Grell AC20; HP 12/12 Monday October 31st, 2011 10:35:52 PM
Still breathing hard and casting glances around the area, it slowly dawns on Grell that the combat is over. He forces himself to take several deep breaths as he regains his composure...something that Ganz had taught him.
He smiles at Vaniime...a rare occurrence for the Orc raised warrior to acknowledge her. "We did...well. Though there were many flaws in our "plan". Sheathing his sword once more, Grell stalks over to William and "pats" him on the back with a rather exuberant THUMP. "Not bad out there Slug! You showed courage...but we have GOT to get you into shape! By the gods, you'll do sprints until your legs fall off before I have you huffing and puffing almost getting yourself killed out there!" Though it might not come off the way it's intended, Grell is actually, for once almost impressed by William. Once everything looks like it's under control, Grell head back to Ganz and gives him a report of the situation.
DM Kathy Monday October 31st, 2011 10:46:13 PM
You take a moment to catch your breath and calm your jangling nerves. Actual combat, as it turns out, isn't much like the heroic songs and tales. At least, this one wasn't.
William's healing energy heals the little boy, and his companions. Wilma is about to follow suit, but sees it is unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the teacher is still gathering up the kids, trying to return them to the classroom. You recognize her: Mistress Hupple, which would make this a class of Second-Years (Mistress Hupple joined the school after your second year, so none of you had her as a teacher).
Dame Brightseeker strides over from the group of professors. "You all did really well," she tells you. "Anybody hurt?" She puts a hand on Wilma's shoulder, and the last of her bruises fade [Lay on Hands for 1 point of healing, which should bring Wilma back to full]. In a lower tone, she adds, "if anybody needs to throw up, go right ahead. We all remember our first battles." She moves on to the littler kids, and begins helping Mistress Hupple move them toward the classroom building.
Ganz strides past you, his ax on his shoulder. "Practice is cancelled," he tells you, perhaps unnecessarily. He pauses, then adds, "Not too bad, youngsters," before moving on toward the practice field. Coming from him, it is effusive praise.
Meanwhile, the other professors are talking. And, very notably, nobody is shooing you away. Granted, nobody has asked you to participate as valued team members, but many of the professors see you standing there, and nobody tells you to leave. Professor Goodnight gives you a wink.
"The attack has compromised our security," Professor Bounderly is saying to the Headmaster. "I've got staff looking into just how badly."
"Those creatures were after something specific," says Brother Vessix.
"Indeed yes," Professor Bounderly agrees. "The larger ones seem to have been tasked with keeping us occupied, while the others..." she looks over to where you are standing. "It's a good thing our students were prepared," she concludes with a smile.
Their discussion continues, but in the meantime, you can make any Knowledge checks that might come to mind, or ask questions, or make suggestions.
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 Tuesday November 1st, 2011 12:24:42 AM
After murmuring her gratitude to Madame Brightseeker for her extra bit of healing, Wilma found herself smiling at Grell's reaction to William's obvious heroics. Thank the gods that her brother seemed to be realizing that a warrior's spirit didn't always reside in a warrior.
Now if only she could get him to bathe a bit more regularly...oh, well.
The conversation being held by the professors sparked a bit of memory in her brain...
"I tried using a Detect Magic orison before I got the wind knocked out of me by one of the smaller elementals..." the redhead volunteered, "...I read that there were two auras and they weren't more than maybe moderate in strength." She sighed, one hand rubbing the back of her neck.
"I was whacked before I could tell exactly where they were, or had come from..."
Emrys d20+7=22 ; Tuesday November 1st, 2011 2:11:19 AM
Emyrs hopes he was able to calm some of the frightened younglings, however they are in the hands of the faculty now. When he rejoins his friends, he gathers up his crossbow that he dropped and dusts it off.
"Thanks, Vaniime. My father has taught me much in Nature Lore, including the elementals, back at Culverheart." With a warm smile he further states, "You'd love it there."
However when discussion starts about why the elementals attacked, his seriousness returns. Emyrs reveals something he recalled during the battle. "There was one thing I noticed about the elementals that I found rather odd. Earth elementals glide through the ground, like a fish through water. They don't leave holes wherever they go. Alas, there's a hole. The reason for the hole, I can only presume, was to steal off with something that was incapable of their means of travel." Emyrs looks around before continuing with this statement. No need to incite further alarm with his speculation. "If the larger ones were meant as a distraction, then it may be easy to surmise that they were after a youngling or two! The question is why!"
Emyrs mutters a few words of power and stares at the pile of earth that once gave the elemental its form. He searches for lingering auras of magic that Wilma had detected earlier. Once detected, he will concentrate on it until he can determine what kind of magic it was.
