DM Bob and Carla Friday May 8th, 2009 7:59:39 AM Ender steps in Alexi's way, preventing the former Fist from executing the prisoners. A fierce debate ensues about the fate of the priusoners and what is right or honorable in the matter. Jet pushes for a hasty decision one way or the other, his impatience to move on is evident to all. Fatine seems not to care, but the same cannot be said for Beren, Caelnin, or Keela. The final decision would seem to be in Alexi's strong hands as each in turn voices an opinion and then stands back, as if absolving themselves of the outcome. The bound gnolls look pleadingly at the party, all except for the leader of course who remains unconcious but stable.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday May 8th, 2009 8:36:52 AM
"My part has been said. I will not hinder, but I will not help."
The reclusive elf, adjusts his face shield once more, and continues as he has begun to guard.
OOC--I'll let my current spot and listen rolls stand. No real action has occurred to change his status.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday May 8th, 2009 5:31:22 PM
Jet shows no remorse, regret or enjoyment of what Alexi chooses to do.
He continues forward, looking for Col as well.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Saturday May 9th, 2009 12:44:21 PM
"Take their weapons and let them go! i will not have you kill unarmed prisoners!" Ender says with a not of finality! a slight edge creeping into his voice
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Saturday May 9th, 2009 6:03:18 PM
Jet at this point is fuming. He gets down off his mount and approches Ender in a very angry manner. "Get on your horse and come with me. They were told to kill us all and that's what they would have done, if you were the one tied up like they. Then they likely would have spit you on an open fire after, for dinner. I mean it Ender, you do as you are told and let me face the consequences."
Jet doesn't seem happy by the situation, but he obviously set on rescuing the children or finding their captors.
"Ender, you are new with us and do not know how we really are. We are not, and I repeat NOT, ruthless killers as these creatures. We fought Lollena's kidnappers and let the captured, including the leader, go, to return to Floating City, for we knew we would not see or hear of them again.
"We fought bandits trying to destroy the caravan, which you cleverly kept out of the way from, and we did not kill the captured, but brought them to Bryn Baraz, where they now live.
"But these?" he points to the gnolls. "I've heard of these kind. Take their weapons away and let them go? Oh, so now they don't have these," he shakes the rod-and-chain weapons, "But they have plenty more. Oh, so this Kalor will be unhappy with them? Then he perhaps sends them back on us for them to make up for their defeat.
"How in the world can you guarantee they will stay away? You can't. Their word is only as good as we can enforce it. They only respect strength. Pleading eyes or not. But there seems to be three against killing them, two for, and one caring neither way. So to appease your conscience, I'll not kill them. And I swear by the Fist on this." Alexi places his clenched fist over the emblem of the Mailed Fist on his breastplate.
(OOC: Ender, look up the Mailed Fist in the Woldian Organizaitons and you can read all about the honor of the Mailed Fist)
"Go on with Jet now. Do as he says. Time is wasting. My word as a Fist is my Honor."
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Sunday May 10th, 2009 4:21:44 AM
"I guess we still do have a mission, and our first priority is to find the children. And time wasted is time where the children are lost for no reason whatsoever..." Caelnin says as he mounts his horse ready to go. Caelnin is getting annoyed at this situation, becuase it looks like it is going nowhere slowly. *I may be a patient person, but debates aren't my thing...*
"Whatever you want to do, make it quick." as Caelnin remounts his horse and gets ready to leave.
Keela Sunday May 10th, 2009 1:38:35 PM
When Jet and Alexi begin speaking sharply, Keela withdraws, tears stinging her eyes. She still doesn't like the idea of killing the gnolls, but the leaders know best.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Sunday May 10th, 2009 5:56:19 PM
Fatine sighs and stops her horse, waiting for the others to resolve the situation. She puts fingers to lips and whistles loudly, looking around for any sign of her crow.
DM Bob and Carla Monday May 11th, 2009 7:48:32 AM
After much discussion Jet leads the party forward while Alexi stays behind to deal with the gnolls. Assuming that Jet leads them further down the passageway, he will note the walls closing in and teh rocks on either side becoming steeper. After perhaps 1/4 mile, they are down to single file as their route has become nothing more than a winding trail through towering black rock formations. High above them, the dark shadow of a bird flies above the trail.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=23 ; d20+9=29 ; Monday May 11th, 2009 8:32:14 AM
Beren nervously eyes the canyon walls. There will be no escape from an ambush here.
Bow at the ready, he leans in his saddle towards Jet.In a voice barely to be heard by the priest, he says,
"We should wait here until our group is all together."
He says no more. He has already spoken more this day than in many previous days put together. His sense heightened, he watchs foe signs of trouble,and for the return of the others.
spot 23 listen 29 natural 20(sure now that we aren't in battle I roll one of those)
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=9 ; d20+7=10 ; Monday May 11th, 2009 10:26:20 AM
"This dosen't look like a great place to be in..." Caelnin slowly and quietly moves forward keeping his sights firmly in front of him, although Huetheria is making it hard for caelnin to do anything else but ride her.
-----------
Spot: 9, Listen 10 (Lets get these rolls out of the way...)
