DM Bob & Carla d20+6=16 ; Friday February 13th, 2009 8:04:21 AM Beren, Caelnin, and Anrete scan the face for sign of movement, but whatever shadowy form first caught Beren's attention has once again dissappeared. Bored by the wait, Fatine plays with her dogs. Her reverie is broken by a pang of of fear coming from Col and the ravens loud alarm call. Those on the cliff freeze in their tracks and ready themselves should they be threatened. Ender is the first to discover what he has been tracking. Huddled down on the ledge to appear as small as possible he is little match for the puma that pounces from the shadows and pins him to the ledge. Surprisingly, the cat does not sink her fangs into his exposed neck, but the hot breath on his face and throat cannot be very comforting.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=20 ; d20+9=21 ; Friday February 13th, 2009 8:27:11 AM
Beren sees the black shape as it leaps upon the samll newcomer. He does not dare shoot, for fear of hitting Ender. He stands with his bow drawn, waiting for his chance.
Oddly, the creature does not attack and kill, when it could have easily done so. Something strange occurs here.
spot 20 listen 21
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday February 14th, 2009 6:36:19 PM
Hearing Col's call, different than what he is used to hearing the bird sound out, Alexi spins his head around, but sees nothing. Tensing, he quietly tends to Bantom, ready to lead him forward and pull his friends up on a moment's notice.
Keela Saturday February 14th, 2009 11:12:27 PM
Keela can barely see what is happening above her, but she recognizes that it is not good.
"What's happening?" she calls.
Caelnin d20+8=13 ; d20+7=12 ; Sunday February 15th, 2009 7:34:27 AM
Caelnin keeps trying to look for the mysterious figure, not quite sure what is happening. "My sight shan't fail me now..."
----------
Spot: 13, Listen: 12
Jet Stormway d20+7=25 ; Monday February 16th, 2009 12:20:08 PM
Jet being very near watches as the puma pins their new member to the ground. He keen survival skills tell him, this creature should be chewing upon it's prey with ferocity, especially if there are cubs near.
Unlike with the ambush drakes, he will attempt to talk before he strikes, yet, his sword is now in his hands and he is ready if necessary.
"Feline, do we disturb your lair? The fact you have not harmed anyone yet means you have some special intelligence."
Survival: 25
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday February 16th, 2009 12:37:00 PM
OOC--no Dm post to respond to will check later
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Monday February 16th, 2009 3:12:25 PM
Fatine watches the scene above. She raises a hand with a 4-legged doll in it, ready to cast a spell, but pauses when she hears Jet address the cat.
"Dat be odd . . . why he tink a cat gon' talk back, anyway?" she asks Keela. "Errybody know it be birds dat understand us people!"
She waits to see if the puma responds to Jet. She readies to cast a spell as follows: - she will cast sleep on the puma (it may hit Ender too, but she centers it on the Puma) - She waits to the count of 3 in her head. If one of the following happens, she stops the spell: (1) puma answer Jet, (2) Puma gets off Ender - If the Puma does anything to further threaten Ender, she casts the spell immediately
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday February 16th, 2009 4:26:37 PM
Ender lies very very still... hoping to not anger the Puma further
DM Bob & Carla Monday February 16th, 2009 11:00:00 PM
The puma cocks it's ears forward as Jet attempst to communicate. The cat looks far less menacing without it's ears pinned back. As the leader of the group talks, the big cat stands dead still over Ender who lies motionless below. Alexi readies to pull Jet up the cliff face if needed, while those below wonder juts what is going on above. Fatine readies to cast a sleep spell and tells Keela and the archers that only birds can understand people. Midway through the witch's preparations, the cat turns it's head and stares down at the small crowd below. The moonlight catches the beasts eyes, and Fatine is transfixed by the eerie glow of cats eyes.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17 , HP32/32), Copper (AC17, HP22/22) d20+3=16 ; Monday February 16th, 2009 11:10:39 PM
Frowning in puzzlement, Anrete glare at the puma and readies his bow, yet something stops him from shooting down the cat.
=============================================== Survival 16: understand more about the puma's behavior
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday February 16th, 2009 11:10:41 PM
OOC: Moonlight? It's dark already?
