DM Bob & Carla Monday March 9th, 2009 7:50:48 AM Jet's assessment of the situation in uncannily correct, for a small group of 3 Ahote are indeed camped at the rock outcrop. They wave at the party of adventurers as they near, encouraging them to approach. The puma slips away into the grasses after having conceded to Fatine's wish not to start anything.
It is only once they are at the foot of the hill that they can recognize Muata . He looks very solemn. "I am glad to see you again" he speaks quetly. " The shaman said we would find you here. The visons he has endured have come to pass...our children are missing. We came back from a hunting trip and found our women asleep and the children gone. It took the shaman two days to awaken them, and they remembered nothing. Dasan wishes to know if your offer to help the Ahote still stands."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday March 9th, 2009 8:28:46 AM
Beren hears the plea of the Ahote, and before they can finish, he responds.
"As for me, Yes!"
He then looks at the others to see what they will do.
Jet Stormway Monday March 9th, 2009 10:54:22 AM
Jet is very glad to see his native friends, but his mood drops when told of their peoples plight. "We told our leader in Bryn we would go hunting while we were out here. I don't remember speaking of that which we hunted. You have more sword and my skills my friend."
He looks over the other members of the party to see what they have to say before he speaks about the cat they brought with them. He wonders if the cat wasn't some spirit sent by their shaman now.
Keela Monday March 9th, 2009 11:03:07 AM
Tucking her wands away, Keela replies quietly, "Of course we will help. We said we would."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday March 9th, 2009 6:38:59 PM
Popping out of a nearby bush, Ender goes; "I'm in"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday March 9th, 2009 9:46:18 PM
"So much for a leisurely hunting trip," Alexi mumbles. He didn't expect the dreams to come to pass so soon! 'Can we go back to Bryn Baraz before this hunting trip?' he wondered. 'I've got some new armor waiting for me! Shoot!'
Not to show his disappointment at not returning to Bryn Baraz in the next few days, Alexi chirps up, "You bet you can count on me! We start now?"
Caelnin Tuesday March 10th, 2009 5:50:45 AM
Caelnin agrees with everyone else. "We agreed to help and help we must."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Tuesday March 10th, 2009 7:08:24 AM
"I go 'long also," Fatine says with a half-smile. "But dere be some business first." She puts fingers to lips and whistles loudly. "Puma!" she calls. "It be okay, come see you new house!"
If the Puma shows itself, Fatine says to Muata, "Now, dis be Puma. She gon' live in dis here cave. Can you tell all dee other Ah-ho-tay dat dey no bother he no more? She jus' gon' live in peace right here, yes?"
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday March 10th, 2009 7:56:45 AM
Muata's relief at their agreement to help is obvious. His brooding figure is transformed by the readiness of the party to assist in teh Ahote's troubles. He greets each of them in the formal manner of the Ahote and tells them that Istaqa and Dasan await them at the main village, some two days ride past the three sisters.
When Fatine calls out her new friend, the cat emerges from the tall grasses like a ghost. It stands next to her, it's long tail flicking back and forth, it's eyes sizing up each of the Ahote. Muata steps back in surprise, for cats such as these have been known to take a man. Fatine explains the cat's presence and her desire for it to be left unbothered by Ahote or others, and Muata nods his understanding. "If that is all, then let us go, for Dasan worries, and Istaqa spends much time in his dream state, looking for answers, and growing older by the hour." Muata mounts his horse and readies to leave.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+1=9 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2009 10:25:43 AM
Beren raises a hand in farewell to the puma, attempting to communicate as Fatine has done. He focuses his energy on the great cat, and speaks.
"Go in peace. Good hunting!"
It sounds like common to him. There must be more to this than just desire.
He mounts and prepares to leave.
Use magic 9
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 10th, 2009 5:17:32 PM
Jet walks up to the cat to allow it to smell him one last time, then mounts Bantom and follows the natives of the land. he doesn't ask any more questions. he is sure they will hear the full story when they arrive at the village.
"Fatine, is there a way we could have Col take a note back to Bryn Baraz for us and still find you after? If not, then let us leave a message here on one of these rocks of the three sisters, in case they send a search party after us, so they do not go on a goose chase."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Tuesday March 10th, 2009 6:28:21 PM
Ender waves at the cat, then follows the others... "If we do come back here" he tells Fatine "please tell the cat that I'm not a chew toy!"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday March 10th, 2009 10:24:35 PM
Alexi takes out his map and consults it. "Ok, so we are about a day's ride to the Three Sisters, here, and Dasan's main camp is two days ride past that. Looks like we have about a three day ride. So put that down on your note."
Turning to Muata and asks, "Is that right?"
He then sets his sights on the Three Sisters and makes ready to follow.
Keela Tuesday March 10th, 2009 11:36:08 PM
Keela hadn't expected to be gone quite so long, and sighs with regret that she brought no change of clothes. She hopes they won't worry too much, back at town. She hopes Senna won't scold her when she returns.
But she straightens her duster, grips the reins, and urges Daisy to follow the others. Right is right, and we promised.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:04:11 AM
Muata agrees with Alexi's assessment of the distance to his home village, "a bit sooner if we ride hard". The party makes their farewells to the cat that sits on one of the larger and flatter stones. Beren's attempt to communicate is greeted by what he can only interpret as a puzzled expression. Jet scrawls a note in the rocks using charcoal from the fire and the group prepares to leave. Muata takes the lead and sends his two companions out to the flanks with a series of quick hand movements, words do not appear necessary between them.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=14 ; d20+9=22 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:30:20 AM
Traveling with the Ahote reminds Beren oftraveling with his master. He too rarely spoke in words. Pointing and gestures were supplemented by words only when necessary. As a solitary ranger, he said that you did not want to scare off that which you hunted, or alert that which hunted you.
