DM Bob & Carla Monday March 9th, 2009 7:50:48 AM Jet's assessment of the situation in uncannily correct, for a small group of 3 Ahote are indeed camped at the rock outcrop. They wave at the party of adventurers as they near, encouraging them to approach. The puma slips away into the grasses after having conceded to Fatine's wish not to start anything.
It is only once they are at the foot of the hill that they can recognize Muata . He looks very solemn. "I am glad to see you again" he speaks quetly. " The shaman said we would find you here. The visons he has endured have come to pass...our children are missing. We came back from a hunting trip and found our women asleep and the children gone. It took the shaman two days to awaken them, and they remembered nothing. Dasan wishes to know if your offer to help the Ahote still stands."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday March 9th, 2009 8:28:46 AM
Beren hears the plea of the Ahote, and before they can finish, he responds.
"As for me, Yes!"
He then looks at the others to see what they will do.
Jet Stormway Monday March 9th, 2009 10:54:22 AM
Jet is very glad to see his native friends, but his mood drops when told of their peoples plight. "We told our leader in Bryn we would go hunting while we were out here. I don't remember speaking of that which we hunted. You have more sword and my skills my friend."
He looks over the other members of the party to see what they have to say before he speaks about the cat they brought with them. He wonders if the cat wasn't some spirit sent by their shaman now.
Keela Monday March 9th, 2009 11:03:07 AM
Tucking her wands away, Keela replies quietly, "Of course we will help. We said we would."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday March 9th, 2009 6:38:59 PM
Popping out of a nearby bush, Ender goes; "I'm in"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday March 9th, 2009 9:46:18 PM
"So much for a leisurely hunting trip," Alexi mumbles. He didn't expect the dreams to come to pass so soon! 'Can we go back to Bryn Baraz before this hunting trip?' he wondered. 'I've got some new armor waiting for me! Shoot!'
Not to show his disappointment at not returning to Bryn Baraz in the next few days, Alexi chirps up, "You bet you can count on me! We start now?"
Caelnin Tuesday March 10th, 2009 5:50:45 AM
Caelnin agrees with everyone else. "We agreed to help and help we must."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Tuesday March 10th, 2009 7:08:24 AM
"I go 'long also," Fatine says with a half-smile. "But dere be some business first." She puts fingers to lips and whistles loudly. "Puma!" she calls. "It be okay, come see you new house!"
If the Puma shows itself, Fatine says to Muata, "Now, dis be Puma. She gon' live in dis here cave. Can you tell all dee other Ah-ho-tay dat dey no bother he no more? She jus' gon' live in peace right here, yes?"
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday March 10th, 2009 7:56:45 AM
Muata's relief at their agreement to help is obvious. His brooding figure is transformed by the readiness of the party to assist in teh Ahote's troubles. He greets each of them in the formal manner of the Ahote and tells them that Istaqa and Dasan await them at the main village, some two days ride past the three sisters.
When Fatine calls out her new friend, the cat emerges from the tall grasses like a ghost. It stands next to her, it's long tail flicking back and forth, it's eyes sizing up each of the Ahote. Muata steps back in surprise, for cats such as these have been known to take a man. Fatine explains the cat's presence and her desire for it to be left unbothered by Ahote or others, and Muata nods his understanding. "If that is all, then let us go, for Dasan worries, and Istaqa spends much time in his dream state, looking for answers, and growing older by the hour." Muata mounts his horse and readies to leave.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+1=9 ; Tuesday March 10th, 2009 10:25:43 AM
Beren raises a hand in farewell to the puma, attempting to communicate as Fatine has done. He focuses his energy on the great cat, and speaks.
"Go in peace. Good hunting!"
It sounds like common to him. There must be more to this than just desire.
He mounts and prepares to leave.
Use magic 9
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 10th, 2009 5:17:32 PM
Jet walks up to the cat to allow it to smell him one last time, then mounts Bantom and follows the natives of the land. he doesn't ask any more questions. he is sure they will hear the full story when they arrive at the village.
"Fatine, is there a way we could have Col take a note back to Bryn Baraz for us and still find you after? If not, then let us leave a message here on one of these rocks of the three sisters, in case they send a search party after us, so they do not go on a goose chase."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Tuesday March 10th, 2009 6:28:21 PM
Ender waves at the cat, then follows the others... "If we do come back here" he tells Fatine "please tell the cat that I'm not a chew toy!"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday March 10th, 2009 10:24:35 PM
Alexi takes out his map and consults it. "Ok, so we are about a day's ride to the Three Sisters, here, and Dasan's main camp is two days ride past that. Looks like we have about a three day ride. So put that down on your note."
Turning to Muata and asks, "Is that right?"
He then sets his sights on the Three Sisters and makes ready to follow.
Keela Tuesday March 10th, 2009 11:36:08 PM
Keela hadn't expected to be gone quite so long, and sighs with regret that she brought no change of clothes. She hopes they won't worry too much, back at town. She hopes Senna won't scold her when she returns.
But she straightens her duster, grips the reins, and urges Daisy to follow the others. Right is right, and we promised.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:04:11 AM
Muata agrees with Alexi's assessment of the distance to his home village, "a bit sooner if we ride hard". The party makes their farewells to the cat that sits on one of the larger and flatter stones. Beren's attempt to communicate is greeted by what he can only interpret as a puzzled expression. Jet scrawls a note in the rocks using charcoal from the fire and the group prepares to leave. Muata takes the lead and sends his two companions out to the flanks with a series of quick hand movements, words do not appear necessary between them.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=14 ; d20+9=22 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:30:20 AM
Traveling with the Ahote reminds Beren oftraveling with his master. He too rarely spoke in words. Pointing and gestures were supplemented by words only when necessary. As a solitary ranger, he said that you did not want to scare off that which you hunted, or alert that which hunted you.
In spite of their escort, Beren remains vigilant.
spot 14 listen 22
Jet Stormway d20+3=22 ; d20+3=18 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2009 11:47:34 AM
Like rolling thunder, Jet in his polished plate mail and Bantom in his barding make a rumbling sound as they cross the open plain of tall grass. His tabard to all the gods present for the world to see and his visor is up, not anticipating battle. The clapping of his two handed sword in it's sheath stapped across his back, can be heard as well with each rise and fall of his body in the military saddle.
Although he admires the toughness of the Ahote, he does not relish their ideas of armor and weapons and is glad to be born in a more civilized area of the Wold.
He watches his fellow travelers and the ears of the horses, as well as the surrounding area for dangers that may be present, yet unseen. By watching the others, he may notice one of them noticing something he has missed.
Listen: 22 Spot: 18
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Wednesday March 11th, 2009 12:32:09 PM
[sorry for delay in posting]
Fatine kneels and smiles at the cat. Her spell has (probably) expired, but she whispers, "Be good, Puma. Ol' Fatine be 'round if'n you need me." She takes out a small dagger made of glass, and cuts off a long dreadlock from her messy hair. If the cat permits her, she ties it around its neck or one of its legs. "Dis be of Fatine. Now I be you friend."
When the Ahote are ready to leave, she gets back on her horse and calls to the cat, "And no more halfings! Dey be all gristle I told you!"
She whistles for Col at Jet's request. "He be bringin' dee note back, and he be knowin' how ta find Fatine. But will he come back straight away? Who knows . . ." She ties the note to Col's foot and says to the bird, "Now don' go gettin' inna no trouble. I don' wan' have ta find me a new bird. Be good and come back!" she smiles and pets the crow's wing as she talks, belying her gruff speech.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday March 11th, 2009 7:08:28 PM
Jet scrawls a note in the rocks using charcoal from the fire...
Hooooly COW! Col's carrying a boulder back to Bryn Baraz! My, how I've underated the bird!
Ok, I'll fix that.
IC: Alexi tears a small piece of parchment from his map and scribles on it the same note as Jet wrote on the rocks. Then hands it to Fatine. "Here, if Col can make it to Bryn Baraz and not get distracted too much, they'll know what we are up to."
He then takes his dagger and cuts a good length of his hair and uses it to tie the note to Col'l leg. "Now, Col, I be you friend, no?" and grins.
Alexi then takes up his position in the middle of the pack, near Keela.
"Hey Ender, hows your billygoat doing? Sore yet?" he says, grinning. "Keep 'em away from my map, ya hear, or else we're lost."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Wednesday March 11th, 2009 7:38:39 PM
"Well... its getting there!" Ender replies with a smirk and a cringe as the billy goat takes a small hop to avoid a hole in the ground....
Caelnin d20+8=22 ; d20+7=10 ; Wednesday March 11th, 2009 8:12:07 PM
Heading off to where the Ahote village is, Caelnin doesn't let his guard down any bit. He still is looking out for the whole group as the move off and push on.
Spot 22, Listen 10
Keela Wednesday March 11th, 2009 10:13:58 PM
Keela concentrates on keeping up and not being a bother. She doesn't want to be the weak link, especially in front of the Ahote.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=17 ; d20+5=24 ; Thursday March 12th, 2009 7:09:13 AM
Ender falls down te line keeping up the rear guard
Spot: 17, Listen: 24
DM Bob & Carla Thursday March 12th, 2009 7:58:53 AM
A note is dispatched to Bryn Baraz, tied to the leg of Fatine's crow. How long it will take to get there is unknown. The party heads north and east. The Ahote travel quietly, but the same cannot be said for their companions. Muata offers to help the cleric-fighter stuff grass inbetween the plates in his armor to help in the matter.
Other than a few small family groups of the native antelope and a hawk or two, little is spotted by any of the travellers. The Ahote seem to have some innate ability to sense direction, and teh party follows an unerring path towards the horizon.
The ride is long and hard, with few rest stops, but as evening approaches Muata signals the group to a stop along a small dried out riverbed. "We will stop here for the night."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=7 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=13 ; Thursday March 12th, 2009 8:34:01 AM
Beren checks the sky (knowldege nature 7) and can see no sign of rain, so figuring that the Ahote know what they are about, begins to set up camp in the dry riverbed. Normally he would move to just out of the path of a possible flood, rather than camp in the way. However, trusting thst the Ahote know their own country, he stays with the group.
Once his bedroll is laid out, he starts gathering wood, and surveys the area around the camp for whatever signs he can see.
spot 12 listen 13
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday March 12th, 2009 9:21:24 AM
Ender joins Beren gathering wood and stirkes up a small conversation... "I know next to nothing about these Ahote, can you tell me about them... I mean do's and donts and stuff like that..."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday March 12th, 2009 9:22:09 AM
OOC: I might not be able to post tomorrow as I'm off to England, I will try my hardest to find a computer with internet but i cant promise anything....
Jet Stormway Thursday March 12th, 2009 1:22:42 PM
Jet allows the Ahote an attempt to quiet his movement. he watches carefully in case he needs to know how to do this in the future. When they are done, he tests his mobility to see if he is more encumbered in it if battle is needed.
That night, he shares no wine. He only brought enough for a few days and he needs it in his morning prayer rituals. He replaces his plate mail with his chain shirt before bed and is not asverse to sharing war stories with the warriors before sleep.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Thursday March 12th, 2009 4:18:20 PM
Fatine rides along quietly most of the day, checking the sky now and again with a nervous look on her face.
When the party stops to rest in the evening, she shows him the pictures given her by Tarketh, and asks if he knows where the various plants grow in abundance.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=18 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=12 ; Thursday March 12th, 2009 6:19:17 PM
Alexi helps get camp set up by looking for dry grasses and twigs and stuff. He travels the dry creekbed looking for the odds and ends that end up uncovered by the running waters. He looks for interesting rocks, bones, etc.
Spot d20+1= 18
Later, Alexi tells Muata and the Ahote with him of their meeting with Honaw and tells them of the battle with the Ambush Drakes, trying not to embelish too much.
He volunteers to share the watch with someone else.
Keela Friday March 13th, 2009 1:10:05 AM
The pace is challenging, but Keela keeps up--something she could not have done when she first joined the group. She is pleased but exhausted when she finally slides off Daisy to begin making camp. He movements are slow as she unsaddles the horse and brushes her clean--but she does not stop until the task is finished. She puts the brushes away with a little sigh, and plops to the ground, unable to summon the energy to do much more.
DM Bob & Carla Friday March 13th, 2009 8:08:13 AM Alexi's look skyward is seen by Muata who nods at him in appreciation of the man's growing experience. "You are right to look to the clouds, for when rain comes it can wash away much in it's path...but look here, there are no gullies or steep banks at this place, the water that flows through this place is gentle and dissapears quickly." The Ahote set up camp quickly and efficiently and help teh others where necessary. They look through Fatine's drawings of plants and seeds and recognize a few. "These are plants that grow near springs", they tell her. "The rest are unknown to me, but I am no shaman, Istaqa will know more. You can ask him when we arrive at the village."
As the banter around the campfire unfolds there is great interest in the battle with the ambush drakes. "We have hunted them since we new of their arrival in this place, forthey have killed many of our people and they have diminished the antelope and deer that we depend on. Your tactics in battle are worth emulating. Weaken them with magic, injure them froim afar, and then go in for the kill....very sound." Muata congratulates them on their victory and the key roles played by each.
The night is quiet and peaceful. Jet unpacks the grass from his armor only to find it has found it's way into all kinds of places. The trick worked to quiet the noise of his armor, but an little extra personal hygiene will be required to deal with the after effects.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=24 ; d20+9=19 ; Friday March 13th, 2009 8:33:21 AM
When Ender asks about the Ahote, Beren's first response to the groups newcomer is to make sure his face mask is in place. Then in a quiet voise he says,
"We are still learning of them ourselves. They seem to be elves, but I have not heard stories of them. They are very skilled woodsmen. Beyond that, it might be better for you to make your own judgements."
This is quite a speech for the normally quiet ranger, and he does not offer more. He settles in for the night, sharing the watch as necessary, wondering what the next day will bring.
spot 24 listen 19
Jet Stormway Friday March 13th, 2009 12:23:53 PM
Jet and hygene are rarely used in the same sentence. What grass doesn't come out when he puts on the chain shirt is just less grass he has to replace in the morning.
Jet listens to the Ahote and the others of his group. He thinks of his party members in turn and has different feelings for each.
Across the fire he can see how tired Keela is. Her frail frame, one more used to library's and ball rooms, not the open wild. It must have taken a lot of love for her to travel out here with her family. He can respect that also, having lost his father and mother at a young age, he believes he would leave with them if they were to.
Beside her is Alexi. Jet doesn't really like him much and he doesn't know why. Could it be he had opportunities Jet didn't have? Is it his smart aleck attitude that would get someone decked in the streets if used? Still, he is a warrior and that alone earns Jet's respect.
Beren is an oddity to priest of all the gods. Why would an elven ranger leave the woods for the open grasslands? Would he really be driven away by his people because of scars? He wonders silently with much respect for his skills in the wild.
Caelnin, another elf in the wild plains. Unlike Beren, his entire life revolves around making bows. Not an entirely useless weapon, just not something a true warrior feels is right when engaging an enemy with honor. Feeling your weapon pierce the flesh of your mortal enemies skin, slide through sinew and muscle and break bone. That is a feeling like no other, as is receiving such blows. Still, it was the bows that brought down the second drake that might have escaped. I did say it wasn't useless. he thinks.
Ender the stow away. Jet isn't sure yet what to think of this small fellow. Trust is no where near his mind, but so far as he can tell at least he has been truthful and no where near as irritating to the fighter priest as Alexi. His mind is not made up as of yet on this new member. He will have to wait and see how well he fights.
Then there is Fatine, the person that is as likely to be out here in the middle of nowhere as Jet is and likely the most irritating to him. Always speaking harshly to the others and speaking as if Jet is incompetent with his skills. Instead of praise for being willing to die for the group he leads, she makes fun of the fact that he is a primary target for the enemy when Alexi is off picking his nose playing with missile weapons, he thinks back to the rescue of Lollena. The best way to deal with her is not give her the satisfaction of being annoyed with her. There will be a day when it is her that will need the power of the gods and her demon friends won't be there to help her.
It seems the one person he has much in common with is Anrete. Both of them raising themselves in the street, they are both kind of like rogues in the wild. He is fast and accurate. Looking around he asks the others in the group, "Anyone seen Anrete lately?"
OOC From DM Donna Saturday March 14th, 2009 5:37:12 AM
Hello, players. I'm going to be subbing as DM for your game while Bob & Carla are on vacation. It would be the best interest of the game if all those players whom do not have a link to their current character sheet posted on this board make sure that any such link is made available to me at my current email address--before I have to take up the DM reins this upcoming week. If you don't make sure about that before March 16th, it's possible that your character may not have any of his or her rolls count for any combat or skill check that may need to be made in the game.)
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Saturday March 14th, 2009 11:10:33 AM
OOC--Welcome Donna!
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday March 15th, 2009 10:19:46 PM
OOC: It was Beren who checked the sky, not Alexi. Please don't give Alexi any undue credit. It will only re-inforce Jet's opinion of him. :)
Thanks for filling in for Bob & Carla. Welcome ot the Uncharted Lands.
IC: Alexi doesn't seem to find any pretty stones or other unusual items in the dry creekbed and returns to camp. Camp was made quickly and Alexi was glad. Seeing Keela exhausted, he goes to tend to her horse, but the girl learned well from him. Girl! She was no girl. She is a woman, grown much in the past few months.
This venture with the ahote, and the Dream they all had except for Keela, would tax them to their limits, he felt. And Ender, poor chap, had no idea what they were up against. Should he tell him? Well, someone aught to tell him something.
As they eat supper, Alexi asks Ender, "Do you dream? Do you have nightmares?" He then explains his inquiries. "When we first met the Ahote... long story. The short of it is that we shared a vision with their shaman that foretold a great doom. We promised to help, as this Doom would affect us too. The first steps of this Doom have just occured. Thus we are here. Make any sense?"
Alexi helps in the watch as usual, then helps get the horses ready for their next leg of the trip. Before they head out, he makes a mark on his map the approximate location of their camp relative to the Three Sisters and the Ambush Drake, or Puma's Den, as he now labels his map.
Keela Monday March 16th, 2009 12:02:30 AM
[OOC: Hi Donna! Thanks for the help!]
Keela isn't quite sure how long she sits, but when she is at last ready to stir, she is ashamed to see that the camp has been set up while she rested. I have a ways to go yet if I'm to keep up, she thinks.
She is too tired to eat. She takes a long, refreshing drink, then seeks her rest for the night.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday March 16th, 2009 7:27:39 PM
After his and Berens little chat Enders sits in quiet contemplation, being slightly startled by Alexi's question he answers, "I rarely have very vivid dreams, well day dreams i have like most people, but I'm not sure they relate to your question. It might be because i wasnt here with you on the first part of your journey but cooped up with the farmers..." Ender slips off into quiet contemplation again....
OOC: Hi Donna, thanks for jumping in!... how do I change my name to link to my char. page?
More OOC From DM Donna Monday March 16th, 2009 8:25:57 PM
HOW TO LINK YOUR PLAYER CHARACTER'S NAME IN YOUR POST
First you need to make sure that you have your character sheet on Google Docs.
Second, you MUST make sure that your CS has been published as a Web page on Google Docs, or step #3 isn't going to work for anyone else trying to view your character's sheet.
Third, I am going to use my own Woldian PC, K'Nara Illutu, as the example of how you can make your PC's name into the link for their character sheet: in order for her name to appear as a link, I must type:
However, the asterisks * in the above example need to be replaced with beginning brackets [ and the tildes ~ need to be replaced with ending brackets ] for the link to become active. You also need to make sure that the Doc id number in your post matches the one that is the address for your character's published CS.
When you make the replacements in the above example, you then get an active link to K'Nara's character sheet. In the case of linking to your own PC's character sheet, don't forget to change "K'Nara" to your own PC's name.
Once you do this, your PC's name can be posted as a link not only in the body of your post, but in the Post Name as well. The Post Name is where we DMs of the Wold would prefer you link your PC's character sheet, anyhow.
DM Donna Monday March 16th, 2009 8:37:35 PM
Muata and his people offer to take turns keeping watch over the camp, if the party can cook up something for everyone to eat for dinner. The Ahote can quickly catch some of the native game if need be. They are also amenable to sharing watch duties with the party should any of the party members wish to do so. (There are four watches from sundown to sunrise, each watch is three hours long.)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Dogs [AC 20, HP 13/13, 13/13] Mage Armor Monday March 16th, 2009 10:02:00 PM
Fatine helps prepare a small dinner, taking a bit and seeing that her dogs are fed. She takes the pair of dogs off for a walk, letting them run and roll in the high grasses a bit, then makes up a bed and falls to sleep quickly. Accepting the Ahote's offer, she takes the full night to rest (unless awakened for some reason).
Keela Monday March 16th, 2009 11:21:06 PM
Keela is also grateful for a full night's rest, although she is too tired to eat dinner.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=11 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2009 12:05:18 AM
Beren will take one of the first watches before he settlers down for the night. He is comfortable to be among elves again, no matter how different from what he is used to.
He chooses a sleeping spot somewhat away from the others, near the edge of the light, and tells himself to sleep lightly. It is a trick taught to him by his master, and he will wake off and on through the night to ensure that all is well.
Spot 15 listen 11
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=21 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday March 17th, 2009 7:02:03 AM
Ender will take the final watch before first light
Spot 21 Listen 17
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 17th, 2009 11:32:00 AM
Jet will assisit with the first watch as is his habit. he avoids the Ahote while on watch, not wanting to ruin their chances at surprising an approching agressor.
After his shift, he sleeps well and soundly.
ooc: Welcome Donna. I'm trying to update and publish my character Jet for you. I'm not sure if today is an offiacial Woldian holiday or not, but I have lots of plans today, so I will do my best to have it done tomorrow.
DM Donna Tuesday March 17th, 2009 11:07:08 PM
Everyone gets fed and then gets ready to spend their downtime in their various ways, sleeping, studying, exercising or just plain preparing for a good night's sleep.
Muata shares the first watch with one of his fellow Ahotes, along with Beren and Jet. About halfway through the watch, The Ahotes are suddenly alert and brandish the spears they are armed with, facing a particularly dark set of shadows that seem to move...
Beren must roll a Spot and a Listen check. If the Spot check beats DC15, then Beren Highlight to display spoiler: {...you spot a pair of shining amber eyes advancing from the shadowy cover, slowly approaching the men on watch.} If the Listen check beats DC18, then Beren Highlight to display spoiler: {...you hear the barest whisper of the grass and underbrush rustling.}
OOC: as Jet's character sheet isn't posted to this board yet, I can't have Jet's player roll for anything, as I have no way of confirming what is on the CS.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday March 18th, 2009 12:03:35 AM
Alexi plans to take the second watch, as usual, so he sleeps happily on, trusting in his friends to be alert enough to be aware of anything and wake him up in time.
OOC: Can you see mine? It works for me.
Keela Wednesday March 18th, 2009 1:54:02 AM
Keela sleeps peacefully, oblivious to the hard ground, the chill night air, or anything that might be happening in camp.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=11 ; d20+9=20 ; Wednesday March 18th, 2009 8:35:57 AM
Bere takes his watch with the Ahote, but trusting to their senses more than his own (spot 11! a 2!) he does what he has learned never to do, and has been watching the fire. When the others on watch spring to alert, he can see nothing out in the darkness. That does not stop him from believing that something is there to be seen, and his weapons come up and ready, with two arrows loose in his hand.
He does hear a strange rustling noise, and recognizes that something is moving towards the camp through the tall grass. He uses that sound to focus and target,and waits with bitter impatience for his night sight to return. (listen 20)
Jet Stormway d20+3=9 d20+3=10 Wednesday March 18th, 2009 12:46:23 PM
Jet doesn't see or hear anything during his watch.
OOC from DM Donna: thank you for posting Jet's character sheet.
DM Donna Wednesday March 18th, 2009 8:19:32 PM
"Look!" Muata says, lowering his spear a bit and pointing to an area of the darkness that detaches itself from the rest of the shadows and advances until it is at the edge of the firelight--
It's Puma. The big black cat stares, unblinking, for a moment or two at the people standing guard before slinking around the periphery of the camp to where Fatine has bedded down for the night. The huskies with the witch are instantly alert, "wuffing" softly and nosing Fatine awake, but not otherwise reacting to the presence of the panther, which sits down a few yards away and begins to rather idly clean a paw.
Fatine Highlight to display spoiler: {... Fatine may now build the cat into her character sheet using the basic build for a leopard in the monster manual.}
The rest of the night otherwise passes uneventfully for everyone standing on watch. All spellcasters may consider their magic completely restored, as well as any of the party members who happen to possess abilities that have a "only a certain number of times per day" limitation on them.
Comes the dawn, the Ahote once again provide game with which to make a meal, asking only that the party cook the breakfast. At the conclusion of the meal, camp will be broken so that everyone may continue on to the Ahote settlement.
Caelnin Wednesday March 18th, 2009 8:54:39 PM
(OOC: Sorry for not replying in a while...)
"The puma is back? It must like you, Fatine..." Caelnin says as he starts packing things up. Whilst everyone is getting ready to leave, Caelnin practices a few shots and doing so keeps remembering his father's pet wolf that never left his father's side.
"Hope I can see you again one day..." Caelnin says softly while shooting an arrow.
Keela Thursday March 19th, 2009 12:23:05 AM
Keela awakens feeling stiff and grubby. Washing her face and hands helps, as does walking around the camp for a bit. She breakfasts heartily, hungry after skipping dinner last night.
When the group is ready to move out, she saddles and mounts Daisy, ready for another day.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday March 19th, 2009 8:30:21 AM The Puma!
Beren watches as the big cat makes itself at hom with Fatine.
Is it jealousy he feels that she now has four animals she has befriended, and can speak to while he has none?
He shakes this feeling off, and prepares for sleep. Come the morning he looks again to the big cat before helping with breakfast.
He notices that the Ahote hunt, but do not offer to cook. Do they consider this woman's work, and beneath them? Just one more thing to learn about their culture. Beren has too often been on his own to worry about anything like social problems.
When everyone is ready to move on, he will be ready as well.
Jet Stormway Thursday March 19th, 2009 12:37:59 PM
Jet shakes his head at the cat. Two dogs, a cat and a bird, what are we now a traveling circus? All we need are pack of dancing giant rats.
He finishes his shift and goes to bed.
Jet doesn't have a problem with cooking and will take his turn as needed. It's not quite what some of the others might be able to do, but it isn't raw or burnt when it's served.
Putting on his armor, he attempts to stuff the straw in his armor again and feels like quite the scare crow in the corn field.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] Mage Armor d8=7 ; d20=18 ; Thursday March 19th, 2009 1:08:17 PM
Fatine wakes up from the dogs' whining, and is momentarily surprised to see the cat sitting beside her. She pets it a few times, then looks back and forth between it and the dogs.
She spends the rest of the night awake, quiet but thoughtful, alternatively petting and comforting the dogs and the cat.
In the morning, she leads all three animals off a bit and sits with them. She is out of earshot, but visibly talking, so she must have cast her spell again. DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Ley roll 8, cast Speak with Animals, but does not use a spell slot}
DM second Highlight to display spoiler: { She talks to the puma to make sure it wants to travel with her, then talks to the dogs about leaving them behind. She explains that she may be facing dangers that are too much for them, and she won't let them get hurt needlessly. She offers to send them with the Ahote to hunt and run in the grasslands, so she can visit them when she is visiting the Ahote. Handle Animal check = 18, for whatever that does for me.}
After a few minutes, Fatine and the animals return. The witch has a few tears in her eyes, but wipes them off quickly. Turning to Muata, she says, "Dis be Shadow an' Cloud. Dey be good hunters, an' good fighters, but deys in too much danger 'round me. Will you let dem go wit' you, so dey can help yous people however deys able?"
Assuming Muata agrees, Fatine gives each dog a long hug, then shoos them over to the Ahote. "And don' eat dem!" she says sharply to Muata. "I be visitin' often, an' if deys eaten, I be eatin' one o' you in return!"
[will update CS and header soon]
DM Donna Thursday March 19th, 2009 7:05:11 PM OOC from the DM: from what I've read of the most recent posts, the party has already met Istaqua the shaman, yes? If this is so, could you kindly supply me with the description of him...he seems to be the only NPC that isn't listed in the module I have. Thank you.
Muata looks down at the huskies, noting their bright-eyed and alert stances, then nods to Fatine.
"These two will be friends to my people," he says firmly, "And the Ahote do not eat their friends." There is a fleeting smile on his face as he speaks. Then he turns away and oversees the packing of the camp.
Fatine's conversation with her newest four-legged companion has this as the input from the puma:
"I am Feet of Mist. Much gladness for the den you tried to give me, but the den had the stink of badsoul in it. Impossible for me to stay there, or my soul might become bad, too. I followed your trail because you scent of goodsoul. I am Feet of Mist...I have a good soul, too. We shall hunt well together. I hope you have fish...fish is my favorite."
Muata, once the entire combined party is on the move, speaks of his village, Misu Dar. The name means "Land by the Water." The Ahote camp lies in a deep canyon some 30 miles to the north of Bryn Baraz, and on the far side of an expansive grassland that separates the two. A river runs through the canyon providing moisture to the valley bottom. A grove of willow trees lines one side of the valley, while open grasslands dominate the other.
Misu Dar is supposed to be the seasonal home of the Ahote. Right now all of the warriors of the village (with the exception of Muata and his party) are there, guarding what's left of their population. Muata is anticipating the meeting between the party and Misu Dar's leader, Chief Dasan, as well as the village shaman, Istaqua.
"Before we arrive at the village," Muata says, "Is there anything that you'd like to know? Any questions you want to ask me?"
DM OOC: I'm going to check back on this board about 5 hours from now in the hopes that one of you players will take pity on me and supply the information about Istaqua. Once I have that, I will post the party's entry into Misu Dar. Thanks again!
Jet Stormway Thursday March 19th, 2009 7:14:30 PM OOC: Our first meeting with Istaqua began at this point in the archives. If you would like to go back and read more about the dream vision, it is right after this post from DM Bob and Carla.
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday October 7th, 2008 12:18:26 AM Muata, Son of Dasan, opens a flap of hide that forms the doorway into the great tent. "You may enter, but you must leave your weapons outside", he points to three wooden poles arranged between two rocks. There are a number of spears and a bow already leaning against the makeshift rack. "Your weapons will be safe here, just as you will be safe within these walls, and they will be returned to you when you leave." The warrior's intent appears genuine to Alexi and Jet, and neither Beren nor Caelnin or Keela see anything threatening in the actions of any of the others.
Assuming the party agrees to leave their weapons outside, Muata bids them enter and allows the flap to close behind them. He waves his arm pointing to a series of braided grass mats arranged in a semicircle on the ground. "Sit" he commands them in a soft tone. "Istaqa will speak with you in a moment"
The interior of the tent is dimly lit by a vent in the roof directly above a central fire pit which is lined with rocks the size of large potatoes. The mats are arranged around one side of the fire pit, opposite a single large mat comprised of piled furs. A trace of wood smoke lingers in the air as the last embers of a fire fade in the pit.
Within a few moments Muata re-enters, followed by the white-haired elder and a line of warriors who take their places along the outer edge of the tent. Muata beckons his warriors to take their seats and so they do, curved hunting blades hanging at their sides. "This is Istaqa and he will speak for our people."
Muata takes a seat by the side of the pile of furs. The one called Istaqa steps forward, his white hair flowing over his shoulders and down his back. He carries a wooden staff and leans on it for support. The upper part of the staff is adorned with braided leather and a small leather bag hangs from this handle by a necklace of what appear to be teeth along with a single raven's feather. Istaqa's speech is halting as he struggles with the common tongue and he refers to Muata several times for the translation of a word or phrase.
"I have for many months seen your coming in my dreams and so we have come to this place where the grasses bend. All those who come into our camp freely will leave so, for this is our way. We will talk, and you will be fed, and when the sun rises you will be free to leave here as you came. He smiles reassuringly at his guests. "yes, even you will have your belly filled Thala", he opens his palm to reveal a small strip of dried venison and with a few short clicks calls Fatine's bird to his hand .
"We are the Ahote, the guardians of this land. We alone have survived the great destruction and we alone have been..., he struggles for the correct word before continuing, "have been chosen by Catori to protect this land. Why do you come here and disturb the spirit mother?" Istaqa's voice maintains a soft, even timbre as he asks his question of the group.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday March 19th, 2009 8:59:41 PM
OOC: if I can have your e-mail address, I'll send you a Word file with all the info on our encounter with the Ahote. Besides, we need your e-mail address anyway for off gaming transfer of info. :)
Jonathan.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday March 19th, 2009 9:41:00 PM
Alexi wakes up for his turn at watch and is informed that Puma had followed them. "Spooky!" is all he can muster.
As Muata talks about their village, Alexi manages to pipe in with a wide grin, "How is Tocho's sister? What can you tell me about her?"
OOC: See post in archives, dated Jan 7th thru Jan 9th for info on this subject. :)
When Muata asks them if they have any questions, Alexi says "In the dream we had, all was well one night, then next morning the children were gone. No sound, no warning. Just gone. Is that how it came to pass?"
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday March 20th, 2009 8:33:39 AM
Beren has mixed emotions about going into the Ahote camp. On the one hand, they are elves, however different. However, it does mean he will be back among more people, and he does not look forward to that.
He unconciously checks and adjusts his face mask as they approach the village.
DM Donna Friday March 20th, 2009 9:16:47 AM DM OOC: Thank you for the description of the shaman. I don't need the document, but if any of you need to contact me please email donnlapATaolDOTcom (and be careful of the spelling--the address is simply "donN" and NOT my full first name.) My apologies for the lateness of this post--I fell asleep.
"I am not being rude, friend," Muata addresses Alexi's logical question about the calamity that's befallen the Ahote, "But Istaqua told me to bring you with haste and to allow him to speak of the matter. However, I can tell you that Tocho's sister is alive and well."
It is mid-morning when the party arrives at Misu Dar. It looks much the same as their previous visit...except for the absence of children. Instead of the sight and sound of children playing games with each other, there is only the sight and sound of the adults, most of them looking pale and grim, some of them crying for the terrible loss the village has suffered.
Again the party is shown to the shaman's tent, and again Muata bids them to put aside their weapons before entering...
DM OOC: I have to go to work. The next post will pick up where I leave off.
Jet Stormway Friday March 20th, 2009 12:17:32 PM ooc: Sorry for not elaborating Donna, but we have never been here before. We met them in a small camp they had made some distance from their main community, while we were on our way to Bryn Baraz.
Jet removes his weapons and armor before entering the tent where their old friend is waiting. present around his neck is the token of friendship that was given to him some months ago.
"Thank you for the escort. I doubt we would have found your village with ease. It's placement is sound and defensible."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Friday March 20th, 2009 1:41:13 PM
Ende whispers to Beren "what kind of place is it? i havent been here before...."
DM Donna Friday March 20th, 2009 7:21:25 PM DM OOC: my goodness, I'm certainly not giving you a sterling example of a Professional DM, am I? LOL Ah, well...here is the description of the village, straight from the module:
Misu Dar, the Ahote camp, lies in a deep canyon some 30 miles to the north of Bryn Baraz, and on the far side of an expansive grassland that separates the two. A river runs through the canyon providing moisture to the valley bottom. A rare grove of willow trees lines one side of the valley, while open grasslands dominate the other. A loose association of tents makes up the settlement. Each tent is comprised of a circular wall made of stretched animal hides, topped by a slightly conical roof made of the same material sewn together. Pathways lead up out of the canyon to the mesas above, where sentries are posted in strategic positions.
The village of the Ahotes is comprised of a series of Yurts arranged in a loose semi-circle with a single Yurt in a central position. A number of small fires burn outside the hide covered structures, and small whisps of smoke escape from vents in the roofs of others. The camp looks neither makeshift nor permanent. Wooden racks have been built to dry meat in the sun and to smoke meat over fires. Horses are secured behind a corral of uprooted thorns and briars, presumably to keep predatory animals from them.
Thirty to forty individuals make up the small settlement. Many are young men, but a few are women of different ages, and there are three older men, at least judging from their white hair. The men are lean, well muscled, and hardened by the harsh environment of these open lands. Although mostly elvish in appearance, the Ahote are of mixed race. Their skin is tanned and wrinkled from perpetual exposure to the elements. Deep crows feet surround their eyes from squinting into the sun, and their bodies' are more hirsute than their elven cousins. Stronger in appearance than elves, they have however maintained the agility and lightness of foot.
Amongst the people that the party can see, there are no children. As Muata shows you to the central yurt, some of the females in the tribe are glaring suspiciously at the party members--none of them appear to like the party much and they keep their distance.
DM OOC: I just realized that--if "Tocho's sister" is a child (twelve years of age or younger), then she, too, will be missing. If she is thirteen or older, then she will be in the village. I will post more exposition later this evening. Thank you for your indulgence.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Friday March 20th, 2009 9:39:00 PM
Fatine rides along, daydreaming most of the day, and occasionally looking around the sky, hands shading her eyes. "Don' know where dat silly bird be. Probably lost. Better no' be gettin' inna trouble."
As the group rides into the village, she looks around, noticing that they've arrived somewhere. Leaning over to Keela, she whispers, "I tought we be goin' to deir camp? And where be all dee children? Did you listen to whatevey dey said?"
Keela Saturday March 21st, 2009 2:28:44 PM
"They don't know what happened to the children," Keela murmurs to Fatine. "That's what we're supposed to figure out. I don't know much more; I didn't go with you on that vision thing."
Her heart goes out to the Ahote for thier missing children. She can scarecely imagine what she would feel if her nephews and niece were to disappear. Teigan missing? Cole, and little Nilla? Not to mention all the other children at the settlement, that she had looked after and played with.
Such a terrible loss! she thinks. Oh, I do hope we can help!
DM Donna Saturday March 21st, 2009 3:41:21 PM
The yurt that the party is shown into is a bit larger, but it is laid out in the same way as the last time they'd met Istaqua. The vernerable shaman sits next to the fire, looking a bit haggard, his eyes gazing into the flames intently.
There is another Ahote in the tent--this one is clearly a warrior-type. Everyone in the party can see that he looks like an older version of Muata...same build and facial features, only he is clearly older and has mostly-white hair. His eyes are still bright and sharp, and they size up the party as they enter the tent.
"My chief, I have found the people who shared the vision," Muata says, bowing and putting his right hand to his left shoulder in salute. The Ahote ranger turns to the party. "This is Dasan, chief of the Ahote."
"I bid you welcome to Misu Dar, children of the far horizon," the leader of the tribe says in fairly decent common, "I regret the black cloud that mars your visit." He draws in a breath, then moves to a position beside the silent shaman.
"Please, sit...there is much we need to tell you," Dasan invites everyone, sitting down on one of the braided grass mats arranged around the campfire for such a purpose. Once everyone is seated, Istaqua suddenly launches into the story of how the shared vision has horribly come true, the tale coming mostly in his own words (with the occasional assist from Muata or Dasan):
Upon returning from a hunt, the men of the tribe found their women in a deep sleep and all the children had vanished. The shaman had to revive the women by calling them back from the shadow lands. It has now been two weeks and still no sign of the children. The best trackers of the Ahote have scoured the surrounding area, but they have found no clues. The Shaman remembered the dream he shared with the adventurers some months back where he foretold of the children's disappearance...prominent in his vision had been a small wild-haired woman with a black mountain lion that somehow leads them to the children.
"You are the dream-woman..." Istaqua says firmly, pointing at Fatine and pinning her in the direct, steely gaze of his eyes, "...you, of the wild hair...you, with the cat of the shadows...I have seen this...you and those with you are the ones who hold the fate of the Ahote children in your hands."
Jet Stormway Sunday March 22nd, 2009 4:47:46 PM
Jet turns to Fatine and considers what she might be able to accomplish that the shaman of the village could not.
he doesn't say a thing as he watches and waits for more to occur.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Sunday March 22nd, 2009 10:12:17 PM
Ender is very quiet while he takes it all in, Fatine a, did he say, dream woman? hmmm this is all very much to take in all at one time
Keela d20+9=20 ; Sunday March 22nd, 2009 10:58:31 PM
Keela still isn't sure how she can help. There is one thing, though. She knows magic--the magic of wizards and sages, probably different from the elemental spiritual magic practiced by the Ahote. She sorts through what she knows, trying for any insight about what might have affected the women in such a way, or how the children could be spirited off.
[Knowledge Arcana: 20]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday March 23rd, 2009 9:30:23 AM
Beren listens to the Ahote Shaman as he relates what has happened.
Fatine is the one needed to save the children? It will proabaly take much more than her.
The ranger checks his supply of arrows, and insures that he is as ready as possible. Then, in his quiet voice,
"How do we begin?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=15 ; Monday March 23rd, 2009 5:12:57 PM
OOC: 'Tocho's Sister' had better be older than 12! :)
The following conversation occured between Alexi and Honaw, the Ahote warrior they met at the Ambush Drake den right after the party defeated the drakes:
When Alexi mentions Tocho, Honaw looks back to his own companions and says something in his own language. One of the hunters barks a brief laugh, while the others exchange a few knowing glances. Pointing to the scars on his stomach, he whispers in a low voice, his dark eyes shining with mischieviousness, "it was Tocho's sister that gave me these! " (Bluff=23)
IC: Misu Dar looks similar to the hunting camp they had been in some months before, but much larger. Moving through the camp brought back memories of that time, even the suspicious looks from the Ahote. Hoping to see some friendly faces, he looks for Tocho or Honaw. (Spot d20+1= 15). He's not sure he'd be able to recoginze Honaw, since their meeting was so brief, but Tocho, he thought, he should recognize if he is in the crowd.
Alexi remembers how the hunting camp was cheerful and friendly by the time they left, but now, everyone seemed, well, distant and mistrustfull. And they had reason enough to be, he thought. They culdn't possibly know of the Dream. All they know is that since we arrived on the plains, things have gone wrong.
When directed to the main tent entrance, Alexi gives up his weapons, all of them. Remembering how nervous he was the first time he did this, he smiled. Once inside, recognizing Istaqa, he bows low to the shaman, then bows low to Dasan.
He sits as Dasan directs and listens to the description of the events that brought them together again, raising an eyebrow at the revelation that Fatine has been given the task, by the gods, to help find the children. He silently wished it would have been Keela, to give her that sense of purpose here she often times seemed to express not to have. But would such a thing be overwhelming to the young lady? She had matured much, but perhaps not quite enough for this task!
To follow up on [b]Beren's[/i] question, Alexi asks, "Should we undergo your, er, meditation, again? We have a new member in our group, Ender here, and Keela wasn't affected by the smoke last time. Perhaps they would see something that we didn't."
Jet Stormway Monday March 23rd, 2009 6:23:23 PM
Jet watches and waits, taking in his surroundings, attempting to not be overwhelmed by the deep emotions these people have, and yet, like in the bush, they are so good at hiding those emotions. If Jet thought someone was responsible for the abduction of one of his children, he would kill until killed.
He does not smile, knowing the sonbre moment, but lets all those there know, he is determined to help with blood and breath.
DM Donna Monday March 23rd, 2009 9:44:35 PM
Upon Beren and Alexi's speaking about undergoing a voluntary entrance into the dream trance, Istaqua speaks excitedly in his native tongue, prompting both Muata and Dasan to get him to slow down. After listening to the shaman for a bit, Muata turns to the party.
"Istaqua says you speak truly," the young man translates. "He saw the image of Wild-hair Woman, but more things must be seen if the gods allow. Will you join Istaqua in breathing the dream-smoke again..?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday March 23rd, 2009 10:47:34 PM
Alexi chirps in, "You bet!" remembering the pleasant feeling he had during the initial part of the dream, before the bad omens intruded.
He turns to Ender and says cheerfully, "Inhale the smoke and just let it take you away. It is well worth it. Well, unless you have any nightmares you care to keep tucked away. The smoke has a tendency to let them loose in your mind."
Keela Monday March 23rd, 2009 11:26:04 PM
"I will take the smoke this time, too," Keela says. "I-I'm sorry about before. We didn't entirely know what you wanted with us and...well, I thought somebody should keep a clear head. Just in case."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Tuesday March 24th, 2009 8:31:53 AM
Beren is not sure he is ready to give up his weapons again, but does so when the others do.
When the dream smoke is mentioned, he simply nods in assent. They need more information to rescue the children.
He checks his face mask, ands settles himself crosslegged on the floor of the yurt. He is ready.
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 24th, 2009 11:41:03 AM
Jet too is willing to undergo the ritual of the smoke, in an attempt to see some sign of what may have been over looked do to the uncommon nature of the inhaled hallucinogen. Or is it a drug? perhaps, it puts those that use the substance to see into the realm of all the gods, using each ones power in turn to create a symbiotic relationship to those that worship all of them?
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday March 24th, 2009 5:44:41 PM
OOC: Thanks Donna for taking over while we were away. You did a great job!! I will post later this evening.
The Second Dream of the Ahote
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday March 24th, 2009 11:10:34 PM
With the agreement of the party, Istaqa signals two Ahote warriors to prepare the fire in the center of his tent. Wood and dried grasses are brought in and arranged and a pyramid shape before the shaman once again produces a small ball of flame in his hand. He gently places it at the base of the pyramid of fuel which catches immediately.
"Please, sit with us around the fire". Istaqa waits for those gathered in the tent to take their places around the small fire. "Some of you have shared the dreams before, but some have not. If you are willing, breathe the smoke from the fire and open your mind, the dream will come to you."
Istaqa takes his time producing the necessary ingredients for his magic. He chants beneath his breath in an ancient Ahote tongue that even Dasan and his followers can only partly understand. Finally, he sprinkles the ingredients over the fire and a pungent aroma fills the tent. The smoke stings at your eyes and burns at the back of your throats, but for those that are willing, the discomfort is quickly replaced by a feeling of relaxation and then the dream begins...
It starts the same as the last dream...A sea of grass bending beneath a gentle breeze...and then something sinister...hidden in the shadows...moving towards the surface...drawing the life force of the grassland into it...lightning...a spark...and then fire...racing across the dried out grass, destroying all that lies before it...people running for shelter...screaming in terror as the fire races forward. Atop a mesa, a cloaked figure cackles in delight as it seemingly controls the beast and the flames it has spawned. The creature in the shadows retreats beneath the ground...it's glowing red eyes close and it sleeps, it's bidding done...
The images race through your minds in a hurried blur, and Istaqas' voice narrates the early history of the Ahote and the great cataclysm that swept their lands.
Keela Tuesday March 24th, 2009 11:32:34 PM
A part of Keela's logical, magic-trained mind is meticulously analyzing what she sees: noting the size and duration of the fire, calculating the levels of arcane flux needed to maintain it, sorting through red-eyed subterranean creatures.
For the most part, however, Keela simply watches, horrified at the destruction she sees.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday March 25th, 2009 8:26:44 AM
Beren submits to the smoke induced vision more readily than the first time now that he has some knowledge of what to expect.
He is furious at the destruction of the vision, and a cold sense of purpose enters his heart.
This evil must be stopped!
Jet Stormway Wednesday March 25th, 2009 11:25:34 AM
Jet sees nothing different then he saw before. Where in the vision do the children become missing? How was it foretold? He waits for the vision to end before asking, "What will Fatine be able to do that the rest of you can not? We need to know how it is we can help you."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Wednesday March 25th, 2009 6:51:35 PM
Ender contemplates the vision... "I'm not quite sure what happened... but I'm still in!"
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday March 25th, 2009 8:50:20 PM
Fatine, taken aback, smiles slightly. "I be dee answer to many man dreams, shaman. Dat don' mean I answer back. Why you gon' dreamin' bout ol' Fatine anyways?"
Shrugging, she nonetheless agrees to take another trip to the smoke tent. Seeing the vision, she contemplates it quietly, waiting for the others to discuss it first.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday March 25th, 2009 10:44:26 PM
The dream continues as visions appear and dissapear in the shadows of the dreams. The cataclysm subsides and a small remnant tribe of Ahote survive. The living is hard at first, but slowly life comes back to their homelands. Grasses grow, deer and antelope graze the plains, and in turn, the Ahote begin to prosper, and all the while they pay respect to Catori through prayer and ritual. A portion of every crop is returned to the soil, a prayer is said for the spirit of each antelope that is hunted, and the Ahote take only that which they need and most importantly, intruders are kept from the land as demanded by Catori.
A series of images swirl through the dream, of Dasan as a young man , winning the hearts of the Ahote and being chosen as chief, and the dreadful omen of a thin dark-haired Ahote who spits in the fire and says they are cursed to follow the same path as their forefathers.
And finally, images of Dasan, worn and old, leading the Ahote on a long path in search of their children. There is no sun in the sky, the rocks are dark and foreboding, and the vegetation sparse. The party cannot escape the feeling of utter hopelessness. And then the blurry figure on the hill, pointing to a distant rock formation, her hair wild and dishevilled, a large black cat at her side. The rock formation is like none any of the party has seen before, a steep cliff with a single tower of rock leaning away from it.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday March 25th, 2009 11:43:48 PM
Alexi sits as directed and soon inhales the smoke. He remembers the harshness of the smoke in the beginning but is quickly caught up in the dream sequence. It is familiar, and he tries to focus on things he didn't before, such as the cackling figure. Did it look like it was from this plane or from some hellish plane of existence? He had heard of such things and wonders.
Then the familiar survival of the Ahote sequence plays through. But the Search sequence was new. And is that Fatine up there? And where's the sun? Such a dismal place, sapping all one's will...
The rock formation! That must the the entrance to the Fire-creature's lair! But where is this cliff? Do the Ahote know where it is?
Alexi tries to take a deep breath to steel himself for what lies inside.
Keela Wednesday March 25th, 2009 11:48:38 PM
Keela continues to watch, admitting to herself that this part is a little beyond her. Perhaps some of the more outdoorsy types can glean some information from it.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday March 26th, 2009 8:31:43 AM
As much as possible, Beren tries to focus on the features of the land that lead to the children. He wants to recognize this place if he sees it again.
Could the figure be the same man who cursed the tribe?
Beren knows how important elven children are to his tribe. Elves do not mate and procreate as often as the short-lived humans, so they treasure each child. He will do all in his power to make sure that the children of the Ahote are returned.
Jet Stormway Thursday March 26th, 2009 4:42:53 PM
When jet comes out of the dream dance of woe, he asks, "Where is this place and how long will it take us to get there?"
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday March 26th, 2009 7:43:52 PM
Fatine shakes her head groggily after the vision, then mumbles, "Dat lookit like Mistress. No, Mistress be dead." She examines the name tattooed along her forearm. "Don' she? Shaman, tell me dat not Mistress in dat dream?!"
Quite flustered, Fatine doesn't wait for a response, she stands and goes outside, flopping down by the puma and watching the sky. She mutters a bit about slow birds, then falls silent.
DM Bob & Carla Friday March 27th, 2009 7:46:28 AM
When the dream ends, Istaqa takes several minutes to recover. The experience has obviously been draining to him. There is much excited chatter among the Ahote who took part, most of which is in their native tongue.
Istaqa finally stands and with a command, silences the gathered Ahote. "Again by bringing the outlanders to our village, Catori has seen fit to show us more in the dream. We must search our memories and those of the other hunters for this place of dark rocks and the tipping spire. Catori has sent us her own scout to help in our time of need" he points directly at Fatine, "and she has sent us these brave people who have agreed to help her. Go now, and ask your brothers and sisters of what they have seen in their travels. Gather all the scouts and find out what they know."
The Ahote file out of the tent leaving only Dasan, Istaqa, and the party.
Istaqa bends down to talk with Fatine. "I believe it is you that we see in the dream. You now accompany a black cat do you not? Who is mistress? he asks.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20=16 ; Friday March 27th, 2009 8:39:51 AM
Beren shakes off the effects of the strange smoke. As soon as he feels alert enough, he follows Fatine out into the fresh air, He takes great lungfuls of the clear air outside, trying to clear his head even further.
Then, with a check of his face mask, he seats himself on the ground, listening to what the Ahote have to say, and hoping to pick up details about their trail. (listen +9 = 25)
Jet Stormway Friday March 27th, 2009 10:51:32 AM
Jet has always had a trial when it came to being patient. His blood lust rolls through his veins at the thought of someone kidnapping children and one can only wonder what is being done to them right now. He firmly grits his teeth in anticipation of what they need to do next, knowing that information is the key to traveling in the correct direction, to him, the scouts are not moving fast enough to gather around and give them a location for this spire.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Saturday March 28th, 2009 10:30:26 PM
Alexi wakes up from the Dream Vision a little disappointed that it didn't take them into the cave. "So we still don't know what really did this!" he whispers.
He goes outside for some fresh air, then thinks to look for Toko and asks for his whereabouts.
Keela d20+9=23 ; Monday March 30th, 2009 12:26:31 AM
Back from the world of dreams, Keela mentally reviews everything that she saw, comparing it to her magical studies to try to glean insight.
[Knowledge Arcana 23]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday March 30th, 2009 8:27:13 AM
Beren takes time to write down some of the key points of the dream, even going so far as to sketch a rough picture of the leaning obelisk they saw.
When the time come s to leave, he wil be ready.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Monday March 30th, 2009 5:15:04 PM
Fatine huffs and sighs. "Dis be silly shaman. Fatine be no guide. I not know where I be goin' half dee time!
"Mistress? She be my first master. She show me all dere be to know 'bout dee deep, dark magics. Den she be murdered by dose . . . dose . . . dey all gonna burn one day shaman. All dose men what hurt her!" Calming herself, she takes a deep breath and says, more quietly, "Don' matter 'bout her no more. Let's jus' get 'bout our work, no?"
Jet Stormway Monday March 30th, 2009 7:03:12 PM
Jet continues to wait.
DM Bob and Carla Monday March 30th, 2009 8:27:56 PM
The party deal with the aftereffects of the fragrant smoke and each tries to digest the information provided in the dream.
Men of action, both Jet and Alexi are frustrated by the puzzling images and anxious to do something. They wait, impatiently, for information to be gathered from the Ahote scouts. Has anyone come across the unusual land formation in their explorations of this uncharted land?