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=17 ; d20+5=18 ; Monday May 11th, 2009 9:44:57 PM
Ender, Still furious about the treatment of the unarmed captives, moves to the front, a bolt on the crossbow and his senses stretched to his utmost
Spot: 17 Listen: 18
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday May 11th, 2009 11:04:27 PM
Alexi takes the situation in stride. The End, will justify the Means, for now, is his belief. As the others go behind the bend, he ....
DM: Highlight to display spoiler: { As per his his word, he does not kill the captives, but makes their days of combat much more difficult. He lops off the fingers of both hands of each of the captives, just leaving their thumbs. Thinking that Fatine might want a trophy of a conquered foe, he keeps one finger to give to her later. He does not untie them, though, figuring they'll be able to dispose of the bonds on the sharp rocks of the canyon in time.}
Once that's done, Alexi remounts and hurries to catch up with the party. He reaches them quickly, and has the same feeling about the narrowness of the canyon as the others. He sheaths the lance and shield and readies his bow.
Keela Monday May 11th, 2009 11:48:42 PM
Still uneasy, Keela mounts Daisy and follows the others. She does not want to slow up the group.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=11 ; d20+3=20 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 12:02:12 AM
Taking the front again, Jet stays the decoy with Fatine close behind to narrate the direction they should travel. Since there is only one way to go, he stays fast enough to be sure that no one lags behind.
Listen: 11 Spot: 20
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday May 12th, 2009 7:59:03 AM
Uncomfortable with the narrowness of the trail and teh vulnerability of the group, Beren calls for a short halt to allow Alexi to rejoin the group. The former fist finds his way back, and takes up a position near the rear. Jet stays at the front with Fatine who leads the way. The rest keep a watchful eye and bow at the ready, but detect no immediate sign of danger After a time, the canyon divides in two, a path leading to the left and another at a thirty degree angle to the right...
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=10 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=13 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 8:26:31 AM
Beren drops to the ground at the divide in the trail. (Track 10) Either no one has passed this way in some time, or weather has obscured any trace. It will be up to Fatine to choose the way. He looks at Jet, shrugs his shoulders, and remounts.
spot 23 liksten 13
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday May 12th, 2009 11:17:04 AM
Jet looks at Fatine, waiting for her to offer a direction.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d100=63 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 7:36:59 PM
Fatine closes her eyes, a look of deep concentration falling over her face. She hums quietly for a few moments, then opens her eyes and looks down each path.
"Huh . . . ." she mutters. "I dunno. Dee spirits no say nuttin' bout dis. Hmm . . . ." She puts a finger to her lips, tapping absently while pondering each path. Jumping down from her horse, she closes her eyes, extends an arm, and starts to spin. "How abooouuuuttttt . . . " she calls as she spins. "Dat way!" she stops suddenly, opening her eyes to see where her arm is pointing.
[rolling d100, 1-50 closer to the left path, 51-100 closer to the right path. Result = 63]
"I guess dee spirits say go right, eh Big Man?" she smiles.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=7 ; d20+5=6 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 7:53:19 PM
Ender, still keeping his senses peaked goes right keeping his crossbow at the ready moves to the right Spot 7 listen 6 (epic fail!)
Keela Tuesday May 12th, 2009 10:05:26 PM
Keela has no idea which way to go, but trusts that the trackers and Fatine can figure it out.
She shifts a little in the saddle, wondering whether she has time to dismount and stretch her legs a bit.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=18 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+5=18 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 10:59:18 PM
Rejoining the group, Alexi keeps his battle senses tunned to the cliff sides. He wishes there was a better way to determing their next path, but trusts the visions enough to trust Fatine, even if the witch is a bit, say, odd.
"All we need now is a dizzy Dizzy Witch," he mutters with a rather humorous tone.
Spot d20+1=18, listen d20+1=8
Lobo Spot d20+4= 23, Listen d20+5= 18
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=19 ; d20+7=16 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 6:38:35 AM
Caelnin looks down both paths to see if there is anything darngerous or otherwise....
Spot: 19, Listen 16
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday May 13th, 2009 7:54:37 AM Fatine determines that the path leading right is where they should head and points teh way for teh others. The group follows their strange companions lead and they make their way deeper into the chasms. After several more forks in the path and several more approaches to divining teh correct direction, it begins to dawn on the members of the group, that they have stumbled into a labyrinth of pathways leading through some kind of fractured rock formation. The chasms are 40-50 feet deep, and often less than 10 feet wide, The walls have been smoothed by erosion over the eons, but not to the point of slipperiness. As they await yet another decision from the witch, Col dives down from above them and alights on the ground near the puma, eyeing it warily.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=20 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+5=17 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 8:30:54 AM
Beren suddenly has an idea,
"Fatine, can the puma tell us the way through this maze? His senses are more keen than any of ours."
The ranger once again looks for signs of someone passing (track 17), and watches for danger.
spot 20 listen 17
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday May 13th, 2009 11:14:22 AM
Jet watches as Fatine spins around in circles to determine a path, "Are you flipping serious?" he says in an angry voice. "Is this what you call talking to the spirits? That's just great."
