort and rises to go to where the Emerald Dragons have been billeted. She departs the hall, murmuring into her Ring of Communication:
"We need to meet, compare notes and strategize. Everybody to the quarters the commander gave us."
Athalorn Saturday March 15th, 2008 3:23:15 AM
ooc: Mark - Athalorn and Gunther are already alone outside. Athalorn wouldn't bring up the topic in front of everyone.
Falin d20+26=42 d20+21=27 Saturday March 15th, 2008 11:23:57 PM
Falin excuses himself from the table and walks outside. He sees Athalorn and Gunther sitting and talking amongst themselves and looking a bit farther off he see Bertram meditating over a pipe. Falin looks to the skies and smiles, Nice night for a fly he thinks to himself. Whispering his command word Falins black cloak spreads out, turning into wings the color of night. He spring up allowing the wind to get caught under them and takes off to the South. Just going out to clear the mind and get used to the new wings he thinks to himself.
OOC: He is going up about 200 feet and is just going to go South about 1/2 hour and then turn around and then head back towards the fort for the night. He will keep his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary.
Spot 42 Listen 27
Brother Bertram Sunday March 16th, 2008 1:35:08 AM
(OOC oops sorry guys missed that)
Brother Bertram Sunday March 16th, 2008 10:52:23 PM
( I thought that Knara explained ALL about meeting Borden to the guards)
OOC from K'Nara's player: Um...no...K'Nara would not have gone into quite THAT much detail. She merely confirmed that Borden is a real orc and that he was actually a rather intelligent and honorable one. She would NOT speak out loud of the price she agreed to when Gargul allowed Borden to be brought back to life. It is entirely possible that Borden, himself, is unaware of the deal, as Gargul merely sent the Emeralds on their way and Borden on his way after telling the EDs that Borden was officially Resurrected--K'Nara has never seen or communicated even with Borden on this matter again.
Lian Monday March 17th, 2008 1:10:57 PM
Lian's glance shifts between Knara, Bert and Falin. What was going on?!
Olana Monday March 17th, 2008 1:42:14 PM
And while Lian is looking at K'Nara, Falin and bert, Olana is giving Lian a mock stony look for the 'words' comment.
DM Jan Monday March 17th, 2008 1:46:42 PM
As dinner ends and folk start to leave, the hungry cats descend and start chowing down on the left overs, until someone comes to clear the table and scatters them all.
Falin's just about getting the hang of his new cloak, climbing to height where he is able to see the campfires and lanterns of Waypoint, and to the south, the tiny specs that represent the same in the orc encampment.
Likewise, Bert is just settling into prayer, when - everyone gets the call from K'nara.
It is now getting late, and plans for the morrow need to be discussed and decided upon.
Athalorn Monday March 17th, 2008 6:34:12 PM
Listens to Gunther's reply while it is still quiet, enjoying the sense of dusk and the clear sky above. He will go to K'Nara and the others to discuss the mornings actions.
"So do we need to find this Borden? If so, perhaps I could speak with the Orcs to the south and find out what they know of him. I can be there quickly, and could disguise myself as one of them."
Ingrge d20+14=28 Monday March 17th, 2008 9:33:30 PM
When we settle down for the night, I can try and scry for him. As I know him and Bone Moutain fairly well it shouldn't be too big of a problem. But if I use the spell I propose to use, then I need a question that we want the answer to. Perhaps something along the lines of:
Where is Borden and what is keeping him from his men?
Vision Spell Spell DC 28
K'Nara Monday March 17th, 2008 11:40:39 PM
The tall blade singer nods agreement with Ingrge's suggestion.
"I was just gonna ask you if you could scry for Borden, Ingrge." K'Nara says with a grin. "You're already there--with a proper sort of question, too...you sure you don't wanna be King..?" The warrior ducks the glare that the elf sends her way and turns to the others.
"Besides finding Borden, we need to meet with and hear out this Detmar fellow." K'Nara says. "Unless something dire comes up, I think we ought to just go look for him. It should be simple enough to find him--if we travel the Trade Road a ways, one of the patrols he's ordered to keep tabs on the road ought to just come up and meet us. Then we can request an audience with Detmar." She looks around.
"Any other ideas or suggestions?" she asks. If there are none, K'Nara suggests that they all get some sleep after Ingrge has done his scrying.
Falin Tuesday March 18th, 2008 2:26:48 AM
Falin lands in the center of the fort, near his friends. Hearing the others discuss their options. Listening to K'Nara's suggestion, "I think that is one fo the better options. That way we are all together and I doubt any of the roving groups out there would think of attacking all of us."
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 18th, 2008 6:18:58 AM
Bertram finishes his prayers and then joins the others and and agrees with the others on a plan. He then heads to bed for the eve.
Olana Tuesday March 18th, 2008 1:27:33 PM
"Sounds like a good idea to me," says Olana. "Knowing where and what's happened to Borden would seem to be a vital key regarding what we do next."
The elf will visit the horses during the night and make sure all is well there, then get some rest.
DM Jan Tuesday March 18th, 2008 1:48:40 PM
Past midnight and the air becomes heavy, telling of an approaching storm. About an hour later distant flashes can be seen to the south west, followed a good few seconds later by low, growling thunder. A breeze kicks up and it starts to get cold, although it appears that the fort will escape the rain.
Not so, those who are the subject of Ingrge's vision spell, where three, broad-shouldered figures stand on a small rise and look on as the slope of Mount Bone rears up before them, its craggy hide illuminated briefly by jags of lightning. The accompanying peals of thunder are loud enough to drown out anything by way of conversation, other than barks of disgust as rain starts to pelt down and bounce hard off the ground.
While the other two throw up the hoods of their cloaks, the largest of the three seems immune to the weather, and his eyes remain steadfast and murderous, staring at the mountain. Finally, he bares his tusks and lets out a growl, then turns to the other two. A few campfires and wind-whipped tents can be seen close by. "Get some rest," he says, his voice very familiar. "Tomorrow, we go in."
The electrifying cold seems to seep through the spell, leaving Ingrge shivering at the end of it.
The distant storm appears to abate just before dawn.
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 18th, 2008 4:54:18 PM
Bertram sleeps well, wore out from riding. When he wakens he cant help but wonder what the day will hold.
Lian Tuesday March 18th, 2008 5:29:55 PM
The monk protects against the cold and follows the group, as curious as them to where they should be going.
Athalorn Tuesday March 18th, 2008 6:23:14 PM
The shifter revels in the tension in the air with the distant storm. Truly powerful. With the coming of morning, the shifter finds the others and speaks with them.
"Ingrge? Did your visions yield any useful paths for us to follow?"
Gunther Tuesday March 18th, 2008 10:59:19 PM
Sleeping out in the square, Gunther is very anxious to find out what Ingrge determined during his scrying. As soon as daybreak he is packed and ready to travel. He heads immediately over to Ingrge's room to get the report.
OOC: Sorry folks, went out of town for a tournament. Should be posting regularly now.
Falin Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:04:48 AM
Falin spends his time in the early morning packing his belongings for another journey. He inventories his arrows and then meets with the others to find out what is up for the morning.
Ingrgre Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:09:06 AM
once done and warmed back up, Ingrge shakes his head and debates whether at this late hour to make his report of to go to sleep and catch some needed rest. But that decision is taken from him as there is a knock on his door.
Opening it up and seeng Gunther there, Ingrge raises and eyebrow and then when Gunther asks about the scrying he reports what he saw. Waiting a moment more in case there is something else Gunther needed Ingrge says good night and closes the door to go to his reat.
Lian Wednesday March 19th, 2008 11:22:33 AM
Lian also waits to hear Ingrge's news.
Olana Wednesday March 19th, 2008 4:39:40 PM
In the early morning, Olana paces around the yard of the fort, anxious for news. At this point, with the prospect of many orcs in her future, she wonders if she would have been better off accompanying Milo to Osto. Her thoughts are making her a little cranky. Good job Ingrge is a wizard. Had he not needed the required rest, I'd have been kicking his door down right now.
DM Jan Wednesday March 19th, 2008 4:43:06 PM
Dawn breaks! CRUNCH
And soon after, the fort comes alive with the scent of baked bread and crowing chickens. It starts to get busy real quick as the watch changes and men pass one another joking and jibing. "Get rained on, then? Heard thunder in the night." "Nah, we've saved it all for you."
Time to make a move.
Brother Bertram Wednesday March 19th, 2008 6:46:35 PM
Bertram rises and washes up with the pitcher on the dresser. He quickly moves through his gear with much practiced ease. He moves to join the others and break his fast. He tries not to wince as he moves down the stairs, still sore from yesterdays ride. He promises himself that when this is over he will roast the foul beast and eat it for what it has done to him.
Ingrge Wednesday March 19th, 2008 9:03:40 PM
Up and rested, Ingrge heads down to break fast and discuss what is next for the Emeralds.
Gunther Thursday March 20th, 2008 12:23:39 AM
The warrior spends the whole night mulling over what Ingrge has said. Borden was alive, thank the gods! But what is this strange mission he is on that keeps him from his people? Befuddled, Gunther heads off to the morning meeting, ready to head out and meet this Detmah fellow, but more importantly to get to the heart of what's going on with Borden.
Athalorn Thursday March 20th, 2008 2:29:07 AM
Meeting with his friends, Athalorn enjoys the morning bustle and the smell of bread and the skies. "So where is Detmah, Ingrge?" When he is told the answer, Athalorn takes to the skies in the form of an eagle, screeching his call to Glannath as he does so.
Glannath soars up from the roof of a tower, stretching his wings lazily in the morning air, glad to see his companion.
Falin Thursday March 20th, 2008 5:13:48 AM
On his way over to the group Falin stops by the armory and sees if they have some arrows for trade.
Explaining to the Arms Master he has 30 +2 arrows that provide him very little advantage anymore and he is looking for more regular arrows to supplement his reserves. As many as they can spare.
As he approaches the group he walks up to Olana and hands her 16 arrows. "Olana I want to let you know I too know what it is like to be separated from those you love. Always wondering and hoping they are all well. Please believe me when I tell you that you have to place your faith in both their abilities and in the gods to watch over them." He pauses for a moment, "I also have these for you" He pulls 16 arrows from his quiver. "These have a magical bonus of +5. They don't do much for me anymore becasue of my specialization, but could be greatly advantageous to someone else to enhance their bow fighting skills."
Lian Thursday March 20th, 2008 7:53:50 AM
The hand of Domi prepares his limited spells earlier that evening and dons the Orc Bane tears, as well as his Dragon Bane (because you never can tell), removing his headband and stows it away. Lian removes his ring from his left hand and stows it as well, replacing it with the Dragon ring.
If there is time to gather fresh berries, he will.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {His AC is reduced by 3 because his headband was removed.}
K'Nara Thursday March 20th, 2008 5:57:22 PM
K'Nara is up before sunrise, putting herself through her usual pre-dawn paces with her blade singer katas. Just as the pale fingers of light grasp at the hem of night's cloak over the Wold, the chestnut-maned leader of the Emerald Dragons finishes and, trotting by Gunther as he checks up on Delilah again, gives the man a hard, swift kiss in greeting before going indoors for a quick sponge bath. She joins the party at breakfast.
"We need to find Borden." K'Nara says without preamble, tucking into the food served for breakfast. "He's obviously at Mount Bone--I suspect he is contemplating entering Bone Tower, as it is in the area." (OOC: I don't know if it is the proper time of the month for anyone to be doing that, however.)
"Ingrge..." K'Nara says to the weapon mage, "...you saw where they were. You'll put the Teleport Ring on first and we'll all use it to get to where Borden is. Hopefully he'll be in the mood to talk to us when we get there."
Olana Friday March 21st, 2008 12:37:51 AM
"Hey," Olana whistles softly, looking at the arrows. "Thanks, Falin." They're placed carefully in her quiver.
As they gather for teleport, she asks Bert with a smile, "Why are you walking oddly?" Of course she has a darned good idea, having been a little saddle sore herself.
"We'd better not forget Athalorn," she adds, pointing to the sky.
A Renewed Acquaintance
DM Jan Friday March 21st, 2008 12:49:06 AM
((OOC - keeping things moving. If you needed any more prep, just detail it in your next post. No worries.))
The group teleport.
By the time they arrive, the orcs have broken camp. It is deserted, the fires are out, and tracks are leading toward -
Mount Bone blocks out the immediate western horizon. It's dark grey slopes are still slick with rain, and clouds still gather at the summit, reluctant to leave. From this point of view, there are no signs of any towers, or any other buildings for that matter. It's just mountain and the surrounding wilds of Izen.
Surrounding the group, the land is part rock, part earth covered in tufts of highland grass.
In the far distance to the south, a pall of smoke suggests a city, but it is a long way away.
It is morning.
Falin d20+1=15 Friday March 21st, 2008 5:02:47 AM
Falin walks over to one of the fire and places his hand close to it (Survival 15) to see if he can figure out how long since they broke camp.
Looking to Mount Bone Falin feels a little chill run up his spine. His shoulder aches. Absentmindedly he rubs it and feels the deep scar that is all that remains from that nightmare of a place.
"Well," says Falin seemingly unnerved by the silence. "We follow the tracks, right?"
Athalorn Friday March 21st, 2008 7:40:05 AM
In human form Athalorn watches Falin's reaction. "Have you been here before? I know of the place, and the stories of its creation. What is inside? And why would Borden come here?" The druid does not like being underground, or indoors, away from the open sky and the chance to spread wings. But he agrees to begin following the trail. Before they go anywhere, he mutters divine words and casts Commune with Nature. Closing his eyes, he bends low and touches the ground, listening to what the land tells him of this place.
ooc: Athalorn is searching for answers like: Presence of powerful creatures, presence of people or humanoids etc.
Lian Friday March 21st, 2008 10:36:59 AM
"I forgot how imposing and ugly that thing is." Says the elf with a shudder.
Ingrge Friday March 21st, 2008 1:55:31 PM
You do realize that the last time we went in there we ended up in Fidelia's realm. I really don't think I want to go there again any time soon.
K'Nara Friday March 21st, 2008 1:57:46 PM
The chestnut-maned leader of the party twists her lips into a semblance of a smile that comes out more like a grimace.
"Now that it's just us Emerald Dragons," she says out loud, "I can tell you what I was thinking. First, Athalorn, this--" Here K'Nara gestures at the great, craggy mountain before them, "--is the infamous Mount Bone of Izen. On it is the even more infamous Bone Tower...and in the Tower are all manner of traps and such. The Tower is only accessible once a month, for which there used to be a tournament fought to see who was strong enough to enter." The blade singer gives a short laugh.
"We entered the tournament as 'the Green Claws' and won the right to enter the Tower. While we were fighting our way through it, the odd magic effect that had whisked Falin away from us apparently resolved itself by teleporting him back into our midst...just in time for us to face the final challenge of the Tower.
"After defeating the Necromancer who was the Tower custodian, we scooped up as much of the treasure as we could carry and left." K'Nara frowns. "There is still at least three times as much treasure there as what we were able to haul away. I'm thinking that Borden may be of a mind to get his hands on it so that he can more securely finance his dream of uniting Izen under one ruler." The redheaded warrior woman looks around.
"So, yes, Falin...by all means we must track the orcs who had camped here and try to talk to Borden--if only to confirm whether or not my guess is correct." K'Nara says firmly, then her smile becomes more genuine as she addresses herself to Lian and Ingrge:
"Still ugly after all this time, heh...and I surely hope none of us end up in Harrowed Moon any time soon."
Athalorn Friday March 21st, 2008 2:12:40 PM
"My thanks, K'Nara. It is times like these when I realise that my time with you all has been short indeed. So we need Borden alive, that he may bring some form of stability to Izen?"
Gunther Friday March 21st, 2008 2:24:06 PM
Harrowed Moon...the mere mention of that hellish place brings beads of sweat to the swarthy warrior's brow. Still, if it meant making sure that Borden was safe... Gunther looks over at Ingrge and Athalorn. "If ve are to go in dere again, den I tink my kitty vill need more protection. Athalorn, friend...can you cast de spell dat lets my kitty bite harder (Greater Animal Fang) or vas dat von of de spells you lost when you saw errhm...him?"
Athalorn Friday March 21st, 2008 3:23:13 PM
The shifter nods. "Aye, Gunther my friend. I still know that magic." Athalorn bends low, walking calmly toward the great cat, and places a hand on the creature's shoulders, whispering words that strengthen the cat. "I have other spells that can help the beast when needed, though I can no longer heal others. I hope that will not be too costly."
Standard Action: Cast Greater Magic Fang, giving +3 to attack and damage on one natural weapon.
Athalorn d100=47 Friday March 21st, 2008 3:24:03 PM
OOC: Jan hope you don't mind the double post - if it is not possible immediately, Athalorn will cast the second spell when he can.
Falin 2nd Post Friday March 21st, 2008 7:22:09 PM
Turning to Athalorn the elf says with a tinge of fear in his eyes. "I was infected by a lycanthrope while there. We didn't find out until we returned. In fact it was in the battle that Borden had died in. The scary thing was I enjoyed the feelings of power. I am not sure I could resist the temptation again."
With that he turns back to facing the tower.
Brother Bertram Friday March 21st, 2008 8:03:47 PM
Bertram eyes the mountain with mixed emotions. He had never felt more helpless than when in Harrowed Moon, cut off from Domi and Gargul. But yet, at the same time, the then Talons had survived and managed to accomplish thier goal. He said yet another prayer for strength for himself and all of his companions.
Ingrge Friday March 21st, 2008 8:13:20 PM
Walking over in response to Guther's question, he nods and then watches as Athalorn casts his spell and then he scats one himself almost immediately touching the cat on the top of her head. Cast Pemanancy on the Greater magic Fang spell cast by Athalorn Nodding his head a bit as he finishes up he looks at Gunther a moment, "Now her bite is worse than her roar."
Gunther Friday March 21st, 2008 11:35:21 PM
The warrior grins at Athalorn and Ingrge. "Dat should make tings better. Tank you my friends." Friends...a stupid orc like me is lucky to have such friends. Come what may he will always remember who his friends really are.
Lian Saturday March 22nd, 2008 3:48:23 PM
"I'm sure that Necromancer hasn't forgiven Ingrge for taking that Screaming Staff thing. Yikes, that thing was narly. And those skulls! I hate undead."
Looking at KNara he says, "Ah, c'mon Knara! Hallowed Moon wasn't too, the werewolf sheriff-huntress, the vampiric matron who runs the place and the dwarf with the skull fetish! Not a bad place for a vacation." He rolls his eyes.
"If Borden made friends with ANYONE in that place, chances are he's been compelled or worse, by that witch Fidelia."
Lian Monday March 24th, 2008 1:21:14 PM
He runs through the bad stuff about Harrowed Moon and struggles to remember anything good about it.
Athalorn Monday March 24th, 2008 1:29:02 PM
...still listens to the land around him, waiting answers.
Olana Monday March 24th, 2008 5:24:27 PM
Olana looks around at her friends and fellow warriors, desperately trying to hide her own thoughts on Harrowed Moon. Surely, that's not where they were going? No way, she's thinking. Absolutely no way.
DM Jan Monday March 24th, 2008 5:31:00 PM
A breeze starts to kick up as the Dragons get their bearings and the clouds shift, revealing a little more of the mountain.
Going off the fire, it looks like camp was broken off about an hour ago, and there are definite, mounted tracks leading off from the camp toward the mountain that looks maybe about an hour and half's journey on horseback.
The commune with nature spell reveals something foul, like the land beneath everyone's feet is dispoiled. There is also the sense of something/things alive and powerful, toward the mountain, but deep underground.
The druid isn't the only one to feel the dispoilment. There's a bad feel to the place - it's the mountain's usual aura. However, this time it seems worse.
The green scab on Lian's hand and wrist has turned grey.
Athalorn Monday March 24th, 2008 5:58:51 PM
The shifter resists a retching urge as the foulness of the land becomes clear. "So we go here for Borden? Perhaps there are other things we should do in this place, like clear it of such denizens. Let us follow the trail..."
K'Nara Monday March 24th, 2008 7:13:06 PM
"We definitely follow Borden." K'Nara confirms. "We don't initiate anything else unless we or innocents are threatened. Let's get going."
Athalorn Tuesday March 25th, 2008 3:05:21 AM
"We cannot leave a place like this as it is? A foul scar on the landscape of Izen. If we can rid it of such evil, surely we should try?"
Falin Tuesday March 25th, 2008 8:54:28 AM
"Many have tried, Athalorn, they have tried and failed." Falin looks at the manacing tower as they continue their travel towards it.
"I didn't think we would all make it out of that accused place. I just shudder at the thought of flying skulls again."
Lian Tuesday March 25th, 2008 8:56:28 AM
The monk notices his hand, the color shift could mean its healing. But...
"Knara, Bert, Ingrge, chech this out. Old Greenies kiss has changed." He shows them the color changing scab. "I started feeling sick from all this gloom and then noticed this green patch had turned grey. What could it mean? A sign of poisoned soil or something? Or is it healing?" He looks at Bertram, the healer.
Brother Bertram d20+24=36 d20+20=24 Tuesday March 25th, 2008 8:40:21 PM
Bertram frowns as Lian shows his hand. He tries to see if he can figure out what it might mean.
(OOC Heal Check Knowledge Check Religion)
Brother Bertram Tuesday March 25th, 2008 8:45:24 PM
Bertram relaxes somewhat as he realizes what the color change means. "Friend Lian the reason it changed colors is because you have left the realm of Culverwood. Whatever that thing is it is deeply linked to the forest itself. It is now dormant for lack of a better word. I still do not know exactly what it is but it appears that for now everything is fine."
Gunther Tuesday March 25th, 2008 9:41:24 PM
The warrior kicks anxiously at the ground as everyone begins discussing the fairly recent trip they made to Harrowed Moon...I trip he would rather not remember...ever again. Biting his lip he pats his big cat on the back in a vain attempt to console her. "De sooner ve get dis over vith de better." he mutters.
Olana Tuesday March 25th, 2008 11:47:49 PM
The closer they get, the more Olana wants to turn around and go home. Her stomach feels like it is full of butterflies.
DM Jan Wednesday March 26th, 2008 12:21:46 AM
The group set off on the trail of the orcs, and the light seems to fail rather than grow in strength as the morning wears on. It's probably just the shadow of the mountain, looming closer, taking up the sky. Nevertheless, coupled with the growing atmosphere of dread, it's like the mountain is attempting to swallow up the world.
Up ahead, maybe a quarter of a mile - there looks to be a fissure in the rock - the beginnings of a cave. There are horses there - all riderless except for one.
The lone rider approaches, and stops about seventy five feet away from the group, his skin the colour of stone, his tusks white, betraying his youth. His sword is in his hand. He beats the flat of the blade on his chest then holds it aloft. A classic 'Hail - who are you and what do you want' gesture.
This one appears to have been left outside to guard the horses.
Gunther Wednesday March 26th, 2008 12:49:30 AM
The warrior takes his sword and mimics the guard's gesture. "Ich bin Gunther des Clans Grell und diese sind meine Begleiter die SmaragdTalons. Wir müssen Borden sofort sehen. Wo ist er?"
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I am Gunther of the clan Grell and these are my companions the Emerald Talons. We need to see Borden immediately. Where is he?"}
Athalorn Wednesday March 26th, 2008 3:03:49 AM
The shifter stands beside Gunther, still in human form for the moment, his heart beating quickly with the feeling of apprehension and dread that the mountain bestows upon him. He had never seen the Dragons so nervous before. Whatever happened here must have really shaken them. He waits for a response from the lone rider.
Falin Wednesday March 26th, 2008 4:02:51 AM
Falin moves to the side to ensure he has a clear shot if it needed. He watches, intently, as the display and dialog goes on between the rider and Gunther.
Brother Bertram Wednesday March 26th, 2008 9:44:19 AM
Bertram curses his mount trying to keep it under control as Gunther converses with the young orc.
Lian Wednesday March 26th, 2008 2:56:29 PM
"Thanks Bert. That makes sense."
Ingrge Wednesday March 26th, 2008 8:20:42 PM
Riding up next to Gunther, Ingrge sits a nd listens only chiming in once as Gunther speaks and then falls silent again. His orcish has a definite elvish lilt to it.
"Wir die SmaragdLindwurm, nich die SmaragdTalons."
Gunther Wednesday March 26th, 2008 10:09:25 PM
Ingrge's comment breaks the incredible tension that was washing over the warrior and he laughs heartily. ""Ich stehe durch meinen Freund behoben. Alte Gewohnheiten hartnäckig.""
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I stand corrected by my friend. Old habits die hard."}
The warrior returns his attention to the orc sentry. "Schneller Bruder, müssen wir an Borden so bald wie möglich gelangen."
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Quick brother, we need to get to Borden as soon as possible."}
Olana d20+15=32 Thursday March 27th, 2008 1:38:22 AM
Olana listens carefully to the conversation, understanding what has been said, but her eyes are on what lies ahead, the path to the mountain.
Spot 32
DM Jan Thursday March 27th, 2008 1:47:38 AM
The young orc slams his weapon back into its scabbard and he beckons.
The group find themselves being led right up toward one of the sheer faces of the mountain. There are twenty nine horses tied up there, all wild-eared and skittish. They don't want to be here, and the way the groups own mounts have been shifting and bucking, it appears they share the same feeling.
There is a tall, natural fissure in the rock - a crack about twenty feet wide at the base, narrowing up to nothing about thirty feet up. It's the entrance to a tunnel, and deep in there, a tiny spec of light can be seen.
The atmosphere is getting worse, like there's an ill breeze blowing out of the tunnel entrance. The orc gestures toward it. "They're inside," he says in clipped, Izen accented orcish. "I have my orders to stay outside and guard the horses."
Athalorn Thursday March 27th, 2008 3:17:58 AM
The shifter doesn't understand the words, but sees the gesture towards the entrance. "Then let us find this Borden, and quickly, for this place has an ill feel and I would sooner be away from here than tarry." With that, the druid peers into the tunnel entrance.
Falin Thursday March 27th, 2008 5:27:54 AM
Falin stops just outside of the fisure. The others pass by and Falin just continues to stare. He visibly shudders for a moment and continues in.
He does, however, take his bow out and knock an arrow. Remaining ready for anything.
K'Nara Thursday March 27th, 2008 8:00:48 AM
K'Nara is fine with letting Gunther handle the interaction with the young orc. She's also none too surprised to hear the word "Talons" pop up in Gunther's speech, nor that Ingrge knows orcish, too ('That weapon mage know-it-all!' she thinks to herself with a rather fond mental snort.)
"Let's move." K'Nara says as she stalks in the direction indicated by the young orc. "Olana and Lian, take the point--we need to track Borden to wherever he's gone. Then it's me and Gunther; Falin and Bertram; and Ingrge bringing up the rear." Then as an after-thought, K'Nara, too, draws her sword before continuing on their appointed task.
Lian Thursday March 27th, 2008 8:24:10 AM
The hand of Domi follows orders and sets off with Olana.
Athalorn Thursday March 27th, 2008 8:32:17 AM
"Er, and me K'Nara?" The shifter looks very put out.
Gunther Thursday March 27th, 2008 10:32:34 PM
Gunther grins at Athalorn. "She's left the best for de last."
Olana Friday March 28th, 2008 12:56:45 AM
Olana dismounts. "Will he look after our horses, too?" she asks Gunther, indicating the young orc.
She gets ready to move out.
Brother Bertram Friday March 28th, 2008 7:42:41 AM
Bertram overcomes his dread and starts forward. As Olana mentions the horses, Bertram is heard to mutter, "They can eat mine..."
Lian Friday March 28th, 2008 11:42:39 AM
He slides off and joins Olana.
"Athalorn, soar my friend." Smiles the monk, pointing to the sky.
K'Nara Friday March 28th, 2008 1:55:38 PM
K'Nara groans at her own preoccupation.
"Sorry, Athalorn," she apologizes with a grimace, "I'm so used to you and your avian companion soaring overhead that I assumed that was what you'd be doing this time, too...although that makes no sense, as we're going into a cave." She sighs. "How about you tag along with Ingrge, then? Keep each other out of trouble." The chestnut-maned woman winks a hazel eye and then turns her attention to advancing into the cave after Borden.
DM Jan Friday March 28th, 2008 3:26:24 PM
Just as the Dragons are about to enter the tunnel, the orc sentry lets out an ear-piercing whistle. The sound ricochets back and forth off the walls. Afterwards he regards the group and shrugs, saying in orcish - "Not letting you go in there unannounced."
The group enters and the mountain seems to close in. 'Outside' becomes a mere slit in a wall of rock that seems to become smaller and smaller. The ceiling of the tunnel remains steady, about 20 ft high; the tunnel itself, 15 ft wide.
The small spec of light ahead eventually becomes a set of flickering torches in the tunnel ahead, and broad-shouldered, silhouetted, humanoid shapes can be seen stood clustered in a group, like there's some kind of meeting going on.
"Who's there!" is the cry in orcish. "Show yourselves, state your business."
Brother Bertram Friday March 28th, 2008 8:52:41 PM
Bertram keeps his axe out and readied as his eyes take in everything there is to see, unnaffected by the darkness.
Lian Saturday March 29th, 2008 11:44:44 AM
Follows Olana.
Gunther Saturday March 29th, 2008 10:50:48 PM
Getting tired of all the introductions, Gunther growls out rather impatiently in orcish. "Gunther des Grell Clans und der SmaragdLindwurm. Wir müssen mit Borden sofort sprechen, also lassen Sie den Stier fallen und erklären Sie mir, wo er ist!"