Beren listens to the conversations going on about him as he bends over his drawing. He recognizes elements of ancient elvish language in the words spoken by the Ahote in conversations amongst themselves. The language is ancient, and does not resemble modern elvish, so is hard to understand. Still, the astute ranger is able to recognize that the words of power used to initiate magics stems from this early elvish tongue.
Keela ponders the magic employed by the Ahote shaman and recognizes that his powers derive from a source more akin to the witch, Fatine's, then her own bookish magic, acquired through intensive study, and hard practice. The young wizard feels reasonably sure she recognizes the creature in the dream. But who is the real monster--the fire-breather or the one who seems to command it?
Unwilling to be the heroine of the shaman's dream, Fatine protests. Rather, the witch wonders if it is her mistress, long dead, pointing out the way for her apprentice.
Somewhere at the entrance to the village, there is a commotion. A black bird seems to be involved.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday March 30th, 2009 11:35:02 PM
While wandering around looking for Tocho, Alexi hears a commotion towards the entrance to the camp. Unable to understand what the Ahote are saying, he rushes to investigate himself, putting his hand to his sword, or his empty scabbard! He forgot to pick up his weapons when he left the tent!
Nevertheless, he heads towards the entrance, clenching his fists and berating himself for his carelessness. Maybe a weapon will become available once he gets there...
(OOC: stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid....) :}
Keela Tuesday March 31st, 2009 12:20:32 AM
If Keela knows anything else about this creature (notably Damage Reduction), she shares the information with her friends.
When the commotion starts up, she looks in that direction, but does not move that way yet.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=19 ; d20+9=26 ; Tuesday March 31st, 2009 8:31:04 AM
Beren arms himself as he goes to investigate the noise, but it sounds like Fatine's familiar, so he is not too worried. However, the bird may have found something important, so he hurries to the area of the disturbance.
spot 19 listen 26
Jet Stormway Tuesday March 31st, 2009 11:45:29 AM
Jet runs over to where the disturbance is and makes sure that Col is safe. If he sees Col, he will shout to get everyones attention to leave it alone, but if he does not recognize it, he will watch and wait. Perhaps it is a messenger for someone else?
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+10=20 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday March 31st, 2009 12:45:45 PM
Ender gathers his belongings and follows Jet and Beren but off to the side trying to look inconspicuous
Hide: 20 spot: 23 listen:11
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Tuesday March 31st, 2009 5:21:29 PM
Hearing the commotion and seeing her companions move quickly past, Fatine gets up to investigate. If she sees Col, she pushes her way through the crowd and points a stern finger at the bird. "Where you be, silly bird? I be worried 'bout . . . I mean, don' you stay way like dat again, hear?"
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday March 31st, 2009 10:50:54 PM
Hearing the commotion coming from the entrance to the Ahote village, the party work their way towards the noise. Several of the villagers have the same idea. "Is it the children?" cries a woman's voice. Someone else, a man's voice, answers, "It is Honaw and his men," and in a lowered voice, breaking with emotion, "they are alone."
Unseen, Ender squeezes past the villagers and spies a warrior, tall and strong, several vivid scars cut across his abdomen. His men, half a dozen young hunters follow him into the village leading their horses loaded heavily with game. A young woman with long dark hair throws herself at one of the men, weeping and speaking unintelligibly. The hunters look at each other questioningly.
Alexi and Jet easily maneuver to the front and recognize Honaw, the Ahote hunter the party had met after they had taken down the ambush drakes. The hunter's dark eyes crinkle at the corners though his mouth keeps a firm line. "We saw that one's companion," he gestures in Fatine's direction, "and it saw us." Hooking a thumb over his shoulder he indicates the black bird perched on the carcass draped over the horse he is leading. "Well met," he says as he thrusts forward his hand and grasps first the cleric/fighter, then the ex-Fist beneath the forearm, adding "what brings you to our village?" Col tilts a head and fixes the men with a dark beady eye.
Fatine tries unsuccessfully to suppress the emotion in her voice, Highlight to display spoiler: { and receives silent communication from the bird. The creature seems quite puffed up having interpreted all the fuss and bother to be about its successful delivery of Alexi's note, and regal arrival at the village. }
Keela commits what she learns to memory, and watches the drama in front of her unfold.
Recognizing the witches' bird, Beren isn't too concerned. His keen ears pick up the conversations around him, however, and he learns Honaw and his men have only just returned after several weeks hunting and exploring territories to the north of Misu Dar. They likely don't know anything about the missing Ahote children.
Keela Tuesday March 31st, 2009 11:25:48 PM
Keela moves to join her friends. "The visions have come true," she says softly.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday April 1st, 2009 1:24:36 AM
Beren realizes that the hunting party does not know of the missing children. He does not feel that he should be the one to break that news. Although he is an elf, he is not part of this clan. He withdraws to the edge of the group, again checking the status of his face shield.
He is more determined than ever to help, but his help will not come in the form of words, or comfort. It will coem from his skills and his weapons. To that end, as he sits watching the drama unfold around him, he is honing his dagger, and doing a mental inventory of the gear they might need for this quest.
Caelnin Wednesday April 1st, 2009 6:02:06 AM
(OOC: So sorry for my recent non-posting period.... Have to find the 5 minutes to type something up...)
Standing quietly in the background, Caelnin stands back and lets the others take control of the situation. He feels sorrow for the lost children and wishes that nothing bad will happen to them, especially as the scouts have returned with nothing....
Jet Stormway Wednesday April 1st, 2009 11:30:25 AM
Jet returns the fellow warriors forearm shake and with a solemn face allows him to pass so that he can speak to their chief. It is only fair that he learns of the children from their leader. He has never felt the need to cry since the day his mother died, until today. Still, he holds it back so as not to make a scene.
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday April 1st, 2009 10:55:29 PM
Honaw looks from Jet's grim face to those of his grief stricken tribe. The soft weeping of the woman clutching at her young husband is joined by a keening lament as the hunter vents his grief on learning that his first born has been taken.
Unwilling or unable to break the news to the returning hunters, the party from Bryn Baraz stands by quietly as an Ahote elder informs the returning hunters of the tragedy that has befallen the village--how the women were bewitched and the children whisked away without a trace. Beren and Caelnen try to keep their minds occupied with plans for hunting of a different sort.
Honaw turns his dark eyes on Keela and whispers hoarsely, "what visions?" The hunter had not been present when the scouting group sent out by Garth had first encountered the Ahote at the entrance of the badlands, and Honaw had only recently returned to the village of Misu Dar. He had not shared the vision with them. "What have you seen? Did you see what has taken the little ones? Have you seen where the are?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday April 1st, 2009 11:40:57 PM
OOC: sorry about the late postings, helping DM Mithril Tap Roundtable.
IC: Alexi sees Honaw and remembers well their last parting. He is reluctant to greet the warrior under the current circumstances, but does so with somber expression.
"We are here to help. We will scour these hills until we find them or drop dead!" he says.
Keela Wednesday April 1st, 2009 11:41:59 PM
Hesitantly, Keela looks around at her companions. Had she spoken out of turn?
"N-not really," she replies to Honaw. "We...there were clues. We need to figure out what they mean."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday April 2nd, 2009 8:33:26 AM They did not know. They had not seen.
Beren had forgotten that Honaw was not present at the vision ceremony.
"Some dark enemy has taken the children to a place with a leaning stone. Do you know of such a place?"
Hopefully, this hunting group can lead the rescue party to their destination. For now, Beren sits down by the fire to wait, his eyes on Honaw and the others.
Jet Stormway Thursday April 2nd, 2009 2:14:45 PM
Jet speaks to Honaw, "Many strange things have happened the last few days my friend. It all started with that cat." He points toward the panther that is always near the witch. He goes into detail on their journey to the Sisters rock formation and found people from their tribe waiting for them and how they came to be here. "Istaqua led us on a vision quest to help find the children. That we will gladly do and somehow the dream has led some to believe that Fatine is the key. We will do everything we can to bring them all back as safe as possible, but time is of the essence and we need to find the single leaning rock that we saw in the dream. If no one knows, then we need to send out scouts in all directions to find this thing."
He turns toward the clan chief or other elder present, "Is there anywhere around here that your tribe considers taboo, unsafe or unlucky to go? That should be the place our group should search."
Caelnin Thursday April 2nd, 2009 6:22:03 PM
Still very quiet about the situation as it looks like everything that needs to be said has, Caelnin focuses his mind on helping to find something to relieve everyone's mind.
DM Bob and Carla Thursday April 2nd, 2009 11:45:38 PM
Honaw, the adventurer's from BrynBaraz, and the elder, are joined by the Ahote chief Dasan, his son Muata and the shaman Istaqua as most of the other Ahote disperse. A hunter volunteers to take care of Honaw's mount, and as the horses are lead away, Col takes flight and searches out a new perch.
Honaw shakes his head, a grave look in his dark eyes. In a low voice he recounts how his hunting group had gone further north than they had ever ventured before. They had tracked a herd to a place where the vegetation was sparse and the land blasted as if scorched by some great fire. There were black rocks in this place, strangely formed. Honaw did not share the vision, but his description of the blighted land sounds right.
The hunter volunteers that he does not think they saw a leaning spire like the one described, but then they did not go far into the forbidding landscape. "The herd would not enter and Catori granted us a good hunt."
Dasan confers with the Shaman, then addresses Jet. "Your people have pledged to help us, and Catori lets the shaman woman touch her essence. With her help you will find our children and restore them to us!" The chief suggest the group prepare for an early morning departure, "but tonight we will give thanks for the good hunt, and pray for the return of the children."
The party disperses, each to prepare in accordance with his or her needs. As the golden orb of the sun stoops to kiss the earth, the scent of roasting meat wafts from a large central cooking fire. Ahote move like solemn ghosts towards the fire. Women, and some men bring woven basket of foodstuffs, which they lay out on colourful blankets spread out on the ground. As they wait for the shaman and their chief, the Ahote speak quietly to each other. Those who listen learn a little about the children who have disappeared.
Keela Friday April 3rd, 2009 12:26:45 AM
Keela washes up as best she can, wishing again she had been prepared for a journey when she'd left Bryn Braz--had it been only yesterday? Lucky I have my spellbook, she thinks. I suppose I can manage without the rest.
She listens a little as the Ahote speak of their children, but she cannot bear to hear too much.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday April 3rd, 2009 8:31:35 AM
Beren takes the time while the meal is being prepared to prepare for the journey. He checks his gear according to the mental list that he has been making, and tries to ensure that the group will have what they need.
When the meal is served, he sits quietly to one side with his face lightly away from the fire so as to create a shadow on his face. In this way he can eat with the group without his face being seen.
After the meal, he prepares fo sleep, again choosing a spot slightly apart from the others.
Caelnin Friday April 3rd, 2009 9:25:40 AM
Caelnin goes and readies Huetheria for the trip, grooming her coat and making sure that everything is alright with her and that she is getting fed.
"We have come such a long way, haven't we?" Caelnin says to the horse. "We shall find out what has happened to the children of this tribe, may it be good or bad... But hopefully good..."
Once finishing the meal that they have received, Caelnin finds Huetheira sleeping and decides to take his rest as well, by the horse's side.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Friday April 3rd, 2009 9:27:04 AM
After having eaten, Ender settles down just at the edge of the fireligth and drifts of to sleep, with the locals already being on edge theres no need for any of the groups members to stand guard
Jet Stormway Friday April 3rd, 2009 11:00:14 AM
Jet asks many questions in preparation for the journey.
"How many children are missing, exactly?"
"Will they recognize us as friends with out Ahote medicine bags, if they see us?"
"How old is the oldest child missing?"
"Did they take any personal effects with them, we can attempt to locate?"
He then asks the groups arcane casters.
"Do you have a Locate Object spell?"
Specifically to Fatine he adds.
"I'm not sure how you are going to lead us to the children, but if it comes down to you throwing plucked grass up in the air and following the wind, that's good enough for me."
After some homemade drink he had looked very much forward to since their first meeting when it was mentioned, he decides it would have tasted much better in an environment with some levity.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Sunday April 5th, 2009 5:52:07 PM
Fatine smiles at Jet. Bending, she plucks a handful of brownish-green grass. She stands straight and looks north, tossing the grass in that direction and blowing on it lightly. Pointing, she says, "I tink dee grass say go dat way, Big Man. Dis be 'bout as helpful as ol' Fatine might be. I still no tink I be dee guide dat shaman talkin' 'bout."
Shrugging, she walks off, whistling for Col. She finds the Puma and attempts to introduce the cat and bird. Col immediately squawks and flies into the air, and Fatine spends the next half hour coaxing the crow back down, while simultaneously convincing the cat that this bird is not dinner. After awhile, she manages relative peace between the two, though a canny observer will notice many furtive glances between cat and bird.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday April 5th, 2009 9:55:33 PM
Alexi, just as Caelnin, takes the time before the feast to prepare Lobo for the trip. He also insures Keela's, Fatine's, and Beren's horses are taken care of. He assumes Jet will take good care of Bantom.
He still hadn't found Tocho to swap more stories, but hopes he'll show up for the feast. If not, he will swap stories with Honaw, and asks Honaw to point out Tocho's sister, if she's present.
Catching Fatine later, he advises the witch to study up on fire protection spells. He suggests the same to Keela, he she knows any, and asks Istaqa if he has any concoctions that might do the same, protect against heat or fire.
DM Bob and Carla Monday April 6th, 2009 7:48:21 AM
The adventurers each prepare for the following day in their own way. Keela ponders her spellbook, Beren checks his weapons and other gear and Caelnin grooms his mule and readies her for the trip. Ender rests, conserving his strength for the morrow. Fatine supervises introductions between teh puma and Col, resulting in an uneasy truce between the two, while Alexi also prepares his steed for travel.
Only Jet pursues further information to help in their search. He is told that a dozen children have been taken, all under the age of 14. Some have totem bags that went missing with the children. The totem bags usually have a small family token inside and all have been marked by the shaman for luck. None of the Ahote know of the spell that Jet speaks of.
The Ahote continue to bring offerings to the fire, each in their own way hoping that they will in some way contribute to the finding of the children, Honaw and Istaqa speak quietly to the side with Dasan, the large scout drawing pictures in the dirt to explain the range of his recent travels.
The morning breaks and Dasan gathers the men of the tribe and the adventurer's together. "Honaw will lead you to the area of the black rocks along with some of his men. The rest of us will follow, but we cannot travel as quickly as you. When you find the spire, signal us with a flaming arrow and we will find you. Good hunting!"
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=19 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=27 ; Monday April 6th, 2009 8:40:19 AM
Beren turns and looks at Alexi when he gets near Red. His first action upon arriving anywhere is to take care of his big red friend, and he wonders what Alexi is doing.
He also notes the number and ages of the children.
When all is ready, he double checks the saddling of Red, and mounts. When the others are ready, he will take up the lead with Honaw. With that many children, there should be some track, or sign. He scans the ground once they are away from the evirons of the Ahote camp.
His senses are honed to a keen edge. If there is a track to find, he will find it.
track 19 spot 26 listen 27
Keela Monday April 6th, 2009 3:12:36 PM
In the morning, Keela takes the time to prepare her spells before saddling Daisy and following the others.
Today's Spells:
0 - Detect Magic 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 0 - Ray of Frost 1 - Color Spray 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 1 - Sleep 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+12=16 ; Monday April 6th, 2009 3:50:04 PM
Ender goes through his pack to get ready for the trip, he decides to hide a dagger in his boot... He then saddles his billygoat and goes up to Beren and quietly asks "Do you think you could teach me how to track? I'm fairly proficient in the wild but I've never learned to track..."
Slight og Hand: 16
Jet Stormway Monday April 6th, 2009 5:21:13 PM
Taking care of Banton and Vaya is a daily ritual for Jet, like evacuating his bowels, it goes without saying.
The morning comes and as he has done once before when believed to be facing his demise, he is well groomed and oiled. Hair brushed, both on his face and top of head are shiny from the essential oils he anointed himself with this day. His daily prayers allow him to cast the spells today that all the gods of the Wold allow. This morning is different though. Today, he prays to the goddess Jancassis, to bring insight and wisdom, on how to deal with a creature that would dare deal with children in this manner. The goddess of revenge is praised this morning along with the those that he normally prays to, not for himself, but for all the Ahote that are grieving over their lost children.
Mistress of retribution, please allow this party the ability to harm and destroy that which would abduct the young and innocent members of this village. Allow your eternal hate for the cowardly and unjust to flow through this servant in our journey. Please accept the blood offering, dripping off our weapons when we find those responsible for this action and allow us to succeed. Please give hope to the youth that is gone and let them know, help is on the way, then sit back and watch revenge personified for our friends with a smile.
When Jet returns from his prayers, he seems even darker and more sinister then before, even though he smells and looks better then the times he left Ma'Belles.
He nods to those of the Ahote he knows best, then mounts up. "Fatine, I want you next to me on this trip. I want to know if you receive some premonitions from your, your, you know, spirits."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday April 6th, 2009 11:46:54 PM
Beren looks at the small party member before he responds.
"I can teach you what I know."
So saying Beren quietly rides with Ender, pointing out the various tracks he sees, and describing the tracking technique.
"Tracking is more than just following prints in the dirt. Tracking also includes educated guesswork. You have to think like the being you are tracking, whether that is a deer, or a man. Tracking includes knowing the weather, and how it will effect your path. It means knowing soil and sand, and how long they will hold an imprint. It means knowing habits of wild creatures, and the devious nature of humans. You must know the weight of a horse, and how his print looks when he is being ridden. It means knowing how tall a man might be just by looking at his footprint, and from his tracks to know if he is experienced in woodcraft or not, and whether he is armed or armored. All of this and more go into tracking."
Caelnin d20+8=28 ; d20+7=24 ; Tuesday April 7th, 2009 6:40:02 AM
(OOC: Huetheria is Caelnin's horse...)
Once Caelnin wakes from his slumber, he gets Huetheria ready right away. There isn't much time to waste, and wants to find the children as soon as possible.
Spot: 28, Listen: 24
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday April 7th, 2009 7:37:39 AM
Honaw and Beren take the lead with Ender who receives some basic instruction in tracking as they move northwards. Jet keeps Fatine close to his side in order to observe whatever premonitions she may be having. Col flies above while the puma stalks the flank of the party. The progress is slow as the leaders stop frequently and look for signs that the children have been this way. Honaw grows impatient with this approach and suggests making directly for the black rocks to the north. "If there were signs of the children my brothers would have found them in the last week of searching. We will find no signs for they have surely been spirited away."
Beren finds only the sign of typical beasts of the area, deer, antelope, canids, and a myriad of mice and other small rodents.
"The black mesa is a hard ride from here" Honaw explains. "Let us go there and seek this leaning spire."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+5=22 ; Tuesday April 7th, 2009 8:29:28 AM
"Honaw speaks the truth. I have found no sign of anyone coming this way. If the children were brought this way, then it was done in such a way as to leave no track. Let us ride without further delay."
A long speech, but the truth.
The ranger still stays alert to what is around, and continues to scan the ground. One never knows what information the Earth may bring to those who understand her voice.
OOC-Ignore first roll. Forgot to change the modifier for the survival check. spot 29 listen 20 track 20
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Tuesday April 7th, 2009 4:11:39 PM
Fatine rides along next to Jet, speeding up or slowing down whenever he seems to stop paying attention. When he corrects her, she laughs and brings her horse back near his.
Every so often, she squeezes her eyes shut, furrows her brow, and holds a look of deep concentration on her face. This lasts for almost a minute each time, and Fatine seems out of breath and momentarily tired after each one.
Coming back out of one such episode, she points north and says, "Dat last vision tell me dee kiddies be dat way, Big Man. Dee spirits no say more yet, but I keep askin' dem."
Jet Stormway Tuesday April 7th, 2009 6:45:48 PM
Jet allows Fatine and the others some leeway in their travels. He is glad that Honaw mentioned that the trackers were wasting time. It is seldom they listen to Jet anyway.
Unconcerned at this point for spot and listen checks, once they reach the blasted land that was mentioned, Jet goes into full alert, once again watching the ears of Bantom and Vaya, as well as the surroundings.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday April 7th, 2009 9:00:59 PM
OOC: sorry for not posting. Internet up and down all day yesterday.
Prev: Seeing Beren taking care of Red, he smiles at him and moves on. "Sorry," he says, "Just a bad habbit I have of looking after horses."
IC: Alexi wakes up tired. He got enough sleep, but it was not all that restfull. More like sleeping in a barracks with 50 giants snoring. He goes about the task of getting Lobo saddled and loaded up. He leaves Lupin in the care of the Ahote and tells them to excersize him some.
Mounted up, he looks at his companions, wondering if he will see them back here, or they see him. He moves out with a grim expression, a very distinct change for him. He'd rather meet the beast out in the field, but it looks like they'll have to go caving instead. He takes a deep breath, then exhales. Yuk! Underground in a wet slimy place!
'Cheer up!' he chides himself, 'You're not helping anything by beeing glum!' and starts thinking about seeing Tocho's sister when they get back. OOC: gotta play the single guy correctly or people will think him weird, eh?
Keela Tuesday April 7th, 2009 11:30:07 PM
Keela's heart sinks a little when she hears "a hard ride." Not her favorite thing.
She notices Alexi's glum mood, but misinterprets it. "Don't worry, Alexi," she says. "I'm sure we'll find the children there."
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday April 8th, 2009 7:46:14 AM
The trackers in the group find no sign of children and so agree to follow Honaw to the black rocks at a faster pace. The ride is difficult, for at several places they must leave the flat valley bottoms to climb up and over high plateaus tbetween them and their goal. Each climb is followed by an extended rest for teh horses. Fatine keeps Jet on his toes by drifting away from him at every opportunity. The witch is clearly her own woman and does not brook with following the orders of men. Periodically she stops and appears to communes with the spirit world, looking for signs that the party is headed in the correct direction . Beren, Alexi, and Keela maintain their positions in posse and keep their eyes to the horizon. At the end of the first day there is still no sign of the black rocks , albeit the ground does rise up sharply in the distance.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday April 8th, 2009 8:38:39 AM
Beren holds his position near the front of the party throughtout the day, scanning the horizon , the forest and the ground. When evening arrives, and the party stops to rest, he satys aprt from the others.
In some ways, this reminds the ranger of his hunt for the Orcs who killed his brother. The same sense of urgency to accomplish the task. The same feeling of almost helplessness that he had as a young lad, when he could not just take the lead and do what he wanted to do. He had been along only to show where the attack had taken place. The hunters of his clan had deemed him to young to go further than that.
He was not too young now, and he had over a hundred years experience hunting orcs and other things since then. It still chafed him to rely on other. He preferred a clear trail, and swift arrows.
For now he would follow.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20+4=11 ; Wednesday April 8th, 2009 4:42:09 PM
Toward the end of the day, Fatine slows her horse, holding up a hand. Stopping, she closes her eyes and concentrates, this time for a few long moments. Finally, she opens them, almost breathless and sagging in her saddle. "Stop," she says, "Dee spirits say we stop here tonight. Dey say we start lookin' 'gain tomorrow." A hint of a smile crosses her face as she waits for the others to dismount or ride on.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { same check, 11 this time}
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday April 8th, 2009 8:19:19 PM
"I'm sure they will be," Alexi replies, forcing a smile for Keela. Deep inside, he hopes they aren't all stacked up. Maybe they are being used as workers in some mine or something. It would be easier to break their spirit and control them than it would adults. Or maybe... STOP THAT! No point in guessing at their fate.
Alexi reverts back to the present and concentrates on the terrain ahead.
When they stop, he askes Ender if he would care to go with him as he reconoiters their camp site to see if there is anything to flush out.
If Ender follows, he says, "Keep your eyes peeled," as they make a wide circle of their camping area. Otherwise he asks Caelnin to join him, or otherwise he asks one of the Ahote guides.
Spot d20+1= 21 Yeah! Listen d20+1= 2 what an upper and a downer!
Keela Thursday April 9th, 2009 12:18:13 AM
By the end of the day, Keela is covered in grime, sweat, and dust. And, though she loves Daisy dearly, she could do without the smell of horse.
So, after watering, brushing, and seeing to her horse, Keela casts a quick Prestidigitation spell and uses it to freshen the clothing she's been wearing for three days now. She washes her face and hands, and feels a little bit better.
But there is more hard riding ahead, and the poor children who are counting on their rescue. Sleep does not come easily.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday April 9th, 2009 7:00:23 AM
OOC-- Headed out of town for the morning. Will try to post later today.
Jet Stormway Thursday April 9th, 2009 12:06:41 PM
Jet nods to Fatine, trusting her to be wise with the decisions she needs to make, acording to the dream vision.
In his typical fashion, he prepares himself for first watch after he lays out his bedroll and chain mail for sleep, when his time is done.
At this time, he thinks of the children as dead, or worse. It is the only way he will get some sleep, while allowing the thought of vengence to not interrupt his thought of safety for the rest of the group.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=20 ; Thursday April 9th, 2009 2:02:59 PM
Beren takes his turn at watch, waiting for the last watch of the night.
He takes time befoe retiring to practice with his sword and dagger. Befoer the sun sets, he shoots his bow honing the skill he values the most.
SPot 12 listen 20
Caelnin d20+8=24 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+8=16 ; Friday April 10th, 2009 4:40:31 AM
Caelnin goes and helps out Alexi if he needs it. "If it's for the safety of the group, I will come and help." He pulls out his bow and moves slowly and carefully not to bring any attention to himself.
Spot: 24, Listen: 21, Move Silently: 16
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday April 10th, 2009 12:31:42 PM
Beren's sleep during the night is restless. He is eager to find these children. This hunt will end as all hunts should end. The hunters will return successfully. The prey will die, and in this case, that is the person, or creature, that took these children.
With that thought, Beren greets the rising sun at the end of his watch.
He stokes the fire, places water on to heat, and meditates on the hunt to come.
Jet Stormway Friday April 10th, 2009 4:08:35 PM
Jet prayes in his usual fashion this morning, by toasting to all the gods, but takes an extra sip, for a very good reason.
He readies Bantom and helps anyone else get ready to leave before looking for Fatines word on direction.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Friday April 10th, 2009 6:33:00 PM
Sleeping lightly Ender dremas of the days events, waiting for his turn on watch duty... Beren is quite the teacher
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+1=10 ; Monday April 13th, 2009 9:02:44 PM
OOC--No DM post to respond to
Beren rises and begins focusing his energies. He wants to attempt to speak with animals again. His master told him that he would some day be able to do this. He focuses on Red, and tries to think like a horse. (Use magic 10) He speaks to Red, but the large horse ignores him, and continnues to graze on a nearby bush.
Maybe he is not quite ready for this skill.
DM Bob and Carla Monday April 13th, 2009 10:08:26 PM Fatine 'converses' with the spirits and calls a halt to the days march. Alexi, Caelnin and Ender scout the area surrounding the campsite and confirm that it is safe. The rest look to their mounts and their gear in preparation for the next day.
The morning comes early, and Honaw leads the group onwards. By mid-morning the black rocks of the canyon walls are clearly visible and by mid-day a passage deeper into the canyons emerges from the shadows to the northeast. The rocks here are black, with crystalline fragments that have been scoured smooth by some tremendous force. No vegetation clings to these rocks whatever soil has not been blown away by the wind is as dark as the rocks themselves. The land is barren, and a faint rotten odor can sometimes be detected.
Honaw points the way forward, "It is this way" he indicates the passage through the rocks, I know of no other way into these lands."
Keela Monday April 13th, 2009 11:30:46 PM
Keela is no military strategist, but even she can see that the narrow passage is an ambush waiting to happen. Still, if that is where they must go, they must make the best of it. She double-checks to be sure her wands are readily to hand, takes a deep breath, and urges Daisy to follow the others.
Jet Stormway d20+8=16 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=11 ; Monday April 13th, 2009 11:31:06 PM
"Prepare for battle." Jet warns, pulling his sword while instinctually guiding his horse with his knees. Keeping his eyes on the canyon walls above, he continues to use the methods of the Ahote which quieted his and Bantoms armor.
Ride: 18 Listen: 6 Spot: 11
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=11 ; Tuesday April 14th, 2009 8:35:13 AM
Beren takes a long look at the landscape ahead of them. Then, in a moment of inspiration, he drops to the ground and smears his cloak with some of the dark soil. He does so in a varigated pattern similar to what is already on his cloak. The results, while not perfect, will plainly help him to hide better in this forsaken place.
The entire operation only takes him a moment, and when he remounts, his weapons are in his hand, He is behind the others now, and his attention is focused on catching up. This is not a place to be seperated from the group.
ride check automatic spot 12 listen 11
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=13 ; d20+5=23 ; Tuesday April 14th, 2009 8:52:03 AM
"Shouldn't we send someone in to scout before we ride blindly into that scary passage?" Ender asks, "You never know what might be waiting!"
Spot: 13 Listen: 23
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday April 14th, 2009 8:58:47 PM
"Sounds like sound advice," Alexi agrees with Ender. "We need someone to scout some fifty feet or so ahead, quietly."
He turns to Fatine, "Is Col around to help also?"
Putting his lance away into its slot, he readies his bow.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Tuesday April 14th, 2009 10:07:51 PM
"i can try and slip in and have a bit of a look around" Ender says "you up for poking around a bit Beren?"
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday April 14th, 2009 11:47:33 PM
The party approaches the passageway with caution. Keela, Alexi and Jet prepare for battle, drawing weapons and the like. Ender suggests sending in a scout, and Alexisuggests that Col might take a look. Not a bad idea really, as Beren can't fail to notice the scattered tracks in the dirt when he jumps down to camouflage himself [OOC great idea - +2 to any hide checks for remainder of encounter; DC 15 to determine nature and number of tracks].
Despite all the craning of necks and straining of eyeballs, there are no other obvious signs of any enemy.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday April 15th, 2009 7:57:41 AM
Fatine whistles loudly for Col, and he lands on her shoulder a moment later. "Bird, go look up round dere for any trouble, hm? Come tell Fatine straight way if dere be someting." Tossing the bird in the air, it flies off to look around the rocks.
"We might as well ride in," Fatine says. "He may o' may no come back quick. Depend on if dere be any good fat worms up dere."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=21 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday April 15th, 2009 8:34:12 AM
Beren notices tracks on the ground as he is disguising his cloak. (track 21) He quickly assesses what he can see to report to the others.
"It would not be wise to simply ride straight in. Others have been here, and may be waiting. I will scout forward if you will give me time."
If the others agree, he drops to the ground, and begins to move into the gap. He blends with the natural landscape as best he can moving carefully, and searching for any enemy.
hide 21 move silently 20 spot 15 listen 25
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+11=24 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+5=22 ; Wednesday April 15th, 2009 8:51:20 AM
Ender pops a potion of Invisibility and follows Beren
Jet Stormway Wednesday April 15th, 2009 2:10:54 PM
Jet gets frustrated by all the sneakity sneaks that want to scout ahead. Just charge in and kill everybody that isn't a child he thinks to himself, but instead asks Honaw in a whisper, "Who else would be out here except those children?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday April 15th, 2009 7:54:19 PM
OOC: Ender, some Invisibility potion, eh, with the bonus Silence spell added? :)
Alexi belts out a laugh at Fatine's coment on worms that even Ender hears. "Yeah, some real fat worms, that live off of rock. It'd be one hard beak to take on one of those. Gotta give it to the raven though, if he tries."
"Knowing something about what else has been through here is definitely worth the short wait. And seeing if there's anything around the corner waiting in ambush, is priceless!" he says with a flourish.
Keela Wednesday April 15th, 2009 10:29:26 PM
Keela will wait while the scouting is done, but she is a little anxious. "Take care," she tells Beren. "If they see you coming, they might harm the children before we can get there."
DM Bob and Carla d20+5=8 ; d20+5=20 ; Thursday April 16th, 2009 7:53:45 AM Beren examines the tracks in the dirt and determines that they are of teh canine variety, larger than dogs and most wolves, and strangely he finds almost entirely the imprints of rear paws. It is hard to determine exactly how many creatures left these tracks, certainly more than three but beyond that it is hard for the scout to say. The tracks lead into the passageway. Honaw dismounts and examines the tracks pointed out by the elf. "Yes, you are right, only rear paws, I wonder why."
Fatine dispatches Col as Beren and a now invisible Ender advance in front of the group. Their progress is slow as tracking in these conditions takes time.
As the two move forward they are able to determine that the tracks become less numerous before petering out all together.
OOC Please roll a spot check for Col.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=19 ; d20+9=17 ; Thursday April 16th, 2009 8:34:11 AM
Beren, seeing that the tracks dwindle away to nothing, suddenly knows what has happened. He turns and sprints back to the others, all pretense at stealth gone.
"Ambush! Look to the rocks! Some type of wolf beast! They have scattered themselves along the track of the pass!"
His weapons are in his hands as he scans the cliffside for the enemy.
Spot 19 listen 17
Full run, double move back to the others. He neither saw nor heard Ender follow him.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+11=31 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+4=6 ; Thursday April 16th, 2009 10:28:38 AM
Ender sneaks out to the side and tries to see if he can spot anything
Move silently 31 (natural twenty... They call me Ninja!) Listen 9 (but aparently i forgot to clean my ears or something) Spot 6 (and wear my glasses)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20+7=21 ; d20+3=20 ; Thursday April 16th, 2009 12:16:00 PM
Col's spot check: 21
Fatine's Knowledge (nature) check: 20 (in case that might help her determine what would leave canine-type tracks but only walk on rear paws)
Fatine sits idly by, half watching the men examine the ground, and half watching the sky for Col's return. She pets the puma a few times, then waves it off. Feet of Mist stalks off a few yards to prowl around and play in the grass.
Jet Stormway Thursday April 16th, 2009 1:18:58 PM
Jet wonders at what kind of canine would walk on it's back paws. Only from legends that mothers use to scare their children into being good.
A single word comes out of his mouth, "Werewolves"?
He prepares for anything that may happen.
Caelnin d20+8=26 ; d20+7=26 ; Thursday April 16th, 2009 7:07:33 PM
As caelnin is watiching Beren track, Beren's words make Caelnin make sure that his bow has been pulled out and ready for any circumstance.
Spot: 26 Listen:26
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=18 ; Thursday April 16th, 2009 10:44:27 PM
Canine creatures that walk upright? Where had he heard about that before? Alexi notes that Jet is also grasping for straws. Werewolves? Y'a never know out here, but he hoped not.
Alexi stiffens when Beren comes back with the warning. With bow ready, he looks for the danger.
Spot d20+1= 18
"Good thing we scouted ahead first, huh?"
Keela [Mage Armor] Thursday April 16th, 2009 11:03:20 PM
"Oh, dear." Keela pulls out her wand of Mage Armor and taps herself with it. Still holding the wand, she looks around at her companions. "Anyone else? Fatine?"
DM Bob and Carla Thursday April 16th, 2009 11:06:40 PM Beren quickly surmises that a foe may be hidden along the rocky slopes that line the passageway and races back to warn the others, oblivious of Ender who has joined him in the scouting mission. Neither of them actually spot any hidden foes. The others look to the slopes but see no danger, only Col circling lazily overhead. Fatine knows of a creature called a gnoll that resembles a dog and walks upright, perhaps this is what they have stumbled across...or perhaps it is as Jet has concluded, werewolves! In either case, Caelnin readies his bow and scans his surroundings, is that a flash of sunlight on metal some 50' up the slope forward and to his left? Honaw also looks to the same direction, foillowing the intense gaze of the elven archer.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=21 ; d20+9=10 ; Friday April 17th, 2009 8:33:36 AM
Beren, now back with the group, relays what he found.
"The tracks began to dwindle away the further I got into the gap. I suspect this is because whatever this is began to take up positions amongst the rocks. I saw nothing, but that does not take away my suspicions. We must go carefully."
spot 21 listen 10 (oops natural 1, the hood of his cloak must be in his ears)
Beren mounts and takes up a position near Caelnin, bow at the ready.
Caelnin Friday April 17th, 2009 8:43:47 AM
As Beren's news comes through to Caelnin, the glint of sunlight catches Caelnin's eyes. "Something has to be up there!" Caelnin says to everyone and points his bow and arrow towards the said reflection of sunlight.
Caelnin hopes that i's not armor that he is seeing. The predicted ambush might happen soon, but at least he won't be surprised by that piece of metal...
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+11=19 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+4=21 ; Friday April 17th, 2009 10:30:11 AM
Not being able to neither hear nor see any immediate threats Ender makes his way to the other side thinking that he might be better able to see from there
move silently: 19 listen: 17 spot: 21
Jet Stormway d20+3=6 ; d20+3=7 ; Friday April 17th, 2009 11:48:26 AM
"Bah" Jet blurts, "Whatever is here knows we are here, nobody is going to just let someone else take their children without looking for them. Let keep going and I will take the lead as bait. Spread out ten or so feet apart to avoid area effect damage."
Jet continues to push his horses forward.
Listen: 6 Spot: 7
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+9=12 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+1=12 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+5=22 ; Sunday April 19th, 2009 10:51:35 PM
Alexi shakes his head at Jet's Bravado. "Mighty brave of you, Jet, but shouldn't we wait to hear from Col? Oh, never mind," he sighs. He knows that once Jet puts his mind to something, it's no use trying to change it.
"Jet, I'll follow some fifteen feet behind. The rest of you, keep your eyes on those cliffs."
Alexi readies his bow, and following Jet some fifteen feet behind, scans the rocks for the enemy.
Ride check for Guide with knees, DC5, d20+9=12 success (whew!) Spot d20+1=3 Listen d20+1=12
Lobo Spot d20+4=21 Listen d20+5=22
Keela [Mage Armor] Sunday April 19th, 2009 11:50:27 PM
Keela puts her wand away and follows the others.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=5 ; d20+5=12 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 2:17:49 AM
Seeing the others move, Ender readies his crossbow
Spot 5 (#&/!%!)!!!!) Listen 12
ooc: Yay for me, 1 year older today
Battle in the Badlands
DM Bob and Carla d20+3=9 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 7:39:35 AM Jet leads the party into the passageway followed by Alexi and the others.Bows are readied and swords drawn in anticipation of a fight. Once Jet is 50' inside the passageway, a voice barks out from some hidden recess in the rocky slope above and to the left of the cleric. "Leave now! Go back the way you came and we will let you live. Invade our lands and we will release our pets!. Their claws will tear you to pieces and we will scatter your bodies across the plains for the scavengers!"
DC9 to determine Highlight to display spoiler: { that the hidden spokesman is bluffing }
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20=12 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=25 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 8:31:22 AM
Beren is not impressed by the speakers words. He tries to locate him by his voice.
Although he does not agree with Jets tactics, he will support them.
Bow at the ready,he follows the foolish fighter into the pass.
DC 12 spot 12 listen 25
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=20 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=15 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 8:58:04 AM
Ender tries desperately to locate the speaker and keeps his crossbow ready
Spot: 20 Listen: 11 Sense motive: 15
Keela [Mage Armor] Monday April 20th, 2009 12:37:24 PM
Keela keeps silent for the moment, but does try to locate where the voice is coming from. She doesn't necessarily have to see a target in order to lob a spell in that direction, although she hopes it doesn't come to that.
[OOC: DC 9 for what kind of check? I wasn't sure what to roll.]
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20=16 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 1:56:36 PM
Fatine snorts. "My pet be tougher den yor pet," she calls, laughing as she speaks. She whistled for Feet of Mist, who stops and looks in the direction of the group. In a hearbeat, the puma is bounding back toward Fatine.
"Big Man," Fatine says to Jet. "What say we jus' keep walkin' and see what dat dere voice tink it gon' do, hmm?"
Jet Stormway d20+3=10 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=6 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 7:22:13 PM
Jet sneers at the words and shouts back. "You have one and only one chance at mercy and that is for you to bring forward the Ahote children that have come up missing and the veng, err justice of the gods will be lenient. If you do not have them, give us the directions to the leaning rock and we will be on our way. Make us come further and I will eat the hearts of the creatures you send forth and post your head on the tip of one of my spears!"
He continues to walk Bantom forward, watching and listening for some sign of attack, or perhaps the lamentations of the children.
Sense Motive: 10 Listen: 6 Spot: 6 (Blinded by anger)
To Alexi, the voice seems to come from all around, as the canyon echoes confuse the heck out of him.
After Jet's comment, he just hollers, "Yeah! What he said... he said... he said... he said!" and tries to look mean. He then puts away his bow and hefts his lance, ready to take on the 'pets' as he follows Jet.
Caelnin d20=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+7=25 ; Monday April 20th, 2009 10:36:12 PM
Caelnin moves forward as Beren does and keeps his eyes on where he saw the glint of light.
As the voice is heard, Caelnin doesn't stop to listen and he keeps moving forward some 20' behind Jet, knowing that being this far away he might be able to get a few shots in before they come close enough to be such a huge threat.
Sense Motive 13, Spot 17, Listen 25
DM Bob and Carla Monday April 20th, 2009 11:40:41 PM
Few if any in the party believe the threats issuing from behind the rocks. The voice carries no conviction, and one must wonder if these pets were so powerful, why are they in hiding anyway? [OOC Sorry, must have lost the text that referred to sense motive...my bad]
Jet leads the party forward, challenging the voice from above. Only when the owner of that voice rises from behind the rocks can the adventurers see it. The defender of this barren area stands some 7 feet tall by any estimation, and must weigh close to 300 lbs. Remarkably, he is well furred, with a mottled grey and tan hide and has a hyena shaped head. He carries a pair of metal rods linked by a short piece of chain and appears to be wearing studded leather armor. "Lay down your weapons or we will destroy you" he challenges them, and four more of his kind rise from the rocks to show themselves. "Drop your weapons and leave this place.
Ender spots several more of the creatures trying to remain inconspicuous up and to his right, and Caelnin & Beren both detect the sounds of something adjusting it's position behind them.
[Map to Follow] - The creatures are obviously some relative of a gnoll.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=26 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2009 8:30:50 AM
Beren, his senses heightened by the oncoming battle, tracks the movements of several of the combatants as they move in the rocks around the party. He focuses in on one in particular (x-34, f2), and chooses this one for his first target if it comes to blows.
He is ready.
spot 26 listen 29 (natural 20!)
Jet Stormway d20+1=11 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2009 11:18:42 AM
Jet grumbles under his breath at the situation. Every chance at diplomacy he attempted in the past ended in failure, but even so, a good heart must make the attempt. He sheathes his sword instead of dropping it and pulls from his pouch a bag of coins.
"I suppose we could kill each other, with one side or another the victor, or..." He tosses the bag of coins up in the air and catches them so they make a nice tinkling sound, "Or, I could give you all over nighty gold pieces for information we need and safe passage through your area. We are determined to find these children, but we are not opposed to paying for some assistance."
He tosses it in the air once again to accentuate his proposal.
Jet Stormway Tuesday April 21st, 2009 11:19:55 AM
Oh, Diplomacy 11, Hopefully he can get some "aid" on that check?
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Tuesday April 21st, 2009 12:20:53 PM
Fatine watches Jet with a raised eyebrow. Looking at the speaker, she says, "I be carryin' no weapons. Jus' dese here toys," she plucks a two-legged doll from her belt and waves it in the air. "So dat mean I can leave? I tink I'll leave in dat direction," Fatine points ahead of the group. "You no be specific." She adds with a shrug.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+11=26 ; d20+5=17 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2009 3:00:27 PM
Ender decides to focus on G2 at X-22, and sneaks up on him with his crossbow trained on it wjile staining his ears to hear whats going on behind him
Move silently: 26 Listen 17
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Tuesday April 21st, 2009 3:43:17 PM
ooc: God!, I most definitely need to proof-read my posts before i click submit!
Caelnin (Pos: O34, AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=23 ; d20+7=23 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2009 7:25:54 PM
As Caelnin hears the shuffles from behind him, he turns to the closest enemy as he will be the most likely threat to Caelnin and the people around him. (OOC: In this case, F2 at 34X)
"So who's going to start this off?" Caelnin thinks as he keeps his eye on the target.
Spot 23, Listen 23
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20=4 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2009 9:51:17 PM
Alexi, impressed by Jet's nerve, and resolve to get through another difficult situation without having to fight their way through, fetches a pearl from his pouch and holds it up to the sky, between his thumb and index finger, looking at it as if inspecting it.
"Pehaps this very rare pearl," and this was no bluff on his part as he genuinely believed pearls in this area would be very rare indeed, "would help convince you we only seek the stolen Ahote children, to recover them, and leave, without disturbing you."
Diplomacy Aid Another DC10, d20 = 4. No bonus to Jet, sorry. :(
Keela [Mage Armor] Tuesday April 21st, 2009 11:00:14 PM
Keela is no diplomat, so she does not attempt to help Jet in his efforts. Instead, she runs a quick mental inventory of her spells, calculating distances and probabilities of success.
Today's spells:
0 - Detect Magic 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 0 - Ray of Frost 1 - Color Spray 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 1 - Sleep 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
DM Bob & Carla d20+1=15 ; d20+1=13 ; d20+1=15 ; d20+1=11 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+10=15 ; Tuesday April 21st, 2009 11:47:01 PM
The leader of the band of gnolls is not impressed by the offers of gold and pearls and decidedly unamused by Fatine's response. From his position of advantage above them he orders his minions to attack. "Get them! he growls, and signals to his troops. "Don't let any escape or Kalor will have our hides!
From above the party, several more gnolls come out of hiding and rain down a hail of javelins. Several more of the brutish beasts charge down the hill with their iron bars in hand. The leader leaps over the rock that currently protects him and rushes at Jet with a battleaxe in hand.
In their haste to gain the upper hand, few of the javelins come close to hitting any of the party, clattering to the ground at their feet. The gnoll leader also fails to connect with the cleric, but the gnolls have managed to close off any avenues of retreat.
Ender has a clear shot at G2 and can take an additional action this rouund only in light of his readied status.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+6=10 ; d20+5=13 ; d8+2=10 ; d3=3 ; d8+2=8 ; Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 8:35:18 AM
OOC-- Beren stated, He focuses in on one in particular (x-34, f2), and chooses this one for his first target if it comes to blows. Then suddenly Ender was the only one ready with an attack, and F2 was at the back of the party obscured by other party members. Caelnin also had this same NPC targeted.
When the creatures attack, Beren lets his arrows fly at one approaching from the front (F4 at R28).
Forgot to add point blank shot +1 Hit AC 11 and 14 for 10 and 8 HP DAM
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+6=18 ; d8=5 ; 2d6=9 ; Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 2:15:43 PM
Ender lets loose with his Crossbow hitting AC 18 for 5+9=14 damage (sneak attack), then drops his crossbow, pulls his dagger and charges
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20+12=13 ; d20+12=19 ; Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 5:33:29 PM
Sighing, Fatine rolls her eyes. "Dese dum doggies don' listen to no reason," she says, to no one in particular. Walking quickly toward Jet, she pulls a wand from her belt as she moves. She taps Jet on the shoulder with it. "Here, Big Man. Be Bigger Man."
Nothing happens. Puzzled, Fatine looks at the wand and shakes it a few times.
[use wand of Enlarge Person, UMD roll 13, luck reroll 19, failure]
Jet Stormway d20+8=17 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+1=19 ; d6+4=9 ; d4+2=5 ; d20+6=16 ; 2d6+6=17 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=16 ; Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 6:17:31 PM
Jet is so very tired of stupid creatures attacking him and those he protects. Somewhat glad that Fatine's spell didn't work, now Jet can stay on his mount (Ride Skill). With a large laugh he looks at the supposed leader, "Don't worry, I will skin you myself for Kalor, then he will still have your hides!" (Using Intimidate Skill)
Bantom picks up his large frame as Jet pulls his sword back out (move action) strikes out at the creature that dares come at him, One hoof hits or comes close, as the second clearly misses, but his bite finds a target and only armor can protect the creature that receives it.
Jet swings down at the same two legged dog face that Bantom just attacked and may or may not have hit.
Ride: 17 Intimidate: 17 DM sanity note: Demoralize Opponent You can also use Intimidate to weaken an opponent's resolve in combat. To do so, make an Intimidate check opposed by the target's modified level check (see above). If you win, the target becomes shaken for 1 round. A shaken character takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. You can intimidate only an opponent that you threaten in melee combat and that can see you.
If Bantom hits AC 16 he does 9 damage if he hits AC 19 he does 5 damage.
If Jet hits AC 16 he does 17 damage.
Listen: 9 Spot: 16
Jet Stormway Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 6:29:08 PM
ooc: Forgot to add, Jet drops the sack of coins as a free action, before pulling his sword.
Bantom and Jet attack creature F* at O29.
Caelnin (Pos: O34, AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+7=19 ; d8+2=4 ; d20+8=23 ; d8+2=6 ; Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 7:31:45 PM
With the javlins flying everywhere, Caelnin gives out a elfish grin and says to himself "So they wanted to start it, eh?"
Caelnin then quickly pulls out some arrows and in quick succession sends them to the opponent with teh clearest line of sight to him, (The new?) F2.
Caelnin feels great after letting a few shots go at a proper enemy for once and lets out a quiet yet audible "That sure feels good!" He sure is getting bored at those trees and stationary targets that he has been practicing on for a while and now something exciting is finally happening.
---------- Rapid shot, Attack 1: AC 20, 4 Damage Attack 2: AC 23, 6 Damage
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=16 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+8=13 ; 3d8+6=27 ; Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 9:29:32 PM
Alexi whirls around as the enemy closes in and sees that not only are they surrounded, but Keela and Fatine are being threatened. Fatine has Panther to protect her, and although the cavalryman has seen what Keela can do, he fears she won't get the chance.
"Keela! Behind you! Step away (to M36)!"
OOC: While holding the pearl with his shield hand, his shield was still strapped to his arm. He will try to maintain his grasp of the pearl and grasp the shield strap. Probably a Dex check but don't know what DC. So here's the roll, if he makes it, he keeps the pearl, if he doesn't, the pearl drops. Dex roll d20+1=16.
If Keela moves to M36 or somewhere else out of the way: Alexi charges F3 (Spirited Charge). Ride check DC5 (guide w/knees) d20+9=21 Move 2sq (M38) - attack F3 d20+8 (charge+size mod+str+BAB) = 13 If hit dmg would be 3d8+6= 27
If Keela does not move out of the way, he charges F2. Use rolls above and use Ride-by-attack: Move to N39 - attack - move to N42 (no AOO).
Note: new AC 15, Lobo 17 until start of next turn.
Keela [Mage Armor] Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 10:42:13 PM
Keela backs up to M-35, and is about to neatly catch the rearmost attackers in a Web when Alexi charges past her.
"Oh, bother."
Instead, she casts her Web forward, trying to snare F4 and F5 without entangling Jet.
Move to M-35 Cast Web (PHB page 301), centered on Q-26 Reflex save DC 15.
DM Bob & Carla [F4/F5 rolls vs web] d20+1=10 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+3=17 ; [F* atk vs Bantom] d20+10=19 ; d8+5=6 ; [F3 atk vs Alexi] d20+5=25 ; [F3 disarm] d20+7=21 ; [F3 dmg] 2d4+3=7 ; 2d4+3=8 ; [Oops F3 confirm crit vs Alexi] d20+5=12 ; [F2 atk vs Alexi] d20+5=9 [G5 atk vs Keela] d20+1=2 [G6 atk vs Alexi]d20+1=5 [G4 atk vs Beren]d20+3=20 d8+2=4 [G3 atk vs Beren] d20+3=22 d8+2=7 [G1 Atk vs Honaw] d20+1=21 d20+1=2 d6+2=8 [F* vs Intimidate] d20+5=21 Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 11:19:21 PM
Bantom rears up and lashes out at the leader of the gnoll pack, his hooves clatter alarmingly off the gnolls shield but do no damage. Jet does his best to intimidate the gnoll, but his opponent does not back down [Opposed roll=21; OOC intimidate is a standard action, so Jet does not get an attack]. The gnoll leader retaliates and swings his battleaxe at Bantom, slashing across the horses exposed flank [Hit AC=19 for 6 HP]
Just as the warhorse sets back down, a loud 'SPLAT' announces the appearance of a tangle of sticky webbing just in front of Jet and Bantom. Two gnolls are immediately trapped and struggle vainly to get free [F4 and F5 are stuck].
Fatine tries her wand on Jet but cannot activate it, much to her displeasure.
Ender sends a bolt into the ear of G2 and the gnoll slumps over the rocks, dead before he knew he was under attack. The now visible rogue races forward in case his opponent might rise, but the pool of blood already forming beneath the dead gnoll tells him all he needs to know.
Caelnin relishes the opportunity to use his finely crafted bow, and sends two arrows into F2, causing the gnoll to stumble briefly.
Beren is not so fortunate and his shot goes wide. [OOC sorry, reread your post and you should have probably gotten a readied action as well, will make it up down the road!]
Alexi charges the gnoll closest to Keela but misses in the attempt and opens himself to a viscious attack. F3 swings his iron bar at the fighter, disarming Alexi and inflicting 7HP damage in the process [OOC F3 gets a free disarm attempt [21 vs 17/18 (Alexi's opposed atk roll with longsword)with a threatened critical, ignore 2nd damage roll as I forgot to confirm critical first] A second gnoll (F2) joins in the attack against Alexi but fails to strike the former Fist.
Two more javelins sail out of the rocks but fail to find their targets, but the two gnolls that threw so clumsily, now charge down the slope, drawing axes as they come (G5 and G6).
The two gnolls that were partially concealed in the rocks to Beren's right, abandon their javelins and charge down the slope at the masked elf instead. Both battleaxes strike Beren opening a large gash in his thigh [Hit AC=20 and 23 for 4+7 HP]
One remaining gnoll launches a final javelin that pierces Honaw's meagre armor. The ahote warrior spins his horse wildly as he searches for the source of the javelin.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=8 ; d20+3=6 ; Thursday April 23rd, 2009 8:48:37 AM
Beren drops his bow (free action), and draws his sword and dagger (quickdraw), and attacks the gnoll nearby (G5). His attacks skitter off the gnoll's armor. This is not the way he prefers to fight.
He urges Red into the Gnolls hoping to knock one or both of them off their feet.
HIt AC 8 and 6 --NOT likely!