Jet looks around, "Ender, climb up over the ridge and tell me if you see anything like a leaning rock or similar landmarks." He looks toward the ranger and sharpshooter, "If one of you can climb decently, join him please."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+9=11 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 4:47:52 PM
Right, Ender says, donning his climbers gear and stowing his Crossbow... "cover me would you" he grins as he starts climbing,"Oh, and watch my armour until i get back down again"
Climb: 11
OOC: well... i hope now that i have had 3 bad rolls in a row i might get something decent going up!
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+6=8 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 8:50:41 PM
Slinging his bow across his back, caelnin decides to join Ender on the trip up and grabs his climbers kit to make it that bit easier, though it looks like he is having a hard time in doing it quickly.
-------
Climb: 8... (Can I take 10?)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=4 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 9:02:37 PM
"Big Man, how you know dee spirits not make me do dat? How you know dat not what dey plan all dis time? Ooh! I no feel so good . . . ." She holds her stomach for a minute, all the spinning clearly getting the best of her.
At Beren's suggestion, she replies, "Well . . . I prefer dee proven methods, like spinnin' wit' spirits, but it be worth dee try." She concentrates on both Col and Feet of Mist, and casts Speak with Animals (ley roll 4, spell passes).
Looking at both crow and puma, she says, "Now, which one o' you wanna make me look good front o' all dese men? Hmm? Who gon' show ol' Fatine which way we go?"
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {I have completely lost count of Fatine's spells for the day. I know she had at least 1 left, not sure if there were more or not. Can we just say she is out of spells as of casting this one?}
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=12 ; d20+1=4 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 9:15:48 PM
Alexi chuckles quietly over Jet's frustration with Fatine. Then looks of concearn and aprehension come over him as his two friends try to climb the cliff. Unable to do anything to help them, he keeps watch for anything coming up from behind them.
Spot d20+1=12, Listen d20+1=4. The perilous climb is distracting him.
Keela Wednesday May 13th, 2009 10:53:10 PM
"I still have that scroll of Fly," Keela offers. "I could cast it on somebody, and they could fly up and get a look."
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 14th, 2009 12:56:27 AM
As the climbers put on their equipment and start up the steep sided canyon Jet looks at Fatine and responds, "I know the spirits well enough to know, not even they have time for that foolishness."
He shakes his head and gives a last Hrummph.
Taking a deep breath, he turns toward Keela and smiles. "If these guys are unsuccessful in navigating us from above, then that will be useful. Good call."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 14th, 2009 7:21:29 AM
Everyone other than Jet Highlight to display spoiler: {When Jet turns away to talk to Keela, Fatine puts her thumb on her nose, wiggles her fingers, and sticks her tongue out at Jet, careful to stop just before he turns back toward her again.}
DM Bob and Carla Thursday May 14th, 2009 7:48:15 AM Jet and Fatine exchange words, and gestures, about how the spirits work and what they do or don't have time for. It is clear to all that Jet has lost any faith he had in Fatine's connection to the spirit world. Alternate plans are deivised and Ender and Caelnin prepare to climb the chasm walls. The going is slow at first as they struggle to find an intial foothold, but after a few false starts they manage to find purchase and climb to the top. [OOC Take ten seems reasonable in teh circumstance]
Fatine casts her final spell on Col and directs him to search for the way forward and report back to her. The bird flies up through the rocks and out of sight. Keela readies her fly spell should it be needed, while the remainder of the party stays alert to potential ambushes and other dangers.
Ender & Caelnin make it to the top of the chasm and poke their heads out to see a bleak landscape of wind scoured black rocks extending in all directions. The cracks in the rocks extend to the northeast in a complex pattern, diberging and converging almost randomly, much like the mouths of the great rivers of the Wold.
Col flies to the northeast as directed, searching for a path. From his vantage point, further up in the sky, he can discern a much larger opening in the rocks some two hours to the northeast. He calls out to Fatine in a series of caws, and clicks that amazingly the small witch can understand.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday May 14th, 2009 8:36:27 AM
Beren sits calmly awaiting the outcome of the climbers and searchers. It is evident to him that they are not on the trail used by the children. The passing of so large a group would have left some evidence. However, that doesn't mean they are not going the right way. It is either trust in good guesses, and hope for the best, or turn back.
As the others describe what they see from their vantage point, he feels even more secure in that idea. They will have to just wend their way as best they can in the direction indicated--Northeast. He holds that direction in his mind, and feels secure that he can lead generally that way inspite of the twists and turns of the path. That decision made in his mind, he immediately prepares to leave.
"Call your climber's down and let us go."
OOC--What happened to the Puma?
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 14th, 2009 1:32:33 PM
"Can you two walk up there to keep our bearings, or would the going be to slow? Jet attempts to shout up to the climbers without letting the whole world know where they are. "Also, do we stay on this path, or should we go back and take the other path?"
jet remains mounted as they try to determine if they need to go back or forward.
Keela Thursday May 14th, 2009 7:43:46 PM
Seeing that they are waiting for the climbers, Keela takes a moment to dismount, stretch a bit, and take a sip of water. She gives Daisy a few friendly pats, wishing she had a carrot or something for her patient mount.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday May 14th, 2009 10:32:27 PM
Alexi stiffles a laugh and remembers when he was the at the end of the witch's 'humor'.