Highlight to display spoiler: { "Gunther of the Grell clan and the Emerald Dragons. We need to talk to Borden immediately, so drop the bull and tell me where he is."}
Athalorn Sunday March 30th, 2008 7:42:15 AM
The shifter smiles at K'Nara's words. "I'm not really cross, K'Nara. And I think Ingrge will be keeping me out of trouble more than the other way around!"
As the party see the humanoid figures ahead, Athalorn clutches his quarterstaff ready, considering a change into one of his new known forms.
ooc: Jan, how big is the tunnel? What is the maximum size Ath could change into?
Falin Monday March 31st, 2008 2:42:56 AM
Falin glances behind at the sliver of light that continues to receed behind them. Letting his eyes adjust he keeps a look out for possible targets.
How lucky for him when one yells out at the group. He keeps looking forward to see what is to come.
Ingrge Monday March 31st, 2008 9:34:01 AM
Friend Athalorn, I believe she was saying that you would be a good influence on me and aid in curbing my sometimes impulsive side. In any case, I would enjoy your company.
Athalorn Monday March 31st, 2008 1:17:48 PM
Athalorn smiles at Ingrge's words, unused to a show of friendship from the elf, but entirely grateful nonetheless.
Olana d20+15=22 d20+16=18 Monday March 31st, 2008 5:09:56 PM
Edging carefully along the tunnel, Olana keeps a lookout for anything strange that doesn't necessarily mean orcs. She keeps her eyes averted from the torchlight ahead.
Spot 15 Survival 18
DM Jan Monday March 31st, 2008 6:19:57 PM
Torches flicker and voices ring out in the dark, and a few moments later, the group is facing a thirty strong group of orcs who all appear to be gathered around a large black hole in the floor of the tunnel.
First on the approach, both Olana and Lian will have sensed something bad coming from the direction of that hole - an ill wind, erupting from a chasm of total darkness.
It appears that the orcs are preparing to descend into it. They have ropes and pulleys partially rigged.
"Well met," says Borden in common, his voice a deep growl, his stature easily half a head taller than his fellows. He extends his arm toward K'Nara for the traditional bone-crushing hand clasp, while giving Gunther a formal nod of acceptance. "So, what brings you here?"
Lian, Olana, Bert, Ingrge, Falin and Athalorn are getting the onceover from the other orcs. They are all male, big, broad-shouldered and look well-equipped. Their expression is both wary and challenging.
At some point in the middle of introductions, questions and answers - the dragon's earrings come alive. It's a report from Milo -
"I've arrived at Osto. it seemed pretty quiet until the following notice arrived and was put up in the town square. Looks like Mop wrote it. It says, and I quote:
As part of the last will and testament of His Excellency, His Divine Benevolence, the Almighty Parnoth, Green Dragon and Saviour of the Wold, monies have been allocated toward the following:
- The creation of an orphanage for children of all races, to be built within the environs of Emerald City. - The strengthening of existing border strongholds. This will include recruitment of extra personnel, enhanced equipment and buildings, including the Emerald Dragon castle. - The creation of new protective measures for the Realm, as yet to be determined, including forest patrols, and forts to be build at the western and eastern edges of the Realm. - A monument to record the passing of the Parnoth era. - The creation of a small monastary for the worship of Domi and Gargul at a suitable location. - An award of the princely sum of 50 gold pieces to every citizen, of every race, borne of the Emerald Kingdom, the Southern Tribes of Culverwood, and Osto.
Signed, High Chancellor Mop.
The group can hear Milo chuckling. "At least the money's starting to move, but he has a flaming cheek, hasn't he. The only problem here - 50 gps is a lot of money in this town, and folk are already drinking and gambling on the promise of it. Haven't seen much in the way of leadership yet, but I'll keep you all posted."
((OOC - tunnel is still 15' x 20' - however, that might change, as tunnels have a tendency to do.))
K'Nara Tuesday April 1st, 2008 1:26:58 AM
K'Nara grasps Borden's proffered hand and firmly returns the orcish handshake.
"Well met, Borden." she greets him. "We Emerald Dragons are here to see you on a matter of orc patrols apparently harassing the travelers of the Trade Road as well as the Forts on the Emerald Kingdom side of the road. These patrols are made by the authority of someone called 'Detmar'...not sure if you've heard of him. We are here to see if there is an acceptable way to stop the harassment." The blade singer's hazel eyes look around her with mild interest.
"We didn't mean to interrupt anything important to you, though."
After Milo makes his report, K'Nara suppresses a snort. She'll wait until the Emeralds are in relative privacy before commenting on Milo's report.
Athalorn Tuesday April 1st, 2008 1:47:36 AM
The druid says nothing, but skulks at the back of the party. He feels nauseous at the sense of evil stemming from the hole in the floor. At least Mop is spending the money in the right way.
Falin Tuesday April 1st, 2008 2:17:32 AM
Falin watches the interaction between the Orc leader and K'nara. Seeing there is no reason to feel threatened he lowers his bow, but does not put it away. Never can be too careful.
Falin nods back at the Orc's. Acknowledging them, but at the same time giving off the attitude they are not much of a concern to him.
He will look over at the abyss that the Orc's are preparing to decend into. Even though he does not feel anything he does get the inherit feeling of evil looking into that pit. The feeling that it is looking back at him.
A smirk crosses Falins face as Milo comes across the communication channel about Mop.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 1st, 2008 9:01:14 AM
Troubled as he was by the pit in front of them, Bertram still had time to take a moment and glare back the orcish band looking him over. He then tries to figure out what they are up to.
Lian Tuesday April 1st, 2008 12:40:22 PM
Thinking that Mop is playing his part well, Lian smiles at the thought of the little man he once wanted dead. The elf ponders, I doubt there was a will written by Parnoth. I hope Mop covered his butt should anyone challenge the 'will'.
When frisked by the orcs, the monk makes himself as feeble looking as possible, no threat... for now. Without weapons, an orc might think this elf was a push over.
Gunther Tuesday April 1st, 2008 12:47:22 PM
The warrior returns Borden's nod and let's K'nara handle the up front intro. Then he adds on in orcish the question that's really been bothering him. "Borden, Detmar behauptet das Recht, König zu sein. Er verursacht alle Arten Mühe mit den Menschen. Wenn dieses nicht bald gestoppt wird, dann erkennen die anderen Rennen nie das Recht zu einer freien orc Nation. Waren Sie bewußt dieser Drohung?" Highlight to display spoiler: {"Borden, Detmar is claiming the right to be King. He's causing all kinds of trouble with the humans. If this isn't stopped soon, then the other races will never recognize the right to a free orc nation. Were you aware of this threat?" }
The warrior stares down at the pit. "Ist dieses der Grund, daß Sie nicht mit unseren Leuten seien Sie? Konnten Sie unsere Hilfe verwenden?" Highlight to display spoiler: {"Is this the reason that you are not with our people? Could you use our help?"}
(( Buttinski Carl )) Tuesday April 1st, 2008 4:52:13 PM
(( Apologies for the interruption folks. DM Jan, feel free to delete this post when you wish. Just to let you know I've updated the Emerald Dragons logo (http://www.woldiangames.com/games_index_career.htm. If I'm treading on the toes of the previous logo designer please let me know, I can quickly change it back.
2 other quick things: -- I've updated the game's flavour text with an entry I found on the Woldipedia. Let me know if you want this ammended. -- The Emerald Kingdom writeup looks like it needs updating ( http://woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Geography:_Emerald_Kingdom. Any takers for a quick Woldipedia edit?
~~Jan~~ No worries, Carl, I've just bracketed this, then the casual observer will note this is OOC and not one of Borden's orc character henchmen with an artistic bent. I guess we need to ask Kent, who did a sound job on our last logo. Kent, can we can we?
Jamie - I think the logo looks awesome. I have also updated our blurp on Woldepedia.
Donna: I think there may be something wrong with the links--the logo that I see on the page is the same one that Kent did (which didn't need much changing--just a bit streamlining on the outlines to make it fit in with the rest of the Wold logos)...and the Woldipedia link tells me that the page cannot be found.
Simon: The logo link does work - and it looks great Carl my friend. ))
Kent: Alas, my amateur logo has been replaced and with something that looks good to boot. No seriously Carl Nice job! Mine was only there because no one else wanted to do one and I was experimenting.
Olana d20+15=24 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:43:22 AM
While the conversation develops, Olana sidles toward the hole. It had a foul feel to it, typical of the mountain, she supposed. As some of the orcs look her over she stares straight back. "You're going down there?" she asks some of them in an orcish tongue that has a heavy Culverwood elf accent to it. "Are you mad?"
She decides to lean over the edge and take a peek.
Spot 24
DM Jan Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 2:32:27 AM
There's an immediate smattering of grunts and growls as the name 'Detmar' is mentioned. The orcs glance at one another, their more subtle gestures lost to most of the Dragon group's vision as their darker skin colour absorbs the minimal light. One of them, an older orc in the group steps toward Borden. he carries less armour than the others, and has what look like a string of small bones wound around his torso. "Told you," he grunts, before rejoining his collegues back at the hole. Borden shakes his head and scratches a tusk. "Detmar is my uncle," he says to the Emeralds, specifically to K'nara in common. "And what you say doesn't exactly come as a surprise. I daresay I'll have to kill him once we're done here. That's the only acceptable solution to your problem I can come up with." He nods to himself, as though a decision that had been troubling him has finally been made.
Over at the pit, Olana, Falin and Gunther look down and see utter blackness. It's big, like a 15 ft diameter well that leads down toward something terrible. The breeze drifting up from it seems to seep into every pore, corrupting, locking in, trying to pull them over the edge.
A rope hangs down. Bert can see the orcs have a basic lowering mechanism balanced at the lip of the chasm, a wooden construction that - to a dwarf's natural mechanical eye - needs a little more support, lest it crumple and come apart while something of a reasonable weight is lowered into the pit.
Lian's ruse is only partially successful. Maybe it's the company he keeps. But then maybe they think he's a servant or something. The erstwhile enslavement of elves in Emerald is well know throughout this part of the Ellenian Peninsula - a totally acceptable situation as far as your average orc is concerned.
Athalorn senses only dread - enough to make him feel ill. There's corruption down that pit. Nature twisted and defiled and unrecognisible.
As for Ingrge, the stench of necromantic magic is particularly prevalent. It drifts in lacy fronds around the cavern; tiny little pieces, like burned paper, escaped from the hole.
Borden moves to the hole at Gunther's question. "There have been beasts the likes of which we've never seen before, coming from the mountain. Hideous, warped, bound to cause nothing more than chaos and destruction. And their numbers have been increasing. Something is going on in this foul mountain and I intend to put a stop to it. If you've a mind to join us, I won't say no, but I can't promise a - " he hesitates until he finds the word in common - "picnic, if you do."
"Someone has to, gutless wench," mutters one of the orcs in response to Olana's question.
Falin Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 3:02:58 AM
Falin looks up from the abyss and slowly turns back towards the group of Orcs. In response to the comment to Olana in orcish he says, "If one of you make another comment such as that to any of the Emeralds I will pin your tounge to the back of your mouth."
His stare is uncomprimising. He calls deep within him to find the feeling he had when he was a lycanthrope. Hoping it will give him something more they may sense from him.
K'Nara d20+3=22 Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 4:56:37 AM
K'Nara's head turns to look at the exchange between her family and the orc who addressed Olana.
"Is there a problem requiring discipline?" the leader of the Emerald Dragons asks, her hazel eyes narrowing. She can only suspect, however, as she neither speaks nor understands Orcish. (OOC: assuming that the orc answered Olana in Orcish, that is...however, K'Nara made a voluntary Intimidate check of 22.)
Turning back to Borden, K'Nara nods her head.
"In the spirit of cooperation--and the hope that you can get Izen into good, strong order--the Emerald Dragons will be honored to accompany you on your mission." she says amiably. "Perhaps we can even be of some small use to you." This last part is said with clear humor.
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 7:51:12 AM
Bertram hears K'nara offer the Dragons' services and can't help but interject, "Not without some more support for that lift. Borden I dont know what we will find in that hole, but I will guarantee that not one of you will live to the bottom unless you shore up that contraption. Lets see here, you will need another strut right here, and more leverage here, and by the Gods! Didnt anyone examine the pegging you used to hold it all together?? Bertram shakes his head and starts toying with the orcs shoddy work; Trying to keep everyone alive, but even more than that, unable to resist making the darn thing work.
Ingrge Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 9:26:57 AM
Ok all there seems to be a number of issues here.
"Borden, Do you have any idea what you are in for if you enter this mountain? I can feel very powerful Necromancy emminating from these tunnels. We have entered one already and yes while we survived, it took everything we had and none of us would choose to return. In fact the last time we entered we were all shifted magically to another realm. If you go there is no reason to think that you will not face a simialr fate and the possibility exists that you may not return at all. That will not bode well for Izen nor the relations between your people and ours. You need to take care of things in Izen first and solidify your claim, if you are going to make one, as the overlord clan chief of the Orc nation or if you decide to enter the mountain, at this time, you are likely to lose all you vowed to accomplish."
"K'nara, I don't particularly like what I am about to say, but I could cast a vision spell with all of us here and ask about who it is that is supposed to enter the mountain. Of course the answer might be us....."
K'Nara ("illegal" second post) Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:19:31 PM
K'Nara smiles when Brother Bertram speaks right up about the mechanism the orcs were apparently planning on using. She also nods to Ingrge.
"Give me a moment, then." she tells the elf before addressing Borden once again. "You've heard the unedited advice of some of the Emerald Dragons, but I won't force you to follow that advice, because this is your domain. We will help you as good neighbors do...it's still your choice whether or not to accept our help. This having been said...I think that both Brother Bertram and Ingrge have given very good advice."
Lian Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 1:22:34 PM
The monk nods to Ingrge. "Maybe you should."
Thinking about the familial connection that Borden has to Detmar, Lian asks, "Borden, what would be gained by the other if either of you were killed? I mean to say, is it worth it for either to die?"
Athalorn Wednesday April 2nd, 2008 3:05:07 PM
Athalorn fears the path the Dragon's face, but stays silent. What new powers had he been gifted since meeting with Gargul? Time would tell. In the meantime, he cannot help but daydream of the forest. They were getting further from his home by the hour...
Gunther Thursday April 3rd, 2008 12:36:12 AM
Moving with a quickness the belies his massive frame, Gunther pounces on the orc that insulted Olana. A massive fist smashes into the creatures jaw in rapid succession, not causing any lasting damage, but sure to make an impression. "Diese Leute sind Freunde... Nr., Familie von meinen. Wenn ich soviel höre, da eine geflüsterte Anmerkung über sie, ich überprüft, ob Sie gehen zurück zu Izen ohne eine Zunge!"
Highlight to display spoiler: {"These people are friends...no, family of mine. If I hear so much as a whispered comment about them, I'll make sure that you go back to Izen without a tongue!"}
Wiping the orc's blood from his knuckles, Gunther looks over innocently at K'nara. "No, I don't tink ve have a problem anymore..." Gunther glares at the offending orc. "Do we broder?"
Gunther listens for Borden's decision, though he loathes the thought of whatever might lie in that nightmare of a hole.
Olana Thursday April 3rd, 2008 2:11:43 AM
Olana is about to come forth with a response of her own right after Falin, when Gunther steps up and smacks the orc on the jaw.
She is grateful for both Falin's and Gunther's support and lets out a sigh, wondering if calling an orc 'mad' is a big insult or something. Well, if they were all going down the hole together, then they were likely to discover one another's foibles real quick.
What a wonderful prospect.
DM Jan Thursday April 3rd, 2008 3:00:47 AM
The altercation, short and abrupt as it is, has all of the orcs' attention. Ah, the prospect of a brawl; maybe smack a few of those uppity elves around, too, especially the lippy ones... Someone cheers, whether its because things are livening up finally in this Gargul foresaken place, or because of Gunther's well-aimed punch, it isn't clear, but the orc who has a bust lip takes a step forward. "Teog!" the older orc snarls, the one wearing the bone necklance. Teog backs off, but not before he grins and points at himself, then Gunther, then to the ceiling of the tunnel. You and me, brother, outside, later. Looks like Gunther's dance card is starting to fill up.
After a few chin scratches, and puzzled looks, those orcs over by the lowering mechanism concede that the dwarf has a point. They shrug, bring out the rope and hammers, and will fix things where he tells them to.
In the meantime, the conversation between the Dragons and Borden continues -
The big orc shrugs. "All I know," he says, "is that there are monsters and their creators to kill. My claim means nothing while we all still fall under the yoke of this mountain. It has a long history of being a stain on the whole of Izen, and in order for us to be truly free - that history must be changed, or we will forever cower in its shadow, fighting one another for scraps while the rest of the peninsula shuns us. "Am I being too ambitious?" He pauses. "Perhaps, but then what is the alternative?" He balls his left hand into a fist and slams it into the palm of the other. "We have to strike now, before whoever is down there grows into something that cannot be beaten."
Answering Lian's question - "Killing my uncle will be a loss. He is a powerful orc and a good leader to his people. A little behind the times perhaps. Who knows, maybe in the meantime a solution will present itself."
And to Ingrge. "It is dark down here. If your spell will illuminate our path, and give us advantage, then we will wait. How long will it take? I have to admit, the prospect of entering the mountain with your added presence should increase our odds significantly, and for that the rest of us are grateful."
K'Nara Thursday April 3rd, 2008 3:58:54 AM
K'Nara's eyes narrow when it is apparent that Gunther needs to spank a naughty orc. She also makes note of Teog before giving Ingrge a nod.
"Let's find out the best way to handle it, then--cast your spell." she bids the weapon mage. The chestnut-maned blade singer turns to Borden. "Fixing your lift would be a good idea, too, while we wait to see what is revealed by Ingrge's magic." Once more her eyes drop to the yawning maw of the shaft.
"This is going to be...an interesting expedition, I should think."
Falin Thursday April 3rd, 2008 7:46:14 AM
Falin will lean in towards Olana and in Elvish says, "Sorry if I stole your thunder. Kind of went into big brother mode there."
He moves closer to the hole and kicks a in a rock. He leans in to listen for how long it takes to hit bottom.
Falin turns to Borden and says, "Please forgive me for my ignorance, but have you thought about just capping the hole? Or crumbling the whole mountain down?"
Lian Thursday April 3rd, 2008 11:13:00 AM
(OOC: Yes, nice logo!)
The monk maintains the guise of a humble servant to Knara, but is more than happy to show his talents if they have a chance to present themselves. If he is 'elf-handled' by an orc, the orc will not be left standing.
Athalorn Thursday April 3rd, 2008 12:44:12 PM
Watching the altercation, Athalorn smiles at Gunther's punch. His dear friend would have no problem with the Orc, but for now the hole in the ground demands his full attention. He watches Ingrge now, waiting for his powerful magic to reveal their secrets.
Gunther Thursday April 3rd, 2008 2:00:20 PM
The warrior returns Teog's grin as he pops his knuckles. Perhaps this voyage wouldn't be so bad after all...if they live to see the outside of this cavern. Gunther sighs and heads over to where the work on the lowering mechanism has begun. Though he's not a craftsman, he's never shirked from good clean work. Per Bertram's orders he sets about acquiring any needed supplies as well as the needed construction.
Brother Bertram Friday April 4th, 2008 6:56:55 AM
Bertram never stops giving orders, and working on the mechanism, never missing a beat as Gunther establishes the pecking order with Teog. But as Gunther comes over to assist his eye twitches quickly and the corner of his mouth turns up just for a moment before getting back to work.
Lian Friday April 4th, 2008 11:16:53 AM
The hand of Domi waits for signal from Knara to do something, other than chat with orc.
DM Jan Friday April 4th, 2008 11:36:46 AM
((Gonna give it an hour or two and give Kent chance to post. otherwise I'll assume the vision spell. No worries.))
Olana Saturday April 5th, 2008 11:26:13 AM
Olana smiles at Falin. "No problem. I forget how savage these creatures are," she says to him quietly.
She begins to stow her gear, making sure everything is secure. If they're going down that hole...
DM Jan Saturday April 5th, 2008 12:20:45 PM
Under Bertram's guidance, and with a lot of hammering and bracing, and about 50ft of rope wound around the joints, the lowering mechanism becomes stronger, certainly strong enough now for its purpose.
Falin kicks the stone into the hole. He counts one, two, three, then there's a faint cracking sound. One of the orcs draws his attention to a long curl of rope that has a stone tied to the end. "We measure 80 ft," he grunts in awkward common.
Some of the orcs are pulling on some kind of harness made out of thick hemp, and look to be getting ready to begin a descent.
Meanwhile, in a less industrious and quieter part of the tunnel, Ingrge settles into his spell. The transition between dark cave and the vision is easy enough - dark to dark, shadow to shadow - but now something shifts and there is a flash of torchlight, illuminating an enormous pile of inert flesh, brought down by sheer brute force. There is a victorious element in the air, a battle won. And yet - behind it, beneath it, magic - dark and evil, spectacular and finely crafted, suggesting the victory was merely the opening act. The vision ends with a ringing in the air - all tools brought to bear, and the wizard feels dry, and badly in need of a drink of water.
On orders from the orc mage, one of his men throws a torch down the hole. At the base of the hole it gives everyone an idea of the hole's dimensions - pretty wide, alternating between 15 and 10 ft in diameter. the base looks solid.
"This is not the only way in, or out," Borden answers Falin. There are caves and fissures all over the place. This one just seemed... appropriate."
Gunther Saturday April 5th, 2008 1:00:54 PM
After finishing up the work, Gunther checks up on Ingrge. Finding him looking a little worse for wear, Gunther offers him a drink of water from one of his skins. He points to the wreath of blue flowers on his head. "I alvays carry extra...so I can vater my flowers."
Looking a little more serious, Gunther shudders a little. "Ingrge, dere is an evil air about dis place. I don't like de idea of dat lowering ting...it's a perfect place for an ambush. Is dere any vay you can cast some of dose floating eye tingies and see vhats down dere?"
Brother Bertram Saturday April 5th, 2008 7:19:39 PM
Bertram stands back examining the improved lift with a keen sense of satisfaction, until his mind is brought back to its purpose. He wonders if he may have just helped get them all killed.
Falin d20+21=34 d20+26=43 Sunday April 6th, 2008 10:55:47 PM
Falin looks at the orcs getting the harness ready and thinks to himself that he will use another means.
He watches the torch hit the ground and turns to the others, "I will meet you down there. I will also let you know if I see anything."
Knocking an arrow Falin steps off the edge and calls a set of dark wings into existance where his old tattered cape once hung on his back. He floats to the bottom of the hole keep his eyes and ears open.
Listen 34 Spot 43
Ingrge d4=3 d20+13=25 Monday April 7th, 2008 5:44:54 PM
"Oh the spell itsef shouldn't take long but I do need some peace and quiet while I set up and complete the casting, and yes Gunther I can send out some prying eyes ahead of time to gather up some information for whomever is descending into that pit of hell again. Though that will take a bit more time as they will need to go out and then come back to report."
First Casting - Prying eyes - 1 minute - 16 eyes - Command descend down this shaft and then spread out, searching for 15 minutes in all directions and then return and report to me.
Second casting - Vision - 1 round - Who is supposed to enter Bone mountain at this time, and to what purpose? - DC 25 vs a needed DC 20.
K'Nara Monday April 7th, 2008 10:45:04 PM
"If you're having problems with magically-mutated monsters coming from within a mountain, then I don't doubt you're right, Borden--this wouldn't be the only way in or out of the place." K'Nara agrees with the orc leader. She eyes Falin as he activates his wings.
"Just hold up a moment until after Ingrge gets the answers he's looking for with his spells." she tells the elven archer, although there is a smile on her face as the redhead clearly empathizes with Falin's urge to take action.
Olana Tuesday April 8th, 2008 12:38:55 AM
Olana takes out her bow and nocks an arrow, and stands by the hole, just in case something horrible comes out while they're getting ready.
DM Jan Tuesday April 8th, 2008 1:13:54 AM
K'Nara tells everyone to hold off, and there is some bemused chatter and shrugs from the orcs as 15 magical eyes shoot down the hole toward the flickering torch. The orc mage keeps his own counsel and merely smiles.
Borden takes to to walk among his men, making sure they've got everything - that they're ready. He looks down to the much shorter Bertram. "So, with a little dwarven expertise, this thing might actually work?" He gives the dwarf a big toothy grin.
Only one eye returns out of the darkness, giving Ingrge a view of the trip down the hole toward the torch, then nothing but darkness for a while, then - via a slight, glowing phosphorescence coming off the walls - a horizontal tunnel, about the same size everyone is currently stood in - two more eyes slightly to the left and ahead - something blocking the path - huge - a large orb opening, an eye - and the other two eyes wink out of existance - a deep red flesh object, up close, with some small tentacles wriggling on it's surface - and then the whole thing in reverse.
As for the vision spell : Who is supposed to enter Bone mountain at this time, and to what purpose?
There are two purposes. One born of dark, one born of light. All must enter, to secure Izen.
Lian Tuesday April 8th, 2008 1:20:45 AM
OOC: Sorry about not posting, lost track of the day.
The monk prepares by securing his belongings where he can more easily get to them. His are pretty standard (...list on its way).
Athalorn Tuesday April 8th, 2008 12:00:26 PM ooc: Apologies for my absence
Athalorn waits for K'Nara's decision. If they were to enter this pit, then he'd rather descend soon and get this job finished. But he keeps his concerns to himself, shifting uneasily in the tunnel.
K'Nara Tuesday April 8th, 2008 6:37:49 PM
Assuming that Ingrge shares the fact that all but one of his mystic ocular orbs have mysteriously been destroyed/vanished, K'Nara scowls thoughtfully.
"That's definitely not a good sign." she admits. Then (again assuming that Ingrge shares the counsel rendered by his Vision spell, the human blade singer rolls her own hazel eyes.
"Riddles!" she snorts, then turns to Borden. "Did I ever tell you how much I hate riddles???" Sighing, the leader of the Emerald Dragons points to the lift. "Okay...all of us go...but who's going first? Falin over here has a set of wings...and I can literally leap into the pit and use Feather Fall to get down to the bottom..." Then she grins almost wolfishly, "...assuming there's no Dispelling effect on the way down, I should be able to land unharmed. Who else is going on the first trip..?"
Falin Tuesday April 8th, 2008 6:49:17 PM
Falin look back down the hole and then back towards the group. "I am ready to go."
He waits for the okay to jump. He has his bow out and arrow knocked.
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 8th, 2008 8:37:55 PM
Bertram grins back, "I have no idea if it will work, but it has to be better now than when orcs work on it eh?" He grins showing it is friendly banter as he works. He then grows sober. "I hope we can find and deal with this thing safely for all of our peoples, Friend Borden"
Gunther Tuesday April 8th, 2008 10:37:38 PM
Alarmed by Ingrge's report, Gunther shifts his weight nervously from side to side. He is actually relieved when it's time to head down. Facing whatever it is down there has got to be easier than imagining what it could be...hopefully.
OOC: Jan, kinda lost track of Delilah. Was she able to go into the tunnel with us?
~~Jan~~ Me too! Doh! Bring her if you want to, by all means.
Ingrge d20+23=35 Tuesday April 8th, 2008 11:18:28 PM
Well it seems that we are all to go down together and apparently our first known challenge appears to possibly be a Beholder. Knowledge arcana DC 35, but I could be wrong.
Olana Wednesday April 9th, 2008 1:45:16 AM
A beholder? Olana doesn't like the sound of that. Wrinkling her nose, she activates her boots of levitation.
"I'll follow you down," she says to Falin, and to K'Nara - "We can guard the tunnel while the rest make it down."
DM Jan Wednesday April 9th, 2008 2:07:13 AM
Those who are first down the hole are able to report back to the others. Beyond torchlight - it is pitch black down there. Temperature cool, consistant with most underground places. There is a horizontal tunnel leading off into the center of the mountain - 15 ft wide, with an uneven ceiling, that hopefully won't dip too close to the floor. As for that creepy feeling everyone got as they entered the mountain - down here it's been turned up a notch or two.
As for the prospect of a beholder, well - a wizard of Ingrge's stature usually knows what he's talking about. The orcs are taking his suggestion seriously, discussing strategy as they begin lowering themselves down the hole.
I need Listen checks from the advance party. Let me know if you all intend to move together, or send out a scouting party (and who, if thats the case).
Athalorn d20+23=26 d20+29=36 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 2:50:16 AM
With a word and a subtle gesture, Athalorn's body quickly shrinks and contorts, seemingly faster than it used to happen. His new form is a tiny bat, and flapping his wings to get used to them, the Shifter drops quickly down the hole, staying with the party but slightly ahead by a few metres, jumping from alcove to nook amid the rood of the tunnel, using his blindsense to aid him.
Listen = 26 Spot = 36
Falin d20+21=37 d20+26=39 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 10:50:30 AM
Listen 37 Spot 39
Falin drops to the ground and his black wings change back into the cloak on his back. He moves against the right wall and forward about 20 feet to allow for the others to come down.
"Not alot of room down here to manuever," he says to Olana, "I may not be as effective down here."
Lian Wednesday April 9th, 2008 1:05:16 PM
"If it is a beholder, which minions were around? Did you see any?"
Brother Bertram d20+8=13 Wednesday April 9th, 2008 5:49:34 PM
Bertram listens for anything to give a clue as to what might lie ahead. He finds it hard to concentrate with so many others down here with as well.