Vaniime AC 17/14/13, HP: 11/11 Tuesday November 1st, 2011 7:23:37 AM
Listening to the others of her group as well as the adults aroundsher, she starts at something Emrys says.
"Emrys, the question may not be why but, Who? I would bet that since they made a beeline for this group of second years, that their target was here, but who could it have been?"
William Willsden Tuesday November 1st, 2011 2:10:14 PM
Sometimes William received compliments. usually it was for his cooking and the compliment was aimed primarily at the dish rather than the cook. And sometimes he would receive an embarrassed comment of gratitude due to his work in the infirmiary. But he had never, and truly never received a compliment from Grell. And certainly not for being brave! So was that odd sensation bravery? He wasn't sure, but he had been fairly certain it was anger, which was an unpleasant sensation. But perhaps, after all, it had been bravery?
Either way, William deemed not to let such an uncomfortable sensation get the better of him.
Stick to what you know, William.
Flushed red from embarrassment and the energetic running he had been doing, William slinks to the back of the group, now that the children were being cared for. he was quite happy to let the others figure this out. Logic was not his forte.
Nymirin (AC 16, HP 8/8) Tuesday November 1st, 2011 2:36:16 PM
Nymirin folds his arms uncomfortably as the situation evolves. He continues to smile, but his lips tighten and it becomes more forced as the conversation progresses.
He flips up his orange silk hood after a moment and steps back towards William. His stomach churns again when he meets Williams gaze, but he smiles through it.
"How are you doing, William?" he asks in sober sincerity. "What you did was really foolish, you know. Foolish, but brave." He gives the boy a playful punch in the arm, laughing. "I knew you had it in you, friend. But please try to be more careful in the future? You're not exactly dressed for combat, you know."
Grell AC20; HP 12/12 Tuesday November 1st, 2011 9:28:10 PM Practice is cancelled. The words ring through Grell's head like a death sentence. Never, not ever, ever has Ganz ever cancelled a practice session. Not for rain, not for snow...shoot, not even for that time that the Slug had accidentally caught the grounds on fire. "When you get out there and start adventuring, you never know what you'll run into...now move it over those barricades or I will personally light a fire under your butts!" Ahhhhh...those were the days!!!
Not one for a tremendous amount of nostalgia, Grell addresses Professor Ganz. "Sir, since we have been breached, perhaps several of the Upperclassmen should post a guard around the grounds and the students in case we are attacked again?"
DM Kathy Tuesday November 1st, 2011 9:56:13 PM Wilma reports the results of her Detect Magic spell. Professor Bounderly nods. "That's about what I would expect if the elementals had been summoned. Clever of you to think of it."
Emrys, meanwhile, detects nothing with his own spell; there is no lingering aura. He and Vaniime both express the opinion that the elementals were after the Second-Years.
"I doubt that," Brother Vessix says. "It's more likely they were headed for the temple. We do have several valuable magic items stored there."
"There are some in the library as well," adds Professor Bounderly. "I think the elementals--or really, whoever summoned them--were interested in one of those buildings. The children were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"I can't say I agree," says Professor Goodnight. "As young Emrys has noted, the elementals deliberately left a passage through the earth. If they were just after a magic item, they wouldn't have needed to."
"The passage may have been for somebody to get in," Professor Bounderly points out.
"And the children were there by purest chance," adds Brother Vessix. "How would the caster have known where to send his creatures?"
The Headmaster clears his throat. "Could--could they have been....scrying?" he asks. He has the air of a person using technical terminology he doesn't quite understand, and hoping he got it right.
Professor Bounderly shakes her head. "Not on Maplehurst grounds," she says decidedly.
"There are more mundane methods for observation," says Professor Goodnight. "A flying creature--"
"Wouldn't we have seen that?" asks the Headmaster.
"Not necessarily," replies Professor Goodnight. "A bird would go virtually unnoticed." He smiles. "And air elementals are all but invisible."
"I think it's highly unlikely," says Professor Bounderly. Their discussion continues. Professor Goodnight seems to think the elementals were specifically after the kids, but the others disagree.
Meanwhile, William retreats a few steps, trying to make sense of it all. Nymirin, ever his loyal friend, comes to speak to him, urging caution in the future.
Grell jogs after Ganz. The minotaur turns, and considers his suggestion. "We may need to do something like that," he says. "We'll see what the finger-wigglers make of all this. But right now, I need to let the rest of the class know that practice is cancelled." He continues on his way.