He watches apprehensively as the climbers make it to the top. Obviously, Time has taken second place, as the going is slow. The fighter has faith that the witch was on the right track, even if it is an odd way of showing it. At least the two reached the top without incident. Now will that help any? Alexi wonders.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday May 15th, 2009 8:26:32 AM
Beren waits for the others to climb down.
OOC--awaiting DM post
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Friday May 15th, 2009 12:32:36 PM
Fatine confirms Beren's indication of northeast, relating what Col sees in his flight.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=15 ; Friday May 15th, 2009 9:15:40 PM
Once caelnin can see over the chasm, the view is amazing, but he needs to see if there is a way out of this "maze".
"Hold on a sec. Let's me see if I can make anything out of this mess..." He shouts back down to Jet.
--------
Spot: 15
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+7=23 ; Saturday May 16th, 2009 6:36:35 PM
Jet continues to wait with some small words. "We need to be careful not to be deceived by the complexities of nature. Either choice of routes could end up to run in the direction we want, where the other may lead us away from where we want to go. I would rather not have to back track if this turns out to be the wrong way."
Survival to help navigate direction: 23
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday May 18th, 2009 8:31:11 AM
OOC-- No DM post to respond to.
Beren rides ahead a little ways down the chosen path. He still thinks the puma could probably choose the path better than any of them. For now, he will follow the path the others decide upon. He has seen no signs to indicate any other choice, in spite of his tracking skills.
Tracking orcs was never this difficult. They make a path that a blind man could follow, destroying as they go just for their pleasure.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday May 18th, 2009 7:04:28 PM
"If the cracks arent too far apart... we might be able to jump them" Ender muses... "what do you think Caelnin?"
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday May 18th, 2009 9:01:55 PM
OOC: I will be gone for this week, until next Monday. I received no offers in the LnB for a sub. If someone would like to run him while I am away, it would be appreciated. Thank you.
Jet remains cool on the outside as time ticks away, but on the inside, his days of chaos on the street wants to lead him toward a more random direction. Yet, his brief time with a mentor has shown him, Think first, then act, unless there is no time to think, which means you are in battle.
Another day, Jet can be the free spirit he once was, but since he signed the contract and was given the banner, his life changed a little.
DM Bob and Carla Monday May 18th, 2009 9:38:49 PM Caelnin and Ender take in the view from their lofty perch. Caelnin sees that although the chasms split and diverge many times, they almost always rejoin in the distance. Only the smallest of of the cracks fail to converge, ending blindly in thr rock. All teh larger pathways lead eventually to the northeast. Ender suggests leaping across the chasms from above. This may work for some of teh smaller cracks, but some are as wide as 30' across.
While the party waits for their scouts to descend, they take in the news. Jet in particular seems confident that he will be able to keep them heded in the right direction. Between his sense of direction, the witches crow, and the puma that rests by her side, what could possibly wrong?
Keela Monday May 18th, 2009 11:20:00 PM
Keela looks around at the canyon walls, which all look the same to her. She remembers some of the powerful magicks she has read about--the ability to unerringly find one's way, to give the whole group the power of flight, or to magically teleport them anywhere in the Wold.
Alas, such magicks are not hers. She can conjure a light if need be, but that's about it. She sighs and gives Daisy's muzzle a pat. "At least I can keep up now," she says.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=21 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=13 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2009 8:32:54 AM
Beren sits quietly while the others descend. He has fixed in his mind the direction they need to go. Let the others follow as they will. He will scout and lead the way. From the description of the terrain, he feels sure that they will find their way out soon.
While waiting, he shifts some of his arrows from his spare quiver to the main, making sure that he has a full complement of weapons in case of another batle.
survival 21 (sense direction) spot 28 listen 13
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Tuesday May 19th, 2009 10:45:17 AM
"Jump?" Caelnin wonders and shakes his head. "I don't have the legs for it, even with a running start..."
"But it seems to be okay to just follow any path as they look as if they meet up anyway." Caelnin shouts back down into the chasm. "Once in a while we'll take a look up if we are able to and see our progress. How does that sound?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=8 ; d20+1=6 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2009 8:07:29 PM
Alexi waits patiently, and a little aprehensively. 'Should we be attacked when they are partway down...' he shakes off the thought and keeps vigilant for danger.
Spot d20+1=8, Listen d20+1=6. Alas, the distractions and echoes are too much for him to be as sharp as he usually is.
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday May 20th, 2009 7:48:46 AM
Satisfied that he can lead the party unerringly towards the northeast, and further buoyed by the news from Ender and Caelnin[/b], Beren leads the adventurers forwards once the scouts have climbed back down. Keela stays near the center of the group while Alexi takes up the rear and wonders just what may befall them if they were to be attacked when so vulnerable.