(Listen 13)
K'Nara Wednesday April 9th, 2008 7:25:03 PM
K'Nara--as she had suggested--literally leaps into the hole and has Lucia activate the Feather Fall feature so that the blade singer floats down to the bottom of the shaft, along with Falin and Athalorn. (OOC: I don't know if anyone else had a quick means of being able to get to the bottom, but, hey--that's what the lift is for.)
"We'll wait until everyone is down here with us before moving out." the leader of the Emerald Dragons says into her communication ring. "Once we're all here, we can probably see about sending a scouting party ahead." K'Nara is of a mind that Athalorn (in his bat form), Olana and perhaps Lian might want to scout...although the idea of possibly having to come up against a beholder is not at all comfortable.
Gunther Wednesday April 9th, 2008 9:52:48 PM
Not wanting to waste his ability to fly in a non-combat situation, the warrior resigns himself to taking up a rear guard position. Restless, he gently pats his kitty, who has been very, very quiet of late.
Ingrge Wednesday April 9th, 2008 11:18:09 PM
Activating his winged boots, Ingrge quickly drops to the bottom of the shaft and moves asside for the lift and prepares something special for the upcoming attack.
Olana d20+15=30 Thursday April 10th, 2008 12:56:02 AM
Olana floats down using her boots, and gives Falin a look like she doesn't really want to be here at all. "We're going to need a source of light," she says with a frown. "I can see in low light, but not in no light at all."
Listen 30
DM Jan Thursday April 10th, 2008 1:39:00 AM
While awaiting the arrival of everyone else, Olana, Falin and Athalorn all catch the sound of something down the tunnel. Nothing can be seen, and the sound seems to be quite a distance away - a roar, a screech - only Gargul knows what might have made it. It feels to be coming from the very bowels of the mountain.
Athalorn's sonar ping gives him a picture of the tunnel stretching ahead - it looks large enough for everyone to pass through at least three wide. As yet, no movement, but there's a slight curve.
The lowering device works well, and with a few bawdy insults, the orcs make short work of it, leaving one at the top, guarding the mechanism. There's a makeshift sling for the cat, although it'll be mighty annoyed if it has to go down in that fashion.
The orcs have torches, but beyond the torchlight it starts getting really, really dark. Now everyone has dropped down the hole, the entrance can no longer be seen, and it feels like the whole mountain is sitting right on top of them, which it is.
Let me have a marching order, folks. Borden and the orcs will stick together in a group.
Athalorn d20=13 Thursday April 10th, 2008 3:23:54 AM
Despite being in a form used to enclosed spaces and the dark, Athalorn feels exceptionally claustrophobic. He flits from place to place among the rocks of the ceiling, and will hide in the darkness where possible. He will continue near the front of the group, but whispers a soft prayer to himself for protection.
OOC: Cast Barkskin
Hide = 13
Active Effects: Barkskin 140 minutes
Falin Thursday April 10th, 2008 9:06:02 AM
"I will need to be up towards the front." Falin whispers. "Otherwise, my archer abilities will be slim to none."
Falin wait to see where he is needed.
Lian Thursday April 10th, 2008 3:02:31 PM
"I could scout, but a beholder..." The elf looks flustered. "... I dont't think I could handle it without some arcane power behind me." The monk retrieves his flying carpet and sits on it. "I'll take my carpet down."
Brother Bertram Thursday April 10th, 2008 6:35:34 PM
Bertram fumbles through his pack and finds his bullseye lantern. Murmuring a few words his fingers brush the internal wick and mirror and light begins to shine forth. He snaps it almost shut as to not blind his unprepared friends. "That will shine forever my friends, Domi willing. I will still recommend carrying torches in case we encounter a power that could negate Domi's Holy light."
(OOC Cast Continual Flame on Lantern)
K'Nara Thursday April 10th, 2008 7:19:42 PM
K'Nara's lips twitch when Olana mentions needing a light.
"I thought I had a Light spell," the human blade singer murmurs, "But it's a Dancing Lights cantrip. However, I have torches..." She takes the time to get one out of her Haversack and use her flint and steel to light it.
"Gunther," she asks, "Would Delilah be more effective taking point or staying next to you?"
If Gunther agrees, K'Nara would like to have Delilah and Athalorn (as the bat) take point, with Olana, Lian and Falin as the front rank; Gunther and K'Nara the middle rank; and Ingrge and Brother Bertram the third rank, followed by Borden and his contingent.
If Gunther says that Delilah had best stay by him, then Athalorn (as the bat) would take point; Olana, Lian and Falin would be the front rank; Gunther and Delilah the middle rank; and Ingrge, Brother Bertram and K'Nara as the third rank, followed by Borden and his contingent.
She also takes the time to pull out a potion bottle and drink it. She turns to Borden.
"I just boosted my...dancing talents, as well as my ability to dodge." K'Nara tells the orc leader. "I have an extra potion if you would care for the same kind of boost..?" (OOC: K'Nara just drank a Cat's Grace potion and is offering one to Borden if he wants it.)
Then K'Nara does something unusual for her: she sheathes Lucia, and pulls out an ordinary, non-magical bastard sword.
"Are we ready to wabbit hunting..?" she asks brightly.
Gunther Thursday April 10th, 2008 11:58:08 PM
The warrior sighs as K'nara queries him about the big cat. "Normally I vould in de front...but if it's a beholder..." the big man sulks. "I guess ve vill take de middle. The cat trainer sighs deeply. Why did it have to be a stupid beholder?!
Olana d20+15=33 d20+15=32 Friday April 11th, 2008 12:03:58 PM
Olana nods and takes out her bow. "Okay - up front it is," she says to K'Nara.
If Falin takes one side of the tunnel, she'll take the other.
Earpiece: "Athalorn, soon as you see something, don't hesitate to tell us about it." She wriggles the fingers of her drawing hand, trying to get them to relax.
Moving ahead, Spot 33, Listen 32
Lian Friday April 11th, 2008 12:28:52 PM
Moves up front, prepared for anything.
DM Jan Friday April 11th, 2008 12:34:36 PM
And so! Our heroes begin their journey, deep into the depths of the mountain.
Light around the group is certainly adequate enough to avoid tripping on the uneven, rocky floor, and torchlight flickers brightly off the walls. A little further ahead, Lian and Olana stare off into a gloom that eventually becomes nothing but blackness. So far, so good. At middle distance, the tunnel seems to be empty.
In the main group, the orc mage is chanting softly to himself, and some of the other orcs are exchanging banter , with the occasional comment directed toward Lian's carpet, which they think is weird and decidedly un-orcish. Borden tells them to hush and concentrate. Earlier on he declined but thanked K'Nara for the potion. "I have protections," he told her.
Gunther's cat Delilah seems pissed off but sure-footed enough. Her pupils have expanded, her eyes becoming huge, dark saucers.
Dread follows every step taken - it's a faith-shaking, confidence-leeching sensation, as though the surrounding stone is sucking life out of every pore, little by little. Minutes pass, daylight is long gone.
((I have Olana and Falin 30ft ahead of the main party. Athalorn 60 ft))
Further ahead, the bat form of the shifter flits from one hiding place to another along the craggy ceiling of the tunnel. Around a curve he senses a difference in movement and shape ahead. The ground wriggles, as though it is full of snakes, and there's a large obstruction in the tunnel - 60ft away from his position.
Behind him, just before getting to the curve, both Falin and Olana see a light source, like a glow, coming from the walls.
Athalorn Friday April 11th, 2008 1:19:18 PM
The shifter waits where he is, and as the others approach he stops them from passing him in a strange and squeaky voice. "It seems I can now talk in these forms. There is something strange ahead, that I can not discern. The floor moves, as if it is alive, and something large obstructs the tunnel. Let me aid our endurance, for those of us who can benefit from such magic."
If the shifter has time, he squeaks a strange, whispered prayer, odd sounding from the bat form, and some of the party feel more resilient.
OOC: Cast Mass Bear's Endurance to all the party if he can. +4 Con to each.
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance
Ingrge Friday April 11th, 2008 7:13:16 PM
As they wait for the orcs and Borden to get down, Ingrge goes around touching everyone with the Party's Freedom of Movement wand and has Olanna do the same with the party's Stoneskin Wand (90). When done Ingrge coasts along the ceiling with his winged boots sticking to the left side of the passage and in the middle og the group.
K'Nara Friday April 11th, 2008 11:04:49 PM Spell Effects: Cat's Grace; Bear's Endurance; Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin
K'Nara waits for Falin and Olana to follow up on Athalorn's initial report, frowning at the druid's description of the floor.
Falin AC 29 HP 86 Bears Endurance, Stoneskin 90, Freedom of Movement d20+21=37 d20+27=40 d20+26=31 Saturday April 12th, 2008 11:02:04 AM
Falin continues forward. Looking to find the source of the glow at the same time.
He keeps an eye out for the moving floor and the large obstruction.
Over his ring he whispers, "If it is a beholder I can give us all a few seconds where the beholder will not be able to act and hopefully the tanks can run in and take it down."
Listen 37 Move Silently 40 Spot 31
Brother Bertram Saturday April 12th, 2008 5:57:25 PM
Bertram nods gratefully as the wands are used, feeling his vitality increase. Bertram then quickly whispers a spell of his own adding the the strength of bulls to the party.
(Bulls Strength, Mass)
Gunther Monday April 14th, 2008 12:40:35 PM
The warrior grins as Falin's voice comes over the ring. He activates his own. "Yes, just let me know ven you vant me to get in dere and do all de dirty vork." A friendly chuckle follows, letting Falin know that he is not the least bit upset.
Lian Monday April 14th, 2008 1:32:09 PM
The monk follows along.
Highlight to display spoiler: {His AC is reduced by 3 because his headband was removed and replaced with Orc Tears.}
Olana d20+17=23 Monday April 14th, 2008 5:28:55 PM
Olana cocks her head, listening, then frowns. She signals to Falin that she's retreating temporarily, before backing off, moving quietly and quickly about the party with the STONESKIN wand.
Is it the slightest of sounds as Olana moves back toward the party, or maybe a few whispers here and there, or an impatient grunt from the orc contingent? Or maybe it's the odd, sweet taste of good magic cast in this awful place...
Whatever it is - the ground in front of the large 'obstruction' in the tunnel begins to move, alive and flowing and wriggling and hissing - straight toward the party!
Both Falin and Athalorn see snakes - hundreds of them, getting closer by the second. And behind the snakes, a great bulk of flesh - like two, huge, roughly cylindrical objects - one sat on top of the other, their flesh welded together, and there is a quiet multiple popping sound coming from it, as eyes on stalks start to appear. How many eyes? Nine, ten, pop pop, pop, thirteen, fourteen, pop, pop, pop, nineteen, twenty.
The edge of the snake pool is now roughly 20ft away from Falin and Athalorn and is closing at 5 ft per round.
((OOC - I forget to add distance on the map - DOH! sorry - but if you take the distance between Ath, Falin and the snakes as 20 ft, then work it out from there. I'm not to the last square inch, so anything reasonable and I'll accept.))
K'Nara Monday April 14th, 2008 9:40:03 PM Spell Effects: Spell Effects: Cat's Grace; Bear's Endurance; Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin
"Snakes..." mutters the leader of the Emerald Dragons, "...it had to be snakes..!" K'Nara frowns then nods to Ingrge.
"If you have something that would be effective on all of them at once, it would be appreciated if you used it now." she says, knowing full well that Ingrge most likely already had two or three such "somethings" readied. She holds her own action until she can see what the weapon mage plans to do.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength 14d6(2+2+6+3+6+6+6+5+1+2+5+2+4+3)=53 d20+16=28 Monday April 14th, 2008 10:32:38 PM
Nodding at K'nara comment, the weapon mage looks down on the scene from his raised height and seeing the snakes can thing behind them casts a spell that should catch them all. And with a few choice words a blue cone begins to emmanate from his finger tips and arc out across their foes. Cone of cold: 53 points damage, Reflex Dc 28 ofr 26 points, SR 28 negates.
Athalorn Bat form: AC 40 HP 115 d20+15=25 Tuesday April 15th, 2008 3:23:44 AM
The bat shaped shifter stays attached to the roof, and, hanging upside down, mutters more divine words. The ground beneath the snakes and the strange creature begins to twist and change, tall spikes growing suddenly below the beasts.
The shifter then flutters back slightly to hang from the roof opposite Ingrge on the other side of the tunnel, and speaks to the party. "Let them come to us, the spikes will harm you too."
ooc cast: Spike Stones. I think Ath can fill the width of the tunnel for 60 feet, starting right in front of Falin. He will leave a narrow path along the left hand side to allow the party space to move later, but that should give around 50' of movement over the spikes for the big nasty thing, at 1d8 damage per 5'. Beats spell resistance 25
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement
Falin AC 29 HP 161 d20+41=58 d20+36=54 d20+31=47 d20+36=46 d8+7=13 d8+7=10 d8+7=11 d8+7=9 d8=7 d8=7 d8=1 d20+21=36 d20+26=38 Tuesday April 15th, 2008 9:35:48 AM
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 18)
Falin stands his ground against the left wall as the spikes pop up in front of him and shivers a bit as the cone slips past him.
He ignores the snakes and keeps his sights on the large two orbed creature moving forward. He looses with 3 +2 shock arrows towards the double orb as a test.
AC 58 hp 13 + 7 hp electrical dmg AC 54 hp 14 + 7 hp electrical dmg AC 47 hp 11 + 1 hp electrical dmg
2nd attack is crit I already did the damage.
Falin watches and waits to see what happens.
Listen 36 Spot 38
Lian Tuesday April 15th, 2008 1:39:21 PM
The hand of Domi casts Owl's Wisdom. His carpet floats under him.
"Snakes." His hands glow with green flame, ready for anything.
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom
Highlight to display spoiler: {Lian's AC is reduced by 3 since he started wearing the orc bane tears. No headband.}
OOC: Donna edited the spoiler so that it was properly hidden.
~~Jan~` Dang, and I was just about to peek!
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance d20+8=24 d20+1=17 Tuesday April 15th, 2008 10:55:50 PM
Knowing that there are bigger fish to fry, the warrior activates his celestial armor and begins to float toward the ceiling. He takes a quick furtive look at the creature past the snakes, but is very sure to avoid and "eye" contact. He wracks his tiny brain to remember if he's ever seen any kind of creature like this before. (Spot=24, Int.=17)
As he floats upward, Gunther orders the big cat to guard the entrance. He's unwilling to send her charging in until he knows just what kind of magically ability this thing possess. Plus, there's all those spikes...
For her part, the large lion roars impatiently. The mere feel of this very unnatural place has the big cat on edge.
K'Nara Tuesday April 15th, 2008 11:23:38 PM
The redheaded blade singer continues to hold her action until she sees the outcome of Ingrge's Cone of Cold.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 1:43:10 AM
Having been in the line of friendly fire before, Olana hunkers down, waits till Ingrge has finished blasting, and then attempts to regain her previous position, flanking Falin.
DM Jan d20+14=15 d20+12=31 d20+12=16 d20+12=32 d20+12=29 d20+12=17 d6+1=7 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 2:43:37 AM
As the snakes wriggle forward, the group begins their attack.
Ingrge's cone of cold throws a blanket of ice down on the stony ground and many of the snakes quit moving and turn to ice. The wriggly creatures further movements are impeded by Athalorn's spiny stone spell. Result? The blanket of snakes does not advance any further. Some of them appear to be moving still, but the numbers are now intermittant, rather than a solid mass.
The huge blot - like one beholder piled on top of another has not moved. It's a hideous thing - modified, corrupted, altered, making one wonder just exactly what its attacks and defenses are.
Falin finds an easy target (AC 25), and his arrows fizzle in the dark, and there is a burning smell.
Suddenly, the entire tunnel lights up - as all at once, a set of sparkly rays fire out from the creature's many eyes. Pink and green and yellow and sparkly. Oh, so pretty until they hit. Every single one of them a Ray of Enfeeblement. (SR 15 if applicable.) They fire out in multiple directions, powerful and swift. Some of them head straight toward Falin, Ingrge, Gunther, Athalorn and Olana, while everyone just slighty around the corner gets one heck of a light show. Attempted ranged touch attacks on the following, no save:
Falin AC 31 Ingrge AC 16 Gunther AC 32 Athalorn AC 29 Olana AC 17
DAM to Str = -7
Athalorn Bat form: AC 40 HP 115 d20+14=34 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 3:40:40 AM
Hit by the enfeebling ray, Athalorn almost drops from his place in the cavern roof. Holding on, he manages to gesture in the direction of the aberration; his tiny voice muttering a strange incantation.
ooc: Cast Baleful polymorph, turning it into a toad, Fort save vs DC 24. Beats SR 34
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-7 strength)
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 16th, 2008 1:28:15 PM
Bertram shields his eyes as the glare tries to blind him. He then murmurs a spell and a large glowing weapon appears near him. He sends it down the tunnel and begins smashing at the barely wiggling snakes still remaining.
Lian Wednesday April 16th, 2008 2:10:31 PM
The monk moves over to Knara. "Let me charge it! Distraction."
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom
Highlight to display spoiler: {Lian's AC is reduced by 3 since he started wearing the orc bane tears. No headband. }
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+15=26 d20+16=26 28d6(6+3+6+2+6+1+4+6+1+6+6+2+2+6+5+5+2+2+2+6+5+5+1+5+1+5+1+2)=104 5d6(6+3+6+4+3)=22 Wednesday April 16th, 2008 8:21:00 PM
The rays streaking at Ingrge seem to go right at them but at the last minute somehow arc around him striking the cieling and wall instead SR18
Ingrge quickly calls down Father Bertram, is that thing alive or is it undead? Can you tell?
Flying 15 feet forward in a zig zag pattern so that he is now on th other side of the path, a thin green ray streaks forward from Ingrge's staff as he points it at the Beast.
Disintegrate - Ranged touch attack - AC 26 for 104 points. - SR26 negates - Fortitude save DC 29 drops damage to 22 points
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Fly d20+17=19 Thursday April 17th, 2008 12:05:26 AM
Grunting in frustration as the ray weakens him, Gunther flies forward to engage. Knowing that Ingrge probably wants to fire off some more spells, the warrior aims to fly over the creature if possible and attack from the rear. (AC19 if able to attack. Dice roller hates me tonight.)
K'Nara Thursday April 17th, 2008 1:09:36 AM Spell Effects: Spell Effects: Cat's Grace; Bear's Endurance; Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin
K'Nara blinks the dazzling effects of the oh-so-pretty lights out of her hazel eyes. After realizing that the creature has zapped most of her colleagues, she growls and nods at Lian.
"You wanna charge? Be my guest!" the leader of the Emerald Dragons says gruffly, seeing both Athalorn and Ingrge lay the magical smack-down on the odd beastie. "Hopefully you'll stomp it into toad-goo!" OOC: assuming that Athalorn's spell on that thing worked.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+22=41 d20+17=24 d20+12=15 d8+2=3 Thursday April 17th, 2008 1:21:31 AM
Somehow, Olana manages to dodge the rays blasted out by the creature (AC 21 against touch attacks). At the opposite side of the tunnel to Falin, she raises her bow and starts firing, but due to the dazzle of light and consequent dots swimming before her eyes, she only manages to land 1 hit.
Dam 3 (Sheesh...)
DM Jan d20+12=18 d20+12=29 d20+3=12 d20+13=32 d20+12=26 d20+12=22 d6+1=7 Thursday April 17th, 2008 1:45:55 AM
Rolls... oh, LOL
Spells start to fly, and Gunther gets the best view as he attempts to fly over the beast!
Abruptly, the top, arrow-riddled half of the creature shrinks rapidly, becoming something small and green. The top section of the creature appears to have changed into a toad! Ingrge's disintegration ray snakes out and lands on the bottom half of it, although it manages to make only a long, thin scar on the creature's side.
The thing is now only half it's size and there are only 10 eyes left. It is now looking very much like a single beholder, though oversized.
The thing opens its huge eye, and a 8 ft wide, 8 ft high anti-magic beam shines forth, extending right from the front of the beast, toward the bend in the tunnel and hitting the wall! Ingrge, Athalorn and Gunther are safe from it's effect, close to the ceiling, but only just. (4ft in height to spare, 2 ft on either side against the wall.) The druid's spike stone spell becomes ineffective.
One of the strength-sapping eyes attempts to get Gunther as he flies over head. Ranged touch AC 26 One fires out toward Falin, but its effect is negated by its own anti magic field. One fires out toward Ingrge, but its effect is negated by its own anti magic field. One fires out toward Olana. Ranged Touch AC 22
STR Dam -7
Ranged magical attacks from the front will now need to be close (5ft away from the beast.) Top, sides and rear are still fair game.
The orc mage yells something at Borden. There is a cheer, and the orcs start to dash forward, in an attempt perhaps to take advantage of the anti magic filed in front of the beast.
Bert's bashing thingy is busy bludgeoning snakes at the left side of the tunnel, where a few of them still wriggle.
But what's that noise?? Ath, Ingrge and Gunther see the vague evidence of wings, in the gloom, way past the beholder creature, but approaching fast.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 185 Thursday April 17th, 2008 4:14:19 AM
Satisfied with the effect of his spell, Athalorn darts forward, taking care to stay over the top of the beam. Wary of the approaching creature, he shouts a warning to the others, then flies over the head of the beholder like beast. As he lands, he twists his tiny bat frame and it suddenly grows. 12 Stalks appear which grow into writhing serpents. The shifter has changed into a hydra, and it turns to face the beholder's back.
ooc: Full round Action: Double move behind the beholder if possible. Free action: Wildshape to 12 headed hydra
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-7 strength)
OOC: I have spent ages trying to calculate armour class and hit points - so I may have made a mistake. If you think I am wrong, please letme know.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Thursday April 17th, 2008 7:07:35 AM
Momentarily leaving the beholder to Athalorn and the others Ingrge moves along the wall until he is behind the Beholder and then eeing that there are some more beasties soon to arrive, (I am assuming they are at least this round away) activates his rod and casts a spell that apparently does nothing for the moment aiming about thirty more feet further down the hallway toward the approaching horde. Highlight to display spoiler: {maximized delayed blast fireball}
That done he begins prepping his next spell.
Falin AC 29 HP 161 d20+41=52 d20+36=47 d20+31=50 d8+7=13 d8+7=15 d8+7=8 Thursday April 17th, 2008 11:33:45 AM Sorry everyone. I thought I had posted yesterday. New responsibilities at work and I flaked out.
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
Falin takes a knee as he looks over his shoulder to see how everyone else is doing. Not seeing anyone laying on the ground he looks back towards the beholder. Wondering to himself why the orcs have not done anything else he lets loose with 3 more arrows.
AC 52 HP 13 AC 47 HP 15 AC 50 HP 8
Lian d20+20=29 2d6(5+2)+6=13 Thursday April 17th, 2008 12:33:02 PM
The monk grins viciously and charges the now smaller beholder, hoping that he crushes the toad into paste enroute. (Base move 70ft. Not sure of distance to beholder)
(hitting AC 31 w/charge, for 13 damage, breaking DR vs evil)
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom (+2 to AC)
K'Nara isn't going to hold back any longer...she charges forth, running right at the beholder-thing that keeps trying to zap her group, the brand-new bastard sword in her hand as she begins her trademark blade singer technique.
OOC: as there is no distance on the map, I'll assume K'Nara's run about sixty feet or so. Only one attack (sigh)...K'Nara hits AC25 for 12hpd.
Brother Bertram d20+8=27 Friday April 18th, 2008 7:12:09 AM
Bertram tries to detect if any of the creatures coming are undead. If so he will try to drive them from the area.
(Turn Undead(if detected) Rolled 27)
Lian Friday April 18th, 2008 12:58:29 PM
OOC: May post later.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 -7 STR d20+22=33 d20+17=21 d20+2=15 d8+2=5 Friday April 18th, 2008 1:11:18 PM
Olana blinks, startled, this time getting hit by the ray. Another one like that and she will not be able to pull back her bow string. She continues to fire.
Hit once for 5
DM Jan d8=3 d20+12=14 d20+12=23 d20+12=21 d20+18=32 d20+18=23 2d8(3+3)+4=10 2d8(6+2)+4=12 d6+1=2 Friday April 18th, 2008 1:40:53 PM
Rolls...
The fight with the monster intensifies!
Ingrge, Gunther and Athalorn get to the rear of the creature (Ath on the ground, the other two airborne?). All three notice that the beholder has a thick length of chain embedded in its flesh that reaches to a metal ring in the tunnel floor, effectively tying it to the ground. The druid shifts shape, Ingrge sends his delayed spell off down the passge ahead.
Meanwhile! At the front of the beast, things start getting a little crazy, as both Lian and K'Nara move forward, closely followed by about 300 tons of orc. Lian hits the thing like a battering ram, successfully damaging two of the creature's eyes, while K'Nara connects with her sword. But it's a risky business, as their efforts are shared by both Falin's and Olana's arrows and about 6 or 7 spears hurled forth by the orc contingent, that all flash by, threatening to impale them to the beast.
Hurt badly, the creature roars, and opens up a mouth the size of the Giggling Ghost fireplace, displaying a rather impressive set of teeth. Naturally it tries to bite both Lian and K'Nara at once. CHOMP!
Attempting to chow down on Lian AC 32 for 10 DAM + Poison K'Nara AC 23 for 12 DAM + Poison
It's remaining eyes are all now angled toward the rear and go off simultaneously. However, only three of them are in any position to hit their targets, again ranged touch attacks going for
Athalorn AC 14 Gunther AC 23 Ingrge AC 21
-2 STR drain if hit, same SR as before if applicable.
The small green toad is sat on top of the beholder's head, lashing out with it's tongue at the three at the rear, with a decidedly 'C'mon! Bring it!' attitude.
Bert's attention toward the approaching creatures tells him they're all alive and kicking. Although Ath, Gunther and Ingrge could tell him they are not kicking exactly, but rather flying - the partial shadow of the tunnel ahead revealing great bat-like creatures with a wing span of about 6 ft and closing (now 40 ft away). And with all the shrieking coming from that direction it sounds to be rather a lot of them.
Brother Bertram AC 28 HP 134 d8=6 d8=8 d8=7 d8=2 d8=3 d8=7 d8=8 d8=7 Friday April 18th, 2008 3:50:03 PM
Bertram calls out, "No Undead, Ingrge!, and then sends a ray of light directly at the green creature atop the beholder's head.
(OOC Searing Light No Save(Resistance applies) 48 Damage)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+16=29 Friday April 18th, 2008 5:06:29 PM
Finishing his spell, a wall of stone suddenly fills the entire hallway just 10 feet past where Ingrge is, separating the party from the oncoming flying beasts and the expolsion about to come. Ingrge spell is enough to also make the wall 10 inches thick.
Just as the wall is finished and he is pretty sure the flyers were about to reach the wall he triggers his maximized delayed blast fireball as everyone hears and feels the loud thwump. (Surprise!!!)
Max Delayed Blast Fireball - 84 points; Reflex DC 30 for 42 points; SR 29 negates.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 185 d20+14=31 d20+14=16 d20+14=32 d20+14=21 d20+14=28 d20+14=21 d20+14=32 d20+14=15 d20+14=28 d20+14=31 d20+14=27 d20+14=25 2d8(8+4)+4=16 2d8(8+4)+4=16 2d8(8+6)+4=18 2d8(1+7)+4=12 2d8(5+1)+4=10 2d8(5+1)+4=10 2d8(1+8)+4=13 2d8(3+2)+4=9 Friday April 18th, 2008 5:51:06 PM
Athalorn's huge new form writhes in anger at the strange beast's continued attacks, as the shifter suffers a further drain to his strength. His twelve serpent heads snap dangerously at the Beholder's strange body, their power weakened somewhat by the beholder's draining rays.
If the creature's AC is 25... Eight of the heads manage to find purchase on the blubbery flesh, each one tearing and pulling in an attempt to fell the abherration.
Head 1 hits AC 31 for 16 damage Head 2 hits AC 16 and misses Head 3 hits AC 32 for 16 damage Head 4 hits AC 21 and misses Head 5 hits AC 28 for 18 damage Head 6 hits AC 21 and misses Head 7 hits AC 32 for 12 damage Head 8 hits AC 15 and misses Head 9 hits AC 28 for 10 damage Head 10 hits AC 31 for 10 damage Head 11 hits AC 27 for 13 damage Head 12 hits AC 25 for 9 damage
8 hits (if creature's AC is 25) for total of 104 damage
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-9 strength)
Lian d20+21=30 d20+21=23 d20+21=31 d20+21=41 d20+21=23 d20+21=30 d20+16=33 2d6(2+5)+6=13 2d6(4+1)+6=11 2d6(1+2)+6=9 2d6(1+1)+6=8 2d6(2+5)+6=13 2d6(3+4)+6=13 2d6(2+2)+6=10 Sunday April 20th, 2008 1:26:59 AM
The monk activates his boots of Speed and pummels away. (+1 dodge AC)
(hits AC 30, 23, 31, 41(threat 23), 30 and 33, for 13, 11, 9, 8(21 if crit), 13 and 10 damage, breaks evil DR)[74 damage, if crit hits 87 damage]
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom Boots 1/10
Highlight to display spoiler: {Lian's AC is reduced by 3 since he started wearing the orc bane tears. No headband. }
Falin AC 29 HP 161 d20+41=58 d8+7=8 Monday April 21st, 2008 12:03:25 AM
Falin watches as everyone comes in to perform close combat and he fires one shot into the fray.