In spite of their escort, Beren remains vigilant.
spot 14 listen 22
Jet Stormway d20+3=22 ; d20+3=18 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2009 11:47:34 AM
Like rolling thunder, Jet in his polished plate mail and Bantom in his barding make a rumbling sound as they cross the open plain of tall grass. His tabard to all the gods present for the world to see and his visor is up, not anticipating battle. The clapping of his two handed sword in it's sheath stapped across his back, can be heard as well with each rise and fall of his body in the military saddle.
Although he admires the toughness of the Ahote, he does not relish their ideas of armor and weapons and is glad to be born in a more civilized area of the Wold.
He watches his fellow travelers and the ears of the horses, as well as the surrounding area for dangers that may be present, yet unseen. By watching the others, he may notice one of them noticing something he has missed.
Listen: 22 Spot: 18
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Wednesday March 11th, 2009 12:32:09 PM
[sorry for delay in posting]
Fatine kneels and smiles at the cat. Her spell has (probably) expired, but she whispers, "Be good, Puma. Ol' Fatine be 'round if'n you need me." She takes out a small dagger made of glass, and cuts off a long dreadlock from her messy hair. If the cat permits her, she ties it around its neck or one of its legs. "Dis be of Fatine. Now I be you friend."
When the Ahote are ready to leave, she gets back on her horse and calls to the cat, "And no more halfings! Dey be all gristle I told you!"
She whistles for Col at Jet's request. "He be bringin' dee note back, and he be knowin' how ta find Fatine. But will he come back straight away? Who knows . . ." She ties the note to Col's foot and says to the bird, "Now don' go gettin' inna no trouble. I don' wan' have ta find me a new bird. Be good and come back!" she smiles and pets the crow's wing as she talks, belying her gruff speech.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday March 11th, 2009 7:08:28 PM
Jet scrawls a note in the rocks using charcoal from the fire...
Hooooly COW! Col's carrying a boulder back to Bryn Baraz! My, how I've underated the bird!
Ok, I'll fix that.
IC: Alexi tears a small piece of parchment from his map and scribles on it the same note as Jet wrote on the rocks. Then hands it to Fatine. "Here, if Col can make it to Bryn Baraz and not get distracted too much, they'll know what we are up to."
He then takes his dagger and cuts a good length of his hair and uses it to tie the note to Col'l leg. "Now, Col, I be you friend, no?" and grins.
Alexi then takes up his position in the middle of the pack, near Keela.
"Hey Ender, hows your billygoat doing? Sore yet?" he says, grinning. "Keep 'em away from my map, ya hear, or else we're lost."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Wednesday March 11th, 2009 7:38:39 PM
"Well... its getting there!" Ender replies with a smirk and a cringe as the billy goat takes a small hop to avoid a hole in the ground....
Caelnin d20+8=22 ; d20+7=10 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:12:07 PM
Heading off to where the Ahote village is, Caelnin doesn't let his guard down any bit. He still is looking out for the whole group as the move off and push on.
Spot 22, Listen 10
Keela Wednesday March 11th, 2009 10:13:58 PM
Keela concentrates on keeping up and not being a bother. She doesn't want to be the weak link, especially in front of the Ahote.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=17 ; d20+5=24 ; Thursday March 12th, 2009 7:09:13 AM
Ender falls down te line keeping up the rear guard
Spot: 17, Listen: 24
DM Bob & Carla Thursday March 12th, 2009 7:58:53 AM
A note is dispatched to Bryn Baraz, tied to the leg of Fatine's crow. How long it will take to get there is unknown. The party heads north and east. The Ahote travel quietly, but the same cannot be said for their companions. Muata offers to help the cleric-fighter stuff grass inbetween the plates in his armor to help in the matter.
Other than a few small family groups of the native antelope and a hawk or two, little is spotted by any of the travellers. The Ahote seem to have some innate ability to sense direction, and teh party follows an unerring path towards the horizon.
The ride is long and hard, with few rest stops, but as evening approaches Muata signals the group to a stop along a small dried out riverbed. "We will stop here for the night."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=7 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=13 ; Thursday March 12th, 2009 8:34:01 AM
Beren checks the sky (knowldege nature 7) and can see no sign of rain, so figuring that the Ahote know what they are about, begins to set up camp in the dry riverbed. Normally he would move to just out of the path of a possible flood, rather than camp in the way. However, trusting thst the Ahote know their own country, he stays with the group.
Once his bedroll is laid out, he starts gathering wood, and surveys the area around the camp for whatever signs he can see.
spot 12 listen 13
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday March 12th, 2009 9:21:24 AM
Ender joins Beren gathering wood and stirkes up a small conversation... "I know next to nothing about these Ahote, can you tell me about them... I mean do's and donts and stuff like that..."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday March 12th, 2009 9:22:09 AM
OOC: I might not be able to post tomorrow as I'm off to England, I will try my hardest to find a computer with internet but i cant promise anything....
Jet Stormway Thursday March 12th, 2009 1:22:42 PM
Jet allows the Ahote an attempt to quiet his movement. he watches carefully in case he needs to know how to do this in the future. When they are done, he tests his mobility to see if he is more encumbered in it if battle is needed.
That night, he shares no wine. He only brought enough for a few days and he needs it in his morning prayer rituals. He replaces his plate mail with his chain shirt before bed and is not asverse to sharing war stories with the warriors before sleep.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Thursday March 12th, 2009 4:18:20 PM
Fatine rides along quietly most of the day, checking the sky now and again with a nervous look on her face.
When the party stops to rest in the evening, she shows him the pictures given her by Tarketh, and asks if he knows where the various plants grow in abundance.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=18 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=12 ; Thursday March 12th, 2009 6:19:17 PM
Alexi helps get camp set up by looking for dry grasses and twigs and stuff. He travels the dry creekbed looking for the odds and ends that end up uncovered by the running waters. He looks for interesting rocks, bones, etc.