IC: Alexi hears Jet mumbling something and hopes he's not admonishing the hafling for something foolish, like loosing his nerve and wanting give up the search and return to safer ground.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=19 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=10 ; Tuesday February 17th, 2009 8:02:11 AM
IN his position, Beren is also wondering about the strange behavior of this big cat. He has a shot, but does not fire.
As he thought originally, there is something else going on here. In spite of that thought, he does not relax his vigil, nor his stance.
spot 28 listen 10 understand nature/survival 19
Jet Stormway d20+1=17 ; Tuesday February 17th, 2009 10:25:24 AM
Jet watches the cat change it's original ear position and he then sheathes his sword so it can see him. He still has his armor spikes if he needs to grapple the beast to get it off the halfling and it's really going to hurt them both if they tumble down the side of the cliff face.
"Very well, I have shown you good faith by putting away my sword and you see my friend here is unarmed, why not come with us and allow our druid to speak with you? Our main goal, like your own, is to protect the area we live in and know, we can do that together."
Jet is so much better at intimidate or bluff, but both have their drawbacks, so once again he uses his feeble skills at diplomacy to end this engagement.
Diplomacy: 17
Keela Tuesday February 17th, 2009 12:13:48 PM
Keela watches the cat, and glances sideways at Fatine. "Uh...are they supposed to do that?" she whispers. She has never seen a wild cat behave so oddly.
Caelnin d20+8=12 ; d20+7=26 ; Wednesday February 18th, 2009 2:59:06 AM
Caelnin still tries to figure out what is going on. The big cat is blocking his view of Ender, but he still keeps a lookout in case that something else comes from behind. ----- Spot: 12 Listen: 26 (Finally, a decent roll)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Wednesday February 18th, 2009 7:10:54 AM
Fatine lowers her hands, staring into the cat's eyes. "I dunno," she mumbles to Keela without taking her eyes off the puma. "Dis one know what we be up to I tink."
Shaking her head, she looks at Keela. "Maybe he got bird heritage? Granpappy a vulture or someting like dat?"
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday February 18th, 2009 7:52:56 AM
The archers below the cliff face keep their bows readied should they be needed and wonder just what nature of cat this is. Fatine suggests it be part bird for in her limited experience only birds understand the ways and words of people. On the rocky slope above Ender remains curled up below the cat and Jet, sensing something is different here, sheathes his sword and again speaks to the cat. With each word the puma seems more at ease. No longer crouched over what might seem to be it's prey, it now stands erect but still over the prone rogue. The cat is big for a puma, well muscled and it's black fur glistens in what the untrained eye must assume to be good health. Ender and Jet can acclaim to the fullness of its dentition. It's long rope like tail flics at the air behind it.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday February 18th, 2009 8:27:22 AM
As the stance of the Puma changes, Beren's fears for Ender begin to subside, This is not an ordinary Puma. Now, if they could only communicate with it.
It may be more tame than wild, but Beren still does not put his weapons away. He stands ready to shoot if necessary--tame or not.
Hearing Fatine's comments, Beren makes one of his own.
"Lady Fatine, My master befriended a bear. O'Tak was a mighty companion in battle."
Jet Stormway d20+3=21 ; d20+3=13 ; Wednesday February 18th, 2009 9:37:13 AM
Jet pulls off a mailed gauntlet and crouches down. He sticks it out to let the puma smell him, then glances into the hole where the puma came from, for more signs or information on what this thing is doing. "Just relax Ender. This hasn't gotten ugly yet and that's a good sign."
Looking over the edge, he shouts down at his crew below, "Go get Tarketh and bring him here. If he asks why tell him!"
Alexi blinks and can't believe his ears! He just heard Jet call for Tarketh! "What the blazes do we need Tarketh for? What's that hafling gone and done now? Steady Bantom, it's just the wind..."
Keela Wednesday February 18th, 2009 10:27:48 PM How many of us does it take to fetch one man? Keela wonders.