OOC--may not need to worry about that early attack. Probably be dead by the end of the round attacking like this. :o)
Caelnin (Pos: O34, AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=24 ; d20+8=9 ; d8+2=8 ; Thursday April 23rd, 2009 10:39:45 AM
Still focused on F2, Caelnin sets another two arrows towards the gnoll. The first arrow hit the target as it quietly sails through the air, but Caelnin thinking that about the first shot too much, neglected the second arrow as it sailed off nowhere near the gnoll.
"Should be treating each shot with equal respect... Come on Caelnin!" ----- Rapid Shot (w/point blank shot) Attack 1: Hit AC 24, 8 Damage Attack 2: Hit AC 9 *MISS*
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday April 23rd, 2009 1:49:13 PM
Ender quickly skids to a halt, turns back and rushes for his crossbow, sheathing his dagger as he runs
Jet Stormway (Jet AC:22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) d20+6=23 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+1=16 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+6=17 ; Thursday April 23rd, 2009 1:51:28 PM
Bantom feels the threat as much as Jet now and continues to bang away at the creature that cut him. Only one of his hooves have a chance to connect and if so, it does minor damage.
Jet once again swings wide at the attacker, pleased with the well placed web spell, he knows he only has this one to deal with at the moment.
Bantom hit AC 23 for 6 damage.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=1 ; d8=2 ; Thursday April 23rd, 2009 4:26:20 PM
Rolling her eyes at the wand, Fatine exchanges it for one of her dolls. Pointing at the gnolls attacking Beren, she mutters a few words and covers the doll's eyes with a finger.
[cast sleep targeting both gnolls attacking Beren. Ley roll 1 (failure), use hero point to reroll, 2 (pass, spell goes off]
G3, G4 will saves, DC 16.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:21/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=10 ; Thursday April 23rd, 2009 9:37:43 PM
[OOC F3 gets a free disarm attempt [21 vs 17/18 (Alexi's opposed atk roll with longsword)
OOC: Correction, Alexi was using his lance for the charge attack, not his sword, so his lance has been knocked out of his grasp.
Also, AC now back up to 17.
IC: Alexi is surprized that the creature's armor deflected his lance, and that hesitation cost him his weapon and a vicious wound. "OH?" He exclaimes, quickly recovering his mettle. "I've got more! Can you knock then all out before your are dead?" he challenges as he draws his longsword (move action) and spins on F2, the one who hit him. "Lobo, let's see how he can take as well as he gives!" as he swipes at F2 and commands Lobo to pound him into the dirt.
Ride check (guide with knees) DC5, d20+9= 12 success! (see if I can get these low rolls out of the way)
Fight with Warhorse DC10, d20+9=10 (guess that's a 1, really, so Lobo can't attack)
Lobo has trouble with the sudden change in direction and the loose rocky ground underneath the heavy horse causes Lobo to spend a few moments to steady himself.
Alexi, though, chops down on F2. d20+8 (BAB, str, weapfoc, mwork, size mod.)=9 *(&^^((*&
OOC: a 3, a 1, and a 1! That's worse than Beren!
RIde check for attack on horse, d20+9=21! Lobo's new AC is 21!
OOC:now if the rolls are going to start going for me, I'll spend a Hero point on another attack on F2. I'd like to spend the Hero point on my Ride check for Fight with Warhorse. So here goes: Spend Hero Point for Ride check DC10, d20+9=10 (and of course, this is another 1!)
So maybe next round I'll have better luck. :(
DM Bob & Carla [G3 & G4 vs sleep] d20=6 ; d20=8 ; [F* atk vs Bantom] d20+10=17 ; [F4 & F5 str vs Web] d20+3=20 ; d20+3=20 ; [F3 Atk vs Alexi] d20+5=22 ; 2d4+3=7 ; [G6 Atk vs Alexi] d20+3=6 ; [G5 Atk vs Keela] d20+3=16 ; d8+2=8 [G1 Atk vs Jet] d20+5=11 [Will saves vs sleep]d20=16 d20=1 Thursday April 23rd, 2009 11:26:14 PM Beren defends himself against the gnolls attacking him but is unable to inflict any damage of his own. Seeing that he is in trouble, Fatine casts a sleep spell on the two hyena headed warrior. G3 and G4 slump to the ground, their axes clatter to the ground beside them. Caelnin sends two more arrows in the direction of F2, the first of the two shafts pierces the gnoll's armor and sends the creature to Gargul. Jet spurs his steed into attacking the gnoll leader, and one of the animals hooves connects solidly, wounding the ugly brute. Jet himself is unsuccessful in his own attack. Alexi & Lobo seem unsettled and simply swing around in a circle.
The gnoll leader growls out commands to his troops as he attempts to dodge the warhorse in front of him. "You two" he yells, "Get out of that webbing and cut this one down to size, Brak, Closh, get down hear now!" Once again the leader takes aim at the warhorse with his axe but misses Bantom as the axe swings wide.
F5 and F4 continue trying to extract themselves from Keela's trap and both manage to free themselves from their immediate predicament but are still within the webbed area [Str checks of 20].
F3 ignores the death of his companion and presses the attack on Alexi, his iron bar once again smashing down on the fighter [Hit AC=22 for 7HP]. G6 also attacks the fighter but only succeeds in further distracting the fighter,.
Keela slips from her horse and casts her sleep spell. G5 shakes off the effect, slips behind the horse and swings his battleaxe at Keela, cackling wildly as he swings at her. The axe slips through her defences and cuts a deep gash in her arm [Hit Ac=16 for 8 HP]. The gnoll howls with delight, perhaps thinking avbout what he will do to the woman later. G6 slumps to the ground, overcome by her spell.
G1 abandons his javelins and charges down the slope to assist his leader as ordered. He swings a battleaxe at Jet, hoping to connect with the heavily armored cleric but comes nowhere close.
[OOC Please forgive placement of this post prior to Keela's - waited for Keela's post but had to draft this post in advance to get it done. Not sure how to reorder things on teh page now.]
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; hp 18/18] Friday April 24th, 2009 1:32:18 AM
Daisy is not a combat-trained mount, so Keela slides out of the saddle--on the opposite side as the creatures menacing her. Turning, she drops a Sleep spell on her would-be attackers.
Dismount to N-35 Cast Sleep (PHB page 280) centered on K-36 Will save DC 14
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+3=16 ; Friday April 24th, 2009 8:41:38 AM
Beren is fighting for his life against the two Gnolls, when suddenly they drop to the ground. He hears the tail end of Fatine's incantation, (listen 15)and realizes what must have happened. Dropping from Red's back, he takes the time to make sure these two never rise from their slumber. (Attempt to assasinate 18 and 16)
Once doen with that task, he draws his spare bow from his Haversack (quickdraw) , and readies for the next foe.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+6=7 ; Friday April 24th, 2009 9:32:09 AM
Ender reloads and fires at F4 hitting absolutely nothing (natural 1)
Caelnin (Pos: N33, AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=19 ; d20+8=21 ; d8+2=9 ; d8+2=9 ; Friday April 24th, 2009 10:37:22 AM "Yes, one is down, but that is one out of many that tried to attack us"
Caelnin tries to find his next target, the one that casts the biggest threat to any of the members of the party. Caelnin hears a loud howl come from his right (G5)and sees what had happened to Keela. Just as quickly as he has noticed it, he takes a quick step back to his right (to N33) he fires another two shots from his bow (at G5).
"Never let your guard down, my friend. Celebrating is for after the battle." ------------------ Rapid Shot (w/point blank shot) Attack 1: Hit AC 19, 9 Damage Attack 2: Hit AC 21, 9 Damage
Jet Stormway (Jet AC:22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) d20+6=11 ; d20+6=24 ; (d20+6=12 <--Missroll) ; d20+1=13 ; d6+4=7 ; d20+6=20 ; 2d6+6=12 ; Friday April 24th, 2009 2:34:42 PM
The fighter priest is also not intimidated by the new creature following the orders of this soon to be corpse.
Bantom continues his flurry as commanded against their leader, again strinking once out of three.
Jet getting frustrated with his own incompetance, continues his own attack on the leader.
Actions: Bantom attacking F* hitting AC 24 for 7 damage. Jet attacking F* hitting AC 20 for 12 damage
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) Friday April 24th, 2009 2:39:51 PM
OOC: Sorry DM, I just realized, Jet is mounted, so he doesn't get his dex to AC, so AC is 21 right now.
Looking back, he still wasn't hit, but I wanted to make you aware of it.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:14/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+9=21 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+8=20 ; d8+2=5 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=9 ; d4+2=6 ; d20+9=12 ; d6+6=8 ; Friday April 24th, 2009 9:06:25 PM
Glad to see arrows sprout from F2, Alexi feels ashamed at letting Keela down and now she is injured. Another gash on him tests all his military training. First thing that goes through his mind is to not get surrounded. But protecting Keela is of paramount as well.
If G5 is still alive: Alexi takes a swipe at F3, then with a nudge to Lobo, the horse steps back 5 feet (to N37) and he commands Lobo to attack G5.
If Caelnin took G5 out: A quck glance, though, sends encouragement through Alexi, as now Keela is momentarily out of danger, and concentrates on the enemy in front of him, F3.
Ride check (guide with knees) DC5, d20+9=21 Ride check (fight with warhorse) DC10, d20+9=28
Alexi MW longsword, d20+8 = 20, dmg 5 Lobo rears and slashes two hoofs and bites at (either G5 if alive, or F3) Hoof 1 d20+6=11 Hoof 2 d20+6=14, if hit dmg 6 (should be d6+4, not d6+6) Bite d20+6=26, Confirm Crit d20+6=9, not Crit, dmg 6.
Ride check for Lobo AC, d20+9=12, keep Lobo's AC at 19.
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; hp 18/18] d20=18 ; 4d6+1=18 ; Saturday April 25th, 2009 12:34:33 PM
Looking about her, Keela performs another incantation, sending a fierly golden ray at one of her opponents.
[If G5 is still up, take a 5-foot step back and cast Scorching Ray (PHB page 274) at him. If G5 has gone down, fire the Scorching Ray at G1.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=8 ; 2d4=5 ; 2d4=6 ; Sunday April 26th, 2009 12:33:09 PM
Fatine looks north, then south. Those north look to be more controlled with the web, so she turns south, stepping a few feet away from the nearby gnoll (5 ft step to P-32). Smiling quickly at Honaw, she says, "You be one o' dem watchin' types, brudder, or you jus' be waitin' for a invidation?"
Without waiting for a response, she raises both arms and begins gesticulating with her hands and fingers, her eyes locked on the enemies south of her (G6 and F3, and G5 but it looks to be dead). "Don' douch dose ones!" she calls out. She begins droning loudly in an unintelligible language, swaying back and forth rhythmically and pointing at the two beasts.
Hopefully, they become enrapt in her movements and cease their other actions. If they appear to be affected, Fatine says calmly to them, "Leave dis fight and don' return. Go home!"
Cast Hypnotism targeting G6 and F3. She affects up to 5 HD total, starting with whatever has the lowest HD and fails its save. Save is will 16 (but each enemy gets additional +2 due to being in combat)
Fail save = subject is fascinated. Takes no action other than stare at Fatine. -4 penalty on skill checks as reactions (listen, spot, etc.) Any new threat gives a new save, and any attack breaks the enchantment. Creatures become 2 steps more friendly to Fatine, allowing a single request. After spell ends, they retain that friendliness for that request only.
Ley roll = 8 (free spell!)
Total HD affected = 5 (starting with lowest)
Max rounds = 6
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday April 27th, 2009 8:27:34 AM
OOC-Awaiting DM response. WILL TRY TO POST LATER
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday April 27th, 2009 4:52:37 PM
OOC: its closing in on 11pm here... will check for Dm post in the morning
Pumping through dilated veins, blood full of waste, dark red and oxygen depleted travel into the strong healthy liver of the mighty warrior. Well used and often ridding itself of the many intoxicating drinks the owner imbibes, it filters out the lactic acid and metabolic waste that his system puts out during stress.
Into the lungs, that now clean fluid of life flows to become enriched with the oxygen that will soon blend with every cell in the body. Then dumped directly into the heart, this bright red liquid flows through valves, into chambers that are powerful and eager to distribute that which is needed throughout the body.
Glands secret endorphins and other hormones, making the system more efficient in times of battle. Increased sugar rates in the blood, allowing rapid energy use, and accelerating metabolism for emergency actions. His blood begins to thicken increasing oxygen supply, enabling better defense from infections and to stop bleeding quickly, for when he is injured.
Now, there is an increased blood supply to his peripheral muscles and heart, his arms bulge with the effort of swinging his weapon. To motor and basic-function regions in the brain there is a decreased blood supply. The digestive system and irrelevant brain regions shut down, this also causes secretion of body waists, leaving the body lighter.
Caelnin (Pos: N33, AC 16, HP 21/21) Monday April 27th, 2009 10:42:48 PM
Caelnin tries to think of his next moves in accoradnace to what he can see. With Keela taking damage being a trigger for the people around her, including Calenin himself, to make sure that she is safe and target the ones around her.
"I think I'll follow suit and focus my energies on the enemy next to the roaring gnoll..."
However, a call from behind him stops him getting ready to attack...
""Don' douch dose ones!"
Caelnin freezes and wonders why Fatine would shout that.
"Now it's time to wait and see what Fatine is all about...
DM Bob & Carla d20=5 ; d20=4 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+8=23 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+10=16 ; Monday April 27th, 2009 11:18:08 PM Beren dismounts to finish off the sleeping gnolls that lie helpless before him. [OOC a coupe de grace is a full round action PHB p. 153; Beren's two attacks are each criticals by rule, please roll the damage for each victim, if your damage exceeds 12 HP you will have been successful as their fort saves versus death were not very good. if you fail to do 12 HP damage, the gnoll will be awoken by the attack]
Ender misses with his shot, but Caelnin sinks two arrows into G5 dispatching the gnoll with nary a sound.
Jet continues his attack on F* but only Bantom manages to draw blood with a nasty bite, while to teh south, Alexi and Lobo team up to damage F3 [Alexi hits once and Lobo hits with a bite]
Keela free from immediate menace sends a ray of fire at G1, engulfing the gnoll in flames and killing it almost immediately. The acrid smell of burnt flesh and fur permeates battlefield.
Lastly, Fatine chides Honaw into action and casts a spell of her own, transfixing F3 with her dolls. The muscular gnoll simply stands there, a vacant expression in his eyes. [Note that G6 was already asleep.] Shamed by the witch, Honaw draws a javelin from his back and hurls it at F*, striking the gnoll leader and piercing it's armor.
F* yells in anger and pain and once again slashes at the warhorse that plagues him [Hit Ac=16]. The gnoll's frustration is evident as he misses Bantom and snarls something to his packmates who are just now freeing themselves from the web.
Status of enemies
F* injured F2 Dead F3 Hypnotized and injured F4 undamaged F5 undamaged G1 dead G2 dead G3 asleep - potentially dead G4 asleep - potentially dead G5 dead G6 asleep
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; hp 18/18] d4+1=4 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 12:10:30 AM
Keela mentally runs through her remaining spells, but decides against them for the moment. Instead, she yanks out a wand and sends a magical bolt flying at the leader.
Use Wand of Magic Missiles on F* 4 points of force damage
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+6=21 ; d8=3 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 6:58:58 AM
"Dont miss, dont miss" Ender whispers quietly to himself while reloading and then shoots for F4 again hitting AC 21 for 3 damage
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d8+3=7 ; d8+3=8 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+5=18 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+3=6 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 8:46:57 AM
Beren finishes the gruesome task of killing the two sleeping gnolls. (One each round for the last two days, doing 14 HP crit. DAM to the first, and 16 HP crit DAM to the second). He now looks for a new target, as he draws (quickdraw, his backup bow).
The enemy just escaping from the web in front of him draws his attention (F4). He takes a 5' step (to S-32) to get a clear shot, and lets both arrows fly. (Hit AC 25 and 18) This time his arrows fly true, striking his enemy. (DAM 4 and 6)
Point Blank shot and Rapid shot (+1 hit and dam for PBS , -2 to hit second shot for RS)
Caelnin (Pos: N33, AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=13 ; d20+8=12 ; d8+2=5 ; d8+2=10 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 9:35:53 AM
Caelnin realises that G6 has been taken care of at the moment, and foucuses his sights on the other group of people fighting near the giant web.
With a lot of people in the way of one of them, and seeing that Beren and Ender seem to have him down, Caelnin sets his sight on F5.
------
RS + PBS AC 13, 5 Dam. AC 12, 10 Dam. (That was good damage as well... Most likely miss...)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) d20+6=23 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+1=4 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+4=5 ; d20+6=12 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 11:16:52 AM
Bantom, being far superior in a melee then his rider, contacts with two more crushing blows with his hooves on the leader, where as Jet, seems to only be distracting the others with his wide swings.
Actions: Bantom attacks F* hitting AC 23 doing 5 damage and hits AC 24 for 5 damage total 10 damage.
Jet swings wildly missing F*
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20+12=21 ; 2d4=6 ; d4=3 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 1:03:35 PM
Fatine stares into the eyes of her hypnotized subject (F3) and says to it calmly, "Leave dis fight and don' return. Go home!"
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { unsure on whether Fatine can act further. Talking is a free action, and the spell description doesn't say it takes an action to give a command. I'll post more action, and if it doesn't work, please just ignore}
Fatine then moves to R31, removing a wand as she moves, and points it at F5. "Good luck, dirty ting." she mutters. A burst of colorful energy shoots from the wand, hitting the beast square in the face.
[UMD check 21, passed]
Activate wand of color spray, hits F5. Will save DC 13
Failure: - if 1-2 HD, unconscious, blinded and stunned for 6 rounds; then blinded and stunned for 3, then stunned for 1. - if 3-4 HD, blinded and stunned for 3 rounds, then stunned for 1. - if 5 or more HD, stunned for 1 round only.
Save=no effect.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:14/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+9=24 ; d20+10=23 ; 2d8+4=9 ; d8+2=3 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 10:06:23 PM
Alexi raises his sword to slice F3 when he realizes that it goes limp. Not sure why, but sure that either Keela or Fatine was the cause, he tunrs to see a blast of flame engulf one of the creatures behind him. As the smoke clears and reveals a charred corps, he sees Keela standing there. "Dang woman! Can you cook or what!" he says admiringly.
Then scanning the scene quickly as the others take shots at those left, he sees Jet under a lot of pressure. With a Whoop of joy, he knudges Lobo into a charge straight at F5, leaping over the smoking remains of G5, brushing past Keela, and squeezing past Honaw. (OOC: if DM don't think that possible, then it will be just a Move action).
Ride check (guide with knees) DC5, d20+9=24, good.
d20+10 (BAB, str, wfocus, mwork, charge, size bonus)=23, or 21 if not charging. dmg (Spirited Charge) 2d8+4= 9, or if not charging 1d8+2= 3.
Ride Check for Lobo AC, d20+9=29
AC15 for this this round. Lobo AC27 for this round.
DM Bob & Carla [F5 will save vs color spray] d20=5 ; [F* atk vs Bantom] d20+10=27 ; d8+5=12 ; Tuesday April 28th, 2009 11:48:28 PM
The battle begins to turn in the party's favor. F3 looks quizzically at Fatine and then turns and walks away from the battle. Calenin fires his bow twice, but both arrows go wide, the elf's aim obviously disrupted by switching targets. F4 may be out of the web, but he's not out of the woods, for he is hit by a blast from the witches wand and drops his iron bar, somehow dazed by the magic.[OOC Your movement placed you ina direct line to F4 and your line of fire to F5 was blocked by Bantom and Jet so I assumed you meant F4] Ender sends a bolt towards F4, creasing the gnolls bicep and drawing first blood. Beren quickly follows with an arrow of his own, which also grazes the gnoll. Jet continues to urge Bantom into battle and the steed strikes F* twice with it's hooves at almost exactly the same moment that two little balls of energy strike it in the chest. Alexi & Lobo thunder by the cleric and strike at F5 opening a deep gash in it's torso [OOC charge allowed, straight line to target, body of G5 shouldn't impede progress]
The gnoll leader takes a last desperate slash with his battleaxe at Bantom [Hit AC=27 for 12 HP]. "Back to the rocks" he yells at his subordinates, as he turns and flees [Attack of opportunity for Jet/Bantom].
F5 also abandons the combat and scrambles up the rocks towards cover [Atk of Opportunity for Alexi], but F4 simply stands in place, apparently oblivious to it's leaders order.
Caelnin (Pos: N33, AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+7=10 ; d20+7=11 ; Wednesday April 29th, 2009 6:52:59 AM
With his misses, Caelnin cannot thinks too much about his misses his shoots another 2 blindly at the leader that is trying to run away.
-----
10 and 11 *miss*
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=6 ; Wednesday April 29th, 2009 8:46:34 AM
Beren once again draws his sword as he moves in on the stationary Gnoll (G5).
Hopefully he can get close enough this round to be ready for it before it comes out of its daze.
OOC-thought I might get an attack in this round, but realized I was probably doing too much. Ignore attack roll.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+6=20 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday April 29th, 2009 11:20:04 AM
As F4 looks quite stunned ender switches focus, reloads and sends a quarrel after F*, it AC 20 and does 2 damag
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) d20+6=24 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=14 ; Wednesday April 29th, 2009 11:26:19 AM
OOC: Well, I started rolling the dice and received one of these again. "Error loading XML document (error, undefined)Error loading XML document (error, undefined)"
I will repost in the next one, the actions.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) d6+4=8 ; d4+2=5 ; d4+2=6 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+1=17 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+6=12 <-Misroll; d20+6=10 ; Wednesday April 29th, 2009 11:41:09 AM
"Let none escape and keep one alive, for now."
Jet sees the leader attempt to flee, "That gold looks pretty good about now doesn't it?" he says sarcastically as he allows Bantom to continue the attack. He also get's in a free shot.
Bantom rears up striking the leader in the back with one hoof and double criticals the nasty creature with a bite that has to really, really hurt. Even flanking the leader, Jet can't get a swing in.
Bantom, being much faster then the leader easily follows him to L27 and continues his attacks. (Ooc: I didn't see the gnoll leader make a climb check to leave, so I assume one isn't necessary.)
Again, the mighty steed criticales, this time with a hoof, while Jet remains fairly useless in this battle.
AoO for Bantom: Hit AC 24 doing 8 damage. Bite criticals twice, but confirmed once (Sorry, forgot to change modifier from +6 to +1 but still a double 20) does 5 and 6 more. Jet misses.
Actions: Move Bantom to L27, Bantom hits AC 26 twice (Another double critical WOW) confirming a critical once doing 9 damage and 6 damage. Again, Jet whiffs it.
Total damage from Bantom on leader this round 34 damage. Jet 0
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:14/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+7=11 ; Wednesday April 29th, 2009 6:52:48 PM
OOC: even if they didn't have to make a Climb check, my impression is that it is difficult terrain and too rocky for horses?
Note: Alexi should get either an AOO against F5 or F*, but not both. If DM lets him choose, he takes his AOO against F*, otherwise it will be against F5.
AOO: d20+7=11, miss.
OOC: Assuming that it is not possible to follow F5 and F* on horseback...
IC: Alexi hollers to the archers, "Archers! Take care of the escapees! We'll take care of the others!" Then as he returns to take care of G6 he suggest, "Jet, tie up F4 before he comes around as well."
OOC: If Jet is allowed to follow F*, then ignore the above suggestion to Jet.
IC: Alexi proceeds to M37 and dismounts. (He'll start carefully tieing him up next round.)
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; hp 18/18] d4+1=4 ; Thursday April 30th, 2009 12:25:43 AM
"Well, yes, I can cook," Keela answers Alexi, puzzled. "But that's not really what that spell is for."
Hearing the order to bring down the escapees, Keela points her wand at one of the fleeing figures.
[Target F*, unless he is already down; in which case target F5 or whatever makes sense. A whopping 4 points damage.]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday April 30th, 2009 8:37:42 AM
OOC-No DM post to respond to. WIll try to post again later.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) Thursday April 30th, 2009 10:59:12 AM
Jet follows the remaining enemies until they are caught or killed.
OOC: I think I confused AoO. There is a pretty big discussion on it in the Rules Board if anyone wants to join in.
DM Bob & Carla Thursday April 30th, 2009 9:36:57 PM
[OOC Sorry for the slow posting. I have been having a devil of a time with my ISP - I am only getting intermittent connection, and none at all last night.]
As the gnolls abandon the fight, the party takes their opportunity to bring them down or capture them. Caelnin fires two quick shots at the departing gnolls, missing twice, Ender narrowly misses the fleeing gnoll leader. Alexi seems distracted by two fleeing gnolls and misses as well.
Bantom rears and strikes the gnoll leader with a single hoof as he departs, but is unable to follow the gnoll up into the rocks. [OOC my reading of attacks of opportunity grant a single melee attack from Bantom for 8 HP, I am also ruling the rocky slopes too steep and rough for horses whose hooves have much less grip than the padded paws of a dog, also note that Bantom would have gotten only a single attack having had to move in order to pursue the gnoll leader, and that the first attack listed in that sequence was a miss...]
Keela points her wand again and sends another bolt of energy into F* who stumbles, falls, and rolls down the slope towards Jet and his steed, blood seeps from the gnoll leader's ears.
Beren and Alexi approach the sleeping and dazed gnolls still in the passage floor and prepare to tie them up.
F3 continues walking away to the south under the hypnotic suggestion planted by Fatine while G5 continues to scramble up the slope, using whatever cover he can to avoid the archers.
F* unconcious and dying F2 Dead F3 Hypnotized and injured - walking away F4 Blind & stunned F5 undamaged G1 dead G2 dead G3 dead G4 dead G5 dead G6 asleep
Fatine/Sub Buzz [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20+2=16 ; Thursday April 30th, 2009 10:43:43 PM
Fatine can see that one is getting away and attempts to give it a warning, "Da main boss will not be pleased at chor failure gnoll! You best get far away before you be found!" She cackles slightly and sends Col to air. "Keep cho eye on dat one for a bit. Let me know which way he headin."
She dismounts and begins to tie up G6.
Use rope 16
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+2=19 ; Friday May 1st, 2009 12:28:51 AM
Ender puts his weapons goes to the leader and atempts to stabelize him while muttering to himself "We cant have him dying before we question him" and then adds to the party in general "Do any of you guys have any rope? we better tie him up before he wakes up again"
Heal: 19
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Friday May 1st, 2009 6:48:47 AM
OOC: *Siiigh* I really do need to proof read my posts before hitting submit! It was supposed to say " puts his weapons away and* "
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Friday May 1st, 2009 10:34:07 AM
Caelnin leaves the gnoll that is running away and leaves it be. Caelnin doesn't feel the need to get to him and kill him. If he brings more target practice, what ever may come, Caelnin doesn't mind.
Caelnin moves off to try and find some of the arrows that flew away that didn't hit their mark, or mainly he dosen't really want any part in the interrogation and hostaging of the prisoners.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:36/42) d20+5=16 ; Friday May 1st, 2009 12:58:12 PM
Jet tells the group. "Release the others also. When they see that we have their leader, their spirit will break." He then gets a far away look in his eyes, "Although, I did say we would return their skins for them, I hate to go back on my word."
Taking his time Jet dismounts to Q30 and commands Bantom to guard. Jet prepares to attack F4 next round.
(ooc: I rolled a Handle Animal before I read it. One isn't necessary. Warhorses are trained to attack or guard on command.)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:14/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20=9 ; Friday May 1st, 2009 9:30:12 PM
While Alexi scans the canyon walls once more, Fatine beats him to G6 and starts to tie him up. Normally, he would not dare try to give her any advice, but adrenaline is flowing freely, like the blood from his wounds, and he watches, giving a few pointers.
Aid Another: d20 = 9. His advice does not help, but he doesn't make a fool of himself either.
Keela Friday May 1st, 2009 10:10:29 PM
Seeing that it is no longer needed, Keela dismisses her Web.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+4=12 ; Saturday May 2nd, 2009 10:00:18 AM
Beren assists Caelnin in tying up Gnolls. (use rope 12)
DM Bob & Carla Monday May 4th, 2009 8:02:01 AM
The party spends the next several minutes tying up the remaining gnolls. The leader of this pack of gnolls remains unconcious but has stopped bleeding. G6 is bound and immobilized. F4 was blined and stunned. He stands still for several rounds before finally raising his hands to his eyes. Jet stands ready to attack, but F4's weapon lies at his feet and he dares not retrieve it.
The remaining gnolls scramble over the rocks, leaving their unfortunate comrades behind.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) 2d8+1=7 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=12 ; Monday May 4th, 2009 8:29:22 AM
Beren finishes binding the gnoll, and stands to go on guard duty at the perimeter. He retrieves his dropped weapons, and puts all away except his primary bow. He is looking for one more shot at those who attacked.
Distracted by everything else, he is not as observant as he should be.
Spot 10 Natural 1! listen 16 ignore other rolls of 12 got my mouse stuck on the number roller when I hit enter :o)
He takes a potion from his pack and drinks it down. (CMW a lousy 7 Hp restored)
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=13 ; d20+7=23 ; Monday May 4th, 2009 6:11:43 PM
Caelnin makes sure that nothing is else is happening amongst the rocks or in any place near them as something now will be very annoying and difficult to keep an eye on.
Spot: 13, Listen 23
Keela Monday May 4th, 2009 10:15:56 PM
Keela is not much use for the actual tying up, but she fetches rope and makes sure people have the help they need.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:19/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) 2d8+1=5 ; Monday May 4th, 2009 10:35:08 PM
With the tieing up of the live gnolls, and not much to be done about the fleeing ones, Alexi heaves a sigh of relief. Mostly for the fact that Keela is rather ok. But his wounds hurt him some, and not knowing if the escaped creatures will bring re-inforcemts, he takes Beren's queue and also imbibes a healing potion. (CMW 2d8+1 = 5)
Feeling a little better, but not by much, he aproaches Jet, flail in hand, ready to assist in the 'interrogation'.
OOC: don't know if I should roll the Intimidate roll now, when the rolling is bad, or later, when it could get worse. :(
I'll wait until later.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=21 ; d20+9=27 ; Tuesday May 5th, 2009 8:32:34 AM
Battle always seems to bring Beren back to his youth. He was fighting for his life while most of his companions were still unborn. He had even been older than his human master when he had under gone his initial training as a ranger. What a difference that had made in his life.
It is good to be here with these people. It makes him feel young again.
He unconciously adjusts his face mask again in case it slipped during battle. Then he takes a moment to bind the remaining wound in his leg, since his potion did not heal it entirely. The gash in his pants will have to wait til later.
More focused now, he continues to guard against another attack while the others question the prisoners.
spot 21 listen 27
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d8+1=8 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=16 ; Tuesday May 5th, 2009 11:09:12 AM
"Everyone drink a healing potion. I want to save my spells for battle."
Jet pulls from his pack a gift he had earned from a day of gambling (ooc:Using LnB prize potion) He holds Bantoms head up in the air and pours the liquid down his throat.
He looks around at the prisoners, "We don't have time to question these guys, while the others may be going to warn their master. I'm certainly not wasting healing powers on this scum bag when one of you may need it later. Grab your rope and lets get going, we have more traveling to do."
Jet mounts Bantom and keeps his eyes open while they set out again.
Cure bantom with potion curing 8 damage. Handle Animal if needed to give potion: 10 Listen: 9 Spot: 16
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20=7 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday May 5th, 2009 3:06:06 PM
After making sure the leader will survive, Ender goes looking for any quarrels that might have survived
Search: 11
(Disregard my first roll as I accidently hit the d20 button and not the regular roll button)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=5 ; d8=4 ; Tuesday May 5th, 2009 8:26:09 PM
Fatine surveys the scene, then spots the enemy that the others seem ready to question. "Ey . . . Big Man. You want ol' Fatine make dat one more nice-like? Jus' lemme work my mojo a bit," she makes a show of cracking her knuckles and grins at the captive, "and he be tellin' you where he hid erry piece of copper he ever git. I make dat one talk all night, hmm?"
If the captive doesn't speak a language spoken by the group, Fatine casts comprehend languages (ley roll 5 if necessary). If Jet directs her to do so, she will cast Charm Person (ley roll 4 if necessary) on the captive being questioned, Will save DC 16.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20=2 ; d8+1=5 ; Tuesday May 5th, 2009 8:49:44 PM
"Not questioning? So we drag them along?" Alexi asks as he offers to assist Jet with Bantom.
Aid Another (Handle Animal) to help steady Bantom, d20=2. Wow!
Alexi's wounds hamper his attemp to help Jet with Bantom, so he pulls another potion of healing from his backpack and downs it. CLW d8+1 = 5 more healing.
Feeling a bit better, he goes to see how Keela fares. "My Lady, you have been hurt. Do you have any healing potions? I have another and would give it to you if you would accept it," he says rather boyishly while blushing.
Before heading out, Alexi retrieves his lance, gathers up the strange sticks the gnolls used, and checks Lobo's saddle to make sure no strappings have been damaged or come loose during the battle.
"Ender, se if you can find anything on these dead ones that may identify a tribe or affiliation, or anything else of value," Alexi suggests as he collects their weapons.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Wednesday May 6th, 2009 7:53:30 AM
As Caelnin tries to look for any remnants of arrows that he might be able to salvage, Caelnin looks at the barren landscape around him, reminiscing about the lush forest that he grew up in...
"Son, focus on the target!" his father shouts as he hits Caelnin with the back of his longsword. The young Caelnin falls to the ground, holding back tears.
"Don't be so harsh on him, Vonfellis!"cries out his mother as she walks towards where she was working. She never really wanted Caelnin to be as combat ready as his father was. Vonfellis was always read for a fight, carrying a longword etched with his name and unsheathing it whenever there was any sort of dispute.
Caelnin adored this weapon, it's finely crafted blade and couldn't wait till he could get his hands on it, to see what it felt like. The swords that were given to him just didn't feel right, how could he keep missing if his father kept hitting him. *It must be magical* Caelnin thought as he gazed up at the sword that had just belted him across the back...
Caelnin wakes up from his day dream, as though the pain were real. He is so far away from his family, he now wishes to see them once again, even if it were to be as painful as missing a target in longsword practice. There is still a part of him that doesn't want to meet his father again, but another part of him wants Caelnin to show his father what he has achieved.
Maybe once Vonfellis had heard what he has done, he will accept Caelnin as his son once more, but who knows when they will be able to go back.
"But do I really want to go back...?"
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday May 6th, 2009 8:15:27 AM
The party binds the gnolls that remain, heal themselves in preparation for their continued journey, and gather up dropped weapons and search for quarrels and arrows. Ender finds 1/2 of his missing bolts and Caelnin locates 8 arrows that are still in reasonable shape.
Jet seems intent on moving on without stopping to question the gnolls, a decision questioned by Alexi and Fatine. Alexi recovers the weapons used by the larger and more muscular gnolls. Each is a set of two iron bars joined by a chain. They appear to be well made, something not quite expected from your ordinary band of gnolls.
The gnolls that remained free have now all fled over the rocks and dissappeared from view.
[OOC sorry for the posting delays...still dealing with a wonky (technical term) ISP.]
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=21 ; d20+9=12 ; Wednesday May 6th, 2009 8:40:40 AM
Beren looks up at Jet as he sits astride his horse.
"So, will you kill the bound prisoners, or shall I?"
The sarcasm is dripping off the comment.
"You have comrades in arms who are recovering from battle. Even if you do not heal them, still healing is needed. Even if we die here, we need a moment before we move on. We also need the information these,"and he points to the prisoners, "might give us. Light, and take the time needed for these tasks."
Beren then turns away to continue his guard duty, bow in hand.
spot 21 listen 12
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday May 6th, 2009 12:01:48 PM
"We all have potions from our past encounters and from what Istaqua said, Fatine will lead us to the spot. We don't need these gnolls and we are burning day light. If you want to kill them, go ahead, we will wait, if not, let us go before whatever is being done to the children kills them."
Jet looks to the so far quiet Honaw, for comments before turning Bantom in the direction they were heading before.
Jet sets out at a slow pace until he is sure the group is together, then he once again keeps his eyes on Fatine.
Keela d8+1=5 ; Wednesday May 6th, 2009 3:51:17 PM
Keela had been resolutely ignoring her injury, but when Alexi asks her about it, she glances down.
"Oh." She pushes helplessly at her slashed and bloody blouse, and the slashed skin beneath. Her head swims, and something shrill is singing in her ears.
"I need to sit down," she says, and sinks to the ground.
"It's all right," she adds to Alexi. "I have a potion." She retrieves her potion of Cure Light Wounds from her pouch and drinks it. The wound closes to a neatly sealed line, and much of the bruising fades.
[Cure 5 hp, still down 3]
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday May 6th, 2009 6:17:53 PM
Jet dismounts once again and picks up his bag of coins before remounting.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+7=10 ; Wednesday May 6th, 2009 10:17:35 PM
Due to people wandering if they should take care of the prisoners or talk to the prisoners then take care of them, Caelnin moves over to Alexi and looks at the weapons that he had found and inspects them for any signs of them being made somewhere else and figuring out where that certain place is.
-------
Appraise 10 (to see how well they have been made, like if there are any sort of marking on the weapons to point to who could've made them)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 6th, 2009 10:23:56 PM
Alexi smiles at Keela, "Not quite like accidentally cutting yourself with the scythe while harvesting, isn't it? Looks like you will be fine, though," he says encouragingly.
Meanwhile, Jet is anxious to move on and has finally given some real direction as to what to do with the prisoners.
"Well, I've never executed anyone before, but if these creatures have anything to do with, directly or indirectly, the abduction, or protection of the thing that did do the abduction, my conscious will not suffer any ill effects if I put them where we'll never be bothered by them again. My gut feeling is they'll just as soon attack us again and laugh at us, despite us sparing their lives."
Alexi pauses to see if there is any agreement with his feelings.
"If I must, I'll dispatch them alone. Jet, you lead the rest a little ways. No point in the ladies seeing the bloody mess I'll make," he sighs as he holds his flail.
"Any one feel like assisting me?"
OOC: with or without help, after Jet has led the group a little ways, far enough not to be disturbed by the sight, Alexi clobbers each one with his flail, aiming to de-brain each one. Coup-de-Grace on a tied opponenent, probably not need to roll anything, 'cause he'll hit them however many times it takes. A bit gruesome, but this is war.
DM and whoever stays behind highligh to display spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: { As he clobbers them, he mutters, 'This one's for the children; This one's for me; This one's for Keela; This one's for... etc.' }
When the task is done, he returns to the group, bloody flail put away, lance at the ready.
DM Bob and Carla Thursday May 7th, 2009 7:55:37 AM
Post to come this evening. I am consulting on the DM board first. (Bob)
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday May 7th, 2009 8:17:55 AM
Ender being the new guy in the group feels kinda bad about killing the Gnolls in in cold blod, and they might even know where exactly the children are being kept, so he steps in front of the captives "I wont have it" he says "One thing is to kill in battle, but unarmed prisoners? what will your gods say to that?"
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=20 ; d20+9=29 ; Thursday May 7th, 2009 8:37:06 AM
"As much as I hate those who attacked us, these, in their way, were honorable in battle, They gave fair warning. I must agree with Ender. We cannot kill helpless prisoners. At least give them a choice to take an oath not to attack us again, or die. I will have no part in this."
Th ranger mounts, and rides off ahead a little way, where he stops to continue his guard duty.
spot 20 listen 29 natural 20
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 7th, 2009 11:49:38 AM
Jet gets frustrated, "These are just stupid monsters. If they had anything to do with the abductions, their prints would have been found. Their leader may not have anything to do with our mission and again, we are wasting time. Fatine will lead us to the children and I believe the vision the gods sent us at Honaw's village. Ender, either get on your mount or help Alexi, but don't waste more time. We can't afford the healing that may be needed if we give them honourable combat and Alexi is right, we might have to fight them again if we just let them go."
Jet gets a real serious look on his face before he adds, "If you don't like our actions, take it up with Garth when we return. As for now, we have a promise to keep."
A little ways away, he talks to Beren, "I understand your feelings, but I wouldn't call anybody abducting children honourable and obviously, something doesn't want us to come this way, or they would have taken the gold."
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday May 7th, 2009 4:52:24 PM
"Monsters, maybe. Stupid, I don't think so. And as you yourself said, we do not know if they had anything to do with the abduction, that is an assumption on your part. If a group of armed men came riding into our camp and refused to go away when warned, would we not attack as well? I will fight and kill any warrior, or beast, in combat, but I will not murder. Execution after trial is different. The thieves that attacked us on the trail treated us less well than these, but we did not murder those we captured.
And as a leader of this group, you should think of the condition of your people as well. Speed is needed to rescue the children, but if we arrive unable to fight, all the speed in the world will not aid us.
I am not really criticzing, just pointing out things you already know to be true. I would not want the mantle and decisions of leadership, especially of such a diverse group as ours. I prefer to fight alone, but I will fight and die for this group according to my oath, but also according to my conscience. You do well over all my young friend, and, in all but this, I will follow you."
The ranger spurred his horse on ahead a little further to sit guard until the others are ready to go.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 7th, 2009 9:04:53 PM
Fatine sighs and shrugs. "Eider kill dem or don', but less get moving, no?" She stops to check the puma, and finding her okay, hops on her horse. Scanning the skies, she frowns momentarily, not finding any sign of Col.
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Humming quietly for a few moments, she sways back and forth, then opens her eyes and points in the direction the group was previously going. "Dat way. Dee spirits say we go dat way now."
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Thursday May 7th, 2009 11:28:08 PM
After caelnin finds his precious arrows, he moves back to the group to find them still arguing. Never really wanting to get into these conversations but also seeing how long they have been arguing, Caelnin decides to put his thoughts into the conversation.
"Hmmm... They might still have information to be known. THere are many ways that this can pan out though, as in like they might not know anything, but they also have a small chance that they know something; and wouldn't they mind not letting go of the information if they have seen anything but had nothing to do with it, with a little bit of "convicing" of course.
It would be a gamble, either to have a chance to learn more about where the children are or to move along without the information that they could've given us. I don't like the fact that we might have to wait around for them to come to, but is there a way to move while keeping them hostage?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday May 7th, 2009 11:43:31 PM
OOC: due to some opposition to Alexi's intended actions, I went and read up on Lawful Good and Domi, Alexi's patron deity. I could not find anything in either that would prevent Alexi, religion-wise or alignment-wise, to dispatch them. However I did find several codes of conduct that would indeed justify the actions.
From Domi: He believes in finding a way to settle all differences peacefully wishing to be a blacksmith before a warrior, however should it come to violence he will lead the way hammer swinging. He believes in having the courage to use diplomacy when needed and violence when diplomacy fails. He teaches his followers to know when each option is called for.
In Alexi's mind, these gnolls are guilty by the simple logic that they did not heed our attempt at diplomacy and attacked. Letting anyone go, knowing that there is no repentance, would only mean fighting them again and the danger of the death of one of the party. (Think of 'Finding Private Ryan' and the german they let go)
From Lawful Good (PHB pg 104-105): A lawful good character hates to see the guilty go unpunished. Alhandra, a paladin who fights evil without mercy and protects the innocent without hesitation, is lawful good.
These gnolls are guilty, certainly not innocent. Go back to April 19-21 and you'll see that all attempts of getting through without a fight were futile.
IC: "Ender, you brave little one, my gods would approve to destroying evil. Even if they aren't involved in the abduction of the Ahote children, we questioned their knowledge about it and offered a peaceful passage but they refused, even saying, 'Don't let any escape or Kalor will have our hides!'. I would like to know who this Kalor is, and I'd bet this pearl that whoever it is knows much about the abduction. So if you don't like what I intend to do, go with Beren."
Keela Friday May 8th, 2009 12:38:26 AM
Keela generally likes to leave the fighting to those who know how to do it, but the thought of killing the prisoners makes her a little ill.
"Couldn't...couldn't we just take their weapons and let them go?" she asks tentatively. "They can't attack anyone very effectively without weapons. And as you said, Alexi, this Kalor person is going to be pretty unhappy with them."
Prisoner Dilemma
DM Bob and Carla Friday May 8th, 2009 7:59:39 AM Ender steps in Alexi's way, preventing the former Fist from executing the prisoners. A fierce debate ensues about the fate of the priusoners and what is right or honorable in the matter. Jet pushes for a hasty decision one way or the other, his impatience to move on is evident to all. Fatine seems not to care, but the same cannot be said for Beren, Caelnin, or Keela. The final decision would seem to be in Alexi's strong hands as each in turn voices an opinion and then stands back, as if absolving themselves of the outcome. The bound gnolls look pleadingly at the party, all except for the leader of course who remains unconcious but stable.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday May 8th, 2009 8:36:52 AM
"My part has been said. I will not hinder, but I will not help."
The reclusive elf, adjusts his face shield once more, and continues as he has begun to guard.
OOC--I'll let my current spot and listen rolls stand. No real action has occurred to change his status.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday May 8th, 2009 5:31:22 PM
Jet shows no remorse, regret or enjoyment of what Alexi chooses to do.
He continues forward, looking for Col as well.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Saturday May 9th, 2009 12:44:21 PM
"Take their weapons and let them go! i will not have you kill unarmed prisoners!" Ender says with a not of finality! a slight edge creeping into his voice
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Saturday May 9th, 2009 6:03:18 PM
Jet at this point is fuming. He gets down off his mount and approches Ender in a very angry manner. "Get on your horse and come with me. They were told to kill us all and that's what they would have done, if you were the one tied up like they. Then they likely would have spit you on an open fire after, for dinner. I mean it Ender, you do as you are told and let me face the consequences."
Jet doesn't seem happy by the situation, but he obviously set on rescuing the children or finding their captors.
"Ender, you are new with us and do not know how we really are. We are not, and I repeat NOT, ruthless killers as these creatures. We fought Lollena's kidnappers and let the captured, including the leader, go, to return to Floating City, for we knew we would not see or hear of them again.
"We fought bandits trying to destroy the caravan, which you cleverly kept out of the way from, and we did not kill the captured, but brought them to Bryn Baraz, where they now live.
"But these?" he points to the gnolls. "I've heard of these kind. Take their weapons away and let them go? Oh, so now they don't have these," he shakes the rod-and-chain weapons, "But they have plenty more. Oh, so this Kalor will be unhappy with them? Then he perhaps sends them back on us for them to make up for their defeat.
"How in the world can you guarantee they will stay away? You can't. Their word is only as good as we can enforce it. They only respect strength. Pleading eyes or not. But there seems to be three against killing them, two for, and one caring neither way. So to appease your conscience, I'll not kill them. And I swear by the Fist on this." Alexi places his clenched fist over the emblem of the Mailed Fist on his breastplate.
(OOC: Ender, look up the Mailed Fist in the Woldian Organizaitons and you can read all about the honor of the Mailed Fist)
"Go on with Jet now. Do as he says. Time is wasting. My word as a Fist is my Honor."
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Sunday May 10th, 2009 4:21:44 AM
"I guess we still do have a mission, and our first priority is to find the children. And time wasted is time where the children are lost for no reason whatsoever..." Caelnin says as he mounts his horse ready to go. Caelnin is getting annoyed at this situation, becuase it looks like it is going nowhere slowly. *I may be a patient person, but debates aren't my thing...*
"Whatever you want to do, make it quick." as Caelnin remounts his horse and gets ready to leave.
Keela Sunday May 10th, 2009 1:38:35 PM
When Jet and Alexi begin speaking sharply, Keela withdraws, tears stinging her eyes. She still doesn't like the idea of killing the gnolls, but the leaders know best.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Sunday May 10th, 2009 5:56:19 PM
Fatine sighs and stops her horse, waiting for the others to resolve the situation. She puts fingers to lips and whistles loudly, looking around for any sign of her crow.
DM Bob and Carla Monday May 11th, 2009 7:48:32 AM
After much discussion Jet leads the party forward while Alexi stays behind to deal with the gnolls. Assuming that Jet leads them further down the passageway, he will note the walls closing in and teh rocks on either side becoming steeper. After perhaps 1/4 mile, they are down to single file as their route has become nothing more than a winding trail through towering black rock formations. High above them, the dark shadow of a bird flies above the trail.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=23 ; d20+9=29 ; Monday May 11th, 2009 8:32:14 AM
Beren nervously eyes the canyon walls. There will be no escape from an ambush here.
Bow at the ready, he leans in his saddle towards Jet.In a voice barely to be heard by the priest, he says,
"We should wait here until our group is all together."
He says no more. He has already spoken more this day than in many previous days put together. His sense heightened, he watchs foe signs of trouble,and for the return of the others.
spot 23 listen 29 natural 20(sure now that we aren't in battle I roll one of those)
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=9 ; d20+7=10 ; Monday May 11th, 2009 10:26:20 AM
"This dosen't look like a great place to be in..." Caelnin slowly and quietly moves forward keeping his sights firmly in front of him, although Huetheria is making it hard for caelnin to do anything else but ride her.
-----------
Spot: 9, Listen 10 (Lets get these rolls out of the way...)
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=17 ; d20+5=18 ; Monday May 11th, 2009 9:44:57 PM
Ender, Still furious about the treatment of the unarmed captives, moves to the front, a bolt on the crossbow and his senses stretched to his utmost
Spot: 17 Listen: 18
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday May 11th, 2009 11:04:27 PM
Alexi takes the situation in stride. The End, will justify the Means, for now, is his belief. As the others go behind the bend, he ....
DM: Highlight to display spoiler: { As per his his word, he does not kill the captives, but makes their days of combat much more difficult. He lops off the fingers of both hands of each of the captives, just leaving their thumbs. Thinking that Fatine might want a trophy of a conquered foe, he keeps one finger to give to her later. He does not untie them, though, figuring they'll be able to dispose of the bonds on the sharp rocks of the canyon in time.}
Once that's done, Alexi remounts and hurries to catch up with the party. He reaches them quickly, and has the same feeling about the narrowness of the canyon as the others. He sheaths the lance and shield and readies his bow.
Keela Monday May 11th, 2009 11:48:42 PM
Still uneasy, Keela mounts Daisy and follows the others. She does not want to slow up the group.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=11 ; d20+3=20 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 12:02:12 AM
Taking the front again, Jet stays the decoy with Fatine close behind to narrate the direction they should travel. Since there is only one way to go, he stays fast enough to be sure that no one lags behind.
Listen: 11 Spot: 20
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday May 12th, 2009 7:59:03 AM
Uncomfortable with the narrowness of the trail and teh vulnerability of the group, Beren calls for a short halt to allow Alexi to rejoin the group. The former fist finds his way back, and takes up a position near the rear. Jet stays at the front with Fatine who leads the way. The rest keep a watchful eye and bow at the ready, but detect no immediate sign of danger After a time, the canyon divides in two, a path leading to the left and another at a thirty degree angle to the right...
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=10 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+9=13 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 8:26:31 AM
Beren drops to the ground at the divide in the trail. (Track 10) Either no one has passed this way in some time, or weather has obscured any trace. It will be up to Fatine to choose the way. He looks at Jet, shrugs his shoulders, and remounts.
spot 23 liksten 13
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday May 12th, 2009 11:17:04 AM
Jet looks at Fatine, waiting for her to offer a direction.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d100=63 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 7:36:59 PM
Fatine closes her eyes, a look of deep concentration falling over her face. She hums quietly for a few moments, then opens her eyes and looks down each path.
"Huh . . . ." she mutters. "I dunno. Dee spirits no say nuttin' bout dis. Hmm . . . ." She puts a finger to her lips, tapping absently while pondering each path. Jumping down from her horse, she closes her eyes, extends an arm, and starts to spin. "How abooouuuuttttt . . . " she calls as she spins. "Dat way!" she stops suddenly, opening her eyes to see where her arm is pointing.
[rolling d100, 1-50 closer to the left path, 51-100 closer to the right path. Result = 63]
"I guess dee spirits say go right, eh Big Man?" she smiles.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=7 ; d20+5=6 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 7:53:19 PM
Ender, still keeping his senses peaked goes right keeping his crossbow at the ready moves to the right Spot 7 listen 6 (epic fail!)
Keela Tuesday May 12th, 2009 10:05:26 PM
Keela has no idea which way to go, but trusts that the trackers and Fatine can figure it out.
She shifts a little in the saddle, wondering whether she has time to dismount and stretch her legs a bit.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=18 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+5=18 ; Tuesday May 12th, 2009 10:59:18 PM
Rejoining the group, Alexi keeps his battle senses tunned to the cliff sides. He wishes there was a better way to determing their next path, but trusts the visions enough to trust Fatine, even if the witch is a bit, say, odd.
"All we need now is a dizzy Dizzy Witch," he mutters with a rather humorous tone.
Spot d20+1=18, listen d20+1=8
Lobo Spot d20+4= 23, Listen d20+5= 18
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=19 ; d20+7=16 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 6:38:35 AM
Caelnin looks down both paths to see if there is anything darngerous or otherwise....
Spot: 19, Listen 16
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday May 13th, 2009 7:54:37 AM Fatine determines that the path leading right is where they should head and points teh way for teh others. The group follows their strange companions lead and they make their way deeper into the chasms. After several more forks in the path and several more approaches to divining teh correct direction, it begins to dawn on the members of the group, that they have stumbled into a labyrinth of pathways leading through some kind of fractured rock formation. The chasms are 40-50 feet deep, and often less than 10 feet wide, The walls have been smoothed by erosion over the eons, but not to the point of slipperiness. As they await yet another decision from the witch, Col dives down from above them and alights on the ground near the puma, eyeing it warily.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=20 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+5=17 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 8:30:54 AM
Beren suddenly has an idea,
"Fatine, can the puma tell us the way through this maze? His senses are more keen than any of ours."
The ranger once again looks for signs of someone passing (track 17), and watches for danger.
spot 20 listen 17
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday May 13th, 2009 11:14:22 AM
Jet watches as Fatine spins around in circles to determine a path, "Are you flipping serious?" he says in an angry voice. "Is this what you call talking to the spirits? That's just great."
Jet looks around, "Ender, climb up over the ridge and tell me if you see anything like a leaning rock or similar landmarks." He looks toward the ranger and sharpshooter, "If one of you can climb decently, join him please."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+9=11 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 4:47:52 PM
Right, Ender says, donning his climbers gear and stowing his Crossbow... "cover me would you" he grins as he starts climbing,"Oh, and watch my armour until i get back down again"
Climb: 11
OOC: well... i hope now that i have had 3 bad rolls in a row i might get something decent going up!
