Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Friday May 22nd, 2009 10:03:24 PM
Not a problem Jay. Take care of yourself and we will be fine without you for a few.
On the Road Again...(ADM Jay B) Monday May 25th, 2009 1:57:05 PM
OOC: See you all tomorrow. Have a great memorial day.
On the Road Again, round 4...(ADM Jay B) d20+10=11 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=9 ; d8+6=14 ; d8=2 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2009 8:02:38 PM
Party Actions:
Ruby stops and prepares to draw an item from her cloak. There is a brown skinned elf to your left.
Revi, you will not be helping your group members, but protecting the wagon and porters from humans and halflings. The porters are clearly inept foolish men who are useless in combat.
Edmond moves further into the air and casts Mage Armor.
Arm, your bugbear has had better days. He is not happy and has not dropped. He seems visibly scared but doesn't seem to be doing anything about it. He is hardly standing.
Julian casts True Strike and moves in on a target. (OOC moved you back to the road, you can see several targets.)
Thar gets in a solid hit. (OOC: I hope your position is roughly accurate)
Wynum seems stunned and hasn't moved. (OOC: You see nothing invisible in range)
ENEMIES ACTIONS:
Arms bugbear swings and MISSES horribly.
The four bugbears fire their bow stubbornly at Thar. One striking solidly and just barely critting you for 16 damage. Oddly enough, you think its the one that has been hitting you from the beginning. He seems quite satisfied. Two bugbears misses badly!
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) d20+32=47 ; d6+3=4 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+7=23 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=8 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2009 8:36:25 PM
OOC what's the a NW of Thar? Assuming he looks like an enemy that is different to the bugbears he will shoot at it. True Strike negates partial cover. IF this guy is not clear enough (more than 50% cover), or not there anymore then choose a more visible target.
Julian looses his arrows rapidly at the enemy NW of Thar. The first strikes with uncanny accuracy and the other two seem to follow close behind. He remains on the road.
Hit AC 47, damage 4 Hit AC 23, damage 6 Hit AC 23, damage 8 total 18 damage
Thar AC 27/26, 64/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Tuesday May 26th, 2009 9:38:48 PM
(OOC = I couldn't see an updated map... do we have one for me to see if I'm in the right location?)
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] d20+13=15 ; d20+8=22 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2009 10:27:15 PM
Her rapier out, Zita sends it punching in at the elf with grim determination. She brings her other hand out from under her cloak to flip it back out of the way, her free hand is empty.
hit: 15/22 and damage: 6/1]
Edmund (HP: 44/44, AC: 17) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured Wednesday May 27th, 2009 2:06:20 AM
OOC: Holding action until the map is up. I don't want to immolate my friends!
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HASTED 86HP Wednesday May 27th, 2009 2:19:56 AM
Revi jumped into the wagon seat, she didn't know how to drive the wagon, but by the gods, no one was going to approach the wagon lest they be cut in half. "Don't worry boys, I don't know why, but I have a feeling these guys we were traveling with are completely untrustworthy. If they come near the wagon, I'm gonna kill them deader than dirt, cause that guy over there attacking Ruby said so." Revi then relaxed back in the seat, confident in the knowledge she was going to save the mission.
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted d20+9=15 ; d20+4=5 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 5:41:40 AM
Determined to make short work of this bugbear, Arm attempts to finish off this bugbear, but his attacks don't seem to have any effect, and he is thrown off balance by his second one (attk: 15,5(fumble-feel free to decide the consequences) ).
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted Wednesday May 27th, 2009 5:44:38 AM
OOC: Forgot the bonus on the attk rolls, though I doubt it will help..attk 16,6.. :)
Thar AC 27/26, 48/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+14=24 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+9=24 ; d6+3=7 ; d6+3=6 ; d6+3=7 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 9:34:40 AM
Thar curses as the bugbear's arrow hits home and he calls out, "Somebody get these bugbear's off my back! I'm tired of being their pincushion!"
Then, he continues his assault upon the annoying mage and slashes both weapons in a flurry of blows against the elf's arms and shoulder...
Attack 1 = Hit AC 24 for 7 pts dmg Attack 2 = Hit AC 30 for 6 pts + 6 fire = 12 dmg Attack 3 = Hit AC 24 for 7 pts + 4 fire = 11 dmg
Total of all three = 30 pts dmg
Spells in effect Hasted = +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 reflex (from Ed) Magic Circle vs. Evil Status = 26/27 (vs nearest enemy) AC, 48/70 hps
Spells 0 level = Det Magic 2x, Det Poison, Guidance, Read Magic 1 level = Bane, Bless, Comp Languages, Divine Favor, Shield of Faith, Mag Weapon, 2 level = Aid, Bull's Strength, Hold Person, Resist Energy, Lessor Restoration, Spiritual Weapon 3 level = Dispel Magic, Invis Purge, Sum Mon 3
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] d20+8=16 ; d20+8=23 ; d6+2=7 ; d6+2=5 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 9:43:46 AM
OOC: Jim you did not post about Shadows stealthy approach on the elf near him. I hope that means he is successful in approaching him from behind.
Shadow will strike at the elf's back with his dagger in hopes of taking the spell caster out.
Actions: To hit: 16, 23 dmg: 7, 5
On the Road Again, round 4...(ADM Jay B) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 1:09:01 PM
OOC: Hey all, I was just suspended from my job. Before it sounds too bad, I was sort of expecting it. I will be busy for the next couple of weeks looking into school and work elsewhere, so, if I miss a few posts, I apologize.
More later...
Thar AC 27/26, 48/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Wednesday May 27th, 2009 2:43:24 PM
Jay
I'm sorry to hear that and we'll keep you in our prayers. Let us know how we can support you otherwise ;-)
Ken
Edmund (HP: 44/44, AC: 17) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured 8d6=18 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 4:40:25 PM
((OOC: Still no map. Assuming that Edmund can see Thar and his foes. If not, let me know and I'll amend Ed's actions.))
At Thar's shouting, Edmund turns in the air and, with a gesture, sends a fireball hurtling towards a group of the bugbears, hoping to hit as many as possible and thus free Thar of their interference.
"Ha!" the half-elf wizard says to himself. "Roast Bugbeast!"
DM Sanity Info. Standard Action: Cast Fireball centred on group of Bugbears attacking Thar, but so as to avoid incinerating Thar as well; deals 18 fure damage (Reflex DC 20 for half damage). Move Action: None Checks: N/A Saves: N/A
Spells/Durations/Effects Haste on the Party (5 Rounds Remaining) Fly on Self (78 Rounds Remaining) Mage Armour on Self (8 Hours Remaining)
Nellie Friday May 29th, 2009 2:06:26 AM
Hey everyone. Jay has updated me about several items. Thanks Jay! Since it worked so well last time, I've put a rough map up on google docs. Please make sure your character is where you need it to be on the map. I think I have a good idea of what's going on in combat, but it'll have to be tomorrow before I get my post in. Sorry.
Fight Club (DM Nellie) d100=90 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=12 ; Saturday May 30th, 2009 1:19:41 AM
Things continue to heat up as the Mithril Order ratchet up their assault against the bugbears and elves.
Arm continues his assault on the bugbears and is rewarded by taking his next opponent down. From his elevated position, Edmund finds targeting the bugbears more than a little difficult in the wooded terrain. Not to mention that silly Arm has moved into his range..tsk, tsk. Doing the best he can, Edmund flings his ball of fire toward the bugbears, but is frustrated to see it detonate considerably early. A few waves of flame lick down on the unsuspecting bugbears (and elf!!), but it's not as devastating as Edmund would have liked for it to be. (Remember, it's a wooded area, so from up above you're going to have to worry about hitting trees and the like. I'm going to be very nice (and more than a tad bit lazy) and say you've got a 50/50 shot of successfully hitting them with a fireball...rolled a 90, that failed, so ½ damage). Still, Edmund's ears are met with a chorus of guttural growls as well as a frightened squeal.
Julian follows up Edmund's strike with a devastating attack of his own. His arrows thud with deadly accuracy into the elf, whose body shudders in pain. The onslaught is apparently too much for the character promptly tucks tale and begins hoofing it quickly toward the north.
Faced with multiple foes, the other elf is quickly cut down by the combined assault of Thar, Ruby and Shadow. The flame from Thar's blade elicits a look of utter panic just before the light of life is extinguished in its eyes. Looking down on the body, Ruby is struck by a strange insight. There's just something...wrong about the elf. (Spot DC18 to notice something interesting about the dead elf).
A frustrated Wynum is finally rewarded as he hears a nice solid crack from the bugbear's bow. Growling in anger, the creature drops the useless weapon and pulls out its morningstar. It lumbers forward and strikes out at the centaur, but only manages to shatter a nearby bush, sending a shower of leaves in the air. The three remaining bugbears continue to focus attentively on Thar, though ultimately their aim is definitely off target, and none of them are able to connect.
OOC: Since they're no longer needed, I'm going to delete the OOC posts above tomorrow so the board flows smoother (unless anybody really needs them up there). Thanks for helping me get your positions right on the map!!
Edmund (HP: 44/44, AC: 17) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured d100=1 ; 8d6=25 ; Saturday May 30th, 2009 1:53:03 AM
From his position above the battlefield, Edmund readies another Fireball and sends it down on the remaining foes, intent on getting them this time. Now that he has them ranged, he seems to have no problem putting down a fireball directly on target.
(30 foot burst targets top left corner of H-13 hitting B1, B2, B3, and B4--narrowly missing Arm, Shadow, and Wynum. 50/50 to hit rolls a 1, which is a hit if 90 is a miss. Deals 25 Fire damage, Reflex DC 20 for half.)
"Bugbear," the wizard says with a self-satisfied smirk, "it's what's for dinner."
DM Sanity Info. Standard Action: Cast Fireball on top left corner of H-13; 25 fire damage (Reflex DC 20 for half damage). Move Action: None Checks: N/A Saves: N/A
Spells/Durations/Effects Haste on the Party (4 Rounds Remaining) Fly on Self (77 Rounds Remaining) Mage Armour on Self (8 Hours Remaining)
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HASTED 86HP Saturday May 30th, 2009 2:51:32 AM
Revi scratched herself as the fighting continued. The din of a fireball and clashing steel failed to arouse anything in Revi's heart, somehow she felt an unnatural stifling, an oppression bearing down on her. Then she realized what it was--the sun. It was warm, gentle to the touch like a lover's hand, something of course she had never known, but she thought if it felt like anything, it would feel like this. Resting her head back, she let the sun caress her and slowly she slipped into a deep slumber--then the snoring began. Arashi, her wolf, sat at the front wheel nearest her and hadn't moved all this time. He had been given the command to guard, and that's what he would do, guard his mistress with his life, but when she began snoring that horrible wail of hers, even Arashi was unnerved.
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=22 ; 2d8+6=14 ; Saturday May 30th, 2009 4:22:57 PM
Thar notices something wierd too about the elf (Spot = 22)....
As Ed's fireball goes off with an incredible boom, Thar takes the opportunity to move North and East and find some cover, knowing that he needs some healing. "Let's cut off their retreat and find out who was responsible for the massacre!!!"
He takes a moment to hide behind a tree, trying to gain cover (?) and then casts CMW's upon himself, healing 14 pts
Spells in effect Hasted = +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 reflex (from Ed) Magic Circle vs. Evil Status = 26/27 (vs nearest enemy) AC, 62/70 hps
Spells 0 level = Det Magic 2x, Det Poison, Guidance, Read Magic 1 level = Bane, Bless, Comp Languages, Divine Favor, Shield of Faith, Mag Weapon, 2 level = Aid, Bull's Strength, Hold Person, Resist Energy, Lessor Restoration 3 level = Dispel Magic, Invis Purge, Sum Mon 3
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) d20+3=23 ; Saturday May 30th, 2009 8:26:47 PM
"Where's he gone? I'm going after him." The halfling takes off after the elf with unnatural speed, rushing through the undergrowth and dodging the trees like a creature of the forest. "Eddy can you see that darned elf?" he calls to the sky.
Double move chasing the elf. Speed = 20 Base +10 Barbarian +30 Haste - ?? medium armour = 50?? (can't wait for Fly)
Looking for the elf as he is chasing Spot 23 natural 20
Wynum (See Invis. ; Haste) AC19 Sunday May 31st, 2009 9:38:45 AM
Wynum withdraws from the bugbear and moves north; chasing the elf too, galloping up to 220' on the trail. He won't try to avoid further AOOs (AC23, 24 vs. B4). If he reaches the elf, he places himself in front of him (remember Wynum is four squares), trying to force him to cut through difficult terrain.
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] d20+13=25 ; d20+8=17 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+6=19 ; Sunday May 31st, 2009 11:06:23 PM
Ruby moves slightly to get into a better position on the nearest elf to her. She notices Shadow but does nothing to draw attention to him as she moves. Her rapier once again jabs out twice to try and get through the elves armor and keep him quiet.
She does not a few odd things about the elf that was just taken down but figures she will have to mull that over as she stays with the business at hand. That is most likely why her second attack is not as good as she would have liked.