Spot d20+1= 18
Later, Alexi tells Muata and the Ahote with him of their meeting with Honaw and tells them of the battle with the Ambush Drakes, trying not to embelish too much.
He volunteers to share the watch with someone else.
Keela Friday March 13th, 2009 1:10:05 AM
The pace is challenging, but Keela keeps up--something she could not have done when she first joined the group. She is pleased but exhausted when she finally slides off Daisy to begin making camp. He movements are slow as she unsaddles the horse and brushes her clean--but she does not stop until the task is finished. She puts the brushes away with a little sigh, and plops to the ground, unable to summon the energy to do much more.
DM Bob & Carla Friday March 13th, 2009 8:08:13 AM Alexi's look skyward is seen by Muata who nods at him in appreciation of the man's growing experience. "You are right to look to the clouds, for when rain comes it can wash away much in it's path...but look here, there are no gullies or steep banks at this place, the water that flows through this place is gentle and dissapears quickly." The Ahote set up camp quickly and efficiently and help teh others where necessary. They look through Fatine's drawings of plants and seeds and recognize a few. "These are plants that grow near springs", they tell her. "The rest are unknown to me, but I am no shaman, Istaqa will know more. You can ask him when we arrive at the village."
As the banter around the campfire unfolds there is great interest in the battle with the ambush drakes. "We have hunted them since we new of their arrival in this place, forthey have killed many of our people and they have diminished the antelope and deer that we depend on. Your tactics in battle are worth emulating. Weaken them with magic, injure them froim afar, and then go in for the kill....very sound." Muata congratulates them on their victory and the key roles played by each.
The night is quiet and peaceful. Jet unpacks the grass from his armor only to find it has found it's way into all kinds of places. The trick worked to quiet the noise of his armor, but an little extra personal hygiene will be required to deal with the after effects.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=24 ; d20+9=19 ; Friday March 13th, 2009 8:33:21 AM
When Ender asks about the Ahote, Beren's first response to the groups newcomer is to make sure his face mask is in place. Then in a quiet voise he says,
"We are still learning of them ourselves. They seem to be elves, but I have not heard stories of them. They are very skilled woodsmen. Beyond that, it might be better for you to make your own judgements."
This is quite a speech for the normally quiet ranger, and he does not offer more. He settles in for the night, sharing the watch as necessary, wondering what the next day will bring.
spot 24 listen 19
Jet Stormway Friday March 13th, 2009 12:23:53 PM
Jet and hygene are rarely used in the same sentence. What grass doesn't come out when he puts on the chain shirt is just less grass he has to replace in the morning.
Jet listens to the Ahote and the others of his group. He thinks of his party members in turn and has different feelings for each.
Across the fire he can see how tired Keela is. Her frail frame, one more used to library's and ball rooms, not the open wild. It must have taken a lot of love for her to travel out here with her family. He can respect that also, having lost his father and mother at a young age, he believes he would leave with them if they were to.
Beside her is Alexi. Jet doesn't really like him much and he doesn't know why. Could it be he had opportunities Jet didn't have? Is it his smart aleck attitude that would get someone decked in the streets if used? Still, he is a warrior and that alone earns Jet's respect.
Beren is an oddity to priest of all the gods. Why would an elven ranger leave the woods for the open grasslands? Would he really be driven away by his people because of scars? He wonders silently with much respect for his skills in the wild.
Caelnin, another elf in the wild plains. Unlike Beren, his entire life revolves around making bows. Not an entirely useless weapon, just not something a true warrior feels is right when engaging an enemy with honor. Feeling your weapon pierce the flesh of your mortal enemies skin, slide through sinew and muscle and break bone. That is a feeling like no other, as is receiving such blows. Still, it was the bows that brought down the second drake that might have escaped. I did say it wasn't useless. he thinks.
Ender the stow away. Jet isn't sure yet what to think of this small fellow. Trust is no where near his mind, but so far as he can tell at least he has been truthful and no where near as irritating to the fighter priest as Alexi. His mind is not made up as of yet on this new member. He will have to wait and see how well he fights.
Then there is Fatine, the person that is as likely to be out here in the middle of nowhere as Jet is and likely the most irritating to him. Always speaking harshly to the others and speaking as if Jet is incompetent with his skills. Instead of praise for being willing to die for the group he leads, she makes fun of the fact that he is a primary target for the enemy when Alexi is off picking his nose playing with missile weapons, he thinks back to the rescue of Lollena. The best way to deal with her is not give her the satisfaction of being annoyed with her. There will be a day when it is her that will need the power of the gods and her demon friends won't be there to help her.
It seems the one person he has much in common with is Anrete. Both of them raising themselves in the street, they are both kind of like rogues in the wild. He is fast and accurate. Looking around he asks the others in the group, "Anyone seen Anrete lately?"
OOC From DM Donna Saturday March 14th, 2009 5:37:12 AM
Hello, players. I'm going to be subbing as DM for your game while Bob & Carla are on vacation. It would be the best interest of the game if all those players whom do not have a link to their current character sheet posted on this board make sure that any such link is made available to me at my current email address--before I have to take up the DM reins this upcoming week. If you don't make sure about that before March 16th, it's possible that your character may not have any of his or her rolls count for any combat or skill check that may need to be made in the game.)
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Saturday March 14th, 2009 11:10:33 AM
OOC--Welcome Donna!
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday March 15th, 2009 10:19:46 PM
OOC: It was Beren who checked the sky, not Alexi. Please don't give Alexi any undue credit. It will only re-inforce Jet's opinion of him. :)
Thanks for filling in for Bob & Carla. Welcome ot the Uncharted Lands.