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+6=8 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 8:50:41 PM
Slinging his bow across his back, caelnin decides to join Ender on the trip up and grabs his climbers kit to make it that bit easier, though it looks like he is having a hard time in doing it quickly.
-------
Climb: 8... (Can I take 10?)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=4 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 9:02:37 PM
"Big Man, how you know dee spirits not make me do dat? How you know dat not what dey plan all dis time? Ooh! I no feel so good . . . ." She holds her stomach for a minute, all the spinning clearly getting the best of her.
At Beren's suggestion, she replies, "Well . . . I prefer dee proven methods, like spinnin' wit' spirits, but it be worth dee try." She concentrates on both Col and Feet of Mist, and casts Speak with Animals (ley roll 4, spell passes).
Looking at both crow and puma, she says, "Now, which one o' you wanna make me look good front o' all dese men? Hmm? Who gon' show ol' Fatine which way we go?"
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {I have completely lost count of Fatine's spells for the day. I know she had at least 1 left, not sure if there were more or not. Can we just say she is out of spells as of casting this one?}
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=12 ; d20+1=4 ; Wednesday May 13th, 2009 9:15:48 PM
Alexi chuckles quietly over Jet's frustration with Fatine. Then looks of concearn and aprehension come over him as his two friends try to climb the cliff. Unable to do anything to help them, he keeps watch for anything coming up from behind them.
Spot d20+1=12, Listen d20+1=4. The perilous climb is distracting him.
Keela Wednesday May 13th, 2009 10:53:10 PM
"I still have that scroll of Fly," Keela offers. "I could cast it on somebody, and they could fly up and get a look."
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 14th, 2009 12:56:27 AM
As the climbers put on their equipment and start up the steep sided canyon Jet looks at Fatine and responds, "I know the spirits well enough to know, not even they have time for that foolishness."
He shakes his head and gives a last Hrummph.
Taking a deep breath, he turns toward Keela and smiles. "If these guys are unsuccessful in navigating us from above, then that will be useful. Good call."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 14th, 2009 7:21:29 AM
Everyone other than Jet Highlight to display spoiler: {When Jet turns away to talk to Keela, Fatine puts her thumb on her nose, wiggles her fingers, and sticks her tongue out at Jet, careful to stop just before he turns back toward her again.}
DM Bob and Carla Thursday May 14th, 2009 7:48:15 AM Jet and Fatine exchange words, and gestures, about how the spirits work and what they do or don't have time for. It is clear to all that Jet has lost any faith he had in Fatine's connection to the spirit world. Alternate plans are deivised and Ender and Caelnin prepare to climb the chasm walls. The going is slow at first as they struggle to find an intial foothold, but after a few false starts they manage to find purchase and climb to the top. [OOC Take ten seems reasonable in teh circumstance]
Fatine casts her final spell on Col and directs him to search for the way forward and report back to her. The bird flies up through the rocks and out of sight. Keela readies her fly spell should it be needed, while the remainder of the party stays alert to potential ambushes and other dangers.
Ender & Caelnin make it to the top of the chasm and poke their heads out to see a bleak landscape of wind scoured black rocks extending in all directions. The cracks in the rocks extend to the northeast in a complex pattern, diberging and converging almost randomly, much like the mouths of the great rivers of the Wold.
Col flies to the northeast as directed, searching for a path. From his vantage point, further up in the sky, he can discern a much larger opening in the rocks some two hours to the northeast. He calls out to Fatine in a series of caws, and clicks that amazingly the small witch can understand.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday May 14th, 2009 8:36:27 AM
Beren sits calmly awaiting the outcome of the climbers and searchers. It is evident to him that they are not on the trail used by the children. The passing of so large a group would have left some evidence. However, that doesn't mean they are not going the right way. It is either trust in good guesses, and hope for the best, or turn back.
As the others describe what they see from their vantage point, he feels even more secure in that idea. They will have to just wend their way as best they can in the direction indicated--Northeast. He holds that direction in his mind, and feels secure that he can lead generally that way inspite of the twists and turns of the path. That decision made in his mind, he immediately prepares to leave.
"Call your climber's down and let us go."
OOC--What happened to the Puma?
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 14th, 2009 1:32:33 PM
"Can you two walk up there to keep our bearings, or would the going be to slow? Jet attempts to shout up to the climbers without letting the whole world know where they are. "Also, do we stay on this path, or should we go back and take the other path?"
jet remains mounted as they try to determine if they need to go back or forward.
Keela Thursday May 14th, 2009 7:43:46 PM
Seeing that they are waiting for the climbers, Keela takes a moment to dismount, stretch a bit, and take a sip of water. She gives Daisy a few friendly pats, wishing she had a carrot or something for her patient mount.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday May 14th, 2009 10:32:27 PM
Alexi stiffles a laugh and remembers when he was the at the end of the witch's 'humor'.
He watches apprehensively as the climbers make it to the top. Obviously, Time has taken second place, as the going is slow. The fighter has faith that the witch was on the right track, even if it is an odd way of showing it. At least the two reached the top without incident. Now will that help any? Alexi wonders.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday May 15th, 2009 8:26:32 AM
Beren waits for the others to climb down.
OOC--awaiting DM post
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Friday May 15th, 2009 12:32:36 PM
Fatine confirms Beren's indication of northeast, relating what Col sees in his flight.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=15 ; Friday May 15th, 2009 9:15:40 PM
Once caelnin can see over the chasm, the view is amazing, but he needs to see if there is a way out of this "maze".
"Hold on a sec. Let's me see if I can make anything out of this mess..." He shouts back down to Jet.
--------
Spot: 15
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+7=23 ; Saturday May 16th, 2009 6:36:35 PM
Jet continues to wait with some small words. "We need to be careful not to be deceived by the complexities of nature. Either choice of routes could end up to run in the direction we want, where the other may lead us away from where we want to go. I would rather not have to back track if this turns out to be the wrong way."
Survival to help navigate direction: 23
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday May 18th, 2009 8:31:11 AM
OOC-- No DM post to respond to.
Beren rides ahead a little ways down the chosen path. He still thinks the puma could probably choose the path better than any of them. For now, he will follow the path the others decide upon. He has seen no signs to indicate any other choice, in spite of his tracking skills.
Tracking orcs was never this difficult. They make a path that a blind man could follow, destroying as they go just for their pleasure.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday May 18th, 2009 7:04:28 PM
"If the cracks arent too far apart... we might be able to jump them" Ender muses... "what do you think Caelnin?"
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday May 18th, 2009 9:01:55 PM
OOC: I will be gone for this week, until next Monday. I received no offers in the LnB for a sub. If someone would like to run him while I am away, it would be appreciated. Thank you.
Jet remains cool on the outside as time ticks away, but on the inside, his days of chaos on the street wants to lead him toward a more random direction. Yet, his brief time with a mentor has shown him, Think first, then act, unless there is no time to think, which means you are in battle.
Another day, Jet can be the free spirit he once was, but since he signed the contract and was given the banner, his life changed a little.
DM Bob and Carla Monday May 18th, 2009 9:38:49 PM Caelnin and Ender take in the view from their lofty perch. Caelnin sees that although the chasms split and diverge many times, they almost always rejoin in the distance. Only the smallest of of the cracks fail to converge, ending blindly in thr rock. All teh larger pathways lead eventually to the northeast. Ender suggests leaping across the chasms from above. This may work for some of teh smaller cracks, but some are as wide as 30' across.
While the party waits for their scouts to descend, they take in the news. Jet in particular seems confident that he will be able to keep them heded in the right direction. Between his sense of direction, the witches crow, and the puma that rests by her side, what could possibly wrong?
Keela Monday May 18th, 2009 11:20:00 PM
Keela looks around at the canyon walls, which all look the same to her. She remembers some of the powerful magicks she has read about--the ability to unerringly find one's way, to give the whole group the power of flight, or to magically teleport them anywhere in the Wold.
Alas, such magicks are not hers. She can conjure a light if need be, but that's about it. She sighs and gives Daisy's muzzle a pat. "At least I can keep up now," she says.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=21 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+9=13 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2009 8:32:54 AM
Beren sits quietly while the others descend. He has fixed in his mind the direction they need to go. Let the others follow as they will. He will scout and lead the way. From the description of the terrain, he feels sure that they will find their way out soon.
While waiting, he shifts some of his arrows from his spare quiver to the main, making sure that he has a full complement of weapons in case of another batle.
survival 21 (sense direction) spot 28 listen 13
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Tuesday May 19th, 2009 10:45:17 AM
"Jump?" Caelnin wonders and shakes his head. "I don't have the legs for it, even with a running start..."
"But it seems to be okay to just follow any path as they look as if they meet up anyway." Caelnin shouts back down into the chasm. "Once in a while we'll take a look up if we are able to and see our progress. How does that sound?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=8 ; d20+1=6 ; Tuesday May 19th, 2009 8:07:29 PM
Alexi waits patiently, and a little aprehensively. 'Should we be attacked when they are partway down...' he shakes off the thought and keeps vigilant for danger.
Spot d20+1=8, Listen d20+1=6. Alas, the distractions and echoes are too much for him to be as sharp as he usually is.
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday May 20th, 2009 7:48:46 AM
Satisfied that he can lead the party unerringly towards the northeast, and further buoyed by the news from Ender and Caelnin[/b], Beren leads the adventurers forwards once the scouts have climbed back down. Keela stays near the center of the group while Alexi takes up the rear and wonders just what may befall them if they were to be attacked when so vulnerable.
The remainder of the day is spent travelling through the winding passages of the rock maze, always towards the northeast, always with an eye to the rim of the canyons. As evening falls, Beren emerges from a final bend in the walls to look out body of dark water surrounded by the same black rocks as they have been travelling through. One side of the lake is bound by tall black cliffs, and the other by gently sloping rocks that leave the shoreline some 50' before sharply rising into cliffs as well.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=17 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2009 8:32:13 AM
"A stark place to camp, yet still a place."
Beren sets about making what camp can be made in this black hole. HIs eye is always to the cliffs as he goes about his work.
spot 17 listen 25
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=18 ; d20+5=24 ; Wednesday May 20th, 2009 6:32:17 PM
helping beren setting up camp Ender quietly notes... "I dont like the look of this place... no matter where we go looks ripe for an ambush!"
Spot 18 Listen 24
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 20th, 2009 8:42:26 PM
Alexi eyes the new place as he exits the narrow canyon. "Not the best place for a picknick," he muses. "Ants would be the least of our worries. Watch the water. I'd make a wild guess nothing good will be living in it. Perhaps we'll be lucky and nothing will be living in it."
Alexi helps make camp, finding a place up against the rock cliff to secure the horses.
OOC: this gently sloping 'beach', or [gently sloping rocks that leave the shoreline some 50' ], is there any sand at all? is it pebbly? or is it just solid rock?
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=13 ; d20+7=20 ; Thursday May 21st, 2009 1:47:34 AM
"I don't like the look of this place either... But I guess that we do need a good rest for what come may..." Caelnin says as he pats Huetheria on her head.
----
Spot:13 Listen:20
DM Bob and Carla Thursday May 21st, 2009 7:44:36 AM
The party sets up a makeshift camp along the edge of ther cliff and as far from the lake as possible. The solid rock that slopes into the cold dark water provides little comfort and seems to hold none of the warmth that one might expect given it's exposure to the sun for most of the day. The black waters of the lake provide Alexi with ample reason for concern, for unknown are the terrible creatures that might lurk there.
Despite the party's vigilance, there is no sign of other life in this forbidding place and the night passes uneventfully. The far end of the lake would appear to be a full day's travel, although distances can be hard to judge and one can never be sure if what appears to be the end of the lake is simply a peninsula or island cutting off the line of sight.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=29 ; Thursday May 21st, 2009 8:29:29 AM
Morning rises on the bleak, stony landscape. When all are ready, Beren once more takes the lead scouting position. Were it not for his red horse, the ranger in his strangely mottled cloak, would shift in and out of sight. He keeps his eyes and ears open for any sign of trouble, his only noticable movement is one of adjusting his mask before he sets out.
spot 28 listen 29 perfect 20
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 21st, 2009 12:11:00 PM
Fatine spends a bit of time in the evening, and again in the morning, working with the puma, attempting to teach it various words of command. Otherwise, she pitches in with the camp set up and take down, and in the morning, whispers a few words to Col before setting him off to fly ahead. "An' don' land on any gnolls, bird!" she calls after the crow.
JET, by sub Fatine Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 21st, 2009 12:12:31 PM
Jet rises with an annoyed groan. Poking a booted toe at the rocky ground, he grumbles, "At least better than sleeping in those narrow passages back there. Sitting ducks for an ambush." Stretching, he works the kinks out of his muscles, puts his armor back on, and is ready to ride.
Keela Thursday May 21st, 2009 3:16:14 PM
Keela doesn't like sleeping on the hard ground. Worse, she worries about the animals.
"Do we have any feed for them?" she asks. She looks around to see if there is vegetation of any kind, growing anywhere.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=21 ; d20+1=3 ; Thursday May 21st, 2009 9:13:43 PM
OOC: Fatine, you forgot to have Jet do his morning ritual, praying, er, 'saluting' to all the gods. :)
IC: Alexi awakens and hears Keela voice his unspoken concern the night before. What about feed for the animals?
"Not just feed, but water too. I don't really want to let Lobo drink that stuff," he points to the dark lake water. "Jet may be able to pray for clean water. I've seen Mailed Fist clerics do that. Don't know if he can get food. Our horses can go without food for a day or so, but not much longer."
As the party starts moving again, Alexi cautions, "Let's not go charging around on these rocks. This surface is not good footing for our horses."
Spot d20+1=21 (yeah! what a fine, clear day!) Listen d20+1=3 (It is so clear, it has clogged up my ears!)
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=17 ; d20+5=23 ; Friday May 22nd, 2009 6:08:34 AM
Ender brings up the rear, loaded crossbow at the ready
Spot: 17 Listen: 23
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=24 ; Friday May 22nd, 2009 8:44:26 AM
Hearing the others talking of feed for the horses, Beren brings from his saddle bags a large sack.
" I always carry a sack of feed for Red, in case there is no grazing. I have enough, I think, for each of the horses to eat today, and perhaps tomorrow as well. (two weeks feed--oats and grain which does not need as much to keep the horses going well) As for water, I carry a little of that as well, but not enough for all the horses. They will have to chance the lake water, if they will, or go without for now."
The elven ranger adjusts his face mask once more. It is an unplannned thing, more habit than need. He then distributes the grain in small equal portions to each horse.
That done, he once again mounts and takes the scout to lead the party away from this dreary shore.
spot 13 listen 24
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Sunday May 24th, 2009 8:49:25 AM
Caelnin takes his position nearby Beren, to make sure that he doesn't miss anything. He knows that he wouldn't normally, but having another set of eyes on the track ahead is better than not having enough.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=14 ; d20+7=13 ; Sunday May 24th, 2009 8:50:10 AM
OOC: Clicked on submit rahter than roll...
Spot: 14 Listen: 13
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday May 25th, 2009 12:04:39 PM
OOC- no DM post to respond to
Beren cannot help but think about his past as he rides down the narrow canyon. The silence seems to impose itself into his brain, drawing out memories of his brother, his master, and others he has met along the way. Too many years he went alone, hunting the orcs of the forest, hoping for death. His master changed that. Showed him that he could use his life to help others.
Now, here he is, riding with people he has known only a short time, and yet he has been willing to risk his life for them. Is this friendship? The solitary figure shakes his head slightly. He does not know. For now he will do his job. The rest of the answers will come.
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday May 26th, 2009 7:35:20 AM
The party members rise slowly from the hard ground and ready themselves for the day ahead. The horses have travelled far, and after some concern is raised about their state, Beren pulls a sack of feed from his stores and shares it amongst them. Water is a different issue, an entire lake of water lays but a few yards away, but none dare partake.
Fatine sends Col aloft to act as a scout and spends some time training the puma. The group remains alert to danger despite being free from teh narrow confines of the chasms and canyons, but no danger is evident, other than that posed to the horses by the rocky ground and poor footing, and of course whatever they imagine resides in the blackness of the water they have so carefully avoided.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+5=25 ; Tuesday May 26th, 2009 8:40:55 AM
"If we ride carefully, and conserve the horses, we might be able to bypass this water, but it may come to the point where it will be this water, or our horses. I will try the water with Red first if we must. He will know if it is potable, or not."
Beren eyes the water, trying to judge its quality. He will even go so far as to move to the water's edge, and dip a small container of water. Maybe they can boil it if it seems foul.
spot 15 listen 22 survival 25 (perfect 20!)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday May 26th, 2009 11:09:32 AM
Jet readies his mount for the day. He looks to Fatine, Can Col find a different route or has he seen the leaning spire nearby, that we need to find?"
He looks to Ender and Beren, "Would the other passage we could have taken, brought us here also? Did you notice this lake while you were up there?" He asks those that went to the top yesterday.
DM info needed please.
Keela Tuesday May 26th, 2009 11:17:34 AM
After an uncomfortable night on the rocky ground, Keela prepares her spells for the next day. Today, she prepares a Detect Poison in place of her usual Ray of Frost.
Once she has the spell ready, she casts it and looks out at the dark waters of the lake. Is it poisonous?
Today's Spells:
0 - Detect Magic 0 - Detect Poison (cast) 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 1 - Color Spray 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 1 - Sleep 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday May 26th, 2009 9:34:59 PM
Alexi eye's Beren with that kind of smile Jet is more familiar with when the ranger suggest trying the lake water.
"I'd be more comfortable having Jet pray for rain. We could all pray for rain, as far as that goes. But let's not risk this water just yet. I don't want anyone sick before we meet and recover the children. I'd make a good guess that wherever they are, there will be suitable water." The last bid he says with hope, as he does not want to dwell on the alternative with their Ahote companion present.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=13 ; d20+5=22 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 7:11:12 AM
Ender still stays quiet while pondering their surroundings "This place give me the creeps he!"
Spot 13 Listen 22
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday May 27th, 2009 8:01:42 AM
Concerned about potable water, Beren takes a sample of lake water, he finds it to be clear and very cold. There is no odor to it and it does not appear tainted, but there is relly only one way to tell..., except that Keela has wisely prepared for such a circumstance and detects poison on the lake. She detects nothing from the dark water.
Jet questions Ender and Caelnin about what they observed from above the canyons and they reiterate that the rockform was highly fractured and multiple canyons diverged and converged so that multiple routes would eventually lead to the same spot. They also say that the opening that the lake is in was visible from their vantage but the lake itself was not discernable.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 8:31:21 AM
OOC--assuming DM open knowledge is information shared by the party members.
Hearing Keela's pronouncement that the water is not poisonous, Beren takes a long sip.
"The water is dark due to the dark stone underneath. It is cold and clear."
He leads Red to the water's edge, and allows the horse to drink carefully. It is still very cold, and he does not want to water log the thirsty horse. He then refills his own water skins depeleted by the journey thus far.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 11:25:04 AM
Jet will stop anyone from drinking directly from the pool of water until Keela tests it. Then he acknowledges her skill, "Nice job."
He takes his time however long that takes, to determine if evil resides within or not and if no, it is then, he allows others to drink from the pool as he continues to scan the area they are in, perhaps taking up to 30 minutes.
+Detect Evil, Detect Evil, Resistance
Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, Enlarge Person
DM sanity note: Each round, you can turn to detect evil in a new area. The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=13 ; Wednesday May 27th, 2009 11:51:36 AM
OOC: Sorry for my lack of posting... University and musical theatre taking up almost all of my time...
Caelnin makes sure that they are heading in the right direction, and too see if there is anything in the distance ahead that the party should know about.
Spot: 13
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday May 27th, 2009 10:27:31 PM
Alexi watches as Beren braves the lake waters. "A braver soul is hard to find," he whispers to Ender. "Live and learn," he finishes with a smile, humbled by Beren's bravery as he watches the top of the waters for ripples.
With no ill effects to speak of, yet, Alexi says, "Well, our water problems seem to be solved. Our horses can go a little without food, but not without water."
Once Beren is done, he takes his turn refilling his water skin, tasting the water first, and giving Lobo some, but like Beren and Red, not too much.
Keela Thursday May 28th, 2009 12:26:28 AM
"Well," Keela says doubtfully. "It isn't poison, but that doesn't mean it's wholesome. We probably shouldn't drink too much of it right away."
Nonetheless, she can't help but feel a little relief. Horses need a lot of water, especially when carrying riders.
JET, by sub Fatine Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:19:28 AM
Fatine lets her horse and the puma take a few sips of water, then has a quick drink herself. Once done, she asks of no one in particular, "You wan' me to check wit' dee spirits 'gain so we know what ways we be goin'?" She has a mischievous grin on her face.
Fatine Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:19:51 AM
corrected header
DM Bob & Carla Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:55:15 AM Beren correctly points out that the color of the lake originates from the underlying stone, and that the water itself is clear and cold...very cold...too cold to simply drink straight from the lake, The water can be warmed in the sun or through flame to make it bearable, but those that choose to drink heartily straight from the lake face 1d6 cold damage, including horses and pumas. Wisely, most restrict their consumption and suffer little more than aching teeth for a short period.
Jet checks to see if anything evil lurks in the water. He finds the lingering dim aura of evil in all of the water he can scan, as if something evil had occupied the immediate area recently.
With their water problems solved, Fatine offers to lead the group onward in their search for the children.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=14 ; d20+9=10 ; Thursday May 28th, 2009 8:38:45 AM
"Fill all the water skins we can. We can drink more later when the water has time to warm slightly. Let us be off."
Beren once again takes the lead,looking at Fatine to confirm the direction.
spot 14 listen 10 (natural one--I'm not listening)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday May 28th, 2009 2:44:31 PM
"There is a taint of evil about this water, but without the ability to breath water or endure the cold, we can not investigate further. Come, let us go before it decides to come back and drag one of into the frigid depths of the pool."
Continuing to concentrate on auras of evil that may be within range, he mounts Bantom and continues on with their journey through the rocks.
Active spells: Detect Evil
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=16 ; d20+5=6 ; Thursday May 28th, 2009 7:53:52 PM
Still bringing up the rear Ender keeps his eyes and ears open
Spot 16 Listen 6 (natural 1, Ender joins Beren in not listening)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=9 ; d20+1=4 ; Thursday May 28th, 2009 9:20:48 PM
Alexi gets a head ache from drinking the water. "Ei! Don't drink this water faster than a sip at a time. It is *&(*# cold!" Grimmacing at his words with ladies present, he appologizes, "Sorry ladies. The cold caught me by surprize."
Filling up his empty containers and letting Lobo take small drinks, he is ready to move on. Pondering out loud he comments, "What kind of evil can make this water so cold just by being near it or getting into it? Perhaps the cold comes from some other unatural source that keeps it from warming up during the heat of the day."
As the others mount up and prepare to move out, Alexi takes out his map and sketches the rocky passage as best he can remember, with the lake at the end and the caption Very Cold Water.
Spot d20+1=9, listen d20+1=4 (the cold water is still affecting him)
Keela Friday May 29th, 2009 12:43:23 AM
Keela gets ready to leave with the others. "Perhaps the lake will warm a little later in the day," she says, but she doesn't have much hope. The lake is very large, and probably very deep.
She makes sure all her waterskins are filled, and climbs atop Daisy to start another day.
DM Bob & Carla Friday May 29th, 2009 7:46:30 AM
With waterskins refilled and horses fed, the party once again sets out in search of the children. Jet takes the lead, allowing his steed to pick it's way across the smooth rocks while he concentrates on his spell, scanning the surroundings as they go. At first the cleric finds nothing, but as they proceed he notices the faint flicker of an aura...a sign that something evil has passed this way...and it seems to be leading him to the far end of the lake where black cliffs once again rise to meet the horizon. Fatine's raven flies overhead, soaring on the updrafts that rise up the cliff faces as the black stone is heated by the sun and in turn heats the air.
OOC you have been travelling for nearly an hour when Jet picks up the sign.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20=7 ; d20+9=20 ; Friday May 29th, 2009 8:26:01 AM
Beren chafes a little at the continued monotony of the landscape. When will the blackstone region end? He longs for the green of the forests of his home. Nowhere has he felt comlete since he lft there.
However, as his master taught him, evil dwells in more creatures than the Orcs of the forest. He will continue to the end of his committment here, or he will die here. Such is his oath.
spot (add +9 to 1st roll) 16 listen 20
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=14 ; Friday May 29th, 2009 11:29:11 AM
"Heyyyaawwwww!!!" Jet from no where spurs his mount forward for no apparent reason until he tells the group, "Evil is illuding us!"
Jet, using Bantoms full run action attempts to catch up to the fleeing force which triggers his Detect Evil spell.
Ride 14
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday May 29th, 2009 7:53:09 PM "Jet! Beware the slippery rocks!" Alexi warns as their leader takes off.
He quickly turns to the others, "Don't know what got into him! Could be some bad magic! If we go tromping off like that on these slippery rocks we risk injury to horse and self. We surely can't keep up that kind of pace without knowing where and how far to go!"
Alarmed he turns to Beren and Caelnin, "Do either of you see anything?" and then turns to Fatine and Honaw, "Do either of you sense anything?"
Keela Sunday May 31st, 2009 8:51:56 PM
"Oh!" Keela is caught by surprise when Jet takes off. "Ohh...drat the man! What does he think he's doing?"
She urges Daisy forward, but no more than a fast walk, mindful of Alexi's warnings.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=29 ; d20+9=11 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 8:31:24 AM
OOC-- no dm post to respond to
Beren tries to see what has upset Jet. He hears nothing unusual.
spot 29 (perfect 20) listen 11
DM Bob & Carla Monday June 1st, 2009 6:53:21 PM
As the party members make their way carefully around the lake, the high sides of the dark rock hold them close to the cold, dark body of water. It is almost claustrophobic, except that the lake is so vast, and open to the sky. It makes Baren yearn for the living green of the woods of the charted lands. His keen elven eyes, miss nothing, but see nothing either in this lonesome, dark, and desolate place. His ears pick up only the whisper of the wind as it whispers across the lake...and then...
Jet whoops excitedly at the faint flicker of evil...dim in strength...that seems to linger along a path going to the north-east around the lake. The cleric spurs his horse forward, putting some distance between himself and the cautious group trailing behind.
Shouting out a warning Alexi continues with a careful Keela and the rest of the party in tow. The fighting man cautions all to use their skills and remain on alert as they make their way arount the lake.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=23 ; d20+5=13 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 9:55:39 PM
Ender picks up his pace a bit, still tying to stay alert and keeping his crossbow loaded and ready
Spot 23 Listen 13
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Monday June 1st, 2009 10:24:43 PM
Fatine rides along, watching Jet rush forward. She doesn't push her horse faster, just rides next to Keela. Leaning over, she says, "Let dem dere men rush on up and get knocked in dee face, hmm?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=13 ; Monday June 1st, 2009 10:49:21 PM
Glad that the others heeded his caution, was also suddenly reminded of Ender's goat not being able to move as fast as a horse, although the thought that a goat would fare better on rocks than a horse quickly flashed across his mind.
"I sure wish he'd be more specific!" Alexi stated exasperated. "He's forgotten about Ender's goat and the extra horses we have with us. We can't just go charging off like that!"
OOC: Survival Check to try to determine how fast to push a horse on the current rocky surface, d20+1=13
IC: thinking that he might be able to move faster, safer, if dismounted, Alexi reigns Lobo in and dismounts, continuing the chase at a hustle. (OOC: Alexi can hustle at 600ft per minute (no damage), PHB pg 162, table 9-3. However, if it appears he can move faster than that mounted, he'll remount.)
Keela Monday June 1st, 2009 11:26:28 PM
Keela concentrates on keeping up. "Don't stumble, Daisy," she murmurs.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 2:42:05 AM
Jet breaks out in a fast pace as long as he picks up the trace of evil, but if he loses it, he will wait for the group to catch up to him and continue on, always staying wary and concentrating on his spell.
If the trace still lingers though, he will follow it.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=10 ; d20+9=25 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=15 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 8:33:40 AM
Beren follows along, waiting for the rest of the group. His senses are alert for danger, but he sees nothing here. He shakes his head, afraid that that will not last for long.
spot 10 (natural 1) listen 25
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=26 ; d20+7=12 ; Tuesday June 2nd, 2009 8:19:35 PM
Trying to keep up, Caelnin looks out for any sort of trouble ahead. The sense of danger heightens his sight, but concentrating on his eyes, he forgets about his ears.
spot 26 listen 12
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 12:21:42 AM Alexi assesses the route and figures the party can stay on their horses. In fact, the path the group are following widens out a bit. Oh! The cold lake to their right is still there, dark and brooding, and the steep sides of the chasm show darkly to their left, but the space between the two widens considerably assuring the group need not pass too close to the water...if they don't wish to.
The party could even chase after Jet of they wished. The clatter of the cleric's war horses hooves on the smooth black rocks echoes down the canyon and across the lake and carries back to his companions. It is almost an affront on the elvish ears of Beren and Caelnin which have picked up no sound other than the whisper of the wind, and the faint lapping of the cold, dark lake water. It is really quite unnaturally quiet.
Fatine and Keela confer quietly, while Ender tries to keep up.
Jet Highlight to display spoiler: { follows the dim trace of residual evil that seems to lead him north, north east. As he rounds a section of the black rock shore, following the curve of the lake where it narrows a bit, he spots what appears to be a section of the rock that seems to have broken off from the face, and leans away from it.}
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 3:45:47 PM
Fatine doesn't speed up unless the others do. She keeps pace with the group either way.
She does look around the sky and whistles for Col. If he appears, she sends him forward to check on Jet and report back.
Under The Tilted Spire
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday June 3rd, 2009 11:23:48 PM Fatine signals Col, sending him forward to where Jet rides on ahead of the party. As the group 'rounds a bend in the lake, they see what transfixes the cleric: there is a section of the rock that seems to have broken off from the face, and leans away from it.
For those who had shared the dream with the Ahote shaman, there is a sense of deja vu.
Jet is worried about loosing the trail of evil...but it is still there. So dim as to almost evade him...but not quite...and it is leading him towards the rock spire that points a dark finger to the sky.
Keela Thursday June 4th, 2009 12:47:47 AM
"Oh dear," Keela says under her breath as she rounds the bend. A bit louder, she adds, "I guess that's it. Are we ready?"
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday June 4th, 2009 2:19:44 AM
Jet waits for the others to arrive. "Alexi, Ender, you two take the front. Ender see if you can find some traps while Alexi watches your back." He turns to those that use missle weapons best, Stand ready to fire at close range. To the ladies, please take turns casting spells, to conserve your powers."
Jet knows, it is unlikely any of them will listen to him, but at least he tries to give some words of wisdom.
Beren(AC 18, HP 21/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=10 ; d20+9=14 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 8:27:33 AM
OOC--Sorry for the no post yesterday. I was gone all day to an acitivity.
Beren stares at the forbidding spire. Just like in the vision. His bow is ready,so he checks his other weapons as well. He is as ready as he can be.
spot 10 natural 1 listen 14 ( get those bad rolls out now) :o)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=4 ; d20-4=10 ; d20+1=14 ; Thursday June 4th, 2009 10:14:56 PM
OOC: ooops. I read yesterday's post, got distracted, then forgot I hadn't posted...
IC: Alexi joins Jet and nodds at Jet's suggestion. "Good idea. Sounds the best strategic tactic to do."
Dismounting, he stows his lance, takes a torch and holds it in his shield hand, unlit, then draws his sword. Motioning to Ender to follow him, he approaches the entrance but stays some 5 feet from it.
Whispering he says, "See if there are any traps here at the entrance".
Beren(AC 18, HP 21/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday June 5th, 2009 8:27:23 AM
OOC--no DM post to respond to . WIll try to post later.
Beren stays ready as the group decides how to approach this place of the vision.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+11=23 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+5=13 ; Friday June 5th, 2009 9:23:22 AM
Ender stows his Crossbow and Slowly follows Alexi, dagger drawn
Move Silently: 23 Spot: 7 Listen 13
OOC: Sorry about my patchy posting, but work has been absolute murder!!!
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=21 ; d20+7=12 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 6:26:49 AM
Caelnin makes sure that his trusty bow is ready, grabbing a few arrows just in case something quick happens.
Spot: 21 Listen: 12
DM Bob & Carla Monday June 8th, 2009 7:58:40 AM Jet lead the group to the base of the spire where he confirms that the leaning finger of rock is as he and the others dreamed. He orders the others to search the area for traps. None are found, but Caelnin does notice what appears to be a roughly hewn and uneven set of stairs carved into the rock wall where the spire has separated from the cliff face. The stairs bend inward, and curve out of site behind the split in the rocks some 20' above him. Jet's detect evil spell expires and the faint aura of evil that led him to this place evaporates in front of him. A cool wind blows from across the expanse of the lake, chilling them as they search the area.
Beren(AC 18, HP 21/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=18 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=28 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 8:43:34 AM
"What say you? Up the stairs?"
The elven ranger looks for any sign that someone has gone this way recently. (Track 18) He is ready to lead. It is time to end this.
spot 11 listen 28
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday June 8th, 2009 2:34:35 PM
"A stairway you say?" Alexi states. "Hmmm. I'd say we see what's up with these stairs before heading into the crevase."
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+11=17 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+5=11 ; Monday June 8th, 2009 7:52:54 PM
following Alexis comment Ender changes direction and heads up the Stairway
Move Silently: 17 Spot: 24 Listen: 11
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) Monday June 8th, 2009 11:00:54 PM
Still gripping his arrows, Caelnin waits till the stairs have been searched and cleared of any dangers. As Ender heads up the the staircase Caelnin hopes that there isn't much up there, but knows that it will be inevitable some time or another.
Keela Tuesday June 9th, 2009 12:12:54 AM
"Here we go," Keela murmurs to herself. She slides down from Daisy, and moves to follow the others up the stairs.
"Do you have enough light up there?" she asks the leaders.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=5 ; d20+3=19 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2009 2:32:45 AM
Jet too dismounts and pulls his sword, but stays near the mouth of the cave as some of the others search the stairwell. He stands as still as possible and looks deep into the mouth entrance, trying to let his human eyes adjust to what might lie within.
Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, Enlarge Person
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday June 9th, 2009 7:53:01 AM
The staircase leads upward very steeply, and the hard stone reveals little in the way of tracks or marks. Beren and Ender lead the way upwards and inwards, following the curvature of the rough hewn stairs as it leads them into a deep crack in the rock face. Keela and Caelnin follow, while Jet examines the base of teh cliff where the finger of rock has separated. He finds no cave entrance, only a split in the rock, the same split that the staircase climbs.[OOC sorry if I have misled you somewhere]
As Beren and the others climb, the fracture leads to a natural cavern, the size of which is difficult to determine as the outside light is soon cut off from view and the black rock seems to almost absorb the dim light that remains. What is clear is that the cavern continues into the darkness and the stairs have levelled off into what might be described as a path if it were not so rough and discontinuous. [OOC a source of light will be needed to proceed]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=28 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2009 10:35:16 AM
Taking a lantern from inside his haversack, Beren lights it. He takes a long look around in the light that it gives off.
"I am no dwarf, but I will lead if you wish."
spot 15 listen 28
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Tuesday June 9th, 2009 5:31:14 PM
Ender Still waits for the go ahead from the others
Keela Tuesday June 9th, 2009 7:52:45 PM
Keela pulls out her Wand of Mage Armor, just in case having it in hand will be useful. She follows the others, ready to cast Light at a moment's notice if Beren's lantern should fail.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=13 ; d20+1=3 ; Tuesday June 9th, 2009 8:37:03 PM
OOC: yeah, I mis-read the fissure are a cavern too. No biggy. But you never now, could have been a guardian of the stair hidden there...
IC: The others go in front of Alexi except for Jet, who has verified that there would be nothing coming up from behind, at least not from the fissure. Alexi then takes the horses and secures them, tying the reigns to pointy rocks and such, if available, or any other best means at hand. Then he takes to the stairs and joins the others.
"Beren, will that light hamper your special ability to see in the dark? I can hold the lantern some feet behind you, shading the light as needed."
If that is acceptable, Alexi will hold the lantern with his shield hand, 10 feet behind Beren, shielding the light for Beren to scan with his elven vision, then un-shielding the light, and so forth as they proceed.
Spot d20+1=13 Listen d20+1=3 (yeech!)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+7=22 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 3:32:20 AM
Jet orders Banton to Guard the area and brings up the rear. He walks carefully up the stairs and motions for them to continue to "search" the area as they ascend.
Handle animal: 22
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday June 10th, 2009 7:53:21 AM
Horses secured and the bottom of the stair fully explored, the party completes it's ascent. The stairs bend with the natural curvature of the rockface. Each step is almost twice the normal rise between steps as most human built staircases and without any form of handrail, their is a natural tendency to hug the cliff face. The stairs spill into a cavern some 90' above the lake and a pathway worn by the passage of others is faintly discernable in the dim light of the lantern. The cavern appears to be huge, stretching beyond the glow of the lantern, and complex, with either many chambers or many natural pillars stretching from floor to ceiling, The walls, roof and ceiling are all of the same black rock that seems to comprise the entire area. A scattering of Stalactites hang from the roof some 50' above.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=17 ; d20+9=11 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 9:46:41 AM
OOC-- The way I understand elven vision is that I can , "Low-Light Vision: An elf can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination. He retains the ability to distinguish color and detail under these conditions. Thus the lamp helps me see farther, not the lack of light.
Beren allows the lantern to be taken. It will free up his hands if he needs his bow.
"Stay near with the light. It will aid me in seeing further into this gloom."
spot 17 listen 11 (echoes must be disturbing my sensitive elven ears)
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=21 ; d20+3=15 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 11:01:12 AM
"Someone check those tracks for what they might be." Jet reminds the ranger as he stops to spot and listen for anything in the cavern.
Listen: 21 Spot: 15
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=23 ; d20+5=15 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 4:20:00 PM
Ender gets his crossbow out and follows a few yards behind Beren
Spot 23 Listen 15
Caelnin (AC 16, HP 21/21) d20+8=24 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 7:38:33 PM
Caelnin wonders how the party will make a quick escape if they have to, "How are we going to find our way out if there might different passages to go through..."
Caelnin stays a few feet away from the source of light, making sure that everything is clear and that he might be able to hear something over the echoes of his and the group's footsteps.
Spot: 24 Listen: 24
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:24/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=10 ; Wednesday June 10th, 2009 10:13:05 PM
ooc: not having played an elf in 3.5, I often forget the change in elven vision and that 'Infravision' is now old and passe'. :}
IC: Beren explains elven vision to Alexi, who replies, "Ahhh..." and sticks next to the ranger, holding the lantern up high, over his own head, to shed as much light as possible.
"My oh my oh my!" Alexi whispers at the size of the cavern. He pears up at the faint ceiling, wondering how sturdy it is.
Spot any movement (however a normal lantern only gives light up to 30') d20+1=10 (too much dark and shadows)
Keela Thursday June 11th, 2009 12:04:09 AM
Keela is puffing a little from the long climb, and her legs ache from negotiating the oversized steps. She looks wonderingly around at the big cavern, but takes care not to ruin any sign the trackers may be able to follow.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=6 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=22 ; Thursday June 11th, 2009 10:18:08 AM
OOC--No DM post to respond to
Beren scans for signs of tracks. He does not hold out much hope on the stone floors, but some dust has settled there, and it is protected from the wind and weather, so there is still some hope.
Track 6 (natural 1! OOh, the great and mighty ranger shows his tracking skills) spot 16 listen 22
Darkmantles
DM Bob & Carla d20+9=13 ; d20+9=21 ; d4+4=5 ; d20+9=27 ; d4-4=-3 ; d4+4=5 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=19 ; d4+4=6 ; d3=3 ; d4+4=8 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=17 ; d4+4=6 ; d4+4=7 ; Thursday June 11th, 2009 8:58:28 PM
The party creeps cautiously into the cavern, searching for tracks, scanning the shadows for movement, and generally getting their bearings. Beren hands over the lantern to Alexi and leads the way deeper into the cavern. The cavern echoes with their footsteps, and there is a faint dripping sound from somewhere up ahead. Every now and then Ender and Caelnin can hear a faint pinging sound, but cannot determine just what it is, or from where it emminates. The shadows move and creep about the cavern as the lantern itself moves, and as different party members cross in front of it.
When Beren has led the party some 80' into the cavern. Alexi follows behind some 10 feet and the remainder of the party stays close to the light with the exception of Caelnin who holds position some 10' further away on the flank.
Without warning, the light from the lantern is extinguished and the cavern is pitched into a darkness that even those with elven vision cannot penetrate. Alexi feels something brush against him and a loud 'plop' sounds from just behind him. Ender is nearly doubled over by the force of something slamming into him in the darkness [Hit AC 21 for 5 dmg]. Whatever it is, wraps itself tightly about the halflings head, squeezing and cutting off his supply of air [Grapple=21 for 5 dmg]. A third 'splat' sounds somewhere from behind Caelnin. Before he can react, Jet is also slammed from above [Hit AC 29/19 confirmed critical for 14 HP] and he too finds his head and face encased in a leathery envelope that squeezes tightly [Grapple=29/17 critical for 13 HP].
Other than the sounds of muffled yells from the party, and the sound of something hitting the ground, the attack happens in silence.
[OOC please ignore d4-4 and d3 rolls, uncoordinated fingers hit the wrong keys; there is no map at this point because all of you are in darkness]
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+7=15 ; d20=12 ; d20+1=7 ; Thursday June 11th, 2009 10:57:21 PM
"Magical Darkness!" Alexi warns with a loud hiss. "Something is attacking from above!" he adds, louder, as he feels something brush against him and hears the 'plop' right behind him.
Alexi spins around and swipes his sword at where he thinks the 'thing' landed. By the sound it made, he judges that it is some sort of amorphous creature and swipes low.
Att d20+7=15, tot con check 50% (miss low) d20=12, possible hit
New AC16 adjusted for lack of Dex bonus being in total darkness.
Spot d20 - 100 = ? Listen d20+1=7
Keela [Light] [AC 12; HP 18/18] d20+11=19 ; Friday June 12th, 2009 12:22:33 AM
Keela can't help giving a little shriek when the light goes, but she is prepared for this.
She casts cautiously, not knowing what else might be around her ready to attack. Not knowing where else to put it, she places the light at the tip of her wand.
[Cast Light defensively. Concentration check 19.]
Active spells: Light (time remaining 29 minutes, 9 rounds)
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=11 ; Friday June 12th, 2009 9:40:41 AM
Beren tries to penetrate the darkness, but with no luck. He feels his way towards the sound of the struggling. He tries to think of what this could be attacking them. Has he ever heard of something like this? (Knowldege nature 11).
When he finally does reach the side of those attacked, he will try to aid as best he can.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:1/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+6=25 ; Friday June 12th, 2009 11:47:56 AM
Jet reaches up and around his face and pulls away whatever fell on him. Being able to breath being of the utmost importance right now, he takes a delayed action to think a moment.
Player mistake: I rolled his B.A.B. without using the DC10 base Woldian rules, so his grapple would be 35. I have a question in the rules board and will post actions later today. One hit point left, nice rolls. :)
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=14 ; Saturday June 13th, 2009 7:53:41 AM "I wished I listend more to my father when he were giving me lectures on 'what to do when you are attacked in the darkness.'" Caelnin thinks as he thinks of what to do next.
He comes to the conclusion that shooting arrows in the dark is not a good idea and decides to get his longsword out in case something comes closer to him. Caelnin also turns towards where he heard the splat from behind him, as that seems to be the closest threat.
Listen: 14
DM Bob & Carla d4+4=8 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+9=17 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=5 Monday June 15th, 2009 7:42:18 AM
As Ender and Jet struggle against their unseen foes, Keela attempts to cast a light spell to no avail, the darkness remains. Caelnin, Alexi, Fatine and Beren search for their friends in the inky black. The creature that has grabbed Ender continues to squeeze, doing another 8 HP damage to the rogue. Jet manages to peel teh creature from his face and grab a breath of air. The creature continues to struggle against him but fails to regrasp the cleric. Another creature joins the fray, dropping down on Keela and slamming into her [Hit AC=27 for 7 HP]. It attempts to wrap itself about her in the dark [grapple = 17 for 5 more HP].
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday June 15th, 2009 3:22:13 PM
OOC--Not sure what our marching order was, but whoever I come to first as I work my way back to the struggling group.
Beren searches in the dark for the muffled cries of his fellow group members. He's noty sure who it is, as he finds something wrapped around there face and head. Searching for an edge, he tries to pry it off, Whatever it is.
"Stand still, and let me help you."
Ender [AC 18, HP 11/24] d20+2=6 ; Monday June 15th, 2009 7:07:28 PM
Ender, starting to panic, desperately tries to pry the weird thing from his head grabble: 6
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=4 ; d20+3=13 ; Monday June 15th, 2009 7:11:00 PM
Not being able to see, Fatine cannot cast any useful spells. She ponders the sounds and the seemingly magical darkness, searching her memory for anything useful.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Knowledge(arcana) check = 13. I think this is sufficient to tell Fatine what we are dealing with, but I don't want to make that assumption without DM approval. So, if my suspicion is correct as to the creature, and the knowledge check is enough, then Fatine tells Keela to cast Silence. If I'm wrong or the check is insuffucient, Fatine covers her head and hopes for the best.}
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=16 ; Monday June 15th, 2009 9:48:02 PM "The lack to hearing anything doesn't sound too good..." Caelnin thinks as he slowly moves forward towards the last source of noise that he had heard.
Listen: 16
Keela [Light] [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 18/18] d20+9=23 ; Monday June 15th, 2009 11:07:55 PM
Keela tries to figure out what went wrong with her Light spell. [Knowledge Arcana: 23] In the meantime, she uses her wand to armor herself.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=2 ; Monday June 15th, 2009 11:17:32 PM
OOC: if anyone has Dispell Magic, it might be more useful, but it may not. Just a thought.
IC: Alexi, knowing that his first attempt was a miss, figures that any second attempt could hit a companion instead, so he searches out the nearest strugling friend.
Listen d20+1=2! (great!)
The shouts and muffled scuffing confuses the fighter. "C'mon friends! I can't locate anyone in this noise! If you got something attacking you, stomp your feet! Otherwise just keep whispering your name. That way we will know who is being attacked and who is free to help."
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d8+1=3 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 12:28:04 AM ooc:Sorry for the late post.
Jet grasping the creature pulls it off himself. Cursing he throws it to the ground, as far away from the battle as possible. "Hang in there guys, let me heal up a bit first." He pulls from a pouch at his right side a potion as he drinks it.
Actions from last round was to get creature off and throw it.
This round pull potion and drink healing 3 hit points.
DM Bob & Carla d4+4=5 ; d4+4=8 ; d20+9=22 Tuesday June 16th, 2009 7:50:28 AM Jet finally tears the creature from his head and manages to quaff a potion for some immediate relief. Beren and Alexi search out in the darkness for those they can help. [OOC once you locate a companion in need, you can roll a strength check or an escape artist check to assist (provide a +2) them in their escape, or you can attack the creature that is grappling.] Ender struggles vainly against his aggressor but fails to dislodge it.
Fatine pieces together some clues and believes that she knows what is going on, and calls out for a silence spell, much to Caelnin's surprise, for hearing is all that he has to go by at the moment.
Keela tries to activate her wand, but given that her face and head are encased in the leathery embrace of one of the creatures, she is unable to utter the words [OOC take an extra action this round to make up for lost action, or make a concentration check versus DC 20 to be able to properly enunciate the spell activation for the wand].
No more creatures attack, but the darkness remains and teh creatures that have attached to Ender and Keela continue to constrict and cause damage [5 HP to Ender and 8 HP to Keela]
OOC Keela is now at -2 HP and unconcious, so please take the extra action for last round to see if you can escape. Even if mage armor works, the creatures new grapple is 22
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+3=4 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 2:02:45 PM
Beren finds the first person he can to help. From the height, it appears to be Ender. He grabs the creature that he finds around Enders head and pulls. (strength check 4 +2 6 to help another ) His hands slip off the smooth hide of the creature in the without having much effect.
"Let me try that again."
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday June 16th, 2009 4:33:58 PM
Jet doesn't like fighting in the dark, unless he has the advantage, which at the moment is not the case. Now being free from his agressor, he reaches up into the back of his haversack and pulls out a small iron rod with a gold tip, none of which can be seen. He brings it flashing forward allowing it to strike his helmet as he does so, activating the magic of the Sunrod.
Actions: Use Sunrod
+Detect Evil, Detect Evil, Resistance
Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, Enlarge Person
Sunrod This 1-foot-long, gold-tipped, iron rod glows brightly when struck. It clearly illuminates a 30-foot radius and provides shadowy illumination in a 60-foot radius. It glows for 6 hours, after which the gold tip is burned out and worthless.
Ender [AC 18, HP 11/24] d20+2=11 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 6:25:23 PM
Ender now actually panicking continues to tear at eh constricting thing on his head
Grabble 11
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Tuesday June 16th, 2009 8:16:47 PM
"Dey be Darkmannels!" Fatine calls to her friends. "Dey see wit' deir ears. Someone use a Silence spell on dem!" she orders.
She reaches around, hoping to find Feet of Mist. If she does, she grabs the puma's pelt with one hand, and extends the other ahead of her, walking forward until she can see again, or until she walks into something.
Keela [Light] [AC 16; HP -2/18] Tuesday June 16th, 2009 9:19:29 PM
Unable to target a spell, and holding no weapon, Keela is powerless against the assault, and drops unconscious.
Was there a result for my Knowledge check?
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=18 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 10:11:47 PM "Great, now I have to try and find someone in slience. It's either that or something bad happens to someone, I suppose..." Caelnin thinks as he hears Fatine's exclamation. "I think I might just move around to see if I bump into someone... Or move towards a a scuffle, before someone has the time for silence."
Listen: 18
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=6 ; d20+1=13 ; Tuesday June 16th, 2009 10:50:04 PM
DM's: How are you determining whether we stumble upon someone? I'm presuming a good listen check, but now that Keela is down...
IC: Alexi suddenly grows very alarmed. He has heard Beren, Caelnin, Jet, and Fatine. But not Ender. He had heard Keela cast a spell but didn't notice anything happen. Now he hasn't heard her try anything else.
Listen d20+1=6
But Alexi new Keela and Ender were only a few feet behind him so he immediately heads in the direction he heard Keela last. "Keela! Keela! Say something!"
OOC: hopefully he will stumble upon her prone body. If he can this round, he will grope until he finds her head, which then he will know something is smotheing her. Next round he will try to pull it off. Grapple Check d20+ 5(BAB+STR) - 4(non-proficient)= 13.
OOC: if the Sunrod workds, then he will see her fallen and the 'thing' about her head, in which case he will immediately try to remove it. Grapple Check DC13.
OOC: The rules for -4 non-proficiency may not apply here as we are only trying to pry it off and it is not trying to get away or avoid the grapple. If it doesn't apply, then the Grapple Check would be 17.
DM Bob and Carla d20+9=10 ; d4+4=5 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2009 8:06:27 AM
The struggle in the darkness of the cavern continues. Beren finds Ender and tries to assist the rogue in prying off his assailant, but the elf's efforts are for not, and the rogue is unable to free himself.
Jet activates his sunrod, but it has no affect. He does not know that Keela has correctly surmised that the area is under the effect of magical darkness. The woman cannot tell him in her unconcious state.
Fatine calls out that they are under attack by Darkmantles and re-emphasizes the option of a silence spell to prevent more attacks before beginning her search for those in need of her assistance.
Caelnin detects a scuffling to his right and moves forward where he bumps into Ender. Alexi, moves to where he last saw Keela and tries to pry off the creature that ensnares her. The creature is strong, and only reluctantly loosens it's grip on the young woman. He know has an angry darkmantle on his hands that tries to ensnare him, but the fighter manages to avoid the attack and the creature falls to the ground.
Only Ender remains entangled and the creature squeezes his victim for another 5 HP
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+3=9 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2009 12:32:26 PM
Beren tries once more to help Ender. He is able to get a little better purchase, but not much. (strength check 9 +2=11) If only he could see.
He decides that he needs to work on his blind fighting skills.
Ender [AC 18, HP 6/24] d20+2=17 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2009 5:46:40 PM
Ender, now on his knees and turning blue, now claws at the thing enveloping his head
Grabble 17
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday June 17th, 2009 8:41:21 PM
Fatine continues moving forward until she hits something/someone.
If she walks into someone/thing on the floor, she bends to inspect with her hands (and ears) to determine what their status is.
If she walks into someone/thing upright, she feels around and asks who it is. If it's Ender, and she feels the thing on his face, she flails about but likely does nothing useful to help Ender's situation.
[sorry all, Fatine has nothing of use in this situation]
Keela [Light] [AC 12; HP -3/18] d100=89 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2009 10:09:38 PM
Keela's wounds bleed a little more.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+4=19 ; Wednesday June 17th, 2009 10:23:53 PM
Alexi quickly drops his shield and useless lantern and picks Keela up in his arms. "Keela! Keela! he whispers.
"DAM!" he yells (OOC: please edit out the word if it is not appropriate here) His mind racing, a jumble of thoughts that had no application to the present situation (fighting on horseback, and so forth) Alexi's confusion and anger bring forward what Fatine had just said, 'they see with their ears'.
Holding Keela up with one arm, he digs into his belt pouch with the other and pulls out a smooth stone. Guessing at about where he hears more scuffling, he throws it hard on the floor.
Throwing a Thunderstone aiming at the scuffling hopping it is Ender: d20+4=19
Thunderstone: range incr 20', deafening bang treated as a sonic attack with a 10' rad spread, all within area DC15 Fort save or be deafened for 1 hour.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday June 17th, 2009 10:28:37 PM
addendum: I forgot to subtract the 'throwing in the dark' penalty so I'll let DMs figure out the total To Hit.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday June 17th, 2009 10:30:18 PM
addemdum 2: DM, let us know who's all affected, since we really don't know how far spread we are from each other.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+1=18 ; d20+1=3 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 2:02:53 AM
"Is that you, Ender?" Caelnin says as he bumps into someone. "Okay, I'll help as much as I can. Let's help pull this thing off..."