[spot 19] [Ruby vs. E1 - hit: 25/17 and damage: 4/5]
[Did not apply flanking bonuses with Shadow as I was not sure if they would apply in this situation.]
Arm [HP 24/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted d20+6=10 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 5:50:17 AM
Arm shields his face as he is blasted by the result of Ed's fireball (9 dmg-failed reflex save for 1/2 that). Noticing that his current target has been eliminated, he is about to turn and see what he can do to pay Ed back for it when he realizes the situation and acts according, taking a five foot step backwards. Depending on if any more of the bugbears remain standing and noticing that the spellcaster is now down as well, he will hold his turn before attacking the rest of the rabble.
OOC: Sorry, Ed, but that's the best I can do at the moment..I'll help you out more after the next fireball goes off, but try not to light me up again, k? lol!
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] d20+9=24 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+17=25 ; d20+24=34 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 9:43:16 AM
Shadow sees the elf go down and looks quickly around to see what other foes remain. He will move towards the road (the one headed north - I think). He is searching for the other elf.
Edmund (HP: 44/44, AC: 17) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured Monday June 1st, 2009 3:19:07 PM
OOC: Arm, you were not caught in the blast. It targetted the top left corner of H-13 and has a 30-foot spread. That spread will hit squares M-14 and L-13, but not M-14 where you are.
I did say this in my post as well.
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 5:59:00 AM
OOC: Hm, that's odd...guess I misinterpreted Nellie's post...good to know...thank you! :)
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 1:54:31 PM
Shadow still is searching for that other elf.
Edmund (HP: 44/44, AC: 17) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 4:20:24 PM
OOC: Nellie, is Arm meant to be 'the elf' in your previous DM post? I thought you were referring to the other Elf who ended up running off to the north after being hit.
I really don't want to be hitting my friends with fireballs! Neither would Ed!
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 10:07:17 PM
Julian will chase after the elf.
Fight Club Revisited (DM Nellie) d20+6=25 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+14=26 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=17 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=4 ; d100=81 d100=64 Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 12:54:22 AM
Edmund's fireball goes off as planned. Three of the bugbears are able more roll more or less out of the way, their beady eyes focus on the mage as they shift targets. Raising their bows skyward, the bugbears fire off a volley of arrows at the spellcaster. (Two hit for 12 total damage...confirmed 50% chance to hit). The fourth bugbear lets out a brief gut wrenching howl before he collapses to the ground, apparently dead. (OOC: No, I didn't mean that Ed fireballed Arm. Sorry about the misunderstanding. :) )
Revi continues to guard the wagon with her life as the clash of battle is heard all around her. Something in the back of her mind nags and prickles as the fight continues. Why in the world are her traveling partners attacking those nice bugbears?!
Thar and Ruby both easily spot the long pointy fangs on the body of what they thought was an elf. From a distance, the thing looked very much elven, but closer inspection of the face shows something...different.
Thar moves out of the combat and gives himself some much needed healing.
Meanwhile, Julian, Wynum, Shadow and Ruby give chase to the other "elf". (OOC: Sorry, I forgot to gray out E1 who is dead. I'm assuming that Ruby headed out after the fleeing "elf". If not, just let me know.) With his swift hooves, Wynum is able to cut off the creature's retreat while the others begin to circle around. The look on its strange fanged face is clearly terrified as it mutters out a few arcane words. A swirling mist begins to surround it (Obscuring mist...20% chance of miss if within 5 feet, otherwise 50% miss). The creature then begins to clamor up the nearest tree. The fog begins to slowly rise up off the ground until it is 15 feet up.
Arm watches as Edmund's fireball very nearly hits him. He is struck by a moment of contemplation.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HASTED 86HP Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 1:23:51 AM
Revi awoke with a start from her quick catnap and wiped the line of spittle that had dripped down her chin. Spying the area around her, she saw everything was still in good hands and even waved to the Bugbears.
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted d20+9=28 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+4=5 ; d8+6=12 ; d8+6=14 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 5:44:34 AM
Arm moves within range of B4 and hacks fiercely at it, though his ardor seems to have sent his 2nd attack short (attk: 28-confirm crit 29 (nat 20) 2nd attack fumbles dmg: 12+14=26). Depending on how the rest of the fight goes, he ponders dispelling whatever trickery is preventing Revi from helping out.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 6:05:43 AM
Julian chants his own arcane words as he lifts his bow and nocks an arrow.
Cast True Strike.
Spells 6/7/5 used 0/3/1
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+5=10 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 10:30:07 AM
Since his companions are busy chasing the elf, Thar decides to bring some help to the fight down south. he casts, "Summon Monster 3" and calls forth a small earth elemental to space (F12). Once it arrives, he'll command it to attack B1 (the spell description designates that it appears where you designate and acts immediately, on your turn. )
Attack = Miss...
Earth Elemental = AC 17, 11/11 hps
Spells in effect Hasted = +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 reflex (from Ed) Magic Circle vs. Evil Status = 26/27 (vs nearest enemy) AC, 62/70 hps
Casting Note (DM Nellie) Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 4:53:03 PM
Ken, don't forget that SM takes 1 round to cast. So you will spend the entire round casting SM and then it will appear at the beginning of your turn next round. If you want to change your action, that's cool with me, just let me know. :)
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 21) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured, Shielded Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 5:08:23 PM
With a yelp, Edmund is struck by two arrows. Cursing himself for forgetting to shield himself earlier, he takes evasive action, sailing sixty feet straight up into the air, where he hovers, one hundred sixty feet over the wagon. There, he takes the precaution he should have taken earlier, shielding himself with a magical wall of deflective force through the use of his handy-dandy Shield spell.
((OOC: For the purpose of ranging, Edmund's straight-line distance to/from the remaining monsters can be determined by Pythagoras' theorem. Rounding down to the nearest five, he is 160 (163.8) feet from B4, 165 (166.2) feet from B2, and 165 (167.63) feet from B1.))
Edmund angrily scowls at the bugbears below. "Stop that at once!" he shouts shrilly. From his height, though, it probably just sounds like angry squeaking.
DM Sanity Info. Standard Action: Cast Shield on self. Move Action: 60ft. up (Current Height, 160 ft.) Checks: N/A Saves: N/A
Spells/Durations/Effects Haste on the Party (3 Rounds Remaining) Shield on Self (80 Rounds Remaining) Fly on Self (76 Rounds Remaining) Mage Armour on Self (8 Hours Remaining)
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] d100=53 ; d20+13=23 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 9:37:11 PM
Ruby does not put anything together with the sight of pointed teeth as she continues to chase down the last elf with the rest of the group. She wonders for a few minutes if the others are faring any better than they are. It is even worse with the sudden rising mist and she hopes that once she gets close enough that she might be able to be a little more help. She hopes to get close enough to the elf before it gets too far up the tree on them.
[spot ] [miss chance: 53%] [Ruby vs. E2 - hit: 23 and damage: 4]
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HASTED 86HP Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 9:56:19 PM
Seeing Edmund get hurt made Revi wonder about the veracity of what the elf that told her through whispered lips that they were friends. Taking matters of diplomacy ito her own hands, Revi jumped off the wagon, with greatsword and Arashi quick on her heels and ran full bore to the closest Bugbear (move70; runx3=210'). Once there, standing in front of the bugbear, she spoke, "Hey now, old Edmund is a pretty nice guy, talks alot, but he's okay, so how about laying off of him?" She leaned on her huge greatsword for added effect.
Mamma Said There'd Be Days Like This (DM Nellie) d20+6=20 ; d20+6=12 ; d100=30 ; d20+13=16 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 12:40:04 AM
The battle continues...
Arm steps forward and quickly dispatches one of the bugbears nearby with a swift and mighty blow. His victory celebration is slightly diminished as his follow up blow swings wide and his blade sticks into the trunk of a nearby tree. (OOC: The tree thing is just for role play, no affect on next rounds attacks...have fun. :) )
Julian, Edmund and Thar all begin casting, though Julian and Edmund wrap up their spells rather quickly, while Thar's is much more complex. (Elemental appears and acts on your next turn. :)). There is a slight shimmer in front of Edmund that notifies him of the successful placement of his Shield.
As Edmund chatters away waaaay up in the sky (making a remarkable mimic of a squirrel!) while Revi attempts to talk some sense into her new bugbear friends. If everyone would just calm down and listen to her, she's sure that this whole misunderstand could be cleared up! The bugbears look at her as though she has snakes growing out of the top of her head. "No so bad...he cooked Brakd alive! You tell him to stop flinging fire from the sky and then maybe we'll talk!" They fire off a couple more arrows at the spellcaster which ping harmlessly off the invisible barrier in front of Edmund. (OOC: I've taken the -2 range penalty into account for the last couple of rounds.)
Meanwhile, Ruby moves forward and attempts to skewer that weird elf-thing. The only problem is that it's about 15 feet up in the tree and she can't reach the pesky twerp with her melee weapon. She and the others hear casting up above her, followed by ray which misses Ruby by a mile! There is a rustling up above the trees, followed shortly by a crack and several loud ***whumps**. The culmination is a particularly loud thump up ahead on the roadway. The mist that was surrounding Julian, Ruby, Shadow and Wynum moves forward about 10 feet. (OOC: I'm too lazy to move the "elfs' position on the map. With the haste you guys won't have a lot of problems closing...just play your position by ear and it'll be alright. :) ).
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted d20+8=27 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 6:04:41 AM
Seeing Revi is clearly not in her right mind (though through her past actions he wondered that anyway), Arm smiles at her as he begins casting his spell at her to bring her about (dispel magic cast at 8th level-DC for success: 27). Afterwards he hopes she will be more sensible and join in the fighting. If she does, he will be prepared to assist with her newest 'friend'.
Wynum (See Invis. ; Haste) AC19 d20+7=20 ; d20-1=1 ; d20+10=22 ; d100=14 ; d20+11=21 ; d4+3=6 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 3:01:31 PM
(Sorry my last post didn't work so I missed a round. This also explains the useless '20' climb roll. Also Nellie if it is a regular Obcuring Mist it shouldn't move about with the caster?)
Frustrated by yet another elusive opponent, Wynum tries to locate him, closes in and grab. Meanwhile, he speaks aloud through the fog:
"Surrender and you'll be safe!"
[Listen check 1... So Wynum moves through and about the mist up to 110' to find him, if he's there. If he does find him, he'll try to initiate a grapple: touch atk 22, conceal 14% (so a miss unless the mist is actually gone), grapple check 21, dmg 6 temp]
Revi AC20/12T/12FF *RAGE*HASTED* 100/86HP d20+3=17 ; d6+1=7 ; d20+1=7 ; d20+9=21 ; 3d6+20=30 ; d20+9=27 ; 3d6+20=30 ; d20+9=15 Thursday June 4th, 2009 3:19:53 PM
With the effects of the Charm Person spell dispelled, Revi looked about for the first time with clear eyes, but those eyes were quickly filled with intense red rage! "Sonuva...AAARRRRRGGGHHH!!!" This was Arashi's cue, and the black wolf lunged at the closest bugbear, seeking to bring it to the ground.
Revi immediately took a 5' step (no AoO), placing her between the two bugbears (B1&B2), screaming she attacked first one bugbear, then the other, then the first one again. Arashi attack (B2): Hit AC17, 7dmg, Trip check 7 (no AoO - link on CS)
I have Cleave, if it matters, if so, go ahead and roll for me to speed things up :)
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Thursday June 4th, 2009 5:32:18 PM
Now that his new elemental friend is acting (5' step south, but missed this turn...), Thar is free to move forward and help flank the enemy... (moved to H13)...
He'll attack B1 with his sword, hoping to get in a good blow or two...
Hit AC =
Spells in effect Hasted = +1 attack, +1 AC, +1 reflex (from Ed) Magic Circle vs. Evil Status = 26/27 (vs nearest enemy) AC, 62/70 hps Monster Sum 3 (1 round complete)
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+16=30 ; d6+3=7 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 5:33:11 PM
(Sorry, hit wrong button...)
Hit AC 30 for 7 pts
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Thursday June 4th, 2009 7:56:32 PM
Ruby had not expected the elf to get into the tree so fast but with the fog she was unable to judge that well. As she glances around, though her vision is obscured, she is able to hear the sounds of something in the distance. Growling she thinks over the idea of continueing after this elf, but she decides against it and heads back the way she came.
For some reason she is not sure about the situation and she is worried about an ambush up ahead. She will make her way to the other fallen elf and take the time to check it out a little better. Though first she will see how the others are doing and if they would be better served with her assistance. Despite what she finds out, she will plunge her rapier into the elf just to try and make herself feel better.
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 21) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured, Shielded 4d4+4=17 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 8:23:30 PM
Looking down at the battle below, Edmund is not sure what to do next. As Arm casts a spell on Revi, Edmund raises an eyebrow.
"Ah ha!" he thinks to himself. "I knew there was something fishy about her! She had it in for us all along!"