The remainder of the day is spent travelling through the winding passages of the rock maze, always towards the northeast, always with an eye to the rim of the canyons. As evening falls, Beren emerges from a final bend in the walls to look out body of dark water surrounded by the same black rocks as they have been travelling through. One side of the lake is bound by tall black cliffs, and the other by gently sloping rocks that leave the shoreline some 50' before sharply rising into cliffs as well.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=17 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2009 8:32:13 AM
"A stark place to camp, yet still a place."
Beren sets about making what camp can be made in this black hole. HIs eye is always to the cliffs as he goes about his work.
spot 17 listen 25
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=18 ; d20+5=24 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2009 6:32:17 PM
helping beren setting up camp Ender quietly notes... "I dont like the look of this place... no matter where we go looks ripe for an ambush!"
Spot 18 Listen 24
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 20th, 2009 8:42:26 PM
Alexi eyes the new place as he exits the narrow canyon. "Not the best place for a picknick," he muses. "Ants would be the least of our worries. Watch the water. I'd make a wild guess nothing good will be living in it. Perhaps we'll be lucky and nothing will be living in it."
Alexi helps make camp, finding a place up against the rock cliff to secure the horses.
OOC: this gently sloping 'beach', or [gently sloping rocks that leave the shoreline some 50' ], is there any sand at all? is it pebbly? or is it just solid rock?
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=13 ; d20+7=20 ; Thursday May 21st, 2009 1:47:34 AM
"I don't like the look of this place either... But I guess that we do need a good rest for what come may..." Caelnin says as he pats Huetheria on her head.
----
Spot:13 Listen:20
DM Bob and Carla Thursday May 21st, 2009 7:44:36 AM
The party sets up a makeshift camp along the edge of ther cliff and as far from the lake as possible. The solid rock that slopes into the cold dark water provides little comfort and seems to hold none of the warmth that one might expect given it's exposure to the sun for most of the day. The black waters of the lake provide Alexi with ample reason for concern, for unknown are the terrible creatures that might lurk there.
Despite the party's vigilance, there is no sign of other life in this forbidding place and the night passes uneventfully. The far end of the lake would appear to be a full day's travel, although distances can be hard to judge and one can never be sure if what appears to be the end of the lake is simply a peninsula or island cutting off the line of sight.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=29 ; Thursday May 21st, 2009 8:29:29 AM
Morning rises on the bleak, stony landscape. When all are ready, Beren once more takes the lead scouting position. Were it not for his red horse, the ranger in his strangely mottled cloak, would shift in and out of sight. He keeps his eyes and ears open for any sign of trouble, his only noticable movement is one of adjusting his mask before he sets out.
spot 28 listen 29 perfect 20
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 21st, 2009 12:11:00 PM
Fatine spends a bit of time in the evening, and again in the morning, working with the puma, attempting to teach it various words of command. Otherwise, she pitches in with the camp set up and take down, and in the morning, whispers a few words to Col before setting him off to fly ahead. "An' don' land on any gnolls, bird!" she calls after the crow.
JET, by sub Fatine Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 21st, 2009 12:12:31 PM
Jet rises with an annoyed groan. Poking a booted toe at the rocky ground, he grumbles, "At least better than sleeping in those narrow passages back there. Sitting ducks for an ambush." Stretching, he works the kinks out of his muscles, puts his armor back on, and is ready to ride.
Keela Thursday May 21st, 2009 3:16:14 PM
Keela doesn't like sleeping on the hard ground. Worse, she worries about the animals.
"Do we have any feed for them?" she asks. She looks around to see if there is vegetation of any kind, growing anywhere.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=21 ; d20+1=3 ; Thursday May 21st, 2009 9:13:43 PM
OOC: Fatine, you forgot to have Jet do his morning ritual, praying, er, 'saluting' to all the gods. :)
IC: Alexi awakens and hears Keela voice his unspoken concern the night before. What about feed for the animals?
"Not just feed, but water too. I don't really want to let Lobo drink that stuff," he points to the dark lake water. "Jet may be able to pray for clean water. I've seen Mailed Fist clerics do that. Don't know if he can get food. Our horses can go without food for a day or so, but not much longer."
As the party starts moving again, Alexi cautions, "Let's not go charging around on these rocks. This surface is not good footing for our horses."
Spot d20+1=21 (yeah! what a fine, clear day!) Listen d20+1=3 (It is so clear, it has clogged up my ears!)
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=17 ; d20+5=23 ; Friday May 22nd, 2009 6:08:34 AM
Ender brings up the rear, loaded crossbow at the ready
Spot: 17 Listen: 23
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=24 ; Friday May 22nd, 2009 8:44:26 AM
Hearing the others talking of feed for the horses, Beren brings from his saddle bags a large sack.
" I always carry a sack of feed for Red, in case there is no grazing. I have enough, I think, for each of the horses to eat today, and perhaps tomorrow as well. (two weeks feed--oats and grain which does not need as much to keep the horses going well) As for water, I carry a little of that as well, but not enough for all the horses. They will have to chance the lake water, if they will, or go without for now."
The elven ranger adjusts his face mask once more. It is an unplannned thing, more habit than need. He then distributes the grain in small equal portions to each horse.