As he tries to help, the darkness doesn't hinder trying to help Ender get the thing off. (Str Check 18 - Second roll was accidental)
DM Bob and Carla Thursday June 18th, 2009 7:55:25 AM
Sorry Folks..will post later this evening
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+16=26 ; Thursday June 18th, 2009 11:23:30 AM
Jet casully steps forward, mentally taking a count of who is standing, lying down or struggling. He can determine that Keela is unconcious but bleeding and the new guy Ender is stryggling, with someone else helping him.
Not that it will do any good, Jet will attempt to save Kender to avoid another party member going down.
Actions: Grapple Enders Darkmantle AC:26
Ender [AC 18, HP 6/24] Thursday June 18th, 2009 7:19:36 PM
OOC: its now 1 am here and no Dm post to react to... will check in again in the morning...
DM Bob and Carla Sunday June 21st, 2009 11:49:22 PM Ender manages to pry the creature from his head and face with Caelnin's and Jet's assistance, and throws whatever it is to the ground. Just then a loud explosion rips through the cave; Jet,Ender and Caelnin make a saving throw versus DC 15 or be deafened for 1 hr. Those that can still hear can detect the sound of scraping and slithering as the creatures make their escape. As the darkmantles move away from the party, first Keela's light spell and then the sunrod appear and begin illuminating their surroundings. Four separate spheres of darkness move slowly away, each presumably hiding a retreating creature. One of them ascends a pillar of rock towards the ceiling.
Keela [Light] [AC 12; HP -4/18] d100=10 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 12:50:35 AM
Keela bleeds a little more.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20=6 ; d20+8=18 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 1:11:02 AM
(OOC: I'm guessing a Fortitude saving throw. Fort DC 7 *Fail*)
As Caelnin pulls the thing off Ender's face, the resounding bang surprises and dazzles him. The light returns, and so does his keen sight. However as that sense is recovered, his very sensitive elven ears must've rebelled against the loud bang and all Caelnin can hear is a loud droning that blocks out all other sound that is coming from the party and the cave.
"Hmmmph... This is no good... Hopefully we don't encounter deeper darkness in a while, or I won't know what to do..." Caelnin thinks as he stands back from the party, knowing that he won't be any help as a scout until his acute hearing comes back.
Spot: 18
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d8=6 ; d8+3=11 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 6:44:03 AM
Fatine looks around, rubbing her eyes in the sudden bright light. Feet of Mist snarls at the retreating darkmantles, though Fatine is too slow even to notice them. Once she composes herself, she looks around and sees Keela lying on the ground. Rushing over, she looks to see if she can find the source of Keela's wounds.
If Jet heals Keela, Fatine doesn't do anything. If he does not, she will cast cure light wounds. "Dis spell usooly not be too strong, sister. But maybe it do dee trick." [ley roll 6] [heals 11]
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=14 ; d20+4=13 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 10:30:39 AM
Jet too is deaf, but he motions Alexi to start attacking the fleeing Darkmantles as he tends to Keela's wounds.
Jet is also very hurt, but at least the group didn't lose someone in the first battle for the children. Jet at first wants to bind her wounds and stabalize her. He moves Fatine aside so he can get to her, and in a voice loud from being deaf, "Save your spells and use potions!"
Jet gets out his healing kit to use on Keela next round.
Fort save DC 15: Failed with 14 Heal check on Keela DC15: Failed with 13
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+4=22 ; d20=5 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 2:44:39 PM
OOC: Alexi was holding Keela upright with one arm so as to prevent a creature from crawling onto her head again.
IC: Alexi cringes at the bang, but as the darkness receeds, he is releived that his tactic worked, or so he believes.
Holding Keela's unconscious form, he sees the scutting dark forms and is in a quandry as to what to do next, see to Keela, or go after the forms. Fatine and Jet come to his aid, so he relinqueshes Keela to Fatine and Jet, then unslings his bow, and fires at the one climbing the pillar of rock.
Ender [AC 18, HP 8/24] d8=2 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 7:00:24 PM
Ender quaffs a potion but still doesn't feel too good
potion of cure light wounds heals 2hp
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=23 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+6=15 ; d8+5=9 ; Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 12:09:02 AM
Beren winces at the sound of the thunder stone going off. He considers himself lucky that he must have been just out of range.
AS the light returns, he tries to help where he can.
IN the returned light, he can see the retreating Darkmantles, so he fires an arrow at the last in line. (Hit AC 15 for 9 HP DAM)
"I don't think it will do much good to shoot them now, but it makes me feel better."
spot 23 listen 16
DM Bob and Carla d100=30 ; Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 7:30:51 AM
The party rushes to the aid of Keela who lies unconcious on the rocky floor of the cavern. Jet yells out to use spells rather than potions in assisting the mage, but his own efforts fail, perhaps due to the ringing in his ears, and Fatine takes over, casting her magic and healing or at least partly healing Keela's wounds. Ender quaffs a potion to look after his own wounds while the battle weary leader of the group continues to issue orders despite his own haggard appearance.
Alexi and Beren both fire arrows at the retreating spheres of magical darkness but fail to find the creatures within the sphere and their arrows clatter harmlessly among the rocks. [OOC rolled 50% miss chance for Beren = 30 Fail as the darkmantles have total concealment within their spheres of darkness].
Caelnin shakes his head and hopes his hearing returns in the not too distant future .
Neither of the two elven scouts spot any further dangers and both get a good look at the retreating spheres and the darker nooks and crannies of the cavern that they have retreated to. An examination of the cavern ceilings reveal no more stalactites within eyesight, only the lightly worn path they have been following. It seems to lead gently upwards and towards the back of the cavern, although neither elf can see that far in the dim light despite their superior elven vision. It is a very big cavern.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 10:41:04 AM
"I have a 2 potions of healing (CMW) if someone needs it, but that is all."
Beren goes to Keela's side and checks for signs of life. It would do no good to heal a dead body. If she is breathing, he will give her one of the potions, then offer the other to Jet. (I will let them roll how effective these potions are).
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+6=26 ; Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 11:08:12 AM
ooc; Correction, Jet wants people to use potions, not spells. You had it down as the other way around. :)
With or without the help of the healing kit, Jet stabalizes Keela bringing her back from death door. He grabs a healing potion of CMW that Beren offers and using her natural reactions while unconcious, he gently pours the potion into her mouth. Her subconcious slowly swallowing the concoction until it is able to take effect and bring her back to conciousness. "If we don't kill those creatures, we will have to deal with them again later, so keep trying to kill them."
heal check to stabalize Keela: 26 (natural 20, always when I don't need it.)
If DM's won't let Keela quaff a potion while at zero, then Jet will sacrifice a 0 level spell to bring her up to one hit point, so she can do it herself. Either way, she should be up this round.
Keela [Light] [AC 12; HP ?/18] 2d8+3=13 ; Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 6:16:57 PM
A confusing swirl of sights and sounds greets Keela as she awakens. Her shoulder hurts, and there is an odd, cloying taste in the back of her throat. She recognizes the taste of a healing potion and sits up.
"I--oh, where did they go? Are we still fighting them?" she asks, confused.
[If I'm supposed to roll the results of the CMW, Keela is at 9 HP. If not, I await the DM roll. :) ]
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=19 ; Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 9:16:01 PM
Caelnin is still silently watching what is happening, mimicing what he can hear. He is ready to go, so he gets out his bow again with some arrows and looking into the distance, deeper into the cavern.
Spot: 19
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 10:35:01 PM
Alexi shakes a fist at the retreating forms. They are hard to hit singly, but if a wide-area spell could have been use... but Keela had been knocked out... Keela!
Alexi rushes back to where Jet and Fatine are administering to the young wizard. "Is she going to be alright?" he asks, forgeting some can't hear.
"Huh? Say something Jet! Is she gonna be alright?"
But Keela's own reaction answers his question and he sighs with relief. With that weight off, he goes back to pondering how to deal with these creatures.
"If we manage to come by enough shields for everyone, we could travers this cavern holding the shields above our heads. That should do the trick, I would think," he suggests.
Realizing that some can't hear, he says to Jet "We should wait until you can hear" very slowly and mouthing the words carefully, waits for his answer.
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday June 24th, 2009 7:44:36 AM Keela regains conciousness to find Jet kneeling by her side, an empty vial in his hand. [OOC Keela is at 9 HP]. Caelnin and Alexi can only watch as the darkmantles complete their retreat, and ponder different ways to traverse the cavern in the face of such dangers. Alexi suggests using shields to protect themselves from any more darkmantles, but recognizes that first their leader must regain his hearing and his health. Caelnin keeps a wary eye for further danger but sees none.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=12 ; Wednesday June 24th, 2009 1:04:40 PM
"Does anyone still need healing?"
He holds out a potion to any who might need it.
"We should move as soon as we can."
spot 28 listen 12 (the sound must have effected me after all)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday June 24th, 2009 3:42:54 PM
"Yes, we are," Fatine says to Keela. "Watch out, dere one be!" Smiling, she squeezes Keela's shoulder. "Jes' kiddin' sister, dere be no more creepy crawlies. Dey run oft an' hide from dee boom stone."
Whenever the group is ready to move, Fatine joins, keeping an eye on the cavern ceiling.
{I will be without computer until Friday, can anyone sub for me please?]
Ender [AC 18, HP 16/24] d8=8 ; Wednesday June 24th, 2009 5:38:46 PM
Ender grabs Beren's offered potion, "Thanks!" he mutters before downing the poti
potion heals 8hp
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=6 ; d20+1=4 ; Wednesday June 24th, 2009 5:59:55 PM
"I agree, Beren. Let's get Jet, Ender, and Keela to the exit of this cavern. You and I can go in front like before. Caelnin can bring up the rear. Fatine in front of Caelnin and keeping an eye on our Sharpshooter so nothing engages him without us knowing.
Once in a cave again, we can wait until our hearing comes back. Boy, the guy at the store said the would make a BOOM but I had no idea..."
Alexi goes over to Keela and offers her his shield. "Here, hold this over your head until we get out of this cavern."
Then he takes a potion of CMW and motions to Jet to drink it and makes the motion of moving onward as he picks up Beren's lantern.
Spot d20+1=6 Listen d20+1=4 (ick!)
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday June 24th, 2009 10:14:06 PM
OOC: Ender, shouldn't the potion have been 2d8+2? Beren's potions were CMW, (cure moderate wounds a lvl 2 spell).
Keela [Light] [AC 16; HP 16/18] d8+1=7 ; Wednesday June 24th, 2009 10:56:46 PM
"Thank you," Keela tells Beren, "but I have a potion here." She pulls out a potion of Cure Light Wounds and drinks it, restoring herself nearly to full health.
She scrambles to her feet, and taps herself with her wand of Mage Armor.
She smiles at Alexi's thoughtfulness. "Thank you," she says, "but if I'm to cast a spell, I'll need both hands."
She moves cautiously with the others, ready to cast a Web wherever she can catch at least two of the creatures in it.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) Thursday June 25th, 2009 12:54:19 AM
Oblivious to all the talking that everyone is doing, Caelnin stays at the back minding his own buisness, until they start to move again, in which Caelnin will follow.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] 2d8+2=14 ; Thursday June 25th, 2009 4:07:47 AM
OOC: roger on the ekstra 1d8... reroll:14
DM Bob and Carla Thursday June 25th, 2009 7:49:50 AM Fatine and Jet help restore Keela to full health while the others stand guard. Healing potions are offered and consumed. Alexi suggests a strategy for exiting the cavern and the team begins to reorganize and ready itself to move out.
[OOC: does this mean Alexi is leading a retreat? or is the intent to push on forward and look for some other exit?]
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) 2d8+3=8 ; d8+1=7 ; Thursday June 25th, 2009 12:43:23 PM
Jet thankfully takes the potion of healing. Shaking his head, he wonders what the chances are of spell failure at the moment, never having cast deaf before. He pulls his last potion, one he earned in something called the LnB. It came wrapped up in a very special shirt which reads, "In my world, I'm a level 20 cleric!" he drinks that also, unless something prevents him.
He picks up his sunrod and looks around really well. What other exits are there? Possible map please?
Healed 8 and 7
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=16 ; d20+9=16 ; Thursday June 25th, 2009 5:28:44 PM
OOC--Not sure if Alexi used one of my potions or one of his own.
"Now that everyone is healed, shall we proceed?"
Beren takes the lead again, this time watching the ceiling as well. HIs bow is ready, and he uses the light of the lantern that Alexi holds to see the way.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday June 25th, 2009 7:52:24 PM
OOC: Ender, sorry, that should have been 2d8+3, not 2d8+2, so you get an extra 1hp, bringing up up to 23/24.
Beren, it was one of Alexi's. Beren, you still have your other one.
The idea was to continue on through the cavern until we reached an exit. After that, Alexi would led Jet decide to either wait out the deafness or continue. Alexi did propose to go back to heal up, but changed his mind. A bit unclear on that part. Sorry.
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Friday June 26th, 2009 1:26:39 AM
Keela stays with the group, peering anxiously about for any signs of the creatures' return.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=9 ; Friday June 26th, 2009 4:42:29 AM
Staying near the back, Caelnin cautiously moves forward witht eh group trying his best see anything in the distance.
Spot: 9
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday June 26th, 2009 12:29:37 PM
OOC--No Dm post
Beren continues to lead the way watching for signs of danger.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday June 26th, 2009 4:58:54 PM
Jet looks about to see the escape route of the retreating enemy. he thinks about pouring some oil into the crevaces they escaped into and igniting it, but the smoke might be more then they want to deal with.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Saturday June 27th, 2009 10:25:19 AM
OOC--Have asked for sub in the LnB. If I don't get one I still will miss posting Monday through Wednesday next week. Just assume Beren continues to scout the way, and will trip any traps along the way. :o)
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday June 28th, 2009 12:27:21 AM
OOC: on the topic of being out of pocket, I'm heading out 7/3 - 9. I probably can 'borrow' my parents pc for posting on 7/6-8, but there might be a couple of travel days I'll not be able to post. Hopefully nothing imortant will be going on. :)
DM Bob and Carla Monday June 29th, 2009 7:19:20 AM Beren continues in his role of forward scout and elads the party forward, keeping an especially wary eye on the ceiling of the cavern, but there are no more stalactites and those with any sense of caves and rocks now realize that stalactites would not normally be found in such conditions.
The pathway forward leads towards teh back of teh cave, but teh path is littered with boulders and uneven conditions so care must be taken. The sunrod throws shadows from every protrusion and ghostly shapes flit across the rocks as the light source moves. As they near the rear of the cavern it jogs to the right revealing a secondary cavern at least as large as the first. Just ahead, not more than twenty steps into the second cavern, a split in the rocks widens and a set of rough hewn stairs leads downwards into the darkness.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=9 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+2=7 ; Monday June 29th, 2009 11:19:56 AM
Jet, trying to keep his voice down despite his deafness has everyone spread. "Lets search the area for secret doors or anything else that might be hiding, before we go down the steps. Ender, can you check the stairs for traps please."
Listen: 9 Spot: 13 Search: 7
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=20 ; d20+1=10 ; Monday June 29th, 2009 7:05:14 PM
OOC: If understand correctly, we have to enter the second cavern to get to the stairs. So the first thing would be spot checks at the entrance to the second cavern, then Ender sneaks over to the stairs to check for traps.
"I agree. Ender should check the stairs, but first, let's see if anything comes at us from this second cave."
Stepping 10' feet into the second cave, holding Beren's lantern and light from Jet's sunrod, Alexi peers into the gloom and readies himself. (full defense and waits and listens)
Listen d20+1=20 Spot d20+1=10
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Monday June 29th, 2009 8:10:08 PM
"Well dat be weird," Fatine mumbles. "Cave-stairs? Tink dose darkmannels made dose? Tat be a long job fer dose lil eastie-beasties." She continues mumbling, trailing off into a quieter speech directed either at Feet of Mist, or possibly just to herself.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {I missed a lot of posts in the last few weeks. Did Col ever get back to Fatine before the entered the cave? I don't know if he is with me now or not}
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Monday June 29th, 2009 10:20:35 PM
Keela waits while those in front check the terrain.
"I don't think the darkmantles would need stairs," she whispers to Fatine. "They fly, after all."
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) Monday June 29th, 2009 11:18:20 PM
Caelnin stays back, still knowing that he is still not of great use at the moment. He makes sure that nothing is coming from behind, just in case.
Spot:
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=8 ; Monday June 29th, 2009 11:18:43 PM
Spot: 8
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday June 30th, 2009 7:39:03 AM
The party cautiously enters the second cavern, alert to the possibility of other denizens that might inhabit these caves. There are none to be seen, a few cave crickets and a mouse attract the attention of the puma but they are not nearly as annoying as the pesky black birs that rides on Fatine's shoulder.
Jet orders a search of the immediate area and asks Ender to search teh stairway itself for traps. The search reveals little, other than the faint trail left by those that have walked this way in the past. There are no secret doors or passages and the stairs, while dark, steep, and uneven pose no additional dangers that the halfling can detect.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday June 30th, 2009 12:05:47 PM
OOC: I haven't seen a post from Ender since last Thursday, so I am getting worried with Beren also needing a sub.
Jet slowly makes his way down the stairs. When he feels he is a few feet down, he casts his second Detect Evil spell and concentrates on the area ahead and behind.
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Tuesday June 30th, 2009 9:15:47 PM
Keela cautiously follows the group down the stairs, keeping to the "squishy mage" position toward the back.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=2 ; d20+1=13 ; Tuesday June 30th, 2009 10:36:50 PM
Alexi follows Jet, carefully. In these confines, archery would be difficult, so he asks Beren to assist Caelnin in bringing up the rear. "Once we get to level ground again, you should take the lead once more," he suggests.
Spot d20+1 = 2! (jet's in the way) Listen d20+1 = 13
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday July 1st, 2009 9:22:21 AM
Fatine wanders down the steps with the others, looking around half-interestedly. Turning to Col, she says, "I don' know, maybe. Why don' you ask dem yourself bird?" She looks at the bird for a moment, then shrugs and walks on.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=25 ; Wednesday July 1st, 2009 10:25:15 PM
Once it is Caelnin's turn to move down the stairs, he makes sure that looks back once in a while to check that nothing is going to happen behind them.
Spot: 25
DM Bob & Carla Thursday July 2nd, 2009 7:54:32 AM
The group picks it's way down the stairway, keeping a close watch behind them , and an even closer watch ahead, but other than the physical danger of the staircase itself, there is no immediate threat. Jet casts his spell and after a moment he picks up a faint trace of evil that marks the route they have been following and would seem to lead down the stairs. The descent is long and arduous, but perhaps some 200 feet down from teh top of the steps they arrive at what can only be the bottom. Yet another giant cavern opens up before them, the light of the sunrod does not fully reach to the other side.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday July 2nd, 2009 1:52:11 PM
Jet steps to the side, in order to allow Alexi in front of him. He whispers in his helmeted ear as he passes, "We are on the path of evil."
Once thet reach the cavern, Jet calls a hold and pulls out the rest of his sunrods. "We can defend here without being flanked." he suggests. He used one Sunrod during the rescue of the seamstress and that leaves him four. He struck one earler and that leaves three unused. He takes the one he has been using and throws it as hard as he can toward the roof of the cavern, to see how tall it is and watches it as it lands back on the floor, to see if anything is disturbed.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=13 ; Thursday July 2nd, 2009 3:45:09 PM
"Dark and more dark. Elves are not made to be this far underground. except for the Drow."
Even though the ranger is out of his element, he tries to remain alert.
OOC--Sorry for being gone with no sub.
spot 28 listen 13
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Thursday July 2nd, 2009 7:16:00 PM
The stairs are not good news for Keela's aching legs. "First, there were a bunch of stairs to get up to the cave, and now there's stairs going down," she grumbles a little.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=3 ; d20+1=7 ; Thursday July 2nd, 2009 8:07:42 PM
Alexi passes Jet and nods at the leader and motions for Beren to join him up front once again.
As the sunrod whirls upward, Alexi does not look at it, but keeps his vigilance to the front of them, still holding Beren's lantern with his shield hand.
Spot d20+1= 3 Listen d20+1=7 ( i hope this is a good time for bad rolls...)
OOC: to all, I will be on the road tomorrow, Friday 7/3 and not be able to post. I'll be at my parents next week so I should be able to use their pc for posting from Monday - Thur. It may be sporadic, so if it looks like I'm going to miss a post, anyone of you can look a Alexi's sheet and do whatever you deem best.
Happy 4th to all!
DM Bob & Carla Monday July 6th, 2009 7:43:41 AM Jet passes along news of his discovery to Alexi and quickly assesses his options for defence. As Jet's sunrod sails through the air it becomes clear just how enourmous the cavern is, for not only do they barely catch a glimpse of the cavern's ceiling, but on the way down the sunrod falls hundreds of feet below where they stand. The illumination of the sunrod has revealed them to be at the beginning of a stone archway that traverses the yawning chasm below. The bridge is wide enough for four medium sized beings to cross abreast, although the courage of the outside members of such a formation would be sorely tested. There are no immediate signs of danger beyond what they have already seen, although some may be mesmerized by just how very long it took to hear teh sunrod hit the bottom...
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=18 ; d20+9=26 ; Monday July 6th, 2009 11:02:51 AM
Beren's eyes follow the arc of the sunrod as it sails off into the deep distance. So, they are to go deeper underground. With a sigh, the ranger takes the lead beginning the long decent to where the sunrod landed.
"We might miss that light source before we reach it again."
spot 18 listen 26
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Monday July 6th, 2009 11:21:57 AM
"Maybe we go quickly?" Fatine suggests. "I no like dee idea o' bein' targets while we be crossin' dis' here bridge." She hurries along with the group (assuming more move forward), but keeps toward the inside of the bridge.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+5=16 ; d20+4=8 ; Monday July 6th, 2009 4:39:17 PM
Ender keeps his eyes peeled for any sign of danger, crossbow at the ready
Listen 16 Spot 8
OOC: Sorry for the long absence.. my motherboard died on me and i didnt get a replacement til now... god i'm tired of living in the countryside!!!!
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday July 6th, 2009 7:03:24 PM
Jet hands out two Sunrods to those that ask and with the third strikes his, holding it above their head. "For once, I agree with Fatine, everyone make a break for the otherside and look for cover. Once over there, we need someone to look for tracks."
With that, Jet prepares everyone for the run across the bridge. he considers the necessity to carry Ender to increase the speed of the group, considering Jet has the run feat, it shouldn't slow him down much.
"Ender my friend, you want to be the lagging member running across the bridge, or do you want me to carry you?"
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 6th, 2009 10:57:31 PM
OOC: boy, many time I wish I were in the country, away from this darn traffic and noise, and... etc.
IC: Alexi watches the sunrod plummet downward and lets out a slight whistle.
Hoping Jet is right, he prepares to dash across. "Single file or doubles?" he asks. If doubles, he will put himself on the left side of his partner so his shield arm protects himself and his partner from anything coming from the left side of the arch bridge. He still has Beren's lantern, so at least the immediate area of the bridge is illuminated somewhat.
He starts running when given the order.
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Monday July 6th, 2009 11:04:39 PM
[OOC: before everybody cracks sunrods, keep in mind that Keela still has a Light up]
"Heavens, who would build such a thing?" Keela asks as the arch comes into view. If they must, they must, but... "Do we know it's safe?" she asks. "Maybe there's a trick to it or something."
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=18 ; Monday July 6th, 2009 11:59:30 PM
Caelnin watches on as everyone gets ready to move across. He also looks at the bridge to see if there are any visible cracks or faults that people should be weary of.
Spot 18
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] Tuesday July 7th, 2009 4:49:04 AM
"If you think you can run fast enough, with me on your back, i'll take a piggy back ride Jet" Ender answers while peeing over the edge, "gods its big", he mutters under his breath
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday July 7th, 2009 7:55:41 AM
The troop of adventurer's readies to dash across the massive stone arch. Keela wonders aloud as to who would have built such a thing but Caelnin's examination reveals it to be a natural rock formation...all that is left after the stone around it has collapsed or eroded. Like all natural stone it is flawed, and the elf can see where slabs of rock have broken away along it's edges, but he cannot properly assess whether it is sufficiently stable for them all to cross. Ultimately the unseen threat of attack overrides the unknown condition of the stone and the party makes a mad dash across the bridge. The footing is firm, nothing collapses, and no attack is forthcoming. The party takes cover behind some large boulders on the far side and scan their surroundings. The faint pathway leads on further and downwards, irresistably deeper as if the whole cave network draws them on.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=9 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday July 7th, 2009 10:00:32 AM How deep does this thing go? What could possibly live this far underground?
Thoughts of wonder fill the elven ranger's head as they continue deeper into the cave. He is already beginning to miss the sun and open skies they have left behind. Oh to be back in the forests of his home, but that is not to be. He has a task to comlplete, and a committment to honor.
With his determination strengthened, Beren continues to lead deeper into the ground.
He checks for tracks occasionally, hoping to find some sign of the children's passing. Something to let them know they are going the right way.
track 9 spot 12 listen 29
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday July 7th, 2009 3:47:20 PM
Jet maintains his concentration as long as possible, on his Detect Evil spell. Once everyone is across and those that need to catch their breath, they continue their decent into the earth.
To keela he responds, "I know, but after that last darkmantle attack, I think havinbg a few light sources handy might not be a bad idea, not that they helped, it's best to be ready."
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Tuesday July 7th, 2009 10:09:56 PM
When crossing the arch, Keela keeps well to the center.
"I knew I should have chosen a Feather Fall for my spellbook," she murmurs. She tries hard not to look down.
Once across, she prepares to continue with the rest. "How did they get little kids up and down all these stairs?" she wonders aloud.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=2 ; d20+1=15 ; Tuesday July 7th, 2009 11:08:34 PM
OOC: when you say 'further and downwards', do you mean that the path leads into a cave on the other side similar to the one that we came from on the opposite side that leads 'further and downwards'?
Alexi grimmaces at the thought of having to return this way with children in tow, if they are alive, and perhaps in a hurry with monsters chasing them. However he takes a deep breath and takes the lead with Beren, as before (assuming that is alright with Beren and Jet).
Spot d20+1=2 (yeah, he took his helmet off to wipe the sweat, then put in on backwards) Listen d20+1= 15
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+4=8 ; d20+5=22 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2009 4:53:22 AM
Ender moves a little off to teh side to cover the flank, then follows the others, crossbow in hand
spot: 8 listen: 22
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=12 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2009 10:55:49 AM
OOC-no dm post
Beren continues to lead the way down into the darkness.
spot 12 listen 25
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday July 8th, 2009 11:09:03 AM
Jet Follows Beren and Alexi as they travel down and asks again, "Any signs of Tracks ranger?
DM Bob & Carla Thursday July 9th, 2009 7:28:01 AM
The cavern that the party is now walking through extends downwards and away from the natural arch that traversed the chasm. Jet'sdetect evil spell allows him to follow the faint residual traces of evil that mark the pathway. The sunrods and lanterns carried by the group cast their light across strange rock formations that send shadows leaning away from them. The cavern is quiet except for their footsteps and just maybe... in the distance...is that the sound of tapping? Beren is sure that he hears something tapping rythmically in the distance.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=7 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=22 ; Thursday July 9th, 2009 12:23:33 PM
OOC-- My last track roll was dismal, so no signs that He sees. :o) And again today.
Beren looks for signs of tracks, but sees nothing (track 7!)
However, as everyone settles into the quiet of the cavern, he does hear something.
"Listen, do you hear a tapping noise?"
He tries to recognize a pattern or a direction in the light noise he hears.
spot 29 (perfect 20--if it is there to be seen, he sees it!) listen 22
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=10 ; d20+3=19 ; Thursday July 9th, 2009 1:49:01 PM
Jet calls a hold and listens as well as he can. Attempting to not move at all difficult in metal armor. He attempts to follow the sound and use his spell, to see if they are in the same direction.
Listen: 10 Spot: 19
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Thursday July 9th, 2009 5:33:43 PM
Standing from behind the rocks, Fatine snorts. "Well don' we look all silly. If'n any body were watchin', dey tink we be pretty dumb runnin' and hidin' while nobody watchin'." She looks puzzled for a moment, as if trying to decipher what she just said, then shrugs and follows the men through the cave until Jet calls a halt.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+4=15 ; d20+5=25 ; Thursday July 9th, 2009 6:47:56 PM
Ender strains his ears trying to find the tapping sound that Beren aparently has heard
Spot : 15
Listen: 25
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] d20+2=10 ; Thursday July 9th, 2009 10:45:04 PM
Keela hears nothing but her companions [Listen 10!], but she stops when the others do.
"Tapping?" She thinks a moment. "Could it be water dripping?"
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+7=25 ; d20+8=15 ; Friday July 10th, 2009 9:18:36 AM
(OOC: Has an hour passed yet? Sorry if I had missed that message...)
After Beren says something, Caelnin tries to listen to what he had heard, and tries to see if anything in the darkness.
Spot: 25 Listen:15
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=26 ; d20+9=22 ; Friday July 10th, 2009 9:20:02 AM
OOC--no Dm post
Beren is unsure what he is hearing . He continues to lead, hopefully towards the sound of tapping. Maybe as he gets closer than can tell what it is.
"I'm not sure what is making the tapping noise. It is simply a noise at this point. Let's find out."
spot 26 listen 22
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday July 10th, 2009 3:50:39 PM
Jet patiently waits for the sound to find him so he can determine, if possible, the location of the source.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=12 ; d20+1=2 ; Friday July 10th, 2009 10:07:08 PM
Listen d20+1=12 Spot d20+1 =2 (looks like he still has his helmet over his eyes)
The dancing shadows just seem to confuse Alexi at the moment but he does try hard to listen for the tell-tale tapping noise. "Forced labor mining deep underground perhaps?" he wonders in whispered tones.
He shruggs in the dark and prepares to move onwards, shadowy monsters keeping him on edge.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+4=21 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+11=22 ; Saturday July 11th, 2009 9:27:04 AM
following Beren as quietly as possible, Ender still strains his eyes and ears as hard as he can!
Spot: 21 Listen: 14 m. silently: 22
DM Bob & Carla Monday July 13th, 2009 7:44:23 AM
Only a few of the party hear the noise. Beren and Ender can just make it out. tap.tap.tap......tap...tap...tap......tap.tap.tap repeated over and over. If an adventurer puts their ear to the rock it seems a bit clearer, but no louder. tap.tap.tap......tap...tap...tap......tap.tap.tap
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday July 13th, 2009 10:48:49 AM
Jet not hearing the sound, motions the party forward once again, continuing to follow the trail of evil his spell allows him to detect. In whispered tones to those in front, "Let us move on. I do not know how much longer my spell will last."
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 13th, 2009 11:38:35 AM
"I agree," Alexi whispers. "But if anyone hears a change in the sounds, by all means let us know."
With that, Alexi follows alongside Beren, deeper in to the deeps.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=22 ; d20+9=26 ; Monday July 13th, 2009 1:35:22 PM
"The sound seems to be coming from the other side of the rock. I wonder if the children are in another cavern?"
He contemplates the rock wall for a minute.
"What do you think would happen if I were to tap back?"
He holds up the haft of his sword in question.
spot 22 listen 26
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Monday July 13th, 2009 8:26:09 PM
"How you know dat not some devil doin' a dap dance?" Fatine asks Beren crossly. "You wan' leddem know we be here? Don' be doin no noises til we sure o' dat noise what we hearin.'"
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday July 13th, 2009 9:37:58 PM
"Yeah, what she said," Alexi agrees, smiling. "It could be the children tapping, but for the moment, I'd rather not make any more noise than the rattling Jet and I are making."
Keela [Light, Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Monday July 13th, 2009 10:36:41 PM
"If it changes?" Keela laughs a little. "I can't even hear it!" Smiling, she follows the others.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+5=10 ; Tuesday July 14th, 2009 12:55:29 AM
Ender wonders if it might be a signal of some sort....
Knowledge (Dungeoniering): 10
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday July 14th, 2009 4:01:15 PM
"Lets move fast! I want to folow this evil as fast as possible before the spell runs out." jet tells the guys up front. "If you are worried about traps, let me up there. I will trigger whatever exists and the rest of you can save the children."
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday July 14th, 2009 5:44:58 PM
"Well, not so fast that we can't enjoy the scenery, eh?" Alexi chuckles. "Beren, let's keep moving, shall we?"
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday July 14th, 2009 10:38:46 PM Beren suggests tapping back to establish communications but is warned off by Fatine who worries about who or what is on the other end of the tapping. Few of the others hear anything and [/b]Jet encourages the party to move along while his magic lasts. the trail he follows continues to retain the remnants of an evil aura and it leads deeper and deeper into the cavern and its interconnecting chambers. The further in they go, the deeper it seems to take them, and with each step, the tapping grows louder. It's rythym does not change. tap.tap.tap.....tap...tap...tap......tap.tap.tapEnder does not know just what the tapping is but surmises it might be a code.
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] d20+9=28 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday July 14th, 2009 11:16:47 PM
"Oh, I hear it now," Keela says. She tries to think about what the tapping could mean.
[Knowledge Arcana 28; Knowledge Nature 29]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=28 ; d20+9=24 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2009 11:02:10 AM
Beren does not know if this is a code or not, but it is persistent. He still thinks they should tap back, but respects the wishes of the rest of the group.
He continues to lead the group. but now he is directing them as much as possible towards the sound. If the others notice, and object, so be it. If they don't, then at least they might discover what is making the noise.
spot 28 listen 24
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+11=13 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+5=21 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2009 12:37:00 PM
Ender quietly whispers, "lets get closer before we decide on what to do" and silently moves towards the tapping
move silently: 13
spot: 5 (nat. 1 -I seem to be blind!)
Listen: 21
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday July 15th, 2009 3:03:24 PM
Fatine doesn't pay much more attention to the tapping, and merely follows wherever the group goes, one hand on Feet of Mist's back, one hand nervously playing with one of the wood and cloth dolls at her waist.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday July 15th, 2009 3:13:25 PM
Jet looks down at Ender in an angry manner. Feeling the pressure of being the leader is beginning to take it's toll on the normally chaotic and care free individual that loves drink and he loves whores. Heck, he loves drinking with whores. Yet, a man has to earn a living and he believes in earning it honestly and if it's to take these fellow Bryn Baraz protectors through perils and bring them back alive, that is exactly what he is going to do, or die trying.
Three deep breaths calms him down and he pats the new member on the back to get his attention, he then says with a smile, "Do you really think your good enough to move silently for you, Alexi and myself? Lets get those feet moving friend, they already know we are here, the evil is eluding us."
With that, Jet steps past the two in front and begins to move as fast as possible while safe, using his light source in one hand and holding his sword in the other, he runs just fast enough to where he can stop before he plummets into a chasm.
With Run Feat Speed 30 X2 X3 or X4
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday July 15th, 2009 10:17:26 PM
"Wha...," Alexi blurst as Jet moves past. Alexi looks at Beren and mutters, "he be in a hurry I presume." He then turns to the others, "The chase is on, folks. With all this light and noise, we aren't gonna suprirze anyone anyway, so let's go find this noise as fast a possible."
He then follows Jet as fast as he can keep up, holding Beren's lantern in one hand and sword in the other.
OOC: Speed 30 x2 or x3, no Dex bonus to AC while running.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday July 16th, 2009 10:49:20 AM Running..in armor...might as well make a general announcement that we are here, and they didn't want me to tap on the rock.
With a grim smile the ranger loosens his weapons, and lightly runs after his heavier comrades.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+4=20 ; d4=2 ; d20+5=15 ; Thursday July 16th, 2009 12:32:01 PM
"Fine then" Ender mutters under his breath, grips his crossbow tighter and moves after the others
Spot 20 Listen 15
OOC: disregard the d4 roll...
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 21/21) d20+8=14 ; d20+7=14 ; Thursday July 16th, 2009 9:18:20 PM
With people starting to run, a wave of confusion flows over Calenin, but is soon dissipated as he now knows that if something is going to happen, he should be there to help protect them.
Caelnin keeps up with everyone running, staing about thirty feet behind the the main group.
Spot: 14 Listen: 14
DM Bob & Carla Friday July 17th, 2009 10:20:16 AM
The incessant tapping seems to have set something off in Jet who begins to run, egging his comrades on. The light from sunrods and spells bounces in every direction as they move at a rapid pace. Rocks seem to literally jump out at them as they dash forward into the dark. Twice the leader of the team has to jump to one side to avoid a deep crack in the rocks, but all manage to survive the dash forward.
Keela finally hears the tapping and is sure that it is a call for help...an "I'm here...please find me" signal but a direct translation of the code is beyond her. She jhas no time to fully concentrate on deciphering the tapping as she too must run to keep up with the pack.
At last they descend into a large cavern nearly completely filled by a body of dark, black water. It's surface is calm, motionless, like a mirror except little light is reflected by the dark waters. The cavern itself is immense, hundreds of feet across and at least 50 ' high. A strip of bare rock skirts around the edges of the water, and varies from 20' to only 5' wide in some section.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=29 ; d20+9=14 ; Friday July 17th, 2009 10:56:32 AM
"More dark water. Do you think that the same evil that we felt in the water above ground dwells in this water?"
As the others slow down, Beren once again moves to the front. He can see only one way to go, and starts to lead in that direction.
spot 29 - natural 20 listen 14 (the sound of all the armor echoing around him must be hard on elvish ears)
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Friday July 17th, 2009 12:58:34 PM
Fatine jogs along behind the others, finally stopping at the water, breathing heavily with hands on her knees. "Dat . . . not . . . be . . . stealthy . . . Big Man . . . ." she mutters between gulps of air.
Feet of Mist seems none the worse for wear, and purrs quietly at Fatine's side, every now and then giving a quick look in Col's direction.
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 16/18] Friday July 17th, 2009 5:32:14 PM
"Oh, for Wardd's sake!" Keela starts after the others, becoming a little annoyed. Hurtling down stone steps in pitch darkness strikes her as an excellent way to get somebody killed. Not to mention alerting whoever or whatever awaits them down there.
She doesn't have the breath to explain that, though, so she contents herself with a few more mild oaths as she pounds after her friends and prays she doesn't fall.
Ender [AC 18, HP 22/24] d20+4=11 ; d20+5=19 ; Friday July 17th, 2009 6:46:02 PM
Ender Slows down a bit, falling to the rear of the group, still keeping his crossbow ready
Spot 11 Listen 19
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:28/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=3 ; d20+1=13 ; Friday July 17th, 2009 10:48:28 PM
Alexi finally comes to a halt, puffing a bit. The sight of the water is discouraging to him, but he doesn't show it. He does manage to wheeze out, "Any sound of the tapping noise?"
Spot d20+1=3 Listen d20+1=13
(all i can do is hope my rolls get better for the combat :P )
The Ice Demon
DM Bob & Carla 6d6=21 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 7:55:22 AM Beren casts a worried eye at the dark water, wondering if the evil sensed earlier at the lake is also present in these waters. When the others catch up to him his question is answered, for those standing next to the water feel suddenly chilled, and a thin haze of ice spreads out across the surface of the water. An 8' tall powerful being emerges from the icy waters to confront you. Jagged spurs and spines form icy ridges along it's blue-black form and cold hard light leaks from it's eyes, mouth and joints. A low rumbling voice crackles through the cold air ..."I've been expecting you".
The creature then exhales loudly and a cone of freezing air and ice crystals envelops the party [Reflex vs 19 to save for 1/2 damage or take 21 HP cold damage]
OOC: Map to follow this evening, the creature is some 25' away from Beren and standing on the icy surface of the water
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=27 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+5=19 ; d8+2=4 ; d8+2=9 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 9:50:20 AM
Beren reacts quickly to the threat presented by this creature, diving and rolling out of the way of its freeezing breath. He is chilled, but alive. (reflex 27 perfect 20)
As he rises from his roll, his bow rises with him, and two arrows seek his opponent.
The silent ranger shivers as he watches his arrows. Fly true.
rapid shot, point blank shot add additional +1 to hit and damage forgot to include it in the damage HIT AC 22 and 19 for 5 and 10 HP of DAM= Total 15 HP DAM
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+8=11 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=6 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 10:22:11 AM
(OOC: /&!R()/¤&"!!!!! die roller!) reflex save: 11 FAIL -21hp Ender tries desperately to scramble out of the way but slips and is caught in the cone of cold air, getting to his his feet he quickly quaffs two potions
Move action: pot. of cure light +6hp standard action: pot. of cure light +6hp
Jet Stormway (AC:0/22 HP:19/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+1=12 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 11:34:24 AM
Jet fails his save and falls unconcious on the floor.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) d20+6=15 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 11:52:11 AM
Reflex 15 *Fail*
The cold hits Calenin effecting him immidately, feeling that the cold is trying to bring him down. He slowly staggers away, trying desperately not to be the enormous being's next easy target.
------
Single move action to move away from Beren.
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:-2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday July 20th, 2009 11:57:18 AM
Jet is actually at -2. I messed up his AC and HP's.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor d20+3=21 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+7=17 ; d8+3=9 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 12:12:12 PM
Fatine somehow manages to dodge at least part of the icy blast. (save 21)
Col undertakes some masterful aerial maneuvers, dodging the ice and frost all around him. (save 24, nat 20, has improved evasion)
Feet of Mist isn't so lucky. The normally spry cat catches the blast head on, falling to the ground in a wet, hairy pile. (save 17, fail, full damage)
Fatine screams in anger when the cat falls, but looks up to see Jet on the ground as well. She hesitates for a split second, looking first at Feet of Mist, then Jet, then back to the great cat. Cursing under her breath, she rushes to Jet's side and leans over him, touching a finger to his cheek (actually, it looks like she pokes him rather hard).
"Geddup, Big Man!" she says angrily. "I no like doing your job, makin' peoples feel all nice an what not. Go kill dat ting!" She pauses a moment and concentrates as if something were blocking the spell, but finally the magic pulses from her finger.
[cast Cure Light Wounds, heal Jet for 9. Ley roll 1 (would be spell failure), use daily luck reroll, ley roll 2 (spell cast normally)]
Alexi cringes as the extreme cold numbs every inch of his body, but his eyes stay lit and anger fuels him. (Assuming he was next to Beren, he moves 15' to be within 10', or moves 30' to be no less than 10' from the creature). He moves forward reaching his numbed fingers into a pouch and pulls out a bag and tosses it at the creature.
Tanglefoot bag, ranged touch attack, range incr 10', (i don't want to be closer than 10' but I do want to be at least 10' away if possible)
d20+4 (ranged touch attack)=21, if this hit read up on Tanglefoot bag and let us know what happens.
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP -5/18] d20+2=11 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 10:22:16 PM
Keela slumps to the ground, unconscious.
DM Bob & Carla d20+1=9 ; d8+3=8 ; d6=1 ; Monday July 20th, 2009 11:38:21 PM
The attack from this dark creature takes the party by surprise, immediately knocking three of them unconcious. Keela, Jet, and the puma all slump to the floor. Beren and Fatine manage to avoid most of the damage but are stil covered in frost and ice crystals, Ender and Caelnin are not so lucky and are almost felled by the terrible cold while Alexi is also struck by the frigid blast he comes through in better shape.
Fatine rushes to Jet's side and casts a healing spell, allowing the teams leader to regain conciousness, her puma lies near death only a few feet away. Beren, hus fingers numbed by the cold manages to quickly send two arrows at their new adversary, striking with both. Alexi rushes forward and throws his tanglefoot bag which strikes the creature as it runs towards them, engulfing it in a sticky glue which hardens almost immediately in the intense cold. The goo pins it to the spot, and unable to move all the creature can do is claw at the hardening substance with it's sharp talons. It manages to tear off a significant chunk as the glue is rapidly becoming brittle. "Crik come to get you!" it yells at them.
[OOC: Jet feel free to both rise and then take a full turn this time as the map was not ready in time for you to post - the creature (Cr) is presently immobilized by the tanglefoot]
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Tuesday July 21st, 2009 12:14:32 AM
OOC: "Jet feel free to BOTH rise..."? Are you missing someone or is that just a typo?
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:13/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d8+1=6 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=10 ; Tuesday July 21st, 2009 1:42:31 AM
Jet rises and staggers a bit. The frost still present on his armor. He sacrifices Enlarge Person spell for a Cure Light Wounds.
"Spread out, don't let it breath on all of us again he yells." He looks around to see who is now worse off then he. Keela is where he will make movement toward next to stop the bleeding."
Cure Light Wounds curing Jet 6 Heal check to determine who is worse off, if necessary.
+Detect Evil, +Detect Evil, Resistance
Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, +Enlarge Person
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+6=25 ; d8=3 ; Tuesday July 21st, 2009 1:05:12 PM
Following Jet's Advice ender scrambles to I-27 and fires his crossbow at the monster hitting AC 25 for 3 damage
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP -6/18] d100=87 ; Tuesday July 21st, 2009 8:31:56 PM
Keela slips a little closer to death.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:15/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) 2d8+3=8 ; Tuesday July 21st, 2009 9:48:57 PM
Alexi moves to F18, (a 30' arc movement that keeps him 10' away and out of reach) that puts the Ice Creature between himself and his friends. He then downs his last potion of CMW.
Healing 2d8+3=8 (aw shucks, dang!)
He then braces himself for a big, bloody fight.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=20 ; d20+5=22 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=7 ; Tuesday July 21st, 2009 10:09:56 PM
Beren chafes his hands together quickly, then fires two more arrows at the monster. Again both find their mark. He looks for a rock or something to hide behind while he shoots, but focuses on targeting the creature.
He hopes the others are doing okay, because he has no time to check on them.
Rapid shot, point blank shot results in hitting AC 20 and 22 for 9 and 7 HP of DAM total 16 HP DAM
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Tuesday July 21st, 2009 10:14:05 PM
Caelnin still diasbled tries to move away from the action, no matter how much he wants to partake in the action.
------
Move to 34F
DM Bob & Carla d8+3=6 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 7:55:19 AM
The party struggles to overcome the initial onslaught from Crik. Keela and the puma both lay unconcious, covered in a coating of frost and ice crystals. Keela's lips and skin are a blue with cold. Caelnin staggers back towards the entrance to the cavern, anxious to avoid further injury, he can barely control the shivering that has overtaken him.
Jet rises and quaffs another potion and finds the color returning to his own skin. He casts an eye across his companions, decides that Keela is most in need of medical aid, and moves to her side. Beren and Ender target the creature with their bows and watch with grim pleasure as their arrows and bolts strike true. The creature, for it's part, growls in a crackly voice, announcing it's displeasure at the situation while Alexi circles the beast and prepares for the fight.
Crik scrapes away at the hardening goo that encases his lower body. It grows more brittle each second it is in touch with the intense cold that emanates from his body, and with one final scrape he breaks free. "Crik come for you now!!...Told you would be here!...now you die!" The bluish-black creature advances on Beren and prepares to strike him. The ranger can feel the cold that surrounds the creature like an aura.
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 9:43:52 AM
Dropping his crossbow and drawing his dagger, Ender moves to G25, hooping to flank the creature as it apparently is focusing on Beren
Jet Stormway (AC:21/22 HP:13/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+6=16 ; Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 11:20:13 AM
It seems to jet, every time he pulls out his healers kit, he is using it on Keela. Not that he complains. She is more brave then some of the thieving little pack rats he used to hang out with as a boy.
After just a few seconds, her eyes flutter open as he ties the last not. "Do you have any more potions Keela? IF not, I will heal you round. If so, take it now so I can move to Caelnin."
Heal to stabalize DC 15: Rolled 16
Jet waits for Keela to answer, whether he takes a move toward G33 or not.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 3:29:45 PM
Fatine steps to F27, pulling a wand from her belt. She taps Jet with it, smiling with satisfaction as she watches the man begin to grow in size. "Now, go fight dat big beastie. I dake care o dee healin' an' all what not," she orders him.
Calling to the others, she says, "Come on o'er here if'n ye wan' be big like dat ugly ting." She points at the creature. Kneeling, she looks at Feet of Mist to determine where the puma has been most damaged.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=12 ; d20+5=23 ; d8+3=9 ; Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 7:29:24 PM
Beren backs away as the creature advances. He wants to maintain enough distance to avoid being hit, while still staying close enough to maintain his effective distance for point blank shot. The large beast can cover ground quickly, so he has to take a quick double step to avoid being hit, but he does not let it interfere with his shooting.
Two more arrows fly from his quiver. Hie first arrow goes wide in his hurry to shoot after moving, but his second strikes again. He continues to back away slowly, trying to increase his distance and avoid being struck.
Rapid shot, point blank shot results in hitting AC 23 for 9 HP DAM
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 19/19] Mage Armor Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 8:48:30 PM
addendum: forgot to mention, that was a wand of enlarge person that Fatine used on Jet.
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:15/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+4=14 ; d6+2=3 ; Wednesday July 22nd, 2009 10:51:07 PM
OOC: does Beren move to E25 or F25?
IC: Alexi stays his ground and switches weapons to his bow, taking a shot at the creature also.
d20+4=14 (probably a miss, I'm sure it's a miss, just in case... dmg 1d6+2=3 pfffft)
go get'im boys and girls :}
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP -6/18] Thursday July 23rd, 2009 12:27:07 AM
Keela is stable, but unconscious. So she doesn't respond to Jet. :)
However, everybody knows by now which wand of Keela's shoots Magic Missiles, and what the command word is. If somebody wants to grab it and go to town; just a suggestion.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Thursday July 23rd, 2009 2:13:49 AM
Caelnin decides to sit and lean against the wall, the cold washing over him freezing all his joints to near immovablilty.
DM Bob & Carla d20+8=9 ; Thursday July 23rd, 2009 8:12:03 AM Ender , Beren and Alexi engage the icy menace while Jet and Fatine begin the process of healing their wounded companions. Fatine takes the opportunity to enlarge Jet and offers to take over the healing from the cleric. Beren once again manages to strike the creature with an arrow while backing away from it, but Alexi's shot simply deflects of the icy coating that encases the creature.
"Do not run away!! the creature yells in frustration at Beren, "I will hunt you down anyway!!. Crik advances on Beren, slashing out with a mighty claw. The attack misses badly but with each step, more and more of the goo that encumbers the creature breaks away and falls to the ground.
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+11=19 ; d3=1 ; 2d6=5 ; Thursday July 23rd, 2009 9:50:29 AM
Moving to 24E Ender is flanking Crick and attacks with his dagger hitting AC 19 (If he hits he does 1+5= 6 damage)
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=8 ; d20+8=14 ; Thursday July 23rd, 2009 10:16:49 AM
Beren continues to slowly back away from the ice creature.
Must keep shooting and keep the attention on me. Need to give everyone a chance to get up and ready to fight.
Two more arrows fly, but the ranger is a little rattled after the near miss from the beasts last attack, and his arrows go wide. He's not sure how much longere he can play this game of cat and mouse.
8 and 14 to hit both miss.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -4/19] Mage Armor d20=16 ; d8+3=7 ; d8=8 ; Thursday July 23rd, 2009 12:17:11 PM
Feet of Mist stabilize roll = 16, fail. another HP lost.
Fatine looks at Keela still lying unconscious on the ground. Looking back at her puma, she curses soundly, then grabs Keela's shoulder and chants a few words. More healing magic flows into Keela, though this time a bit different.
[cast aid on Keela (sorry no CLW left), 7 temporary HP, +1 attack/damage/fear saves]
Ley roll=8, free spell!
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:13/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d20+7=14 ; Thursday July 23rd, 2009 1:34:54 PM
Jet grabs his sword and steps past his friends to F26, swinging hard on Crik. "Where are the children you abberation from hell!"
Actions: Move to F26 Attack Crik hitting AC: 14 (miss)
Alexi (AC: 16, HP:15/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+9=17 ; d8+2=4 ; Thursday July 23rd, 2009 9:31:37 PM
OOC: Ender, were you Backstabing? You can Backstab any time you have your oponent flanked.
Alexi drops his bow in frustration and draws his sword and readies his shield again as Jet engages Crik. With only an expression of determination on his face, he charges the creature's flank. (Charge to E24, 30')
Charge +2 to hit, -2 AC, Alexi's AC will be 14 until the beginning of his next turn.
Att: d20+9=17, if hit dmg d8+2=4 (so here we go again, awful to start with, but getting better as we go along. Oh, I forgot, it is Lobo and Bantom that manage to turn the tide. DOH!)
Keela [Mage Armor] [AC 16; HP 1/18] d20+3=11 ; 4d6=14 ; Friday July 24th, 2009 12:30:49 AM
Jolted awake, Keela sits up and looks around. Taking a moment to get her bearings, she sends a Scorching Ray in the creature's direction. It's not an especially good shot, but it just may be enough.
[Hit touch AC 11 for 14 damage]
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] Friday July 24th, 2009 8:04:22 AM
OOC: Yes i was backstabbing... bad roll though, dont think the die generator likes me : /
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:13/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Friday July 24th, 2009 11:09:53 AM
Jet continues to swing on the beast.
ooc: I hear you!
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=16 ; d20+5=6 ; Friday July 24th, 2009 12:30:00 PM
No Dm post (Post reliant on creatures actions and DM response)
Beren continues with his attacks. His arrows once again go wide of the target.
Need to focus and regain composure.
Beren stops his retreat. His next two arrows cannot miss, even if it means his life. He sets himself, preparing for his next two arrows.
DM Bob & Carla d20+8=22 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+5=15 ; d8+3=5 ; d6=4 ; 2d6=9 ; d6=2 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 7:28:43 AM Now that's more like itCrik yells out as Alexi, Ender, and Jet engage him at close quarters, but only Ender manages to strike true. Keela's ray also goes wide, narrowly missing the ice creature and several of her own companions.
The creature wades into battle, slashing at Jet with both of it's claws. [Hit AC22 for 5+4 cold = 9 dmg]. When Alexi charges in, the creature whirls and snaps at him with it's jagged teeth [Hit AC15 for 9+2 cold = 11 dmg]. Never mind the children, they wait below...but you will never see them...you will never get by me. You are my reward for guarding the brats!. Those next to the creature can feel the intense cold radiating from it's body. Each time it speaks, ice crystals punctuate it's words.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+7=10 ; d20+5=9 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 11:37:20 AM
OOC-Lousy Rolls!