Nevertheless, she hurries to help the others go get Tarketh.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday February 19th, 2009 1:11:35 AM
Ender still finds it prudent to lie very very still
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+2=21 ; Thursday February 19th, 2009 8:28:29 AM
Keela moves to go get Tarketh. Beren does not. Instead, he focuses on the big cat, hoping that he is close enough to have an effect. Talking of his old master had reminded the ranger of a skill his master had taught him once. It was a way to influence the actions of wild things,
Putting all his will into the effort, and projecting nothing but good will, he speaks to the beast.
"My firend, we mean you no harm. Would you allow our small friend to rise?"
wild empathy- CH + level for 21 up to a minute for effect to occur. Sooner is possible.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d8=6 ; d20+3=23 ; Thursday February 19th, 2009 12:47:43 PM
Fatine snaps her fingers. "I got it!" she exclaims. Calling after Keela, she says, "Hold up, sister. I forgets all 'bout the answer here."
Picking up her four-legged doll, she rubs its back lightly while mumbling a chant of some sort. After a moment, she points the doll at the puma. Then she clears her throat and smiles at the cat.
[action: cast Speak with Animals, ley roll 6, passes]
"So . . ." she begins. "I no tink dat little guy be tasty, Puma. What 'bout I make Big Man over dere back off, and dese others quiet down and you and I talk like nice people . . . or animals . . . or whatever?"
[diplomacy roll, natural 20! That should make up for me forgetting I had that spell for the last few turns]
Caelnin Thursday February 19th, 2009 7:24:41 PM
With Keela running off to get Tarketh, and there not being a reason to have more than one person to run off to him, Caelnin stays behind and keeps his sights on the happenings of the Puma and hoping that Ender doesn't get hurt somewhat.
DM Bob & Carla Friday February 20th, 2009 12:31:56 AM Jet calls out for those below to fetch Tarketh, much to Alexi's bemusement. With each passing moment the large cat adopts a less threatening stance. Jet can see that the puma arrived on the scene through a narrow crevice that cuts through the rock face like a jagged seam. Ender remains quiet and as calm as one can be whilst under a large predator. Beren calls upon his training to put the cat at ease, but the nuances of his actions are lost on the cat at such a distance [greater than 30 ']. Only upon witnessing the ranger's effort does Fatine remember her own training and call upon her spell. The rest of the group must be amazed to hear her call out to the cat and hear it respond in the wild yowls of a mountain lion. At first the puma seems confused, perhaps for the first time understanding the strange language of people. The cat backs away from Ender before answering the witch who can understand the feline's calls. "I wasn't going to eat it" she replies. "Just protecting my den. The last of your kind through here stole my kit!" The cat sits down on it's haunches and looks back at the prone rogue "Do they taste good?" she asks with an obvious sense of playfulness, obvious at least to Fatine .
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d20+3=15 ; Friday February 20th, 2009 7:23:12 AM
"Meh," Fatine shrugs. "Dey all gristle. Dat Big Man over dere, you probably like him better." Fatine nods a head at Jet.
"What dey look like who stole you baby? Dey dressed like us? How long go dat happen?" Fatine asks, trying to keep a conversational tone. At the same time, she motions for Jet and Ender to move away (not sure if Ender has anywhere to move).
"Our people be scared o' you, dey send us to make sure dey be safe. But I tink we need to make sure you be safe too, no?
"You ever tink of living in another cave, where tings be quieter and our kind no be bothering you? I know a good place, out in dee plains, all quiet-like. Nobody dere to steal babies . . . ."
[diplomacy (if still necessary) 15]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday February 20th, 2009 8:21:46 AM
For the first time since the incident started, Beren relaxes, slightly. He lowers his bow to his sideas he listens to Fatine speak with the great cat. It almost seems like he can understand them, but then it slips away. He saw his master do something similar on other occasions. Maybe Fatine can teach him....
Standing still ready, he awaits the odd lady's translation of the conversation.
Jet Stormway d20+1=13 ; d20+2=11 ; Friday February 20th, 2009 10:27:29 AM
Jet grabs Ender by the arm and pulls him to his feet. "Our work here is done and the investigation is over, lets leave this to others more skilled with the wild then ourselves.