That done, he once again mounts and takes the scout to lead the party away from this dreary shore.
spot 13 listen 24
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Sunday May 24th, 2009 8:49:25 AM
Caelnin takes his position nearby Beren, to make sure that he doesn't miss anything. He knows that he wouldn't normally, but having another set of eyes on the track ahead is better than not having enough.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=14 ; d20+7=13 ; Sunday May 24th, 2009 8:50:10 AM
OOC: Clicked on submit rahter than roll...
Spot: 14 Listen: 13
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday May 25th, 2009 12:04:39 PM
OOC- no DM post to respond to
Beren cannot help but think about his past as he rides down the narrow canyon. The silence seems to impose itself into his brain, drawing out memories of his brother, his master, and others he has met along the way. Too many years he went alone, hunting the orcs of the forest, hoping for death. His master changed that. Showed him that he could use his life to help others.
Now, here he is, riding with people he has known only a short time, and yet he has been willing to risk his life for them. Is this friendship? The solitary figure shakes his head slightly. He does not know. For now he will do his job. The rest of the answers will come.
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday May 26th, 2009 7:35:20 AM
The party members rise slowly from the hard ground and ready themselves for the day ahead. The horses have travelled far, and after some concern is raised about their state, Beren pulls a sack of feed from his stores and shares it amongst them. Water is a different issue, an entire lake of water lays but a few yards away, but none dare partake.
Fatine sends Col aloft to act as a scout and spends some time training the puma. The group remains alert to danger despite being free from teh narrow confines of the chasms and canyons, but no danger is evident, other than that posed to the horses by the rocky ground and poor footing, and of course whatever they imagine resides in the blackness of the water they have so carefully avoided.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+5=25 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2009 8:40:55 AM
"If we ride carefully, and conserve the horses, we might be able to bypass this water, but it may come to the point where it will be this water, or our horses. I will try the water with Red first if we must. He will know if it is potable, or not."
Beren eyes the water, trying to judge its quality. He will even go so far as to move to the water's edge, and dip a small container of water. Maybe they can boil it if it seems foul.
spot 15 listen 22 survival 25 (perfect 20!)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday May 26th, 2009 11:09:32 AM
Jet readies his mount for the day. He looks to Fatine, Can Col find a different route or has he seen the leaning spire nearby, that we need to find?"
He looks to Ender and Beren, "Would the other passage we could have taken, brought us here also? Did you notice this lake while you were up there?" He asks those that went to the top yesterday.
DM info needed please.
Keela Tuesday May 26th, 2009 11:17:34 AM
After an uncomfortable night on the rocky ground, Keela prepares her spells for the next day. Today, she prepares a Detect Poison in place of her usual Ray of Frost.
Once she has the spell ready, she casts it and looks out at the dark waters of the lake. Is it poisonous?
Today's Spells:
0 - Detect Magic 0 - Detect Poison (cast) 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 1 - Color Spray 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 1 - Sleep 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday May 26th, 2009 9:34:59 PM
Alexi eye's Beren with that kind of smile Jet is more familiar with when the ranger suggest trying the lake water.
"I'd be more comfortable having Jet pray for rain. We could all pray for rain, as far as that goes. But let's not risk this water just yet. I don't want anyone sick before we meet and recover the children. I'd make a good guess that wherever they are, there will be suitable water." The last bid he says with hope, as he does not want to dwell on the alternative with their Ahote companion present.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=13 ; d20+5=22 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 7:11:12 AM
Ender still stays quiet while pondering their surroundings "This place give me the creeps he!"
Spot 13 Listen 22
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday May 27th, 2009 8:01:42 AM
Concerned about potable water, Beren takes a sample of lake water, he finds it to be clear and very cold. There is no odor to it and it does not appear tainted, but there is relly only one way to tell..., except that Keela has wisely prepared for such a circumstance and detects poison on the lake. She detects nothing from the dark water.
Jet questions Ender and Caelnin about what they observed from above the canyons and they reiterate that the rockform was highly fractured and multiple canyons diverged and converged so that multiple routes would eventually lead to the same spot. They also say that the opening that the lake is in was visible from their vantage but the lake itself was not discernable.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 8:31:21 AM
OOC--assuming DM open knowledge is information shared by the party members.
Hearing Keela's pronouncement that the water is not poisonous, Beren takes a long sip.
"The water is dark due to the dark stone underneath. It is cold and clear."
He leads Red to the water's edge, and allows the horse to drink carefully. It is still very cold, and he does not want to water log the thirsty horse. He then refills his own water skins depeleted by the journey thus far.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 11:25:04 AM
Jet will stop anyone from drinking directly from the pool of water until Keela tests it. Then he acknowledges her skill, "Nice job."
He takes his time however long that takes, to determine if evil resides within or not and if no, it is then, he allows others to drink from the pool as he continues to scan the area they are in, perhaps taking up to 30 minutes.
+Detect Evil, Detect Evil, Resistance
Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, Enlarge Person
DM sanity note: Each round, you can turn to detect evil in a new area. The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=13 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 11:51:36 AM
OOC: Sorry for my lack of posting... University and musical theatre taking up almost all of my time...
Caelnin makes sure that they are heading in the right direction, and too see if there is anything in the distance ahead that the party should know about.