Beren fires two more arrows, but the cold must be affecting him more than he thought, as these arrows also miss the mark, sailing harmlessly over the beasts head.
What good am I if I can't even shoot an arrow straight.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor d20=5 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 1:56:49 PM
Feet of Mist stabilizing roll = 5 (fail)
Fatine tries to reach Alexi while skirting around the monster's reach, and if she can make it, taps Alexi with her wand of Enlarge Person.
Intended path: H26, H25, G24
Note to DM, if Fatine cannot take that path, or otherwise can't reach Alexi without getting attacked, she doesn't try. Instead, she goes to Beren and uses the wand on him.
Calling to Ender, she says, "Liddle man! Come o' here and get enbiggened!"
Enlarged: Jet Alexi (or Beren)
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+9=23 ; d3=1 ; 2d6=5 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 2:11:10 PM
Ender not wanting to provoke attacks of opportunity takes a 5foot step to D24 and attacks again hitting ac 23 doing 1+5=6 damage
dodge vs. Crick= ac19
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:4/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+8=11 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 6:07:04 PM
OOC: Alexi now occupies F23,24; G23,24 as I don't see why Fatine would not be able to get to Alexi untouched. Alexi's new stats reflected in header (AC -1 for Dex change and -1 for size change).
Alexi has never been this big before, the size of a giant, but has seen Jet do the same trick so he thinks quick. The wounds on him are great but he must keep on fighting. He takes a step back, (to E23,22; F23,22) and with his new reach, attacks Crik with all his might. (He can now attack 10' away)
d20+8=11; the cold must be really affecting him.
OOC: Alexi could use some healing about now, if possible. He does have one potion of CLW left but put off using it in order to attack. A lot of good that did, but if Jet can move to flank the Crik, that will help us all.
Time to shine, Jet! :)
Keela [Mage Armor, Aid] [AC 16; HP 1/18] d20-3=15 ; d6+2=7 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 10:09:36 PM
"Oh, bother!" Keela mutters as her spell goes wide. She scrambles to her feet, and casts again. Another ray sizzles toward their foe, this one a pale, sickly green.
[Cast Ray of Enfeeblement. Touch AC 15. If it hits, the target takes a 7-point Strength penalty]
[Showing my math :) BAB +1, Dex +2, Aid +1, Point-Blank Shot feat +1, shooting into melee -4, cover -4. Total -3]
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:13/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d8+1=5 ; d20+7=18 ; Monday July 27th, 2009 11:16:11 PM
ooc: DMs, please assume the best possible course for Jet, since the map and size differences are not noted.
Jet takes a five foot step to E26 and casts a spell upon himself, to further bolster his diminished hit points. "Alemi please touch these wounds."
+Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, +Enlarge Person
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Tuesday July 28th, 2009 2:58:07 AM
Caelnin can hear the clang of battle, and whished that he could watch comfortably rather than listening to it against the wall if he isn't able to join in.
"I barely have the strength to stand up now, this coldness has sapped most of my energy..."
DM Bob & Carla d20+5=18 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+2=16 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2009 8:03:44 AM
The chilling battle continues the adventurers close in on Crik. Two of the party remain incapacitated by the original attack. Caelnin hovers near the cavern entrance, barely able to stand, and the puma lies near death on the cold rocks. Fatine enlarges Alexi and now both he and Jet press the ice creature, however his new size must be hard to get used to for teh former fist misses wildly with his first attack and Jet wisely takes a moment to regain his health [OOC unable to move Jet to desired location as it is partly occupied by Beren].
Ender does manage to stab at Crik again, and can feel his blade grow colder with each contact he makes. Undeterred by her previous failure, Keela casts another ray, this one encases Crik in a greenish glow and saps him of some of his strength.
Crik roars in anger and lashes out at Jet with claws and teeth [Hit AC 18, 11, 16 (all misses)]
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Tuesday July 28th, 2009 11:00:19 AM
OOC--Beren is at 12 HP. I thought I changed them, but as I looked back, I had not
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:13/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d20+7=8 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2009 11:12:54 AM
"Oh for the sake of all that is holy, can anyone besides halflings hit you? Sack of frost giant dung!
Jet figures, if he can't hit the thing, he may as well distract it so someone else can.
Hit AC 8 (Natural 1)
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:4/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+8=15 ; d8+3=11 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2009 4:42:00 PM
OOC: typically, Alexi doesn't start rolling good until Jet goes down. Maybe this time it will be different?
IC: Alexi grumbles at his wild swing, wishing he had Fatine cast the Enlarge spell on him back at the training grounds so he could practice with the new size. However, as those thoughts flit through his mind, he quickly assesses the strategic possitions and moves over 5' to be behind Ender (D23-22, E23,22) and aims his next swing. ( With Alexi doubled in size and new reach, I think he can swing over Ender's head and gain Flanking bonus with Jet).
d20+8+2 (flanking)=17, (if deemed not flanking, then 15, probably a miss)
dmg d8+3= 11, if hit.
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+11=13 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2009 5:07:56 PM
Still flanking, Ender keeps up the attack but stumbles slightly while attackingand misses horribly
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] Tuesday July 28th, 2009 5:08:28 PM
p.s still using dodge vs. Crick = Ac 19
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:9/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Tuesday July 28th, 2009 5:25:15 PM
ooc: Proper hit points now posted.
Keela [Mage Armor, Aid] [AC 16; HP 1/18] d4=1 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2009 11:00:53 PM
Keela tries to move into position to cast another spell. It requires her to get closer than she would like, but she's running out of options.
[If possible, move to D-27 and cast Color Spray, which should only hit the bad guy. Will Save DC 14; effect depends on hit die, but at a minimum he is stunned for a round if he fails his save.
If that is not possible (not sure what the off-road terrain is like), draw the wand and cast a Magic Missile for 2 damage.]
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor d20=19 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2009 7:28:49 AM
Fatine sees there isn't much more she can do for the battle, so she heads toward Caelnin. (double move to him, no other action)
Feet of Mist stabilizing roll = 19 DM Highlight to display spoiler: { I think this does it right? 10% chance, so 19 or 20? Guess I should have been rolling d10, sorry}
DM Bob & Carla [Will Save] d20+4=24 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+2=4 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2009 7:44:25 AM Crik, enfeebled as he is seems to be getting the better of his opponents, for both enlarged foes fail to hit, as does the halfling that has so pestered him, [OOC I counted Alexi's attack as flanking without any cover provided by Ender because of his small stature]. Fatine moves to Caelnin's side and prepares to provide healing. Her puma lies motionless on the ground Highlight to display spoiler: {stabilized}. Unable to swing left of the creature Keela's uses her wand of magik missile to inflict the only damage on Crik [The map is meant to depict that D27 is the wall of the cavern itself and hence not able to be occupied]
On Crik's turn he lashes out at Jet a flurry of ice cold claws and teeth, but the fighter's armor turns all the attacks away [Hit AC 15, 12, 4 - all misses] . The icebeast curses in frustration!!
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:9/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d20+7=23 ; 3d6+7=18 ; d20+3=21 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2009 11:28:21 AM
Jet feeling he is due, swings with precision this time, cutting deep into the side of the creature.
"You are going to kill us anyway, so tell us who has the children and why?" jet tries to Bluff some more information for the group.
Attack Crik hitting AC 23 doing 18 damage.
Bluff for information: 21
Keela [Mage Armor, Aid] [AC 16; HP 1/18] d4=2 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2009 7:08:45 PM
Keela fires off another Magic Missile, then begins working her way around Jet.
[If possible, move to G-24. Magic Missile does a whopping 3! Ha! Fear me!]
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+11=12 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2009 8:25:03 PM
Ender, still not having recovered his balance, fails miserably (Nat. 1) when he stabs at the monster
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:4/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+10=28 ; 2d6+3=9 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2009 9:03:14 PM
Seeing the tide turn, Alexi hopes he adds to Jet's swing and concentrating hard, swings again, connecting solidly with Crik's upper shoulder. 'Got the hang of this enlargement now, I think,' he smiles. He then steps swideways 5' (back to E23,22;D23,22) to make sure Crik has a flurry of sharp metal if he tries to excape to the water.
d20+8+2(flanked)=28! (just 1 shy of possible crit!)
dmg (large longsw) 2d6+3= 9,
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Wednesday July 29th, 2009 10:46:23 PM
Caelnin gives up watching the battle, his shaking becoming too much for him to handle and he just sits there watching the other wall. Just before he does so, he sees a figure look at him and start moving towards him.
"Hope this is the help that I need..."
DM Bob & Carla d20+5=12 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+2=21 ; 2d6=10 ; d6=3 ; Thursday July 30th, 2009 8:03:05 AM
The tide begins to turn in the party's favour. Jet strikes Crik and wounds him deeply, as does Alexi. The two enlarged warriors know that the creature cannot take much more, but must be surprised at it's willingness to continue in battle. Keela sends anoter magic missile on its way and has the satisfaction of seeing it strike home as she moves.
Crik replies to Jet, "you are right, your chance of seeing the children is remote, for as I die I will bring you with me! The children wait their fate in the next cavern, but you will not get there in this lifetime!!"
Crik launches himself once again at the parties leader, slashing wildly, [miss with 12 and 11] at Jet. It is the creatures sharp, penetrating teeth that strike home, piercing a weakness in the armor. The sharp, numbing cold drives deep into Jet's bones [Hit Ac21 for 13 HP] [OOC didn't react to the bluff because bluff takes a full round action which you didn't have available - presumed you would prefer the attack].
Crik maintains a combative stance, but his many wounds are easily visible as the elemental cold that resides within him threatens to escape through the rents and tears in the fabric of his body. Each wound glows icy blue with energy.
Map to follow later - sorry no time right now - positions haven't changed much
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:-4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Thursday July 30th, 2009 11:47:24 AM
Jet drops again, as at least some more information is revealed.
ooc: Thanks DM, you are right, i would have prefered the attack. :)
Beren(AC 18, HP 12/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Kelly sub d20+7=21 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=21 ; d8+3=9 ; Thursday July 30th, 2009 12:34:41 PM
As Jet drops to the ground Beren again has a clear shot at the creature. Hoping this time his arrows will strike true he unleashes two more at the ice creature.
The first arrow barely misses (21 a miss?) while the second strikes perfectly.
Hit AC 21 miss Hit AC 25, critical check 21 (not critical?) Damage 9
sub by Kelly, who missed yesterday. sorry
Keela [Mage Armor, Aid] [AC 16; HP 1/18] Thursday July 30th, 2009 12:50:23 PM
Keela is worried about Jet, but his being unconscious makes her spellcasting geometry much more simple. She squeezes behind the large form of her companion, hoping he'll be okay, and casts a close-range spell at the enemy.
[Move to H-25 and cast Color Spray. Will Save DC 14; effect depends on hit dice. If Crick fails his save, he is at the very least stunned for a round.]
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor d8=3 ; Thursday July 30th, 2009 2:48:20 PM
Fatine reaches out and touches Caelnin's arm, sending some small amount of healing through the warrior. [cure minor wounds, 1 HP to Caelnin - but at least you aren't at 0!] [ley roll 3, okay]
Seeing Jet fall again, Fatine sighs. "Big Man! Why you no lissen to ol' Fatine? Scuse me," she says to Caelnin, and rushes back to Jet's side, ready to help him if she can.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor Thursday July 30th, 2009 2:48:52 PM
moves to G27, forgot that part
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:7/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d8+1=3 ; Thursday July 30th, 2009 10:09:39 PM
Seeing Jet go down, Alexi knows the presure will now be on him, and he is sorely hurt, his body only able to move from the cold blast by sheer will of survival. A sudden sprout of blazing colors engulf the creature for a moment and Alexi takes the moment to grasp his last CLW potion and downs it, hoping Beren and Ender can keep the enemy busy.
CLW heal d8+1=3! (I'll wring that cleric's neck when I find him!)
OOC: I still have a move action left so I'll wait until the map shows up.
DM Bob & Carla [Damage from Beren's first arrow] d8+3=9 ; d100=25 ; Thursday July 30th, 2009 10:37:52 PM Crik collapses to the ground, two arrows embedded in his chest. First his knees hit the cavern floor, followed by his torso and head as he topples forward. [OOC Atk 21 hits but Crik is immune to criticals, I rolled the damage for your first arrow]
Keela shifts over but holds her spell as it is obviously not needed and unlikely to work against an unconcious foe. Fatine rushes to Jet's side while Alexi takes a moment to down a potion, just in case the creature should rise again.
Crik's body begins to tremble violently and rapid pulses of blue energy erupt from his torn body. Each pulse is followed by a rapid drop in temperature.
All PCs except Jet and Caelnin make an intelligence check versus DC 15 . If succcessful read spoiler Highlight to display spoiler: { A closer examination of Crik's form leads you to believe that the energy that roils and flares within him can not be held within his torn shell for much longer. The energy seems to be seeking each tear and cut, pushing violently to escape the lifeless frame}.
Ender [AC 18, HP 13/24] d20+4=11 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 1:50:06 AM
Ender, obviously still reeling a bit from his horrendous miss last round, stands there gawking at the body of Crick
(ooc: I really think the die generator hates me... a lot!)
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:-5/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d100=87 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 10:39:12 AM
Jet continues to bleed out from under his armor
ooc:I don't read spoilers I'm not supposed to, but from the lead up to the spoiler it doesn't sound good.
Beren(AC 18, HP 12/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Kelly sub d20+1=19 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 11:07:51 AM
Beren gives a satisfied grunt as he throws his bow over his shoulder.
"Was about time those arrows found their mark. Foul creature, seems to pulsate with life even when dead."
He then gives another careful look, and exclaims:
"It isn't life that pulsates, the freezing energy is about to explode out of it. Quick, run around the bend before it explodes. Someone get Jet."
Beren then runs to Caelnin and picks up him up and takes him around the bend to M-26. Or at least as far as he can before the thing explodes.
Keela [Mage Armor, Aid] [AC 16; HP 1/18] d20+3=23 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 5:33:38 PM
Keela also spots the danger and warns the others away. On the other hand...
"Do we have time to shove the body into the water?" she asks. "That might blunt the effect."
Since she will be of little use in that endeavor, however, she concentrates on moving away from Crik's body.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor d20+2=17 ; d20-1=5 ; Friday July 31st, 2009 8:15:48 PM
Fatine also realizes what danger the lifeless body poses. With no chance of lifting Jet, she instead reaches down and tries to get handholds on Feet of Mist, attempting to drag the unconscious puma with her around the corner.
Int check = 17
Str check = 5 (to drag Feet of Mist) DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Not sure how this works. Fatine's max load is 80 pounds (8 Str), and the dragging rule says a character can drag up to 5x max load, increased or decreased depending on conditions. That would mean she could drag 400 pounds, give or take, and the puma (cheetah) weighs around 110-130 pounds. I don't know if the Str check is needed, or what. Whatever you decide works for me}
"Someone help me wit' dee cat. I no be leavin' wit'oud him," she calls to the others.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Saturday August 1st, 2009 8:47:12 AM
Beren, hearing Keela's suggestion, says,
"I think the freezing temperatures pulsing off the body will do you damage if you tried to touch the foul beast. RUN!"
Beren gets Caelnin to safety, and then returns to help Jet, or the cat, whichever still needs help.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:7/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+2=20 ; Sunday August 2nd, 2009 8:20:49 PM
Int DC15 d20+2=20
Alexi also deduces that the body of Crik won't hold the energy and will soon explode. Hearing Keela's sugestion, and Beren's warning, Alexi, in his enlarged form, uses his enlarged shield to give Crik a mighty push towards the waters without physically touching him.
Str check necessary?
STR 17 with Enlarge, and he only needs to go 15 - 20'. Lef me know if a roll is necessary, for anything.
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Monday August 3rd, 2009 1:11:57 AM
Caelnin, still feeling the cold, gets out a "Thank you..." and stands up to see Beren running towards him, yelling something about getting behind the bend. Caelnin proceeds around the bend as far as he can go.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:-5/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Monday August 3rd, 2009 10:57:02 AM
Jet continues to bleed out. Will roll for stabalize after DM post.
DM Bob & Carla d10=3 ; d10=10 ; Monday August 3rd, 2009 10:33:18 PM
Upon realizing the danger they are in, Beren calls out to his companions to run and does the same, gathering Caelnin as he does. Keela also distances herself from the convulsing carcass, and Fatine unceremoniously drags the puma as far as she can away from Crik. Ender gawks at the convulsing body, unable to move, whilst the enlarged Alexi attempst to push the carcass out into the water.
As Crik's lifeless shell touches the water, a thin sheet of ice forms instantly and Alexi can only slide the pulsating shell out further onto the frozen surface. At that instant, with one final spasm, and a loud crackling sound, Crik's body explodes. The energy contained within, rushes out of the rent form in all directions with such force that the shell itself is shattered and shards of the hardened outer coating are carried by the blast like a cloud of tiny daggers.
Alexi takes the brunt of the explosion, shielding the prone form of Jet from the shards, but not the cold. [Alexi make a reflex save versus DC 19 to take 1/2 damage otherwise take 3 cold and 10 from the shards; Jet takes 3 cold].
Ender is also swept up in the blast. The wave of cold hits first, followed almost instantly by the piercing shards of Crik's hardened form [Reflex vs 19 for 1/2 or take 3 cold and 10 piercing dmg].
The rest of the party are momentarily numbed by the blast and the sudden drop in temperature, but experience no physical damage as a result. Anything within 30 feet of where Crik's body exploded is covered in a coating of ice, and hoar frost.
Alexi (AC: 1, HP:7/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=6 ; d20+1=8 ; Monday August 3rd, 2009 11:03:24 PM
oh boy, hope the dice roller is kind... Ref DC19 d20+1 (includes the size mod)=6 (yay, the dice roller performed as expected!)
Alexi takes 13, leaving 1hp left. :P so there!
Alexi grits his teeth and hides behind his shield as best as he can as he realizes Crik is exploding. Then, with his face frozen in the grimmace, he rather staggers back to Jet's form, and with numb hands does the best he can to stabilize him.
Heal check DC 15 d20+1=8. no luck this round, he's too frozen to be much help.
"Fatine? Anyone with a healing potion? Quick! Jet's got one foot in the grave!"
Keela [Mage Armor, Aid] [AC 16; HP 1/18] d20+2=9 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 12:02:06 AM
Keela rushes forward and tries to stabilize Jet. With no training, and half-numbed fingers, she is not much help.
[Heal check 9]
At some point during the post-battle proceeding, Keela's temporary hit points wear off and she slumps to the ground, unconscious but stable.
[I kind of lost track of how long the Aid has been up, but it can't have too much longer to go.]
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:-9/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d100=1 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 11:29:04 AM
Although Keela's attempt was unsuccessful, no one notices as Jet becomes stable on his own.
Stabalize attempt 1%
ooc: Alexi, unless your header got messed up somehow, I think you are at -6
Alexi (AC: 1, HP:7/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday August 4th, 2009 3:50:26 PM
OOC: oops, i posted this in a hurry and my new glasses, yeah, bifocals, must have messed with my eyes. I saw 14 and took 13 from that. The 14 was my AC! My hps is 7!
So that would be -6! :( and scrap all that other stuff Alexi thought he did. In his unconscious state, he just thought he tried to save Jet.
Reposting:
Alexi is blown backwards by the cold blast and lays nearly mostly almost frozen to death.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:-6/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday August 4th, 2009 3:54:50 PM
There the header is fixed.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor d8=6 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 4:40:43 PM
Fatine sighs and looks around, seeing Alexi, Jet and Keela, along with Feet of Mist, all unconscious. "Well dis be a preddy pikkel," she says matter-of-factly. "And dee tree o' us no be feelin' too well, eh?" She says to Caelnin and Ender.
"Bow-man, look like you be goin' on alone. Make sure dose kiddies know we all be tinkin' o' dem, hear?" she says to Beren, forcing an unenthusiastic laugh.
"I be almost oudda power, dee ley lines be feelin' weak. I no got anyting left to give these here sleepy heads." she adds.
[I don't remember who had what potions. I vaguely remember Jet telling everyone what to carry, but i don't know what it was, nor did I save any of the loot charts.]
Beren(AC 18, HP 12/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Kelly sub who isn't sure if lyle is back d20+2=9 ; 2d8+3=8 ; 2d8+3=11 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2009 5:01:03 PM
The explosion of cold and ice set Beren even more on edge, and he shakes his head.
"I said not to touch the beast, you should have run." speaking to the dead Alexi.
Kneeling down, he examines the brave yet foolish fighter. "He still has some life left in him, but not much."
Beren attempts to stabilize Alexi with his skills at healing, but doesn't seem to be able to help much. Looking up at Fatine as she speaks, he adds:
"I will have little chance on my own of saving them, though I will try if I must. First though, I think I have two more potions of healing in here."
He pulls out two bottles of CMW, pouring one down Alexi's throat and motioning to have the other poured down Jet's.
Healing potions: Alexi 8 hp Jet 11 hp
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday August 5th, 2009 7:40:05 AM
The explosion of Crik leaves one more face down on the cold rocks. A skin of ice covers some 60 yards across the surface of the lake. Now is the time for first aid and to determine who is with the living and who is not...,
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Wednesday August 5th, 2009 11:02:15 AM
"It's st-s-still so v-v-ery c-c-cold" Caelnin stutters out, as he still shivers from the blast that hit him.
"Sor-r-ry th-that I couldn't b-be of much h-he-help..." Caelnin apologises for running at the start of the battle. He can't help but not worry about everyone else, and what could've been if he were to help.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Wednesday August 5th, 2009 11:36:48 AM
Jet staggers to his feet, grasping blindly at first for his sword out of instinct, yet once he notices they are no longer in battle, he looks around to see who needs his help.
It seems that some potions were used to bring him back from the brink. His head pounds as if he has the worst ice cream headache any orphan given a cone could ever have.
He staggers up and looks around to see if anyone else is down and it is Feet of Mist that lies unconcious. "No worries Fatine, if he is alive, I will help him feel better in a bit, but first, lets use up whatever potions we have left. I have one spell left and we will likely need it to get the children out of harms way."
Fatine [AC 16, HP 3/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP -5/19] Mage Armor Wednesday August 5th, 2009 5:12:50 PM
"He be sleepin' it off now," Fatine says. "I think he pull trough. How we gon' get erryone else feelin' better?"
Keela [-6/18, stable] Wednesday August 5th, 2009 6:46:08 PM
Her temporary hit points having worn off, Keela is unconscious but stable.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:-6/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday August 5th, 2009 7:40:46 PM
OOC: I'll dig through my records and see what I find. I know the druid gave Fatine some potins way back. I'll post when I find the stuff.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:-6/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday August 5th, 2009 8:00:45 PM
OOC: I went back to the old e-mails (yeah, I keep them), and from the general concensus, none of the potions were claimed by an individual but held as party goods. The potions that were/have been used so far were ones bought or gained from the saving Lollena.
Thus the following potions are probably with Jet: Bull Strength Magic Weapon (oil) Bless Weapon (oil) Potion of CLW Potion of CLW Potion of CLW Potion of CLW Potion of CLW
I also found this: Fatine hurried to Tarketh to be sure the trip met with his approval. The herbalist was concerned about loosing his assistant, but expressed confidence in her ability to take care of herself. However he did give the witch a pouch with some packets of herbs and spices, as well as four vials of a healing potion, "to use as the need arises."
This was when we left the group to search out who had killed the npc and left him tied in the middle of the road. We proceeded up the canyon trail and eventually found the Ahote. So Fatine should still have these potions.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Wednesday August 5th, 2009 8:04:19 PM
OOC: Jet would not have held them all, but would have distributed them to whom thought they would use them. All the cure potions evenly.
Fatine might would have had to give those four back, since they were not needed back then.
I wrote down everything Jet had and I would assume, Anrete and Mikal would have to of returned those potions because they were not individual items.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:-6/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday August 5th, 2009 9:08:38 PM
OOC: yeah, the logic of distributing the potions makes sense, but I found nothing that said who actually got to carry them, so I presumed Jet held them. No problem, as they are still 'out there' unused. Jet can gather them in and be the one to dispense them to the injured.
As far as Fatine's, that would be between Fatine and Tarketh, but the DM didn't make any stipulation about their return if not used. So that would be up to the DM to say whether she still has them.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:2/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday August 5th, 2009 9:19:19 PM
Alexi manages a gasp and sputter as the healing takes effect. Healing potion icecycles coat his mustache as he breathes in deep then gasps again with the pain.
"Tried to get it to water... I tried..." he mutters. Groggily he manages to prop himself up on an elbow and looks around. "Jet you managed..." he mumbles. "Keela? Anyone else?"
Alexi sprawls out over the ice and starts scooting his way back towards the ledge and off the ice shelf. Scooting, for he fears for his weight on the ice and and does not want to hear the dreadful sound of ice cracking underneath him!
Beren(AC 18, HP 12/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Kelly sub who isn't sure if lyle is back Wednesday August 5th, 2009 10:16:51 PM
Beren takes a blanket out of his bag and throws an end to Alexi and helps pull him across the ice. Once he is to safety, he wraps the blanket around Alexi.
"Friend, you were very brave to try and get the creature into the water. Very brave. I suppose with all the sounds of battle you didn't hear me yell 'run'. No matter, you are still with us. I will try and yell louder next time."
Beren takes another look through his pack, and adds:
"Those were my last two potions, unless others have some we may have to carry on with our wounds. We can't wait too long can we?"
DM Bob & Carla Thursday August 6th, 2009 8:07:35 AM Alexi is pulled from the ice and potions are shared and administered as needed. [OOC assume you have all the potions discussed including those from Tarketh].
Ther freezing cold dissipates as the potions warm them as well as performing their normal function of closing wounds and fighting infection.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Thursday August 6th, 2009 2:14:22 PM
ooc: I had two on me, one from group loot and the other I won in the LnB some tiome back.
Jet gives one to Keela, to make sure she gets back up, then Jet walks over to Alexi.
"If I ever see you use that bow on anything beside wild game again, I'm going to break it over your thick skull! Do you understand me?" His eyes, glazed and blood shot from the cold and the pain. He confronts Alexi with the few hit points he has, just to get the point across, Jet does not care how bad off someone is, when they need their butt chewed, it's going to happen. "In fact, if you do anything but charge and confront our next aggressors, I'll ask Garth to put you in Ma Belles as the bouncer for the rest of your contract!"
Jet waits for him to come up with some lame butt excuse again, but Jet is tired of taking the role as the main fighter and the priest and the leader.
After this calms down, if it does, he will let everyone else that is below 10 hit points take another potion before he will.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:2/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday August 6th, 2009 9:26:43 PM
OOC: just an fyi, I was trying to let Beren get as many arrows in without the penalty for shooting into melee. I had hoped that Caelnin would pull out a potion and be able to shoot too. So I had Alexi shoot an arrow as well. Too bad he missed. Then I had planned to join battle at the same time as Jet so it would have two opponents to choose from, not one. Well, it sorta worked. :}
IC: Alexi merely keeps his council, primarily 'cause he was too cold to argue, but in the back of his mind the question, What's wrong in killing it from a distance? managed to eeck it's way forward, then get pushed back.
"Ma Belles? Could be fun. Warm atmosphere, good food, good company, specially the one with large brown eyes, long smooth plait of dark brown hair, skin a creamy color, and cheeks a pretty pink color," Alexi replied with a wide grin.
Then Alexi turns to Beren and thanks him for the help off the ice. "Quick work with this blanket. I think I'm fine now. Can I put it on the panther? Seems he needs it more than me now."
If Beren aproves, Alexi puts the blanket on Feet of Mist.
Beren(AC 18, HP 12/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Kelly sub who isn't sure if lyle is back Thursday August 6th, 2009 9:30:23 PM
Beren smiles warmly, which is about the only warm thing he can manage.
"Sure, take care of the cat. I like animals more than people anyway, no offense Alexi. They are a bit easier to understand and less judgemental."
OOC: I don't remember when Lyle is coming back but I am leaving tomorrow so this is my last post. If someone has a spare healing potion then they can heal Beren up, of course after others are back to snuff. It has been fun.
Keela [-2/18, stable] d8+1=4 ; Friday August 7th, 2009 12:46:58 AM
Drinking the potion puts a little color back in Keela's cheeks, but she is still unconscious.
[OOC: Rolled a 4 for a CLW, which is what I assume Keela got. If it was a CMW instead, let me know. :)]
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Friday August 7th, 2009 11:19:04 AM
Jet looks at Alexi, "You let him worry about making the shot. You confront and attack the enemy and you will do it with a shield and a weapon from now on!" If you don't, that leaves someone else to have to do it when it engages and it is less likely to engage you then Ender, if a smart creature has it's choice, it's going to go for the less armored opponent. Don't give it that option again."
Jet knows in the back of his mind, no fighter worth while would want to be a lowly bouncer in a bar. It might be nice for a month, but hearing everyone else coming in telling stories of glory and battle would grate on a true fighters spirit.
He gives Keela another potions as he calms down. (Lets say it was a CLW from above and here is another.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 11/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 9/19] Mage Armor d8+1=8 ; d8+1=8 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; Friday August 7th, 2009 2:15:53 PM
Fatine drinks one of her potions (roll 8, total HP 11), and gives her others to Feet of Mist (rolled 8, 2, and 4, healed 14).
"We no gon' have enough o' dese drinks," she says forlornly.
Ender [AC 18, HP 19/24] d20+8=28 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=2 ; Friday August 7th, 2009 8:34:43 PM
OOC: Before i start posting again i feel i have to excuse my absence, I have been with my family mourning the death of my grandfather who passed away sunday night after a heart attack, I have been one big mess as he was the person in my family i was closest to! we held buried him today and i do hope he is in a better place!"
Enders eyes widen as Cricks body explodes and he dives to the side, avoiding most of the shrapnel but still gets nicked here and there, taking 6hp damage.
A litlle dizzy he gets to his feet, only to groan in pain, sinking to a sitting position, he grabs his 3 remaining potions of CLW and quickly quaffs them. getting to his feet he goes to other to see if any of them need help
IC: "Aye, Aye, Capt'n!" Alexi returns, but inside he still remembered the tactics lessons of his archery sergeant, Keep 'em scum at a distance as long as you can, boy, and you will live longer! 'Oh well, he hadn't meet Jet', he mused.
"Ei, Capt'n, er, Jet, putting aside for a moment our need to rescue the children as soon as possible, this Ice Creature, Crik, mentioned he was just a guardian. That would mean there is at least the main creature that is behind the abductions, and probably more guards. This might be a good time to find a secure place to regroup and recoup a bit. Keela and Fatine will need to be able to use their best spells when we get to the children, and you'll need to be fully prepared as well. Not to mention the rest of us. What do you suggest?"
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=17 ; Sunday August 9th, 2009 4:04:32 PM
OOC--I am finally back, will post for friday
Beren nods in agreement to Alexi's comments.
"Surely we can find a side cavern that we can secure for resting. Give me a moment to look while you all warm a little more."
The Ranger quickly checks out the area around the trail they have been following, looking for a side cavern.
spot 13 listen 17
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Sunday August 9th, 2009 4:31:09 PM My condolences Rune. Thoughts to you and your family.
Jet puts aside the sarcasim. "My last spell is a Protection from Evil. I think it should be placed on the individual that can lead the children out of here and to safety, while the rest of us deal with the guardian. Either that, or the person that has the protection deals with the boss, while everyone else protects the children and gets them out. We don't have a lot of time to decide."
DM Bob & Carla Sunday August 9th, 2009 7:32:22 PM
The party consumes most, if not all, of th remaining healing potions, and even then, some are just barely standing. Jet lays into Alexi, confronting the former Fist for what he believes to be a lack of either judgement or moral fibre. Alexi accepts the verbal barrage without flinching and points out that Crik was probably only a guard, and that others probably still stand between them and the children. He is polite enough to not point out that his actions may have saved Jet's life when the creature exploded.
Beren searches for a side cavern or other safe haven where they might all rest and recover. Some 300 feet back the way they had come he finds a small nook, elevated above the rest of the main cavern that might be suitable.
Keela [3/18] d8+1=5 ; Sunday August 9th, 2009 11:54:02 PM
Keela awakens with the second potion. "Is everybody all right?" she asks groggily.
Seeing that her friends are, indeed alive if somewhat battered, Keela helps tidy up the aftermath of the fight. She would welcome a rest, but...
"I hate the thought of leaving the children in captivity while we rest up here," she says. "I have some spells left, and my wands."
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Monday August 10th, 2009 2:01:55 PM
"I have found a secure cavern where we could rest if we wish to do that. I will abide the decision of the group, but I think we should rest."
The elven ranger adjusts his face guard, and awaits the groups decision.
Ender [AC 18, HP 19/24] Monday August 10th, 2009 4:32:58 PM
"I vote for resting" Ender says "I know its for the children, but some of us can hardly stand, no less fight"
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:2/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday August 10th, 2009 9:33:59 PM
"I know time is important," Alexi admits to Jet, "but I think that if the abducting creature meant to kill them outright, he would have done so a week ago. Whatever It's purposes are, I firmly believe It prefers to keep them alive for whatever task they are doing right now. And a sneeze from one other guardian will knock me over, as well as you and Keela. A good rest may be the best thing for saving the children at this point."
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday August 11th, 2009 7:32:30 AM
Battered and bruised, Ender, Alexi and Beren argue that a rest is in order, while Keela worries about the children and whether the wait would put them in further danger. What motive might the abductor(s) have in taking the children, that surely is an important question, but not one for which they have an answer.
Beren(AC 18, HP 23/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+2=21 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+9=17 ; d3=3 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=18 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2009 10:17:26 AM
"Then, let us rest. I will take the first watch."
He binds his own wounds while the others rest. (heal check 21--ignore second role, accidentally hit button twice) He takes a double watch before waking his replacement, trying to give the others a better chance to rest and heal. When he does wake the next watch, he rolls quickly into his blankets, and to sleep.
spot and listen checks for two watches spot 17/21 listen 12/18
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Tuesday August 11th, 2009 11:14:59 AM
Jet nods his head grudgingly as the others declare rest is a necessity. Jet really can't reat here though, he would have to remove his armor in order to get rest. His chain shirt he sleeps in all the way back at his horse. He doesn't think he can get past those Darkmantles alone though either, if they are returned.
He unbuckles his breast plate and lowers it easily to the floor. He walks over to the pool of water, as dark as it is and takes a deep drink before he uses it to try to clean himself up a bit. If it tastes good, he will invite the others over to join him, before he pollutes it with his sweat and blood.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 11/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 9/19] Mage Armor Tuesday August 11th, 2009 6:43:57 PM
Fatine sighs with relief as the others decide to rest. She gives Feet of Mist a few scratches behind the ears, then helps Keela back to Beren's alcove. "Lessgo, sister. We be needin' our rest if'n we be protectin' dese men again in dee morning, no?"
Once they reach the cave, she eats a few bites of hardtack, gives Feet of Mist a snack, then falls quickly into a deep sleep.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:2/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=9 ; d20+1=6 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2009 10:08:12 PM
Alexi nods with a sigh of relief. After a drink of water also, (if Jet's lips aren't frozen closed), he helps move Feet of Mist to the alcove. He aches all over but there is little blood, as most of his hurts are from the extreeme cold. He volunteers to take a watch, either after Beren or another.
He gingerly removes his armor, but with sword by his side, slumps into a slumber. Dreams of swimming in ice cream, then nearly drowning in ice cream, does not allow a very sound sleep.
On his watch: Spot d20+1=9 Listen d20+1=6 (ick, he really is tired.)
Keela [3/18] Tuesday August 11th, 2009 10:23:54 PM
Keela is glad for the opportunity to rest, and takes full advantage of it.
Ender [AC 18, HP 19/24] Wednesday August 12th, 2009 6:34:05 AM
Ender huddles up in the back and quckly falls asleep
Caelnin (AC 16 (FF 13), HP 0/21) Wednesday August 12th, 2009 9:37:21 AM
Once the talk of rest happens, Caelnin doesn't put his hand up for a watch as he doesn't think that he can handle watching everything, and quickly takes his rest.
Beren(AC 18, HP 18/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday August 12th, 2009 10:18:47 AM
OOC--No DM post
After Beren's double watch, he falls into his bedroll and to sleep. He allows himself to relax, relying on the others, and rises next morning if not rested, then at least less tired.
(Binding wounds and overnight rest should restore some hit points for all)
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:2/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday August 12th, 2009 10:07:12 PM
OOC: 8 hours of rest recovers 1hp per Character level. Not much, but helps.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d8+1=9 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2009 10:33:30 PM
Jet will sacrifice the rest of his heals before he sleeps. He puts them all on Alexi, as he will likely need the most healing in the long run.
Sacrifice Protection from Evil for Cure Light Wounds on Alexi for 9 points healed.
Sacrifice Resistance for Cure Minor Wound giving Feet of Mist 1 hit point
ooc: That is, if something doesn't pull jet under the water when he drinks from the pool.
+Detect Evil, +Detect Evil, +Resistance
+Magic Weapon, +Protection from Evil, +Enlarge Person
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:2/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Wednesday August 12th, 2009 10:35:55 PM OOC: I'm sorry, I will give that Cure Minor Wound to Caelnin bringing him above zero, not Feet of Mist.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday August 12th, 2009 11:13:50 PM
Begrudgingly, Jet agrees to rest and and regain his strength before searching out the children. He spends time cleaning his wounds in the still frigid waters, and then helps heal the wounds of others.
It is hard to know if it day or night, but the watches are uneventful, and the rest is restorative for all. With no sun to wake them, the party members each wake at different times and only after several hours are they all ready to venture on. The way seems clear, proceed along the lake to the back of the cavern where surely a passage must lead to the children...but who or what was Crik guarding the captive children for?
[OOC All spells are renewed and hit points recovered based on a full 8 hours rest]
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday August 12th, 2009 11:16:05 PM
Begrudgingly, Jet agrees to rest and and regain his strength before searching out the children. He spends time cleaning his wounds in the still frigid waters, and then helps heal the wounds of others.
It is hard to know if it day or night, but the watches are uneventful, and the rest is restorative for all. With no sun to wake them, the party members each wake at different times and only after several hours are they all ready to venture on. The way seems clear, proceed along the lake to the back of the cavern where surely a passage must lead to the children...but who or what was Crik guarding the captive children for?
[OOC All spells are renewed and hit points recovered based on a full 8 hours rest]
Keela [6/18] Thursday August 13th, 2009 1:11:55 AM
Keela awakens feeling stiff and battered. And filthy. Once again, she sighs a little over having come adventuring without even a change of clothes.
She prepares her spells, trying to ignore her various injuries.
Today's Spells:
0 - Detect Magic 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 0 - Ray of Frost 1 - Color Spray 1 - Magic Missile 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday August 13th, 2009 5:14:12 AM
Ender wakes up, checks his gear, then checks if any of the other party members need any help
Fatine [AC 16, HP 14/14] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 12/19] Mage Armor Thursday August 13th, 2009 5:26:47 AM
Fatine eats breakfast, sees to her animals, and is ready to go, albeit tired and cranky.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=10 ; d20+9=24 ; Thursday August 13th, 2009 11:15:54 AM
Rested, Beren feels better. He refills his quiver from the second quiver in his Haversack. (I believe he used 16 arrows).
When all have eaten and are ready, Beren moves towards the exit.
"Time to end this, for better or for worse."
spot 10 listen 24
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:4/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged d8+1=2 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; Thursday August 13th, 2009 3:39:48 PM
Jet gets up and immedietly begins casting spells. he is dismayed at Alemi's offerings today, but settles on the fact, they must go on today. "We will do what we can. Let's go. Al;exi, you take the front, I am right behind you."
One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 2 points. One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 2 points One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 4 points. One Cure minor wounds on Caelnin for 1 point One Cure minor wounds on Jet for 1 point One Cure minor wounds on jet for 1 point
+Detect Evil, +Detect Evil, +Resistance
+Magic Weapon, +Protection from Evil, +Enlarge Person
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:22/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday August 13th, 2009 9:52:59 PM
Alexi thanks Jet from the heart as he receives healing. He gingerly removes his armor, but with sword by his side, slumps into a slumber. Despite the healing, the battle with Crik is still fresh and he dreams of swimming in ice cream, then nearly drowning in ice cream, a repetition that does not allow a very sound sleep.
After everyone is back up and preparing to go, Alexi eats a breakfast from his backpack with fresh water and more of Jet's healing, feels much better.
"I dare say, pitty we don't have time to hunt for Crik's treasure. A guardian such as he is bound to have been paid well for the task. But the children take priority. On the other hand, if anyone sights anything that glitters, speak up, and we'll mark the place."
Alexi don's his armor again and with sword drawn, fresh oil in Beren's lantern, takes the lead.
OOC: Beren and Caelnin, don't forget you've got some magic arrows. 6 arrows +1 Sleep each, and 5 arrows +1 Distance each.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:22/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday August 13th, 2009 9:55:28 PM
OOC: we need to get Caelnin up further than 1hp. If Fatine can spare something here, or if we still have a Potion of Healing, it would be best to do so. I haven't counted up how many we used but I'm sure we have at least one left.
Keela [6/18] Friday August 14th, 2009 1:00:53 AM
[OOC: Everybody should heal 3 hp from sleeping overnight.]
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:7/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Friday August 14th, 2009 10:20:44 AM
"If there are any potions left, I am not carrying them." Jet says matter of factly. His concerns for the children and the group etched across his brow as he puts on his now cleaned armor. using the cold water to wash off his own blood before he dons it.
"Lets move out and may the gods have mercy on us all."
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=11 ; d20+9=13 ; Friday August 14th, 2009 11:04:44 AM
No Dm Post
Beren has no healing potions left, having given them all to others. He fared much better in the battle than did the others, in spite of his invovlement in that battle.
"When we are ready, I will take the lead."
Spot 11 listen 13
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Sunday August 16th, 2009 9:33:23 AM
Ender, being rested and ready to go waits for the others
DM Bob & Carla Sunday August 16th, 2009 9:08:39 PM
Folks:
I am on the road all week and posting will be very spotty. Congrats on beating Crik!! I thought you were in deep troble for a bit. Please redo your character sheets as everyone has levelled up. I am taking submissions via email for extra role play points and hero points so if you think one of your companions or your own character is deserving please let me know.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:22/28) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday August 16th, 2009 11:57:36 PM
OOC: I went over the potion drinking twice and I still may have missed something, but I think we still have 4 potions of CLW. There were 5 of the 'common group' and Jet used 1. Fatine used all the ones Tarketh gave her, but that still leaves 4 from the 'common group'. Someone else go over the postings and see if I missed something.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:7/28 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Enlarged Monday August 17th, 2009 2:56:09 AM ooc: I'm not speaking for Bob and Carla, but if I were DMing, I'd tell us to write them off. They should have been written down on the character sheets. I take responsibility for Jet. He took one of the healing potions and saw that others should have one as well as the miscileneous potions others could have used. I expected you guys to work it out and it got shoved under a rug. My apologies.
As for Jet, I believe he is up to date level wise. I found mistakes with my spells and I have corrected them. He is now 2 fighter/ 2 cleric. Took most of his skill points in Diplomacy, so he's not going to be so much a jerk any more, at least not in front of other people. :)
Nice job everyone, that was close.
Beren(AC 18, HP 19/23 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=17 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2009 10:05:55 AM
OOC--Sorry about the no post yesterday. I had to take my daughter to a DR. out of town, and was gone all day. Should have my updated CS ready by end of day.
Beren watches as the others prepare to leave. If only there was something else he could do to help in the healing, but he has used everything he had.
spot 13 listen 17
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d8+2=9 ; d8+2=8 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2009 7:56:07 PM
Jet has more spells the following morining. Indeed, more then he did yesterday. He thinks the day may improve as he begins casting spells to heal others.
One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 2 points. One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 2 points One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 4 points. One Cure minor wounds on Caelnin for 1 point One Cure minor wounds on Jet for 1 point One Cure minor wounds on jet for 1 point ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells after level up One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 2 points. +1 for 3 One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 2 points. +1 for 3 One Cure light wounds on Alexi for 4 points. +1 for 5 One Cure minor wounds on Caelnin for 1 point One Cure minor wounds on Jet for 1 point One Cure minor wounds on jet for 1 point --------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Cure Light Wounds on Keela for 9 points One Cure Light Wounds on Jet for 8 points
Keela [21/24] Tuesday August 18th, 2009 10:04:26 PM
[OOC: Keela has leveled, except for actual XP total, which we don't know yet. And hey-look! Feather Fall!]
Today's Spells [revised]: 0 - Detect Magic 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 0 - Ray of Frost 1 - Color Spray 1 - Feather Fall 1 - Magic Missile 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 2 - Rope Trick 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday August 18th, 2009 10:39:34 PM
OOC: Level 4 Alexi updated on google docs. HP reflects new level.
Leveling up came at a very good time! :)
I also keep forgetting to use my Hero points! :(
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday August 18th, 2009 10:40:13 PM
OOC: oh, forgot to mention. New hit points rolled on the L&B for all to see.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Wednesday August 19th, 2009 10:56:25 AM
OOC--I hope I have everything correct on my CS. I also rolled new hit points in the LnB.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday August 19th, 2009 10:34:38 PM
Jet gets everyone together and motivates them to move on. He casts his Detect Evil spell again and first looks in the water, before they leave the cavern and focuses it forward from there.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Thursday August 20th, 2009 9:27:12 AM
While the others prepare their spells and pray, Beren feels the need to do so as well, but he doesn't know why. Deciding that a prayer at this point coudn't hurt, he prays to Domi for the strength to continue.
When he finishes, he senses that he now has knowledge he did not have before. His master had meditated each morning as well, but never said anything to Beren. He did have powers that Beren did not have, but the elf had always assumed it was because he was human, he never spoke of them.
A new thought enters his head as he is thinking, CHOOSE
Thinking of the new knowledge, he realizes these are powers, or spells, given by Domi. He sifts through the knowledge and selects Entangle. It may not be useful in this cave, but for now it will do.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday August 20th, 2009 9:35:25 PM
Alexi gathers up his stuff, gets a quick drink of water, briefly thinks of Lobo and how his trusty horse is doing, then takes up Beren's lantern.
"This lantern is out of oil. Does anyone have some spare oil?"
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday August 20th, 2009 10:25:46 PM
Jet pulls from his back pack a flask of oil and hands it to Alexi.
ooc; Marked off of sheet.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+9=15 ; d20+9=21 ; Friday August 21st, 2009 12:08:46 PM
"I also have oil for my lamp if we need more. Are we ready to leave?"
If all are ready, Beren will once more take the scout position.
spot 16 listen 22 (added one to each roll, forgotr my level up)
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday August 21st, 2009 12:33:05 PM
"Beren, prepare to step back if we encounter an enemy." Jet suggests, hoping that the statement will be moot.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=2 ; d20+1=5 ; Friday August 21st, 2009 11:20:14 PM
Alexi takes the flask of oil from Jet and Beren. Stashing one away, he empties the container into the lantern and lights it.
"Sigh. Ok. I'm ready," he says, drawing his sword. Lantern held by his shield hand, he steps forward and heads to the other side of the lake, skirting the edge, staying as far away as possible.
Spot d20+1=2 (yeah! way to go! let's get those low rolls out of the way.) Listen d20+1=5
DM Bob & Carla Monday August 24th, 2009 7:47:57 AM
Feeling renewed from their rest, and buoyed by their victory over Crik, the band of adventurers prepares to move on. They circle the edge of theunderground lake, lanterns held aloft, and eventually reach a fissure in the rocks just wide enough for them to pass through in single file. A soft tapping sound comes from somewhere deep within the fissure.
[OOC I will review and confirm the CS by weeks end. Thanks for your patience during my absence Beren - no problem re. the wolf but will need to role play it out- stay tuned]
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday August 24th, 2009 10:23:48 AM
When it times to go through single file, he wants Alexi or himself to take the lead. Some one with metal aror instead of leather or cloth needs to take the brunt of whatever remains to deal with.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Monday August 24th, 2009 10:52:04 AM
Checking and reloading his crossbow, Ender takes up the rear position and follows thr rest of the group
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=29 ; d20+10=26 ; Monday August 24th, 2009 12:23:19 PM
Beren stays alert, weapons at the ready. When Jet offers to take the lead going through the fissure, he agrees, and steps back to the middle of the line.
He hears the tapping ahead, and tries to identify the source.
spot 29 (pefect 20) listen 26
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday August 24th, 2009 5:22:33 PM
Alexi puts his hand on Jet's shoulder. "I'll go first. I have a shield, and if I need to, I can kneel and using my shield, provide good cover to Beren's arrows. We need you in our middle to support with spells, healing or otherwise."
Alexi takes the lead, with Beren behind him, and whoever else lined up after Beren.
Keela [21/24] Monday August 24th, 2009 6:23:32 PM
As they enter the fissure, Keela keeps to the middle of the group.
The Children Are Found!
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday August 25th, 2009 7:45:54 AM Alexi leads through the narrow fissure, his shield readied should it be required. Beren follows, then Jet, Keela and finally Fatine and Ender. Beren recognizes the same pattern to the tapping as he heard before and can only assume that they are on the right track.
After some 30 or 40 yards the fissure opens into a dark chamber. The flickering light from their lanterns does not reach far into the chamber, but as soon as they enter the chamber the noise stops.
Fatine [AC 16, HP 18/18] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 12/19] Mage Armor Tuesday August 25th, 2009 8:10:16 AM
Fatine follows the men through the fissure and into the large, dark room. When the tapping stops, she mumbles, "Well dat not be a good sign." She nervously toys with one of the dolls attached to her belt.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday August 25th, 2009 11:12:33 AM
"Children! Are you here?" He asks in a kind tone, but do they know the common tongue yet?
He pulls out his native favor bag, given to them many moons ago and holds it up to the light, so the children can see it as he taps his chest. "I am Jet."
He then makes a motion for the children to come to the group as he mentions another name, of someone waiting for them, "Honaw, outside."
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=13 ; d20+10=14 ; Tuesday August 25th, 2009 11:29:46 AM
Hearing Jet's question, Beren repeats it in Elvish. They have already announced their presence to any who might wish them harm. Further noise will not let an enemy know any more about them.
"Children of Honaw, we are here to help."
Spot 13 listen 14
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Tuesday August 25th, 2009 5:44:49 PM
As she enters the chamber, Keela draws her wand of Mage Armor and discreetly taps herself with it. There are plenty of charges left, she thinks. No sense in being unprepared.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=21 ; d20+1=8 ; Tuesday August 25th, 2009 8:25:30 PM
Alexi peers as best he can into the darkness, wishing he had bought one of those special bullseye lanterns.
Spot d20+1=21! (allright! he can see! he can see! he can seeeeeee!) Listen d20+1=8 (well, at least he can see as far as the light shines)
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday August 26th, 2009 7:38:00 AM
From outside of the range of the light a voice returns Beren's call. "Over here...we are over here!" The voice sounds like that of a young boy and he speaks in an older form of elvish.
Despite Alexi's best efforts he can only see as far as the light casts it's dim glow, and what he sees is more water. The beginningof a water body is barely visible to him at the edge of his vision, and it is from that direction the child's voice emanates from.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Wednesday August 26th, 2009 9:31:26 AM
"Watch out" Ender whispers, "It might be a trap!"
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=18 ; d20+10=16 ; Wednesday August 26th, 2009 10:04:32 AM
"A boy's voice answers in the tongue of Honaw. It comes from over there."
He points towards the sound of the voice, and starts to move in that direction. He draws his cloak up around his face hoping that the mottled shades will hide his form in the darkened cavern.
spot 18 listen 16
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday August 26th, 2009 12:57:40 PM
ooc: DM's I cast Detect Evil before we continued today, I take it, none has been detected? I'm sorry for not including it at the bottom of my post. Jet is doing a lot of things, just stop him if there is an attack.
Jet scans the room slowly, checking the water especially, for evil, before they move on. Jet begins to remove his armor in case the children are stranded on an island somewhere in the water. Someone will need to swim them back over.
"Just keep talking to them. Ask them if they are missing anyone that came here with them and ask if there is another enemy besides Crik?" He says in a serious tone. He then takes a deep breath and looks back to Beren, "Please."
DM Bob & Carla Thursday August 27th, 2009 7:59:04 AM Jet detects no immediate presence of evil nearby and prepares to wade into the water in the direction of the youth's voice. Ender cautions the group about a potential trap while Beren and the rest of the team wait at the shore. The water is icy cold and draws the breath from Jet. With each step he can feel his extremities begin to numb.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=20 ; d20+10=11 ; Thursday August 27th, 2009 11:28:50 AM
Beren relays Jets message to those whose voice they hear.
"Is there a bridge of some sort. How did you get to the island?"
Beren's question goes out in elvish. Will the children know the answer?
spot 20 listen 11
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Thursday August 27th, 2009 12:47:43 PM
"I still have the scroll of Fly," Keela reminds her friends. "It would allow one of us to fly over there. Though, I'm not sure that's such a good idea."
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday August 27th, 2009 12:56:24 PM
Jet quickly leaves the water and comes up with a plan. "Please give me your rope?" He asks the others and has them tie it all together. Taking a Sunrod, he strikes it on the floor, then toses it toward the voise of the children, to get a better idea of what they are dealing with. "Let us see what we need to do first."
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=16 ; d20+1=11 ; Thursday August 27th, 2009 9:23:40 PM
OOC: sorry for missing a post. got busy and then just plum forgot. :}
IC: Alexi is about to warn Jet about water creatures, especially the king that grab an unsuspeting victim and drag them under, but Jet retreats from the the water, rather blue.
"Cold too?" he asks. "I kinda miss the unbearable heat of the grassy plains above," he mutters.
"Good idea Jet. We can't be going about blindly, either on land or in the air, without further idea of what's out here."
Alexi remains alert for anything that appears before them and seems to pose a threat. 'You girls keep an eye to our backs and I'll watch the waters," he says.