AC 58 DMG 8
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
Stun shot: a successful Stunning Shot inflicts normal damage and stuns the target for one round. A stunned character can't act, loses any Dexterity bonus to AC, and takes a --2 penalty to AC.
Lian Monday April 21st, 2008 12:44:36 PM
OOC: Waiting...
Brother Bertram Monday April 21st, 2008 5:57:15 PM
Bertram squints after the light spell, trying to see if the creature was wounded severely, or if at all.
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Fly d20+16=35 d20+16=23 d8+6=13 d6=3 d20+11=31 d20+11=27 d8+6=8 d6=4 d20+6=22 d8+6=10 d6=4 d20+16=22 d8+6=13 d6=4 d20+11=13 d20+6=9 Monday April 21st, 2008 10:12:05 PM
Feeling puny and pathetic after several succesful ray attacks, the warrior attempts a full attack on the beast in front of him, knowing that in full likelihood in his current state he's not likely to hurt a fly. Still...miracles can happen...and apparently do...
AC 35/23 for 13+3 fire (double if crit., please) AC 31/27 for 8+4 fire (double if crit., please) AC22 for 10+4 fire AC22 for 13+4 elect.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Monday April 21st, 2008 10:51:56 PM
present
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 -7 STR d20+22=31 d20+17=20 d20+12=23 d8+2=8 Monday April 21st, 2008 11:16:24 PM
Olana keeps firing, a grim look on her face. Thankful that the eyes are no longer pointing at her, nevertheless, she worries about those comrades behind the creature.
Hit once 8 Dam
DM Jan Monday April 21st, 2008 11:32:22 PM
Amidst the fight, a wall of stone suddenly appears to the rear of Athalorn, Gunther and Ingrge. It's closely followed by a muffled WHUMP! and the cries of the wounded as something goes off behind it, and the floor shakes.
Meanwhile, Bert's ray of doom obliterates the cheeky toad sat atop the giant beholder, and below it's business as usual as the others get to work. At the rear, Gunther's form is a little shaky but his sword manages to inflict damage, while alongside him the hydra chows down with it's vicious heads, rending and tearing. At the front of the creature, a couple of arrows fly, and the beast appears to be momentarily helpless as blades hacking at it's underbelly do dreadful damage.
In moments, it's over. Some of the orcs go through the motions of being a little put out, having been unable to get a blow in, but they're soon quietened down by the orc mage. Borden merely stands there surveying the damage.
The creature is now dead - a carcass.
Lian's fists have at some point blasted through some of the flesh and he can feel something hard in the beast's innards.
Meanwhile, slightly ahead in the tunnel, there is the occasional thud....... thud..... coming from behind the wall.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 185 Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 1:26:31 AM
Dropping pieces of the creature to the floor from his many mouths, Athalorn turns to face the wall, prepared in case Ingrge drops his spell or the things burst through, whatever they were.
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-9 strength)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 6:56:10 AM
Well that was fun. I am pretty sure that I caught some of what was coming at us from the other side with my delayed balst fireball, but there may be quite a few, or none at all left. All I know is that they were flying fairly rapidly. So I guess what am saying is get ready for round two when I drop the wall. Borden do you and your crew want first shot at whatever is on the otherside of the wall?
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 11:21:32 AM
Bertam takes time to make sure that no one is too seriously injured before moving forward.
Lian Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 11:45:20 AM
(OOC: Was Mass Bull's Strength cast earlier? What Mass spells were cast?)
He deactivates his boots.
Keeping in mind that there is something up with the corpse, and not yelling at KNara about it so the orcs don't go to town on it, the monk looks up at the sound. "Its big, whatever it is." He says out loud to no one.
He prepares to cast Enlarge Person. His hands still glow.
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom Boots 1/10
Falin AC 29 HP 161 Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 10:58:54 PM
Falin moves forwards trying to keep a clear line of fire at anything coming at them.
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Fly Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 11:58:32 PM
Gunther looks feebly over at Bertram. "Anyvay you can return my strength?" Then he looks over at the orcs and speaks in Common this time so everyone understands. "Ve don't vant to have all de fun. You vant de next monster?"
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 -7 STR Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 1:14:19 AM
Olana breathes a sigh of relief as the creature meets its end. What a horrible thing, and no doubt just a taste of what would come next.
She sees Falin advancing and gives him a look that says, hey, don't get too carried away, we'll die a horrible death soon enough.
DM Jan Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 1:19:40 AM
The orcs let out a cheer at the prospect of getting their teeth into some monsters - their mage rolls his eyes, Borden merely smiles.
The muffled sound beyond the wall continues - something savage - trying desperately to get through.
The hard thing inside the beholder corpse - it feels like a flat disc, maybe 12 inches across.
Odd.
Lian Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 1:31:12 PM
The monk quietly lets Ingrge know about the disc in the beholder, then borrows a dagger from one of the Emeralds.
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 3:06:47 PM
Satisfied that everyone is still alive and well, Bertram goes back to the more immediate problem of what to do once the wall is removed. He looks to Ingrge. "I have the necklace of fireballs we recovered ages ago? Any better suggestions, Friend Ingrge?"
Falin AC 29 HP 161 Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 5:01:02 PM
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
Falin looks back and smiles at Olana.
In response to hearing Bertram Falin mentions that he still has the fire elemental gem.
Athalorn Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 5:14:58 PM
....waits, his many heads ready for combat.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 5:37:50 PM
Ingrge waits until Borden and his crew move to the front arranging themselves how they want for their assault and watches as the Emeralds arrange themselves and then once everyone is ready dismisses the wall with a casual wave of his hand. As they move forward Ingrge will use the wand of restoration on any who need it.
(OOC: Let me know how many charges need to be expelled.)
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Fly Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 10:15:53 PM
The warrior sighs. Apparently Bertram cannot restore his strength which was sapped by the rays. Oh well. Watching the orcs surge forward, Gunther manages to stifle his jealousy. Surely he will not be as useful in the future combats but at least he can try. Patting his dire lion, Gunther tries not to let his frustration rub off on her.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 -7 STR Thursday April 24th, 2008 12:27:48 AM
While everyone talks about the next assault, Olana quickly checks her arrows then walks over to Bertram. "Bert, some of us got hit by those strange rays, and we're feeling a bit.... well... wobbly at the knees. Anything you can do?"
DM Jan Thursday April 24th, 2008 1:43:25 AM
Everyone gears up for the disappearence of the wall. The thudding on the other side has increased dramatically, not in volume, but in frequency, making everyone wonder perhaps what they'll find on the other side.
The orcs give the hydra a wide berth then form up in a wedge shape in front of the wall, spears at the ready.
Lian manages to pull out the disc. It appears to have a depression at the centre that allows him to grip and rotate it, and at either side - flat, square pieces of metal, protruding from the circumference of the thing.
Spot check (DC 20) from everyone please.
Ingrge's wall comes down, and beyond it - a thousand faces let out an angry, deafening screech. Leathery winged terrors all, stacked up, now surging forward.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+18=28 Thursday April 24th, 2008 6:55:01 AM Spell Effects: Cat's Grace; Bear's Endurance; Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin
Rousing herself from her uncharacteristic fugue, K'Nara reaches her left hand into the top of her magical Haversack, drawing out a bag. The leader of the Emerald Dragons rummages through it and pulls out a white ash staff with inlaid silver runes.
"Gunther!" she says, waving the staff. "I can use this to counteract the effects of that nasty old...whatever it was's...rays." K'Nara extends the hand with the staff in it, tapping Gunther on the shoulder.
OOC: made a Use Magic Item check of 28 to use this Staff of Healing. Gunther's player needs to roll a d4 PER CHARGE to see how many points of Strength are Restored by the Staff--K'Nara will definitely use as many charges as are needed to completely Restore Gunther to fighting trim.
Oh...and sorry about the extremely late posts. Life surely can suck.
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Fly d4=2 d4=4 d20+3=9 Thursday April 24th, 2008 9:31:13 AM
Gunther grins as K'nara ministers to him. "Tank you!" he says as he flexes his newly returned muscles. "Dat should even tings up."
Gunther looks over at the winged menaces beyond but can't see anything out of the ordinary...whatever that is in this place!
OOC: Jan, can I pretty pretty please have 2 charges of that wand since Donna wasn't able to post yesterday?
~~Jan~~Yeth yu cannn~~
Lian Thursday April 24th, 2008 11:51:51 AM
(OOC: About how big is the disc?)
He stows the disc in his tunic, not sure if putting it into an extradimensional pants pocket is safe, then he rejoins the group... he hears the screeches. Disc looks like a clockwork gear of some sort. He thinks to himself.
Falin AC 29 HP 161 d20+26=46 Thursday April 24th, 2008 2:24:51 PM
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
Spot 46 (nat 20)
"Why did we come down here? Someone remind me?" Falin says with a smile as he watches the littel creatures surge forward.
"Can someone do some type of an area affect to them? I have nothing."
"Olana, I have an idea. Come grab the other side of this." Falin pulls his portable hole out and begins to unfold it handing the other side to Olana.
"As the surge forward we move forward and then fold them up inside of it."
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 185 d20+25=30 Thursday April 24th, 2008 3:10:48 PM
The druid move sin front of hos companions, trying not to block Ingrge's line of sight nut hoping the creatures will attack him first.
ooc: not sure if I would get attacks this round?
Spot check: 30
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-9 strength)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+17=34 Thursday April 24th, 2008 6:13:39 PM
Qickly casting Ingrge figures to lend a little hand with this combat and casts wind wall where the wall of stone one was. Sr 34
Brother Bertram Thursday April 24th, 2008 8:57:39 PM
Bertram readies some spells in his mind, waiting to see if Ingrge requires assistance, not wanting to disturb his friend's plan.
"Why, Falin," K'Nara says as she crosses over to Athalorn's behemoth-sized shape, "We're here to be good neighbors!" She glances back over at what's left of the Siamese Beholders. "Of course...there goes the neighborhood!" She taps Athalorn with the Staff of Healing.
OOC: K'Nara's Spot check is 6; her Use Magic Item check is 35 and she's just used another charge in the Staff to return 4 Strength points to Athalorn.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 -7 STR d20+15=16 Friday April 25th, 2008 10:41:46 AM
Looking at Falin like he's nuts, Olana nevertheless grabs the other side of the hole. She has to admit, her weapons of blade and arrow would be useless against these things.
DM Jan d4=4 Friday April 25th, 2008 11:12:54 AM
Bats. Hundreds, maybe thousands, ranging from the tiny pipistrelle to fruit-bat sized (bodies ranging from 3" to 14"). And being country folk, most will have seen bats plenty of times before. But these look different - larger mouths, and long, needle-like fangs, and they approach on a wave of dread that is astonishing in its severity.
The windwall goes up! The little ones are stopped, but some of the big ones start squeezing through. Three end up in the portable hole, but there are more coming through at a rate of 8 per round, and this round the remaining 5 head up toward the ceiling, wheeling, maybe awaiting their bretheren.
An entire wall of bats now faces the group, most held back by the wind wall spell, little horrific faces twitching, wings flapping, and the noise - a collective deafening screech making it hard for anyone to make themselves heard.
Both Falin and Athalorn spotted a circular depression and a glint of metal in the wall to the left, right before it was covered by bats, ie. it is about 3ft beyond the wind wall.
Everyone Will save DC 20 or be paniced for 4 rounds. (Same panic reaction as with dragons frightful presence).
((OOC - Jay, about 12"))
((OOC - folks, the site is going down for maintenance this weekend. So if you can't get in, you know why. Shouldn't take long by all accounts.))
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 185 d20+23=35 d4=1 d20+15=27 d20+15=18 d20+15=20 d20+15=25 d20+15=26 d20+15=22 d20+15=32 d20+15=21 d20+15=35 d20+15=24 d20+15=21 d20+15=22 2d8(5+8)+5=18 2d8(8+7)+5=20 2d8(3+8)+5=16 2d8(5+4)+5=14 2d8(5+4)+5=14 2d8(3+1)+5=9 2d8(3+2)+5=10 2d8(6+1)+5=12 2d8(6+3)+5=14 2d8(4+2)+5=11 2d8(3+2)+5=10 2d8(1+5)+5=11 Friday April 25th, 2008 12:19:23 PM Will save 35, healed 1 point of strength
Unafraid of the strange creatures, the Huge Hydra's strange and serpentine voice begins to emanate from all 12 heads at once, creating an echo like repetition of his words.
"A strange fixture in the wall.... Lian, would that disssssc sssslot into it?"
His heads then begin snapping at the few bats that come through.
Heads hit: AC 27 for 18 HP AC 18 for 20 HP AC 20 for 16 HP AC 25 for 14 HP AC 22 for 9 HP AC 32 for 10 HP AC 21 for 12 HP AC 35 for 28 HP (Critical) AC 24 for 11 HP AC 21 for 10 HP AC 22 for 11 HP
(Sorry Jan :|)
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-9 strength)
Brother Bertram d20+17=20 15d8(1+3+7+1+5+8+8+5+8+3+1+6+1+8+4)=69 Friday April 25th, 2008 1:13:29 PM
Bertram swallows the panic of seeing that many bats coming at him. He quickly releases a spell to work in conjunction with Ingrge's spell. A whirling sheet of steel blades fills the area chopping up anything foolish enough to enter.
(OOC Blade Barrier 69 Hp Damage to any in the area or that attempt to come through. )
Lian d20+26=27 d20+30=47 Friday April 25th, 2008 2:09:32 PM
(Save Nat 1 for 27 failing, laughing gives him a second roll and +4 vs fear. Saved with 47.)
Everyone within 50 feet of Lian gain +2 vs fear.
Lian begins laughing and shakes off the effects. "Yeah maybe Athalorn." The monk heads to the wall and tries the disc in the slot.
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance, Fly d20+8=16 Friday April 25th, 2008 11:57:28 PM
Covering his ears from the horrid sound, Gunther begins to panic. He rapidly heads backwards in an attempt to get away from those horrible screeching things. (Will=16)
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+14=21 Saturday April 26th, 2008 2:51:41 AM Spell Effects: Cat's Grace; Bear's Endurance; Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin
K'Nara gulps at the sight of the living wall of bats trying to get to the group, but her spirit, though shaken, doesn't falter. OOC: K'Nara barely made her Will save with a 21. Snarling an expletive in Elven, K'Nara returns the staff she'd been using to the haversack.
"We can't hear ourselves think!" she gripes, then blinks...then a grin steals across her face.
"If we can't hear--then they won't hear, either..." the blade singer says, using her free hand to help her cast Silence in the area just beyond Ingrge's Wind Wall.
OOC: K'Nara is casting the spell on a point in space, calculated so that the zone of soundlessness is beyond the barrier that is the Wind Wall--the party should be uneffected...as long as they remain on their side of Ingrge's spell.
Lian Monday April 28th, 2008 11:34:58 AM
OOC: Checking in...
Brother Bertram Monday April 28th, 2008 1:02:46 PM
Bertram sees Gunther fleeing and calls out in a roar, "Blood Brother Gunther, I NEED YOU!" He knows he cant physically stop the warrior but hope that his cry will pierce the fear surrounding him.
Falin AC 29 HP 161 d20+6=13 d20+6=23 Monday April 28th, 2008 2:24:26 PM
Falin folds the hole up to keep the bats from getting back out. and places it in his pocket. "They willk die from lack of air soon enough." He tells Olana.
Will save 23 (used hero point)
Falin begins to turn from the bats, but then gethers himself up and turns back to face the coming wall of bats.
Falin sees the fear take Gunther as he moves from the front of the group. Quickly Falin takes out an immovable rod and sets it directly in front of Gunther's center mass in an attempt to stop him from running too far.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+17=18 d20+17=35 15d4(4+3+4+3+1+3+3+2+2+3+1+1+1+2+3)=36 d20+17=26 Monday April 28th, 2008 7:31:43 PM
Ingrge begins to panic a bit as the emormity of the number of bats facing them sinks in Will save 18, but hears Lian's laughter and manages to recover fairly rapidly. Reroll used hero point Will save 35
Hoping that the orcs are actually oing to do something about the bats making it through the wall Ingrge focuses again on the ones trapped on the otherside of the windwall and cast a spell and sets the spell to catch the most bats he can within his 40 ft circle of death.
Circle of death - Fort DC 25 SR26 or 36 hit dice of bats die.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Monday April 28th, 2008 10:19:34 PM Spell Effects: Cat's Grace; Bear's Endurance; Freedom of Movement; Stoneskin
"Gunther!" K'Nara snaps. "Get BACK here!"
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 -7 STR d20+12=32 Monday April 28th, 2008 11:00:53 PM Ugh... Olana is thinking as they are beseiged by the strangest and most awful bats she has ever seen. Their aura appears to wash over her; maybe it's because she's focussing on catching some of them with the portable hole. Or maybe it's some of her past experiences reminding her that this really isn't that bad.
She takes a step back as Falin retracts the hole. Looking at that whirling blade barrier, they were liable to get covered in goo if they weren't careful.
She pulls out a shortsword, in case one of the bigger ones comes close.
DM Jan d100=94 d20+16=31 d20+16=35 d20+16=23 Monday April 28th, 2008 11:15:06 PM
Rolls....
.....acid for blood....
Athalorn's formidable hydra form snatches 4 of the loose 5 big bats out of the air and bites them in two. They have a bitter taste, acrid and nasty, and it begins to burn.
The bats' aura takes it's toll on some, and Gunther finds himself being flanked by two of his orc bretheren in a break for the exit. In Gunther's path - an immovable rod appears that'll hit him right in the gut and wind him unless he tries to avoid it (Reflex DC 15). Both Borden and his mage lieutenant shrug off the evil effects of the creatures. The other orcs look toward anything else that attempts to get through, although there's hardly room to swing a cat right now.
Then! K'nara's spell comes into effect, along with Lian's reinforcing laughter, the latter girding the will, the former dampening the horrific presence of these things, allowing another Will Save of DC 11 for those who failed.
Up at the wall, Bert's Blade Barrier gets to work, slicing and dicing dozens and dozens of bats and Lian is faced with a problem. If he moves past the windwall without cover, he will be splattered in minced bat goo, and perhaps Athalorn will be able to tell him how that feels. The disc should fit into the slot, though. He just has to make a choice. Right now the blade barrier-pulped creatures are slapping against the walls on either side.
(Any contact between bare flesh and bat blood = 4hp acid burn damage per round. Water will neutralize and stop any more damage.)
Behind the wind wall, Ingrge's spell inflicts terrible damage. An added incendiary spell from the orc mage adds to the carnage, but still the creatures keep on coming. It's endless.
3 more big bats manage to get beyond the blades and attempt to fly up to the ceiling.
The one bat from the last round descends quickly and tries to attack Olana and bite. 23 misses.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 185 2d8(3+3)+5=11 d20+15=28 Tuesday April 29th, 2008 1:40:49 AM
Athalorn uses his huge form to move closer to the Wind wall, hoping to give Lian some cover while he tries to place the disc in the slot. His many heads rear up, trying to avoid the flying bat flesh, and one snaps out and strikes at the bats coming through the wall.
Hits AC 28 for 11 damage
Move Action: Towards the wall Standard Action: Attack bat
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-9 strength)
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance d20+8=25 d20+9=22 d20+15=24 d8+23=30 Tuesday April 29th, 2008 12:14:38 PM
Hearing the others call to him (and of course, thanks to K'nara's spell!), the warrior is able to snap out of the gut wrenching fear that had a hold of him (Will=25). Noticing the rod in front of him, Gunther deftly dodges it (Refl.=22) as he smiles at Falin. "Tanks."
Reversing his course once more, Gunther flies toward the nearest bat creature on the roof, intent on repairing some of the damage done to his ego. Embarrassment based rage produces a strike that is more powerful than accurate. (Power Attack +5, Hits AC 24 for 30 dam)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+17=35 Tuesday April 29th, 2008 6:14:15 PM
Momentarily changing tactics, Ingrge focusses instead on the bats that are near the ceiling and are grouped close together. Using his rod of maximize her casts a spell trhough his staff aiming athe batt nearest the center of the ones that have gotten through. Maximized chain lightening - 80 points priamry and 40 points to each secondary up to 15 more targets. Reflex DC 29 for 1/2 damage SR 35 negates.
Lian d20+23=36 Tuesday April 29th, 2008 6:30:12 PM (While Lian is laughing everyone within 50 feet gets +2 vs fear.)
He abandons his casting decides to test the slot. He dances through the barrier with the gear in hand, laughing at is and the whole situation. (Reflex 36 vs the Barrier)[If he saves, he take no damage. If he fails he takes half and its further reduced by the Stoneskin.]
(OOC: Not sure how far the slot is away. Also what is the DC is for the Blade Barrier. But as Lian is a Hero and Dragon, this is UNIMPORTANT! Mwah!)
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom Boots 1/10 Lesser Courage
Brother Bertram Tuesday April 29th, 2008 8:13:36 PM
Seeing Olana's condition, Bertram moves to her and releases a spell. A soft glow surrounds her and she appears noticeably better to those around her.
(OOC Restoration)
(( DM Jan OOC)) Wednesday April 30th, 2008 1:41:36 AM
((Oww oww, migraine, post first thing tomorrow, I promise. Sorry folks.))
Falin AC 29 HP 161 Wednesday April 30th, 2008 10:40:18 AM I was hoping something would happen to allow me to post. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Falin looks over at Lian making his way towards the indention. He places the portable hole in his pocket and places the immovable rod back in his pack. He moves towards where Lian is in case something should happen and Lian needs any help.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+16=28 d6+3=4 Wednesday April 30th, 2008 11:45:48 AM
"Thank you!" Olana exclaims, pausing for a moment while Bert's spell takes effect. "Isn't this fun?" she adds to the dwarf, before preparing to take one swipe at the bat who's trying to bite.
Hits AC 28 for 4
DM Jan Wednesday April 30th, 2008 12:02:48 PM
Partially shielded by Athalorn (who takes half Lian's dam), Lian leaps nimbly past the blade barrier, and slams the disc into the indentation in the wall.
And illuminated by Ingrge's chain lightning spell - that has everyone's hair standing on end and leaves spots dancing before the eyes....
The wall around the disc dissolves, becoming a 6ft wide arch that stretches from floor to ceiling. And there are steps leading up!
And as fried bats hit the tunnel floor with a thud, and Gunther is patted on the back by one of the orcs for power slicing one of the critters in two, there's probable cause to wonder -
It's gonna be interesting, getting to that arch, what with the blade barrier, flying acidic bat innards, and live bats, an' all...
Lian's already through, and both he and Falin, and Athalorn can see that, at the top of a short flight of steps beyond the arch - there's the disc, set into the wall, like it has transported itself there - out of harms way.
Falin AC 29 HP 161 Wednesday April 30th, 2008 12:25:48 PM
Falin looks backwards and yells to everyone "Up the stairs." He turns back and pulls out his decantur of endless water.
He sets his feet and says the command word. A geyser of water flies forth. He attempts to keep the bats at bay while everyone makes it through. Hopefully some of the water spray will wash the acid off of anyone getting hit.
After everyone is through he will follow up behind walking backwards to continue to keep the water going.
Lian (down 6 hp acid) Wednesday April 30th, 2008 1:01:08 PM
The monk places the disc into the slot, if it fits.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 175/185 Wednesday April 30th, 2008 1:20:19 PM
Athalorn's many serpentine voices speak at once, hissing to his companions. "Move to the stairsssss, friendsssss. I will cover you...."
He moves so as to block as much of the path as possible while not moving into the way of the blade barrier.
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-9 strength)
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 30th, 2008 3:00:29 PM
Bertram drops the blade barrier as the first person reaches it. He will then follow the others in bringing up the rear, another spell already in his mind, ready to be used as soon as he can reach those stairs.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Wednesday April 30th, 2008 11:16:06 PM
Ingrge follows the others up the stairs waiting to see if he needs to block entry from winged foed.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Thursday May 1st, 2008 4:01:09 AM
K'Nara also makes for the stairs, crinkling her nose at the sight (and smell) of exploded acidic bats.
Lian Thursday May 1st, 2008 12:39:51 PM
The disc hovers in the Hand's hand...
~~Jan~~ Jay, I took your action of a couple of rounds ago, placing the disc in the wall. A little clumsy but I need to keep it moving. That and I'm running out of bats. :)
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Thursday May 1st, 2008 10:18:23 PM
The warrior and his dire lion bolt up the stairs after his comrades. He's not quite certain whether to be excited or frightened of future combat.
Lian Friday May 2nd, 2008 6:49:21 PM
OOC: Checking in and waiting for DM to catch up and run out of bats. :)
Brother Bertram Friday May 2nd, 2008 8:03:05 PM
Bertram bats at the bats as they bat thier wings in his battered face.
(OOC Checking in ;))
K'Nara Friday May 2nd, 2008 8:15:59 PM OOC: checking in as well.
Athalorn Saturday May 3rd, 2008 6:07:05 AM
Checking in
DM Jan Monday May 5th, 2008 1:14:55 AM
((OOC - sorry about the late post folks! I blame Iron Man!) Just hadta go see it.)
"In twos, and orderly!" yells Borden, as the archway appears and the group's escape route becomes evident. The blade barrier winks out - and the hydra stands to block flying critters as everyone makes a dash for the stairs. No one gets any acid damage this round thanks to Falin's geyser of water.
Everyone is now beyond the wind wall and vulnerable to whatever lies behind it. Bats flit everywhere, and the stairwell is in danger of being filled with them, along with everyone else. Down the main tunnel, there is a distant thud thud thuds, coming closer.
Can the archway be re-closed?
On the stairwell, torches highlight the wall with the embedded disc in the wall at the top of the steps, and there's a 90 degree left turn and more stairs leading up.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 175/185 Monday May 5th, 2008 2:52:45 AM
The hydra remains at the rear of the party, making sure as few of the bats as possible get past him while the others try and close the entrance.
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-8 strength)
Gunther AC 33, HP137/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance d100=37 d20-13=-9 d20+15=28 Monday May 5th, 2008 11:00:50 AM
Hanging back, the warrior stays behind the hydra, forming another line of defense against the bats and making sure that Athalorn has help getting through the portal.
Lian Monday May 5th, 2008 12:42:54 PM
The hand stands where he is and waits, providing some form of bat removal, but never really making a dent in the thick cloud of acidic flying mammals.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+9=18 ; Monday May 5th, 2008 8:07:27 PM
Moving up the stairwell, Ingrge sees the silver disc in the wall.
" I suspect that once we are all in and safe someone ought to remove that from the wall (voluntary Intelligence roll DC 18. Hopefully that should close the passage. If not then I will close it with a spell."
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Monday May 5th, 2008 11:55:52 PM
"Good idea, Ingrge!" K'Nara says, immediately heading over to the area with the disc. "Everybody, move!!! I'll yank this thing as soon as everyone is through the stairway and up top!!!"
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 6th, 2008 7:44:06 AM
Bertram moves along quickly with the others, ready to assist if needed.
Falin AC 29 HP 161 Tuesday May 6th, 2008 7:55:57 AM
Falin cancels the geyser and places the flask back in his pack. He quickly makes his way up the stairs and turns to see what will happen with door.
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Tuesday May 6th, 2008 11:46:18 AM
Olana makes a mad dash for the archway, hoping she isn't trampled by orcs on the way.
DM Jan Tuesday May 6th, 2008 12:11:21 PM
There's a mad rush and a lot of shoving and pushing as everyone heads for the archway and the stairwell. Down the tunnel, the thud, thud, thudding continues, like the footsteps of some great beast, getting closer by the moment. Athalorn, Gunther and Lian get a glimpse of a huge head - maw open wide, with a long, protruding tongue - before it's time to get beyond the archway and hopefully out of danger.
K'nara finds the disc easy to pull out of the indentation in the wall at the top of the steps, and once everyone is through, and she does so, the archway solidifies, becoming a solid wall.
The ground shakes, and beyond the now closed wall, those footsteps, and presumably the monster they belong to are closer and closer and closer - then they stop. There's a "RAAAAAAAOOOOOOOWWWWW!" that reverberates through the walls. Then the mighty footsteps begin again, and gradually recede.
The stairwell is cramped - packed tight with the Dragons, Borden, and thirty assorted orcs. Pikes graze the ceiling, everyone is wet to some degree and steam rises from the shoulders of some of the orcs, bringing forth the scent of orc and boiled leather. Adding to the mix - acid burned hydra, human and elf flesh - acrid and tickling at the nostrils.
With everyone crammed in it's hard to see, although torch light does reveal that a few bats have made it through and are flittering about near the ceiling. Some of the orcs begin to stab at them with their pikes.
Athalorn, Lian and Gunther have sustained another 4 HPs acid damage, minor but it will need patching up.
At the top of the stairwell - a solid wall. The indentation has disappeared.
And to the left - the stairs continue - up. No light, other than a distant glow ahead.
The Dragons hear the sound of Milo in the earpiece - "Hello? Hello? Anyone there?"
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 171/185 Tuesday May 6th, 2008 12:47:23 PM
Athalorn remains at the rear of the party and follows slowly, bending his many heads to avoid the ceiling. As he hears Milo's voice, he allows the others to communicate, sensing that perhaps the rogue would be more than a little perturbed at the sound of twelve serpentine voices in his ear.
Lian Tuesday May 6th, 2008 3:56:45 PM
OOC: Okay friends, I'll be away from a computer for an indetermined length of time starting at 2pm PST tomorrow afternoon. I'll try to find an internet cafe over there to look in from time to time.