He first allows Ender to go up the rope as he keeps his eyes on the large feline, then when the rope is lowered for jet, he too uses it to get back up. It seems much harder for the fighter priest to ascend, then it was to decend.
Use rope: 13 Climb: 11
Keela Friday February 20th, 2009 6:38:12 PM
Unaware of the events happening behind her, Keela continues hurrying toward Tarketh.
"Master Tarketh!" she calls (if she sees him). "Sir, you are needed. We found a wild cat that is acting very strangely."
Caelnin Sunday February 22nd, 2009 4:11:42 AM
Caelnin watches in amazement as it looks as though that Fatine and the puma up on the cliff are having nice conversation, though in a language (or in sounds) that Caelnin doesn't understand.
Not wanting to cause anymore hostile actions, Caelnin lowers his bow but still looks at the beast on the cliff just in case something bad happens.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17 , HP32/32), Copper (AC17, HP22/22) Sunday February 22nd, 2009 8:34:47 PM
Anrete frowns as the prospects of bloodshed diminishes. Lowering his bow, the barbarian yawns as he waits for things to settle down.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday February 22nd, 2009 9:56:14 PM
With the sounds muffled by the cliff, all Alexi knows is that Tarketh has been called. The rope goes taut again and Alexi things that they are going down further, but suddenly Ender pops up over the edge. He looks rather shaken.
But that's not the end, as the rope is taut again and then Jet pops up over the edge.
"Well? So what did you find? Were we just chasing shadows?"
Jet Stormway Monday February 23rd, 2009 10:18:43 AM
"Yep, a big shadow also." Jet jests with Alexi. "A large cat of some type. It has some form of superior intelligence though. It didn't really attack us but pinned Ender to the ground with authority. Something is definitely not normal about it."
He collects his rope and mounts Bantom. "Lets go report to Garth and see what he wants to do next. All we were asked to do was investigate. What we found was a felines home. Fatine is talking to it now, for what that is worth."
DM Bob & Carla Monday February 23rd, 2009 10:43:08 PM Jet pulls Ender away from the cat and the two climb their way back up to the top of the rock face where they explain the situation to Alexi. With the situation resolved, the three head back the long way towards Bryn. Keela reaches Tarketh's place and finds the herbalist outside tending his trees. The lush growth that now surrounds his home speaks volumes about the power of the Orb of Kalista. The druid agrees to come with her and expresses his interest in the cat they have found.
Fatine continues her conversation with the cat under the watchful eyes of Beren and Caelnin. As she discusses options with the feline, it makes its way down the cliff face, jumping from ledge to ledge, until finally it leaps to the top of the inner wall that separates the actual mine site from the town. "The men who stole my kit wore skins and carried spears, but it was many seasons ago. I came here because they seemed afraid of this place, but now these new men have come. This is no longer a place for me...will you lead me to this cave you speak of?"
Keela Tuesday February 24th, 2009 12:09:01 AM
"I didn't really see much," Keela pants, hurrying after the druid. "That halfling stowaway went up on the ledge, and the cat was there, but it didn't attack. Then they called for you."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Tuesday February 24th, 2009 8:26:21 AM
Beren continues to watch as the big cat makes its way down the cliff. He can still almost understand what the cat and Fatine are saying, but the not understanding frustrates him a little.
He can only wait to see what else develops, and to hear what the cat has to say.
Jet Stormway Tuesday February 24th, 2009 9:33:43 AM
Jet reports in to Tarketh, and if not needed further goes to Ma Belles for some fun.
He attempts some flirtatious fun with the girls in the hopes that one of them will find him attractive enough to go up stairs with the fighter priest of Bryn Baraz.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Tuesday February 24th, 2009 12:07:46 PM
"Aye, Puma. Dat I will do. It be off in dee middle o' nowhere, nice fields an' such. But dere be no people 'round dere. We make sure dee men 'round here no bodder you dere either. Now, dis cave, it be recently cleared out by me and dese folk here. It maybe still smell a bit, but I help you wit' dat if you like." Turning, Fatine heads to her horse, beckoning the Puma to follow. When her dogs growl and raise the hair on their backs, she dismisses them with a wave and orders them to sit.
"Come 'long, Puma. We go look at dat new cave right now, yea?"