((OOC: The next section presumes the Bugbears are still standing after the attacks of Thar and his Elemental. If they are not, Edmund will fly 60 ft. North.))
Certain that Arm can handle the treacherous woman, Edmund focuses on putting paid to her allies. With a gesture, four Magic Missiles sail down and plunge unerringly into the Bugbear. (17 Damage)
((OOC: Edmund targets B2, but will target B1 if B2 is dead. Magic Missiles hits targets unerringly, so I imagine a 50% miss chance is not necessary? If not feel free to roll miss chance for Edmund.))
"So much for your bugbear friends!" the mage shouts triumphantly from above. This sounds far less impressive below, where the squeaking might be mistaken for birdsong or a particularly annoyed mouse.
DM Sanity Info. Standard Action: Cast Magic Missile on Bugbear B2 or B1 for 17 Damage. Move Action: If Bugbear B2 and B1 are already dead, move 60 ft. North. Checks: N/A Saves: N/A
Spells/Durations/Effects Haste on the Party (2 Rounds Remaining) Shield on Self (79 Rounds Remaining) Fly on Self (75 Rounds Remaining) Mage Armour on Self (8 Hours Remaining)
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) d20+5=12 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+26=36 ; d10+21=30 ; d6=2 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 8:49:26 PM
Dropping his bow Julian moves into the mist where he heard the thud, drawing his falchion as he is looking for the body of the elf on the ground. With the benefit of True Strike he hits the elf hard, though the force of the blow dissipates into a blow glow that surrounds the elf. "Sweet dreams."
Listen 12 Spot 17 True Strike: [i]You gain temporary, intuitive insight into the immediate future during your next attack. Your next single attack roll (if it is made before the end of the next round) gains a +20 insight bonus. Additionally, you are not affected by the miss chance that applies to attackers trying to strike a concealed target. So, he shouldn't have problems with the fog...?
Power Attack 7 (2H weapon) Hit (+13, -7 PA, +20 True Strike) AC 36 (is he prone too?) Damage (1d10+7+14, +1d6) = 32 ALL NON LETHAL
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 21) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured, Shielded Thursday June 4th, 2009 10:48:19 PM
((OOC: Realised after the fact that a third possibility exists: if Thar kills a bugbear, and Edmund finishes the other off (i.e. both Bugbears B1 and B2 are dead and Edmund has attacked) Edmund will move North 60 feet. He will not move if either B1 or B2 are still alive.
Also: doesn't Thar's Elemental get to act immediately now that is has appeared?))
All Things Come to an End (DM Nellie) Thursday June 4th, 2009 11:36:52 PM
Realizing that something strange is going on, Arm casts his spell and frees Revi from the Charm. In grateful return, Revi steps up to the bugbear she was just talking to and dispatches both him and his partner in one fluid motion. Arashi looks up in admiration at her companion's efficient killing spree. Thar and as the new elementall move it to mop up, but all the bugbears are very much dead. Ruby pulls back from the fog and takes a good look at the "elf". The face is just not right...those long fangs, and the eyes are too round...it's a strange looking creature indeed! Just to be on the safe side, she spears the fallen creature making sure it won't get back up.
Back in the fog, Wynum searches around for the elf thingy, but can't quite determine his location until Julian charges into the mist and there is a very solid thud as he connects with the prone "elf". A huge goosegg forms on the critter's head as he lays on the ground bleeding in the mist. (OOC: Florian is right, the mist doesn't move. However, the mist is a 20 foot radius, and the critter only moved 10 feet, so it's still in the mist area.).
Seeing that all the baddies appear to be taken care of (with the possible exception of the "elf" in the mist which he can't see!), Edmund flies Northward and scopes things out. So far he doesn't see any movement in that direction.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) Thursday June 4th, 2009 11:44:02 PM
Julian...?
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 5th, 2009 12:47:27 AM
Revi looked around for more enemies to slay and saw none. In her rage she raised her voice and sword to the sky and gave out a great yell, akin to the bellowing of a ferocious bear, guttural and lethal. As she finished, the rage left her and her shoulders slumped under the fatigue that assailed her body--the tip of her greatsword dug deep into a bugbear as it slammed downward, sending a spray of blood skyward. "So... anyone got something to drink, I'm parched!"
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted Friday June 5th, 2009 5:33:11 AM
Afraid to approach Revi to closely yet, Arm smiles at her and says "Well done, my dear...you are a valued companion indeed!". Unslinging his water flask, he offers it to her.
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] d20+9=18 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+24=43 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=27 ; d6+2=4 ; d6+2=7 ; Friday June 5th, 2009 8:18:17 AM
OOC: Sorry about not posting for a couple of days, but my wife decided we needed to go out of town for a couple of days (and I did not get a chance to post).
IC: Shadow will try and get a bead on the elf in the mist and then will try and finish it off.
Actions: Spot=18 Listen=19 Move Silently=36 Hide=43 To hit=15, 27 dmg=4,7
Wynum (See Invis. ; Haste) AC19 Friday June 5th, 2009 2:43:12 PM
Wynum grabs the unconscious elf and gets out of the mist, away from the team, to prevent the last witness from being split in two or toasted.
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 21) Hastened, Flying, Mage Armoured, Shielded d20+3=21 ; Friday June 5th, 2009 4:00:35 PM
Edmund will take advantage of the last few moments of Haste by flying 120 ft. straight up into the air, taking him to a towering height of 380 ft. From his vantage point, he looks down at the landscape all around, trying to spot any signs of movement or unusual activity; any strange landmarks or indications of foul play; any monsters or other enemies; and any signs of habitation or recent encampment.
Spot=21
"Just seeing what's around the outlying area," Edmund calls to those below. But at this point, they probably can barely hear him, if at all.
((OOC: I know there is normally a distance penalty for Spot, but also that Spot is normally used for finding hidden creatures. Edmund is primarily looking for large, unhidden, obvious objects (like buildings or encampments) which might be out of sight from the ground.))
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 5th, 2009 5:20:56 PM
Revi takes the offered flask, nods and takes a swig, then abruptly spits it out, "What! Water?! What are you thinking Arm? I need a real drink!" Revi shakes her head and gives back the flask, and Arm the evil eye.
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=24 ; Friday June 5th, 2009 7:57:08 PM
Thar charges North also and assists in trying to find the annoying elf. He wants a prisoner to interrogate...
Spot = 24
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Friday June 5th, 2009 10:24:43 PM
Seeing that the fight is mostly over, Ruby kneels near the downed elf. She slips her rapier away but pulls out the longer dagger at her waist just in case. With care she goes about checking out the teeth on this elf, both lower and upper as the differences seem to nag at her.
Glancing around she is about to call for Edmund but does not find him anywhere nearby so she starts to look for anyone else. "This elf is not right over here guys. Someone with a little more knowledge of different things want to have a look?" Turning to other things, she lends a practiced hand to going about the delicate job of stripping the body of all useful items, laying them in a neat little pile.
With another thought she glances up and smiles, motioning as she calls out. "Hey Revi...could you come here for a second...might have a good job for you in a couple of minutes." The woman has a strong arm and a weapon more suited to the work so she will explain that as soon as someone has had a look at the body...she would like the head removed. That nagging feeling is what brings this on and she cannot think of a more telling way of killing something than taking its head.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 5th, 2009 11:18:17 PM
"Yeah, Ruby, coming right over!" Revi yells and takes off, but not before giving Arm a scowl. As she ran over she smiled, Always keep'em guessing I say, she thought to herself.
It's a Wrap (DM Nellie) d20=1 ; d20=3 ; d20=13 ; d20=2 ; d20=10 ; d20=8 ; Saturday June 6th, 2009 1:36:14 AM
With the combat wrapped up, Wynum goes about securing the prisoner, while the other combatants are nullified.
As she is tending to the corpse of the "elf", Ruby gets a very good look at the creature. There are definate fangs and the eyes are almost buggish. As she removes the simple clothing from the thing, she spots something very strange...down near the creature's posterior there are two appendages sticking out and a stingy material stuck to them. (Int. DC 15 for an interesting revelation).
Edmund flies up and takes a good look at the surroundings. He's pretty sure he can pick out some motion from the North. There's a cliff face about 200 feet from the groups present location. It could be a trick of the imagination, but Edmund is fairly certain he saw a flicker of motion on the cliff face.
Edmund d20+7=27 ; d20+7=25 ; Saturday June 6th, 2009 1:49:40 AM
Edmund slowly descends from his lofty heights--physically of course, as the Mage is just as arrogant as he ever was--and comes to rest very gracefully on the ground near Ruby, the fast-approaching Revi, and the majority of his friends.
"I wonder what she was playing at, just standing around until the end of the fight! Hedging her bets, methinks," Edmund says as he watches Revi approach. "Did you notice she didn't do anything until it was certain that we'd win? Suspicious, I say! Very suspicious! I always did say so!"
Having opined most sagaciously on this topic, Edmund squints at the bizarre creature which Wynum has caught.
"What have we here?" he asks, before suddenly exclaiming, "Oh! I say!" (INT DC: 27, Natural 20!) ((OOC: Not sure what the revelation is--I suppose you'll tell me in an e-mail?))
Edmund pokes and prods at the creature a bit, intent on learning more about it. (Know. Nature: 26) ((OOC: That should be a +8, not a +7 modifier.))
As Edmund is investigating the matter further, he carries on speaking (of course) to those assembled. "Apart from this most interesting discovery," he says blandly, "it may behoove us to check the cliffs to the North. After things down here were secured, I went up a bit and had a look around. I thought I saw something moving on the cliff face. I can't say for certain, it was very far away, but I am near-on-certain about it."
"Anyway," he says as he finishes examining the body, "this fellow isn't going to be troubling us any longer, and the bugbears seem to be out of action as well. Has anyone searched the corpses yet?"
Wynum (See Invis) d20-1=5 ; d20+6=15 ; Saturday June 6th, 2009 11:29:45 AM
"I'll have a look. Thar, would you take care of the prisoner? There seems to be much mysteries to resolve."
With that, Wynum goes near the cliff face (which is in fact a round away if it's really '200 ft' from us?). If there is some tree coverage, he attempts to hide and scrutinizes the cliff, bow in hand.
[Hide 5 ; Spot 15]
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Saturday June 6th, 2009 5:23:06 PM
Thar nods at Wynum's suggestion and ties up the prisoner. Before doing anything else, he makes sure the prisoner is entirely disarmed and then says in a firm manner, "Now be good while I tie you up, or I'll let our barbarian use you for sword practice. Neither you nor I want that to happen, so please sit still."
Once that's done, he'll treat any serious wounds the prisoner has, and then begins questioning him. "Would you happen to know anything about this caravan that was attacked? I'd like to know about what happened to those poor people, as well as how many are in your party. Who sent you? Where did you come from?"
If the prisoner becomes unhelpful, he'll ask Revii to come over and show the prisoner her weapons. To the prisoner, he'll say (if needed), "I'm afraid she's rather a bloodthirsty person and I'm not strong enough to keep her from removing your arm or leg. Please don't make her do this, as I'm almost out of healing spells..."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 d20+10=12 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+10=22 ; Saturday June 6th, 2009 9:57:54 PM
Revi keeps an eye and ear out for any further signs of danger, but the din of battle is slowly receding from her memory and hampering her senses.
Whether she had been called or not, Revi walks over to the prisoner, leans in close and says in a sultry voice, "Ever see the look on a man's face when his entrails have been pulled out and wrapped around his own neck, choking him to death?" Her pursed lips turned into a lurid smile, "I have and I look forward to doing it to you, unless you give us reason otherwise." Listen: 12 Spot: 7 Intimidate: 22
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) Sunday June 7th, 2009 1:38:59 AM
Julian grabs his bow, sheaths his sword and wanders lazily back to the wagon.
"North hey Eddy, let's go then."
Make Mine To Go (DM Nellie) d20=5 ; d20=15 ; d20=18 ; d20=3 ; d20=4 ; d20=15 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 12:15:59 AM
Edmund checks the creature and is very startled by what he finds. The appendages on the rear are definitely some kind of spinneret. Combining that with the predominate fangs and the insectoid eyes, the creature in front of him appears to be some sort of a humanoid/spider hybrid! (OOC: It would be really nice if you could post Edmund's prepared spells in a private post.).
Thar binds and heals the creature and does the good cop/bad cop routine... It's strange. The "elf" doesn't appear to be at all concerned about the terrifying barbarian, but literally shudders every time Thar gets close. Its strange eyes nervously dart back and forth between the cleric's face and his weaponry. Still, even with the scare tactics employed, it says nothing.
During the interrogation, Wynum slips off and easily follows the trail which leads northward. The forest grows more dense, and Wynum finds it increasingly difficult to cover ground without making a lot of noise. And then there is the unnerving idea that he is constantly being watched...though it is never confirmed, the centaur just can't shake the feeling. Eventually though, the woods give way to a long slope covered with loose rocks and scraggly bushes. A sheer cliff, about as tall as a good bowshot, rises from the top of the slope. Taking a quick looksy, Wynum doesn't see anything.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Monday June 8th, 2009 4:07:58 AM
Revi brings her sword around, "IT, ain't talking, so lets kill the thing and be off. The sooner the better."