[Can't remember if Lian grabbed his Continual Flame marbles, which would come in handy right about now.]
The elf suggests that someone move into the stairwell to search for traps or dangers.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Tuesday May 6th, 2008 8:14:21 PM
K'Nara--now at the rear of the entire retinue of combined forces--suppresses a sigh at the disorderly rush for the stairs (though with the way the ground is shaking at the footsteps of the unseen "new arrival" she can't really be angry...just a bit disappointed. However, all's well that ends well as long as none of their people got hurt by whatever-that-thing-had-been.
"Milo, my love..." coos the redheaded blade singer into her own communication device, "...it's been ever so long since you called. How's the weather? I hope you picked up some souveniers..."
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 6th, 2008 9:01:00 PM
Bertram hands the bullseye lantern he empowered with the eternal light of Domi to whoever is in the front, hoping it will help, well, shed some light on things.
(OOC Jan I cast that Continual Flame spell on that Lantern early in this module, just wasnt sure if you recalled.)
(~~Jan~~ Yep, no worries, Mark. It's just the current press of bodies, the light has no where to go, so the above move was the right one.)
Falin AC 29 HP 161 Wednesday May 7th, 2008 11:32:18 AM
Spells: Freedom of Movement Stoneskin 90 Bears Endurance (Magikal Con 15) Bulls Strength (Magikal Str 11)
I am not sure if we still have the same pecking order. If so then I am back up front.
Falin makes his way up the stairs, but holds off waiting for someone to check for any traps.
He smiles when he hears Milo come across the channel. "Good to hear from you Milo," says Falin, "How's about you come on down here and check these stairs for traps."
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+15=23 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2008 4:16:08 PM
Olana takes Bert's lantern and pushes her way to the front. She smiles hearing Milo's voice.
Spot 23
DM Jan Wednesday May 7th, 2008 4:28:37 PM
((OOC - Folks, Jamie has to leave us for a while. I'd do this via email but for some reason mine's on the blink. So, I'm about to suggest an exit for his character below.))
More shoving and pushing in the gloom as the orcs get themselves organized. Borden's mage sends two of them up front to help with the scouting.
Earpiece: "Hi, er... actually I could use some help," says Milo. "I might have got myself into a bit of a scrape. Can one of you join me? Preferably someone who can shoot?"
Ahead now to the left, the stairs lead up toward a distant glow. The orcs begin to ascend. And now the noise has died down... is that music?
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Wednesday May 7th, 2008 9:55:17 PM
Ingrge grimaces at the thought of yet another of the Emeralds departing particularly now that they are in side Bone Mountain.
K'Nara Thursday May 8th, 2008 1:13:18 AM
"We might have someone available for that, Milo." K'Nara says, glancing obliquely at Falin. "What do you say, sharpshooter? Up for a trip to Osto? I hear it's particularly...fragrant this time of year..." She grins at the elf and rummages to remove a battered brass bottle from her Haversack. If Falin agrees to go, K'Nara will use the efreet in the bottle to transport him to Osto.
Brother Bertram Thursday May 8th, 2008 7:47:18 AM
Bertram does his best to make himself prepared in the narrow confines. He groans inwardly hearing that another Emerald Dragon was going to leave.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 171/185 d20+19=28 ; Thursday May 8th, 2008 12:06:52 PM
The Hydra makes way for Falin to get past, and turns to follow the otehrs up the stairs. And what was that distant noise? Music?
Listen=28
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-8 strength)
Falin Thursday May 8th, 2008 12:18:14 PM
"Yeah, I can go." Says Falin with a hint of sadness in his voice. "I'll try to get back as soon as possible."
He hands the 4 immovable rods and the fire elemental gem to Olana.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance d20+3=22 ; Thursday May 8th, 2008 1:56:49 PM
Clapping the archer on the back, Gunther grins at him. "Promise to bring back a souvenir." he teases his brother in arms. Taking out one of his water skins, the warrior pours it on the acid burn, trying to dilute the burning substance. He offers his skin to any who might need it.
As his friend the hydra speaks of music, Gunther turns his ear and listens (Listen=22). "Yeah, I thought I heard someting too." With a grimace on his face, the warrior redoubles his grip on his sword and is ready to move out with the others when they advance.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Thursday May 8th, 2008 11:03:14 PM
Olana flashes an angry look at K'Nara, her emotions for the moment getting in the way of what was best. Why Falin?? Why not Olana...? But of course Milo had asked for a shooter, and Falin was the best. Anger pales, leaving disappointment in its wake - an easier pain to bear. "You be careful," she says to Milo over the earpiece. "And you - " to Falin - "you look after him, you hear?" as she takes the rods and the gem.
DM Jan Thursday May 8th, 2008 11:15:55 PM
While the Dragons take care of their own business for a moment, Borden has sent a couple of scouts up the steps. Gunther's water skein bath stops the acid from doing any more damage. (Same needs doing to Ath and Lian. Otherwise another 4 damage.) And the faint sound of music does indeed drift down the stairs. It's quite pleasant, but going off the grimaces and comments, certainly not to the orcs taste.
The efreet in K'nara's bottle is in its usual petulant mood, and will perform the task - grumbling all the way.
The two orc scouts return, and in gutteral common - " there's a wide passage - lit - at the top of the stairs, and on both sides are cells, cages, containing hideous animals."
And right at that moment, the ground shifts slightly beneath everyone's feet. It lasts maybe 10 or 15 seconds, a gentle undulation.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 171/185 Friday May 9th, 2008 1:43:34 AM
Athalorn bends his necks low to Gunther, the ones which had burned with the acid, hoping the warrior will pour some water on the wounds for him. He then begins to travel up the stairway.
"Let us wassste no more time, friends. I do not know what the rippling ground is, but I do not wish to wait here to find out."
Active Effects:
Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-8 strength)
Jamie OOC Friday May 9th, 2008 2:20:55 PM I wanted to thank everyone for the fun playtime and for letting me jump in and out so often (at least it seems that way to me). I really do like the interaction with all of you guys. After my military stuff throughout the year I hope to be back.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 50/50??, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Saturday May 10th, 2008 1:48:05 AM
Taking his skin, Gunther quickly pours his water on Athalorn and Lian and then readies himself for what is surely an impending battle.
Brother Bertram Sunday May 11th, 2008 11:57:45 PM
Bertram tries to imagine what they might face ahead and prepare spells for it.
(ooc sorry gang for the light posts, real life has been interrupting my gaming lately)
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp (Subbed by Nellie) Monday May 12th, 2008 10:19:10 PM
Listening attentively to the orcs report, the bladesinger lets out a little huff at the slight tremor. "A trap no doubt. Still, no sense in just rushing in..." K'nara looks over at the dwindling ranks of the Emerald Dragons, her hazel eyes calculating. "Ingrge, Olana, Athalorn...we're going to need to get past those cages without attracting too much attention to ourselves. Do any of you have any spells that might be useful?
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 171/185 Tuesday May 13th, 2008 1:31:59 AM
ooc: checking in
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Tuesday May 13th, 2008 1:45:12 AM
Olana thinks for a moment. "Not really," she admits to K'Nara. "The only thing I can suggest is to be quiet, and not rattle any of those cages."
DM Jan Tuesday May 13th, 2008 1:55:03 AM
((Donna's interwebz ist kaput, Jamie's had to back out, Jay is in Italy, some of us are getting bitten and sucked dry by the mosquito named Real Life - we're in good shape! :) ))
The druid in hydra form ascends the stairs. At the top he can see a flat corridor ahead - roughly the same size as the other tunnels have been.
There is light here - coming from what look like cells lining both walls on either side. In the nearest cells - movement. Something sticks out a long proboscis, there is a grunt, a squeak - all kinds of goings on by the looks of it. It looks a bit like a zoo!
And way down the corridor, music, and someone singing. An odd song, too - like something you'd hear in a tavern, rather than in the depths of a place like Mount Bone.
Back down at the base of the stairs, Borden has a quiet word with K'Nara. "We're going up," he says.
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 13th, 2008 8:05:57 AM
Bertram follows with the others, eyeing the creatures in the zoo. He cant help but wonder what purpose it serves.
Athalorn 12 Headed Hydra form: AC 46 HP 171/185 Tuesday May 13th, 2008 12:46:01 PM
The druid waits, deciding against changing form again in order to conserve his powers and in case they are attacked. They could do with Milo here right now, he considers. But with an army of angry Orcs, there was little room for stealth anyway.
His serpent voice fills the room.
"Likely a trap, that will release these creatures. I could move down the corridor through the air if needssss be?"
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Tuesday May 13th, 2008 10:39:56 PM
well I suppose if you want me to use up several spells I could possibly make it so we would avoind all contact with them but it is still going to be uncofotable for us. I sy we should just try to stay to the midle and not mess with the cages.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+15=21 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+17=29 Wednesday May 14th, 2008 1:21:40 AM
Olana nods at Athalorn and Ingrge's assessment, and sets off down the passage - right in the middle, all quite like...
Spot 21 Listen 14 Move silently 29
DM Jan Wednesday May 14th, 2008 1:37:08 AM
And so!
The group start to move along the corridor, where they behold some strange sights. For within the cells lining either side, are creatures from nightmare - and none of the usual critters usually found wandering the wastes, either. Giant insects, a pair of blue gargoyles, a miniature purple worm, a dire toucan, a griffon that has scales rather than feathers, a giant vampirric spider, some creatures are so unusual they defy description. The whole shebang suggests selective breeding. There's an artist - a specialist at work, here.
And after the fight with the double beholder creature - it perhaps makes one wonder if the creatures on display here - are just the small stuff....
About 50 ft ahead - the singing stops, and a man emerges from one of the cells. Dressed in an odd collection of ragged cloths, he's a middle aged human with a long beard and a generally unkempt look. He looks momentarily distracted, but then he looks up and sees the advance party of elf, hydra and orc.
"Oh....." he says, and turns and starts to run in the opposite direction.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Wednesday May 14th, 2008 1:13:17 PM
Athalorn, in hydra form, begins to gag at the sight of such unnatural horrors. Angered and nauseous that anyone could be so corrupting as this, he then sees the unkempt man fleeing. His huge form twists and turns, then suddenly ignites in a blaze. Healed and angry, he then gives chase, his extra speed helping the huge inferno through the corridor.
Swift Action: Wildshape into Huge Fire Elemental (Heal 14 HP) and give chase
Active Effects Barkskin Bear's Endurance Bull's Strength Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement Enfeebled (-8 strength)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Wednesday May 14th, 2008 8:16:48 PM
Figuring Ath can catch and stop our newest friend from departing too quickly, Ingrge peers in at the beasts in their cages.
Brother Bertram d20+20=30 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 9:13:15 PM
Bertram sees Athalorn in pursuit and figures he wont be seeing that odd man anymore. He turns to look over all of the creatures, trying to remember if he recalls anything ever mentioned about such things in his temple days.
(00C Knowledge Religion Roll 30)
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp (Subbed by Nellie) d20+1=2 ; d20=6 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2008 10:11:09 PM
K'nara grins as Athalorn gives chase to the man, though she does activate the communication ring. "Make sure you don't get too far away from the main group. We don't want to be have to haul your fiery butt out of a trap."
Looking around at the strange menagerie, K'nara tries to assertain whether or not there is another nearby danger. But with so many strange sights and sounds, for all she knows this whole room is one big trap. (Spot=2, Listen=6)
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Wednesday May 14th, 2008 10:19:03 PM
The warrior peers inquisitively into the various cages. Oooo....some of these could make wonderful pets! But gaging by Athalorn's response, that might not be the most acceptable choice. Ahhh...but wouldn't it be fun to have a griffon....no...no...focus Gunther! The warrior reaches out and pets his dire lion for comfort. Her natural mass and power seems so right and normal, especially considering the things in this place!
Looking over at K'nara and Ingrge, Gunther stretches his massive shoulders. "Ummmm...vell...vhat next?" he askes uncertainly.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Thursday May 15th, 2008 1:43:09 AM
Olana ducks instinctively as Athalorn changes into a ball of fire and hurtles off. She nocks an arrow and - not wanting to get her eyebrows singed - follows at a slight distance.
DM Jan Thursday May 15th, 2008 2:17:20 AM
At last! Something to chase, and maybe skewer on the end of their pikes. Six of Borden's orcs take off after Athalorn and Olana in the corridor. The orc mage glances toward Borden who merely nods. Some of his boys need to let off some steam.
The flames are causing some of the creatures in the cells to start howling and screeching in fear, and the man dashing off is casting - although his spell seems to be aimed at the cages. "Stop it! Stop it!" he's yelling. "You're frightening them!" He's now only 20ft ahead of the Shifter. Olana and the orcs are about 30ft behind Athalorn.
Meanwhile! A good, headlong dash behind this little party are the rest of the group.
Ingrge notices that all the cages he peers into look very clean, and there is food and water. Someone is taking good care of these unusual critters. Bert's recollections lead him to only one conclusion, and it isn't a particularly learned one. After all, the potential subjects had always been an odd lot, and because they bypassed the usual political machinations between followers of various deities, what was recorded was fairly sketchy. Still... was this the work of a druid, or a ranger specializing in the breeding of monsters? Going off the variety of creatures on display, this was the work of a master.
With all the current commotion going on - firey elementals, orcs dashing about, howling creatures, it IS difficult for K'nara to concentrate on looking out for signs of danger. After all - all it would take was for some of those cage doors to open... However, things look fairly secure.
Gunther's lion has her ears back, and teeth bared.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Thursday May 15th, 2008 12:56:32 PM
The elemental burts after the man. Athalorn makes sure he moves right behind the target, so that his flames dance and tease his heels, then he shouts; his deep and echo-like voice yelling at the man.
"Stand your ground, stranger, and I will not harm you. Flee more, and I will burn you to a cinder."
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Thursday May 15th, 2008 3:49:19 PM
"Athalorn--stop the man, but don't kill him." the leader of the Emerald Dragons barks out loud. Wincing at the cacophony of protests from the caged creatures, K'Nara turns to Borden.
"I'd say that man is the keeper of these critters," she tells the orc leader. "I'd rather have him alive to answer some questions...if you don't think it would be too much to ask your troops. I know how you all love some...eh...good, clean fun in battle and all..."
Brother Bertram Thursday May 15th, 2008 4:06:56 PM
Bertram looks quickly to see if he can find what serves as food for the poor creatures. If so he will put some into the cages as best he can, while trying to sooth the creatures.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Thursday May 15th, 2008 9:19:34 PM
Well, whoever he is, he can't be too bad is he is taking care of these beasts as well as it looks. Now I may change my mind if I find out he is the one creating these abnormalities.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Friday May 16th, 2008 12:06:46 AM
Scratching his nose, the warrior shifts restlessly from foot to foot. There's got to be more to it than this...someone more to chop down. Their missions are never this cut and dry. Never, ever.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Friday May 16th, 2008 1:44:29 AM
As part of an impromptu posse of spear-weilding orcs, Olana advances warily toward the strange man being pursued by Athalorn.
DM Jan Friday May 16th, 2008 2:24:03 AM
The strange, unkempt man grinds to a halt. Borden, in agreement with k'Nara, has given word for his men to stop the chase. Nevertheless all six who were in pursuit can't help stand there behind the fire elemental, putting on a good show of aggressive and threatening behavior, teeth bared and looking at the guy like they want to tear him limb from limb. "Who ARE you people?" the man demands, wild-eyed. "And how did you get in?!"
Creatures in the cages are beginning to settle a little. But none of them will come near, even if Bert tries offering them food. But none of them seem undernourished. One cage holds a pair of wolves; their legs and torso's appear faded and insubstantial, as though they are made of shadow. Only their eyes appear real and solid, and burn an intense red as they regard any of the group looking in at them. The cage next door holds a neat pile of large green eggs.
As for Gunther's worries on the mission... it's a big mountain, and whatever is going on here in this particular spot, the tendrils of necromantic magic are currently thin on the ground.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Friday May 16th, 2008 7:23:49 AM
Speaking in a deep voice again, flames leaping from his torso as he yells dramatically, Athalorn responds to the man. "We are the Emerald Dragons, and these creatures are aberrations of the natural order. Now I will ask the questions, little man. Who are you and what are these things? Why do you keep them?"
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Sunday May 18th, 2008 5:55:57 PM
Pace...pace...pace. The longer he stays in one place the more he realizes how much he hates this tower. Gunther sidles over toward the orcs. If he has to be in this god forsaken tower, it's a small comfort to be close to kin, however distant.
Brother Bertram Monday May 19th, 2008 7:45:32 AM
Bertram sees the animals calming and starts keeping watch for yet any other problems as the group deals with the strange man.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Monday May 19th, 2008 11:35:05 PM
K'Nara arches an eyebrow as she eagerly awaits the response of the zookeeper.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Tuesday May 20th, 2008 1:31:43 AM
Olana lowers her bow slightly, especially as the creatures appear to be getting less agitated. She wish she could say the same for the orcs.
DM Jan Tuesday May 20th, 2008 1:57:17 AM
The unkempt man rises to his full height (of around 5' 10"). "My name is Kernorn, and these -" he says stabbing a finger toward the cages, "are my friends. Aberrations, indeed. Fine to talk about aberrations when I'm stood here in front of a talking ball of fire, eh?" he taps his nose. "Eh? You're one to talk." He stands on tip toe for a moment, enabling to see the rest of the group over the shoulders of the orc blockade and the hydra. "Emerald Dragons.... can't see any dragons. I can see orcs, though. "Look - if you don't like what you see here, then take my advice and leave this place, before the masters of this terrible mountain find out. If it wasn't for the fact that they have Edgar, I'd be leaving, too - if I could. I don't make the kind of monsters they want willingly."
Borden smiles at K'Nara, showing a full set of teeth and tusks. "If he's the one producing all these hideous things, then we should kill him - problem solved." He steps forward, pulling his sword.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Tuesday May 20th, 2008 8:36:47 AM
The muscular warrior lays a hand on Borden's shoulder. He speaks in a very respectful tone in Common so that all of the Emeralds can understand him. "Sir, although this man is making the monsters, he's not the one in charge. If we kill him, then the ones holding him here will just find someone else to take his place and we'll have to come back again. But if we kill the ones who give him the orders, then we can put an end to these monsters."
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Tuesday May 20th, 2008 1:12:57 PM
Athalorn resists the urge to kill the man there and then, but barely. His voice rises still further.
" Fire is an ancient and powerful force of nature, in all ways natural. A double beholder that is sewn together is not. I will destroy these poor souls, and their maker. If that is you, then take that as a warning you pitiful wreck! Now who is Edgar? And where can I find these masters?"
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 20th, 2008 3:42:02 PM
Bertram waits to see if Athalorn is going to boil the man's blood or continue to converse. In the meantime he continues to try and keep the animals calm.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Tuesday May 20th, 2008 7:09:38 PM
"Gunther has the way of it." K'Nara speaks firmly. "Kernorn says he wouldn't have made what we've seen willingly--if we stop the 'masters' then we'll stop the production of the monsters." The tall redhead strides forward, glancing at the shapeshifted Athalorn as she goes to where the keeper of the creatures is standing his ground.
"Athalorn..." she tells the druid in a low-pitched voice, "...I don't care for the creation of the unnatural things we've seen, but we don't have the right to slaughter this man's friends, either." The leader of the Emerald Dragons looks Kernorn up and down.
"The orcs you see are the native inhabitants of the lands around Mount Bone. They have come because of the increase of obviously unnatural monsters that threaten their tribes and families...monsters that come from here. They are of a mind to kill whatever they feel will continue to be a threat. I, however, don't believe you are a threat...especially since you speak of the masters of this place as though they hold this 'Edgar' hostage." K'Nara puts a hand on the keeper's shoulder.
"Tell us whom Edgar is...tell us what you know of these 'masters' that appear to be the true threat to everyone here, and I...and the rest of my family--the Emerald Dragons--will do what we must to safeguard you, Edgar and the people of Izen."
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Wednesday May 21st, 2008 1:30:03 AM
Olana looks on warily. The creatures she has seen in the cages don't exactly indicate a sound mind regarding whoever bred them, or accumulated them. Even Culverwood's denizens weren't as off the wall as these critters. Still, she trusts K'Nara and stands down.
DM Jan Wednesday May 21st, 2008 2:09:42 AM
The orcs leader re-sheathes his sword and shrugs. "Good counsel," he says in common. "Might as well cut this off at the root." He folds his arms, and settles to listen to this strange human creature.
A few yards away - "Pitiful wreck yourself, you sanctimonious -" The strange man stops and blinks as K'nara approaches.
No love lost here, is there? Shifter v Monsterologer. Do they have the measure of one another? Makes one wonder perhaps about relative politics and attitudes in druid circles.
After a bit of stuttering and a strong attempt at regaining his composure - "Edgar is my friend. We also live in the wilds of Izen, after being exiled from Dirt City a few years ago. Thrown out we were, no doubt due to folks's attitudes." <glare at Athalorn> "But one day they took him! And they make me create powerful monsters. I know it isn't right, and I know the monsters sometimes die." he clenches a fist. "I feel it. It weakens me, you know.... "As for the masters, well - they're wizards - necro magicians - evil bleeds from them. I always thought they were a myth, but -" he gives a sigh. "You don't want to talk to them. You want to leave them well alone in the depths of the mountain."
Two of the orcs at the front are whispering to one another, and one of them passes back a comment in orcish. "I bet this is the beetle man." Others of the orc contingent nod their heads.
Over by one the cages, one of the shadow wolves approaches Bertram, its claws click click clicking on the stone floor, even though he can hardly discern it's form. It's eyes regard him curiously.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Wednesday May 21st, 2008 7:23:48 AM
OOOh, wouldn't this just be lovely is we have managed to stumble upon the Sons of Dread. We could possible take care of several things at once.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Wednesday May 21st, 2008 12:42:08 PM
The huge elemental, wreathed in flame, stands proudly. Could it be possible that the flames rage fiercer at the monstrologer's attitude?
He reaches out a hand to grasp the man by the throat, but stops half an inch short, so that his heat singes the man's clothes. "Made you did they? They made you create those things? You had no choice? You are sick, and deserve whatever fate is coming to you. This lady is in charge, but were she not so gentle a person, you would be dead. One more false look and i will kill you, wreck."
He moves away, allowing K'Nara to take the lead in the conversation.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Thursday May 22nd, 2008 12:59:55 AM
The warrior looks over at the orcs who are talking amounst themselves. "Erklären Sie mir mehr über diesen bettle Mann." he says quietly in orcish.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Tell me more about this bettle man."}
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Thursday May 22nd, 2008 2:16:35 AM
Eyes moving between the two antagonists, Olana wishes Milo were here, because he might have said something funny to diffuse the situation. Oh well.
Brother Bertram Thursday May 22nd, 2008 8:08:25 AM
Bertram watches the wolf calmly, speaking soothingly as it approaches. He finds a bit of jerky in his pouch offering it to the creature gingerly, not caring to lose a finger to the animal.
DM Jan Thursday May 22nd, 2008 11:32:22 AM
A couple of the orcs confer with Gunther in low orcish tones. "All kinds of strange things in Izen, the unusual becomes the usual, but this man - beetle man, flying through the air astride the largest insect ever seen," the orcs nod at one another, "yep - it's worth a second look. We wondered where he'd got to. Thought one of the clans had shot him down and eaten him for dinner." They grin.
Over at the cages, Bertram becomes the shadow wolves' best friend, and as the jerky appears, the second of them is at the cage bars in moments.
The orcs close to the strange old man back off as their leader approaches. Borden pulls his sword. "Enough of this. How many of these wizards are there, and where are they? Talk, you stringy human and stop wasting our time. It's time to end this once and for all and right now you're just in my way."
Kernorn's shoulders fall. He points, in the direction he was heading. "That passage leads to the interior of the mountain. And there are four of them. And - you need to watch out, the smallest is the worst. I can help. No doubt there will be more of my creatures on guard. But what about Edgar?"
Ahead, the passage extends, partially lit - the occasional torch offering a pool of light. It seems extend for about 100 yards then then dips.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Thursday May 22nd, 2008 9:01:39 PM
"Describe to me your friend Edgar." K'Nara bids Kenorn. "We need to know him when we see him--if Edgar is the result of crossing a gorgon with a shark, or the like, then you'd best make sure we'll recognize him or we might confuse him for some of your forced creations. We've got to go stop whomever is threatening the area, so we'll be using lethal force." The blade singer eyes the mage before her, finding anyone who would so obviously tinker with the natural order of things very odd and personally objectionable.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Thursday May 22nd, 2008 10:21:43 PM
Ingrge listens closely wanting to find out perhaps the best way of combating these or other creatures.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Friday May 23rd, 2008 1:20:08 AM
The warrior chuckles at the orc's joke. He waits patiently while the others gather information, knowing all too well from the past that rushing in is not always the best plan.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Friday May 23rd, 2008 12:39:04 PM
Athalorn stays behind K'Nara, waiting for the prompt to head down the tunnel, and using his energy to calm himself down.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Saturday May 24th, 2008 3:05:06 AM
The leader of the Emerald Dragon waits for an answer.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance Sunday May 25th, 2008 1:58:52 PM
As the warrior hangs around with the orcs, he begins to pick his nails with the blade of his sword. Waiting was never his strong point, and he's anxious to get on with the inevitable fighting so that they can get out of this accursed tower.
Brother Bertram Monday May 26th, 2008 2:18:57 PM
Bertram feeds the next wolf as well and then asks the gentleman in charge of the zoo, "Would these fellows be a help?"
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+15=21 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2008 11:46:51 AM
Listen 21
Trying to catch what the orcs are talking about, Olana also waits. Especially for for the description of this odd man's sidekick. She sees tunnels full of weird monsters in her future and isn't exactly delighted at the prospect.
DM Jan Tuesday May 27th, 2008 12:07:41 PM
A lot of feet shuffling and sighs of exasperation accompany Kernorn's long and loving description of his friend Edgar who - at the end of it - sounds like a cross between an enormous green june bug and a cockroach. Going off the description alone its carapace is about 10 ft in diameter.
Borden's had enough. "All right, now shut up about the beetle and tell us about our foe, and where they are." He's about ready to employ lethal force right now. His mage lieutenant smiles.
The monsterologer points down the tunnel that leads to the interior of the mountain. "There are four - two men, a woman, and a child. They're all human, or at least they were once. "That tunnel leads to a giant cavern. The cavern is the center of the mountain. There are four other exits like this one. I know one of them will be guarded by Alexandra, but right now I don't know which one. "The necromancers have their own little hovels within the cavern. That's where they live. That's were they do their dark work. That's where Edgar is - in a cage. And that - is where they are keeping the 'horde of darkness'." He shrugs apologetically. "I wouldn't have helped them, but Edgar... Anyway, the horde are a legion of monsters, probably about 70 strong by now." He stares at K'Nara and Borden. "Do you HAVE to use lethal force? I mean, maybe I can... lead them off, and camp out with them somewhere..."
As for Bert's question, the man steps forward. "Better that we let them go," he says. "it's safer for them, and they have their own mind. They'll join us if they want to."
He starts to open up more of the cages.
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 27th, 2008 6:28:46 PM
Bertram steps back out of the way, still regarding the wolves, wondering whether they will leave or stay. He keeps an eye on Borden to make sure he doesn't do something rather, well, "Orcish", that they would all regret.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Tuesday May 27th, 2008 11:03:04 PM
Stepping out of the way of the beasts, Ingrge shakes his head as his suspisions about the SoD seem to be coming true.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Wednesday May 28th, 2008 8:12:20 AM
"So to the cavern my friends?" the elemental asks, frustrated with this wait.
DM Jan Wednesday May 28th, 2008 4:55:19 PM
Borden sends two of his scouts forward, then sets off at a slightly slower pace with his main group. One of the orcs has Kernorn by the arm and his dragging him along. All kinds of weird creatures are starting to emerge from their cages, acting bewildered, looking this way and that.
(Emeralds following the orcs?)
The tunnel continues into the mountain's interior, at a slight downhill gradient. It's back to torchlight once more, and the journey seems to go on a little longer than everyone originally assumed. Kernorn appears quite befuddled when it comes to the practicalities of distance.
However!
Eventually, a source of light can be seen ahead. Distant grunting can also be heard - echoing - as if the sound is coming from a large hollow space.
And Borden's scouts appear to be lying prone, on the tunnel floor, about 30 ft ahead.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+1=18 d20=5 Wednesday May 28th, 2008 4:58:53 PM
The tall, chestnut-maned woman's eyes narrow in thought.
"So Edgar is the giant beetle-creature that's been seen flying around the area?" K'Nara muses aloud. "Such a creature was reported to be mounted by a rider. I hope the people who've captured your friend haven't been making him do things that will end up causing someone to kill him." The blade singer huffs out a breath.
"If you believe you can aid us in keeping some of these monsters from attacking us and, thus, becoming fair game to be attacked back," K'Nara says to Kernorn, "Then by all means accompany us and you can try to do whatever you believe will work. I'd rather engage my true enemy than waste time and energy on creatures who aren't here by choice. As for leading them away and camping out with them somewhere...I can make no guarantees on that--you're in the heart of Bone Mountain, which is within the borders of Izen, so the only one who can give you permission to do that would be Borden, here." She bobs her head at the orc leader.
"We could use some information on Alexandra, too--in case we run into her..." While Kernorn is (hopefully) cooperating with that, K'Nara nudges Borden and steps to one side for a semi-private powwow.