Spot: 13
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 10:27:31 PM
Alexi watches as Beren braves the lake waters. "A braver soul is hard to find," he whispers to Ender. "Live and learn," he finishes with a smile, humbled by Beren's bravery as he watches the top of the waters for ripples.
With no ill effects to speak of, yet, Alexi says, "Well, our water problems seem to be solved. Our horses can go a little without food, but not without water."
Once Beren is done, he takes his turn refilling his water skin, tasting the water first, and giving Lobo some, but like Beren and Red, not too much.
Keela Thursday May 28th, 2009 12:26:28 AM
"Well," Keela says doubtfully. "It isn't poison, but that doesn't mean it's wholesome. We probably shouldn't drink too much of it right away."
Nonetheless, she can't help but feel a little relief. Horses need a lot of water, especially when carrying riders.
JET, by sub Fatine Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:19:28 AM
Fatine lets her horse and the puma take a few sips of water, then has a quick drink herself. Once done, she asks of no one in particular, "You wan' me to check wit' dee spirits 'gain so we know what ways we be goin'?" She has a mischievous grin on her face.
Fatine Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:19:51 AM
corrected header
DM Bob & Carla Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:55:15 AM Beren correctly points out that the color of the lake originates from the underlying stone, and that the water itself is clear and cold...very cold...too cold to simply drink straight from the lake, The water can be warmed in the sun or through flame to make it bearable, but those that choose to drink heartily straight from the lake face 1d6 cold damage, including horses and pumas. Wisely, most restrict their consumption and suffer little more than aching teeth for a short period.
Jet checks to see if anything evil lurks in the water. He finds the lingering dim aura of evil in all of the water he can scan, as if something evil had occupied the immediate area recently.
With their water problems solved, Fatine offers to lead the group onward in their search for the children.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=14 ; d20+9=10 ; Thursday May 28th, 2009 8:38:45 AM
"Fill all the water skins we can. We can drink more later when the water has time to warm slightly. Let us be off."
Beren once again takes the lead,looking at Fatine to confirm the direction.
spot 14 listen 10 (natural one--I'm not listening)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 28th, 2009 2:44:31 PM
"There is a taint of evil about this water, but without the ability to breath water or endure the cold, we can not investigate further. Come, let us go before it decides to come back and drag one of into the frigid depths of the pool."
Continuing to concentrate on auras of evil that may be within range, he mounts Bantom and continues on with their journey through the rocks.
Active spells: Detect Evil
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=16 ; d20+5=6 ; Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:53:52 PM
Still bringing up the rear Ender keeps his eyes and ears open
Spot 16 Listen 6 (natural 1, Ender joins Beren in not listening)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=9 ; d20+1=4 ; Thursday May 28th, 2009 9:20:48 PM
Alexi gets a head ache from drinking the water. "Ei! Don't drink this water faster than a sip at a time. It is *&(*# cold!" Grimmacing at his words with ladies present, he appologizes, "Sorry ladies. The cold caught me by surprize."
Filling up his empty containers and letting Lobo take small drinks, he is ready to move on. Pondering out loud he comments, "What kind of evil can make this water so cold just by being near it or getting into it? Perhaps the cold comes from some other unatural source that keeps it from warming up during the heat of the day."
As the others mount up and prepare to move out, Alexi takes out his map and sketches the rocky passage as best he can remember, with the lake at the end and the caption Very Cold Water.
Spot d20+1=9, listen d20+1=4 (the cold water is still affecting him)
Keela Friday May 29th, 2009 12:43:23 AM
Keela gets ready to leave with the others. "Perhaps the lake will warm a little later in the day," she says, but she doesn't have much hope. The lake is very large, and probably very deep.
She makes sure all her waterskins are filled, and climbs atop Daisy to start another day.
DM Bob & Carla Friday May 29th, 2009 7:46:30 AM
With waterskins refilled and horses fed, the party once again sets out in search of the children. Jet takes the lead, allowing his steed to pick it's way across the smooth rocks while he concentrates on his spell, scanning the surroundings as they go. At first the cleric finds nothing, but as they proceed he notices the faint flicker of an aura...a sign that something evil has passed this way...and it seems to be leading him to the far end of the lake where black cliffs once again rise to meet the horizon. Fatine's raven flies overhead, soaring on the updrafts that rise up the cliff faces as the black stone is heated by the sun and in turn heats the air.
OOC you have been travelling for nearly an hour when Jet picks up the sign.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20=7 ; d20+9=20 ; Friday May 29th, 2009 8:26:01 AM
Beren chafes a little at the continued monotony of the landscape. When will the blackstone region end? He longs for the green of the forests of his home. Nowhere has he felt comlete since he lft there.
However, as his master taught him, evil dwells in more creatures than the Orcs of the forest. He will continue to the end of his committment here, or he will die here. Such is his oath.
spot (add +9 to 1st roll) 16 listen 20
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=14 ; Friday May 29th, 2009 11:29:11 AM
"Heyyyaawwwww!!!" Jet from no where spurs his mount forward for no apparent reason until he tells the group, "Evil is illuding us!"