IC: Alexi doesn't seem to find any pretty stones or other unusual items in the dry creekbed and returns to camp. Camp was made quickly and Alexi was glad. Seeing Keela exhausted, he goes to tend to her horse, but the girl learned well from him. Girl! She was no girl. She is a woman, grown much in the past few months.
This venture with the ahote, and the Dream they all had except for Keela, would tax them to their limits, he felt. And Ender, poor chap, had no idea what they were up against. Should he tell him? Well, someone aught to tell him something.
As they eat supper, Alexi asks Ender, "Do you dream? Do you have nightmares?" He then explains his inquiries. "When we first met the Ahote... long story. The short of it is that we shared a vision with their shaman that foretold a great doom. We promised to help, as this Doom would affect us too. The first steps of this Doom have just occured. Thus we are here. Make any sense?"
Alexi helps in the watch as usual, then helps get the horses ready for their next leg of the trip. Before they head out, he makes a mark on his map the approximate location of their camp relative to the Three Sisters and the Ambush Drake, or Puma's Den, as he now labels his map.
Keela Monday March 16th, 2009 12:02:30 AM
[OOC: Hi Donna! Thanks for the help!]
Keela isn't quite sure how long she sits, but when she is at last ready to stir, she is ashamed to see that the camp has been set up while she rested. I have a ways to go yet if I'm to keep up, she thinks.
She is too tired to eat. She takes a long, refreshing drink, then seeks her rest for the night.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday March 16th, 2009 7:27:39 PM
After his and Berens little chat Enders sits in quiet contemplation, being slightly startled by Alexi's question he answers, "I rarely have very vivid dreams, well day dreams i have like most people, but I'm not sure they relate to your question. It might be because i wasnt here with you on the first part of your journey but cooped up with the farmers..." Ender slips off into quiet contemplation again....
OOC: Hi Donna, thanks for jumping in!... how do I change my name to link to my char. page?
More OOC From DM Donna Monday March 16th, 2009 8:25:57 PM
HOW TO LINK YOUR PLAYER CHARACTER'S NAME IN YOUR POST
First you need to make sure that you have your character sheet on Google Docs.
Second, you MUST make sure that your CS has been published as a Web page on Google Docs, or step #3 isn't going to work for anyone else trying to view your character's sheet.
Third, I am going to use my own Woldian PC, K'Nara Illutu, as the example of how you can make your PC's name into the link for their character sheet: in order for her name to appear as a link, I must type:
However, the asterisks * in the above example need to be replaced with beginning brackets [ and the tildes ~ need to be replaced with ending brackets ] for the link to become active. You also need to make sure that the Doc id number in your post matches the one that is the address for your character's published CS.
When you make the replacements in the above example, you then get an active link to K'Nara's character sheet. In the case of linking to your own PC's character sheet, don't forget to change "K'Nara" to your own PC's name.
Once you do this, your PC's name can be posted as a link not only in the body of your post, but in the Post Name as well. The Post Name is where we DMs of the Wold would prefer you link your PC's character sheet, anyhow.
DM Donna Monday March 16th, 2009 8:37:35 PM
Muata and his people offer to take turns keeping watch over the camp, if the party can cook up something for everyone to eat for dinner. The Ahote can quickly catch some of the native game if need be. They are also amenable to sharing watch duties with the party should any of the party members wish to do so. (There are four watches from sundown to sunrise, each watch is three hours long.)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Monday March 16th, 2009 10:02:00 PM
Fatine helps prepare a small dinner, taking a bit and seeing that her dogs are fed. She takes the pair of dogs off for a walk, letting them run and roll in the high grasses a bit, then makes up a bed and falls to sleep quickly. Accepting the Ahote's offer, she takes the full night to rest (unless awakened for some reason).
Keela Monday March 16th, 2009 11:21:06 PM
Keela is also grateful for a full night's rest, although she is too tired to eat dinner.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=11 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2009 12:05:18 AM
Beren will take one of the first watches before he settlers down for the night. He is comfortable to be among elves again, no matter how different from what he is used to.
He chooses a sleeping spot somewhat away from the others, near the edge of the light, and tells himself to sleep lightly. It is a trick taught to him by his master, and he will wake off and on through the night to ensure that all is well.
Spot 15 listen 11
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=21 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2009 7:02:03 AM
Ender will take the final watch before first light
Spot 21 Listen 17
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 17th, 2009 11:32:00 AM
Jet will assisit with the first watch as is his habit. he avoids the Ahote while on watch, not wanting to ruin their chances at surprising an approching agressor.
After his shift, he sleeps well and soundly.
ooc: Welcome Donna. I'm trying to update and publish my character Jet for you. I'm not sure if today is an offiacial Woldian holiday or not, but I have lots of plans today, so I will do my best to have it done tomorrow.
DM Donna Tuesday March 17th, 2009 11:07:08 PM
Everyone gets fed and then gets ready to spend their downtime in their various ways, sleeping, studying, exercising or just plain preparing for a good night's sleep.
Muata shares the first watch with one of his fellow Ahotes, along with Beren and Jet. About halfway through the watch, The Ahotes are suddenly alert and brandish the spears they are armed with, facing a particularly dark set of shadows that seem to move...
Beren must roll a Spot and a Listen check. If the Spot check beats DC15, then Beren Highlight to display spoiler: {...you spot a pair of shining amber eyes advancing from the shadowy cover, slowly approaching the men on watch.} If the Listen check beats DC18, then Beren Highlight to display spoiler: {...you hear the barest whisper of the grass and underbrush rustling.}
OOC: as Jet's character sheet isn't posted to this board yet, I can't have Jet's player roll for anything, as I have no way of confirming what is on the CS.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday March 18th, 2009 12:03:35 AM
Alexi plans to take the second watch, as usual, so he sleeps happily on, trusting in his friends to be alert enough to be aware of anything and wake him up in time.