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22(23-haste)] Hasted d20+11=24 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 6:02:32 AM
Arm hastily takes the flask back from Revi, apologizing profusely to her back as he follows her to join the rest, "I am very sorry...didn't mean to offend you, but that's all I have on me at the moment. Rest assure that when we get back to town I'll see to it you have all the wine or anything else you need.".
Coming upon the "elf" corpse, he wracks his brain to see if he remembers seeing or hearing anything about creatures such as this (bardic knowledge=24). "First dopplegangers and now these," he thinks, "What's next?".
Wynum (See Invis) Monday June 8th, 2009 10:34:44 AM
Uneasy, Wynum is careful not to go any further, and he mumbles for himself. "Elves, hiding in holes and caves, as usual. Spying on people."
Making good use of his temporary privacy, the centaur relieves himself on a tree. Not being hampered by a biped's facing constraint during this activity, he snaps a quick look backwards after a couple seconds, to try and catch any sneaky bubbly-eye elf spying on him.
In any case, pretending to be uninterested in the area, he comes back promptly to the group and adresses them away from the prisoner.
"There is indeed a cliff up here which might be a good hiding place. There may be tracks, but I hardly can spot them in the dirt. Can anyone help with that?"
He also looks at the creature with a very puzzled look, conspiciously alternating between it and Thar's backside.
Edmund d20+14=34 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 11:49:48 AM
"This," Edmund declares authoritatively to the group, "is what is known as a Spumanider! They are a corrupt combination of the humanoid and arachnid forms--note the spinnarets, typical of a spider, but the generally human-like body. Quite dangerous, too. Pointy little fangs, you see. A ruined race, terrible to behold."
"Also," Edmund says, as he observes the creature's response to Thar, "they are afraid of Clerics. Naturally evil, you see."
"See here," he says sternly, frowning down upon the Spumanider. "I suggest you help us. We'll be far more inclined to leniency if you cooperate. Provided your part in this infamy was small, we may even consider letting you go. Now, why don't you begin by telling us your name, how you came to be here, and what you know of what has transpired recently. And I think it would be fair to tell us why you attacked us, too."
(Diplomacy=34, Nat. 20!)
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Monday June 8th, 2009 9:01:46 PM
Thar is a bit surprised at creature's response, but decides t make the best of it. "Hmm, so you're not a fan of clerics, are you? Well, I understand what you're saying." When Edmund starts speaking, Thar sits next to the Spumanider and puts his arm around it.
If the creature remains silent, Thar says, "You know, I've been looking for a familiar for a while and you may just do the trick... Imagine it... you and I together for the next 300 or so years. We'd be like a hand and glove, like a shoe and sock, like Sonny and Cher... oh, you might not know who they were, but you get the picture. Unless you want to be my new best friend for the next half a millennium, please answer my friend's questions."
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste, True Strike) Monday June 8th, 2009 9:23:51 PM
Julian calls to Thar and the others from the wagon. "Can we just tie that thing up, throw it in the wagon, and move on to finding these people we are meant to be finding."
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] d20+12=25 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 10:52:27 PM
Glancing to the rest as the give out little details about this dead thing and live thing before them she just shakes her head. This was nothing compared to parasitic worms that infested your brain but that was a different matter anyways. With a last shake of her head she glances to Revi and nods her head. "Give a demonstration on this one if you want." She gestures for the woman to go ahead and take a couple chops at the dead ones neck. Not that it will have any effect upon the other one, but it is worth a try.
Staying long enough to see the effects of that she glances to Wynum and nods her head. "I will have a look for tracks. Just show me the way." She will then follow the centaur to the area to have a look around for signs.
[survival(track) 25]
Here There Be Monsters (DM Nellie) Monday June 8th, 2009 11:56:28 PM
Edmund makes his pronouncement (LOL!! Spumanider!!) and tries to talk some sense into the critter as Thar cozies up to it...literally. In addition, Revi and Ruby behead the other captive. The tactics meets with success. Eyes wide with fear, the Spumanider looks imploringly at Edmund. "I am called Xrxyzmklytrzssss. I was just following ordersss!! We were to attack anything that came by the wreckage. There's a cave...up North...we came from there." He points at the wreckage. "Nothing personal...just trying to earn a few gold. Please, just let me go...I won't bother you any more..."
Though he looks around, Wynum can't spot anything on his return journey. It's just that creepy feeling of constantly being watched. Ruby finishes up her beheading and heads into the forest (about 150 feet into the woods to be more precise) to check for tracks...which really isn't all that difficult. There's definitely a set of bugbear and humanoid tracks that head from the North toward the wreckage area, and they're very fresh. What's more disturbing are the large tracks just off the trail that appear to have been formed within the last few minutes. That, and the earth shaking and tree splintering that is coming from about 20 feet away!! Ruby and Wynum see a massive gray hulking shape lumbering directly toward them at a rapid pace!
Edmund Tuesday June 9th, 2009 1:31:39 AM
Edmund listens patiently to Xrxyzmklytrzssss' explanation before replying.
"Thank you for being forthcoming, albeit reluctantly. I am the Archmage Edmund, of the Mithril Order."
"Taking you back to the city to be gaoled wouldn't be much good," he declares sternly. "I suspect they would simply execute you on the spot. Despite trying to kill us, you have failed, and you've lost all your friends as well, so I suppose that may be punishment enough. I have no taste for executions, especially when your attempts--sinister as they were--have met with the most abject failure."
"Provided you cooperate with us," Edmund continues, "I will promise you your life. If you attempt to deceive us or make any further hostile actions, you will be put to death immediately. I think these terms are very fair. "And I assure you," Edmund says with pursed lips and narrowed eyes, "I will know if you are lying."
"You can begin by telling us who gave you orders to attack anyone who approached the wreckage. You can also tell us where the group who was originally with it has gone. Were you responsible for the initial attack on the cartage wagon? If not, who was? Where are the contents of the wagon, and have you encountered anyone else whilst you were waiting to ambush us?"
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 d20+10=30 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=18 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2009 3:41:55 AM
Immediately upon hearing the sound of trouble from Ruby's position, Revi and Arashi ran towards it at a full run. Two battles in one day, had the gods blessed Revi with more bloodletting?!
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22] d20+13=28 ; d20+7=16 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2009 5:58:38 AM
Not bothering to spend any more time with the captive or the corpse, Arm nods to Revi and says, "Duty calls...again", as he rushes toward Ruby and Wynum, leaving Ed to converse with his obviously self-named new friend. (listen=28, spot=16)
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] d20+9=18 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+24=26 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2009 8:10:02 AM
OOC: Sorry for the silence yesterday, but work got a new filter and of course it blocks me logging into the Wold.
IC: After the battle Shadow retrieves his bow, and then makes sure he has all of his gear. He will leave the interrogation to those better handled for creating illusions of threats. Once he hears the sounds he will move towards where the sound is coming from taking his normal precautions.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste) Tuesday June 9th, 2009 8:12:53 AM
Seeing everyone else run off with their swords readied, Julian also makes Haste to the north.
Edmund Tuesday June 9th, 2009 1:27:01 PM
((OOC: Are we able to hear what is going on over by Ruby and Wynum? They are 150 ft. away in the woods. Edmund stayed at the camp because the DM post only says that Ruby and Wynum see trouble approaching.
If Edmund can see or hear that there is trouble to the north, then he will head off to help, once the captive Spumanider is secured.))
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Tuesday June 9th, 2009 1:51:51 PM
As everyone else moves north, he'll "hogtie" the elf and gag him with a strip of cloth. Finally, he'll move him to a nearby tree and say in a determined, "Now be good and stay here, or else I'll have to introduce you to my little friend (pointing at his short sword."
Then, he'll move North and follow the rest of the party towards whatever that big thing is...
Wynum (See Invis) Tuesday June 9th, 2009 3:21:03 PM
Reacting as to a stampeding wild beast, Wynum readies himself to dodge the incoming creature and lure it to follow him and away from the team, counting on having a superior speed.
(DM Nellie) Wednesday June 10th, 2009 12:46:31 AM
Sorry guys, long day. I just can't get the post out tonight. I'll get it up for you tomorrow. :)
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] d20+14=21 ; d20+14=26 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 12:46:49 AM
The tracks are just too easy to sort out and though she has an easy time of it, the sudden sound is enough to put her on edge. Glancing up she tries to figure out if the sight she is seeing is a giant or something else altogether. She gives a quick glance to Wynum and notes his stance for flight, which was her own idea as well.
Figuring that whatever this thing is has an advantage on her she starts to move slowly away from the area. She will try to put enough distance from herself and the path that the thing is taking, that it will pass her by.
[hide 21 and move silently 26]
Arm [HP 33/33 AC 22] d20+13=22 ; d20+7=11 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 6:01:43 AM
Once he arrives with Revi, Arm attempts to determine what it is that is threatening them next (listen=22, spot=11).
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] Wednesday June 10th, 2009 8:10:36 AM
Shadow will remain hidden waiting to see what is coming.
Edmund Wednesday June 10th, 2009 11:51:53 PM
Edmund holds his ground until he is certain that there is something going on in the woods. When this is confirmed for him, he will ensure the prisoner is secure, and will go to assist.
Newcomers (DM Nellie) d20+7=19 ; Thursday June 11th, 2009 4:06:38 AM
(OOC: Sorry folks, I don't see how anyone other than Ruby and Wynum can tell what's going on 150 feet away. :( On the bright side, it's really ok).
At the wreckage... Edmund continues his interrogation, and his new friend seems eager to please. "Yesss, I attended the raid on the wagon. We killed some of the people... we took the loot back to the cave..." He hesitates when talk turns to who is planning the events. He looks over at Thar and thinks for a long time. Though he is apparently frightened of the cleric, he seems to be more frightened of something else. It begins to stammer something about not exactly knowing when something strange happens...
As quiet as a mouse, a lone figure emerges from the forest. He's human, middle ageish, and dressed in animal hide armor (pretty obviously a druid of some sort). He holds his hands up in front of him in a non-violent manner and addresses the nearest member of the Order. "Please, do not be alarmed. I am Shadesh, and I mean you no harm. He looks over at the bound Spumanider and frowns. "Normally I would not appreciate you handling one of my wards in such a manner, but considering his recent behavior, I understand..."
The Spumanider spots the new addition and gets really chatty really fast! "Forgive me Founder! I didn't mean to break the rules...they made me do it. I didn't want to, I really, really didn't! Please don't make me leave the Preserve! I won't ever break the rules again..." The groveling and pleading goes on for a few more seconds, with the creature working itself into quite a tizzy. Finally Shadesh raises a hand and the creature is immediately quite. The man speaks firmly to Xrxyzmklytrzssss, much as a parent would to a wayward child. "Enough! You have broken the rules, and you **will** be punished (the Spumanider gulps in fear). I will not tolerate my children acting in such a hostile way! You did not act to protect yourself, but rather brought the wrath of the outsiders down on your own head."
Shadesh pulls Thar, Edmund, and the others over to the side. "I will make no excuses for my child. He has clearly broken the laws of our society. According to our laws, you have the right to claim his life since he clearly attacked you, and apparently other outsiders. However, may I suggest that you leave him with me? I have heard rumors that his brothers have been attacking outsiders, which is apparently true. I will not tolerate that!" the man heaves a heavy sigh. "But, I do not have the resources to hunt out the rest of the group. My brothers and I have found it difficult enough just to secure our borders from wayward outsiders. That, and teaching my children how to live peacefully with themselves...it is a difficult calling, but my duty and passion. So, honestly, I could use your help. If you will help me, I will provide you with safe passage through the Preserve. I can ensure that you will not be attacked by any of my other children while you are on your quest. I have already sent my son Redrick to make sure your friends make it back safely. Please find my wayward children. If you are attacked, you may defend yourselves with whatever force you deem necessary. You also may keep any items you find in their possession. However, if at all possible, I would ask as a personal favor that, whenever possible, you try and take as few lives as possible. I highly suspect that some of my children are not acting of their own will in this matter."
Back in the forest... Wynum and Ruby are fast on their feet and manage to easily sidestep the **huge** gray thing barreling toward them. The creature raises the tree trunk in its hand and brings it crashing down a few feet above where Ruby was just standing. Looking up, Ruby sees what is quite possibly the **largest** spider she has ever seen in her life go sailing through the air and thud into a nearby tree. The large gray beast motions to the pouch on its belly as it raises its tree trunk to a defense position. It speaks in a barely intelligible growl. "In...I protect." Its eyes scan the forest nervously as it turns to Wynum. "Follow...I protect."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Thursday June 11th, 2009 4:31:48 AM
(ooc: but I rolled a natural 20 on listen :)
Revi rubbed her chin, she didn't like the looks of this man, Shadesh, "How do we know you're telling the truth, this could be a ploy to lull us into a false sense of security, then BAM! Dead as a door knob. I don't like it." Revi continued to eye the man, then a thought occured to her--in Druidic she spoke, "Are you friend or foe?"