Once the men climb back down, Fatine switches back to common and says to the others, "I tink dere be no more trouble. Dis here nice Puma gon' go live in dee cave what we just made free from dee dragon-tingies. Den she have peace an' quiet, and we no have to worry 'bout our people bein' scared."
Turning to Beren, she says, "Sometimes I no remember how ta find my own home. I no gon' find dat cave. Can you find it again for us?"
Unless any of the others protest, Fatine will (try to) take the Puma to the cave where the group killed the dragon-monsters. She pushes for an immediate trip, not wanting anything to go wrong with this newfound friendship.
Also, before the spell runs out, Fatine tells the Puma, "I no be able to speak wit' you in a minute, but I can do it again today. If dere be something important to tell me, jus' stomp dat dere paw tree times in dee dirt, an' I know we need to talk." If she sees the Puma do that at all, she will recast Speak with Animals.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Tuesday February 24th, 2009 8:22:20 PM
Hearing Fatine's conversation with the Puma, and the deal she has made. Beren agrees to lead the two of them back to the cave.It should only take a couple of days. He stops long enough to resupply, and then, unless they are commanded otherwise, he leads them off into the wilderness.
Maybe this will give him time to learn the new spell from Fatine, so that he can speak with animals as well.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday February 24th, 2009 9:19:16 PM
OOC: it took us several hours to reach the spot on the ledge and it was getting dark then. It will probably take us a little less coming back as it will be down hill and we know more where we are going.
So leaving for the cave immediately may not work. We may need to wait until dawn.
IC: Alexi is still puzzled by Jet's assertion that Fatine was 'talking' to a large cat. "And it didn't try to eat you, Ender?" he asked again as if he needed confirmation from the hafling. "Wonder if you'd taste bad to an Ambush Drake," he jests with the new member of their group.
Back in town Alexi finds out from the others what the plan is and if Garth approves of it.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday February 25th, 2009 8:20:04 AM
OOC-No Dm post to respond to. Will try to post later.
Anrete Nanoc (AC17 , HP32/32), Copper (AC17, HP22/22) Thursday February 26th, 2009 1:29:31 AM
Anrete shrugs, "I miss the wild too."
DM Bob & Carla Thursday February 26th, 2009 7:48:49 AM Fatine concludes her conversation with the feline and offers to lead it to the ambush drake lair so recently vacated. Beren and Anrete agree to assist her. Jet, Alexi and Ender make their way back from the top of the cliff, which takes quite some time.
Tarketh arrives with Keela to see the puma walking at Fatine's side. "So, not just an apprentice herbalist after all" he jests. "Something of a druid stirs within you". The druid listens to Fatine's plan and consults with the cat in it's own tongue. "I see no reason for you to not pursue this coarse of action. I will help you to convince Garth if necessary."
[Will the group follow Fatine back into the wild, or are there other orders of business?]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday February 26th, 2009 10:15:45 AM
Beren has already agreed to lead Fatine and the cat to the cave. Some of the others want to stay in the settlement. That's up to them. Beren will lead where he has already agreed.
He only takes time to re-supply before they depart, unless other orders are forthcoming.
Jet Stormway Thursday February 26th, 2009 11:49:58 AM
Jet does as he is told. If Garth tells him to kill the cat and spit it over a fire, that is what he will attempt. Thankfully, that isn't the case and Jet can spend time with a lady some other night. "What is improtant is that if we take this cat out there, that we also locate the Ahote and warn them that it is there, or they may just kill it for it's pelt."
Jet prepares Bantom and Vaya, "We may as well make a hunting trip out of it as well. We didn't bring back anything worth eating the last time we went out."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday February 26th, 2009 6:39:15 PM
Alexi is still having a hard time grasping the concept that Fatine actually talked to a wild panther. He shakes his head numerous times as he waits for Garth's response.