OOC: Can you see mine? It works for me.
Keela Wednesday March 18th, 2009 1:54:02 AM
Keela sleeps peacefully, oblivious to the hard ground, the chill night air, or anything that might be happening in camp.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=11 ; d20+9=20 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2009 8:35:57 AM
Bere takes his watch with the Ahote, but trusting to their senses more than his own (spot 11! a 2!) he does what he has learned never to do, and has been watching the fire. When the others on watch spring to alert, he can see nothing out in the darkness. That does not stop him from believing that something is there to be seen, and his weapons come up and ready, with two arrows loose in his hand.
He does hear a strange rustling noise, and recognizes that something is moving towards the camp through the tall grass. He uses that sound to focus and target,and waits with bitter impatience for his night sight to return. (listen 20)
Jet Stormway d20+3=9 d20+3=10 Wednesday March 18th, 2009 12:46:23 PM
Jet doesn't see or hear anything during his watch.
OOC from DM Donna: thank you for posting Jet's character sheet.
DM Donna Wednesday March 18th, 2009 8:19:32 PM
"Look!" Muata says, lowering his spear a bit and pointing to an area of the darkness that detaches itself from the rest of the shadows and advances until it is at the edge of the firelight--
It's Puma. The big black cat stares, unblinking, for a moment or two at the people standing guard before slinking around the periphery of the camp to where Fatine has bedded down for the night. The huskies with the witch are instantly alert, "wuffing" softly and nosing Fatine awake, but not otherwise reacting to the presence of the panther, which sits down a few yards away and begins to rather idly clean a paw.
Fatine Highlight to display spoiler: {... Fatine may now build the cat into her character sheet using the basic build for a leopard in the monster manual.}
The rest of the night otherwise passes uneventfully for everyone standing on watch. All spellcasters may consider their magic completely restored, as well as any of the party members who happen to possess abilities that have a "only a certain number of times per day" limitation on them.
Comes the dawn, the Ahote once again provide game with which to make a meal, asking only that the party cook the breakfast. At the conclusion of the meal, camp will be broken so that everyone may continue on to the Ahote settlement.
Caelnin Wednesday March 18th, 2009 8:54:39 PM
(OOC: Sorry for not replying in a while...)
"The puma is back? It must like you, Fatine..." Caelnin says as he starts packing things up. Whilst everyone is getting ready to leave, Caelnin practices a few shots and doing so keeps remembering his father's pet wolf that never left his father's side.
"Hope I can see you again one day..." Caelnin says softly while shooting an arrow.
Keela Thursday March 19th, 2009 12:23:05 AM
Keela awakens feeling stiff and grubby. Washing her face and hands helps, as does walking around the camp for a bit. She breakfasts heartily, hungry after skipping dinner last night.
When the group is ready to move out, she saddles and mounts Daisy, ready for another day.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday March 19th, 2009 8:30:21 AM The Puma!
Beren watches as the big cat makes itself at hom with Fatine.
Is it jealousy he feels that she now has four animals she has befriended, and can speak to while he has none?
He shakes this feeling off, and prepares for sleep. Come the morning he looks again to the big cat before helping with breakfast.
He notices that the Ahote hunt, but do not offer to cook. Do they consider this woman's work, and beneath them? Just one more thing to learn about their culture. Beren has too often been on his own to worry about anything like social problems.
When everyone is ready to move on, he will be ready as well.
Jet Stormway Thursday March 19th, 2009 12:37:59 PM
Jet shakes his head at the cat. Two dogs, a cat and a bird, what are we now a traveling circus? All we need are pack of dancing giant rats.
He finishes his shift and goes to bed.
Jet doesn't have a problem with cooking and will take his turn as needed. It's not quite what some of the others might be able to do, but it isn't raw or burnt when it's served.
Putting on his armor, he attempts to stuff the straw in his armor again and feels like quite the scare crow in the corn field.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Mage Armor d8=7 ; d20=18 ; Thursday March 19th, 2009 1:08:17 PM
Fatine wakes up from the dogs' whining, and is momentarily surprised to see the cat sitting beside her. She pets it a few times, then looks back and forth between it and the dogs.
She spends the rest of the night awake, quiet but thoughtful, alternatively petting and comforting the dogs and the cat.
In the morning, she leads all three animals off a bit and sits with them. She is out of earshot, but visibly talking, so she must have cast her spell again. DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Ley roll 8, cast Speak with Animals, but does not use a spell slot}
DM second Highlight to display spoiler: { She talks to the puma to make sure it wants to travel with her, then talks to the dogs about leaving them behind. She explains that she may be facing dangers that are too much for them, and she won't let them get hurt needlessly. She offers to send them with the Ahote to hunt and run in the grasslands, so she can visit them when she is visiting the Ahote. Handle Animal check = 18, for whatever that does for me.}
After a few minutes, Fatine and the animals return. The witch has a few tears in her eyes, but wipes them off quickly. Turning to Muata, she says, "Dis be Shadow an' Cloud. Dey be good hunters, an' good fighters, but deys in too much danger 'round me. Will you let dem go wit' you, so dey can help yous people however deys able?"
Assuming Muata agrees, Fatine gives each dog a long hug, then shoos them over to the Ahote. "And don' eat dem!" she says sharply to Muata. "I be visitin' often, an' if deys eaten, I be eatin' one o' you in return!"
[will update CS and header soon]
DM Donna Thursday March 19th, 2009 7:05:11 PM OOC from the DM: from what I've read of the most recent posts, the party has already met Istaqua the shaman, yes? If this is so, could you kindly supply me with the description of him...he seems to be the only NPC that isn't listed in the module I have. Thank you.