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] d20=1 ; Thursday June 11th, 2009 6:13:57 AM
Arm silently agrees with Revi...it just seems to convenient that this stranger appears out of the blue and has so little control over his 'children'. Looking to the rest, he raises his eyebrows and says, "If we DO decide to accept his proposal, keep close and above all keep alert.". While he waits for the rest of their decisions, he studies the man and his body language, but cannot tell anything at all (sense motive=1...ouch!).
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] Thursday June 11th, 2009 9:30:53 AM
(OOC: sorry I did not know that they had taken off so far or I would have said I was still with the main group - getting split up has been very bad for the Order, lol)
IC: Shadow will move out of hiding and say, "I know that we have had issues with strangers before, but if this is truly a druid and I would doubt someone would try and immatate one. We should be able to trust him, and he would not control his 'children' with an iron fist but with caring. I say that we trust him until he proves differently." These words not only feel strange in Shadow's mouth because he is usually the one not trusting of others.
Shadesh (DM Nellie) Thursday June 11th, 2009 10:10:56 AM
The druid looks at Revi with a twinkle in his eye as he responds back in Druidic "Friend. Otherwise I would leave you to your own fate against my children. I do not wish to see you harmed while in the Preseve, since some of my children still have not learned to control their instincts."
Arm studies the fellow and even though he garners very little, he gets the overwhelming feeling that the man is very sincere.
OOC: Have I made you guys so paranoid that you can't trust anyone anymore? LOL!! Shame on me for springing someone on you to try and give you a feel for the Monster Preserve! (Snicker).
Also, Arm, could you please change your google doc settings? I can't access your sheet. :)
Wynum (See Invis) Thursday June 11th, 2009 12:13:30 PM
Following the Taur children adage "Mind the medium; trust the large; obey the huge.", Wynum carefully trots besides the Grey Gardener, suddenly aware of the full meaning of the Preserve's mandate.
(If they are led to the rest of the group and the druid) Wynum asks Shadesh, regardless of other inquiries, and pointing at the bugbears and Spumenider: "I must confess I have a difficult time telling all these bipeds apart. Which of your children should we be looking for? And who would you suspect with perverting them - it would help if we had any clues, for they may try to pervert or fool us as well!"
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Thursday June 11th, 2009 2:35:11 PM "Hah! I guess ol' Revi was wrong, mark this day my friends! You won't see it come again for another day or two." The barbarian gave a strong round clap on Shadesh's shoulder, stronger than needed, but that was her way. "If you're willing to teach your 'child' the error of his ways, then I think your offer is a sound one, what say the rest of you about our Druid friends offer?"
Edmund Thursday June 11th, 2009 2:56:04 PM
Edmund is very pleased by the arrival of Shadesh, as it solves what was shaping up to be a nasty dilemma for him with regard to their prisoner.
"Oh, most excellent, I think," he opines cheerily. "We'd be happy to help. And much obliged to you for showing up to take care of this fellow here and to help our friends make it back."
Edmund stops and seems puzzled for a moment. "Wait, our friends?" A momentary glance around answers his question. "Oh! Ruby and Wynum. I didn't even notice they had left! Well thank you for sending someone to help them, though I can't imagine them needing much help. They're probably near to hand."
"At any rate," Edmund continues, "It is clear that some outside force is acting here, within the confines of your land, to pervert your will and to endanger travellers. Do you think you could ask Xrxyzmklytrzssss if he knows who is behind this? Someone must be responsible, and we'd like to know who."
Edmund will also restate many of his questions again for Shadesh, asking about the wagon, the carters, the goods initially in the wagon, the amount of time which has passed since it arrived, and whether or not any clearly suspicious individuals have been seen in the forest.
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Thursday June 11th, 2009 4:58:50 PM
Thar listens to the man's expression, and is initially unsure of this man's good intentions. He remains silent as the group interacts with Shadesh and finally decides that maybe this Druid is actually good rather than evil. Finally he stands and nods at his fellow party members, saying [i]"It seems like we're in agreement here about releasing Xrxym-whatever-his-name-is. Shadesh, can you give us some more information about these other 'children' that we might meet? Are they all like this one and what are the best ways to approach and hopefully capture them alive? After all, you want them unharmed if possible, and as our party's healer, I'd like as many of us unharmed too..."[i]
As the rest of the group finish with their questions, he'll untie their captive, and release him to his leader.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste) Thursday June 11th, 2009 7:21:43 PM
Julian rejoins Eddy and Thar and the others to find out why there seems to be trouble north, but there is something more pressing happening here.
"We're here looking for people who were waylaid. I would like to see justice brought upon those who did that. It'd be very trusting to just let someone go when they have confessed. Though, perhaps we can learn more about 'why' and go after the bigger fish."
"Where's Wynumm and Ruby? Have they left us after such a short time?"
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Thursday June 11th, 2009 8:26:25 PM
With a shrug, Ruby decides to take the large grey thing up on its offer and she crawls into the pouch that is offered. She does not really like it that much but it is better than what might happen otherwise. Besides, Wynum is still there and he seems to be ok with it...and how could she fight something that big, hopeing to win.
Once they get back to the sight of the disaster, she is quick to get out and back with the others. Inside she is happy that she does not have a phobia of insects and the like...though worms are a different story. Though more of the small variety and that is only due to past experiences.
Questions and Answers (DM Nellie) Friday June 12th, 2009 12:32:05 AM
With a great deal of man handling of bushes and trees, and a few feisty monsters, the gray thing accompanies Ruby and Wynum back to the ambush site. It takes up a position to the right of the druid and keeps a watchful eye on the forest.
Shadesh listens to the questions and rubs his now sore shoulder as he gives what answers he has...
To Wynum.. The druid laughs. "It has been a very, very long time since I have walked among you outsiders. Let me think... I believe your term for my wayward brother (he motions toward Xrxyzmklytrzssss is a "Arena" or something like that. The shaggy ones are called Bearbugs, I think. Who is controlling them. Now that's something I'd dearly like to know! The Bearbugs have been on the Preserve for quite a while now, and they have been very peaceful until now. I suspect that these lot were being controlled somehow."
To Edmund... Shadesh nods in agreement and turns to Xrxyzmklytrzssss. "You are to answer their questions truthfully."
Xrxyzmklytrzssss, looking very demure and penitent, nods. "My sergeant gave the order to attack. The wagon came buy and it looked like it might have some good stuff, so she sent out a party. There was a brief battle. Some of the outsiders fought to the death. We captured some of the others and took them back to the cave." Xrxyzmklytrzssss lowers his head in shame. "Yes, I helped with the attack on the wagon. I just wanted some of the goodies. Like I told you before, we took the goodies back to the cave. I got this shinny bracelet." The Spumanider holds out its wrist for inspection. "It sparkles like dew in the morning sun.." The creature frowns. "I have to give it back, don't I?" He looks a little confused at the last question. "Well, when I was back at the cave, we saw a herd of centipede a couple of days past..."
To Thar... The druid shakes his head in consternation. "I really wish I new. I know that there was a report of several "Bearbugs" missing from the Red clan. If they are being controlled somehow, then maybe if you attack the creature controlling them they will be released?"
Xrxyzmklytrzssss chimes in, apparently wanting to be very helpful to Shadesh. "Oh, yeah...we used a magic stick that Sarge gave us to make the shaggy ones help us. It was really easy...all we had to do was point it at them and say the magic word...kinda like we did with that outsider (he points at Revi). Sarge made us give that one back though, but we got to keep the one for outsiders when we were on raids..." Once more the creature looks downcast. "I have to give them the magic stick too, don't I?" Shadesh nods and Xrxyzmklytrzssss gives Edmund the wand.
To Julian... The druid looks saddened. "If he is released to me, I will punish both Xrxyzmklytrzssss and any others involved in this affair. But, if you wish to take your lawful claim to his life, then I will not hinder you." At this, Xrxyzmklytrzssss begins to edge fearfully behind Shadesh. "No, please, don't. I'll change...I can change..."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 12th, 2009 2:01:48 AM "If he gives us everything he took and shows us where this cave is, then I have no problem with you taking him for punishment, Shadesh." Revi thumbed the hilt of her sword idly while looking at the gray giant before them, I know I could take that thing, the bigger they are..."
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] Friday June 12th, 2009 6:05:51 AM
Before Xrxyz...hands over anything to Shadesh, Arm will ask him, "May I see that bracelet for a moment? I promise to take good care of it.". While waiting to see if this is in fact the artifact that they are looking for, he says to Shadesh, "Who is this Sarge that is being spoken of? He seems to be the one behind all of this, and I was wondering if HE is one of your children as well?".
OOC: Nellie, my sheet opens fine for me, I'm still a bit shaky on the whole google doc thing, so if you could email me with a short tutorial on how to make it visible, that would be MUCH appreciated. :)
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] Friday June 12th, 2009 9:31:13 AM
Shadow watches and listens carefully to what is being said by the druid and the 'Arena'(?). When the mention of punishment comes up, Shadow is shaken because of his past and suddenly speaks up, "I believe that we can turn over Xrsyz to you Shadesh because we all deserve a second chance. Is there any other information you can provide us with Xrsyz, about the cave or what is giving order to Sarge?"
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] Friday June 12th, 2009 12:33:13 PM
OOC: This is a test to see if I've fixed my CS or not.. :)
Wynum (See Invis) Friday June 12th, 2009 1:08:38 PM
The centaur seems distressed by the news. "Aregnas I can stand. But Beerbugs? That's terrible. What if they come after my wine, too?"
Double-checking his saddlebags, Wynum makes sure the jugs are tightly shut.
"Let's not stress that poor soul any further. We can safely believe the commander of these Aregnas has been in the caves up there. She's probably away by now. We should begin by searching them well and looking for hints. But even if Gzim...tri... ahem...sliss... gives us a description, his strange master is probably a spellcaster and using disguises, illusion and mind tricks. What if she's in fact a dopplespuwomanider?"
Edmund Friday June 12th, 2009 1:19:40 PM
Edmund is surprised when Wynum and Ruby arrive, accompanied by a massive troll-like creature.
"Well, look at that," he says. "Arriving in style, I see."
When Shadesh and the 'Arena' are finished, Edmund addresses them both.
"You'll need to turn over any remaining prisoners to us at once. Furthermore, any of the wagon's items will need to be returned. If these two things are done promptly and fully, I see no reason not to commute your sentence and to hand you over to Shadesh. But don't let it happen again!"
Tugging at his waistcoat, Edmund suddenly remembers just how hungry he is.
"All's well that ends well, right? Now, what about some lunch?"
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Friday June 12th, 2009 1:44:48 PM
Thar listens to the various responses and questions, and at his turn, thanks the druid for his honesty and frankness. "I agree with my friends in this matter, and we'll do our best to return people safely to you. In this case, mercy seems the best option and I'm comfortable with giving up the right to punish your subject (e.g. Arena). I too would like to know more about this Sarge, as well as the individual who could be leading them. We would also like directions to the cave, as that seems the best place to recover the prisoners whom we were sent to save."
He smiles at Ed's grumbling belly and takes out some berrys and seeds for their group's vocalist...
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 12th, 2009 4:08:37 PM
Revi was hungry too, but not for food,"You'll have to eat on the move, Eddie, the prisoners could be lunch for their captors for all we know. Haste in what we do now could mean the difference between life and death for those we were sent to save." Turning to Shadesh, Revi spoke in Druidic, "Wise one, you wouldn't know of any sources nearby for dragonhide, would you? This metal armor hampers my connection to the wild, but I must wear it to keep me alive." Revi all the while absentmindedly pets Arashi's head, scratching behind his ear, much to the delight of the black wolf.
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Friday June 12th, 2009 9:18:30 PM
Ruby stands off to the side and listens intently to what is being said, though she only understands some of it. Not being here for all the conversation can be a real problem but it appears that this job might be shaping up to being done.
"I saw all kinds of tracks and the cave that was most likely mentioned, when Wynum showed it to me." She is glad that her skills are of some help and hopefully they would end up being even more useful to the group. She checks her gear to make sure that everthing is ready and then shrugs her shoulders to loosen up for what might be to come. "Did I hear something about trying to use nonlethal means?" She just wants to make sure that she is on the right page with the rest of the group and she might need to change her tactics slightly.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste) Friday June 12th, 2009 9:28:28 PM
"Yeah, I am fine with that Shadesh. I trust you know how to best punish him. And we will keep you to your word." The halfling looks firm at the druid, sure that the group would back him up with this.
To the Mithril Order Julian says, "IF the bugbears are being controlled then we needs consider like wayward children. IF. But how do we know? I've been attacked by bugbears in the past, bugbears with their own free thoughts.... "But look, I wouldn't be out to kill them anyway - Podo taught me that I shouldn't mindlessly kill, and Kendry showed me that he thought it was useful to talk to the enemy. That's why I have this sword, it doesn't kill."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 12th, 2009 11:29:00 PM
Revi smiled," My experience had been different Jules, that's why I have this sword, it does kill."