Jet, using Bantoms full run action attempts to catch up to the fleeing force which triggers his Detect Evil spell.
Ride 14
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday May 29th, 2009 7:53:09 PM "Jet! Beware the slippery rocks!" Alexi warns as their leader takes off.
He quickly turns to the others, "Don't know what got into him! Could be some bad magic! If we go tromping off like that on these slippery rocks we risk injury to horse and self. We surely can't keep up that kind of pace without knowing where and how far to go!"
Alarmed he turns to Beren and Caelnin, "Do either of you see anything?" and then turns to Fatine and Honaw, "Do either of you sense anything?"
Keela Sunday May 31st, 2009 8:51:56 PM
"Oh!" Keela is caught by surprise when Jet takes off. "Ohh...drat the man! What does he think he's doing?"
She urges Daisy forward, but no more than a fast walk, mindful of Alexi's warnings.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=29 ; d20+9=11 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 8:31:24 AM
OOC-- no dm post to respond to
Beren tries to see what has upset Jet. He hears nothing unusual.
spot 29 (perfect 20) listen 11
DM Bob & Carla Monday June 1st, 2009 6:53:21 PM
As the party members make their way carefully around the lake, the high sides of the dark rock hold them close to the cold, dark body of water. It is almost claustrophobic, except that the lake is so vast, and open to the sky. It makes Baren yearn for the living green of the woods of the charted lands. His keen elven eyes, miss nothing, but see nothing either in this lonesome, dark, and desolate place. His ears pick up only the whisper of the wind as it whispers across the lake...and then...
Jet whoops excitedly at the faint flicker of evil...dim in strength...that seems to linger along a path going to the north-east around the lake. The cleric spurs his horse forward, putting some distance between himself and the cautious group trailing behind.
Shouting out a warning Alexi continues with a careful Keela and the rest of the party in tow. The fighting man cautions all to use their skills and remain on alert as they make their way arount the lake.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=23 ; d20+5=13 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 9:55:39 PM
Ender picks up his pace a bit, still tying to stay alert and keeping his crossbow loaded and ready
Spot 23 Listen 13
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Monday June 1st, 2009 10:24:43 PM
Fatine rides along, watching Jet rush forward. She doesn't push her horse faster, just rides next to Keela. Leaning over, she says, "Let dem dere men rush on up and get knocked in dee face, hmm?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=13 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 10:49:21 PM
Glad that the others heeded his caution, was also suddenly reminded of Ender's goat not being able to move as fast as a horse, although the thought that a goat would fare better on rocks than a horse quickly flashed across his mind.
"I sure wish he'd be more specific!" Alexi stated exasperated. "He's forgotten about Ender's goat and the extra horses we have with us. We can't just go charging off like that!"
OOC: Survival Check to try to determine how fast to push a horse on the current rocky surface, d20+1=13
IC: thinking that he might be able to move faster, safer, if dismounted, Alexi reigns Lobo in and dismounts, continuing the chase at a hustle. (OOC: Alexi can hustle at 600ft per minute (no damage), PHB pg 162, table 9-3. However, if it appears he can move faster than that mounted, he'll remount.)
Keela Monday June 1st, 2009 11:26:28 PM
Keela concentrates on keeping up. "Don't stumble, Daisy," she murmurs.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 2:42:05 AM
Jet breaks out in a fast pace as long as he picks up the trace of evil, but if he loses it, he will wait for the group to catch up to him and continue on, always staying wary and concentrating on his spell.
If the trace still lingers though, he will follow it.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=10 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=15 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 8:33:40 AM
Beren follows along, waiting for the rest of the group. His senses are alert for danger, but he sees nothing here. He shakes his head, afraid that that will not last for long.
spot 10 (natural 1) listen 25
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=26 ; d20+7=12 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 8:19:35 PM
Trying to keep up, Caelnin looks out for any sort of trouble ahead. The sense of danger heightens his sight, but concentrating on his eyes, he forgets about his ears.
spot 26 listen 12
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 12:21:42 AM Alexi assesses the route and figures the party can stay on their horses. In fact, the path the group are following widens out a bit. Oh! The cold lake to their right is still there, dark and brooding, and the steep sides of the chasm show darkly to their left, but the space between the two widens considerably assuring the group need not pass too close to the water...if they don't wish to.
The party could even chase after Jet of they wished. The clatter of the cleric's war horses hooves on the smooth black rocks echoes down the canyon and across the lake and carries back to his companions. It is almost an affront on the elvish ears of Beren and Caelnin which have picked up no sound other than the whisper of the wind, and the faint lapping of the cold, dark lake water. It is really quite unnaturally quiet.
Fatine and Keela confer quietly, while Ender tries to keep up.
Jet Highlight to display spoiler: { follows the dim trace of residual evil that seems to lead him north, north east. As he rounds a section of the black rock shore, following the curve of the lake where it narrows a bit, he spots what appears to be a section of the rock that seems to have broken off from the face, and leans away from it.}
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 3:45:47 PM
Fatine doesn't speed up unless the others do. She keeps pace with the group either way.
She does look around the sky and whistles for Col. If he appears, she sends him forward to check on Jet and report back.
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