Spot d20+1 = 16 Listen d20+1 = 11
OOC: Caelnin isn't mentioned nor has he posted in a while. Did we lose him?
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=17 ; d20+10=20 ; Friday August 28th, 2009 8:51:15 AM
OOC-No DM post
Beren strains his eyes in the light of the sunrod, hoping for a sight of the children.
spot 17 listen 20
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Friday August 28th, 2009 10:19:04 AM
Ender Whispers "I'we got a bad feeling about this!, what ever you are going to do, do it soon!"
DM Bob & Carla Monday August 31st, 2009 7:58:25 AM
"Yes...there is a swing bridge to one side of the island. Somewhere to your left...I mean your right...my left" the young voice calls back to Beren. Jet throws the sunrod out towards the voices and in its dim light he can make out a small rocky islet with two or three small buildings. The lake then swallows up the sunrod and any light it was casting.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=29 ; d20+10=24 ; Monday August 31st, 2009 5:29:13 PM
"This way."
Following the directions given by the voice, Beren leads the group towards what he hopes is a swing bridge leading to the Island.
spot 29 listen 24
Fatine [AC 16, HP 18/18] and Feet of Mist [AC 15, HP 12/19] Mage Armor Monday August 31st, 2009 5:53:10 PM
Fatine follows behind Beren, warily eyeing the direction in which the buildings were seen. "I no tink dey jus' leave dose kiddies all alone o'er dere. I bettin' dere be someone o' someting guardin' dem."
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday August 31st, 2009 9:01:31 PM
Jet looks into the water to see if the light source can still be seen. Then putting back on his armor, tells the group to prepare to cross.
Alexi (AC: 14, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday August 31st, 2009 10:20:42 PM
"I'll take the front," Alexi volunteers. "That way, while I'm being mauled by the guardian, you can cast your spells and shoot your arrows."
Alexi sets himself at the beginning of the bridge, sheild and sword ready.
OOC: I'm assuming Jet will hold the Sunrod aloft for light.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday August 31st, 2009 10:22:21 PM
OOC: I forgot to change my AC back from then Enlarged state
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Monday August 31st, 2009 10:30:32 PM
"The bridges might be trapped as well," Keela calls softly. She follows the others, keeping well back from the leaders.
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday September 1st, 2009 7:20:29 AM Beren and Fatine lead the way towards the unseen swing bridge while the others contemplate what else might be guarding the children. As they proceed a wooden platform comes into view. A stout wooden mast protrudes from the platform and the decking of a bridge hangs from that. The bridge is currently swung parrallel to shore. The bottom of the mast projects down through a spoked wheel, through the platform, and into the rock below. The spoked wheel has 4 stations whereby a person might apply his weight to a spoke and swing the bridge across the water. The span itself is about twenty feet.
On the far side the children can now be seen, locked in sheds with barred doors and windows. They are now crowded against the bars, as they jostle to see who has come to rescue them.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday September 1st, 2009 10:36:54 AM
"Ender, please check that contraption for any traps. Caelnin, keep the children calm. We don't them hurting themselves trying to get out of those boxes."
Jet waits for Ender to do as he is asked, then, with some others, uses his strength on one of those spokes to move the bridge into position.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=23 ; d20+10=24 ; Tuesday September 1st, 2009 11:34:46 AM
Beren stands ready with his bow until the mechanism is declared to be free of traps. Then he will assist Jet in operating the bridge.
spot 23 listen 24
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday September 1st, 2009 8:48:26 PM
Alexi finds a spoke and puts his strength into the mechanism when Jet gives the 'Heave-ho' signal.
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Tuesday September 1st, 2009 11:50:31 PM
Keela hangs back for now, but is ready to come forward and help if needed.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 7:40:31 AM
There is no apparent evidence of traps and so with much creaking and groaning, the bridge swings slowly into position , it's far end coming to a stop over a sill cut into the rocky island on the other side. Jet, Alexi & Beren can feel the burning in their legs and shoulders from the exertion required to get the bridge moving.
Anyone testing the bridge before crossing discovers it to be quite stable and in good repair.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 10:36:01 AM
Ender follows the others, keeping his crossbow ready, just in case anything should anything happen
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=9 ; d20+3=13 ; Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 11:27:17 AM
Alexi first, then Jet. Jet will ask the archers to stay near the shore where they can see the children and perhaps get a flank shot if on is necessary.
"Keela, you have experience with small children, with your own nieces and nephews. Please come with us for their morale?"
Listen: 9 Spot: 13
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=21 ; d20+10=25 ; Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 12:37:12 PM
Beren waits on the shore, guarding the others with his bow as they cross. Once they are on the island, he asks.
"Should someone stay here and guard this end to ensure that we don't get trapped on the island as well?"
He awaits there answer before venturing onto the bridge. If they wish, he will remain where he is to guard their exit.
spot 21 listen 25
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 5:22:03 PM
"Good idea Beren! Just Alexi, Keela and myself for now, the rest guard this side."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 9:45:11 PM
Alexi asks Beren to ask the children if they are alone all the time who who or what it is that sees to their work.
He then sets his shield and sword ready, taking the forward position. To Jet he says, "I've been learning meself some elven, but I'm not near good enough to understand these kids."
OOC: I had two languages slots i left open at character creation. On my CHS I've updated it filling one slot with elven. I'm assuming he is learning words and phrases and with some tutoring later, be fluent.
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Wednesday September 2nd, 2009 10:48:47 PM
"Well, I'll do what I can," Keela says, and follows Alexi and Jet onto the bridge.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Thursday September 3rd, 2009 5:33:04 AM
Ender moves back across the bridge, readies his crossbow and helps Beren cover the area
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=12 ; d20+10=26 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2009 4:20:58 PM
Beren passes Alexi's question on to the children. Once the answer comes, he tells Alexi what has been said, and then begins his guard of the bridge.
spot 12 listen 26
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday September 4th, 2009 3:58:48 PM
Jet is weary from the day already, but he attempts to not show it.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=14 ; d20+10=19 ; Friday September 4th, 2009 9:34:05 PM Could it be as easy as this to rescur the children?
Beren fears that there will be more trouble than this before they are through.
spot 14 listen 19
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=8 ; d20+5=10 ; Saturday September 5th, 2009 5:34:13 AM
Ender strais his senses to their utmost Spot: 8 Listen: 10
(ooc: I really do belive this die generator hates me!)
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=16 ; d20+10=28 ; Monday September 7th, 2009 11:22:22 AM
OOC--No DM post
Beren continues his guard duty at the bridge. He tries to hear and see what is going on across the water.
spot 16 listen 28
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday September 8th, 2009 7:42:18 AM Beren guards the bridge as Jet and the others venture onto the island to rescue the children. The locks on the cages look to be easy to break if one has the appropriate weapons.
"No one sees to our work", the children reply. "We have no work. The cold monster guards us sometimes, but usually there are two men who bring us food and take away the waste buckets. Sometimes a third man comes, but he always stays in the shadows and does not let us see him. "
The children crowd the bars and wait to be released. They are dirty and unkempt but otherwise appear to be unharmed.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=7 ; d20+5=9 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2009 10:20:49 AM
Enders keeps guarding the other side of the bridge with Beren
spot: 7 Listen: 9
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday September 8th, 2009 10:46:17 AM
"What type of men? Human, elves or orcs?"
"Lets start looking for their tracks and where they came from. I think they are do a little visit, by someone their own size, but lets get these children out of here first!"
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=24 ; d20+10=29 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2009 12:27:40 PM
Beren strains to hear what is happening on the island. (can he hear or see anything?)
Unless called, he will continue to guard the retreat.
spot 24 listen 29
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Tuesday September 8th, 2009 10:32:30 PM
Keela moves up and begins examining the cages, trying to see how they can be opened.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday September 8th, 2009 10:49:26 PM
Alexi fishes around his body for something to break the locks. The only thing he can find to remotely do the job is his flail or handaxe.
"Hmm... if we had someone to pick the locks that would be great. But that may take too long. A good malet or pick axe would be quicker."
Alexi decides to practice some of his elven and see how far he gets. By pantomining, he goes through the motions as if he's wielding a pickaxe and says in highly accented elven, "work with rocks, break rocks with..." and so forth, making 'cachink' sounds as metal on rock does.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+10=26 ; d20+10=21 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2009 9:00:08 AM
Beren suddenly remembers himself, and what he is carrying. He shouts across the bridge.
"I have a hammer in my pack!"
He reaches into his Haversack, and draws out a hammer, long forgotten in disuse.
spot 26 listen 21
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday September 9th, 2009 8:20:23 PM
Alexi trots back across the bridge to fetch the hammer, then returns (safely hopefully) and takes aim at the first cage's lock, then goes down the line.
OOC: let us know if there is a need for a Str check, or when/if he gets 'interrupted'.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday September 9th, 2009 10:31:43 PM
Jet crosses with Alexi and tells the others about the three they need to keep watch for and perhaps, so tracks can be found telling the group in which direction they have traveled?
he remains on the close side of thr bridge, in case the nefarious trio decide to show up while Alexi is breaking locks.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20=16 ; d20+10=23 ; Thursday September 10th, 2009 9:08:40 AM
Handing over the hammer, Beren encourages the others.
[i]"Hurry, we never know when the guards may come!"
He continues trying to pierce the darkness as he guards the end of the bridge.
spot 26 listen 23
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday September 10th, 2009 11:00:23 AM
"Beren, can you find the tracks of the three the children mentioned?"
Jet asks the ranger.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+4=10 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+5=21 ; Thursday September 10th, 2009 5:26:03 PM
"Can you see anything" Ender whispers to Beren "Its way too dark here!"
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday September 10th, 2009 5:30:30 PM
OOC: If a lantern isn't bright enough, jet will use another sunrod and give it to Beren.
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) d20+5=6 ; Friday September 11th, 2009 8:45:28 AM
Beren looks around for tracks leading to the bridge area. Maybe he can see which direction the guards come from. (Survival roll Natural 1! Guess Not!)
Beren(AC 18, HP 24/28 Red AC 13, HP 25/25) Friday September 11th, 2009 8:31:23 PM
OOC--Due to circumstances beyond my control, I need to leave the Wold for a while. Not sure when I will be back. It has been a pleasure. Maybe Beren will fall into the lake. or maybe the underground has been too much for a forest elf.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday September 11th, 2009 9:37:14 PM
OOC: It has been great playing with you. Keep in touch and when you find time, come back and lurk. And when you get things straightened out, come on back to stay. We'll miss Beren.
Sorry to see you leave. Please take care of yourself.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Sunday September 13th, 2009 6:50:41 PM
ooc:
Its been a pleasure, take care and come back soon!
DM Bob Monday September 14th, 2009 7:38:45 AM
My apologies! I have been terribly remiss re. posting for the game and I do not expect it to improve in the short term. I have advised Jerry to begin searching for a new DM immediately. I have enjoyed the game and your participation, I have simply become overwhelmed with work related travel that shows no signs of abating.
Good luck with your new DM whomever that ends up to be. Once again my sincere apologies for leaving you in the lurch.
Bob
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday September 14th, 2009 10:44:01 PM
OOC: Life happens, and work and family takes precedence. Take care and come back soon.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday September 15th, 2009 2:51:42 PM OOC: Bye. I am sorry life has taken you from us. Please take care of you and your family.
Well guys, I asked Jerry and the DM's to please write up a summation of this module and let us get back to Bryn Baraz so we can at least roll play while we get a new DM. I have not received word back yet.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday September 15th, 2009 10:25:11 PM
I'll stop bitting my nails and hope we can finish this 2year great adventure. :)
OOC Incoming DM Cayzle Monday September 21st, 2009 8:56:05 AM
Friends, I'll be posting a new DM post later on this evening. Please expect a DM post from me every evening, and we'll see how that schedule works out.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get a current module or even any notes on how the former DMs expected to proceed. So I can surely use your help. Please e-mail me at cayzle@cayzle.com if you have any suggestions or ideas. And what would help even more -- please don't hesitate to improve and edit the game page on the Woldipedia.
Our current plan is to continue this game until the overall story is complete, which I will guide to a January denouement. After that, we might (1) continue this game with these characters and with new recruits, or (2) move these characters to other games, or (3) start new characters. We'll see.
Thanks!
DM Cayzle - Can It Be This Easy? Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 1:27:46 AM
Ender keeps watch at the bridge. He detects no sign of trouble. Although he is surely expecting something.
Jet asks about the kids' captors -- what race are they, etc. He looks about for tracks. He finds it hard to see anything in the cold dark of this cavern, but he does see signs that two human- or half-elf-size feet have been walking around ... likely in soft leather boots of some kind.
The kids say that the two men who brought them food were people, you know, men, like everyone. Normal. But they always keep cloths tied over their faces. They never got a good look at the shadowy fellow.
Alexi fetches Beren's hammer and uses it to free the kids from the sheds in which they are held. (There is one shed that has no kids.)
Keela keeps Alexi company, and offers advice on getting the kids free.
The children pile out -- they could sure use baths, but only a real curmudgeon, or maybe a true dirt-a-phobe, could turn nose up to the kids who leap out, hugging and cheering their rescuers. Of course, they are doing so in their native tongue, but Alexi can translate. OTOH, no need to translate the grins on those dirty faces.
Now the job is to get these kids out of here!
[OOC: Now we see the iron hand of the new DM reaching down to smooth things over. Unless someone has a better plan, we will let the PCs of absent players shepherd the kids along, leaving the four active PCs free to act as scouts, guards, or whatever. Sound okay?]
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=11 ; d20+1=10 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 1:05:54 PM
OOC: sounds like a good plan - keep the absent player pcs present in minor rolls. Also, outside the cave, we have some Ahote guides, although it wasn't clear whether they stopped at the entrance of the canyons or the entrance to the cave. You can backtrack the DM posts and see what they intended.
The plot of the kidnapping is envolved in a dream sequence experienced by the party and an Ahote shamman, back before they reached Bryn Baraz. Check the details in the archives under Vol 1, Chpt 8: Dream Quest. Some big bad thing is responsible for the abduction of the children. The Ice Creature was just a quardian. So the party is expecting to have some more big battles ahead, sigh...
IC:The staunch cavalryman is nearly overcome with tears of joy seeing the children so happy and hugging him and Keela and the others. What would Keela say if she saw some tears from the hardened fighter? What would Jet say?
Holding his composure with some difficulty, he attempts to hush them as best he can and points to the bridge and the other side and pushing the kids that way.
Once on the other side, confident that the two elves can communicate well enough with the children to tell them what to do and keep quiet, Alexi takes up Beren's lamp again and with sword drawn, starts the long journey back to the surface, ever the vigilant for the captors.
Spot d20+1=11 Listen d20+1=10 (decent average rolls for such an above average guy... : } )
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 2:30:02 PM
To her everlasting regret, Keela can only manage to hug five or six kids at once. She makes a studious effort to hug more, though.
She tries to carry a couple of the smaller ones, but really doesn't have the strength. She settles for carrying one little girl pig-a-back, and directing the others to pair up and hold hands, using a combination of gestures and the few Elvish words she has managed to pick up. There is treacherous footing ahead, and she wants to be sure everybody makes it through all right.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 9:04:50 PM
Jet tries to avoid the childrens hugs. Not because he wouldn't want to comfort them, but he would feel terrible, if one of them put an eye out on an armor spike, so he tells the others to help them as he keeps watch and acts without passion.
"We still have to deal with the darkmantels, things, whatever you called them. Alexi and I will charge back into the room and take their attacks. A couple of rounds later, the rest of you run through with the children, so that they are not attacked. Alexi can toss down another one of those thunder stones when you all have passed, to perhaps chase them off again.
Lets get out of here!"
Two Bad Men
DM Cayzle - Go Fissure! Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 12:59:13 AM
[OOC: No post from Ender? Well, I don't delay DM Posts for late players. Hope we'll see Ender soon, though!]
The kids call out in joy -- soon the locks on all but one of the crude structures are ripped asunder, and the young ones are so glad to get out of those foul shacks! Keela and Alexi are happy to return the emotion, although Jet is careful not to hurt anyone with his armor spikes.
Keela start off carrying one, but it may soon occur to her that if there is danger, she will be a better protector without a passenger. Also, it seems that Keela, Alexi, Ender, and Jet have got the job of caravan guard, while the other adults in the group are careful shepherds of the young ones.
Turns out there are 17 kids, toddlers up to preadolescents.
Jet starts to think about the long way home, and the dangers on the route. Those darkmantles weigh heavy on his mind. But first he might want to consider the long path that brought you here ...
First, darkmantle cave. Then, an empty cave. Then, 200 ft stairs. Then, chasm with narrow bridge. Then, rocky caverns going down, with several small side caverns. Then, ice demon lake. Then, single file fissure, at last leading to ... The cavern with stream and bridge and shacks full of kids.
Before the darkmantle, the bridge may present a problem.
And even before that, there is the fissure.
In fact, as you start to enter the fissure, you hear a voice call out in common, "You all want to be real careful. Send the kids through first and this can go easy. Be smart, now!"
Some of the kids whimper. They don't understand common, but they know that voice. It's one of the two bad men who guarded them.
The fissure is a twisty corridor that varies from 3 to 5 feet wide. You cannot see the end because of the twists. You cannot see the speaker. If you enter, please note that you must go single file. Friends can pass through friends' squares, but positioning will be key if there is a fight. I'll make a map if it comes to that.
If you want to take any actions before you get to the fissure, that's no problem. We can "go back" and allow them.
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 3:09:59 PM
OOC: sorry guys lost a post on the time difference (i'm gmt +1)
IC: "Guys",Ender whispers, "I will sneak through first and scout, I still have a few potions of invisibilty left!"
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 6:14:43 PM
Jet puts up his hand tells everyone, "Fall back to a defensibly position. Lets put ourselves in a place where they can not get to us all at once, with spell and sword. We will use this terrain to our advantage."
With that, he begins moving everyone back to the more defensible cavern they just left.
"If they were expecting us, that means they likely cast some defensive spells, lets give those spells time to run out, he wants us to be smart and I think we should oblige him."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20=14 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 9:54:44 PM
OOC: thank goodness you posted our order of progression. No map was given so we'd have to go back to the previous posts and figure out what came next. :)
IC: Alexi's light shines only a little ways into the fissure and he starts to go in when the voice echoes down to him. It was chilling, not so much because of the cold of the caverns, but because he knew it must be Them!
He turns to the others and sees their reactions. Not a good one.
"I agree," he whispers to Jet. When Ender suggests sneaking up invisibly, he nods. "I'll see if I can buy some time. Meanwhile, Keela, do you know a Silence spell? If they are spell casters, a silence spell to affect them might be of great help."
Alexi faces up the fisure and calls out, "Ahoy there! You may be right, considering what's behind us! But they are a bit afraid, and we don't speak their language to tell them to go forward without a leader. Perhaps you could come through first and aid us by leading them back through."
Alexi looks at Jet and shruggs.
Bluff d20=14
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Thursday September 24th, 2009 12:48:31 AM
"I'm afraid I can't cast Silence," Keela murmurs. "It is a priestly spell, and my magic is arcane."
She sets down the small child she is carrying, and pulls out a wand. She waits to see if Alexi's taunt has any effect.
DM Cayzle - Impasse? Thursday September 24th, 2009 1:30:17 AM
You realize that you don't want to emerge single file into a defensive position. As you fall back, per Jet's suggestion, to make a strong place of your own, it may occur to you that the enemy may not want to either.
Alexi challenges one of them to come to the party to lead the children. The reply: "Don't be foolish. We won't be walking into your hands, so forget that. Just send the kids through. I'll talk them through in their own language." Then the same guy calls in the kids' native tongue, "Come through now or you will die in there!"
Meanwhile, Ender and Keela think about sneaking. Keela can't offer Silence, though.
Ender, if you want to sneak forward, I need hide and move silent rolls. Add +20 to the hide roll if you are invisible.
Is this a stand-off?
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday September 24th, 2009 8:09:35 AM
Jet whispers, "If you go off by yourselves, we can't help you. I don't suggest it."
He then ushers back the little children, telling the others to put them back on the island and out of harms way.
"Explain to them, we are now playing a game of hide and seek. We know their people are good at it."
ooc: Could we have a map please of any possible encounter?
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+35=40 ; d20+13=31 ; Thursday September 24th, 2009 6:11:57 PM
Ender quaffs his potion of invisibility and sneaks forward
Hide: 40 Move Silently: 31
ooc: Finally some good rolls :D anyways a map would be nice so i can see where i'm going :)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday September 24th, 2009 8:46:05 PM
Alexi whisper to Ender as he drinks the potion, "No heroics, you hear. Just sneak forward enough to see who and how many we are up against. Come back and tells us so we can make our plans."
To the others he whispers, "Confusion is our best ally. Does anyone have any magic that can immitate the noises of children? That noise could hide our noise as we rush through. I have one Thundersone left. I'll use it on one if he is a spell caster once I'm through. But we need to know how many there are and where they are placed, if possible."
Alexi suggests that it would take too long to get all the children back over the bridge, but have them around a corner. At best, they can scatter and scream and holler and make a lot of confusion if necessary. Perhaps Beren can convey that to them.
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Thursday September 24th, 2009 8:46:43 PM
Acting quickly, Keela helps herd the children back, motioning for them to stay quiet.
She then moves as far forward as she dares (i.e., behind the fighter types), wand at the ready.
DM Cayzle - Scouting Friday September 25th, 2009 1:39:40 AM
Ender drinks his invisibility potion and declares his intent.
Jet urges caution, and directs the kids and their minders to fall back across the stream. They do so, helped by Keela -- who quickly returns to the fissure and then readies a wand.
Alexi urges Ender to be careful too. Alexi is thinking about ways to do some trickery.
Ender sneaks down the fissure toward the bad guys. He is very very quiet! As he peeks around the final corner, he sees that there are four barrels blocking the other end of the fissure. And crouching behind the barrels, shortbows ready, are two bad guys. They look human, or maybe half-elven. They have on light armor, and weapons sheathed at their sides.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday September 25th, 2009 10:32:57 AM
Jet repositions himself at P12. (Funny, I thought there was a much larger distance between us.)
He talks to them, attempting to get some information as well as antagonize them a bit to throw them off their game.
'So you like little children eh you sick perverts? Is it you can't find a real woman to bed you? Are you afraid to tell your goblin daddy you like little boys? I don't know what is worse, being part goblin, or knowing my mom slept with one, how does that make you feel?
So where you from? By the smell of you, Dirt City, but that might be insulting to those in that community.
Whoever was stupid enough to hire you to do this job is likely smart enough to leave you two for dead and is making plans on leaving right now.
I tell you what, start running, don't hurt the scouts outside and when we get the children back to their home, I won't come back to track you down, slit open your belly and empty your intestines back into your mouth!"
DM Cayzle to Jet Friday September 25th, 2009 10:41:06 AM
If your taunts are just Role Play, great! But if you want a chance to actually affect their behaviour, roll me some intimidate/bluff/diplomacy/etc.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+3=12 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=24 ; Friday September 25th, 2009 1:13:10 PM
ooc: What? You mean I can't take 20? (bg)
DC 12 Bluff on: Whoever was stupid enough to hire you to do this job is likely smart enough to leave you two for dead and is making plans on leaving right now.
DC 6 Diplomacy on: 'So you like little children eh you sick perverts? Is it you can't find a real woman to bed you? Are you afraid to tell your goblin daddy you like little boys? I don't know what is worse, being part goblin, or knowing my mom slept with one, how does that make you feel?
DC 27 Intimidate (Natural 20) on: I tell you what, start running, don't hurt the scouts outside and when we get the children back to their home, I won't come back to track you down, slit open your belly and empty your intestines back into your mouth!"
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday September 25th, 2009 1:14:04 PM
ooc: Sorry, double clicked the Intimidate, just to prove my point. Diplomacy was a natural one also. How appropriate the words?
Ender [AC 18, HP 24/24] d20+35=53 ; d20+13=15 ; Friday September 25th, 2009 4:20:16 PM
sneaking back to the others Ender whispers "I only see two, but they have blocked off the exit with barrels so there might be more"
Hide: 53 move silent: 15
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday September 25th, 2009 9:21:06 PM
Alexi takes in the description of how the enemy is set up.
"Say, Keela, how far does that fire ray you know go? Would it cover the distance to the barrels and the ones behind it? Would the barrels prevent them from getting hurt? Would it light the barrels on fire?"
Alexi states that if Keela was invisible, Ender having said he had another Invisibility potion, she could get the advantage on them with her fire spell. With the barrels aflame, that would be a distraction enought for Alexi to 'barrel' his way through and create an opening for the others while the enemy has to deal with him. It he were to through his Thunderstone at their feet as he passes, that would distract them even further.
"Well, what do you think? A decent plan?"
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Friday September 25th, 2009 10:05:14 PM
Keela keeps her voice low as she explains her options.
"The magic of the Scorching Ray only affects living things," she says, "so I don't think it would set the barrels alight. And the barrels would make it harder for me to hit them, just as if I were an archer."
"I could fill the area with spiderwebs, try to trap them and hold them so you could fight them," she continues. "Really, though, I think my best option may be the stunning colors." Briefly, she explains the Color Spray spell.
"The barrels would not block the stunning colors. The bad thing is, I would need to be pretty close; the colors don't go far."
DM Cayzle - Sticks and Stones Saturday September 26th, 2009 1:00:10 AM
Jet has some unpleasant things to say to the bad guys, and his words do hit home a little -- after a pause, one calls back, "Look, just give us the kids. Come on." And the quaver in his voice gives him away.
[OOC: The enemy seems a little shaken, but for how long?]
Meanwhile, Ender sneaks back, and confers quietly with Keela and Alexi.
A plan is discussed. The opportunity is there. All we need now is some action to tip events toward their climax ...
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Saturday September 26th, 2009 9:06:11 AM
"Listen guys" Ender whispers, "i can sneak through and drop the thunderstone on them, then keep them occupied while you guys rush out in suppport. I think i might be able to tumble over the barrels so it shouldnt be too hard..."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Sunday September 27th, 2009 8:01:59 PM
OOC: bear with us, DM. Coach has called a short time out and we are in the huddle. :)
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Sunday September 27th, 2009 9:18:40 PM
ooc: LOL, yeah, what he said. :)
DM Cayzle Monday September 28th, 2009 8:08:09 AM
Take your time and talk your talk. I'll post when I have four PC posts. That said, I want us to shoot for daily posting when possible.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday September 28th, 2009 11:01:24 AM
While the children are being moved back, Jet hands Keeli some items he might not get a chance to use in battle. A Tanglefoot bag, an Alchemists Fire and his Thunderstone.
After his attempts at Diplomacy so greatly fail, Jet pulls out his big guns, his intimdation factor and as soon as Ender completes his action and is out of the way, Jet charges. No, not the men, the barrels. He throws all of his body weight into those barrels in an attempt to dislodge them from being used as cover. Who knows, maybe Jet will hit them so hard, the men will be hit by them also and perhaps make them lose their balance, of course, Jet always expects to much.
ooc: Please let me know what I need to do to do this, since I don't think you can Charge or Overrun anything but an opponent.
DM Cayzle: Here are some options. (1) Move to a barrel (move action) and pick it up (move acton) (picking up an item provokes an AoO, but since they are using bows, not reach weapons, you're safe there). They they could attack you on their turn, and in your next turn, you could move, bull rush, overrun, even throw the barrel as an improvised weapon. You could drop the barrel in any nearby square, draw a weapon, take a five foot step, and attack. (2) If the barrel is too heavy for you to lift (depends on your strength and current load), you could drag it back out of the way. Check out the lifting and dragging rules. Hope that helps.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d20+35=40 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+7=8 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 2:23:33 PM
Ender takes the thunderstone (after Keela puts it on the ground to avoid braking his invisibility) and sneaks through the small passegeway, making his way to U-13 he quietly takes aim and lobs the thunderstone over the barrels
Hide: 40 M. Silently: 26 throw thunderstone to W-13 (dc5): 8
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d20+8=13 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 2:26:24 PM
OOC: I forgot to add my racial modifier to thrown objetcs: so my to hit roll is actually :13
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Monday September 28th, 2009 2:35:16 PM
Keela is a little puzzled at being handed the alchemical items, but she readily places the thunderstone on the floor for Ender.
She has a couple of options, but she needs to wait until her friends act and she sees where the bad guys end up.
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+4=13 ; d20+1=12 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 4:37:21 PM
Jet rolls his shoulders and neck around as an unspoken plan comes into play.
Once Ender begins the round of battle, Jet charges forward. "You will both die a cowards death for what you have done today! You could have left and repented, but instead, your souls will be forever damned!"
His intention is to move the barrels and allow Alexi and the others, some fighting room. If prone he attempts to recover next round, I hope he gets up.
"Barreling" into barrels DC 13 to knock aside two or more and clear a path. (+4 with strength added in roll. +0 for medium creature. I'm not sure if I could get a bonus with the Run Feat. Armor Spikes on Full Plate may also provide a little more traction and impact when slamming into the objects. I trust the DM's discretion)
DC 12 to avoid going prone. (+1 with dexterity added in roll. -6 armor penalty, possible strength bonus for knowing how to kick down doors and barge into rooms.)
I have to go back in the archives to look for his spell list. I will repost that later.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20-1=11 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 7:41:17 PM
OOC: If a pc can bash in a door, why not be able to bash barrels out of the way in a charge. That's my view. :)
OOC: So my understanding is that Alexi has kept his Thunderstone and Ender is using Jet's. Right?
IC: Alexi sees Jet's Thunderstone disappear and knows the plan is put into action. He readies his shield but doesn't draw his sword. Instead, as a last minute idea, he asks Keela to cast a Light spell on a coin and holds it tight in his right fist so no light escapes. (it'll take a round for Ender to get to the barrels so there should be plenty of time for Keela to cast her light spell on the coin).
Alexi gives Jet 5 feet lead-way, then follows. Knowing that there are narrow areas in the tunnel, he measures his charge carefully.
OOC: ok, if all goes well, Jet will have knocked enough barrels out of the way for Alexi to move through, and the two will be reelling from the Thunderclap. As Alexi moves through the barrels, he drops the lighted coin and draws his sword, attacking the closest enemy.
If Jet falls in the way, Alexi will Jump over him: Long Jump 5' DC5 d20-1=11, success
don't know how many actions this is but DM can figure this out.
DM Cayzle - Fissure Fight, Round 1 and Top of Round 2 d20+3=13 ; d20+3=9 [2 failed saves vs stone] d20+6=12 ; d20+6=10 [two arrow misses] d20+13=15 ;[tumble check] d20+6=16 [attack misses Alexi] d20+8=11 [attack misses Alexi] Tuesday September 29th, 2009 8:02:57 AM
===== Round One =====
The enemy readies arrow shots to use as soon as they see a target. They take a -2 on attacks due to Jet's taunting this round.
Ender sneaks right up to the barrels. He sees that the two enemeis are humans dressed in studded leather armor, with short bows readied (with the ready action). Ender carefully tosses a thunderstone at the feet of one of them. With very careful placement, be is able to position it perfectly. There is a BANG, and the two jump with surprise. Their saves are both failures, and both are deafened.
Of course, tossing the stone and forcing those saves counts as an attack, so Ender becomes visible. When they see him, the two enemies fire their readied arrows. Those attacks hit AC12 and AC10 -- two misses.
Hearing the boom, Jet springs into action. He continues to taunt the two enemies, but they cannot hear him. He crashes into the heavy barrels. He manages to nudge one forward, and another rolls ten feet. Jet just manages to keep his feet.
Alexi asks Keela to cast a Light spell. Seeing as Keela has not acted this round, she may do so if she likes. Then Alexi follows Jet, moves forward, drops his light, and draws his weapon.
The DM takes the liberty of moving Keela forward as well, and she may choose to cast her Light spell.
===== This marks the end of Round One! =====
===== Round Two (Top) =====
Enemy Blue (see map) attempts to tumble between Alexi and Ender -- Tumble check past two foes is a DC17 check ... and at +13 on the roll, the enemy rolls a 15! Failure! Ender and Alexi may take Attacks of Opportunity on Enemy Blue, vs AC21 for Ender and vs AC22 for Alexi (he is Dodging Alexi).
As he moves, Enemy Blue drops his bow and draws a rapier. He attacks Alexi. Note that he is not flanking because Enemy Orange does not have a melee weapon drawn and therefore does not threaten any squares. Enemy Blue hits AC16, not good enough to hit Alexi. He curses, but cannot hear his own curse.
Enemy Orange drops his bow, draws his rapier, and attacks Alexi. Now he IS flanking, and his attack hits AC11, a miss.
And here is the map. Later ... NOTE NOTE NOTE! I thought I FIXED my error, but I guess I uploaded the wrong one. On the current map, Keela is in square 14P (Kitty) and Alexi is in square 14V (Duck). I'm sorry!
Note: Both enemy ACs are 21, 22 vs Alexi.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d20+9=22 ; d3=1 ; d20+10=21 ; d3=1 ; 2d6=7 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 9:24:57 AM
Ender swipes with his dagger and scores a hit as the "Blue" enemy tries to tumble past and does 1hp damage, he then takes a 5foot step to T-14 and launches a proper attack hitting ac 21 and doing 1+7 damage
Dodge blue enemy +1 to ac
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+7=18 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 10:49:30 AM
"By the will of Domi, may he increae my power!"
Jet casts Enlarge Person on himself, using a Domain spell.
DM Cayzle - Fissure Fight, Round 1 and Top of Round 2 Tuesday September 29th, 2009 2:33:15 PM
DM Question to Jet: What spaces do you want to occupy after enlarging? Keep in mind that you can take a five-foot step without triggering an AoO. Do you have a weapon drawn? If you are squeezed up against the wall, or if you are sharing space with a barrel, you'll get the standard squeezing penalties (as marked on the map).
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday September 29th, 2009 6:24:34 PM
ooc: No weapon drawn, he will initiate a grapple on the one next round.
That's a good question, it looks like I have to move at least ten feet to avoid enlarging into an object.
I guess I have to provoke an AoO while I move past that guy to X15 filling X/Y, 14/15
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+8=25 ; d8+5=6 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 8:22:19 PM
Att Op vs AC22 d20+8=25, hit dmg d8+5= 6 dmg
Alexi is surprized at the enemy's move but not off guard. As the enemy rather stumbles past him, he slashes downward, feeling his sword cut deep into the leather armor.
The "Bang" still echoing in the cavern, Alexi quickly sees he is flanked, and quick thinking and deft feet make him a difficult target. Alexi quickly deduces that their have been deafened, as their attacks seem rather clumsy and their sudden lack of that sense must be affecting them somewhat.
While dodging the enemies sword thrusts, Alexi sees that, even though he is flanked, he also flanks the guy that had tried to tumble past him, thanks to Ender having moved behind him (T14), and lunges his sword at him.
Att AC 22 d20+8 (+2 flanking) =
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+10=14 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 8:23:59 PM
oops sorry, hit submit, dang! ok, here's the roll. :}
Att AC 22 d20+8 (+2 flanking) = 14
Alexi's overconfidence bites him as he clumsly lunges and misses.
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] 2d4+2=7 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 11:11:11 PM
[Round 1]
Keela casts a Light spell for Alexi, then slowly moves up.
[Round 2]
Everything happens at once, and friends and foes are hopelessly tangled. But good old Magic Missile always hits! Keela fires two at the Blue guy, for a total of 7 damage.
DM Cayzle - Fissure Fight, Round 2 Conclusion and Top of Round 3 d20+6=20 [AoO on Jet hits AC20] d6+2=4 [damage] d20+8=19 [Flanking att on Alexi] d6+2=7 ; 3d6=14 [damage] d20+8=19 [2nd flank att vs Alexi] d6+2=6 ; 3d6=8 [damage] d20+13=22 [tumble] Wednesday September 30th, 2009 8:03:59 AM
Attacks of Opportunity on Enemy Blue as he tumbles: Ender hits for 1 hp damage. (First blood of the fight.) Alexi hits for 6 hp damage.
===== Bottom of Round 2 =====
Ender take a five foot step to T14 (setting up a flank) and attacks Enemy Blue, inflicting another 8 damage on him.
Jet takes a move action to X15, knowingly provoking an AoO. Enemy Orange takes that AoO, hitting AC20 for 4 hp damage. Jet is that a hit (see note below). THEN, Jet casts a spell, enlarging to Large Size.
[DM OOC to Jet: You list your AC as 20/22. When is it 20? When is it 22? Enlarged, your AC decreases by two, one point because your Dex is decreased by 2, and the other point, because Large creatures have a -1 size penalty on AC and attacks.]
Alexi attacks Enemy Blue, who he is flanking, but misses.
Keela moves up a little so she can see the enemy. She trusts in that handy mage stand-by, Magic Missile, and hits Blue for 7 hp damage.
===== Top of Round 3 =====
Enemy Orange takes a flanking attack at Alexi, at +2. He hits AC19, a solid blow and a sneak attack, inflicting 7 plus 14 sneak attack damage, total 21 to Alexi!
Enemy Blue tries to finish Alexi off. He hits AC19, another hit, for 6 and then another 8 sneak attack damage! That's another 14 vs Alexi.
Alexi has taken 35 damage this round, dropping him to -4 hp by my count -- his status is marked by a red background on the map.
Enemy Blue still has a move action this round. He takes it, tumbling out of Ender's reach (Tumble check 22), moving to 13X.
=====
Enemy Status: Blue: down 22 hp, AC21, 22 vs Jet, Touch AC 14 vs Jet, Grapple DC 15. Orange: down 0 hp, AC21, 22 vs Jet, Touch AC 14 vs Jet, Grapple DC 15.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d20+10=27 ; d20+11=25 ; d3=3 ; 2d6=7 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2009 11:43:05 AM
Ender tumbles to V-13 (tumble: 27 vs DC15) slipping in to a flanking position with Jet and stabs out with his dagger hitting AC25 and doing 3 damage and 7 sneak attack damage
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:31/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday September 30th, 2009 8:17:05 PM
Alexi flops unceremoniously on the cold floor, a rather surprised look on his face. :(
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:-4/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday September 30th, 2009 8:18:13 PM
oops, forgot to change my new hps. updated now
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] d20+5=22 ; 4d6=13 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2009 8:29:17 PM
"Oh no!" Keela cries when Alexi goes down. Uncertain what else to do to help, she darts up and casts a spell, sending a golden ray toward one of their attackers.
[Move to U-14. Cast Scorching Ray at the Blue enemy. I don't think it has cover, and it isn't in melee, so I'm not subtracting from the roll. The DM may decide differently on the whole "cover" issue. :) Hit touch AC 22 for 13 damage.]
Jet Stormway (AC:20/22 HP:23/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=13 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2009 10:01:04 PM ooc: The 20 AC is while Enlarged yes. :)
Jet watches as Alexi drops from the damage and wonders if this is not some strange or alternate universe? Jet always goes down from damage first. That has always been the case, even as an orphan in the street, he was the one that took the beatings from the older ruffians, as the younger ones could steal some food during the distraction.
He was going to keep one alive, now, now! It's all over for the perverts. He draws his sword and attacks the unwounded one beside him, Agent Orange and misses.
DM Cayzle Wednesday September 30th, 2009 10:03:53 PM
Alexi, please do roll your 10% chance to stabilize each round, and if you do not make it, please reduce your hit points by one each round. Look on the bright side ... gives you something to do each round! :-)
Keela, your ray works fine. No issues with cover or melee.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday September 30th, 2009 11:56:10 PM
New HP's posted
DM Cayzle - Fissure Fight, Round 3 Conclusion and Top of Round 4 d100=39 ; d20+13=30 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 7:08:03 AM
===== Bottom of Round 3 =====
Ender tumbles to 13V and jabs Enemy Orange with a sneak attack! He inflicts 10 hp damage.
Keela moves to U14 and casts scorching ray on Enemy Blue. The 13 hp she inflicts suffices to drop the attacker.
Jet draws his weapon, attacks Enemy Orange, and misses.
Alexi alas, lies unconscious after bravely taking a dive.
===== Top of Round 4 =====
Enemy Blue, unconscious, rolls his stabilization check: nope!
Enemy Orange tumbles (check 30) to 12X and pulls a potion out of his pocket. He shouts, "We can make a deal!"
=====
Enemy Status: Blue: down 36 hp, unconscious, helpless. Orange: down 10 hp, AC21, 22 vs Jet, Touch AC 14 vs Jet, Grapple DC 15.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d8+2=8 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 12:23:49 PM
"Deal with him Jet!" Ender yells as he pulls out his last potions of cure light wounds and pours it into Alexi's mouth healing him for 8hp
DM Cayzle - extra Thursday October 1st, 2009 12:46:22 PM
Ugh, sorry Ender. Taking a potion out is a move action, and giving an unconscious person a potion is a full-round action. You can't do both in one round.
LOL! Your enemy is faced with the same dilemma, by the way!
Please repost, or I'll assume you are just getting out the potion this round.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=15 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 5:28:47 PM
"WE tried to deal!. Now it's time for you to eat your innards!"
Jet is livid and is perhaps in to much of a hurry to slice this pervert in half."
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] Thursday October 1st, 2009 10:07:52 PM
Keela attempts to maneuver so that she can cast Color Spray at the remaining bad guy without catching any of her friends in it.
[V-11 would be ideal, if she can shove past or scramble over a barrel. If not, then Y-14 would probably do, depending on where Jet moved.]
[Orange enemy must make a Will save (DC 14) or have fun Color Spray effects that depend on hit dice. I assume you can look up the spell? :) ]
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Friday October 2nd, 2009 4:52:31 AM
changing action to getting out the potion and getting ready for next round....
DM Cayzle - Fissure Fight, Round 4 Conclusion and Top of Round 5 d20+2=12 ; d100=77 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 7:27:57 AM
===== Bottom of Round 4 =====
Jet swings but is unlucky.
Ender gets a potion ready to pour down the dying Alexi's throat.
Keela bravely steps up and casts her Color Spray. Enemy Orange rolls his save: at +2, it is a 12! He is stunned for a round and cannot act.
===== Top of Round 5 =====
Enemy Blue, unconscious, rolls his stabilization check: nope! He drops another point.
DM Cayzle - extra Friday October 2nd, 2009 7:31:26 AM
Um, the DM belatedly notes that Jet needs to have made at least a five foot step forward to be in reach of the enemy still standing. Please pick a place from which to have struck, and we'll assume that you had moved there last round (since you only used a standard action last round).
And while I'm picking on Jet (LOL) help me understand how it is you can prepare 8 level 0 spells and 7 level 1 spells? Am I even reading that right?
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d8+2=10 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 9:34:21 AM
Ender quickly pours the potion into Alexi's mouth healing him for 10hp
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=20 ; 3d6+7=12 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 11:12:19 AM
Jet waits for Keela to move before he takes a step forward. He oh so wants to just step on the neck of the one down, but that would use up his action, so he swings again at the one Keela just cast her spell upon.
Hold action for Keela tomove, then five foot step forward hitting AC 20 doing 12 damage.
ooc: I think a Greatsword enlarged does 3d6, but correct me with a reroll, if you like. :)
Cayzle comments: 3d6 is right, no worries. And that attack will hit against a stunned Enemy Orange (he suffers the loss of his dex bonus and takes an extra -2 penalty).
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:-5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d100=26 ; d100=1 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 8:42:47 PM
OOC: Sorry missed a post. Up at 4am, got home with storms hitting around, ate, took shower and went to bed. :)
Let's see, he goes down on Round 3. Ok, Rolling 10% stabilizing for: Round 4 d100 = 26 hp -1 Round 5 d100 = 1 :) yipeeeee!
As the battle rages around him, the tough fighter lays unconscious and bleeding. However the wounds clog with his cloth-under armor which stop the flow of blood.
OOC: my bad guys, tactically speaking. I should not have left Alexi flanked by both. I was confident that with Ender and Alexi flanking one, we would both hit and knock him down. Who'd figure Alexi missing his swing? :{
Keela[Mage Armor; AC 16; hp 21/24] d4=2 ; Friday October 2nd, 2009 9:13:12 PM
Keela fires a Magic Missile from her wand at the one remaining opponent before scuttling back into the narrow passageway. [Orange guy takes 3 damage! Ha! I am mighty! Retreat to S-14]
DM Cayzle - Fissure Fight, Round 5 Conclusion and Top of Round 6 Saturday October 3rd, 2009 8:11:27 AM
===== Bottom of Round 5 - Conclusion and Unfinished Business =====
Keela, who has had her wand out and ready since the very start of the battle, finally gets to use it, and fires a magic missile at Enemy Orange, inflicting 3 hp. Then she steps to the side, moving to S14.
Jet takes a step forward as soon as Keela moves aside. Jet hits the still-befuddled Enemy Orange, hitting for a solid 12 damage. Enemy Orange has now taken a total of 25 hp damage.
Ender spends the round administering a potion to Alexi.
Alexi, you have been healed 10 hp, thanks to Ender's potion. That puts you prone at 5 hp, but you still have a round's worth of action left. What do you do? Remember that standing up is a move action.
This round is not complete until Alexi acts!
===== Top of Round 6 =====
Enemy Orange decides to take a chance. He is dodging Jet, so his AC is back up to 22 vs the enlarged fighting cleric. The enemy, sorely wounded, administers a healing potion to his friend. That provokes an Attack of Opportunity from long-reaching Jet. But can Jet hit an AC22 target and end this fight? Or will both enemies be back on their feet?
Or maybe before any of this takes place, can Alexi pull something out of his hat and bring the enemy down?
So, before we finish up the enemy's actions at the top of round 6, please let me get a full round of actions from the recumbent Alexi, and please let me see an attack of opportunity rolled by Jet vs AC22.
Many thanks!
DM Cayzle - Extra Kudos Saturday October 3rd, 2009 8:18:20 AM
By the way, folks, I want to thank you for great posting this week. Only one post missed! Woo hoo!
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=23 ; 3d6+7=18 ; Saturday October 3rd, 2009 12:59:02 PM
Jet smiles at the fool attempting to give his friend the potion. His swing lands across the back of the kidnapper or hostage holder or whatever he is, then a plan dawns on him.
"Take them alive! The Ahote deserve to see their justice more then I want to just kill them and let Pantheon have mercy on their soul."
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Saturday October 3rd, 2009 12:59:28 PM
Hit AC 23 for 18 damage.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+7=20 ; Saturday October 3rd, 2009 11:40:09 PM
Alexi sputters as the fluid goes down his throat but the healing takes affect and his vision, a blur at first, focuses on the scene around him. Jet seems much larger than usual, and Keela vaults over him. 'Odd' he thinks. But Keela's Magic Missile and Jet's 'Take them alive' holler brings him around.
Alexi stands (move action) drawing his handaxe (move instead of standard action), and threatens, "Surrender! We'll give no quarter a third time!"
Intimidate d20+7=20
DM Cayzle - End of the Fight Sunday October 4th, 2009 12:49:26 AM
Alexi stands and delivers an ultimatum -- one that is not needed. Because Jet's attack of opportunity cuts down the enemy in orange, in fact, inflicting the kind of damage from which there is no recovery.
The enemy in blue is dying at your feet. The enemy in orange is dead. Well fought, my friends.
==========
Since it will soon become clear, the two are almost identically equipped:
2 bucklers (magic) 2 studded leather armors (magic) 2 rapiers - masterwork 2 potions (magic) 2 short bows (with +2 pull to them) - masterwork 1 magic belt 1 magic gloves 2 masterwork thieves tools 22 arrows, 2 quivers about 100 gp in coin for both together
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d20+5=8 ; d20+7=8 ; Sunday October 4th, 2009 12:59:17 AM
"Be on the lookout, we dont know if more are waiting to ambush us!" Ender says as he scans the surroundings
Listen: 8 Spot: nat. 1
well... at least the bad rolls waited till after the fight :S
Keela d20+2=10 ; Sunday October 4th, 2009 10:52:56 PM
Keela tries, but fails, to stabilize the unconscious foe. [Heal check 10]
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+5=7 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 12:20:20 AM
Jet attempts to stabalize the unconcious foe as well, but his attempt fails also.
"Sometimes, life and death isn't always up to us."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=17 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 2:04:40 AM
Alexi, still a little woozie, sees his ultimatum was just a little late. However his eyes clear now, wateches for other possible ambushers, then attempts to stabilize the remaining dying enemy. His training in the Fist included some basic First Aid for those times when his comrades were wounded and a cleric was not available. That training came in good use as he staunched the wounds of the enemy and stopped the bleeding.
Heal check d20+1= 17 DC15 for First Aid success. Enemy is stabilized.
DM Cayzle - First you have to take the band-aid OUT of the paper wrapping. Monday October 5th, 2009 7:25:57 AM
Ender tries to keep alert, and does not see anything out of the ordinary.
Keela and Jet do their best to save the life of their dying enemy, but to no avail. Alexi shows them how it is done, with his demonstration that tying the bandage ON the wound is more effective than tying it NEXT to the wound, Keela, or on YOURSELF, Jet.
[Jet and Keela, give yourselves each a +5 on your next healing skill checks, both to reflect this "learning" and as a thank you from the DM for putting up with his ribbing.]
Well, what's next? Although I have listed the gear, no one has actually searched the enemies. The kids still need to get home. What if darkmantles attack them?
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday October 5th, 2009 9:42:52 AM
"I think we should let the other four and Honaw take the children back to the Ahote camp, along with the prisoner, while the rest of us look for this menace that wanted the children to begin with. We can not risk losing the children to this scum bag again and we still have not figured out how all the children go to this place to begin with."
In regard to the Darkmantles.
"We have a Thunderstone left, I will draw them off while they attack me and use the the stone to drive them away, while the rest of you get the children out."
Then
"Any other ideas?"
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Monday October 5th, 2009 2:37:27 PM
"I agree with Jet's idea" Ender says, "lets guide them out and let the Ahote guide them home while we hunt for the boss!"
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Monday October 5th, 2009 4:42:59 PM
as an afterthought Ender says, "We should take all the stuff from the two guys and let the Ahote carry it with them, then we can examine it when we return to their camp, if theres nothing we can use now that is"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday October 5th, 2009 9:38:04 PM
After Alexi has determined that the lone enemy survivor will not bleed to death, Alexi turns to Ender, whom he deduced, by the smallish blur his eyes saw when he first became conscious, to be the one to have given him a healing potion.
"My many thanks, Ender, for that timely potion."
Alexi then sits down to take a breather and get his head straight while the others go over the bodies of the two and gather their gear.
"That sounds like a good plan," Alexi agrees then ponders, "Jet, how do you plan to draw the darkmantels towards you? Having all of them go after you is rather dangerous, isn't it? Keela, do you still have that web spell you used out in the canyon against the bandits?
"Jet, if you could get them to an area with those rock formations that stick up from the ground, perhaps Keela can trap them all in her web."
Keela Monday October 5th, 2009 11:36:07 PM
"I have the Web spell prepared," Keela confirms. "The problem will be seeing where to cast it. I have to see the place where the web will originate, and I can't do that if they use their magical darkness."
Darkmantle Dilemma
DM Cayzle - Just outside the darkmantle cave Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:26:27 AM
You stow the enemy gear and bring the kids over. A couple -- the youngest -- the burst into tears when they see the dead men on the floor. One girls runs over to the dead man and kicks the body.
The four of you go first. Behind, the rest of your party shepherd the kids forward and carry the unconscious enemy along, at Ender's suggestion.
At last you are at the cave of the darkmantles -- the last challenge between yourselves and the outer world. You discuss how to get past the enemy. You do think that any of the magical beasts that are in the radius of the thunderstone will be daunted ... at least if they fail their saves. But what if some stay outside the blast?
Jet ponders going first to draw the attacks. But is that a good way to get killed?
If only Keela's magic could save them. Alexi suggests a Web spell. But how? The darkmantle's cave stands before you.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday October 6th, 2009 3:14:34 PM
"Perhaps if keela could blanket one wall with her web, to keep them from exiting their little holes, I won't have to deal with near as many of them."
Jet looks around, "Do we have any oil left? Maybe we can can light up some walls with a couple of lit flasks to help deter them?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday October 6th, 2009 6:59:27 PM
Alexi, still covered in blood and not up to a fight in the dark, surveys the cavern beform them. How to get across without attacting creatures that are attracted by sound? How to keep the children quiet enough to get across? How to keep Myself quiet enough?
A thought occurs to him. A dim thought. A cunning plan.
"Keela, I've seen you use a spell to clean yourself with and straighten your hair. Do you still have that spell? I've seen wizards move small objects around and such."
Alexi hands Keela the coin with the Light spell (OOC: duration should be 40min so I'm thinking it should still be active).
"Can you cast your spell to make this coin tinkel and bounce a little ways ahead of you? They'll cast their darkness spell on it and attack it. You move it out of the way just as the darkness hits. The'll land on the floor and then they'll be harmless. How far ahead can you move the coin? Once several have fallen, we can move forward a little ways, the coin always in front, and stop while we attract more. Move, stop, move, stop."
"Or, can you create sounds of bells ringing?"
"Or," he adds pensive, "we can gather up pebbles and rocks, and with the kidds help, toss handfulls of them out in front of us."
"Any other suggestions?"
Keela Wednesday October 7th, 2009 12:33:03 AM
"If you can point out where on the cave wall the Web should go," Keela says, "I can put it there. I'm not very good at seeing those kinds of things, myself."
"The Prestidigitation spell can't move objects," Keela continues. "You want Mage Hand for that, and I don't have it prepared today. I could send--I don't know--brightly colored phantom butterflies flying in there. But if these creatures detect their prey by some other means--scent, for example, or heat--such an illusion would have no effect on them."
DM Cayzle - Still just outside the darkmantle cave Wednesday October 7th, 2009 7:25:47 AM
[OOC: Keela, I tend to be forgiving in interpreting a Prestidigitation spell's use. The spell says you can slowly lift a pound. I think you probably *could* use it to move a single coin as you walk forward. The larger problem, I think, is the spell's very short range ... a mere 10 feet. That would expose Keela to attack, surely.]
The party continues to debate strategy. The youngest child starts to cry. It is hard to imagine how to get the kids across without rousing the darkmantles. And yet somehow they got in here in the first place.
[OOC: Friends, it is up to you. I just need your actual orders.]