Parting Ways (DM Nellie) Saturday June 13th, 2009 1:54:18 AM
Arm examines the bracelet on Xrxyzmklytrzssss's arm. It is silver with three tiny rubies set in it. Unfortunately, it does not match the description of the artifact.
When asked about Sarge, the Spumanider shrugs. "She's like me, only she has a really bad temper. I don't know who she answers to, they didn't trust me enough to leave the web." The creature looks over at Thar. "Oh the cave...that's easy...follow the trail to the North. Then it's just a quick scuttle past the bushes and up the cliff. Can't miss it."
When Edmund mentions he's hungry, Xrxyzmklytrzssss eagerly chimes in "I could go out and catch something for you. Do you want a centipede, or maybe a locust? Wait, I know where some scorpions are...nice and juicy too!" Shadesh smiles down at the over eager creature as he reaches into his pouch. "Perhaps a few Goodberries will tide you over? I would send Redrick to capture something for you, but time is of the essence..."
When questioned by Revi, Shadesh smiles as he replies in the super secretive druid language. "Ah, I am afraid not. We do have a dragon on the Preserve, but I'm afraid that she's using her hide at the moment." The druid smiles at the wolf... "Ahh, I remember my first companion, not too much unlike yours. But that was a long time ago, and I'm afraid most animals keep as far away as possible thanks to my children... But I digress." Shadesh bows low before the Order. "I'm afraid I really must leave. There are a group of...what are they called again...hippygripes...that have been feeding dangerously close to the outsider's territory, and I really must attend to them." Shadesh turns to the gray creature. "Redrick, please take Xrxyzmklytrzssss back home. I will deal with him when I return." With a low grunt, the creature grabs up the Spumanider and unceremoniously stuffs him in his pouch and then begins to smash his way through the forest.
Almost as an after thought, Shadesh turns back to the group and hands several small pieces of wood with string to each member of the order. "Wear this around your necks. It is the symbol of my order and will assure your safe passage through the Preserve. "I doubt that it will help you with my wayward children though. I will post a messenger at the edge of the forest to await news of your investigation, as well as to deal with any lawbreakers you might need attending to. May your gods guide you!" Turning back to the forest, the druid disappears once more.
LOL!!! First Spumaniders, now Beerbugs!! You guys crack me up!!
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Saturday June 13th, 2009 2:11:48 AM
"Did we find anything on the other Spumanider, thingy, or beerbugs?" Revi asks matter-of-factly.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste) Saturday June 13th, 2009 4:12:48 AM
"Yeah, Revi, it still doesn't feel right. And when everything turns red in battle I know I could keep to the promise I made to my friends. And it actually bores me senseless when the talking begins. Still, it often leads to the boss, and to more loot."
Wynum (See Invis) Saturday June 13th, 2009 12:22:57 PM
"Goodbye..... Roderick! Mmmm" the centaur says appreciatively, inspecting the wood pendants "nicely done. I find it interesting that it represents a centaur. Look: the head and croup are clearly seen, as are the four legs and tail. Keeper of natural order, that's what we are, yes."
Proudly swagging his tail, he prepares to continue the journey. "So the wagon has been taken care of. What if proceed with those tracks. I'm afraid, though, that the caves will require some climbing. Who's with me?"
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Saturday June 13th, 2009 4:06:09 PM
"Hmm," Revi ponders on what Julian says and offers, "you may be right there Jules. If they're alive, then they can tell us where the loot is. I'll have to pick up something similar, just in case, but something like a big club, or clubs, wooden, to put a knot on their heads." Revi smiles at the conscientious halfling, but has something else in mind, "Hey Jules, you got anything to drink, other than water?"
Revi is all for searching out the cave and will follow any of those that head in that direction.
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste) Saturday June 13th, 2009 6:23:08 PM
Julian steps closer to Revi and motions for her to crouch. He whispers, "Yeah, of course Revi. Eddy and I packed some extra ale, on the wagon. Let's not tell him."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Sunday June 14th, 2009 3:23:09 AM
Crouching, Revi taps the side of her nose with her finger, winks and smiles. Straightening up, Revi stretches out, and feigns any knowledge of what just transpired.
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Sunday June 14th, 2009 11:03:18 AM
Thar takes a pendant and puts it over his neck. He's a little uneasy about this whole turn of events, but says, "I am uncertain too about all this, but it seems that our path is clear. We may as well move forward and see what the cave holds in store for us..."
Before leaving, he asks if anyone needs any healing and if not, suggests they begin moving North. He asks Shadow if he wishes to join him on point, and then Thar will move to his customary position ~ 50' in front of the group. He won't travel on the trail directly, but to the side of it, trying to remain hidden and quiet.
Edmund Sunday June 14th, 2009 1:59:44 PM
Edmund takes the pendant and gingerly puts it on.
"Whatever its significance, I do not feel that it adds much to my ensemble," the wizard declares.
"At any rate, I don't think the Spumaniders are going to eat anyone. As he's said, they are captives--not brunch. Please be careful what you say, the last thing we need is a bunch of misinformation. After all, the way forward is reason, and caution, and perhaps a bit of Julian clubbing people with his niceguy sword."
"Incidentally," the wizard puts in, "unless we do rest for a bit at some point, we're not going to have any fireballs or haste when we finally arrive. Just a warning in advance!"
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Sunday June 14th, 2009 6:05:42 PM
Revi looks on as both Thar and Edmund put on a captured pendant and asks, "What are you two doing? We haven't properly identified those magic items and you're putting them on? You have no idea what they do, they could be cursed!" Revi shakes her head, obviously annoyed.
ooc: have we searched all the dead bodies and compiled a list of what we've found? if not, we should.
Edmund Sunday June 14th, 2009 9:04:06 PM
((OOC: No list of spoils yet. Edmund asked about this a while back.))
Edmund raises his eyebrows at Revi's outburst.
"If he wanted to do us in, there would be much easier ways than in giving us cursed, unfashionable neckwear. Roderock could have pounded you and Wynum into jelly instead of bringing you back here in a pouch, and Shadesh could have summoned agents of the forest to deal with us, rather than show up himself to plead for clemency, risking his own life in the process."
"He's trustworthy enough, and if these pendants will mark us as under his protection, all to the good--though as I have said, I wish they were a little more attractive."
Did Someone Say Loot?? (DM Nellie) Sunday June 14th, 2009 9:06:25 PM
Okay, if I was a good DM, I'd find a fancy, well thought out Pulitzer Prize way of writing this up. But this is Nellie we're talking about. So....
Bugbears... No magic aura... Masterwork chain shirt (6)--side note...these are really, **really** stinky and will require several hours of laundering before they are suitable to wear masterwork buckler (6) masterwork composite longbow (5)- 1 was broken by Wynum
Magical... morningstar (6)
Spumanider Magical... 2 Rings (one on the dead body and one surrendered by Xrxyzmklytrzssss) Xrxyzmklytrzssss's "Magic Stick" (wand)
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Sunday June 14th, 2009 10:58:33 PM
Ruby looks to Edmund and shrugs her shoulder, though she is a little angry and it comes out in her voice. "Hey now...I never said anything bad about the necklaces." She holds out the one that she is holding and slips it around her neck, still a little miffed. Taking a couple of settling breathes she still her anger and then smiles.
Batting her eyes slightly at Edmund she coos. "Eddie dear...you would have protected me from the big bad monster if it tried to crush me.....right?" She moves to hang on the mage as if scared of all the big mean things in the world. "I mean...I am a weak and defensless little girl. Not a big strong man like you." To be honest she was having a lot of funny playing mean with Edmund, though she glanced at Thar giving him a smile and wink.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Monday June 15th, 2009 12:12:01 AM OOC: okay, I'm a dork! I thought Thar and Edmund were trying on a captured necklace the Spumanider had (which in fact does not exist :), not the ones Shadesh gave us, lol!
Revi was a little embarrassed she got the facts wrong, and instead of apologizing after being chatised, she did what came natural--go on the offensive. "Listen Eddie baby, first, I wasn't on the gray thingy, that was Ruby. B, I could have taken that thing no problem, or did you not see how freaking fantastic I was with those bugbears--no wait, you did, cause I stopped them from shooting your booty way up there!" She held Edmunds stare, daring him to look away.
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] Monday June 15th, 2009 6:01:57 AM
After donning the proferred necklace, Arm pulls Thar to the side and says, "Shouldn't we check out the wagon to see if what we came to find is still there? I don't want it vanishing before we get back. Also, were we not tasked with doing something in a 'monster preserve' a while back? My memory is a bit foggy on the subject, but I DO remember it being brought up before by someone...a long time ago.".
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] d20+5=23 ; d20+7=18 ; Monday June 15th, 2009 9:23:23 AM
Once Shadesh leaves, Shadow will put the necklace on and help in the search of the bodies, and then the wagons. Once the group has gathered everything up and is ready to depart, he will join Thar up front of the group as they head out towards the 'cave'.
Actions: Spot=23 Listen=18
Wynum Monday June 15th, 2009 11:39:44 AM
"Arm, the heirloom ought to be elsewhere. If it is indeed magical, Edmund would have found it by now? Though he seems busy right now. In fact we shouldn't delay any more. Thar, Shadow, I think we should move one. Tracking might not be that useful."
Wynum will at least recon the cliff's face, searching for the easiest part to climb though still trying to not stomp on the ground near the cliff.
Edmund Monday June 15th, 2009 1:24:14 PM
Edmund goes from raising his eyebrows at Revi to staring at her in shock.
"Saved me?" he says incredulously. "Saved me? By what? Standing there half the fight, protecting the cargo for your bugbear allies? Saved me!? That's rich!"
"Did you notice the arrows bouncing off? That was you was it? Oh no, wait, that was a Shield spell. I suppose it was you who sent me further up into the air, too. Or wait, perhaps not--because you were standing around whilst everyone else was taking care of the monsters. Quite useful, for all your endless, tiresome bragging. Very powerful. Very impressive. We all owe you our thanks."
With pursed lips and narrowed eyes, Edmund continues. "If you're going to shout at people, get your facts straight. And if you're going to criticise and brag about battle, you should participate first. The decent thing here, that we do, is to admit when you're wrong. --Not to try and change the topic or shift the blame to other people. I suggest you learn that lesson--and quickly.
"The fact remains that these pendants are fine, and you are bang out of order. Remember whose fireballs dealt with the bugbears whilst you stood there, slack-jawed under the effects of a rudimentary charm spell. Then maybe you'll know who deserves thanks for saving whom. Here's a clue--it's the person who isn't asking for it."
With a look of disgust, Edmund turns away from the ridiculous woman and marches off towards the wagon to get it ready to move on--and to check on the cowardly porters, as well, whom Edmund has a separate remonstration for.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Monday June 15th, 2009 4:27:24 PM
Revi would have killed a lesser man, but she was on a mission, in retort she grimly said, "I always seem to be looking at your back, half-man." Her barbed insult, insinuating that Edmund was more half a man than half-elf, and a coward to boot, hopefully wormed its way into Edward's mind and would provoke him into action or at least give Revi the satisfaction of calling a man a coward and having it proved as he continued to walk away. ooc: how did Edmund know Revi was under a charm person, and still not do anythng to help her :)
Edmund Monday June 15th, 2009 5:31:57 PM
OOC: The party is now in possession of the Wand used by the Spumaniders. Edmund lofty INT score makes it possible for him to put two and two together.
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Monday June 15th, 2009 5:39:11 PM
Thar chuckles at Edmund, Ruby's and Revi's back and forth conversation and says, "Ed my friend, you have a way with women. Remind me to never take advice about ladies from you, OK?" He returns Ruby's wink and moving close to her, shyly says, "I'm glad you're OK..." He wants to say something meaningful, but with everyone around them, now might not be the best time.
He returns his attention back to the rest of the group and with a twinkle in his eye, "Now, if Edmund and Revi are done flirting, can we get back to business? We're in the middle of a monster infested area and let's focus on why we're here..."
When Arm pulls him aside, he replies, "Yes, let's check out that wagon before we go. In all the excitement, I nearly forgot... It may have more clues for us... Yes, you're right, didn't our undead hunting friend mention going to a monster preserve?"
Finally, he says, "Edmund, would you please see if you can ID the items, especially the rings? I'd like to take one of the morningstars, as they can come in handy quite often." He grabs one of the morningstars and stores it in his pack...
Edmund Monday June 15th, 2009 5:42:14 PM
Upon hearing Revi's latest nonsense, Edmund retorts with a smirk, "Perhaps that's because you're always standing in the rear."
Once Edmund gets the wagon in order, he'll make the porters pack up all the loot as punishment for hiding the entire time.
"Don't think this won't be reported!" he tells them fiercely. "There's likely to be a fine involved!"
When they come to the two magic rings, Edmund debates about what to do with them. "I can detect them now," he says, "or we can wait until later, after this is all over. They are almost certainly beneficial--I can't imagine why the carts would have had anything cursed in them--and the Spumaniders seem fine. But as for precisely what they do, I doubt I can tell you."