"The more Kernorn describes what is happening," she tells Borden, "The more I'm inclined to agree with my fellow Emerald Dragons: this whole 'monster army' concept smacks of a plot by the Sons of Dread. I don't know if you've been able to keep up with non-Izen matters, but the SoD have been mobilizing rather dramatic and large-scale plans that have been effecting the very Wold itself. Be on your guard for your own sake, because if this is another SoD plot, then I'm sure they'd just love to get their hooks into you--especially since Izen used to be Marteaus' old stomping grounds."
addendum since I was writing my post while the DM was puting hers up on the board:
The Emerald Dragons allow the orcs to take the lead (this istheir mountain, after all!), alert to whatever may come their way...like the sudden appearance of orc scouts lying on the floor.
"Eyes and ears open." K'Nara barks, looking around and trying to Spot or Hear anything.
(OOC: voluntary Spot check is 18 and Listen is 5.)
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 d20+25=29 ; d20+19=22 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2008 5:27:00 PM
Athalorn stays back a little, wary that his current form will alert anything to their presence very quickly. He looks around carefully when the orcs are found scattered around the floor. And what was that grunting? The shifter volunteers to venture forwards first.....
Spot = 29 Listen = 22
DM Jan ((OOC)) Wednesday May 28th, 2008 5:58:37 PM
((Sorry about the rush, only I couldn't wait - I'm off to the Hollywood Bowl in half an hour - Police and Elvis Costello. Won't be back till after midnight, and well, you know how the posting would be at that time of night! :) ))
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance d20+3=19 ; Thursday May 29th, 2008 1:09:43 AM
Gunther gladly follows along with the orc contingent, glad that the ball is rolling once more. Sword in hand and dire lion by his side, the warrior glances around at the downed orcs and sighs. Odds are they're not taking a nap, which more than likely means something nasty's ahead.
Scanning around the warrior takes a quick looksie for anything out of the ordinary. (Spot=19)
OOC: Jan, how much time has passed? Just wondering what spells are likely still in place and which ones might have expired.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Thursday May 29th, 2008 8:57:32 PM
K'Nara continues to strain her eyes and ears for a sign of what may have happened.
DM Jan Friday May 30th, 2008 2:06:32 AM
Time passed - approx 45 minutes.
"Sons of Dread?" asks the orc leader. "Another problem to cut down?"
A few yards away, Kernorn is struggling with the orc who's dragging him along, the 'dragging' part obviously rubbing him up the wrong way. In the midst of it - "Alexandra?" he says to K'Nara. "Oh, she's nothing to worry about - she's a spider. Will you let go of me you big, snaggled-toothed oaf!"
K'nara, Ath and Gunther can all see there is something 'dead' wrong with the fallen orcs scouts, in fact Athalorn notices blood, splattered and glistening darkly in the dim tunnel.
They are both lying in roughly the same spot in the tunnel, about 6 ft in front of the party. Borden signals his men to halt immediately.
Ahead, the light is brighter, the strange noises continue, and the tunnel appears to be taking a turn to the right.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Friday May 30th, 2008 5:41:36 AM
Athalorn, still ablaze, begins to move slowly down the corridor.....
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Friday May 30th, 2008 5:42:16 AM ooc: Need to update my AC and work out which spells are still ongoing... will do that later, sorry Jan.
Brother Bertram Friday May 30th, 2008 4:22:59 PM
Bertram whistles softly to the two large wolves, curious to see if they follow. He then follows along with spells at the ready, unsure what they were going to find ahead. If it involved followers of Marteaus however, he was more than willing to show them the error of thier ways....
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Friday May 30th, 2008 8:08:24 PM
K'Nara remembers to look UP as well as around...
Lian Monday June 2nd, 2008 10:11:50 AM
OOC: I'm back. Can I get a run down of the last few weeks? Two lines is enough.
The monk stands in the wings trying to look like he knows whats happening.
~~Jan~~ OOC - good summary by Simon below, Windorn might need a read.
Lian Monday June 2nd, 2008 10:17:17 AM
OOC: How did the meeting with the Grey Knights go?
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Monday June 2nd, 2008 12:24:19 PM OOC: Jay - can't remember where you left, but to be quite honest not much has happened. After the fight with the double beholder thing, we ran up some stairs and found those weird monster experiment things in cages. After a quick row with Athalorn the fellow has told us that he is made to do the experiments by some nasty wizard chaps, who we believe to be the Sons of Dread. (I don't know who they are actually - any info on these chaps?)
We are just wandering off to a big cavern to find them but have stumbled across the bodies of some our orcs who lie on the ground. That's it really... i think.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement, Cat's Grace, Bear's Endurance d20+3=10 ; Monday June 2nd, 2008 3:02:21 PM
More than a bit edgy, the warrior once more scans the immediate area for signs of what might have killed the orcs. Spider...hmmmm... He looks over at K'nara. "Through de tunnel?" he asks hesitantly.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+15=22 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+14=18 ; Monday June 2nd, 2008 7:20:56 PM
Olana holds up her hand, then examines the walls, floor and ceiling where the orcs have fallen/
Spot 22 Dungeoneering 3 search 18
DM Jan Monday June 2nd, 2008 7:32:27 PM
Bert discovers that not only are the two shadow wolves following - at a distance - but the miniature purple worm and the dire toucan are, too.
As everyone has a look at the immediate area surrounding the fallen orcs, there appears to be some graffiti, about human waist height, a curly design, like a large, calligraphic first letter of a manuscript, on the right side of the tunnel.
Ahead the strange creature noises continue.
Kernorn peers at the wall. "Never noticed that before," he says with a shrug.
"Is it some kind of trigger?" Borden asks the Emeralds. "And if my men activated it? Is our enemy now forewarned?"
Brother Bertram Monday June 2nd, 2008 8:14:49 PM
Bertram examines the mark looking for anything he might recognize.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+23=31 ; d20+29=35 ; Monday June 2nd, 2008 8:58:38 PM
Ingrge jions Bertram to see if he can tell what the symbol is. Knowledge arcana 31, Spell craft 35.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Monday June 2nd, 2008 11:16:47 PM
"The writing may be a clue." K'Nara agreed. "Let's give Ingrge a chance to see if he can tell what it says before we go forward."
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 171/171 Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 1:52:50 AM
....waits for Ingrge to investigate the symbol.
Lian Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 1:37:23 PM
(OOC: Nope, I know nothing about the Sons of Dread. Sort of sounds like an old grunge band though.)
"This is turning out to be a charming sort of place." He looks at some muck growing on a rock and compares the color to the back of his right hand.
DM Jan Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 7:07:08 PM
Bert and Ingrge take a look at the curly design on the side of the tunnel and discover a glyph. They can still see traces of the diamond dust needed in its creaton, and it appears to have been discharged.
Ahead in the tunnel, there is movement. A figure in silhouette, cloaked, face hidden, carrying a staff.
"Oh, and who comes to call?" the female voice purrs. "Orcs? I smell the magic you're carrying, orcs. It won't help you, you know. One more step and you'll die sooner than later."
"Silence, harridan!" bellows Borden. "We're here to tame your monsters, seeing as you seem incapable!" Borden's mage appears to be whispering to himself.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 10:13:05 PM 'Lucia,' K'Nara immediately communicates with her sword, 'Is there anything invisible here..?' She whirls to face the female staff-wielder, keeping her tongue and holding her actions until she can take a cue from Ingrge about how to handle the woman. K'Nara hopes that Ingrge's solution involves blasting the female off the face of the Yrth...assuming that the woman is one of the ones responsible for producing the monsters menacing the area.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 10:32:55 PM
The warrior's face breaks out in a grin...ooooo...something to kill...there, just ahead!! His orcs instincts tell him to charge in and kill. Ahh...but there is that little human part that speaks wisdom. "Oooh no... what for Ingrge to finish first...don't want to get on the wrong end of his spells!"
With his ability to fly now gone, the warrior moves over to the side and cautiously makes his way forward...making darned sure that he lets Ingrge have all the time and space he needs to do his thing.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+18=31 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 11:05:22 PM
Ingrge seeing invisible and arcane sight active looks ahead to see what is there other than their female visitor and then with a soft chuckle tries something a bit more subtle than the others are probably expecting. In fact neither the orcs nor the emeralds can see anything occuring. Then suddenly there is a vague shape of something near the woman. The female staff bearer suddenly finds herself faced with her most horrifying fear; Will Dc26 to recognize the image as unreal. If she failes fort DC 26 or die. Fort save and she takes 13 points damage
Phantasmal Killer - Will save DC 26: SR 31: Fortitude save DC 26
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 143/143 d20+14=30 ; 3d8+4=19 ; 2d8=14 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2008 1:56:08 AM
Athalorn surges forward in a rage, his fiery form radiating intense heat through the tunnel , and his body crashes into the woman with a fierce attack.
Slam attack hits AC 30 for 19 damage and 14 fire damage.
Active Effects:(assuming 45 minutes has passed)
Barkskin Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement
Lian Wednesday June 4th, 2008 4:31:33 PM
(OOC: What buffs has Lian got active?)
The hand of Domi casts Owl's Wisdom then activates his Blessed Hands.
{{~~ Jan~~ whatever you had before that lasts longer than three quarters of an hour.}}
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Thursday June 5th, 2008 1:30:22 AM
Olana cocks her head. So.... orcs, but no mention about the rest of them? Were they effectively hidden in the gloom. So, she hangs back a little and tries to blend in, while bringing her bow to bear. No need to advertise until they were good and ready.
DM Jan d20+23=26 ; d20+14=21 ; 10d6=31 ; d20+19=36 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 2:23:16 AM
The verbal exchange sends a charge of adrenalin into the air, until the air crackles with the expectation of battle. Surrounded by orc bretheren, Gunther can taste it - the hunt, the kill. And in the midst of it - Ingrge's spell snakes forward, building in the ether, gathering a fear-inspiring illusion.
The hooded figure appears momentarily spellbound, (made save - just) and a sharp intake of breath is heard, until -
"How dare you! How -"
Her rage is interrupted as the fireball AKA Athalorn slams into her, carrying her backward and down onto the ground.
Borden lets out a cry, and all around the Emeralds, the orcs begin to charge forward.
Athalorn is now far enough down the passage to see what lies beyond - a yawning cavern, now only 15 feet away. And straight ahead - creatures, dozens, a sea of them, their eyes all turning to witness the commotion.
Below the Shifter, the hooded figure screams and cackles, her flesh crisping. She reaches out a hand -
Brother Bertram 7d8=31 ; 10d6=31 ; 10d8=41 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 7:34:09 AM
Bertram prays quickly and a beam of pure white searing light flies from the eye of Gargul imprinted upon his hand, striking the creature as it lies on the ground.
(OOC Searing Light No Save, Resistance applies First roll is Damage for normal creature, Second roll is if Undead, Third roll is if the creature is undead and very vulnerable to bright light.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 d20+14=31 ; d3=2 ; d20+14=33 ; 2d8+4=13 ; 2d8=9 ; 2d8+4=8 ; 2d8=10 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 12:41:32 PM
Athalorn feels pained and weakened by the magic attack, but uses his immense size and power to burn and slam the woman. His voice sounds out as he fights. "Who are you, witch? And what are these creatures for?
Hits AC 31 for 13 damage and 9 fire damage Hits AC 33 for 8 damage and 10 fire damage
Ignore the d3 roll.
Active Effects:
Barkskin Stoneskin 90 Freedom of Movement
Lian d20+21=22 ; Thursday June 5th, 2008 2:33:58 PM
(OOC: Nevermind with the Owls Wisdom then, didn't realize it took a month to get this far. :))
Last round: Cast Bull's Strength
This round: Activates boots and charges in with the orcs. If he can manage it, takes a swing at the hag in the hood. (Hits AC 21, natural 1 miss)[whiff!]
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom Boots 1/10 +1 Lesser Courage
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Thursday June 5th, 2008 6:09:52 PM
"I guess asking to borrow a cup of sugar is out?" quips K'Nara, hefting Lucia in her hand and eying the monsters beyond where Athalorn and his foe are grappling each other.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement d20+11=20 ; d8+25=29 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 12:08:18 AM
The lust builds to the point until he can no longer contain it. Rushing forward with the horde, Gunther presses forward toward the figure. If he reaches it he attacks with pure raw strength. (AC20 for 29...as if that could hit!!)
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+22=28 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+12=15 ; d8+2=6 ; d8+2=9 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 2:12:22 AM
Olana pulls back her bow and starts firing at the cloaked figure in the midst of flame and light and elf and human.
Lian Friday June 6th, 2008 11:46:42 AM
OOC: Pausing to rock DM to sleep... with a real rock.
~~Jan~~ LOL
DM Jan d20+19=30 ; d20+19=24 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 1:10:52 PM
As everyone starts to advance on the enemy, what lies beyond in the cavern becomes all too clear - giant creatures! Huge grey critters with long snouts! Big, heavily-muscled lizard creatures with tails like flexible battering rams. Baby dragons! Other weird, indescribable things. All watching the fight going on in the tunnel entrance.
The figure on the ground beneath Lian, Athalorn and Gunther, not to mention a whole lotta orc, starts to burn from fire and holy searing light. The colour of the flame flares green in places, as magical protections take some of the damage and used up. It does in fact start to get a little toasty for everyone else, too, in the immediate vicinity - Ath's fire elemental shape, making it difficult for some to get a blow in.
The hood of the cloak burns away, revealing a woman of middle age, her skin already blackening. "Swamp pox on you all!" is her only reply to Athalorn's questions. In desperation, as her hair starts to catch fire, she takes in one, deep breath and lets out a horrible wail.
Wail of the Banshee 40ft radius. Fort Save Negates DC 19 or death. SR = 30
It's the last thing she'll ever do.
Six of Borden's men drop, blood pouring out of their ears.
The awful sound bounces around the cavern. Around and around and around. And immediately there is a stampede, as the elephants and the dinosaurs try to make for every available exit.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 d20+17=21 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=17 ; 2d8+4=13 ; 2d8+4=13 ; 2d8=5 ; 2d8=11 ; d20+25=34 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 3:07:52 PM
Athalorn shakes his huge head at the hideous noise, flames leaping from him as he does so. He manages to avoid the worst of the effect, but still that indescribable wailing pains him.
If she is still alive, he carries on his brutal assault:
AC 30 for 13 damage and 5 fire damage AC 17 for 13 and 11 fire
If she is dead, he stands and then looks for signs of more danger.... (spot 34)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+12=18 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=31 ; Friday June 6th, 2008 7:25:15 PM
Muttering under his breath as he watches his last spell dissipate with no effect, Ingrge starts thinking of what to do next when evertything goes south and this horrible blood cuddling screamong wail reverberates through his body, down deep into his soul, knocking him to his knees. Truly stunned he feels himself fading and being pulled into the land of the shadow as the wail echoes and reverberates off the walls and through him from head to toe. Fighting with every ounce of his will and strength, he still feels his life force oozing away, Failed first save DC 18, burning a hero point DC 16 it doesn't appear to help him in any way and he begins to see red spots flashing before his eyes. As the elder elf begins to fade to black his last thought is that Caeryn is going to really be pissed that he didn't make it back and he manages a soft chuckle. Almost as he seems to accept his fate and that he is going to die a tiny spark of defiance flares up and for a moment it seems that all is not lost, burned second hero point DC 18, but ingrge remembers nothing else as he passes into unconciousness.
Alive but lying unconcious near the rear of the party.
Brother Bertram d20+14=27 ; Saturday June 7th, 2008 9:54:24 AM
Bertram sees Ingrge fall and groans, fearing the worst for his friend. He is able to avoid any ill effects from the powerful sound and immediately summons a large hand, placing it in the path of any creature trying to get at Ingrge. He begins pulling Ingrge out of harms way and will begin checking him to see what needs done.
(OOC Grasping Hand Made Save DC 27)
Lian d20+19=29 ; d20+21=24 ; d20+21=28 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+16=24 ; 2d6+6=15 ; 2d6+6=9 ; 2d6+6=11 ; 2d6+6=17 ; 2d6+6=18 ; 2d6+6=10 ; Saturday June 7th, 2008 11:07:49 AM
(Fort 29) (boots still active 3/10 rounds)
His eyeballs vibrate in his head at the sound.
Unaware of the weapon mage's downfall, the monk shakes off the sound and advances on the figure. He unleashes in the woman. (hits AC 24, 28, 23, 34, 39 and 24, for 15, 9, 11, 17, 18 and 10 damage, breaks evil DR)
If she is dead before Lian reaches her, he moves to the next clear opponent. (using whichever one of the above attacks :))
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement d20+11=26 ; d20+11=29 ; d8+25=30 ; Sunday June 8th, 2008 9:31:07 PM
Shrugging off the ear splitting wail, Gunther sprints forward to the next available hooded figure, the lust of the kill urging him on. (Fort=26)
Power attack if in range of next opponent. AC29 for 30.
Lian Monday June 9th, 2008 4:41:18 PM
OOC: Checking in.
Brother Bertram Monday June 9th, 2008 7:22:15 PM
Bertram sighs with relief feeling the steady, if somewhat shallow pulse of his friend. He tries to wake him as quickly as possible, while keeping the ghostly Hand hovering in front of them for some measure of protection. He sorts through his healer's kit finding strong, bitter smelling herbs which he places under Ingrge's nose, hoping this will wake him.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+17=32 ; d20+22=32 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+12=20 ; d8+2=3 ; d8+2=7 ; d8+2=7 ; Monday June 9th, 2008 11:57:36 PM
Olana bears the sound with a sharp wince. She looks on in horror as Ingrge goes down, and attempts to shift into a position that will defend him and Bertram and will not move forward with some of the others.
Firing into melee - arrows hit 32, 23, 20 , for 3, 7 and 7 for anything that comes close.
"Bert? How's he doing?" Her voice is laced with panic.
As the final remnants of the female necromancer's spell fade to nothing, it is superceded by the howling and screeching of terrified beasts, bellowing out their own terrors at that awful sound. In the main cavern it is utter chaos. A seething mass of animals.
Kernorn the monsterologer is getting to his feet after crouching and cringing, his hands over his ears. "No, no, no, no," he is saying again and again. "They hate noise. They hate it." He dashes forward.
A HUGE beast with a tiny head, sharp teeth and powerful shoulders careens toward Borden, Gunther and the orcs (and everyone else) as they charge forward into the bowels of the cavern. It takes the combined efforts of Olana's arrows, Lian's pounding fists, and Gunther's blinding fast blade to bring it down. And even then, the momentum of the felled creature sends it sliding along the ground, grinding to a halt only three feet away from Bert and the fallen Ingrge.
Athalorn's keen eyes cover the cavern, and he sees, quite clearly, someone - another black-cloaked figure, carrying a staff - about 50 feet away from the party, in the centre of the cavern, rising up into the air, and hovering over the chaos below.
Elsewhere in the air - the small dragons are flying.
The body of the fallen female necromancer starts to dissolve.
(I have Gunther, Lian, Athalorn, Borden, Kernorn right at the edge of the large cavern, and Bert, Ingrge, Olana and K'Nara a few feet behind, still in the shadow of the tunnel. Sound about right?)
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+15=23 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2008 1:29:37 AM
(OOC: Sorry about missing the posts...K'Nara's Fort Save versus the Wail of the Banshee is 23; and I believe that the DM has the group placement pretty accrurate.)
The chestnut-maned blade singer winces at the frightful sound of the banshee, and blinks at the enormous mixture of creatures assembled in the cavern.
"Ingrge, what have y--" she begins to ask but then gasps as she sees that the weapon mage is down. She turns to Kernorn.
"If you don't think of something we can do to make those critters in there peaceful, there's gonna be a bloodbath!" she tells the monstrologer fiercely. "THINK of something!"
Lian Tuesday June 10th, 2008 10:28:29 AM
Lian takes a defensive stance and doesn't move forward. Even for a hand of Domi, the numbers were high. He's brave, but not suicidal.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 Tuesday June 10th, 2008 12:53:50 PM
Athalorn also waits - though his huge elemental form may scare some of the creatures away. He takes the opportunity to observe the creatures in the cavern - are they moving away? Aggressive?
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Tuesday June 10th, 2008 11:14:31 PM
K'Nara wonders if she shouldn't swap out Lucia for an AK-47 but she's in the wrong game to do that.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Tuesday June 10th, 2008 11:31:01 PM
Panting and filled with blood lust, the warrior still has enough sense not to charge in while his friend hang back. Looking at Bertram tending to Ingrge, Gunther decides to wait until the mage gets back to his feet...or more likely...until one of the hooded figures presses the battle.
The Dragons stay put while one of their number is revived.
However, Kernorn has now dashed out into the cavern after muttering something unintelligible to K'Nara and is heading north along the cavern wall. He takes out a whistle and blows - the sound is nothing to human and elf ears, but to orc and dwarf - a low peeping sound - that certainly seems to hold the attention of the dinos and the elephants. Those creatures quickly shift direction and head for Kernorn. They appear to be heading off and disappearing down another tunnel to the north of the group.
"Forward, now!" Borden yells at his men, "Before that hovering menace can gain control of anything." The orcs charge quick and low into the interior of the cavern, their objective - the hovering dark figure at the centre.
And at the centre of the cavern, the Rampager monsters appear to be gathering, below the hovering figure. Elsewhere, a group of other strange creatures - Spellgaunts - are clustered together at the far side looking bewildered, while the crystal dragon wyrmlings circle high up near the ceiling, their path suggesting it is thier own as they look for a way out.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength 10d6=40 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2008 8:23:17 AM
Making a slow recovery, Ingrge shakes his head as if to clear it and then smiles weakly at his freinds.
"Well, That was unexpected."
Getting up and brushing himself off he takes stock of his situation and deems that he isn't quite ready to cast a spell yet so grabs a wand and fires off a charge aimed at the floating dude in the middle. Lightening bolt 40 points damage, reflexDC 22 for 20 points
Lian Wednesday June 11th, 2008 10:46:44 AM
The monk would love to lay down some sort of cover for the orcs, but, alas, Domi doesn't allow it... shame really. Lian anticipates the worse for the remaining orcs.
Brother Bertram Wednesday June 11th, 2008 8:40:25 PM
Bertram grins seeing his friend waken. He turns back to the ongoing battles, wishing he could help more.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Wednesday June 11th, 2008 11:57:54 PM
His ability to fly already used, the warrior hedges toward the hooded figure in the back of the room. He begins skirting around the edge of the room, cursing the fact that he never figured out how to used ranged weapons effectively.
Lian Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:23:38 AM
The monk finally notices Ingrge as he stands up. "Getting to where you have to lay down after casting huh?! Getting old my friend." He smiles.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Thursday June 12th, 2008 11:46:42 AM
Olana breathes a sigh of relief as Ingrge re-awakens. Seeing Gunther set off into the cavern, she follows quietly, bow still drawn.
DM Jan Thursday June 12th, 2008 12:15:58 PM
As the horde of larger creatures disappear in a stampede down the tunnel to the north of the group (2), Ingrge's spell cracks out through the empty air, dazzling and powerful. It batters and jags against the hooded figure in the air, who lets out a howl of rage. It's followed by another howl as one of the charging orcs manages to hurl a spear, hitting the figure in the thigh. Hands twirl furiously, and suddenly there is movement in the tunnel entrance where the Emeralds are standing. Odd though - no monsters, or walls of force, or bursts of energy - instead there is a sharp ~PLOP~ as a large splat of mud drops to the floor. An innocuous thing perhaps, until any dwarf worth his salt realises a small but critical keystone in the ceiling of the tunnel entrance has been transmuted into mud. The tunnel (1) begins to groan and shift above everyone's heads.
Out in the cavern, Gunther and Olana (I have them moving clockwise around the bottom of the cavern at the south tunnel 5 entrance) see the following -
Borden and his orcs are almost upon the horde of monsters seething below the hooded figure at the centre of the cavern. Weapons are drawn and a clash is imminent.
Off to the left, on the western side of the cavern is a huddle of creatures and beyond - another tunnel (4) and another hooded person - on the ground and paying sharp attention to what is happening in the centre of the cavern.
To the north, heading in an anti-clockwise direction, is Kernorn - hugging the wall, approaching tunnel (3)
And the tiny dragons are still flying in a graceful circle above everyone's heads.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 Thursday June 12th, 2008 12:22:33 PM
Witha howl of frustration, Athalorn charges into the cavern, towards the hooded figure in tunnel 4.(moves 120')
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Thursday June 12th, 2008 2:28:55 PM
"That does it..!" K'Nara says, sheathing her sword. "Everyone--out of the tunnel! NOW!" Even as she orders so, the chestnut-maned blade singer sprints out of the passageway.
"I may not be the expert that Falin is..." the leader of the Emerald Dragons mutters, "...but I'm willing to give this a shot..." K'Nara removes her shortbow from its holder, squinting around to see which target is the likeliest.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Thursday June 12th, 2008 7:16:22 PM
Surprised not by the plop itself but that the spell had actually worked on worked stone, Ingrge quickly moves into the cavern quickly tosseing up a spell of his own to try and keep the unnel from totally collapsing. Almost as fast as the tunnel begins to collap[se another tunnel is being built underit supporting what is there and not allowing the current wall to shift. Wall of stone
Brother Bertram Friday June 13th, 2008 6:57:09 AM
Bertram quickly reaches in his pouch and crushes a small gem. Instantly a large Earth Elemental appears. Bertram orders it to preserve the tunnel.
Lian Friday June 13th, 2008 10:33:15 AM
Lian moves out of the tunnel as Knara says and takes a position of defense near the red head to defend against any incoming melee combatants.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Saturday June 14th, 2008 1:54:20 AM
Still shadowing Gunther, Olana glances back, seeing some of the others emerge. What the heck was happening there?
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Saturday June 14th, 2008 7:56:19 AM
Sneaky...sneaky...sneaky...what would Milo do. Gunther does his best to keep moving around the edge (though he makes sure he is making double movements 60 ft) and toward the hooded figure.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+19=27 ; d6=2 ; d20+14=16 ; d6=5 ; d20+9=17 ; d6=3 ; Saturday June 14th, 2008 5:04:17 PM
K'Nara's sharp hazel eyes whip around the perimeter of the cavern, noting that Borden and what was left of his troops faced one of the necros...and the Kernorn was in the vicinity of another. She plucked arrows from her hip quiver and aimed at the Necro near Kernorn (at entrance #3.)
She let loose three arrows. (OOC: first shot hits AC27 for 2hpd; second shot hits AC16 for 5hpd; third shot hits AC17 for 3hpd.)
Lian Sunday June 15th, 2008 11:22:07 AM
Lian stands in defense of Knara.
DM Jan d20+15=26 Monday June 16th, 2008 1:12:41 AM Map
Athalorn streams across the cavern in a blaze of fire, and the hooded figure (at 4) appears to watch his progress, then stretch out a hand. As the sleeve of the robe pulls away, the flesh looks withered beneath. A ray of darkness shoots out from the figures pointed finger - straight at the Shifter! Casting Ray of Exhaustion Hits AC 26 (need touch attack to succeed) IF successful: Fort DC 16 - only fatigued if successful. Otherwise exhausted.
In the center of the cavern, all hell is let loose as the crowd of monsters below the floating hooded figure turn on the orc aggressors. The monsters are rampagers - ugly, seven feet tall, thick tails and long, taloned arms, who's head seemed to have been pushed down into their chests, where white ryres and hideous teeth are on glorious display. They appear partially armed, their movements this round seem different - cohesive, purposeful, not like the confusion of before. Borden and his men have no alternative but to turn their efforts to these beasts, and the fight begins!
Oh but look! Two of the awful rampager beasts have broke away and are sniffing the air. They head right for Lian and K'nara. Their talons appear to drip with some kind of viscous liquid. One more round and they'll be upon the two Emeralds.
K'Nara's arrows whistle through the air toward a slight figure huddled in tunnel 3. Small hands are twisting in the air, which stop abruptly and the small figure takes two invuluntary steps back. Too far to hear if there any sounds of pain. Kernorn looks K'Nara's way, nods, then keeps on running. He looks to be heading toward a large cage at the upper far side of the cavern.
Ingrge's spell goes to work and halts collapse of the tunnel. Close by, the earth shifts, and the blunt figure of an earth elemental rises alongside Bert.
Down at the south side of the cavern, Gunther and Olana continue west. Close by are a group of weird-looking creatures that look like huge, drooling spiders. Spellgaunts. Right now they're huddled together, and seem confused, as they need guidance or control of some kind.
And overhead, the tiny dragons keep on flying.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength Monday June 16th, 2008 6:47:08 AM
Using a charge from his maximize rod, Ingrge begins casting and sned a fireball streaking to the area centered 19 feet above the rampagers and orcs (hopefully engulfing the floating figure as well as the top foot of the 7 ft tall rampagers) 60 points damage, reflex save DC 26 for 30 points.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +2dodge (from dodge and haste) Monday June 16th, 2008 10:07:35 AM
The elf reactivates his boots of speed and casts Enlarge Person on himself. He steps inbetween the rampagers and Knara.
Active Effects: Stoneskin 90mins Bears Endurance Freedom of Movement Blessed Hands Owl's Wisdom Boots 2/10 Enlarge Person
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Remember, Lian is not wearing his headband of wisdom, but is wearing his Tears vs dragons and orcs.}
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 d20+17=33 ; d20+12=19 ; d3=1 ; d20+12=32 ; 2d8+2=13 ; 2d8+2=6 ; 2d8=8 ; 2d8=12 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 10:54:22 AM
Athalorn resists the worst of the tiring magic, though he feels some fatigue as a result. Still, the burning elemental barrels into the necromancer that has attacked him, flailing with huge arms.