As Jet mentions the Ahote and the danger the panther faces, he voices the same concern to Tarketh. "Perhaps we should let it live up on the cliff instead of out in the open. We know it is here and we can warn the town not to bother it and it won't bother us. Fatine can talk to it occasionally to see if it needs anything. It would also serve us well as a guard upon the cliffs. Out there in the grasslands, the cat will be hunted by Ambush Drakes and Ahote. I think the cat has a better chance here, where we can insure its litter is left unmolested."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Thursday February 26th, 2009 11:15:56 PM
Fatine smiles and winks at Tarketh. "I be what I be, Master Darketh. Dat be no druid, jus' a herbalist assistant, ol' Fatine."
She pushes for the group to depart right away, not wanting to annoy the cat or lose what she has gained, but as she listens to the others, especially Jet and Alexi, she is unsure. "Maybe dat be right," she says to Alexi. "She want peace an' quiet, but no want to die I tink. Master Darketh, you wan' ask her what she prefer? I be happy to take her to dee cave, or to visit her here."
Turning to Beren, she adds, "I try to show you dee spell, but I not sure it gon' work. My magic be . . . different . . . dan yours be. Unless . . . ." she thinks for a moment and looks around at the ground. "Dere," she points to an obviously empty patch of grass. "You feel dat ting underneath dere? Dere be a line o' power nearby. If'n you can see it, maybe you learn my magic, no?"
Keela Friday February 27th, 2009 1:14:44 AM
Keela hesitates. "Er...would you like company?" she asks Fatine.
Basically, if Fatine wants her to come along, Keela will. Otherwise, she returns to her family.
DM Bob & Carla Friday February 27th, 2009 6:39:05 AM
Tarketh confers further with the puma and confirms it's desire to look for a new hunting ground and lair and to accompany Fatine to the cave she has spoken of. The party leaves at first light having been reprovisioned and given Garth's blessing for the voyage. The former wagon master is concerned about food supplies and another hunting party is more than welcome.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=25 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=16 ; Friday February 27th, 2009 8:37:02 AM
With a decision finally made, Beren leads the group back in the direction of the cave where they killed the ambush drakes. With unerring skill (NAT 20 whoot! track) he shows the way directly to the cave.
Along the way he is watching for any signs of trouble , and also keeping an eye out for game.
spot 13 listen 16
Jet Stormway Friday February 27th, 2009 10:04:48 AM
"We all go." Jet says in a kind manner to Keela. "WE are a team and you no longer have to think of yourself as a reserve M'lady."
"Let's prepare for standard watches as well." Jet prepares the group with the usual gruff manner that everyone expects from him. He is such a different person when off duty then when there is something to do, but the furry face reminds all, he is one in the same. "Never assume we are not in danger when we leave here! Let's imagine an Ambush Drake around every knoll and we all may just make it back here alive."
The group was given extra Ahote bags from the carnage they found in the very cave they want to return to. "Tarketh, ask that cat if it will make some type of vow to not attack humanoids unless attacked first, then we will tie this bag around his neck to let the Ahote know he, or she, whatever it is, is not a threat. They left them for us to use at our discretion. If the cat doesn't mind wearing it, I believe it will be a sound token of good will, after all, it didn't eat Ender when it had the chance."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Friday February 27th, 2009 4:01:46 PM
"O' course!" Fatine says to Keela. "You tink I gon' ride 'round wit' all dese men, wit' out some other intelligent person? Beren can find dee cave, and Big Man always good for falling down ina fight, but I need someone to talk to, no?" she says with a smile.
Otherwise, Fatine spends the night near the Puma so that no trouble arises, and heads out with the others at first light. She casts [/i]speak with animals[/i] once per day to converse with the Puma and make sure all is well, until they reach the Ambush Drake cave.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=16 ; d20+1=13 ; Friday February 27th, 2009 6:56:03 PM
Alexi immediately starts getting ready. If they are going on a hunting trip, they will need extra animals to carry the carcasses back. He appropriates a pack saddle from the stables and tells the stable hand to saddle Lupin up with it and have all the other horses ready to travel by dawn.
First thing Alexi does when he gets up is check to see if all the horses are ready for travel, then he stops by the smithy. "I've got to make a trip that will take a couple of days. Is that new armor I ordered going to be ready when I get back? Good."
Alexi, on Lobo and with Lupin in tow, heads off with others. Concerned how the horses will react to the puma's presence, he asks Fatine to have the puma not get close to the horses so as not to spook them.