"What do you think?" he enquires of Thar, interested in hearing the opinion of another person trained in arts magical. "They are probably basic rings of protection of some sort. The continued visibility of our Spumanider friends rules out the possibility that they are invisibility rings."
Once that is settled, Edmund addresses everyone. "If we aren't going to rest, we should get started at once. I'd rather avoid fighting monsters in a forest at night. Let's get a move on!"
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Monday June 15th, 2009 6:24:12 PM
After Thar defuses the situation a little, Revi replies calmly to Edmunds retort, "Turning around like that, on your tippy-toes, doesn't improve the view."
Revi grabs up two of the morningstars and hefts them for weight, "So whats the deal about spoils? We just take what we want or need and then figure out fair shares later when all the killing is done?"
"Rest or go? I'm for going, who knows what they've done to the captives so far."
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Monday June 15th, 2009 9:04:26 PM
Any other day, Ruby might have been really angry with Edmund for ignoring her...but today she would let it slip. Though her eyes do bore holes into his retreating back and she snorts. The only thing that does mullify her is the fact that Thar is appreciative of the fact that she is still alive.
Smiling now she nods her head and quickly touches his hand before he move away. "Thanks." As the others go about their business, she moves over to stand near Revi and shakes her head. "That one definitely needs a good lesson." Part of her wonders if all women look alike to the man or if he is secretly interested in....shiver....his own type.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Monday June 15th, 2009 11:47:00 PM
Revi nods in agreement to Ruby's comment on Edmund, envisioning a strong right cross smearing blood from Edmunds broken nose across his face brought a slight smile to Revi's lips. Putting away the morningstar's, Revi then packed up all the loot of the battle onto their wagon, lest they forget, and then strongly affixed Shadesh's necklace to her left shoulder armor.
Decisions (DM Nellie) Tuesday June 16th, 2009 1:00:06 AM
And so, the loot is sorted and piled. Thar claims one of the morningstars.
A brief scuffle breaks out between Edmund and the gals, and Thar is mostly able to patch things up. (OOC: Folks, I appreciate good role play as much as the next person, but let's make sure this doesn't get personal. If you still have an issue with something, please shoot me an email. Otherwise, let's move on and keep working as a team. :) )
There is talk as to whether to continue immediately or rest to restore spells...a very important decision indeed!
OOC1: Florian, if it's ok, I'm going to hold off on the recon until the next post. I really need to get to bed... BTW...are you really intending to scout the area alone? It could take at least a round or two for your allies to reach you should something happen. Just checking.
OOC2: Taking the kiddos to a waterpark tomorrow. There's a good chance that I might miss tomorrows post. Just wanted ya'll to know ahead of time. :)
Edmund Tuesday June 16th, 2009 1:27:01 AM
Edmund is far, far too in love with himself to be bothered with a bunch of little people, female or male, whom he considers beneath his station. And so he continues on, rather oblivious to the emotional entanglements which others seem to enjoy wrapping themselves in. For his part, he'd rather be having tea or a bath--or better yet, both at once. Ruby's flirtatiousness goes unnoticed--but she shouldn't take it personally. Cleopatra herself probably couldn't get Edmund's attention--unless she was a librarian.
Once the goods are loaded onto the wagon, Edmund finishes supervising the porters and addresses the group as a whole.
"Right so," he says to everyone there assembled. "Two options, really. First is that we leave directly and try to reach the captives before it gets much later. If this is the case, no more fireballs, no more hasteing no more protective spells, no more flying about. To make up for all this, you get Message. Quite the exchange, what what? Hurrying has its costs, too."
"Option number two is that we immediately have a quick rest and set out around sunrise with the hope of arriving there in the early morning. Then you will have fireballs, haste, and invisibility as well. Of course, who knows what may happen in the next few hours? Perhaps the carters will be executed and eaten--though I rather doubt it."
"Logic dictates that if they were taken captive, this was done for a reason. It is unlikely that they would be executed on a whim. Moreover, the Spumaniders don't seem to want for food, and given what our friend here offered me--quite a selection, I might add--they aren't interested in people for dinner. Scorpions, perhaps, but not people. I think it very unlikely that anything untoward will happen to the captives overnight. If they were going to be killed, they'd be dead already."
"It's more likely that they are being used as bait to lure wealthy adventurers of renown--possibly even us specifically--into traps like this one here. If that's the case, we should be as ready as possible when we go in. That said, if the consensus is for an immediate departure, I won't object."
"However, if we are to go now, I want us to understand the situation, and to do so because haste is necessary--not because of some misguided notion that all due prudence must play second fiddle to daredevil heroics."
That said, Edmund remembers something Thar asked earlier.
"Oh, and Thar, feel free to have one of those Morningstars. I don't think anyone else has a use for them. I know I don't. And, if we are going to rest, I can see about figuring out something about those rings tonight."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Tuesday June 16th, 2009 1:51:39 AM
"If you need to rest Edmund, just say so, the rest of us are ready I think, but if you need the extra time, so be it." So damn longwinded, she thinks to herself. Revi takes the two morningstars she was looking at previously and adds them to her collection, "Might come in handy," she murmurs to herself. "We camping here, or moving up the road. It's not too safe here I think, we might want to form up around the broken wagons we found, use them as walls around our camp while we rest."
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] Tuesday June 16th, 2009 6:04:02 AM
Arm approaches Revi and Ruby and advises, "Pay Ed no mind. It's best if you just ignore him as I do most of the time. Thar is probably the only one one of us that can stomach having him around anyway. I for one have come very close to seperating his apendages from his torso on several occasions, so as I said, it's best to treat him as an annoying insect and concentrate on what's more important. And for the Gods' sake, whatever you do, don't try to engage him in any conversation..you'll only be angered in the end.".
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] d20+10=29 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 9:24:21 AM
Shadow shakes his head as most of the group is too involved with their own conversations to really take a close look at the wagons. "We really should take a closer look at the wagons to make sure there is nothing left here that we might need to take with us." Shadow mutters as he searches the wagons.
After he is done he will move back to the group (if they have not helped him rummage through the wagons) and say, "Well, I for one am thinking we should head to this cave and then see if we can find somewhere outside that is concealed so we can watch the entrance as we rest, and then move in once morning arrives."
Actions: Search=29
Wynum d20+2=21 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 12:54:29 PM
"What are they doing?" The centaur is speaking to himself, because it seems nobody followed him to the nearby cliff. He does begins checking the cliff's face, even if alone, and not wanting to shout out to the others, he continues muttering nervously. "We know that sarge was there to give the spumanider orders and fled before the fight, what in the hells are they doing? We should be giving pursuit right now."
Hoping that they aren't too hard to read, Wynum tries checking on tracks at once by himself... [Survival 21, though I think it tops at 10 witout the Track feat]
Thar AC 27/26, 62/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+11=13 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 4:37:28 PM
Re: the rings, Thar says, "Ed, do you have identify memorized? I don't have it right now, but if you could examine them further, that would help. If they can help our group right now, then let's get them into play."
Thar smiles at Arm's response and says, "I must have been blessed with patience, and trust me, that's something clergy desperately need. With parishioners like our friend Ed, we quickly learn that patience and humor is the best virtue."
Getting back to business, he says, "Shadow's got a good point re: finding a place to rest while watching the entrance. That way, we don't waste time later trying to observe the cave when we don't need any rest... If we're all in agreement, I'll join him as a scout..."
Seeing that Wynum has moved off to the cliff, he quickly moves over and uses his tracking skills to help find out what could be going on....
Track (Survival) = 13
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 d20+5=19 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 6:29:09 PM
"Hey, what did happen to Winnie, did he go off alone? Crazy guy." Revi, upon seeing Thar go help Wynum, also strode over and began looking at the ground. "Psst, what are we looking for Thar?" Arashi sniffs the ground and paws here and there. Arashi Track: 19
Edmund Tuesday June 16th, 2009 7:45:47 PM
(OOC: Edmund has Detect Magic available, and will use it on the entire pile of magical items if asked. DM, feel free to make the rolls for me if it comes to it and I'm not around. Because . . .
In the run-up to starting grad. school at Loyola, I'm going to be out-of-state touring and applying for apartments in Chicago tomorrow and Thursday, so I may not be able to post until Friday. We'll see how the hotel internet is, and what sort of support my iPod Touch can manage for the Wold.
Hope to be back soon. Thar, make sure Arm doesn't punch Edmund whilst I'm not looking!)
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][haste][-6STR] Tuesday June 16th, 2009 8:07:34 PM
Ruby simply shrugs as Arm speaks but her eyes flash. "Would it be bad if he woke up with a snake in his bed?" She tried to sound innocent as if she would not do that but her nearly concealed smile tells a different story. Shaking her head and not really interested in an answer that might be something other than no...she moves to pace Thar.
Glancing to him and Revi, she nods at the ground. "Want me to do that?" She does glance back to the others and then nods her head in their direction. "Or would you prefer I keep near the rest?" Her skills could be useful in either direction about now and she did not jump into something that she was not asked to do.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Tuesday June 16th, 2009 8:17:04 PM
Revi asks, "Are we looking for truffles?"
Julian (Small size) AC 20, hp 88 (Bear's Endurance, Haste) Tuesday June 16th, 2009 10:00:59 PM
"Oooo, now truffles is something I know about that doesn't involve a whole lot of talking. We don't want to stand around all day talking, do we? "Not that I am trying to say that there's something wrong with Eddy, that is for each person to decide. I mean, not something wrong, but, you know, whether you like his talking on and on and on... I used to Adventure with a halfling bard named Kendry, you've heard of him, right? Well, anyway... are you sure? Fabulous lyricist and usually wore blue? Anyway, he used to talk a lot too, nearly got us all killed once because of it. Still, it worked out okay. But Kendry, you see, had a lot of useful things to say, and he had a different way of dealing with people because of it. It lead to different ends too, different to what I would have done. It took longer to resolve, Kendry's way, but he'd tell me it was longer lasting. "But wait, that's not the point. Truffles is the point, and I think you'll find Eddy might want to listen on this too. I guess I haven't introduced myself properly. I am Julian (my great-great grandfather's name) Roscoe (my great uncle) Holle (great uncle on the other side, once removed) Pipewood (Mother's maiden name) Trufflefinder, which is my father's name and family occupation. We'd go into the Culverwood quite regularly to find truffles. Father used to have all us little 'uns collect them up on to the wagon and he would trade them for the things we needed. "Me? I tended to find badgers, dead things, and trouble. So here I am, Jules the Badger, as I've often been called, at your service, ready to fight for what is right. "Now, What's for dinner?" So say, Julian climbs up on to the wagon and is looking for the two small barrels of ale.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Tuesday June 16th, 2009 10:39:10 PM
Revi thought about it a moment as Jules rambled on about his past, "Kendry? Never heard of him. Last halfling bard I heard of was in Plateau city and his name was Giovanni Thornhill. Played a helluva lute solo at the um, Red Dragon Inn, I think it was. But that was a while back, I haven't been in a proper town in a while, and when I did come in to take a gander, I found out I had a debt to pay, and well, here I am." Revi gave a shrug as to her plight, it wasn't exciting or anything, just the way it was.
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] d20+6=22 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2009 6:02:54 AM
Arm, feeling that his point was made, whispers to Ruby with a mischievious smile, "No, it wouldn't be bad at all..even if it were numerous snakes...".
Moving with the rest to the cliff face he does his best to see what he can..he's no expert in tracking skills, but he does his best nonetheless (spot=22).
OOC: Don't worry Ed, anything I do to you won't be felt by you, as you'll be far away, and it SHOULD heal by the time you get back...lol. Have a safe trip, and we'll see you when we can!
Wynum heads off into the woods and heads over to the slope area. As he is contemplating what is taking the others so long, he gets a good view of the area. Just outside of the wooded area is a roughly 60-foot-long slope leading up to a **very** steep cliff. The slope is mostly clear of vegetation but covered with scree. Wynum notices that movement will be much more difficult on the slope (1/2 normal speed) and will be even more challenging than normal for a quadruped like himself (Balance DC10 or fall prone). The cliff face is also daunting...it soars to about 200 feet above the ground and is completely vertical with no handholds in sight. As for the tracks, they have not changed since Ruby and he examined them a few minutes ago.
Meanwhile, back at camp, Edmund reprimands the porters severely. The young men in turn seem more than a little spooked by the Preserve. They more their wagon to the road, but refuse to accompany the group along the trail. "Nooo way are we going in there! We'll just take the wagon back to edge of the forest and wait for you there. We're not going in their just to get eaten by some **thing**" (OOC: The porters are clearly terrified and are acting out of self preservation).
Shadow searches the wagon, but doesn't find anything of interest. The remains have been picked clean of everything that might be valuable...even the wheels have been removed.
After what seems like an eternity, Wynum is joined by Thar, Revi, Julian (I'm assuming, since he's talking to Revi) and Arm. Arm checks out the place as the others examine tracks. He sees a flicker of movement up on the cliff face. Arashi begins sniffing the air and growling...something fowl is in the air. Shortly after, there is a volley of arrows. One hits Julian on the shoulder (AC 27 for 7). Two slam home into Arashi's flank. The wolf howls in pain as it slumps to the ground unconscious (AC23 for 7, AC22 for 8 ). The rest ping harmlessly off of armor or sail into the forest.