F'aast d20+8=24 ; d20+4=24 ; Tuesday November 1st, 2011 11:31:10 PM
F'aast, with his usual stubbornness, takes another tack. He follows along behind the 2nd years for two reasons. He wants to make sure they do indeed follow their teacher, and to see if he can, by some freak chance, figure out who they were after. He begins learning faces and studying them.
As he passes Emrys, he whispers, "Good job back there, my friend." With the heat of battle behind him, his voice looses its "hiss."
--------- Perception check of 24. Sense Motive check of 24.
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 3:09:24 AM
Wilma mentally went over what they had witnessed during the attack, recalling that the smaller elementals had not only broken away from their larger kin, but that they had also pointedly initiated an attack...
"If the elementals were after an item located here at the Academy," Wilma pointed out, "Then they would not have surfaced before they got to either the temple or the library...yet the two small elementals did just that. In fact--" She snapped her fingers as she added to her recollection:
"--not only did they surface near the children, but they made it a point to attack one of them specifically...in spite of the fact that there was a potential foe of unknown strength closer to them." She glanced after F'aast, thinking that the monk may have the right idea about following after the children. Her sapphire eyes turned back to the others.
"I'm speaking of William, of course," she clarified. "William is a tall and bulky human cleric of Alemi--dressed head to toe in the preferred robes of his order. There's no way that the elementals did not recognize that he was their greatest threat...yet they persisted in striking out at the children, who were clearly running away."
William Willsden Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 1:52:28 PM
William nods at Nymirin's words, and takes the opportunity to whisper to his friend.
"Of course, yes. Sorry. I ..... I don't know what came over me. I've.... I've never felt that way before. Gosh, I'm so sorry. Your spell......"
He isn't sure how to pay compliments.
"....was nice."
He is fairly sure the elementals were after the children specifically, but of course the majority of his professors were probably correct. What did he know?
Emrys d20+8=12 ; d20+8=20 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 2:27:27 PM 'Gods' hooks!!' he thinks to himself. If there had been any magical auras here, it must have been really weak for it not to linger for so few moments. His attention returns to the discussion and he listens to everyone's theories, including Vaniime's suggestion on concentrating on the "Who", not the "what".
Emyrs enters the discussion again, "Yes, why they were sent here is important to determine. However, no matter what they were after, either being younglings, holy relics, or magical trinkets, one thing is certain ... that someone is expecting a delivery soon, and I think they can be found at the other side of that hole."
The bard scratches his head and tries to remember what locations of interest lie in the direction of the hole and if there are any notable locals, either real or myth that would be capable of such dark deeds.
Fizzle Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 7:22:27 PM
Fizzle finds Mr. Bojangles curled up in a ball off to the side, so he gathers him up and begins to follow the 2nd years hoping to find some food and drink. "Waitup, F'aast!!" he yells.
Nymirin (AC 16, HP 8/8) d20+8=19 ; d20+6=25 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 7:40:54 PM
Nymirin barks a laugh at William's comment. "O'vi baesia col." he says in sharply accented elven, but then returns to the common tongue. "I'm sure my magic was more of a hindrance than a boon." He gives a soft sigh and looks back towards the group of chattering professors. "Both of the elementals were able to wriggle free of the plants very quickly. They were quite determined, weren't they?"
Nymirin pauses and shakes his head. "Wilma said they radiated magic, right? It seems like they were under the control of something. Do you know much of summoning and binding magic, William?"
(Knowledge: Nature 19 & Spellcraft 25 to identify common behaviors of elementals and/or their interaction with summoning magic)
((Elven translation: Highlight to display spoiler: {"You're very kind."}))
Vanime listens to the teachers for a moment and watches a few of her friends follow the second years. Again Emrys says something that piques her interest and without thinking jogs over to the nearest hole and lying on her belly leans down into the hole to see what can be seen.
Perception DC 23
Grell AC20; HP 12/12 Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 10:06:39 PM
Not sure where to go or what to do, Grell stares at Vaniime, intrigued at whether she's going to get sucked into the ground.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 2nd, 2011 10:34:15 PM F'aast decides to follow the younger children, to make sure they get where they're going. Fizzle and Mr. Bojangles follow as well.
The children are subdued, and a little clingy, as they follow Mistress Hupple and Dame Brightseeker back toward the classroom building. "What were those things?" a little boy asks.
"They are called Earth Elementals," Dame Brightseeker replies calmly, "and when you get back to your classroom, Mistress Hupple can tell you more about them."
"I don't wanna go back to class!" one little girl says.
Dame Brightseeker smiles. "We need to make sure you are all safe, and the classroom is the best place to do that. Hopefully you won't be there too long."
You reach the classroom building, and the children dutifully troop to their classroom, which is on the second floor. The familiar surroundings seem to calm them.