Alexi Spot d20+1 = 16, Listen d20+1 = 13
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Saturday February 28th, 2009 4:47:35 AM
Ender checks with Tarketh... "i need a mount if im to go on this trip, a stout billy goat might be appropriated from one of the other halfling farmers..."
Caelnin d20+8=13 ; d20+7=20 ; Saturday February 28th, 2009 8:44:35 PM
Caelnin readies Huetheria and once again keeps a good eye on the way ahead, looking around for any problems or even something that might be edible.
Spot:13, Listen 20
Keela Monday March 2nd, 2009 12:58:27 AM
Pleased to be wanted, Keela happily accompanies the others. She cannot help, however, rolling her eyes a little at Jet's overt kindness.
"Are we not supposed to notice he spends all his free time at Ma Belle's?" she asks Fatine in an undertone.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday March 2nd, 2009 8:23:08 AM
No DM post to respond to . Will post later.
DM Bob & Carla Monday March 2nd, 2009 10:40:14 PM
The group readies for departure. Keela's status as a regular with the party is confirmed by Jet. A small pony is found for Ender and Beren and Caelnin take their normal position out front. Anrete rides out from the flank at a distance, and Fatine and the puma keep their distance from the horses. Sign of any game is scarce as they travel but Fatine does find a number of herbs and seeds that were requested by Tarketh before their previous trip. The big cat accepts the Ahote totem being tied around it's neck and is content to walk near the witch. They make an odd twosome, the small female with the bedevilled hair and clothes, and the sleek, muscular cat. Fatine's conversations with the cat assure her that it is of no danger to the horses or to humanoids in general and that it is content to walk with them to it's new home.
The first evening on the trail is quiet. The watches neither hear nor see anything alarming. The second morning arrives, a warm drying wind kicks up dust behind them as they travel.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=6 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=26 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 8:25:46 AM
Beren continues to lead the way to the cave. He looks at the dust being stirred up behind them, wondering if it is another of the things that attacked them when they first topped out the escarpment, but he cannot tell. (survival knowledge nature--6 natural 1) .
He stays alert looking for anything strange.
spot 18 listen 26
Keela Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 12:59:43 PM
Keela concentrates on keeping up, not wanting to slow her companions down. When the dust begins to fly, she ties her handkercheif over her mouth and nose. She is glad of her long "duster", which protects her clothing from the worst of the dust. The way it is flying about, though, she's not sure how much help the long coat will actually be.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=6 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 3:18:12 PM
Ender falls to the back of the group and keeps a lookout
Spot=6 Listen=17
ooc: I seems to have gone very nearsighted
Jet Stormway d20+3=18 ; d20+3=9 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 4:24:32 PM
Jet again pulls up the rear, bearing the standard on the tip of one of his spear, resting on the saddle. He has learned to ride off to the side of the trail blazed land. Paying close attention to Fatine and the cat, he is awed by the rare nature of such a beast. He wonders if it is some polymorphed creature testing the kindness of the new settlement, or some past familiar to a mage that set his best friend free, before old age does in all that it clutches? "Probably just a smart cat". Jet blurts out from nowhere.
He hopes to find a group of Ahote, for a change. His thoughts of them becoming more positive then before. He really does want to visit their camp and drink that beverage they spoke of. He forgets the name right now, but it will be remembered later when he stops thinking about it.
Listen: 18 Spot: 9
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 8:16:32 PM
For the few minutes of her spell, Fatine spends some time talking to the Puma and her dogs, assuring both of the others' presence. She keeps Beren near when she casts the spell, hoping to show him how it is done, though she finds the explanation quite difficult.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=13 ; d20+1=6 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+5=25 ; Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 8:21:11 PM
OOC: Ender, you are probably just bouncing up and down too much so Spot well. :)
IC: Alexi eases along in the middle of the pack, lance pointed up, looking about and glancing at Lobo's ears now and then. He stays near Keela so he can hand Lupin's rope to her if he needs to.
"So, Keela, how are things going over at the homestead? How about all those kids that you've been taking care of? Finding any of them promising in the Art of Wizardry?"