OOC: Haste, Fly, Bear's Endurance have worn off, as well as the -6 Str. to Ruby. MCvE is still active.
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Thursday June 18th, 2009 3:04:27 AM
ooc: where did the arrows come from?
Bleh, sorry...that wasn't very clear. The arrows came from the cliff face.---Nellie
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] d20+13=28 ; d20+7=9 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 6:03:14 AM
Arm swings quickly around, trying to determine where the assault is coming from. In the meantime, he drops his sword in favor of his icy burst light crossbow and scans for the enemy, but he has trouble seeing anything at the moment (listen=28, spot=9).
Archers... (DM Nellie) Thursday June 18th, 2009 9:06:29 AM
OOC: It was late, and I didn't write that description too clearly...so let's try that again... I'll try and get a map up tonight, but it may have to be tomorrow.
As the arrows rain down, those on the slope notice 8 bugbears on the cliff face firing down at the group.
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] Thursday June 18th, 2009 9:31:51 AM
After Shadow searches the wagons he notices most of his companions have moved off, 'Well so much for sticking together!' he thinks to himself. He will move off to follow his companions and wonders what they are thinking.
Wynum d20+4=5 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 10:32:20 AM
"Ah, yes?? Arrows! Well here's what we do, shoot arrows, right!"
Wynum bellows with some contempt, readying his own bow to give those beerbugs a sharpshooting lesson. Unfortunately, as he moves backward to get a better view of the firers, he brilliantly slips on loose rocks, tumbles backward in the most awkward fashion, spilling arrows to and fro, loosening more boulders and ending up at the bottom of the slope, a thousand pounds of utter frustration covered in a cloud of dust. As he stumbles to get up he immediately notices one of wine jug cracked and pouring good wine about his coat. Pointing a finger at the cliff, he utters a dire command:
"Them beerbugs, they got my wine! Fireball! I say cook them in their hole"
{Balance=5. Though I must voice the Interspecies Quadruped Union's opinion on the fact that they should actually fare better on unsteady or sloped ground, having more hoofholds and uncanny elegance. Most of the time, that is.}
Thar AC 27/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d8+5=9 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 3:09:00 PM
"Oh this is lovely" says Thar to no one in particular. He looks up the slope and sees the 8 bugbear archers raining arrows on him. He knows that climbing up in the face of so many arrows isn't going to be their best option.
He moves quickly behind a nearby boulder and tries to see if he can spot an easier way up to where the archers are, maybe a path or some sort of way to flank them. He calls to Edmund, "Ed, can you fly up there and hit them with some magic? They're out of range of my longbow, and we've got to get up there some other way..."
Finally, he quickly casts CLW's upon himself, fixing the rest of his damage from a previous fight. (healed 9 hpts, but only needed 8)
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Thursday June 18th, 2009 4:09:33 PM
ooc: Nellie, since I wasn't hit, and Arashi was right next to me, can I use my gloves of arrow snaring to grab the two arrows that hit him? I can use the gloves twice a day, autosuccess.
Edmund Thursday June 18th, 2009 6:47:19 PM
((OOC: Back from Chicago!
DM, Ed is not with the party, but Thar is calling out to him. Can Ed hear Thar?
Also, since Shadow has headed off towards the others, Edmund would certainly go with Shadow to avoid being left behind alone with the useless porters. I mention this as Edmund might in fact now be closer to Thar and better able to hear him.
Holding further actions for now! :) ))
Julian (Small size) AC 24, hp 64/72 (Mage Armour) Thursday June 18th, 2009 8:38:03 PM
Julian shrugs off the wound as though it were nothing. He takes a few steps back behind some cover and casts Mage Armour.
"I can go real small with my wand of Shrink People - will that help to get me up there quickly? Anyone?" "Okay, do we just shoot them down from here?"
Spells 6/7/5 used 0/4/1
Strange Weather, Eh? (DM Nellie) d20+2=4 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=15 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+2=3 ; d20+2=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 11:23:13 PM
Old business... Revi....sure. I'm feeling all nice tonight. I'll let you use your gloves. We'll say that only the second arrow hit Arashi for 8 damage. Edmund, once again, I'm feeling unusually nice tonight. We'll say that your (miraculously) hear Thar and the others calling for help.
As the arrows rain down, the party searches for cover, but there is almost none to be found on the slope area. The forest offers cover, but then it's hard to see the enemy from the forest.
(OOC: Florian, you make me laugh!!) Wynum suggests returning fire, but gets all tangled up in his own legs and falls flat on his stomach. To add insult to injury, his wine is soaking into coat and scree. Truly Hades hath no fury like a centaur scorned!
Thar patches himself up a little and calls for magical cover. Even though he's way back at the campsite, somehow Edmund hears Thar and heads over to the battle site. Shadow joins Edmund, and soon the whole party is reunited.
Julian casts his spell and suggest shrinking himself.
As battleplans are formulated, another volley of arrows streaks toward the group, but this time they are clatter harmlessly on the scree.
Ruby [HP: 74/74 - AC: 24][][] d20+6=25 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 11:34:36 PM
Ruby is glad to feel her strength slowly returning as she mills around with the others. The sudden volley of arrows though puts her on sudden edge and she glances up the cliff face. As she takes in the fact that the enemy has the high ground and they might have an issue of shooting that high, she tries to find an alternative.
As she slowly moves backwards her eyes scan the trees nearby to see if any of them would be suitable for an archery platform. Something that would allow her some cover, maybe, but also get her up high enough to make her own bow of use.
[spot 25]
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Thursday June 18th, 2009 11:36:16 PM
ooc: okay, are they within charge range? I have no idea how far away they are and was waiting for clarification.
Revi order's Arashi into the forest so as not to get shot again.
If the bugbears are within range (80' charge), that's what Revi will do, also using Rage. If not, then run up the slope as far as she can.
Arm[HP 33/33 AC 22] d20+9=27 ; d20+4=14 ; d8+6=9 ; d8+6=13 ; d20+2=10 ; Friday June 19th, 2009 6:09:58 AM
OOC: I echo Revi's statement as well. Range is important.. :) Depending on how far away they are, he may still have held on to his sword.
IC: If the bugbears are within reach of his more accomplished talent, Arm will advance and attempt to engage the nearest one (attk: 27,14-dmg 9,13). If they are outside of his sword attack range, he will attempt to fire an arrow at the closest one (attk 10-dmg doubtful). If neither of the these actions are possible, he will begin singing to bolster his comrades' courage (bardsong: inspire courage - +2 to saves vs charm & fear, +2 to attk & dmg).
Shadow [AC 24/19 HP 47/47] Friday June 19th, 2009 9:08:03 AM
Shadow approaches the group that is trying to find cover or charging up the slope, and he looks around trying to get a fix on what is going on. Once he sees the bugbears shooting down on the group he will get his own bow out and prepare to return fire (I will assume that he will not be able to get any off this round).
Range (DM Nellie) Friday June 19th, 2009 9:34:51 AM
Okay folks, I'll recap from Monday's post...
"Just outside of the wooded area is a roughly 60-foot-long slope leading up to a **very** steep cliff... The cliff face is also daunting...it soars to about 200 feet above the ground and is completely vertical with no handholds in sight."
So, what we got here is 60 feel of a a slope with scree which you can move through at 1/2 move rate (no charging, sorry!). Then after that there is a cliff that is completely vertical. It goes up 200 feet. The archers are on shelf at the top of that 200 feet climb.
Wynum [AC17, 18 vs. a random bugbear he is not shooting at] d20+15=33 ; d20+10=29 ; 2d6+5=14 ; 2d6+5=14 ; Friday June 19th, 2009 12:18:51 PM
Not waiting for magical support, Wynum begins shooting from where he stands, even if it turns out to be in the open. Careful observers may observe his tongue sticking out slightly as he concentrate to not disapoint on his first ever shot since he joined the team. He is relieved that both arrows seem to have find their respective marks.
[Range inc. is 110' so figuring range about 250' that would be a +4 to AC plus any cover for the bogeybears 1st arrow hit AC33. Dmg 14. 2nd arrow (another bugbear) hit AC29. Dmg 14]
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 17) Mage Armoured, Messaging Friday June 19th, 2009 1:10:03 PM ((Guys, it's worth remembering that distance to these targets is not simply horizontal distance + vertical distance. If you do that, you'll end up thinking they are much farther away than they actually are. To get real distance, square the horizontal distance, then square the vertical distance. Add these two numbers together. Take the result and get the square root. Because this is D&D, round down to the nearest five. Now you have straight-line distance. You may thank Pythagoras at your leisure.))
Edmund hurries up with Shadow, looking about for Thar.
"Ah! About that flying..." Edmund says, but he is interrupted by the whizzing of arrows which clatter down all around them--miraculously missing.
"Good heavens! This is rather too much excitement for one day! But about that--you remember when I said that we'd need to rest? Well, no rest, no flying, no fireballs. Sorry! But I can manage this...!"
Edmund hurriedly casts Message on himself, and on all the other members of the group, ensuring that even if they split up or move into cover, they can remain in contact.
"I'll see what I can do about hitting them with some magic, though!" Edmund says quickly. "No fireballs, this time, but I think I may be able to pull something shocking out of my figurative hat all the same. Give me a moment!
Edmund will then hurry back into the edge of the forest, 60 feet from the cliff face, 200 feet up which are the bugbears. This puts him in cover at a straight-line distance from the bugbears of 205 feet. (It's actually a *little* more, because that 60 feet horizontal distance slopes down, so the bugbears end up being more than 200ft over Edmund, when he is at the bottom of the slope. As a result, the actual distance between them is probably more like 210-215 feet.) From this relative safety, the wizard begins to plan his next course of attack.
"Probably best," he says into the Message spell, "if no one tries to climb up the cliff, or get in front of the bugbears somehow. Or at least tell me if you're planning to do that. You'll definitely want to tell me first."
DM Sanity Info. Standard Action: Cast Message on Entire Party Move Action: Move down into the edge of the forest. (Distance unknown) Checks: N/A Saves: N/A
Spells/Durations/Effects Message on Party (80 Minutes Remaining) Mage Armour on Self (7 Hours Remaining)
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 17) Mage Armoured, Messaging Friday June 19th, 2009 3:59:02 PM
((OOC: Strange question, but bear with me. Edmund has a cunning plan.
Julian, how much will you weigh if you shink yourself?))
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 19th, 2009 4:46:13 PM
Seeing the range is impossible for her charge her foe, she has to wonder how the heck do they, the bugbears, get up there--there must be a back way. Having sent Arashi into cover, Revi moved in front of Wynum to provide him cover (gloves) and absorb some of the shots that may hit him. her short bow was inadequate for the task, so she just used her body as a shield while the centaur shot away.
Julian (Small size) AC 24, hp 64/72 (Mage Armour) Friday June 19th, 2009 5:06:17 PM
OOC Half my currect weight = 21 pounds, plus gear which is also halved say 25 pounds.
Julian feels the hairs on the back of his neck prick up, and turns to see Edmund staring at him.....
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 17) Mage Armoured, Messaging Friday June 19th, 2009 5:27:33 PM
((OOC: Julian, are you saying that you currently weigh fifty pounds? If so, we don't even need to shrink you. Fifty pounds is the max for what I've got planned for you.))
Edmund (HP: 32/44, AC: 17) Mage Armoured, Messaging Friday June 19th, 2009 5:28:40 PM
Edmund speaks into the Message spell.
"Julian, can you come join me? I can get you up there with the bugbears if you want. Behind them, above them, where-ever you like."
Julian (Small size) AC 24, hp 64/72 (Mage Armour, Message) Friday June 19th, 2009 5:47:28 PM
OOC: errr, found this bit in my CS at last: TOTAL WEIGHT = 65.5 lb includes 42 lb for Julian so 33 pounds.
Julian jumps at the sounds of Edmund's voice inside his head, then remembers that Kendry used to do it to him too. "What? Oh, sure. Coming."
Revi AC20/12T/12FF HP86 Friday June 19th, 2009 6:24:43 PM
ooc:
Julian, how do you have a 24 AC? Revi would like some of that armor goodness. I've looked at your sheet and I can't figure it out, because armor bonuses don't stack, you only count the highest one. Do you have a shield spell up or something?
Thar AC 27/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+11=28 ; Friday June 19th, 2009 7:36:28 PM
Thar, finding no cover, decides to move quickly to the injured wolf and applies first aid. Heal = 28
He knows he isn't in range to fire his bow, and says to Shadow and Wynum, "Do you feel like climbing up that cliff and finding an easier way up, while Julian and Ed occupy their attention? It seems this is the only way to fight them, unless you have a better idea."
Thar AC 27/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Friday June 19th, 2009 7:37:33 PM
(2nd post = Thar clarifies his remark and comments that he was suggesting Thar, Shadow and Wynum (and whomever else has good balance) move up the hill)
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