Meanwhile, Wilma makes an argument for the elementals having been after the children. The professors listen, but Professor Bounderly shakes her head. "Elementals aren't too bright," she says. "I wouldn't read too much into their actions; they were likely very confused."
Emrys suggests the culprit is on the other end of the hole, and Vaniime lies down to take a look. You can't see much, other than churned-up earth. If there's a tunnel here, it's partly collapsed--either on purpose, or, as Professor Bounderly indicated, because elementals aren't too bright.
Nymirin, thinking it over, realizes that elementals can be summoned and controlled by a spellcaster, and that there are certain magic items that might make such summoning and control easier. If the creatures were summoned, they would give off a magical aura while alive, which would end almost immediately upon their death. He also knows that Professor Bounderly is correct about the elementals' intelligence [4 INT].
Professor Silver comes striding up to join the group.
"How bad is it?" Brother Vessix asks.
"Bad enough," Professor Silver replies. "All the alarms have been tripped, and will need to be re-cast. We didn't have much in the way of underground warding," he grimaces, "but what we had is gone now. They came through the floors, which destroyed the structural integrity of several buildings. This, in turn, destroyed the wards on the buildings, which rely--"
"We know that, Gavin," Professor Bounderly interrupts, a trifle impatient.
"We don't all know that, Professor," Professor Silver replies calmly, nodding in the Headmaster's direction. "When the structural integrity of a building is compromised, it destroys any warding in place. The main building, the faculty residence, and both dormitories will need to be repaired and their wards refreshed."
He concludes, "The prohibitions against scrying and teleportation are still in place, as are the wall and gate wards. So I suppose it could be worse."
"We need to get those magic items to safety," Brother Vessix says.
"We need to get those children to safety," Professor Goodnight insists.
William Willsden Thursday November 3rd, 2011 9:17:21 AM
William continues his conversation with Nym. "No....erm, no no....... Os maer shar kyr, Nymyrin. The spell slowed them. They would have reached the , er...... children much more quickly without it."
The professors' conversation then piques his interest. There is a pause before William finds the confidence to speak.
"Erm, excuse me Professor Vessix. Erm, sorry. Yes, erm....."
He blushes red and wishes he had never started.
"What, ....what items?"
F'aast Thursday November 3rd, 2011 12:13:53 PM
F'aast turns back to Fizzle. "Thought I might get a hint from the kids, but no luck. It was a long shot anyway. Let us join the others."
He turns around looking at the school. He feels so trapped here. He knows it is necessary for his goals of being a shaman in the Order of the Viper, but the progress is so slow! He needs REAL experience in REAL situations--like this combat. Not more book learning about what to do when you go before a queen or the history of great adventurers.
Emrys d20+8=9 ; d20+8=13 ; Thursday November 3rd, 2011 2:13:03 PM
Emyrs' eyes go wide and his jaw slackens after hearing Professor Silver announce the full extent of the damage to the school and the fact that almost of the magical wards were no longer functioning. He quickly regains his composure and blurts out, "Peas 'n carrots!! We're ripe for the picking!" He clutches his prize darkwood lute a little tighter, like a worried mother holding her child.
Giving a nod of affirmation to William for his question, Emyrs adds, "Yes! Good question. Is there anything we can do to help?"
His mind racing, Emyrs tries to recall anything he knows or rumors he's heard about the schools collection of magical items, but his mind goes blank. (knowledge local: 9, natural 1)
"Who would want to steal from us? Obviously someone who knows the school quite well!" Upon realizing that, the bard tries to remember any faculty, past and present, that might have a bone to pick. (Knowledge local: 13.)
Fizzle Thursday November 3rd, 2011 2:46:41 PM
Fizzle shrugs his shoulders and begins to walk/run after faast , taking two steps for each one of his massive strides. Fizzle absentmindendly ask Fa'ast, " Where do you think the elementals came from and why here, why now?"
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 Thursday November 3rd, 2011 7:07:49 PM
Although she wasn't completely convinced that one of the children were not the ultimate target of the elementals' attack, Wilma's interest was immediately piqued when Brother Vessix mentions "magic items" and the need to get them to a safe place.
"Yes...what magic items...?" She echoed William's question, belatedly adding: "That is, if you please, sirs..."
Nymirin (AC 16, HP 8/8) Thursday November 3rd, 2011 8:55:14 PM
Nymirin lowers his head in thought.
Come on, think about it. The Drow do this sort of thing all the time. Skirmish, guerrilla warfare, misdirection... Misdirection.
Nymirin snaps his fingers as the thought occurs to him, and excitedly smacks William on the arm. He turns to the group and waves his hand. "Sorry to interrupt and everything, but this whole thing leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I mean, not to downplay today's accomplishments, but those creatures were defeated rather easily, weren't they?"