Caelnin d20+8=10 ; d20+7=14 ; Wednesday March 4th, 2009 1:50:35 AM
Caelnin keeping up with Beren, looks out into the distance to see if their goal had come and to watch out for anything else that might come their way.
Spot: 10 Listen: 14
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday March 4th, 2009 8:22:17 AM
No DM post to respond to will try to post later
Keela Wednesday March 4th, 2009 1:10:55 PM
Keela smiles at Alexi. "The homestead is coming along wonderfully. Senna and Daben are working very hard; I can't believe how quickly they're getting the house built and the crops planted!"
"The children are a handful, but I like being able to help out. I have to confess, though, I have no idea how to spot magical talent in others. I mean, Master Thaddeus found me, but I'm not really sure how."
DM Bob & Carla Thursday March 5th, 2009 7:47:43 AM
The party moves at a steady pace across the plains. Jet keeps the Three Sisters on his right shoulder, and as night time approaches, the knob that was formerly occupied by the ambush drakes comes into sight. it is little more than a small rise in the grasses at this point, but even from this distance the small whisp of smoke rising from it is obvious.Beren is the first to notice.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=13 ; Thursday March 5th, 2009 8:29:58 AM
As they travel, and Fatine talks to the Puma, Beren watches closely as to how this is done. Immediately he realizes that this is now how his master did this, but again as she speaks with the beast, he seems to almost understand.
As they get close to the cave, Beren spots smoke.
What could this be?
Pointing, he brings it to the attention of the others.
"Could there have been more of these drakes, some with the ability to breathe fire?"
HIs question hangs in the air as they approach the den.
spot 12 listen 13
Jet Stormway Thursday March 5th, 2009 1:24:11 PM
"I doubt it. I think it might be an Ahote ceremony to their lost ones, or just a shelter that they are using now while out hunting. No need to worry I think. Lets go have a talk with them. "
Jet pulls up near the head of the patrol so that the standard will be seen by those ahead.
Keela d20+9=20 ; Thursday March 5th, 2009 5:25:27 PM
Keela quickly reviews everything she learned of dragons. Are there fire-breathing drakes? If so, how dangerous are they?
[Knowledge Arcana 20]
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday March 5th, 2009 6:03:43 PM
Alexi agrees with Jet's assessment, but also cautions everyone, "But just in case it is NOT the Ahote, let us approach cautiously and ready. Perhaps if Anrete would sneak up just close enough to confirm it is the Ahote, I would feel much more comfortable approaching the camp. Specially since it is starting to get dark."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday March 6th, 2009 8:21:42 AM
No DM post to respond to will post later
Jet Stormway Friday March 6th, 2009 10:13:38 AM
Jet hasn't met anyone else out here that would have a fire started in a controled manner, so if it is not the Ahote, he really does want to know what it is. "No sneaking, let's just ride up to them. If they are dangerous, I don't want one or two of us up there alone."
Jet continues to take the lead so as not to surprise those at the "sisters".
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=11 ; d20+9=28 ; Friday March 6th, 2009 5:45:00 PM
Beren just shakes his head at Jet's attitude. Storm in and forget the consequences. What if they are outnumbered? What if this is more dangerous than the two drakes?
Too late to do anything about it now. Just a need to be as ready for anything as possible. He loosens his weapons in their sheathes, and shakes an arrow loose and ready.
spot 11 listen 28 (can't see anything, but I'll hear it coming)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor d8=5 ; Sunday March 8th, 2009 12:05:03 PM
Upon noticing the smoke, Fatine immediately casts her Speak with Animals for the day. She says to the puma, "You no need to fight wit us if someting happen, but whoever dat be up dere, please no start someting til we see if dey be peaceful."
She rides ahead with Jet and whoever else goes.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=7 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+10=19 ; Sunday March 8th, 2009 7:29:00 PM
Ender follows in the wake of Jet and Fatine out to the side ready to hide in the shadows if anything shows its ugly head.... Spot: 7 Listen: 19 Hide: 19
Keela Monday March 9th, 2009 1:18:43 AM
Not knowing what else to do, Keela pulls out both wands.
LOG ON