Hit AC 19 for 13 damage and 8 fire damage Hit AC 32 for 6 damage and 12 fire damage
Brother Bertram Monday June 16th, 2008 5:59:56 PM
Seeing that the tunnel is now safe, Bertram sends the elemental lumbering towards the nearest enemy, with instructions to attack.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+20=33 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=18 ; Monday June 16th, 2008 10:35:22 PM
K'Nara puts her faith in Lian's hand-to-hand skills and continues to provide cover for the retreat of Kernorn, hoping that the monstrologer can continue to lead the bulk of the creatures away from the cavern. The chestnut-maned fighter glances down at her hip quiver and notices that she's carrying some special arrows which she plucks from the container.
"You know...I always wanted to see what these things can do..." Three more arrows fly at the smallest necromancer...golden-tipped arrows.
OOC: The first arrow hits AC33; the second hits AC18 and the third hits AC18--each arrow that actually hits the necro will do 20hp lightning damage. From K'Nara's CS, here is the description for the arrows she's just used: 4 Golden-tipped arrows (+1--become a bolt of lightning when fired that strikes their target for major pain (20 pts dmg), but the lightning only effects the target it hits)
K'Nara now has only one of these arrows left.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Tuesday June 17th, 2008 1:00:35 AM
"Dis is going vay too slow!" Gunther hisses to Olana. "Let's pick up de pace." Gunther charges toward the foe that Athalorn is engaging, eager to join in.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +2dodge (from dodge and haste) Tuesday June 17th, 2008 10:34:37 AM
Lian waits for the collision.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Tuesday June 17th, 2008 11:24:33 AM
Olana nods at Gunther and quickens her pace. However, she'll stick to the wall to give herself some distance and a better viewpoint of the whole of the cavern. No telling when any of these strange beasts would stop contemplating their navels and decide to attack.
DM Jan d20+14=32 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=27 ; d6+5=10 ; d6+5=11 ; d6+5=11 ; d6+5=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; 2d6+2=9 ; d3=2 ; 2d6+2=11 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 12:02:01 PM
There is a spectacular WHUMP! and a blaze of light at the center of the cavern as Ingrge's fireball goes off over everyone's heads. One of the battling orcs turns around, giving the wizard an 'Are you serious??' look. However, despite a few frazzled topknots, the orcs fare better than the rampagers and the airborne necromancer. There are howls of pain, the necro's robe catches fire, causing him to move sharply toward the northern section of the cavern and come to land not far from Tunnel 3.
At the tunnel 3 entrance, lightning jags around the small figure already crouched there. And whatever else happened, there don't appear to be any spells forthcoming, yet.
Kernorn has now reached Edgar's cage and is fiddling with the lock.
A little further south of Kernorn's position, Athalorn and his foe battle in a whirl of flames. A blow ignites the necromancer's robe and the cowled figure hisses. He then throws back his hood, revealing a scarred and rotting face. It is a terrible visage, suggesting its subject is more than halfway down the road to lichdom. Sounds come forth through blackened teeth, and suddenly it is as though the face takes on a new dimension of horror. The approaching Gunther and Olana (both now in attack range) can only feel revulsion as they look upon it.
Necromancer casting FEAR. Ath, Gunther, Olana - Will Save DC 15 or be panicked. Partial save = shaken.
Meanwhile! While K'Nara lays down some covering fire, Lian faces the oncoming menace of two rampagers (AC 23). The monk feels the ground beneath him undulate a little as Bert's shambling earth elemental comes to stand alongside. Both are attacked abruptly and without preamble, and the rampagers swing out with their poisoned claws and nasty, long teeth:
Lian - rampagers trying to hit with ACs 32 claw, 32 claw, 13 bite, for DAM 10 +6 claw acid, 11 +4 claw acid, 9 bite damage+poison
Bert's Elemental - trying to hit with ACs 24 claw, 33 claw, 27 bite, for DAM 11 +6 acid, 6 +3 acid, 11 bite dam+poison
The dragons are still flying. The clutch of spellgaunts, spooked by the fear spell are beginning to shift toward the center of the cavern.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 d20+23=43 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=28 ; 2d8+2=12 ; 2d8=6 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 1:38:00 PM
Athalorn shrugs off the effects of the fear, his strong mind almost impervious to the spell, though he is shaken.
He continues to attack the demi-lich, one attack missing but the other fiery arm crashing into the creatures torso
Hit AC 28 for 12 damage and 6 fire.
Do I get an AoO for the spell being cast?
~~Jan~~ go for it
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, flying, Bull's strength d20+15=17 ; 32d6=113 ; d20+18=29 ; 5d6=12 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 8:25:02 PM
Tracking the path of the necromancer flying accross the cavern, Ingrge smiles and leveling his staff toward his chosen foe, sends another spell shooting through his staff. A thin green ray streams forth Ranged Touch AC 17: Disintegrate - 113 points damage. SR 29 negates. Fortitude DC 27 for 12 points
Brother Bertram d20+8=14 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=28 ; 2d8+10=22 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 8:28:46 PM
Bertram leaves the elemental in full attack with the creature on it. He then grabs his axe and runs toward the undead, Gargul's work utmost in his mind. As he runs he shouts out, "Begone from our presence, In the Name of Gargul!"
(OOC Attempted to Turn Undead First Roll was 14 If allowed to use a hero Point my second attempt is a 20. Elemental's first attack hits AC 28 for 22)
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp d20+20=32 ; d20+14=32 ; d6=4 ; d20+9=12 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday June 17th, 2008 10:31:42 PM
K'Nara plucks up her final golden-tipped arrow and shifts her aim from the small necromancer to the one that just fled Ingrge's fireball spell. Her next three shots swiftly fly at the slightly-toasty necro...
(OOC: the first shot (and final Golden Arrow) hits AC32 for 20hp lightning damage; the second shot hits AC32 for 4hpd; and the third shot hits AC12 for 6hp damage.)
LianHP 146, AC 38 +2dodge (from dodge and haste) d20+19=20 ; d20+19=30 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=38 ; d20+14=31 ; 3d6+7=11 ; 3d6+7=13 ; 3d6+7=16 ; 3d6+7=17 ; 3d6+7=15 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2008 11:40:26 AM
The rampagers try feebly to hit the large monk, but all for not.
Using his boots and his large size, the monk lets loose his flurry on one poor rampager. (Hits AC 20(nat 1), 30, 22, 21, 38 and 31, for miss (the nat 1), 11, 13, 16, 17 and 15 damage, has reach of 10 and breaks evil DR)
Boots 3/10
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Wednesday June 18th, 2008 9:13:42 PM
K'Nara waits to see if her arrows were at all effective...
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+12=25 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+15=18 ; d20+10=11 ; d8+2=4 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 12:52:19 AM
Will Save 25 = shaken.
By all the trees in Culverwood, what WAS that ugly thing, wonders Olana on the approach to the necromancer currently on fire just north of tunnel 4. Her reaction toward it affects her aim. nevertheless, the arrows fly.
Probably 1 hit for 4 (dang)
DM Jan d20+14=33 ; d3=3 ; d20+14=27 ; d6+5=7 ; d6+5=7 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d20+9=28 ; 2d6+2=6 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+14=29 ; d6+5=11 ; d6+5=7 ; d20+9=12 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 1:54:15 AM
The necromancer landing to the north of the cavern is suddenly surrounded by lightning, that skitters from one of K'Nara's arrows and zig zags around his cloak. The effect is closely followed by a snakelike trail of light that sizzles on impact. And to add insult to injury - one of the orc's spears land THUD! - only six inches away. The necro now seems immobile, slumped against the wall and tiny flames still lick at his cloak.
Borden and the orcs are still busy with the rampagers. And, so it seems, are Lian and Bert's elemental.
The enlarged elf and the elemental do a reasonable amount of damage. Nevertheless, the two rampagers have enough strenth to swing in with clawed arms and terrible jaws. Attempting to hit Lian, AC 33, 27 for claw damage 6 and 5 +acid 1 and 1, and a bite ac 28 dam = 6 Attempting to hit elemental , AC 15, 29, for dam 11, 7, bite ac 12 (Icky rolls!!)
The diminutive figure in tunnel 3 backs into the shadows.
Over on the far side of the tunnel - at the northern edge, Kernorn has got the cage door open, and a hideous, giant creepy crawly thing emerges. The monsterologer clambers quickly on its back and the insect takes to the air with a rapid whirrrrrrring sound. Bert and the orcs hear that almost subsonic sound again, and immediately, the huddled crowd of spiders begin to scuttle across the cavern, toward tunnel 2, in the wake of the now long gone dinosaurs and elephants. The tiny dragons dip their wings, alter course, and head for the same exit.
As for the necromancer battling Ath (with Gunther and Olana now in melee distance, and Bert now in ranged distance), the figure stops in its tracks as the holy words of Domi echo through the cavern and his skin grows pale and sickly. The man (although it's hard to tell the gender) cackles and throws up an arm. And at once the ground begins to crack in the immediate vicinity. Four, no - five places appear like gopher mounds, and a skeletal arm reaches out from one of them.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 d20+12=25 ; d20+12=15 ; 2d8=11 ; 2d8+2=6 ; d20+12=27 ; 2d8+2=13 ; 2d8=9 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 3:01:26 AM
Athalorn once more tries to engulf the man with flame and beat him with his powerful arms, including an attack that the shifter manages to land while the necromancer casts his spell.
Hits AC 25 for 6 damage and 11 fire damage. Hits AC 15 (miss I assume) And AC 27 for 13 damage and 9 fire damage
LianHP 146, AC 38 +2dodge (from dodge and haste) d20+19=32 ; d20+19=22 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=27 ; 3d6+7=15 ; 3d6+7=14 ; 3d6+7=12 ; 3d6+7=22 ; 3d6+7=17 ; 3d6+7=14 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 8:48:52 AM
Realizing the creature didn't fall on his last attempt, Lian continues his assault on the same creature he attacked the first time (#A). He stands his ground, Dodge going to #A. His hands and feet glow with a green flame, making him look like a pinwheel firework. (Hits AC 32, 22, 28, 35, 31 and 27, for 15, 14, 12, 22, 17 and 14 damage, breaks evil DR, reach of 10)
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement d20+6=12 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+11=27 ; d8+35=43 ; d6=5 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 9:35:21 AM
Shaken to his core, Gunther is just about to bolt from the combat when something snaps in him. No, not this time! (Will=12, Hero pt. for 21). Stepping forward, he takes a savage swing at Athalorn's opponent. His muscles flexing, Gunther grins as he cuts deeply into the necromancer. (AC27 for 43 + 5 fire)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength d20+15=35 ; d20+15=29 ; d20+15=27 ; d20+15=16 ; 4d6=10 ; 4d6=19 ; 4d6=11 ; 4d6=13 ; Thursday June 19th, 2008 10:36:10 PM
Deactivating his boots and coming to the ground Ingrge looks to see where he is needed and or who needs help. Aiming his staff he lets fly with a spell through it targeting the Rampager facing Borden. Scorching Ray.
TAC 35; crit 29, for 10 points + 19 crit points TAC 27 for 11 points TAC 16 (probable miss) for 13 points
Brother Bertram d20+8=19 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=14 ; 2d8+10=15 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 7:26:44 AM
Bertram sees the skeletal figures climbing out of the ground and immediately calls upon the power of Domi and Gargul, again attempting to rebuke the undead abominations. Meanwhile the Elemental swings again at its foe.
(OOC Turn Undead 19(level 15), Elemental hits AC 14 for 15 Damage)
LianHP 146, AC 38 +2dodge (from dodge and haste) Friday June 20th, 2008 10:45:24 AM
OOC: Checking in.
Olana d20+20=30 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+10=15 ; d8+2=7 ; d8+2=5 ; Friday June 20th, 2008 1:14:43 PM
A quick glance shows Olana the situation on the ground and what looked the the beginnings of skeletons rising. Utterly glad to have Bert there laying down the holy word, she continues firing.
Maybe 2 hits for AC 30, 26, for 7 and 5 damage.
DM Jan Friday June 20th, 2008 1:15:07 PM
Working on post and map....
While various monsters and other odd looking critters make a beeline for tunnel 2 after Kernorn's call, the fight continues!
At the far end of the cavern, Ath's flames, Olana's arrows, and a deep, cruel blow from Gunther's sword finish off their foe, and the surrounding holes, their skeletal contents crumbling after the WORD OF DOMI!, shrink to nothing.
In the centre of the cavern, Lian's inspiring whirl of blows finishes off his opponant. The elemental stomps hard on the other one, and it's innards splatter outward along the ground in a gory display.
Borden's men are turning the tide, helped by Ingrge's spell, and the rampagers are vastly outnumbered.
Meanwhile, the eerie, subsonic call continues, as Kernorn - astride his giant beetle companion - appears to be herding his beloved monsters into Tunnel 2, intent on escape.
Three of the four necromancers are dead.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Friday June 20th, 2008 10:25:45 PM
"Oh, no, you don't..!" K'Nara hollers as the smallest necromancer seems to attempt to retreat down Tunnel #3. She immediately runs after the necro at top speed, in spite of being covered in opponent innards (OOC: thank you, Earth Elemental!)...
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Saturday June 21st, 2008 8:11:41 AM
The monk deactivates his boots and looks for his next opponent. Seeing a necromancer, literally, just yards away, he uses his great speed and moves for the necromancer, following in KNara's wake (avoiding any straggling spellgaunts or others). [280 feet full round movement running] He quickly othertakes Knara.
(Dodge vs necro)
Brother Bertram Saturday June 21st, 2008 11:58:38 PM
Bertram whispers a quick prayer of thanks seeing the undead crumble and stop rising. He looks over in time to see a gore splattered K'nara rushing towards the necromancer. He sees Kernom retreating with his creatures and notes with regret the loss of the unusual wolves. He moves toward the necromancer as fast as he can.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 d20+12=15 ; Sunday June 22nd, 2008 1:16:35 PM
Athalorn chases after the final necromancer also (120'), but keeps an eye on the fleeing creatures. Perhaps he should follow those instead?
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Sunday June 22nd, 2008 11:16:44 PM
Charging in, Gunther relishes kicking the last necromancer's butt.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Monday June 23rd, 2008 9:53:47 AM
Watching and sensing that things seem to be in hand, Ingrge uses his special sight to thoroughly look about the cavern. See invisibility and Arcan sight.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Monday June 23rd, 2008 11:28:00 AM
OOC: Checking in.
K'Nara, AC35; 182/182hp Monday June 23rd, 2008 9:55:19 PM
K'Nara is thinking that perhaps she is perceiving her pursuit of this last necro in slow-motion, like a dream sequence or a scene in some sappy romantic movie...but then, again...when was the last time the heroine of a love story was dripping with gory opponent innards..?
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Tuesday June 24th, 2008 12:22:01 AM
Olana lowers her bow. Was the necromancer dead? Good.
She sees most of the others dashing off toward the northeast area of the cavern, and so she heads around in that direction, skirting the current orc battle.
DM Jan 3d6+20=34 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 1:01:17 AM
As the Emeralds dash toward the north eastern section of the cavern, Borden and his men put the final touches on their own fight, bringing it to a howling and bloody conclusion.
Ingrge makes a scan of the cavern. The others' current target is lit up like a mid winter celebration. Elsewhere there is a slight shift in his perception as he begins to see what look like narrow sets of stairs cut into the walls - three of them in different places. And at the top of each - a fairly substantial magical aura - one that bleeds darkness, drawing the eye, making the head spin.
As for the monster horde, the tail end of the mad dash to freedom is beginning to disappear down the tunnel after the others. Athalorn sees two things of note - Kernorn still hovers astride the giant beetle at the entrance, and he seems to be beckoning to something. And just to the south of the entrance, a purple worm, about three feet long, is wriggling toward him as fast as it can.
Meanwhile!
K'Nara and Lian lead the charge toward the remaining necromancer who is crouched in semi darkness in one of the escape tunnels. Lian is there first. The figure throws back his cowl, and the face of a very young boy stares up at him. "No, I'm just a boy! Help me!" he says, pointing a finger at the approaching K'Nara.
There is a whisper in the air as the others approach, like a death knell. It curdles the stomach, urges one not to breathe, as the air momentarily becomes foul. It is a feeling of utter dread, and no one feels it more than K'Nara.
Casting Finger of Death on K'Nara.
Fort DC 22 offers partial save, collecting only 34 damage.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 Tuesday June 24th, 2008 1:56:25 AM
Athalorn sees the purple worm, and he decides to separate and head that way, sure that the Dragons will be a match for the necromancer. He does shout to them that he has seen the creature, making sure Ingrge knows in particular. He then shouts to Kernon. Hoping his deep voice carries.
"Is this another foe Kernon? Tell me what is going on!"
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp d20+15=29 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 2:12:09 AM
The amazonian redhead pelts up to...a child in dark robes...a child who begs for mercy. K'Nara immediately drops her guard.
"Tell us how we can he--aaaAAARRRRGH!" The leader of the Emerald Dragons suddenly screams in sheer agony as the eldritch energies of the horrible spell sear throughout her nervous system, causing the tall woman to topple like a felled oak. For a moment there is no movement from K'Nara, prompting the eyewitnesses to wonder if the warrior's vaunted constitution failed her in this instance, but then her body shudders and she rolls to her side, both fists clenching as she pushes herself up off the ground so that she is on one knee and obviously healthy enough to get up.
"Someone is gonna get a spanking." she growls through grit teeth, her hazel eyes narrowing as she looks upon the face of the necro youth.
OOC: K'Nara made her Fort Save with a result of 29; she takes 34hpd though.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) d20+19=26 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=28 ; 3d6+7=20 ; 3d6+7=19 ; 3d6+7=12 ; 3d6+7=15 ; 3d6+7=20 ; 3d6+7=22 ; 3d6+7=23 ; 3d6+7=17 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 3:01:58 PM
Not even pausing in his motions, Lian thinks for a moment, Domi, forgive me if this IS a child., then he hears the unmistakible scream of his leader behind him as the boy points. Then he prays silently, Nevermind. If the kid is being controlled, he can be raised and I will be held accountable, if he is working for them, then I will make it swift. And with Knara's words ringing in his ears, "Someone is gonna get a spanking." Lian knows, Knara would do the same. He attacks the necromancer child. (hits AC 26, 27, 26, 32, 39(threat 23), and 36(threat 28), for 20, 19, 12, 15, 20(42 if confirmed) and 23(40 if confirmed))
"Hey look, this one is soft and squooshy." Cheers the elf. And he begins to laugh. (Lesser Courage, just in case)
(boots still active, 4/10 rounds)
(please disregard the d3 rolls, they were issues with my connectivity and the buttons :))
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement d20+11=23 ; d8+35=39 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:05:47 PM
Watching K'nara fall, Gunther is filled with a horrible rage. With no thought to his personal safety he rushes the "boy" and hacks mercilessly at it. Blood shot eyes glare at his opponent as he howls in wordless rage. (AC 23 for 39+5 fire)
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp Tuesday June 24th, 2008 10:50:51 PM
K'Nara tilts her head to one side, solemnly considering the youngster who cast such a terrible and lethal spell...then she draws her sword.
"I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine..." the leader of the Emerald Dragons says ironically, "This is Lucia, the Bright Flame of the Culverwood." As she speaks the name of the sword, the blade erupts into magical flames. "Lucia, this is...Dead Meat..."
*Not yet, K'Nara...but soon..!* Lucia telepathically makes the minor correction in an eager tone.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Tuesday June 24th, 2008 11:35:06 PM
Marking the placement of the invisible stairs and what they lead to a shiver rus up and down his spine. and he tries to point them out to Father Bertram as well.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Wednesday June 25th, 2008 1:08:52 AM
Olana gasps as she approaches the tunnel at the north eastern side of the cavern. Lian kicking and punching, and Gunther - dear groves of Culverwood, it was just a boy! She looks toward K'nara, but their leader seems also intent on cutting the child down. What in all the wildwoods' names had just happened here? And what was that awful feeling she had felt just a moment ago?
DM Jan Wednesday June 25th, 2008 1:59:50 AM
The young boy goes down in a flurry of feet and fists, his head bouncing hard on the ground. The attack is quickly followed by a massive blow from Gunther's blade that nearly cuts the lad in two. Mortally wounded, he grins, and blood oozes from between his lips. His chest rises once, twice, and is then still. The eyes remain open, staring sightlessly up toward the ceiling.
Borden and his men approach, weapons ready, but stand down as they can see the problem has been well and truly taken care of. All of them take in the slight, fallen figure, and then Gunther, K'nara and Lian. A few eyebrows are raised. Followed by a few shrugs. Hard to guage humans. And elves for that matter. They were all dangerous, and doubly unpredictable - even the young.
Over by the other tunnel, where Kernorn and his beloved Edgar hover, the small worm approaches the monsterologer. To Athalorn it might seem a little ridiculous. Purple worms were legendary foes. But one so small as this? Kernorn holds up a hand. "Let him come. And let me leave this place with all them?" he gestures toward the retreating horde of panicked monsters thundering off down the tunnel to safety. "I can take them toward Blackbird. There are many places we can disappear. And they'll trouble no one. I swear."
As Ingrge marks the sight of the steps and beckons Bertram, something happens not long after Gunther's howl ricochets around the cavern. The darkness at the top of each set of stairs appears to fall and lose substance. A slake of it drifts past the wizard and the dwarven cleric, laced with enough dread to make the spine shiver. It carries traces of a whisper.
A temporary end, at best. You have not seen the last of me. And each time you strike me down, I will grow stronger...
Whatever lies up those steps now seems undefended.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 Wednesday June 25th, 2008 2:37:37 AM
Athalorn hesitates, his body still aflame, and he nods his huge head to Kernorn. "Go with haste." He then watches the stream of strange creatures flee, before turning back to the party. They seemed to be looking up, some of them.
Brother Bertram d20+20=23 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2008 6:08:43 AM
Bertram feels the dread growing within him, he tries to identify what manner of thing they were facing.
((ooc Knowledge Religion roll 23)
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Wednesday June 25th, 2008 10:39:04 AM
The monk stands, breathing heavy, looking at the orcs, and then at Olana's shocked expression. "I... he..." The hand of Domi looks at the childs rent form. "What was I supposed to do under the circumstances? What I witnessed him cast." He looks at Knara and then proceeds toward the stairs.
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp Wednesday June 25th, 2008 11:13:46 AM
The human blade singer blinks down at the lifeless body of the boy, a thoughtful frown on her face. The sword in her hand flares up for a moment before extinguishing so that K'Nara can re-sheathe the weapon.
"Sorry, Olana," the redhead tells the ranger, "Lian was right--the boy...for all his youth...cast a lethal spell. We had to attack." K'Nara turns to Kernorn.
"I wish you the best." she says to the monstrologer. "Although I don't personally agree with your outlook on creating these creatures in the first place, I believe that you all have the right to live in harmony with nature. Go with the gods." Lucia takes that time to point out what Ingrge has seen: a set of invisible stairs.
"Oooo..." K'Nara hums, moving over to where the sword tells her the flight up happens to be located, "...what's up here, I wonder..?"
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Wednesday June 25th, 2008 11:37:45 PM
Panting with the rage that is still pent up, Gunther shifts left and right, looking for something more to kill. Not finding any outlet for his aggression, the warrior's paces...quickly at first and then slowing. Finally able to control the fear induced anger, Gunther takes up a spot nearby K'nara, his hands shaking. He glares at the orcs, almost daring them to second guess his right to defend the love of his life.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Thursday June 26th, 2008 11:42:44 AM
OOC: Checking in...
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Thursday June 26th, 2008 12:52:11 PM
Olana nods at Lian and K'nara, not doubting them. It was a shock to see such a thing, but the eyes could play tricks. She backs off, and looks out into the cavern.
DM Jan Thursday June 26th, 2008 1:03:52 PM
"Thank you," says Kernorn, his words accompanied by a great sigh of relief. His beetle companion dips low enough to scoop up the miniature worm, and then they're off - down the tunnel and away.
The cavern abruptly becomes a more quiet place. Torches flicker in sconces here and there and a myriad of shadows dance on the walls. It is a gloomy place in the innards of the mountain, the overall sense of evil appears cowed, but not necessarily fully abated. A charnal house lies at the centre - dead rampagers and two dead orcs.
Borden sends three of his men to collect the fallen orcs, and his mage and three more toward stairway #3.
There's a heart stopping moment as the biggest spider ever beheld in the Wold emerges from one of the tunnels, scuttles quickly across the cavern, and enters the tunnel where Kernorn and his collection of creatures have gone.
Stairs #1, #2, #3 - who's exploring? And where?
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Thursday June 26th, 2008 2:09:53 PM
"Should we go and help them?!" He asks Knara.
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp Thursday June 26th, 2008 5:15:59 PM
K'Nara blinks as the humungous arachnid ignores everyone else in the cavern and follows the monster exodus out of the place.
"Um...no, Lian..." the leader of the Emerald Dragons says, "...I believe that we've just witnessed Alexandra--you remember how Kernorn was concerned that she might be a bit...nervous?--anyhow, I believe we've just seen Alexandra rejoin her friends. But we'll keep an ear out in case she was just looking for dinner." The tall human female looks around.
"There are three ways to go, it seems." K'Nara pointed out. "First let's see if there are any magic booby traps..." So saying, the blade singer casts Detect Magic in order to see if anything has been ensorcelled.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 Friday June 27th, 2008 1:45:48 AM
Athalorn rejoins the party, and looks around at the scene. When the monstrous spider scuttles past them, he stares with a blank look of bemused fascination. What in the Wold were all these things? He shakes his head, then turns to the task at hand. "What are we expecting to find up there?"
Brother Bertram Friday June 27th, 2008 5:18:22 AM
Nothing comes to mind about what might have sent such a chill through them all, So Bertram prepares to climb the stairs, not sure what to expect.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Friday June 27th, 2008 7:39:39 AM
The elf shrugs, "I figured I'd ask."
"Whatever we find, I suspect it knows we're here." He smirks. "In any case, we might as well prepare for the unknown." Suggests the Hand.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Friday June 27th, 2008 5:42:25 PM
You want I should send a little something up there ahead of our arrival K'nara? If so speak now before our intrepid eager beavers spoil the chance?
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp Friday June 27th, 2008 9:56:19 PM
"If you have anything left, Ingrge," K'Nara answers, "Then sending something ahead would be best."
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Friday June 27th, 2008 10:02:02 PM
The warrior paces, anxious to find out what all of this was about.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Saturday June 28th, 2008 10:23:24 AM
Smiling Ingrge faces the stairs that the group is going toward (#2) and using his maximize rod sends a fireball 20 feet past the top of the stairs, 10 feet off of the ground. 60 points damage Reflex DC 24 for 30 points
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Monday June 30th, 2008 1:39:50 AM
The sight of the huge spider scuttling across the cavern, has Olana pulling her bow taught - purely a reflex, and she tracks it across the cavern.
What else was likely to come running from these unknown passageways, she wonders, and stands guard.
DM Jan Monday June 30th, 2008 1:51:38 AM
K'Nara's detect magic lets her see that the 4 dead necromancers in various places in the cavern are all illuminated by a magical aura. Maybe they have items. As for all the stairs - nothing - except for a general creepy feeling. Bert will sense nothing divine, though. What had been here, was purely arcane and rotten to the core.
Ingrge's fireball explodes spectacularly in the vicinity of stairway #2. The light it throws indicates that all three stairways have some kind of cave at the top of them, and by the lack of anything happening up there, suggests there is little or nothing nasty to flush out.
All three caves appear inert.
Borden and his men have reached the cave at the top of #3. "Gold!" announces one of them. There is a cheer.
Athalorn Huge Fire Elemental Form: AC 45 HP 112/143 Monday June 30th, 2008 2:00:26 AM
Athalorn heads to the top of cave 2, following in the path of Ingrge's fireball. If he is sure there is nothing to worry about, he changes back into human form at last.
Brother Bertram Monday June 30th, 2008 3:14:10 AM
Bertram follows the others, still worried about the unknown they had just faced. Hopefully it would meet a foul end very soon.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Monday June 30th, 2008 11:48:56 AM
The monk stands awaiting suggestions from Knara.
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp Monday June 30th, 2008 11:02:19 PM
"Well, big surprise..." K'Nara says a bit flippantly, "...all four of what's left of the necros have magic auras radiating from them--we need to check out the bodies because the gods only know what kind of arcane items might be on them." So saying she goes to the nearest dead necro and begins to remove/reveal anything that shows up with a magic aura.
Brother Bertram Tuesday July 1st, 2008 6:49:01 AM
Bertram looks at the bodies distastefully then shrugs and moves to check the body closest to him for anything that appears to be of value.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Tuesday July 1st, 2008 9:17:31 AM
Ingrge strolls along behind Athalorn waiting to see if and where his services are going to be needed.
LianHP 146, AC 38 +1dodge (from dodge) Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:10:14 AM
"The last necromancer we ran into had that nasty staff. These guys likely have just as nasty things and likely evil things too." The elf looks with distgust at the bodies. "Sure its safe to touch them?"
K'Nara, AC35; 148/182hp d20=19 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:42:52 AM
"No." K'Nara answers Lian's question almost cheerfully. "But then, that's what being a Dragon is all about...going boldly where no adventurer has gone before and taking ludicrous chances with unknown enchantments..." She continues to search the body she had approached earlier.