He nods his head and looks around. "Professor, you said yourself that Maplehurst isn't exactly prepared for a subterranean attack, and that the attack disabled many of our wards. It's all just a little convenient, isn't it? The drow aren't exaclty unfamiliar with this sort of tactic, if you get my meaning. Strike first to disorient; keep your true motivation hidden. And then, as they recover," he claps his fist into his open hand, "strike with your full force."
Well the tunnels aren't really that tunnelly. they are quite full of loose dirt. No easy passage for any normal beast."
Grell AC20; HP 12/12 Thursday November 3rd, 2011 11:07:02 PM
Not knowing exactly what to do, and not being the sharpest tool in the shed at figuring out these kind of things, the warrior paces over near where his sister is talking to the Professors, and stands around. He impatiently shifts from foot to foot, bored and not sure what action he should be taking next.
DM Kathy Friday November 4th, 2011 12:38:33 AM
Seeing that the Second Years are safe for the moment, F'aast and Fizzle return to the group.
William and Wilma ask about the magic items. "Well, there are several in the temple," Brother Vessix says. "Magic weapons, some quite powerful. Wands and scrolls..."
"There are also wands and scrolls in the library," Professor Bounderly adds. "And some notes on magical research that are quite rare."
Emrys tries to think of who would do something like this, but draws a blank.
"Whoever did this," Professor Goodnight says, "spent more on conjuring materials than he would have spent buying wands and scrolls in the Catacombs. He didn't send those creatures after wands and scrolls."
"Nevertheless," says Professor Bounderly, "it won't hurt to remove them temporarily to a safer location."
"We should remove those Second-Years to a safer location as well," Professor Goodnight insists.
"But where?" asks the Headmaster. "There are too many of them to teleport..."
At that moment, another professor approaches the group. You all recognize him, though only Nymirin has taken a class from him. He is Lord Bydrian Henderly, who instructs students in etiquette, diplomacy, Royalty, and Nobility. He looks at the Headmaster.
"I beg your pardon, Professor," he says, correct as always, "but many of the professors and students are wondering what is going on. I think perhaps you'd better have a word with them."
Headmaster Roww hesitates, looking around. This discussion isn't finished, and he's plainly reluctant to leave.
"I'll speak with them," Brother Vessix volunteers, and strides off in the direction of the main building.
"We need to find somewhere to move those youngsters," Professor Goodnight says.
The Headmaster spreads his hands in a helpless gesture. "Where do you suggest? There's no town nearby, and we certainly can't get them to Plateau City--"
"Pardon me, Professor," Lord Bydrian says respectfully, "but if you need someplace off campus, I'd be happy to offer my estate."
You remember now that Lord Bydrian is the only faculty member who does not live on campus. His estate is some four miles away, and he rides to and from the school each day.
Professor Goodnight smiles. "That," he says, "is an inspired idea."
F'aast d20+8=22 ; d20+4=23 ; Friday November 4th, 2011 12:32:39 PM
F'aast answers Fizzle as they approach the knot of people discussing the issue. "Well they are after someone. Perhaps one of these professors is not totally innocent. Watch them for signs."
F'aast turns his attention on the professors using his "skills" to see if any are "hiding anything."
Then he turns to the professors and says, "Seems like quite the inept attempt. They may have meant for the attack to fail. But why? It doesn't fit the idea of a ruse or distraction. Hopefully they actually are this inept."
Then his mind fixes on the professor that offered his house. He studies him in earnest. Is he trying to help or trying to set up something by separating the students from those who could protect them? F'aast gives him a very serious glare.
------------ 22 perception 23 sense motive
Emrys d20+8=9 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+8=17 ; Friday November 4th, 2011 2:24:00 PM
Emyrs tries to recall anything he has heard about Lord Bydrian's home but again, he comes up with nothing (knowledge local: 9, natural 1). Why is that he thinks?!! There should be a great volume of juicy rumors surrounding a reclusive noble living and working so close to the school, especially in this wilderness. Why is he here and not in some city surrounded by societies nobility? Emyrs ponders on these thoughts (knowledge nobility: 14).
Then he notices F'aast giving a dagger stare at Lord Bydrain (Perception: 17). Emyrs nonchalantly strolls over to the young monk, and with his back turned to Lord Bydrain, he whispers F'aast's ear, "You and I are thinking the same thing, however I refrain from showing it. Remember, a viper shows no expression until it's ready to strike." Emyrs gives F'aast a pat on the shoulder and continues on past him.