Muata looks down at the huskies, noting their bright-eyed and alert stances, then nods to Fatine.
"These two will be friends to my people," he says firmly, "And the Ahote do not eat their friends." There is a fleeting smile on his face as he speaks. Then he turns away and oversees the packing of the camp.
Fatine's conversation with her newest four-legged companion has this as the input from the puma:
"I am Feet of Mist. Much gladness for the den you tried to give me, but the den had the stink of badsoul in it. Impossible for me to stay there, or my soul might become bad, too. I followed your trail because you scent of goodsoul. I am Feet of Mist...I have a good soul, too. We shall hunt well together. I hope you have fish...fish is my favorite."
Muata, once the entire combined party is on the move, speaks of his village, Misu Dar. The name means "Land by the Water." The Ahote camp lies in a deep canyon some 30 miles to the north of Bryn Baraz, and on the far side of an expansive grassland that separates the two. A river runs through the canyon providing moisture to the valley bottom. A grove of willow trees lines one side of the valley, while open grasslands dominate the other.
Misu Dar is supposed to be the seasonal home of the Ahote. Right now all of the warriors of the village (with the exception of Muata and his party) are there, guarding what's left of their population. Muata is anticipating the meeting between the party and Misu Dar's leader, Chief Dasan, as well as the village shaman, Istaqua.
"Before we arrive at the village," Muata says, "Is there anything that you'd like to know? Any questions you want to ask me?"
DM OOC: I'm going to check back on this board about 5 hours from now in the hopes that one of you players will take pity on me and supply the information about Istaqua. Once I have that, I will post the party's entry into Misu Dar. Thanks again!
Jet Stormway Thursday March 19th, 2009 7:14:30 PM OOC: Our first meeting with Istaqua began at this point in the archives. If you would like to go back and read more about the dream vision, it is right after this post from DM Bob and Carla.
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday October 7th, 2008 12:18:26 AM Muata, Son of Dasan, opens a flap of hide that forms the doorway into the great tent. "You may enter, but you must leave your weapons outside", he points to three wooden poles arranged between two rocks. There are a number of spears and a bow already leaning against the makeshift rack. "Your weapons will be safe here, just as you will be safe within these walls, and they will be returned to you when you leave." The warrior's intent appears genuine to Alexi and Jet, and neither Beren nor Caelnin or Keela see anything threatening in the actions of any of the others.
Assuming the party agrees to leave their weapons outside, Muata bids them enter and allows the flap to close behind them. He waves his arm pointing to a series of braided grass mats arranged in a semicircle on the ground. "Sit" he commands them in a soft tone. "Istaqa will speak with you in a moment"
The interior of the tent is dimly lit by a vent in the roof directly above a central fire pit which is lined with rocks the size of large potatoes. The mats are arranged around one side of the fire pit, opposite a single large mat comprised of piled furs. A trace of wood smoke lingers in the air as the last embers of a fire fade in the pit.
Within a few moments Muata re-enters, followed by the white-haired elder and a line of warriors who take their places along the outer edge of the tent. Muata beckons his warriors to take their seats and so they do, curved hunting blades hanging at their sides. "This is Istaqa and he will speak for our people."
Muata takes a seat by the side of the pile of furs. The one called Istaqa steps forward, his white hair flowing over his shoulders and down his back. He carries a wooden staff and leans on it for support. The upper part of the staff is adorned with braided leather and a small leather bag hangs from this handle by a necklace of what appear to be teeth along with a single raven's feather. Istaqa's speech is halting as he struggles with the common tongue and he refers to Muata several times for the translation of a word or phrase.
"I have for many months seen your coming in my dreams and so we have come to this place where the grasses bend. All those who come into our camp freely will leave so, for this is our way. We will talk, and you will be fed, and when the sun rises you will be free to leave here as you came. He smiles reassuringly at his guests. "yes, even you will have your belly filled Thala", he opens his palm to reveal a small strip of dried venison and with a few short clicks calls Fatine's bird to his hand .
"We are the Ahote, the guardians of this land. We alone have survived the great destruction and we alone have been..., he struggles for the correct word before continuing, "have been chosen by Catori to protect this land. Why do you come here and disturb the spirit mother?" Istaqa's voice maintains a soft, even timbre as he asks his question of the group.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday March 19th, 2009 8:59:41 PM
OOC: if I can have your e-mail address, I'll send you a Word file with all the info on our encounter with the Ahote. Besides, we need your e-mail address anyway for off gaming transfer of info. :)
Jonathan.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday March 19th, 2009 9:41:00 PM
Alexi wakes up for his turn at watch and is informed that Puma had followed them. "Spooky!" is all he can muster.
As Muata talks about their village, Alexi manages to pipe in with a wide grin, "How is Tocho's sister? What can you tell me about her?"
OOC: See post in archives, dated Jan 7th thru Jan 9th for info on this subject. :)
When Muata asks them if they have any questions, Alexi says "In the dream we had, all was well one night, then next morning the children were gone. No sound, no warning. Just gone. Is that how it came to pass?"
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday March 20th, 2009 8:33:39 AM
Beren has mixed emotions about going into the Ahote camp. On the one hand, they are elves, however different. However, it does mean he will be back among more people, and he does not look forward to that.
He unconciously checks and adjusts his face mask as they approach the village.
DM Donna Friday March 20th, 2009 9:16:47 AM DM OOC: Thank you for the description of the shaman. I don't need the document, but if any of you need to contact me please email donnlapATaolDOTcom (and be careful of the spelling--the address is simply "donN" and NOT my full first name.) My apologies for the lateness of this post--I fell asleep.
"I am not being rude, friend," Muata addresses Alexi's logical question about the calamity that's befallen the Ahote, "But Istaqua told me to bring you with haste and to allow him to speak of the matter. However, I can tell you that Tocho's sister is alive and well."