OOC: Voluntary Search check is 19.
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 d20+15=17 ; d20+15=19 ; Tuesday July 1st, 2008 11:58:59 AM
While the others search the cavern and the stairs, Olana stays on 'creature alert', just in case.
Spot dc 17 Listen dc 19 ... gee whiz...
DM Jan Tuesday July 1st, 2008 12:13:54 PM
Cavern -
K'Nara, Lian and Bert check the bodies of the fallen necromancers and discover:
The orcs have formed a line from the cave - down the stairs - and onto the cavern floor, and medium sized heavy sacks are being passed along in a chain, ending up in a pile in the cavern below.
Cave #2 -
Athalorn and Ingrge reach the top of the steps are confronted by a grisly sight. Stacks of small human bones, skulls, and the desiccated remains of what look like they might have been children. Deeper in the cave, 7 pairs of small human eyes are watching the two adventurers from the shadowy depths, through the confines of metal bars.
Cave #1 still unexplored.
Olana sees no stray creatures on the loose.
Athalorn Tuesday July 1st, 2008 2:32:35 PM
Athalorn, now in human form, hurries quickly over to the small figures. Bending low, he speaks in a soft voice to them, his inner rage burning but not showing. "Don't worry, little ones. We are not going to hurt you. My name is Athalorn, and this is Ingrge Nightseer. We're going to try and help you...."
He waits for a response, and looks to Ingrge for a spell to release the children.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement d20+3=16 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 12:48:12 AM
Shrugging the warrior heads over to the unexplored cavern and has a look around. (Spot=16)
Brother Bertram 4d8=17 ; 4d8=24 ; Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 7:14:08 AM
Bertram puts what he can carry into his pack to examine when the group has time. He then takes a moment to heal the wounds he just noticed on K'nara.
(OOC Cured 41 used 2 Cure Serious)
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 8:56:01 AM
Quietly walking up to the bars (and gate?) and takes a magical look to see if there is any sort of magical protection on the gate or the children, the old elf first looks around to see if there is a key hanging around anywhere, and then after scrabbling around in the botton of his pack, pulls out a scroll that has obviously been there for a very long time and procedes to open the gate and remove the children. Scroll of Knock (scribed by Ingrge at 3rd level LOL).
Lian Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 11:06:00 AM
The elf looks at the loot, shrugs and eyes the nicest staff. "I should get a staff some day. One always looks dignified walking with one." He says seriously. "If I adopt a casual limp, no one would suspect me a fighter of any type." He smirks, looking at Knara. "A crippled monk. You know. A hopeless Gimp." He smirks and winks. The hand of Domi, at some point during the search, shrinks back to his normal size.
K'Nara, AC35; 182hp Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 4:23:37 PM
"Thank you kindly, Brother Bertram!" K'Nara expresses her gratitude to the dwarf as she gathers up the magic items found.
"We'll Identify them later." she says, then grins at Lian's musings. "Naw, Lian--you'd be a hopeful Gimp." The tall blade singer winks at him. After stowing the magic items into her Bag of Holding, K'Nara walks over to where Ingrge is reading from his personal "artifact."
"Wow, Ingrge..." K'Nara says, peering over his shoulder, "...your handwriting sure sucked when you were young..!" Again the woman warrior is grinning and her tone is such that it's very obvious that she is merely teasing the weapon mage.
Brother Bertram Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 8:50:35 PM
Bertram smiles faintly then walks over to check on Gunther at the entrance to the unexplored cave. "What have you found Blood Brother Gunther?"
Brother Bertram OOC Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 8:53:11 PM
(OOC Bertram is will be on vacation the rest of this week and next sunning his short gnarly body on a beach in North Carolina. He will be back, tan, rested and ready the following Monday. If he is needed Jan has my updated sheet and you are welcome to use him as needed.)
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 11:44:28 PM
The elf regards Bert, K'nara and Lian with apprehension. "Have a care with those items, we know where they've been." She rolls her eyes at the orcs hauling sacks, then continues her guard duty.
DM Jan Thursday July 3rd, 2008 12:19:11 AM
((Sorry about the late post, folks. Think we can raise some cash if we put Bert in the brothels? ;) The 4th is almost upon us, so we'll play it by ear. No worries.))
Cavern -
The orcs have now emptied Cave #3 of its contents and are standing around a pile of sacks - all full of gold pieces. Some of the orcs are stood there grinning at it, others are all business, checking their weapons. Borden is stood there looking bemused. His second in command - the mage - approaches K'nara. "Find anything of interest?" he says in perfect common.
Cave #2 -
As Athalorn speaks, the eyes watch his and Ingrge's every move. And as the Knock spell makes the cage door open with a loud ~SNAP~, they remain silent but move quickly, jumping backward, pressing themselves to the rear of the cage. There are seven of them, all boys, roughly about the same age and height of the 'young' slain necromancer. None of them wishes to be at the forefront, none of them wishes to be hauled outside to a fate worse than death. It'll take a while to coax them out, and as for talking, one word emerges - "Hungry?" asks one of them hopefully. They're in bad shape. Skinny, filthy, dressed in rags.
MEANWHILE!
Over in Cave #1 -
Gunther and Bert explore. Here there are cots, some spare basic clothing, a cooking pot and some bones of dubious origin, books, rolls of parchment, what looks like a pitcher and bowl for washing. And on a table toward the back - a single egg - about a foot long, purple and faceted, like a jewel.
Brother Bertram Thursday July 3rd, 2008 4:46:39 AM
Bertram eyes the egg for a moment then goes to the parchment, quickly examining it for anything of value as well as information.
Lian Thursday July 3rd, 2008 10:07:23 AM
Lian eyes the wizard, never having heard him before. Curious. Did this orc look familiar? Was he with the group from the beginning?
Athalorn Thursday July 3rd, 2008 12:31:28 PM
Athalorn smiles at the lads, hoping to calm them somehow. "Hungry? We can find you food. i will be back in a moment."
The druid turns slowly, and heads out of the cave to the others. "We have some captive children in here, half starved. Does anyone have some rations we can give them?"
K'Nara, AC35; 182hp Thursday July 3rd, 2008 5:34:51 PM
K'Nara responds immediately to the announcement of starving children being freed from captivity, striding over as she shrugs off her haversack.
"I have a week's worth of rations here..." she says, opening the pack and immediately fishing out the wrapped packs of jerky and dried fruit, which she then offers to the boys, eying them intently. After making sure each of the ex-captives gets a portion, K'Nara withdraws from them so that she can use her Ring of Communication and speak to the other Emeralds:
"I don't want to make everyone paranoid, but the last necro looked like a young boy...and all of the boys in the cell are amazingly like him. What are the odds that at least one of the necros knew how to...um...'jump' from one body to another--and may now be possessing one of the children..?" Even as she asks this question, K'Nara grimaces, because the last words of the boy necro had been his declaration to Lian that he was only a child--and to help him.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Thursday July 3rd, 2008 6:16:35 PM
Ingrge responds to K'nara's query via the rings.
Well I did check them out visually, but It probably wouldn't hurt if Bertram had a looksee with his divine aids.
Lian Thursday July 3rd, 2008 7:45:38 PM
"I say we turn them all into slag and sort it out later." Suggests the elf, half-heartedly and smirking. He shrugs. "Zone of Truth all around, I say! Should be interesting. We could put them all to sleep and see if the necro can stay put..."
"Ingrge, would a Magic Circle of Protection versus Evil and a Dimensional Anchor filter out the necro-parasite? Keep it from jumping?"
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Friday July 4th, 2008 12:22:51 AM
The warrior eyes the egg warily...what are the odds that it's something good...in this place next to none. He leaves it be until Ingrge can clear it. As he hears K'nara over the ring, Gunther sighs. Oh well, at least maybe there's a chance at another fight. The prospect shakes a little bit of the ever present gloom that hangs about the warrior in this place.
Lian Friday July 4th, 2008 9:23:10 AM
OOC: Checking in... Have a good Fourth!!
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Friday July 4th, 2008 1:04:18 PM
Hmm, the elder elf thinks a moment about Lian's suggestions before responding.
Lian I think the circle could work, as long as the necromancer is not already inhabiting one of these boys or is already in the spell area. I am not sure that the dimensional anchor would work, unless they are actually shifting wold space, so to speak.
Lian Monday July 7th, 2008 11:49:48 AM
"Ingrge, If we stand in a Circle and then put all the children to sleep, might it stand to reason that the necromancer would have to return to its own body? If so, we should try to locate the necromancer's REAL body before we do anything. The original body already might be dead though." The monk suddenly looks stricken. "I just thought of something. What if there is some golem form that this necro can jump into? Like a flesh golem or even a whole series of minions? Perhaps its just using children so one is less likely to attack them."
K'Nara, AC35; 182hp Monday July 7th, 2008 10:20:19 PM
"Cast the spell, Ingrge." K'Nara bids the weapon mage, moving back to the body of the boy necro. "We'll see if I'm just being paranoid..." She unsheathes her sword as she peers intently down at the body.
"...or not."
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Tuesday July 8th, 2008 1:23:16 AM
Olana listens to the earring conversation while standing guard, and eyes the cave the young boys are in carefully. Well, things were going to get a whole lot nastier if that necromancer was hding within them. She fervently hopes this isn't the case. Better it be a monster... than this.. although she was sure that Kernorn fellow wouldn't agree.
DM Jan Tuesday July 8th, 2008 1:43:36 AM
The boys' eyes light up as K'Nara's food is offered, and they begin to push the rations hungrily between their lips. However, the attentions of Ingrge and Bert have them all clustered closely together, all scared witless once more.
There is nothing wrong with these boys apart from malnutrition. No evil can be detected. Sleep, truth - whatever is thrown at them - thse kids are clean.
Over by the fallen 'boy' necromancer. The corpse doesn't even twitch. If there's anything to back up his boasts while alive, it isn't here.
The rolls of parchment in Cave #1 seem to be arcane spell scrolls of some kind.
Lian Tuesday July 8th, 2008 10:03:58 AM
Lian seems almost ammused by the whole situation. "Well, I'm glad to see this isn't going to be easy. Life would be so boring if it was predictable."
Athalorn Tuesday July 8th, 2008 5:27:49 PM
Athalorn looks to the boys, speaking in a very calm manner. "We will keep you safe now, and no more harm will come to you, I promise. Are any of you hurt? Do you need water?" He offers his waterskin. If they are hurt, he will ask Bertram to take a look. "Now lets get you all out of here. Where is your home?"
K'Nara, AC35; 182hp d20=13 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 12:46:39 AM
Sheathing her sword once more, the chestnut-maned blade singer nods to Athalorn and Bertram.
"If you wouldn't mind keeping an eye on these lads, then, please," she asks the pair, "And find out about where they're from...whether they can go back there if we arrange for it...that would be nice." To the others, K'Nara issues a logical directive:
"These necros had to have some kind of headquarters...base...even a spot for them to catch a quick nap or the like. We need to find it and see if there are any documents or clues as to what they were doing here--and what they hoped to gain by forcing Kernorn to raise an army of monsters for them." So saying, K'Nara moves to any place that hasn't been Searched already and tries to see if she can uncover something useful.
OOC: K'Nara's voluntary Search check is 13.
Lian d20+4=17 ; Wednesday July 9th, 2008 12:21:28 PM
Lian moves with Knara, assisting. (Search 17)
Olana AC 26, HP 126/126 Wednesday July 9th, 2008 1:35:10 PM
Olana walks the perimeter of the cavern. No sign of any monsters. maybe she can relax, and then again... she continues on patrol.
DM Jan Wednesday July 9th, 2008 1:50:03 PM
While looking over the kids, Bert tells K'Nara and Lian that he and Gunther have already found evidence of cots and a living space, presumably for the necros, over in Cave 1. Bert found and collected 10 scrolls, which all seemed arcane in nature. And while the group were distracted by the incident with the children, Borden's mage, who had asked about any findings and not been given an answer, is now exiting Cave #1 with a large crystal egg cradled in both arms. He has a surprised and covetous smile on his face, that shows off a rather splendid array of sharp upper and lower tusks. There is nothing else in the Cave of any consequence.
Having not seen the full extent of Athalorn's fiery nature, the kids stick to him like glue, and give the orcs a wide berth. A few good dinners and some sunlight are all that seems to be in between them and good health. "Dirt City," appears to be their home.
Borden strides over to K'nara. "We should burn the bodies," he suggests, "and then get out of here. We have all the loot, and I want to make sure that monster lover is taking those creatures out of our territory. And then - "he gives her a wink - "all we have to do is decide on how to split the treasure."
Athalorn Wednesday July 9th, 2008 3:15:59 PM
Athalorn feels abashed by the attention the children give him. Usually Bertram is the caring one, not the shifter. But he keeps them close, and suggests they find fresh air as soon as possible. To that end, he begins walking towards the tunnel that the monstrologer had left through.
K'Nara, AC35; 182hp Wednesday July 9th, 2008 11:48:51 PM OOC to the DM: would that "egg" that you describe the orc mage carrying be the selfsame purple egg that Gunther secured earlier? Or is it a second egg?
~~Jan~~ same egg, left unsecured, until Ingrge could take a look at it, I believe. ;)
Not discovering anything that seems to point to what the necros' plan was supposed to have been, K'Nara nods at Borden's proposal.
"That makes sense." K'Nara agrees. "Anyone got any extra oil? I'll be happy to provide the fire..." The leader of the Emerald Dragons draws her sword and speaks its name, whereupon Lucia's magical fire flares to life.
Lian d20+18=33 ; Thursday July 10th, 2008 12:02:47 PM
OOC: Said egg would not have left in orc mages care if that was the case. :) Lian would have made it clear it was not to leave without magical inspection. Besides, I don't think Ingrge would have allowed it either for that matter. ;)
Lian looks once in the direction of the thieving orc and then back. "Should he be looking THAT happy about some dodgy egg?"
Lian stands on his head to entertain the children while plans are formed. (Balance 33)
K'Nara, AC35; 182hp Thursday July 10th, 2008 7:06:56 PM OOC: Doh! Gunther DID leave the egg untouched until Ingrge could check it out--and he would NOT have minded if one of his "brother orcs" came along to do something with it...so the orc mage (who HAS been with the orcs all this time) isn't really "thieving"...it's just very, very likely that he's holding the equivalent of a magic nuke. ;D
K'Nara glances over at the mage, who is looking VERY pleased with himself.
"Wow--looks like you did find something interesting!" she points out the obvious with a twist of her lips. "All I got was some jewelry, a couple books and a cloak."
DM Jan Friday July 11th, 2008 12:30:58 AM
Borden gives out the word to some of his men, and with their oil and kindling and K'Nara's blade, the corpses of both ally and enemy are put to the torch, while Bert voices a stern blessing from Domi. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on various points of view, the entire cavern starts to smell like a barbeque.
Falling in behind Athalorn and the boys, the orcs begin to move out. "Are we going home?" asks one of the boys.
The orc mage nods and smiles at K'nara, while cradling the egg like it was a baby as he rejoins his group.
Athalorn Friday July 11th, 2008 2:09:01 AM
Athalorn keeps one eye on the orcs and the egg, and the other on the path forwards. "Aye, we are going to take you home. Sunlight and fresh air will be good for you, and perhaps we can find you some more food." He heads out of the caverns.
Lian Friday July 11th, 2008 8:38:20 AM
Lian watches the children, more to have something to do, but also to look for signs of anything out of the ordinary.
K'Nara Friday July 11th, 2008 10:39:46 PM
K'Nara makes sure that the rescued children are all accounted for.
Lian Monday July 14th, 2008 10:48:57 AM
Lian waits, having more to contribute at this time.
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Monday July 14th, 2008 10:59:37 PM
The warrior walks over to Borden's mage and bluntly asks him what he has. "So, what is that ting?"
When Borden talks about heading home, he grows somber. "Don't forget about your uncle sir. Ve vill need to tend vith dat problem ven ve get back."
K'Nara Monday July 14th, 2008 11:31:04 PM
Waiting for something official to happen...
DM Jan Tuesday July 15th, 2008 12:40:49 AM
And so!
Our heroes set off along the tunnel. This particular exit proves to be an easy one, and in the space of a couple of hours along a gradual incline, the group emerges onto the eastern flank of the mountain. Outside it's beginning to go dark, and Borden suggests a camp. "After all," he says with a big toothy grin, "it should be safe enough, for now, providing those monsters and that crazy creature lover have kept their promise."
He sends off four of his men. Two return a sort while later with two slaughtered deer. A campfire is built.
After a rough count up and appraisal, there appears to be :
(( XPs = 7,000))
Enough gold in the sacks for 15,000 GP each, and it is divided out.
Then: Ring of Invisibility Ring of Wizardry 1 Ring of Evasion Ring of Protection +3 Ring of Lightning Resistance, major Ring of Blinking Ring of Wizardry 2
4 Daze Monster scrolls 3 Magic Circle against Good scrolls 3 Shrink Item scrolls
1 staff of Swarming Insects 1 staff of Necromancy that exudes E V I L in a sickening wave.
2 Amulets of Health +4
Cloak of resistance +5
All the above in the hands of the Emeralds.
1 egg - crystal, amethyst coloured. (approx 1 ft long), in the hands of the orcs.
The orc mage regards Gunther for a second, and then pats the bag containing the strange egg. "A good question," is his answer. "A creature egg of some kind, might be a dragon's egg."
While the meat cooks, Borden lights a pipe. "It seems I need to go and talk with my uncle," he says to K'nara. "Harrassing your borders, you say?"
The seven boys are still following Athalorn around. Although the meat roasting over a spit has them somewhat distracted. It'll be a two day hike to get these boys home.
At some point, the other two orcs return and tell of Kernorn and his crowd of creatures, heading north toward the dark mass of Blackbird Forest.
Decisions required: How to get the boys home. How to divide up the non-monetary loot.
Lian Tuesday July 15th, 2008 11:46:43 AM
"Don't we have two teleport rings? Can't we accompany the boys one at a time via a teleport, might take awhile though. Or Ingrge might have a teleport circle ready?"
(Lian shows interest in the Ring of Blinking)
OOC: DM, is the XP and gold okay to add to our sheets?
~~DM Jan~~ Oh, heck yes :)
Athalorn Tuesday July 15th, 2008 12:37:48 PM
The shifter nods at Lian's suggestion. "Aye, let us get these lads back as soon as we can. Do any of you have family?" His question is directed to the boys.
Lian d8=3 d8=8 Wednesday July 16th, 2008 10:47:38 AM
Lian looks expectantly at Ingrge and Knara.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {rolled 3 for hit points... if I remember, you can spend a hero point to re-roll but have to keep what was rolled, Right? Re-roll 8}
Brother Bertram Wednesday July 16th, 2008 3:21:02 PM
Bertram marches along with the others, glad they were leaving but still troubled by what had possed that warren of evil.
(OOC Back all Vacation was great, Had surgery when I got back, turned out to be nothing major. Bert is ready to get back in the saddle!)
K'Nara Wednesday July 16th, 2008 6:52:24 PM
K'Nara nods at Borden's words.
"It would seem so, Borden." she confirms. "As you know, the Emerald Kingdom is now reorganizing its government--I would like to be able to propose a joint venture between the Kingdom and Izen to maintain the Trade Road...this way the resources of neither of our countries will bear the complete burden of making the route safe for the merchants that both Izen and the Kingdom need. What do you think..?"
The blade singer has something to say on the strange egg-like crystal:
"I have to wonder whether or not that crystal egg thing is actually a creature of some kind." K'Nara muses out loud. "Kernorn is a very dedicated man--I doubt he would have abandoned that egg without sticking around long enough to take it back into his care...at the very least, he would have said something to us if he knew there was the egg of some creature still in the quarters of the necros." The chestnut-maned leader of the Emerald Dragons tilts her head to one side as she thinks the situation over.
"We really ought to investigate exactly what that crystal is." She glances at Lian, who is obviously eying the ring of blinking and grins.
"Sure you couldn't use a boost to your health...?" K'Nara asks in a sly sort of tone, her hazel eyes sparkling with humor.
Olana Thursday July 17th, 2008 12:17:48 AM
Once out of the mountain and back into open countryside, Olana breathes a sigh of relief. And as they set up camp, her thoughts turn to her beloved Milo. Was he still in Osto? Was he safe?
Gunther AC 33, HP133/137, SR13 Stoneskin 70/70, Freedom of Movement Thursday July 17th, 2008 12:36:33 AM
The warrior shrugs, knowing that K'nara can make sure that everything is safe and spilt up fairly. Once back in the open, the cat trainer takes a deep breath of the fresh air, never more happy to be out in the countryside once more. His dire lion roars cheerfully as he pats her on the mane before snuggling up toward K'nara. He nods at her suggestion. "Yes Borden, sir. If you need somevon to help your represent de orc Nation in any upcoming talks, I vould love to help in any vay possible."
DM Jan Thursday July 17th, 2008 12:37:26 AM
The boys answer Athalorn a little too readily. "Yeah!" "Sure we've got family." "We don't belong at the poorhouse!" Which is probably exactly where they belong, doomed to a life of drudgery - at one of the Houses, on board one of the passing ships. Out of the fryng pan, into the fire.
Borden picks a sliver of venison from between his teeth while talking to K'Nara and Gunther. "I think an alliance would be a good idea," he says. "Nothing more contentious than a border road." As for the egg, the orc leader raises a thick eyebrow and regards his mage lieutenant. "What's so special about that thing, and what were you intending to do with it?" "Sell it," answers the mage, his expression even, giving nothing away. "It's a dragons egg. It'll fetch a good price." he points toward K'Nara. "They can take a good look at it, but they stripped our enemy of their magic trinkets. There they have things of equivalent value."
One or two of the orcs are wandering around asking if anyone wants to wrestle - the Emeralds included.
Another hour or two and it'll be getting quite late. Wolves can be heard, howling in the wilds, although the campfire is likely to keep them away.
Athalorn Thursday July 17th, 2008 1:51:24 AM
Athalorn muses over the boys. He leaves the boys alone for a moment and speaks to the rest of the Dragons. "I think these lads have no home at Dirt City, though I may be wrong. If they do not, and their families are gone, shall we take them to our Tower?"
Brother Bertram Thursday July 17th, 2008 8:01:55 AM
Bertram listens quietly. He finds rock candy in his pouch, passing it out to the children after they are fed. For no other reason than to keep them quiet for a few minutes. He muses over what gold he has wondering how best to take care of the children. He is proud and happy when he hears Athalorn mention bringing them home. After the dragon attacks at the tower, there were plenty of people still grieving over the loss of loved ones. He was sure they could find each of them a home.
Lian Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:16:43 AM
"Health?" He looks at Knara. "I thought this 36K gold piece belt did that?" He pokes his finger on the thick leather belt around his waist. "You know, I thought that vampire clerk at the Catacombs was sniggering about it." He looks aggrevated. "I'll have to put my foot right up his..."
"Wrestling you say?" He says, glancing at the orc who suggested it. "What are the rules?"
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Thursday July 17th, 2008 2:24:37 PM
Umm, I think that if you try and sell that dragon's egg, if that is what it is I might have to let Maab know about that. In fact, if you want we could perhaps call her when we exit the mountain and perhaps she herself will reward you for the egg, if that is what it is.
Lian (ADM JAY) Thursday July 17th, 2008 6:40:41 PM
OOC: I'll be needing to know a few things... Is Olana DEFINITELY leaving for a time? And what are Gunthers and Bertrams levels (after updating) for the up coming module?
I am DMing us for a few months and need to know so I can slaught... murd.... brutal...... provide a fun enviroment for the DM.... I mean players.
Bertram and Gunther should also, please, consider posting their sheet in the header.
Brother Bertram OOC Thursday July 17th, 2008 8:27:04 PM
Bert's current level is 15, his sheet is updated in the woldepedia, minus any treasure from this module. I will start posting it.
Jay B ~ Thanks Mark!
K'Nara Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:53:40 PM
"We took the items that radiated magic from the bodies of our enemies." K'Nara concedes to the mage. "That doesn't mean we have to keep them for only our group...after all, your brethren collected the gold they found and yet all of us have gotten shares. So it is with the items that we won in battle. Is there anything in particular you wanted..?" She gives the mage a level look, more than willing to be fair about the orc getting his fair share of the magic items as well as the Emerald Dragons.
Olana Friday July 18th, 2008 12:20:48 AM
((OOC - yes, Jay. I need to step out for a while.))
At some point during the night, Olana approaches K'Nara.
"With your permission, I'd like to set off for Osto. I'm worried about Milo, and I thought I could scout the north western edges of Culverwood while I'm at it. It's not like I'm stranger to the forest."
DM Jan - OOC Friday July 18th, 2008 12:24:10 AM
((Folks, I'm taking three months leave. Just something I need to concentrate on for a little while. You're in Jay's capable hands. Have fun!))
Athalorn Friday July 18th, 2008 1:55:36 AM
As the party and the orcs settle into their camp, Athalorn steps over to Olana. "Take care on your journey my friend, and if you ever need anything, just call for us. He embraces her, then turns back to the camp, making sure the lads are settled.
Lian (ADM JAY) Friday July 18th, 2008 6:40:23 AM
Lian hugs Olana. "And give Milo our greetings! DON'T BE GONE TOO LONG!!"
K'Nara Friday July 18th, 2008 11:06:59 PM
post pending!
DM Jan Monday July 21st, 2008 11:29:55 AM
Final offer. The mage offers to trade the dragon's egg for 1 staff, 2 rings and 1 amulet (take your pick amongst the loot.) Will the Emerald Dragons choose to become part of the egg's destiny or not? Will it matter?
An agreement on the Izen/Emerald border - equally shared revenues, costs and protection - seems agreeable to the orcs, and should provide a fairly solid, guarded route for those traveling east and west.
The following morning, it's time to break camp. Borden shakes hands with K'Nara - a rather stimulating, bone-crushing affair - nods at Gunther, and sets off with his men. Maybe it's time to go home. The boys need delivering, and who knows what might be waiting? An adventurer's work is never done, after all.
((Jay takes over from here.)) As soon as all posts are accounted for. ;) Jay B
Lian Monday July 21st, 2008 11:59:45 AM
"Well, the egg should go to someone able to control and tame the creature. Maab is an option. A trade is agreeable to me. However, I'd say give our new friends the nice looking staff. We wouldn't want them to have to deal with the evil nasty staff, which will be destroyed regardless, I'm sure. The amulets look identical and as for the rings, I suggest the rop, one of the wizardish ones and either the invis or blinking." The hand looks KNara. "But it up to you in the end."
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Monday July 21st, 2008 5:48:10 PM
It matters not to me what the trade is, nodding to the orc mage. I just want to make sure the dragongets to where it needs to get to. No offense.
Brother Bertram Monday July 21st, 2008 7:10:29 PM
Bertram is gladdened to see the children's future being cared for as well as the trade road issue being settled. He hopes to see the egg fall into good hands but that isnt his first concern. He is still very troubled by whatever that foul creature was that disappeared early on. Sooner or later it would be back and he wanted to be much, much more prepared. He lets the others dally over the treasure. He would be content to get back home and perhaps consider how best to spend the gold.
K'Nara Monday July 21st, 2008 11:30:13 PM
"If that is your price, mage," K'Nara says, "Then you can go back to your brothers and tell them that you were able to drive a bargain with the leader of the Emerald Dragons." She grins at the mage and then speaks to Ingrge a bit privately:
"As you are the resident mage of our group, I leave it to you to pick the items to give to the mage." As soon as the deal is done, K'Nara makes sure that the egg is secured.
"You're probably right, Lian." she agrees with the monk. "We will need to find a way to get in touch with Maab and find out what this egg is and whether she wishes to take it into her care."
And speaking of taking people into their care...
"We can take the boys back to Madyrn...the facilities there will be considerably less crowded than anything that Dirt City might have." K'Nara points out. "If Madyrn doesn't have some kind of orphanage, then we can put them up at the castle and...uh...train them as pages or the like." Her canny hazel eyes swept over the youngsters. "Unless you'd rather go back to Dirt City..?"
Gunther Monday July 21st, 2008 11:53:49 PM
The warrior sighs as talk of splitting paths with the orcs comes up. It had been nice, despite the environment to be with his brethren for a short time. Now it was back to "civilization" and niceties. Before they leave, Gunther makes sure he gives the orc who he had struck on the jaw earlier a chance at a sparring match, just to clear the air. Then, after all the treasure is divvied up, Gunther nods back to Borden and gets Delilah ready for the trip back home.
OOC: Been awful busy lately. Will probably be Wed. before I can get my sheet updated.
Athalorn Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 1:40:43 AM
Athalorn waits to see where the boys would rather go. Perhaps they would come to the tower?
As for the treasure, he has no need of any of the items, and so he waits while the others discuss the finds with the orcs. But the dragon egg was of more concern. Was it of a normal dragon?
Ingrge: AC 28, HP102/102, stoneskin 70/70, SR 18, freedom of movement, Bull's strength Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 10:34:52 AM
Looking at K'nara for a moment and then at the Orc mage, The elder elf nods and then quickly selects the 4 items.
Ring of wizardry 1 Ring of protection +3 Staff of Insects Amulet of health +4
Perusing the scrolls he also includes 2 daze monster scrolls to the pile.
Lian Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 4:08:20 PM
The monk is happy with the trade and then seeks out the necromancers staff. Holding it in his gloved hands, he says, "I'd really like to break this in two and use it to start the camp fire tonight." He looks at Knara.
LOG ON