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 Friday November 4th, 2011 4:25:09 PM
Wilma listened to the new information surfacing and her brow furrowed once more. She was sure that she wasn't the only one thinking that this type of assault on the Academy was one that was not only planned, but it was also planned to fail. Perhaps forcing the intended target of this raid away from the safety of Maplehurst grounds was the true aim of this attack? Even with most of the wards voided, it would be very difficult to take anything from the school--not with so many professors possessing enough skills and/or spellcraft to blast a mountain into ash.
"Pardon me, Lord Bydrian," Wilma asked, "But...is it safe?"
Fizzle d20+8=17 ; Friday November 4th, 2011 5:24:46 PM
Fizzle also ponders the strange circumstances that have transpired over the last few hours and attempts to recall from his studies specifically what magic items are located at the school that would be worth stealing. (Knowledge Arcana = 17)
Nymirin (AC 16, HP 8/8) Friday November 4th, 2011 10:05:26 PM
Nymirin looks to Wilma, and nods. "It must be, Wilma. Anything they were looking for is assumed to be here. So the best place to keep it is anywhere but here, right?" He gives a expectant shrug, and an idea dawns on him.
"Professor, if I may, I have a suggestion." He gestures with an open palm towards his fellow classmates. "You lot have quite a bit to clean up around here, with the wards and students, not to mention the damage to the yard. Why not let us take these relics to the estate? It should only be a few hours, and any academic pursuits will fall on deaf ears after everything that's happened."
Vaniime AC 17/14/13, HP: 11/11 Saturday November 5th, 2011 7:54:52 AM "Has anyone checked on the said items since the attack. If it were a ruse as some are thinking while we are out here, the thievery might be ocurring as we speak."
Of course, she thinks to herself, if I were trying to kidnap a student I would hope they would move them to a more isolated locale, and one probably less defended and then do the job.
William Willsden Saturday November 5th, 2011 4:08:54 PM
William is no genius, but he continues to mull over his reservations about moving the children elsewhere. But the others were much cleverer than he was, and between them and the professors he is sure they will do the right thing. He would wait to be told what to do by the professors.
He allows his thoughts to drift back to his supper for the evening. He had been drying some bay leaves for a few days, and they were certain to go nicely with a hearty stew. Perhaps I could take some to the children later....
Such important matters draw his attention from the discussions at hand.
DM Kathy Sunday November 6th, 2011 7:56:19 PM F'aast studies Lord Bydrian carefully. He detects no deception in the human.
"I don't think it was intended to fail," says Professor Bounderly. "The larger creatures kept us fully occupied. If you hadn't been here, the smaller ones would have eluded our notice and completed their mission. Whatever it was."
Emrys is also suspicious, but can't think of anything specific that might be causing it.
[OOC: The Second Plateau is home to a great many vast estates, including several well-known wineries. It is not at all unusual to find wealthy and/or noble people living here. Indeed, Maplehurst began as just such an estate.]
Lord Bydrian listens courteously to Wilma's question. "The roads are safe," he replies. "And my estate is fully staffed. I believe it is safe enough, yes."
Now that he mentions it, you remember that the public roads on the Second Plateau are magically protected. No violence can be done to any who travel the Safe Roads of the Second Plateau.
Vaniime points out that somebody really ought to check on those magic items.
"I have people checking on them," Professor Bounderly assures her. "Gavin, perhaps you could give them a hand?"
"Of course, Professor," says Professor Silver, and departs.
Professor Goodnight listens to Nymirin's suggestion. "I'm sure Professor Bounderly will correct me if I'm wrong," he says, "but I think a single person can teleport the magic items to safety. It's the children who need to be escorted."
"If we send them," nods Professor Bounderly.
"I'd be happy to have them," says Lord Bydrian. Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Happy" is perhaps overstating Lord Bydrian's feelings on having a horde of nine-year-olds invade his estate. He is, however, genuinely willing to help.}
All eyes turn to the Headmaster.
"Well," says Professor Roww. "Well. Yes. I think we should accept Lord Bydrian's kind offer, especially if these youngsters," he gestures at you, "are willing to escort them. Likely the children were not the target, but it won't hurt to get them out of harm's way." He looks at Professor Bounderly. "Meanwhile, Myrtle, you and Vessix can designate somebody to get the magic items to safety. I assume you can start working on restoring the wards right away?"
"We can," Professor Bounderly nods.
Professor Goodnight grins at you all. It's not precisely encouraging. "I hope you're ready for your very first adventure," he says.