It is mid-morning when the party arrives at Misu Dar. It looks much the same as their previous visit...except for the absence of children. Instead of the sight and sound of children playing games with each other, there is only the sight and sound of the adults, most of them looking pale and grim, some of them crying for the terrible loss the village has suffered.
Again the party is shown to the shaman's tent, and again Muata bids them to put aside their weapons before entering...
DM OOC: I have to go to work. The next post will pick up where I leave off.
Jet Stormway Friday March 20th, 2009 12:17:32 PM ooc: Sorry for not elaborating Donna, but we have never been here before. We met them in a small camp they had made some distance from their main community, while we were on our way to Bryn Baraz.
Jet removes his weapons and armor before entering the tent where their old friend is waiting. present around his neck is the token of friendship that was given to him some months ago.
"Thank you for the escort. I doubt we would have found your village with ease. It's placement is sound and defensible."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Friday March 20th, 2009 1:41:13 PM
Ende whispers to Beren "what kind of place is it? i havent been here before...."
DM Donna Friday March 20th, 2009 7:21:25 PM DM OOC: my goodness, I'm certainly not giving you a sterling example of a Professional DM, am I? LOL Ah, well...here is the description of the village, straight from the module:
Misu Dar, the Ahote camp, lies in a deep canyon some 30 miles to the north of Bryn Baraz, and on the far side of an expansive grassland that separates the two. A river runs through the canyon providing moisture to the valley bottom. A rare grove of willow trees lines one side of the valley, while open grasslands dominate the other. A loose association of tents makes up the settlement. Each tent is comprised of a circular wall made of stretched animal hides, topped by a slightly conical roof made of the same material sewn together. Pathways lead up out of the canyon to the mesas above, where sentries are posted in strategic positions.
The village of the Ahotes is comprised of a series of Yurts arranged in a loose semi-circle with a single Yurt in a central position. A number of small fires burn outside the hide covered structures, and small whisps of smoke escape from vents in the roofs of others. The camp looks neither makeshift nor permanent. Wooden racks have been built to dry meat in the sun and to smoke meat over fires. Horses are secured behind a corral of uprooted thorns and briars, presumably to keep predatory animals from them.
Thirty to forty individuals make up the small settlement. Many are young men, but a few are women of different ages, and there are three older men, at least judging from their white hair. The men are lean, well muscled, and hardened by the harsh environment of these open lands. Although mostly elvish in appearance, the Ahote are of mixed race. Their skin is tanned and wrinkled from perpetual exposure to the elements. Deep crows feet surround their eyes from squinting into the sun, and their bodies' are more hirsute than their elven cousins. Stronger in appearance than elves, they have however maintained the agility and lightness of foot.
Amongst the people that the party can see, there are no children. As Muata shows you to the central yurt, some of the females in the tribe are glaring suspiciously at the party members--none of them appear to like the party much and they keep their distance.
DM OOC: I just realized that--if "Tocho's sister" is a child (twelve years of age or younger), then she, too, will be missing. If she is thirteen or older, then she will be in the village. I will post more exposition later this evening. Thank you for your indulgence.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Friday March 20th, 2009 9:39:00 PM
Fatine rides along, daydreaming most of the day, and occasionally looking around the sky, hands shading her eyes. "Don' know where dat silly bird be. Probably lost. Better no' be gettin' inna trouble."
As the group rides into the village, she looks around, noticing that they've arrived somewhere. Leaning over to Keela, she whispers, "I tought we be goin' to deir camp? And where be all dee children? Did you listen to whatevey dey said?"
Keela Saturday March 21st, 2009 2:28:44 PM
"They don't know what happened to the children," Keela murmurs to Fatine. "That's what we're supposed to figure out. I don't know much more; I didn't go with you on that vision thing."
Her heart goes out to the Ahote for thier missing children. She can scarecely imagine what she would feel if her nephews and niece were to disappear. Teigan missing? Cole, and little Nilla? Not to mention all the other children at the settlement, that she had looked after and played with.
Such a terrible loss! she thinks. Oh, I do hope we can help!
DM Donna Saturday March 21st, 2009 3:41:21 PM
The yurt that the party is shown into is a bit larger, but it is laid out in the same way as the last time they'd met Istaqua. The vernerable shaman sits next to the fire, looking a bit haggard, his eyes gazing into the flames intently.
There is another Ahote in the tent--this one is clearly a warrior-type. Everyone in the party can see that he looks like an older version of Muata...same build and facial features, only he is clearly older and has mostly-white hair. His eyes are still bright and sharp, and they size up the party as they enter the tent.
"My chief, I have found the people who shared the vision," Muata says, bowing and putting his right hand to his left shoulder in salute. The Ahote ranger turns to the party. "This is Dasan, chief of the Ahote."
"I bid you welcome to Misu Dar, children of the far horizon," the leader of the tribe says in fairly decent common, "I regret the black cloud that mars your visit." He draws in a breath, then moves to a position beside the silent shaman.
"Please, sit...there is much we need to tell you," Dasan invites everyone, sitting down on one of the braided grass mats arranged around the campfire for such a purpose. Once everyone is seated, Istaqua suddenly launches into the story of how the shared vision has horribly come true, the tale coming mostly in his own words (with the occasional assist from Muata or Dasan):
Upon returning from a hunt, the men of the tribe found their women in a deep sleep and all the children had vanished. The shaman had to revive the women by calling them back from the shadow lands. It has now been two weeks and still no sign of the children. The best trackers of the Ahote have scoured the surrounding area, but they have found no clues. The Shaman remembered the dream he shared with the adventurers some months back where he foretold of the children's disappearance...prominent in his vision had been a small wild-haired woman with a black mountain lion that somehow leads them to the children.