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday October 7th, 2009 2:56:26 PM
ooc: Post to come tonight.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Wednesday October 7th, 2009 4:19:56 PM
"Maybe we can throw the thunderstone and coin together, then keela can web them when the darkmantles attack... then we have them all and we can rush through the cave" Ender suggests
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday October 7th, 2009 6:22:38 PM
"Hmm...There is one thing I am sure of. We are alive. I intend for as many of us as possible to stay that way and time rot in a hole."
Jet crouches down on one knee to acentuate the fact and he thinks for a bit.
"Keela, I think we only have one chance at this, so ready your web spell. I will throw a sunrod toward the left side of the cavern, hopefully revealing to you the wall long enough to web it.
I will toss my buckler into the middle of the room, to hopefully attract the rest of them.
Ender, you take the Thunderstone and throw it at my buckler, a round after it goes dark.
Alexi, tie a rope to yourself and get a bearing on the exit at the otherside. I want you to cross straight away after the Thunderstone goes off. Keela will hold the other end here and the children will be able to follow the rope to get out of here.
Ender and myself will go into the darkness and seek out to kill as many as the Darkmatles as we can find, if we can find any.
Now, that is one plan, anyone have an idea, lets have it. I want us all to remian on this side though. I have no idea where those barrels came from or the men, so there must be a secret passage oe opening we missed. I want to find what is left here and deal with it. Then, we will again figure out some way to exit. There must be another way into this place, we just haven't found it yet."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday October 7th, 2009 10:30:54 PM
"Barrels!" Alexi exclaimed quietly. "Of course, barrels! What are empty barrels good for? Rolling, that's what. Let's get those barrels in here, put rocks in them, and roll them across the floor to one side of this cavern while we run with the children, as quiet as we can, on the other side of the cavern and to the exit."
"We save the Thunderstone and the Web spell in case one plops down on or near us."
OOC: If Alexi's idea doesn't fly, then we execute Jet's.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday October 7th, 2009 11:37:45 PM
Jet raises an eyebrow at the idea of Alexis.
"Someone go back and look in those barrels to see what they contain. Maybe we can actually roll the children across to the other side, if the creatures don't attack it.
Also, lets question the children again, now that they have calmed down. Maybe there is something they have seen that they forgot to tell us before?"
ooc: Jet has a pretty good Survival skill if necessary. I would like to see if they left some kind of trail, hauling around the barrels, maybe from a secret door or something.
Keela Wednesday October 7th, 2009 11:53:25 PM
Keela moves to help comfort the children.
"I like the idea of using the barrels for a distraction," she says. "If we move quickly, we might be able to avoid the creatures altogether."
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Thursday October 8th, 2009 6:28:31 AM
"The barrels" Ender exclaims as he slaps his forehead "Of course!" I will go and see whats inside them!
DM Cayzle - Roll out the barrels! Thursday October 8th, 2009 7:29:43 AM Alexi remembers the barrels that the enemy used for cover.
Ender's quick trip back reveals that the barrels are heavy with supplies. One barrel is filled with pickles, and the others with a kind of hardtack marked with the letters F and E. They are heavy but could be rolled.
The party seems to be coming up with a plan to overwhelm the darkmantles with distractions, both magical and mundane.
Jet meanwhile talks with the kids. They tell you that they had to wear smelly cloaks and crawl on the floor when they came here.
Jet searches around, and with help from the kids, finds a small hidden side chamber with about 30 cloaks on a rack. The cloaks reek from the garlic bulbs stitched into them.
Keela is optimistic about getting out now.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday October 8th, 2009 10:21:54 AM
Jet starts to pass out garlic bud filled cloaks. "This is making more sense now!"
"The same way out you guys came in then, you shall leave my little friends!" Jet explains to the Ahote children.
If there are enough cloaks, the ones escorting the children out can use one also.
How many children are there again please?
DM Cayzle - Extra Thursday October 8th, 2009 10:41:10 AM
Turns out there are 17 kids, toddlers up to preadolescents.
DM Cayzle - Extra Thursday October 8th, 2009 4:58:14 PM
I'm about to embark on a five-day family reunion, AND my laptop is in the shop, so I may miss posts on Fri, Mon, and Tues. If I'm lucky someone else in my family will bring a computer! I hope to post the Fri AM dm post before I leave in the AM.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday October 8th, 2009 7:31:19 PM
OOC: Have fun.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday October 8th, 2009 10:18:51 PM
With the information on the barrels, Alexi ponders, "We can dump the contents of a barrel and put pebbles and rocks in it. One good roll across the center should do for many of them. Remember, once they are on the ground, they can't reach your head and are rather harmless. We'll dump the contents of a second barrel. I'll put the barrel over my head and walk in front of the group. Walking won't be easy and I won't be able to see where I'm going, but I'll just hug the cave wall until all goes dark, then I'll kneel quickly so I'll be completely inside the barrel when one plops on me. If I could drill holes in a barrel to see by that would be nice. Keela, do you have a spell that could create two eyeholes in a barrel?"
Alexi figures that, with the barrel over his head and making noise as he walks in front, any remaining creatures will drop on him but land on the barrel and try to constrict the barrel. He would then crouch down so that he is completely inside the barrel and wait until the creature gives up trying to strangle a wooden barrel and scuttle off. Progressing to the exit that way will keep the area clear of the creatures and the children safe. Adding the bonus of the cloaks, they have a good chance of getting out alive after all.
Alexi would choose the pickle barrel, as it seems these things don't like strong smells and would stick around much less time once landing on the barrel.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday October 8th, 2009 10:23:28 PM
OOC: I was thinking of the Prestidigitaion spell to make something to drill holes with but I see that won't work, any tool would be too fragile to use against a hardened barrel. So scrap that idea. :(
DM Cayzle - And through you go! Friday October 9th, 2009 6:28:01 AM
Jet gets everyone dressed in the smelly cloaks. Alexi rolls a noisy barrel or two across the floor of the cavern. Then he stumbles carefully across the cavern himself, using a barrel to give himself total cover. Frm the flutterings he hears, there may be Darkmantles about, but they do not stop him.
Meanwhile, Jet leads the kids and everyone across the cavern floor, crawling under the cloaks. With Alexi to provide covering noise and a target, the group passes without being attacked.
And then, soon enough, you are all in daylight again. At last!
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday October 9th, 2009 9:10:22 PM
Alexi takes a huge lungful of air, for various reasons, once outside. "I may not eat a pickle for a while," he announces.
But other things are on his mind as well, other than fresh air. "The horses, we must see to the horses and make sure they are allright." At that he checks on the horses. They had been hobbled near the entrance but in a small side canyon.
OOC: at one time the Ahote were with us, at least until the battle with the Gnolls. But after that there's no mention of them so we assumed they stayed back a ways. DM can decide whether they followed until the cave entrance or we need to hunt them down.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Sunday October 11th, 2009 12:55:53 PM
Jet makes sure Honaw and the horses are alright.
"Let us see everyone out of the canyons, then we can come back and finish searching the place, while the children are seen back to the village by the others."
Jet is determined to make sure that no innocents are never harmed again by this magical beast, those that took the vision, had seen.
"It's odd, we saw a bunch of fire in our vision, but we dealt with a creature of the cold. There is much more to do it seems."
Keela Sunday October 11th, 2009 11:00:12 PM
Keela helps the children climbing down the steep steps to where the horses wait. If the horses look to be unhurt, she helps three or four of the children to climb up on Daisy. The gentle farm horse can easily bear their weight.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Monday October 12th, 2009 4:31:09 AM
Ender helps Keela with the children
DM Cayzle - Back to the Ahote Monday October 12th, 2009 8:46:50 AM
There's no problem getting to the horses and then getting back.
If you roll a spot check to beat DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You do note that someone has gone through your gear to take a peek. Nothing was greatly disturbed or taken.}
You start back on the way to bring the kids home. No way everyone can ride, but the littlest ones can do so.
THe DM, on vacation, on a borrowed laptop, must admit to not being able to do all the research he should have. How far is the Ahote camp from here? More than a day's ride? Anyway, when you are about five hours walk from the Ahote camp, you see a dust cloud up ahead. At least 20 riders on horseback are on the way to you. Call it 1000 feet, or maybe a minute away.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+4=10 ; Monday October 12th, 2009 1:20:00 PM
Jet sees nothing new, but hopes the dust coming up across the horizon aren't the gnoll tribe looking for revenge.
Pulling the children off of Bantom for a short time, Jet puts on his warrior face as he mounts and closes his visor. "Alexi, if you don't do as I ask now, we will have a scuffle when this is done. Get these children back to safety and watch to see if I fall or not. I am going to see who it is. If they are friendly Ahote, I will return with them, if they are not, I will be dead and you are in charge."
He raises his visor and grins at the warrior, "Isn't that what you always wanted? Wish me luck."
He closes his visor and pulls his great sword, to go out and meet those that approch.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Monday October 12th, 2009 1:22:16 PM
On second thought, I don't think gnolls can ride horses, but who knows, it could be these two reinforcements.
Keela Monday October 12th, 2009 3:12:49 PM
"Jet, are you sure that's wise?" Keela asks, but he is already gone.
She concentrates on helping the children on the arduous journey, hoping Jet will be all right.
[OOC to Cayzle: the journey is several days, and there is some interesting terrain that may prove difficult for our party.]
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+1=5 ; Monday October 12th, 2009 10:32:46 PM
OOC: there was a maze, but with the ranger's help, we should be able to retrace our path unless there's been rain. It took a couple of days from the entrance of the badlands to the entrance to the cave. If we stopped over night at least once before we meet these riders, Alexi will have healed up some, plus Jet and Keela would have their spells back. Let us know.
Hope you are having fun on your vacation.
IC: Alexi does not argue with Jet's decision. It seems the most logical one for the circumstances. Alexi leads the children, with the others help to a side passage and asks Beren to hide their tracks.
"Ender, see if you can follow Jet, staying hidden, and return as quick as you can with any news."
Spot DC15, d20+1=5 pffft! :p
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday October 13th, 2009 4:30:38 AM
OOC: Where is Honaw the scout? We left him outside with the horses.
We were also going to go back and search the cave complex more throughly. I think there are some things we missed, like checking all of the huts as well as the various side passages.
DM Cayzle - Apologies Wednesday October 14th, 2009 8:01:23 AM
I'm sorry my vacation has interrupted our game. I will post later today, and I hope to be back on schedule tomorrow. My bad.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday October 14th, 2009 9:38:46 AM Bad DM, BAD!
Oops, was that my out loud typing? :)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:5/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday October 14th, 2009 9:46:56 PM
OOC: totally understandable. And on that note, I'll be on vacation from Oct. 24 thru Nov 2 in the mountains of New Mexico. I'll not have internet up there in the wilderness. So I'll post on the L&B for a sub during that time.
DM Cayzle - Apologies Again Thursday October 15th, 2009 7:40:53 AM
Ugh, if you can belive it ... got a call at work, that my wife fell in a parking lot, and the EMTs were coming. I raced home in the middle of the day, and spent the rest of yesterday on child and wife care. Sorry. Bad string of luck. I'll post later today.
Really sorry.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday October 15th, 2009 10:48:01 AM
Family first!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Happy Parents; and Justice is Delivered
Darkmantle Dilemma
Happy Parents; and Justice is Delivered
DM Cayzle - The Ahote Thursday October 15th, 2009 4:00:19 PM
OOC: Hey, thanks for the kind wishes! Turns out wife probably tore something in her knee, but is going to be fine.
Old business: So far as I can tell, you left your horses tied off on June 9-10 of this year with no mention of Ahote scouts left behind. The last mention of Honaw by the DM was on April 27, during the gnoll fight. Still, party members thought he was around on Aug. 25. The DM rules that he stayed with the horses at the cold lake. Which, by the way, did not seem so cold when you came out of the fissure from the caves.
More Old business: Per Jet: We were also going to go back and search the cave complex more throughly. I think there are some things we missed, like checking all of the huts as well as the various side passages.
You do find that there was an empty hut, just like the ones the kids were kept in. It had three cots, about a dozen barrels, two filled with water, six empty, four with pickles, hardtack, and rations. Finally, there were two small chests, locked. Jet brings the chests back.
New Post: It takes the better part of four days to get back to the area surrounding Misu Dar, the Ahote village, and Bryn Baraz, your own encampment. That's mostly because the kids slow you down, although the broken terrain -- especially near the lake and mesa, where the ground is hard and plants are scarce -- also slows you down. An experienced druid or ranger could likely have done it in two days.
Anyway, the dust cloud you see over the prairie does not disturb Honaw at all ... he correctly identifies it as riders of his people. Several of you advance to meet them. You know the wise shaman, Istaqua, and the Ahote chief, Dasan, and his son, Muata.
You note the presence of a shaman, dressed very like Istaqua, with fierce eyes. You have not met him before. He is a little younger than Istaqua, but his dress is more regal, and he has an air of authority about him.
You recognize the stylized greeting of the Ahote, and even maybe by now can return it, sort of. But you see that the eyes of the chief are focused behind you, on the kids.
And soon there is a reunion! The Ahote may be of mixed blood -- part elf, part human, part humanoid -- but some things are universal, and even a people hardened by life in a harsh dry land will weep when their most precious treasures are restored to them.
The new shaman shouts out in the Ahote tongue -- if you can understand that, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {It has come to pass as I foresaw! Istaqua gave a true warning, and I have foreseen our deliverance!}
Sense Motive DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: { Honaw seems surprised at seeing the new shaman and hearing his words.}
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+5=17 ; d20+5=14 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 4:11:59 PM
Jet doesn't like the look on the Shamans face, as he stares at the children. Why wouldn't he be more happy to see the future of his tribe returned. Jet would like to first do a Sense Motive on him, before his words, which Jet does not understand.
Sense Motive on Shaman: 17
DM's request DC 15: 14 (fails)
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday October 15th, 2009 5:39:38 PM OOC: DM, if it took us four days to get back, we would have had plenty of time to question the prisoner also. I know it's a little late for that now and you want to move the game along, but we could have got a little something from him, wouldn't we?
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] d20+5=19 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 7:20:19 PM
Ender stays in the back trying to gauge what the Shaman is about even though he doesnt understand the language
Sense motive: 19
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) d20+7=10 ; d20=8 ; d20+1=9 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 10:24:32 PM
OOC: oh, um... I thought we were going to deliver the children to Honaw and let him and his friends take the children back while we heal up and go back in to finish off the 'thing' that took them in the first place.
oh well, nothing like a good party first, then go back to fighting. :)
Oh, and I'm going to assume we are all healed up and, like Jet said, questioned the prisoner, real good, with flail twirling just above his head, the way Alexi is good at intimidating.
Intimidate: d20+7 = 10, oh, that was real good, just peachy keen, way to go Alexi.
So, Aid another d20=8, pft, can't even do that! Alexi must be trying while still at only 5 hpts...
IC: Alexi does not understand the new shaman, but is more taken up with delivering the children and talking to Muata. He manages a glance here and there for Muata's sister, although he only knows what she looks like from Honaw's description.
If he manages it, he will talk to Istaqa appart from the new shaman and tell him that there is still some unfinished business where they found the children.
Sense Motive DC15 d20+1=9. He's too busy looking for Muata's sister I guess. :)
Keela Friday October 16th, 2009 1:22:02 AM
Keela smiles at the sight of the reunion. She nods politely to the newcomer, assuming that Istaqua or somebody will tell them who he is if it's important.
DM Cayzle - Back to the Future I Friday October 16th, 2009 8:06:41 AM
Just to get the "interrogation" out of the way: The captive seems eager to avoid any problems. He says he and his mate were hired by a wizard in Plateau City to come here and do a job. The "Boss" used a teleport scroll to get here. "The job was to kidnap some kids, but not to hurt them. Make sure the ice demon didn't hurt them either. That was it. Nobody gets hurt."
"Then the Boss says we gotta fight you guys and get the kids back. He used a spell to shrink the food and stuff, and said we should set up a fight at that chokepoint, witht he unshrunk barrels."
"The Boss is a half-elf with a long purple robe. Once, from what he said, we got the idea that he wanted to pin the kidnapping on you guys or your friends and get the natives mad at you."
The captive seems honest. Look up there at the die roll field -- no Bluff check rolls. Probably he's not telling all he knows, but he's being straight up about what he does say.
He is really afraid of the "Boss" and the Ahote. He begs you to either set him free or kill him instead of giving him to the Ahote. "Look, I'm no doe-eyed innocent, sure, but I don't hurt kids or torture people. If those natives get their hands on me, I'm gonna take a lot of hurt before they finish their torturin'. Honest, kill me now, nice and fast and clean, please! Wardd can take me home, I got no problem with that."
"Or take me to that camp you gots. I can work in a mine real hard."
For what it's worth, the kids confirm that these two people did take care of them while they were imprisoned.
DM: Let's resolve this point before we go back (forward) in time to the meeting with the Ahote.
Jet Stormway (AC:20(enlarged)/22 HP:19/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday October 16th, 2009 11:30:49 AM
Jet would tell him like it is as his finger points to the symbol of Pantheon, one in a pattern of all the gods, emblazoned on his chest. "You and I will both face the judgement of the Ahote. It was likely my decision to let that sniviling little weasel go, that kidnapped Lollena, that has caused this."
Jet's jaw set in stone, his heart wrenches at the thought, if only he had killed that weasel, perhaps this never would have happened.
"Your life may be over, but it's how you leave it that is up to you! Right now, you have no honor or integrity, your soul is on a path. Let the remainder of your life be set to good will and helping these people and perhaps Gargul will send you to a better place."
Jet will try to keep him safe from those that came out to meet them.
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday October 16th, 2009 11:32:20 AM
Changed heading
Keela Friday October 16th, 2009 3:27:19 PM
Keela says nothing aloud about the fate of the prisoner, but her face bears a troubled frown.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday October 16th, 2009 10:46:16 PM
Alexi shows no emotion as the man spills his story. It's like Wido and the other hooligans hired by Mavitus to kiddnap Lollena.They tried to kill them all and would not have shown any mercy. So why show mercy now? But Alexi was not the executioner sort either. Specialy without a proper trial.
Memories of the skinned half-orc on the trail in the canyon lands also haunted Alexi. Did he want that sort of thing to happen to this guy, however bad he may be? The only thing going for him was that he did not harm the little ones.
"Don't berrate yourself, Jet," Alexi states. "I hardly think that Mavitus guy is behind this. How was that pipsqueak to know anything about the Ahote people? I'm more inclined to think it is related to the bandit attack on the caravan. However was behind the bandit attack was intend on guarantying the failure of Bryn Baraz. Same here. If this purple clad half-elf seems also intend on the failure of Bryn Baraz. Mavitus was not smart enough to organize such a convoluted plot as this."
While camping the first night on their way back to the Ahote village, Alexi speaks to his friends when they are not in earshot of Honaw. "So what do we do? I want this guy to have a fair trial by the Ahote. I will have a clear conscious regardless of what they decide. But if we take him to Bryn Baraz instead, we need to have a very convincing argument. I'm sure the Ahote are not going to take such a suggestion lightly."
DM Cayzle Saturday October 17th, 2009 6:55:16 AM
If I get a post from Ender, I'll do an extra DM post this weekend.
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Saturday October 17th, 2009 2:22:35 PM
"Let bring him to Ahote, then tell them we need him to identify the person behind this, then if they want we can have him brought back so he can face their judgement" Ender says
DM Cayzle - Feasting and Rejoicing Saturday October 17th, 2009 3:55:20 PM
With nothing further to say, the captive falls silent. Maybe he is resigning himself.
Jet and Ender are suspicious of the new shaman and try to get a read on him. It is clear that he is proud. and has the air of one who thinks he should be in charge. He also seems antagonistic toward you all, if the way he is glaring means anything.
But Istaqua's smile is wide, and his gratitude -- and friendship -- is clear. As soon as the greeting rituals are over, he rushes over to Keela and Alexi and, most of all, the kids. He greets each one by name and brings them to their parents.
The chief and his son watch, grinning.
After the kids are back with their parents, Istaqua raises his hands high and says, "Praise Catori, those who were lost have been found! And these foreigners are the ones who returned them, as I foresaw. Let us celebrate and be glad, for these people have shown themselves to be our friends!"
He invites you to rest in his yurt, and to get ready for a great feast this afternoon.
Once you are in his yurt, you can have some private conversation.
==========
OOC: I would like to spend just a few posts here at the end of this module. Now is the time to talk with Istaqua and the other Ahote, check out your loot (don't forget the five gnoll weapons Alexi picked up), deal with the prisoner, gather info, and get xp. Question: When was the last time you all got any XP? Thanks!
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+5=23 ; Sunday October 18th, 2009 1:10:21 PM
Jet will go into much detail on what occurred during their trek into the area and describes to the people, a very secure complex of caves with a fresh water source.
He also tells Istaqua, that a very powerful mage is responsible for all of these happenings and that this individual can assume the form of any one or any thing.
he tries very hard to understand the new member of the tribe we haven't seen before and uses Diplomacy skills, to attempt to put some suspicions on the shoulders of the man that was glaring at them all and why he was unhappy when clearly, everyone else was and should have been.
As well, the man they returned, although guilty of being a part pf the plan, he also is the only person that knows anything about the true criminal and he may be needed to help identify them, if they become present.
Diplomacy: 23
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Sunday October 18th, 2009 1:11:54 PM
ooc: Well, we all just went up while we slept over night in the cave complex. I think we gained some experience then.
Keela Monday October 19th, 2009 1:20:56 AM
Keela smiles at everyone, and says things like, "We were happy to help," and, "We're just glad the children are back safely."
In the privacy of the yurt, she asks her friends, "Who is that other man? The important-looking one? Have we offended him somehow?"
DM Cayzle Monday October 19th, 2009 10:37:22 AM
Meh. I want to get back on a Morning-DM-Post schedule, so I'm not posting today. See you tomorrow bright and early!
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Monday October 19th, 2009 4:35:13 PM
Ender goes up to Jeti and whispers "I dont think that shaman is too fond of us, can you check with Istaqua who he is and what his story is?"
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Monday October 19th, 2009 10:58:03 PM
Alexi rejoices with Istaqa and makes sure to point to the others, Beren, Caelnin, Jet, Fatine, Keela, and Ender, as vital participants of the rescue. Only later does he realize the new shaman seems a bit aloof from the celebrations.
However, the promise of a feast later on, and the prospect of some rest before then, gives him little time to ask about the young shaman. Not until he has seen to the care of Lobo and the other horses, and goat, does he enter Istaqa's yurt.
Appraised of Jet's words to Istaqa on the fate of their prisoner, Alexi nods his head in agreement. "Good thinking, Jet," he says smiling. Whispering to Jet, he asks, "So, who's the new shaman? He's rather creepy, wouldn't you say? If one were the suspicious sort, one would suspect him of possibly being under the influence, or pay, of our nemsis wizard 'friend'."
Like the other's, when Istaqa comes in, he ask who the new shaman is.
DM Cayzle Tuesday October 20th, 2009 4:47:14 PM
Friends, my parents were in a car crash yesterday afternoon. Fortunately, there are no life-threatening injuries, but both my folks have broken bones. My mom is in the ICU. My dad is home with a broken heel bone, and he needs a LOT of help getting around and doing things. I'm taking care of him today and tomorrow. Posting here will be sporadic at best. Sorry.
DM Cayzle - The Prodigal Shaman Tuesday October 20th, 2009 8:12:37 PM
Istaqa sits down with you. He tells you that the new shaman is one who was sent away from the tribe, but who returned very recently for expiation. He is reluctant to say more about tribal matters among outsiders, even those who are friends.
"He may see all outlanders, like you, as potential enemies. Indeed, even so would I have seen you, but for the power of the visions that led me to trust. Led me, I am happy to say, to a tragedy averted, for which we are indeed grateful."
"You will be guests of honor, with all the children, at a celebration this evening. And after that, when the moons bear witness on high, there will be justice for the one who has so injured us."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday October 20th, 2009 8:36:33 PM
OOC: Sorry to hear about your parents. Glad to hear it wasn't worse. Post as you can, even if it's just to let us know how they are doing.
IC: "We also are very grateful for the vision. For without that, war between us would have been inevitable. However, we are friends and pledged to help the Ahote through hard times and keep watch for any more who would harm your people," Alexi says and embraces Istaqa.
"Perhaps in time he will see differently, perhaps not. But the stories we'll tell tonight should leave no doubt among the Ahote that we are honorable friends. And we'll tell our people how the Ahote are honorable friends as well."
At the mention of 'justice' at high moon, Alexi gulps. He's done plenty of killing, and seen executions, but nothing like what they saw stretched out on boards in the canyon, which had led them to seek out the native people and bargain for peace so many months before.
Keela Wednesday October 21st, 2009 12:26:12 AM
"I certainly hope we can be friends," Keela says. "We will be neighbors, after all, and shouldn't neighbors help one another?"
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Wednesday October 21st, 2009 10:01:09 AM
OOC: Sorry to hear about your parents!
"Friends is second only to family, and i do hope we can be friends!" Ender seconds
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday October 21st, 2009 11:00:39 AM
Jet wants information on what this trial by the moon is and wants details on how he will be judged, as well as his punishment. "Are there varying degrees of guilty?"
Jet also has to admit, "I am unsure of our course, but it could be my fault, that your people have been brought to this situation. There was a powerful man that we let go. Well, he wasn't powerful, but his family is. If it is they that seek revenge, because of my actions, then I am just as to blame as the man that fed your children, perhaps more so. I freely give myself to your judgements as well."
In his heart, he believes the new shaman is responsible, but without evidence, none of which was found in the caves, it would be futile to attempt to convince them of this.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday October 21st, 2009 8:28:39 PM
Alexi shrugs at Jet's comments. The cavalryman has his own ideas as to who was behind the kidnappings. But Alexi is not ready to divulge to the Ahote Tarketh's magical orb and the secret organization trying to prevent Bryn Baraz to succeed.
This wizard's plan was to blame the kidnappings on the newcomers, but he had not calculated that these 'newcomers' would already be befriended by the Ahote. The power of the Ahote god through the dreams proved greater than that of their enemies.
But Alexi remains silent on that and removes his armor and weapons and seeks a place to clean himself up a bit. Water being scarce, he does the best he can. If their is to be a party, he doesn't want to stink.
To that, he approaches Keela and mumbles, rather embarassingly, something about a spell that cleans things and takes bad smells away. "If there is a dance, and you accept my invitation to dance with me, I don't want to cause you any distress by my pungent aroma," he explains, trying to keep from getting any redder than the days in the sun has made him.
DM Cayzle - Coming Attractions Thursday October 22nd, 2009 6:00:23 PM Alexi, Keela, and Ender all emphasize the growing friendship between the party and the Ahote. The shaman returns their emotion, albeit with some greater measure of dignity -- Alexi may get the feeling that one generally does not hug a shaman, but Istaqa does not seem offended. Not really.
Alexi and Jet keep their doubts about the newly arrived shaman to themselves. But doubts surely exist.
Jet, though, wants to hear more about the "justice" to be administered. He seems somehow to seek mercy for the prisoner, or to volunteer to accept his punishment.
Istaqa frowns and explains. After the feast, those who are wronged -- the parents of the kidnapped children, tonight -- will gather in a circle, armed with whatever weapons they desire. The prisoner will stand at the center of the circle, unarmed.
The prisoner will be given a chance to speak, as will the parents. Sometimes a prisoner's words move justice seekers to mercy.
The parents are free to attack the prisoner, and he to fight back with only his hands and body, until either the prisoner is dead or the moon has set.
Before that happens, it is possible that one or more or all the parents will leave the circle, either because they are wounded, or because they are satisfied with the justice they have delivered. If all the parents leave the circle before the prisoner is dead, then he shall live and go free.
If the prisoner manages to escape the circle before the moon sets, he will be shot down and boarded, as you have seen before. If he dies in the circle, his body will be boarded as well, as a final justice and warning.
"So you see, new ally Jet," says the shaman, "You could never take the prisoner's place. The parents have no ill-will toward you, and there is no justice in hurting or killing a friend."
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Thursday October 22nd, 2009 11:05:10 PM
'That's pretty grim, but these are their ways,' ponders Alexi.
"Then so be it," he says to Istaqa. "I'll be there to see what he has to say. By the way, were any of the children lost or were they all returned."
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+5=9 ; Friday October 23rd, 2009 3:51:58 PM
"What if the one under judgement disarms one of the parents? Is he allowed to keep that weapon for future battles?"
Jet asks as he is curious about the laws of this land. he really wishes he could spend more time with these peoples and perhaps he will, when his contract is up. They seem honourable to him and he believes, introducing them to the gods of the Wold would not only enhance their belief system in right and wrong, but also increase their power, moving from shamans of the past to clerics of the future. he goes on to ask, what the tribe thinks of the vast complex and shelter where they found the children, explaing the fresh water and ample food in the area.
"Yes, there are gnolls and such in the region, but perhaps, it was a sign that more exists for your people elsewhere, making life easier to thrive. From all we have heard of your current status, the Ahote are endangered and that saddens me, when it is possible to once again grow in strength."
Attempting to put the Ahote at ease, he goes on to ask Istaqua if just him and Jet could speak alone. If he agrees he will ponder with the elder, if the time frame for the shamans return was also fore ordained or if he had to accomplish some mission in order to return? "The reason I ask is, someone wants to see our communities clash. Is it possible this shaman of yours was possessed by a more powerful creature? If so, then he too needs to be rescued and his spirit returned to his body."
Diplomacy: 9 (Yuck, I hope this doesn't get him mad.)
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Friday October 23rd, 2009 8:37:57 PM
OOC: I'm off to the mountains of New Mexico and hope to be able to post again on Nov 2. There should be a sub, Jay, from the L&B, but if he misses some posts, fell free to post for Alexi. He don't want to miss the party. :)
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Friday October 23rd, 2009 8:44:20 PM
"If we let them go through with this, there is a good chance they will kill him" Ender says, "And that will leave us without our only solid lead... the question is, can we let this happen? that and the morality of letting an armed group have their way with an unarmed prisoner"
Alexi ((Jay - sub)) (AC:17, HP 34/34) Lobo (AC:19, HP:37/37) Saturday October 24th, 2009 12:11:32 AM
Alexi, having given due consideration to the plight of the prisoner, clears his throat to get the attention of Istaqa. Leaning forward Alexi speaks softly a word of advice, "This prisoner may be of some use to my people. I do not seek to dishonor your ways as justice must be served but I will ask you to consider a thought. Though the parents might be seen as the victims of the crimes, the children are the real victims. Find one of the children who is well spoken and respected. Have the child address the adults gathered to judge. If this man was cruel to the children the rage from the parents will be great and rightly so. But if this man was fair to them or even in some part caring, the parents might more readily stay their hand. Either way you will be sure that justice was served this night. If he survives, give him unto our care and we will transport him away from you."
Alexi leans back having said his council and gives Istaqa a broad smile showing that he means to stay out of it from here forward.
============================ ooc: Let me know if anything is out of place as far as posting guidelines go. I'm only filling in for a week or so, hopefully I won't massacre the style this character is played.
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Saturday October 24th, 2009 1:43:30 AM
ooc to Jay- Highlight to display spoiler: { Alexi has a semi crush on Keela, always making sure she is alright and wanting to make sure she is safe and comfortable.}
:)
Keela Saturday October 24th, 2009 10:01:06 PM
Keela looks pale when the justice process is described. "We don't have to watch, do we?" she asks her companions in an undertone.
DM Cayzle - The Feast and the Justice Monday October 26th, 2009 11:35:27 PM
Alexi seems resigned to accept the Ahote ways of justice. He is told that all children are safe and accounted for. Istaqa again says that the kidnapper will have a fair chance to speak his mind and sway the hearts of the parents.
Jet asks about the ability of the kidnapper to take a weapon from a parent and fight. That is allowed, he is answered, since this is a trial by combat, and if a person under judgement can fight off his accusers, even though the odds are stacked against him, then surely he deserves to live. The shaman adds that the area the children were kept is taboo, and cannot be entered, until it is purified and cleansed by nature and time. Finally, Istaqa meets with Jet in private and tells him that although he did not forsee the shaman's return, the shaman who returned said that he had visions of the children, and those visions brought him back. Istaqa says this is credible, he thinks, and is a little short with Jet.
Ender is very unsure that the "justice" of the Ahote is actually just.
Keela finds out that she is not required to witness the administration of justice.
The feast is a marvel, especially at the last minute. Low long tables are set out, and eveyone sits on mats on the ground. The tables are piled high with treats both wonderful and unusual. There are whole roasted goats, amazing mashed fruit drinks (some a little harder than others), fried plantains and breadfruit, potatoes and manioke and other root crops baked in underground ovens, rare fish caught at the oasis, garnished with dates and figs, blood puddings and fermented milk and more!
The two shamans tell stories of the cataclysm of an age gone by, and the ways the Ahote have survived. The children sing several songs to thank you for their rescue. You are festooned and decorated with flowers and beads and bells, bestowed by the children on you with grins and laughter.
The feast continues, and there is no way you can finish the food set before you. At last, after desserts of sweet nut mash and honeyed bone jelly, there is a quiet time for reflection. Two amateur musicians play drums and pan-pipes. The feast is cleared away. At length, the prisoner is brought out. In a little while the moons will be at their peak. Well, the moon named Kerracles will be, and that seems to be enough.
The kidnapper seems confused about what will happen. Flanked by his guards, he asks what is happening.
"Are they going to kill me now? Please make it fast! Don't let them torture me!"
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+5=8 ; Tuesday October 27th, 2009 12:58:27 AM
Jet shrugs. Of course, the one place that offers shelter, water and some degree of safety, minus the blasted flying things that have darkness, would be taboo.
Jet apologizes to Istaqua, if he was insulted, but Jet continues to have his own doubts about this shaman, especially this so called vision of his. yea, he had a vision and I'm a virgin., Jet thinks, but does not say this out loud.
Normally he would drink his fill and become quite boistrous, perhaps chasing around a few of Ma Belles' girls. That's his kind of celebration, but he takes it all in good graces and he finally gets a chance to try some of the local alcohol he had heard about, that was served during special occassions. He doesn't drink his fill, saving that for after the justice.
Jet stands up when the prisoner walks out to face his judgement. Neither a smile or a frown upon his face. In fact, it is likely the first time Jet has never showed emotion. "Shut up and listen to their words, then you may speak in turn. Honor your last minutes with pride and think of others besides yourself. Tell them the truth and let your heart sing, that if you die, which is possible, Gargul will reward you instead of condemn you and be thankful, you have a chance to live, instead of us honoring your wishes back at the caves and killing you immedietly. Now, disrobe and face your judgement. If you live tonight, think hard about your future employers!"
He looks around, to see if the new shaman is present. Pantheon knows, he wishes he were wrong and if he had any idea he was right, the prayer to Jancassius he made at the start of their search for the children would be honored, as secretly and quietly as possible.
Diplomacy rolls are suckiiiinnnggggg!: 8 (Jet might be tried before the night is done.)
Alexi ((Jay - sub)) (AC:17, HP 34/34) Lobo (AC:19, HP:37/37) Tuesday October 27th, 2009 8:56:06 AM
Alexi remains rather quiet as the feast takes place. He spends his time observing the parents of the children to gauge their demeanor and making sure Keela is fine... at least that's the reason he tells himself for the occasional glance. His stoic nature does break when the children sing songs of heroes and begin to adorn them with flowers and bells and such. He laughs as the children do, showing a younger more free version of himself. A lone tear of joy glistening on his cheek is evidence of the impact these children have had on him.
Rubbing a full belly he watches as the prisoner is lead out. Alexi chooses to hold his peace until someone starts explaining the situation to the prisoner, though he does give a look to Keela as if to say "You might want to leave now..."
Keela Tuesday October 27th, 2009 11:26:47 PM
Keela remembers some of the dishes from their last feast with the Ahote, and she tries to enjoy some of the favorites she remembers. Her stomach is in knots, though, and she wishes the Ahote's idea of justice wasn't so...unforgiving.
As the time for the justice ceremony draws near, Keela rises from the table. If she is allowed, she approaches the prisoner and says: "You took children. You took them away from their families, and held them in cages, and scared them half to death. I don't know why you would think we would let you go after that....but I do feel bad about what's going to happen."
She withdraws from the scene as far as she dares. She finds a place to sit, and looks up into the starlit sky, praying to Alemi to show what mercy he can toward the transgressor.
DM Cayzle - The Feast and the Justice Wednesday October 28th, 2009 4:46:31 PM
OOC to Jet: "yea, he had a vision and I'm a virgin" -- understanding that that's a thought only, your DM has to say that Jet's thoughts made him laugh! Thanks!
Maybe sensing Jet's other thoughts, about the mesa with the water supply, Istaqa adds that the land in which the children were held is still not fertile. Only bad things grow there. It is a poisoned land, slowly being cured. Maybe in an age to come the land will be free of taint and the taboo will be lifted.
Jet has some good but harsh advice for the prisoner, and Keela and Alexi watch silently. Of Ender there is no sign ... maybe he did not want to watch.
The prisoner is led to the center of the circle of parents, and he is allowed to speak.
"Um, look, I didn't mean no harm to those kids. We gave 'em food and stuff. I was just doing a job, okay. Nobody got hurt, right? And nobody was ever goin' to get hurt. Sure, I'm an odd-jobs kinda guy, but I don't hurt kids none, no. Look, I'm sorry. Real sorry."
Istaqa helps translate this, and asks if anyone wants a champion to stand in the circle for them. One older parent, apparently the mother of one of the older kids, steps back, and a champion steps forward. It is the new shaman who is her champion! There is some murmuring about this, since it is evidently unusual but not against custom for a shaman to be a champion.
Finally, it is time. Several parents begin with thrown rocks, which the prisoner does his best to dodge. That dodging brings him in reach of several weapons, and clubs and axes come down on him. It is not long before the the ground is sprinkled with blood.
Several parents leave then, and then more. But about a half dozen remain, including the champion. They keep attacking.
The prisoner lays on the ground now, unconscious. He is dying, for sure, maybe dead. The other parents leave. It seems that they are content to leave the prisoner bloodied but alive. No one goes to tend his wounds, however. At last, only the two shamans stand near the prisoner, and it looks like he will either stabilize on his own, or bleed to death.
DM Cayzle - OOC Wednesday October 28th, 2009 4:50:16 PM
Friends, let me apologize again for the shoddy posting schedule I've had here. The good news is that both my folks will be home from the hospital tomorrow, and with luck, life will start to get back to normal. Thanks for your understanding.
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+5=21 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2009 6:02:13 PM
Jet doesn't move to help the man, but watches him slowly die, if he is not dead already.
Jet believes the new shaman will likely kill the man anyway if he lives and Jet shows no signs of weakness at this trial. He has seen his fair share of justice administered to his friends living in the streets, if they were caught stealing they would be whipped publicly and without mercy. Some were hung for killing a person fighting against their muggers.
He knows, that if this man in the circle dies at least Gargul will look upon him with more favor then if he died knowing true evil, which is possible, if he continued to live and take the jobs he has been taking.
When or if the man becomes a corpse, he will ask the New Shaman, "May I have his body to dispose of it in a manner that his culture is accustomed too? He has fulfilled the trial in an honorable manner and did not run from the circle. Boarding him is not necessary for he was the last of your enemies."
Diplomacy: 21
ooc: I am so happy your parents will be alright, although still suffering a bit. I am glad I could bring a smile to your face, you probably needed it. :)
Alexi ((Jay - sub)) (AC:17, HP 34/34) Lobo (AC:19, HP:37/37) d20+1=13 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2009 9:42:46 PM
As the night wears on Alexi takes napkins offered and after a tiny wipe of the corner of his mouth places them down at his side where he rests his hand. He has quite a pile gathered by the end of the festivities before the tribal justice begins.
When the last parent steps away Alexi looks to the man in the center of the circle. It's a long moment but he sees the man still draws breath. Alexi moves quickly, grabbing up his pile of barely used cloth napkins and begins to bind the man's wounds in an effort to stabalize him.
If anyone attempts to stop him he will look to Istaqa. "You said, 'If all the parents leave the circle before the prisoner is dead, then he shall live and go free.', well the victims have left and justice has been served by your customs."
Seeing that his efforts are not working well with his makeshift bandages he pleads with the shamans or anyone else nearby for aid. "I choose to help this man who has been judged but still draws breath. Help me. If you will not do it for me as a favor in return for your children's safe return then I will pay, barter or trade you for it. Help me!"
===================== ooc: If no one helps, Alexi will make a heal check each round in an effort to stabalize the man. He'll even tear his own clothing to provide bandaging supplies if needed. He's been meaning to purchase a new cloak anyways.
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Wednesday October 28th, 2009 11:04:28 PM
Jet will grab Alexi and grapple him if he has to, to stop him, attempting to explain, "In the name of Pantheon Stop! The shaman hasn't left yet! The trial is still underway!"
Jet Stormway (AC:22(enraged)/22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20=2 ; Thursday October 29th, 2009 12:26:01 AM
In case Jet actually has to grapple Alexi, +4 from strength, -4 for grapple without feats. At least it will stall him as he thwarts the attempt.
Keela Thursday October 29th, 2009 12:35:17 AM
[OOC: What I meant by "withdraws from the scene as far as she dares" was that Keela would be elswhere during the justice ceremony...but not wander off on her own to the point it became dangerous. So, she could probably hear much of what transpired, but she deliberately wasn't watching.]
Alexi ((Jay - sub)) (AC:17, HP 34/34) Lobo (AC:19, HP:37/37) Thursday October 29th, 2009 10:12:20 AM
[OOC:
My understanding is that when all the victims leave the trial is over. The shaman's participation as champion should end when the victim he replaced leaves the trial. The addition of the second shaman is further evidence in my view that the trial is over as he was not in the circle during the trial. If I am wrong then it is for a reasonable misunderstanding so I don't see a reason to change Alexi's actions.
If Alexi has better knowledge of their customs and would know if this was a wrong move however, then I'll need to re-do his actions. From my reading of this game that does not seem to be the case.
We'll see how it plays out.]
Jet Stormway (AC:22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Thursday October 29th, 2009 7:29:43 PM
ooc: No worries, it is likely what Alexi would have done anyway. :)
DM Cayzle -- Justice and the Morning Friday October 30th, 2009 10:40:22 AM
Jet realizes that while the angry shaman still stands in the circle, the justice is not over.
Alexi, on the other hand, moves to save the prisoner's life. But Jet stops him before he can interrupt the ceremony.
Istaqa asks the shaman if he is done. In answer, the angry shaman raises his weapon to finish the job. But the elderly parents who chose him as champion step forward and ask him to step out. He scowls, and turns away.
The circle is ended. Justice has been delivered. The prisoner lives, though he is close to death.
OOC: Feel free to act now. The Ahote will keep the prisoner safe and confined until morning.
==========
Soon after sunrise, Istaqa and the chief, Dasan, thank you again and offer you gifts. Dasan offers you each a masterwork dagger made of rare obsidian, which has been magically strengthened to stay hard and sharp. He declares friendship with you, and he says he will make peace with the settlement at Bryn Baraz, if the folk there will do likewise.
Istaqa offers a boon as well -- you have but to ask, now or in the future.
Jet Stormway (AC:22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday October 30th, 2009 1:59:06 PM
That night as Jet sits and begins to drink copious amounts of the bitter liquor the Ahote share, he speaks calmy to Alexi. Jet shares half of his healers kit with Alexi and explains, "Don't ever use nasty, dirty cloth to bind wounds. Not only will you likely fail, but infection could soon follow. Blood poisoning is much harder to treat and takes far more time, then stabalizing someone close to death."
With a pat on the back of his shoulder, a hard pat, he grins at the man. 'You have done well with this journey. There are still things we need to work on together, but I am growing fond of you, for some reason."
The dagger is beautiful. He admires it while holding it up to the sun light and watching the glint of it's edge play along the blade. Much work went into this tool and Jet places it securly in his boot, for easy access.
He will not ask for his boon now, but does wonder what will be done with the prisoner that should now be set free. "We can take him back with us if you like. We will put him to work and teach him some manners, of that I can guarantee, or you can set him to aiding your people. Perhaps you will let him choose. Your ways are your own and it is not the policy of our community to interfere in the afairs of our friends but to only strive to live in peace with nature and our neighbors."
Alexi ((Jay - sub)) (AC:17, HP 34/34) Lobo (AC:19, HP:37/37) Friday October 30th, 2009 2:32:07 PM
OOC: Is the prisoner going to survive? If he is not stabilized and in jeopardy of bleeding out, Alexi will act appropriately as described above and do anything he can to save the man.
After sunrise Alexi will bow curtly to Chief Dasan as a sign of respect when accepting the gift dagger. He turns to Istaqa and firmly grips the man's fore-arm. They may be friends of the tribe, but a real connection of friendship exists between these two men. When offered a boon from Istaqa, Alexi thinks for a moment but when his mind doesn't turn up anything worthwhile he says, "I'm sure I will have need in the future, it is good to know I can call on the mighty Ahote and my call will be answered. Surely know that the good people of Bryn Baraz will answer a call from Istaqa or Dasan of the Ahote. Let us both hope that we never have need to draw blades together."
Aside he will comment to Istaqa, "As a friend I want you to know my thoughts and heart. This shaman who has returned from exile... beware of him. I am no prophet, but my stomach churns in his presence and I fear for your safety for reasons I can't explain. All I'm saying is... be cautious."
Jet Stormway (AC:22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Friday October 30th, 2009 5:09:24 PM
I think with the DM adding at the end of his post...
OOC: Feel free to act now. The Ahote will keep the prisoner safe and confined until morning.
He lived.
Keela Saturday October 31st, 2009 1:39:06 PM
In the morning, Keela rises and prepares her spells. She is quiet and withdrawn, but thanks the Ahote warmly for their gifts. "I hope the children will be all right," she says.
It will be good to get back home, she thinks.
Today's Spells: 0 - Detect Magic 0 - Light 0 - Prestidigitation 0 - Ray of Frost 1 - Color Spray 1 - Feather Fall 1 - Magic Missile 1 - Ray of Enfeeblement 2 - Rope Trick 2 - Scorching Ray 2 - Web
DM Cayzle -- Time for Farewells Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 7:56:17 AM
[OOC: I dug up the e-mail address for Rune, who plays Ender. I've written him to see how he's doing. Thanks for offering to do the same, Buzz. Also thanks to all for your patience with me. I had a bad day yesterday.]
The shaman looks a little surprised that no one asks for a boon right away. But he bows to you and urges you to use them soon. "My heart foretells me without waking reason that it might be better to claim your boon sooner rather than later." [OOC: That's the DM reminding you that this game will be ending in February!]
Jet asks about the prisoner. The chief says that they will not keep him as a slave. He is free to go today, and must leave Ahote lands immediately. If you want to take him with you, you may ask him. But he is free to say yes or no, unless you will use a boon to take custody of him. You should ask first, though -- no need to use a boon if he is willing anyway.
Alexi takes a moment to warn Istaqa of the other shaman. He assures you that he is on the alert, thanks.
Keela asks one last time about the children, and she is reassured that they are safe and well cared for now.
The open prairie beacons.
Jet Stormway (AC:22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 8:49:44 AM
Jet doesn't even know what type of boon to ask for really. They received the love from an entire people at least most of them. They fulfilled a prophesy this people had known about long before the Bryn Baraz crew ever came to their land and they were offered a gift of a beautiful handmade tool. Asking for more just seems selfish to him and looking around, these people don't have much to begin with. What could Jet possibly ask for that they haven't given freely already?
Jet looks in on the now free man they brought to justice, seeing he is still wounded, he doesn't bother to heal him in front of the Ahote and instead allows him to make up his mind what he wants to do. "Get up and get out of here. Where you go now is your choice, but you can expect no free rides if you return with us. No easy pay from scum wanting to abduct children either. If you think you can make it back to the big city by yourself, good luck. Spread the word, we don't take kindly to those that bring disharmony to this land!"
Jet bows, shakes hands or hugs those that offer and prepares Bantom, his long time friend and trusted steed. "Lets go guys, we have a wee bit of treasure to divide and perhaps a few of Ma belle's girls can give me a bath. For some reason, I have the feeling, I might need more then one tub to do the trick." His mind wanders off to the saloon full of whiskey, beer and ladies. Home!
Alexi ((Jay - sub)) (AC:17, HP 34/34) Lobo (AC:19, HP:37/37) Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 10:18:22 AM
[ooc:
A boon is a rather large award I'd rather have the real player decide. Can we retro-actively allow the real player of Alexi to ask for a boon when he takes over this character again?]
DM Cayzle -- OOC Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 10:37:18 AM
Sure, we can retroactively let Alexi take his pick.
FYI and OOC, here are the kinds of boons I was thinking about ... Minor magic item that a druid can make, like a potion. Casting any druid spell from level 5 on down, say. A big boon would be getting an awakened animal or plant as a friend/cohort/mount. A good thing to save it for might be for a Reincarnate. Stuff like that.
Jet Stormway (AC:22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 11:33:30 AM
With an explanation, Jet would like to have his mount Bantom decide if he would like to be awakened. His steed has saved his life more then once and Jet feels, his friend deserves a better life if he would want it, even if Bantom would not want Jet to ride him into battle anymore, the fighter cleric would be happy to ride by his old friends side, using another mount.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 1:09:33 PM
OOC: thanks Jay, you did an excelent job. :)
OOC: don't know how this would work and how powerful a boon it would be, but Alexi would like to have the new dagger imbued with a semi-telepathic link with Tocho. A ceremony would be performed where Alexi would make a cut on Tocho's right hand, Tocho doing the same with his dagger of same make to Alexi's right hand. They would then clasp hands and become blood brothers. The daggers would be focus objects that Tocho could send a thought such as 'danger', and Alexi, clasping his dagger would sense that the Ahote are facing a danger, and same the other way around.
That is, if Tocho would accept being a blood brother to Alexi. if not, he will ask if Honaw would do it, and if not, he'll ask Istaqa.
Let me know if this is a reasonable boon.
DM Cayzle -- OOC Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 1:54:24 PM
Um, permanent telepathic link? Sorry, no. I was thinking more along the lines of a potion of Cure Serious Wounds. Or maybe this. Sorry. Has to be something in the power of a medium level druid.
Istaqa can speak to Bantom, and if the beast agrees (and I see no reason for it not to), he can cast Awaken on it.
Keela Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 7:50:48 PM
Keela give some thought to her boon.
"I'd like something for my family," she says at last. "Something to make their crops grow, or perhaps some charm to help keep my little niece and nephews safe from harm. Do you have something like that?"
DM Cayzle -- Boons d20=9 [save vs Awaken = ok] 3d6=12 [B Int roll] d3=1 [B Chr roll] 2d8=9 [HP roll] Wednesday November 4th, 2009 7:40:22 AM
Istaqa cannot help Alexi, he is sorry to say. But if you stay a day, then he will have something for Keela to help crops grow, and he will cast the spell for Jet.
[The DM assumes that is fine.]
Jet, per the Awaken spell, your horse Bantom now has an Int of [DM rolls] 12. He speaks common and Ahote. His Charisma goes up by 1 to 7. He gains two hit dice, so now he has 6. His hit points go up by 9 to 51. He also gains 6 skill ranks, chosen by you, in skills he already has. He also gains a feat, chosen by you. His base stats (saves, attacks, etc) go up based on hit dice (ask if you need help figuring that out).
By the way, Bantom definitely wants to still be your mount. That's what he knows how to do! He might even get jealous if you picked someone else!
Keela, you receive an Oil of Plant Growth (Enrichment). Sprinkled over fields, it acts as if a Plant Growth spell had been cast on the area.
Alexi, want to try again? Or save your boon?
Still no word from Ender, alas.
Alexi (AC: 17, HP:34/34) Lobo (AC: 19, HP:37/37) Wednesday November 4th, 2009 9:14:11 PM
OOC: i wasn't going to be audatious enought to ask for a 'telepathic' link, but more of a 'empathic' link. Say, Alexi want's to visit Tocho, he heads towards the prairy and holding the dagger, Tocho gets a 'feeling' that Alexi is coming or looking for him. Or Tocho, seeing tracks of gnolls heading in the direction of Bryn Baraz, holds the dagger and Alexi gets a 'feeling' of danger heading their way.
If this doesn't work, what Jet got sounds real cool, and great for a cavalryman, but i'd hate to be a copy cat. :)
I'll do some 'thoughtful research tonight.
Keela Wednesday November 4th, 2009 10:18:52 PM
"Thank you very much indeed." Keela clasps the little vial of oil. Now, how to persuade Senna and Daben to put some strange oil on their newly-planted crops? Keela decides to cross that bridge when she comes to it.
She saddles Daisy, and is soon ready to depart.
Jet Stormway (AC:22 HP:36/36 ; Bantom AC:19 HP:42/42) d20+8=21 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2009 11:21:55 PM
Jet stays with the prisoner, taking him away from the ahote camp for the night, but making sure he remains safe. Jet heals him up and attempts to explain to him what being good is about and the difficulties and joys of the alignment, in the hopes, this person has a new lease on life.
In the morning, Jet leaves the man and joins the tribe. He gets to know better his old friend, after thanking Istaqua and the others. "If you ever have need of us, send a messenger. We will do what we can for our neighbors."
With a new outlook on this journey, he pats bantom on his large shoulder and asks him, Ready to go get some oats and beer my friend? I sure am!"
On the way back to Bryn Baraz, they will stop where they left the man that had successfully passed his trial of the circle, to see if he is still there and wants to join them. Jet will let him ride on Vaya, his pack horse if he is still there, but if he is not, Jet will use some survival skills to check and see which direction he went. He would be curious at this point to know which way he went and why he would choose that direction.
Survival: 21
Ender [AC 18, HP 26/26] Thursday November 5th, 2009 1:20:38 AM
OOC: Sorry guys, iwe just gotten home from the hospital, I tore the ligaments in my right knee in practice and they couldny fix it right away so i was stuck without internet...
Ender, having stayed in another part of the camp while the punishment was metered out, comes out again to enjoy the feast. He chooses somthing along the lines of "Gauntlets of Ogre Power" as a boon if that is possible. and then joins the others for the trip back to Bryn Baraz
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