Vaniime AC 17/14/13, HP: 11/11 d20+4=18 ; Sunday November 6th, 2011 9:00:32 PM
Watching and listening to Lord Bydrian, Vanime senses that he is genuine in his offer even though he isn't lloking forward to it. Sense Motive DC18
As the headmaster makes his suggestion about them being the kids' escorts, a number of things start going through her mind.
Finally we are going to get to go out of the school. Our first adventure, yes! Oh gods, I don't want to be a baby sitter to a bunch of second years.
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 d20+8=14 ; Sunday November 6th, 2011 11:04:58 PM
Wilma tilted her head and blinked, her attempt to discern how sincere Lord Bydrian was interrupted by the headmaster's announcement that all the senior classmates present accompany the children to the charismatic professor's estate, along with the rather intoxicating follow-up by Professor Goodnight:
"I hope you're ready for your very first adventure..."
Then it occurred to the acolyte of Gargul to actually wonder...were they..?
William Willsden Monday November 7th, 2011 1:58:41 PM
William smiles politely at the professor's words.
It will be much quieter around here while they are all away. Oh, and Grell will be going too! How marvellous. Nymirin will be so excited.
His smile begins to broaden, falters, then drops.
Oh by Alemi! He doesn't mean to send me too, does he?
"Erm,..... excuse me Professor. Perhaps....... perhaps I can be of more help at the infirmary?"
His face is pleading, his nerves frayed.
Nymirin (AC 16, HP 8/8) Monday November 7th, 2011 4:02:40 PM
Nymirin's face beams at the Professor's mention of them travelling to the estate.
By Maab's grace, it's been ages since I've been able to get off these grounds. Well, to their knowledge, anyways.
He gives a soft sigh as he considers the prospect. Being able to spend half a day on this is fun enough, but he isn't exactly excited about having a bunch of children in tow.
Emrys d20+2=11 ; Monday November 7th, 2011 8:29:53 PM
"Alright then. It's decided. We March!!" Emyrs says the latter with exuberance. "Let me gather my things and we'll be off."
Emyrs double times it back to his room and quickly gathers his travel gear, his journal and other essentials into his masterfully tailored backpack. And he mustn't forget his trusty walking stick, otherwise the walk would exhaust him. He doesn't like let others know about his "affliction", very few he has shared it with. However, with all the powerful magiks that his father has at his command, nothing would cure him of his enfeeblement. Thankfully, with this walking stick he doesn't feel so encumbered. As he holds it in his hands, he can see little blossoms continuing to bloom as if it were still alive. "Ahhh, you know don't you? We're about to go on a trip!"
Emyrs returns to the group ready to hit the road. He can't wait to see this Baron's estate and learn more about the man.
(Sense Motive: 11)
Fizzle Monday November 7th, 2011 9:19:49 PM
Fizzle also adjourns to his room to gather his and Mr. Bojangle's belongings.
Grell AC20; HP 12/12 Monday November 7th, 2011 10:04:40 PM
Grell looks around at the group that he's somehow managed to get assocated with. They have a lot left to learn about adventuring. The warrior casts a wistful look at Willam. Some much, much more than others... Grell lets out a loud, audible sigh. To be struck on a voyage with his sister, her friends and the Slug...this was surely a penance from the gods! He sulks to his room and begins gathering his things for the voyage, grumbling about babysitting 2nd years the whole way.
DM Kathy Monday November 7th, 2011 10:34:45 PM
On hearing the plan, Emrys eagerly bolts for the dormitory to get the rest of his things and get ready to travel. Fizzle isn't far behind, and gathers supplies for himself and Mr. Bojangles. A real adventure! Today!
Vaniime, Nymirin, and Grell, while not averse to the idea, are not looking forward to having a bunch of kids in tow. Is this the kind of thing real adventurers do?
Wilma wonders if the group is really ready.
William doesn't wonder; he's certain that he isn't ready. He volunteers to help in the infirmary.
Professor Roww nods. "Well, of course, if you'd rather stay here, we aren't going to force you to go," he says. "I'm sure Brother Vessix would appreciate another pair of hands."
The rest of you gather up your things and head to the classroom building. F'aast and Fizzle lead the way to the correct classroom, where you find a great deal of getting-ready. Dame Brightseeker and some of the servants had apparently been dispatch to get coats and other supplies for the youngsters. A few are discreetly changing clothes behind a screen at the back of the room; they seem to have had "accidents" when faced with the elementals. As well they might.
The fright of this afternoon is starting to pass, and the children are excited and curious to be going off campus. "They're coming with us!" some call when they hear of your mission. There is general excitement.
"Hey!" one says. "Where's that fat guy?"
"Yeah," another puts in. "He's the one that came over first. And he helped Beide after that thing knocked him down."
"How come he's not here?" the first one demands.