"You are the dream-woman..." Istaqua says firmly, pointing at Fatine and pinning her in the direct, steely gaze of his eyes, "...you, of the wild hair...you, with the cat of the shadows...I have seen this...you and those with you are the ones who hold the fate of the Ahote children in your hands."
Jet Stormway Sunday March 22nd, 2009 4:47:46 PM
Jet turns to Fatine and considers what she might be able to accomplish that the shaman of the village could not.
he doesn't say a thing as he watches and waits for more to occur.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Sunday March 22nd, 2009 10:12:17 PM
Ender is very quiet while he takes it all in, Fatine a, did he say, dream woman? hmmm this is all very much to take in all at one time
Keela d20+9=20 ; Sunday March 22nd, 2009 10:58:31 PM
Keela still isn't sure how she can help. There is one thing, though. She knows magic--the magic of wizards and sages, probably different from the elemental spiritual magic practiced by the Ahote. She sorts through what she knows, trying for any insight about what might have affected the women in such a way, or how the children could be spirited off.
[Knowledge Arcana: 20]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday March 23rd, 2009 9:30:23 AM
Beren listens to the Ahote Shaman as he relates what has happened.
Fatine is the one needed to save the children? It will proabaly take much more than her.
The ranger checks his supply of arrows, and insures that he is as ready as possible. Then, in his quiet voice,
"How do we begin?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=15 ; Monday March 23rd, 2009 5:12:57 PM
OOC: 'Tocho's Sister' had better be older than 12! :)
The following conversation occured between Alexi and Honaw, the Ahote warrior they met at the Ambush Drake den right after the party defeated the drakes:
When Alexi mentions Tocho, Honaw looks back to his own companions and says something in his own language. One of the hunters barks a brief laugh, while the others exchange a few knowing glances. Pointing to the scars on his stomach, he whispers in a low voice, his dark eyes shining with mischieviousness, "it was Tocho's sister that gave me these! " (Bluff=23)
IC: Misu Dar looks similar to the hunting camp they had been in some months before, but much larger. Moving through the camp brought back memories of that time, even the suspicious looks from the Ahote. Hoping to see some friendly faces, he looks for Tocho or Honaw. (Spot d20+1= 15). He's not sure he'd be able to recoginze Honaw, since their meeting was so brief, but Tocho, he thought, he should recognize if he is in the crowd.
Alexi remembers how the hunting camp was cheerful and friendly by the time they left, but now, everyone seemed, well, distant and mistrustfull. And they had reason enough to be, he thought. They culdn't possibly know of the Dream. All they know is that since we arrived on the plains, things have gone wrong.
When directed to the main tent entrance, Alexi gives up his weapons, all of them. Remembering how nervous he was the first time he did this, he smiled. Once inside, recognizing Istaqa, he bows low to the shaman, then bows low to Dasan.
He sits as Dasan directs and listens to the description of the events that brought them together again, raising an eyebrow at the revelation that Fatine has been given the task, by the gods, to help find the children. He silently wished it would have been Keela, to give her that sense of purpose here she often times seemed to express not to have. But would such a thing be overwhelming to the young lady? She had matured much, but perhaps not quite enough for this task!
To follow up on [b]Beren's[/i] question, Alexi asks, "Should we undergo your, er, meditation, again? We have a new member in our group, Ender here, and Keela wasn't affected by the smoke last time. Perhaps they would see something that we didn't."
Jet Stormway Monday March 23rd, 2009 6:23:23 PM
Jet watches and waits, taking in his surroundings, attempting to not be overwhelmed by the deep emotions these people have, and yet, like in the bush, they are so good at hiding those emotions. If Jet thought someone was responsible for the abduction of one of his children, he would kill until killed.
He does not smile, knowing the sonbre moment, but lets all those there know, he is determined to help with blood and breath.
DM Donna Monday March 23rd, 2009 9:44:35 PM
Upon Beren and Alexi's speaking about undergoing a voluntary entrance into the dream trance, Istaqua speaks excitedly in his native tongue, prompting both Muata and Dasan to get him to slow down. After listening to the shaman for a bit, Muata turns to the party.
"Istaqua says you speak truly," the young man translates. "He saw the image of Wild-hair Woman, but more things must be seen if the gods allow. Will you join Istaqua in breathing the dream-smoke again..?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday March 23rd, 2009 10:47:34 PM
Alexi chirps in, "You bet!" remembering the pleasant feeling he had during the initial part of the dream, before the bad omens intruded.
He turns to Ender and says cheerfully, "Inhale the smoke and just let it take you away. It is well worth it. Well, unless you have any nightmares you care to keep tucked away. The smoke has a tendency to let them loose in your mind."
Keela Monday March 23rd, 2009 11:26:04 PM
"I will take the smoke this time, too," Keela says. "I-I'm sorry about before. We didn't entirely know what you wanted with us and...well, I thought somebody should keep a clear head. Just in case."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Tuesday March 24th, 2009 8:31:53 AM
Beren is not sure he is ready to give up his weapons again, but does so when the others do.
When the dream smoke is mentioned, he simply nods in assent. They need more information to rescue the children.
He checks his face mask, ands settles himself crosslegged on the floor of the yurt. He is ready.
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 24th, 2009 11:41:03 AM
Jet too is willing to undergo the ritual of the smoke, in an attempt to see some sign of what may have been over looked do to the uncommon nature of the inhaled hallucinogen. Or is it a drug? perhaps, it puts those that use the substance to see into the realm of all the gods, using each ones power in turn to create a symbiotic relationship to those that worship all of them?
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday March 24th, 2009 5:44:41 PM
OOC: Thanks Donna for taking over while we were away. You did a great job!! I will post later this evening.
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