"His name is Master William," Dame Brightseeker says, busily buttoning coats. "When you see him next, you should tell him how much you appreciated his help."
Soon, the children are ready, jackets on, satchels in hand, carefully packed to be light enough for them to carry.
Lord Bydrian is waiting outside the classroom building. He winces a little when the children burst noisily out of it.
A few of the kids are still demanding to know why "that fat guy" isn't coming with them. "We need his help," one little girl says solemnly.
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 Monday November 7th, 2011 11:52:08 PM
"Why, my goodness, me!" Wilma said brightly. "You're very observant--more so than I am! But I'll just go and get him right this minute..!" So saying, the redhead backed out of the room and went to the infirmary.
"William..." she called for the acolyte of Alemi. Once she was able to speak with him, Wilma put a hand on his shoulder.
"The children are asking for you," she explained, "They would feel much safer if you were accompanying us on this trip--they keep talking about how you helped the boy called Biede after the elemental hit him. It would no doubt make their time away from the Academy a lot easier if you were with them."
William Willsden Tuesday November 8th, 2011 3:38:14 PM
"Oh..... er......."
Not for the first time, the large cleric is lost for words. But secretly, deep down, he is flushed with pride at Wilma's words. Did they really ask for me? How do they even know my name?
With that, he puffs up his chest and pushes his spectacles higher on his nose. "Right, well..... well, well in that case, we can't upset the children can we Wilma?" He almost smiles then, forgetting that Grell was going to be there making his life miserable. But at least Wilma would be there to keep her brother under some semblance of control.
He collects his belongings, including a gnarled staff, and makes his way to the others; his immaculate white robes billowing with the haste of his walk.
Nymirin (AC 16, HP 8/8) Tuesday November 8th, 2011 6:24:40 PM
"William! I'd thought you were going to be spending this trip in the infirmary?" Nymirin chirps cheerfully, "It'll be good to have you along, friend."
Nymirin nods to his classmate. "Hey, Vaniime, it looks like we're getting that outing you'd been wanting. Excited?"
Wilma AC16 (chain shirt); HP10/10 Tuesday November 8th, 2011 6:34:52 PM (second "illegal" post; RP only)
"Thank you, William," the acolyte of Gargul said to the other cleric, "I know the children will be comforted--and I truly believe that you will be an asset to the group." She sighed softly. "I feel I must apologize if Grell comes off as being rather...um...'gung-ho' about physical training and the martial arts. He takes more after our father than our mother, and Papa always fancied himself an orc." She cast a sidelong glance up at the tall boy's face.
"Papa was adopted by an orc tribe--he was raised with their culture and traditions." Wilma explained. "He's about the closest thing to being a so-called 'human orc' that there is in the Wold. Orcs believe that only the strongest and fiercest warriors are the ones who ultimately survive to carry on the Orc Way. Grell's always been driven to prove that he is the strongest and fiercest...and he expects everyone else around him to be the same. I believe that you showed him that your own spirit possesses the same sort of strength and bravery he's hoping to prove that he, himself, has." The redhead chuckled.
"Some day he'll learn that he has nothing to prove."
Vaniime AC 17/14/13, HP: 11/11 Tuesday November 8th, 2011 9:06:51 PM
Having joined the others with a quick trek back to the rooms to gather her things, Van returns with a pack on her back and weapons ready for travel. At Nym's comment she smiles and replies.
"Well it's not the Culverwood, but it's a start." I just hope it's not like herding cats across a river."
"Hey William. I'm glad you have decided to join us, the kids were worried you might not. I think you might be in for a bit of hero worship from some of them."
"Wilma, you know Gunther is just a big teddy bear. A prickly one for sure but still a teddy bear."
"Shoot I bet that even Grell has a soft spot somewhere, It might be small for sure, but its there somewhere.I just know it."
Emrys d20+4=19 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+8=25 ; Tuesday November 8th, 2011 9:50:58 PM
Emyrs goes outside and addresses the noble philanthropist, Baron Bydrian. He does his best to impress the Baron with his statesmanship, pronunciation, subtlety and finesse (diplomacy: 19).
"Lord Bydrain, I for one, would like to give my thanks and gratitude to your most gracious act of generosity for allowing us, especially the younglings, sanctuary in your home. I can only hope by accepting this gift it would impress those, foreign to such charity, to live up to your example."
(Actions: the d20+5 was a mistake, I was meaning to do the third roll, which is Perception 25 to notice any details or symbols that identify his family, like a signet ring, coat of arms.)
DM Kathy Tuesday November 8th, 2011 10:31:41 PM
Everyone take 200 XP for Scene 2. Nice roleplaying! Now, onward!
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