Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Monday April 30th, 2012 10:19:02 PM
Wilma shook her head and frowned after the retreating figures of the Professor and the young monk.
"I still wish that there was something I could have done for Fa'ast..." she said with a sigh of regret, but then heard Vaniime's question and nodded.
"C'mon, Grell," Wilma nudged her brother in the side, "I'll talk William into whipping up a nice batch of pickled pigs feet for ya..!"
DM Kathy Monday April 30th, 2012 10:30:03 PM
You return to Maplehurst in time for dinner. Although Carver's initial assessment of the gems is a little off, you eventually learn that they are worth 100 gp each. They, along with the potions, and Udoril's masterwork gear, are your treasure for this adventure. How you divide them is up to you.
F'aast is taken to the infirmary and given the best of care. In time, he recovers enough to be sent back to his people.
Soon, however, there are new events to chase your remarkable field trip out of your minds. Spring comes to Maplehurst, and with it come the recruiters.
There are plenty of places in the Wold that would like to have their very own adventurers to deal with problems that arise. And it is well-known that Maplehurst graduates are among the best adventurers there are. So, every spring, various towns, cities, and regions send representatives to try to talk students into moving to their area after graduation.
[OOC: Eventually, your characters will graduate, and the game will move from Maplehurst to some other area of the Wold. This is a good opportunity to start thinking about where you might want to go, and to ask some questions in character. Because there are quite a few options, and I didn't want to overwhelm you, I will be presenting a few each day. However, all the recruiters are there in the main hall; if your character has a specific reason to seek out a specific recruiter, then by all means do so. In addition, there will be a couple of special guest DMs giving me a hand with this; they will post separately. You can ask whatever in-character questions you want; for out-of-character information, I plan to link to the appropriate Woldipedia page. Okay, here we go....]
Entering the front hall of the main classroom building, you can see the various booths and tables of the recruiters lined up on either side. Closest to you is a table with a red-and-white banner draped over it. The banner reads Windhorn Hamlet: Gateway to Adventure! Sitting behind the table is a human woman in her 50s. She is wearing ordinary clothes, but something in her air says "retired adventurer" to you.
Across from her, a battle-scarred elven man stands next to his table, unsmiling, arms folded, regarding the students with an assessing eye. On the wall behind the table is a green-on-green banner reading: The Emerald Kingdom: Have You Got What It Takes?
A short way down the hall, a gnome man is bowing and smiling at any student who happens to look his way. His table is draped in gold-colored cloth. A small sign stands on the table: The Dirt City Merchants' Association Seeks Fearless Adventurers!
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 1st, 2012 3:34:59 PM
"I don't have any claim to splitting the spoils of this campaign," Tuck asserts to the others. "I did not help you through your trials. Instead, you helped me out of a pickle and I appreciate it."
He shakes each of their hands with a firm grip. "Thank you. I hope that we can be friends."
The numerous flags, booths and important people are too much for poor Tuck. His normally stoic composure is shattered by all the hoopla. "Oh boy!" his voice cracks from excitement.
His eyes alight upon the Dirt City booth and the smiling gnome behind it. "Sir, I have heard many stories about your city. My father, perhaps you've heard of him? Theodore. He has told me of the adventures he had helping out the Prince in the City. Please tell me, what is the news from there?"
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Tuesday May 1st, 2012 9:10:47 PM
Emrys walks around and listens to the representatives. He is rather familiar with the uniform and banner colors of the Emerald Kingdom. Representatives from the Emerald Kingdom have often visited Culverheart to meet with his father. It's worth consideration. Being close to home fills him with all kinds of warm feelings, but it's hardly adventurous to quest in his own backyard. However, it may be prudent to start off his career in familiar surroundings before advancing on to more exotic locations.
On the other hand, the idea of going to the Windhorn Hamlet is thought-provoking. His tale about the blue dragons, that he spoke of in the "flower room," has peaked his interest of the place. Not to mention being close to Plateau City.
Dirt City didn't sound at all appealing to him. Just the name alone is uninviting. It conjures images of filth and uncleanliness. Not to mention the thieves. No honor among them. The whole idea he finds revolting. He gives the halfling a wide berth, fully expecting his tiny fingers to pick the bard clean of any valuables.
"Tuck, I would have to disagree with you, there. You fought beside us at the end and have therefore become part of our little group, that is unless you don't want to stick with us. While I do not necessarily speak for the group, I believe you too have earned your fair share of what we recovered from Udoril."
As the roup begins looking around at the recruiters, Van feels herself drawn to her home area of the Emerald Kingdom, to possibly pick up where her father had left off, but as she knows the area very well she first heads over to the Windhorne Hamlett booth.
Stepping up she looks the lady square in the eye.
"Good afternoon Madame. We have of course studied a bit about the Hamlett and the faous dragon sentinels. and we even had a guest speaker that told us stories about how one the snetinel's head was stolen.... but I was wondering what it is that you might be looking for in the way of adventuring groups? and what sorts of things you might forsee having to deal with?"
DM Kathy Tuesday May 1st, 2012 10:36:58 PM Tuck spends a moment geeking out, then makes a beeline for the Dirt City booth. "Ah, Master Theodore!" the gnome replies. "I never met him myself, but of course I've heard of him. News? Well, our organization, the Dirt City Merchants' Guild, is new. Many of us of an entrepreneurial bent aren't all that keen on smuggling and so on when there are perfectly decent ways of making a living. Of course, life in Dirt City requires certain....accommodations to the status quo."
Emrys and Vaniime are both interested in the Emerald Kingdom, but both know the region well enough that they have no questions for the recruiter. Vaniime, however, does have some questions for the woman from Windhorn Hamlet. "Well, the Hamlet itself is peaceful enough," she replies, "but there's always plenty going on nearby. It's nice to have a group handy to deal with whatever crops up. But, since the Hamlet itself is such a nice place, we think it's a good choice for recent graduates. This brochure explains more." She holds out a folded piece of paper.
By far the biggest crowd of students is clustered around a booth near the center of the hall. Its blue-and-silver banner, tacked to the wall, simply says Plateau City. Because really, what else needs to be said? A dwarf in studded leather armor is answering questions from excited students. He looks a little bored.
There's also a decent-sized crowd around a nearby table. Moving closer, you can get a glimpse of its red-and-gold banner: Come to Crescent Valley. We Have Pie!. Sure enough, a beaming halfling woman at the table is handing out small pies to passing students.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 1st, 2012 10:37:15 PM
ooc: I just noticed that one of the retired adventurers who helped build Windhorn Hamlet was named Lothar of the Hill People, which is actually a character played my Mike Myers in an SNL skit years ago.
Carver does not ask any questions just yet, but goes from table to table gathering literature and reading it a a short distance away.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 6:09:10 AM
"Grell...are you still hungry..?" Wilma asked her brother in a teasing sort of tone. She hooked a thumb towards the Crescent Valley table. "Look--they have pie!" She grinned and then skipped away from the warrior before he could swipe a half-hearted hand in her direction.
"What news of your Valley, ma'am...?" Wilma asked the halfling female. "And...what kind of pie do you have..?"
Sir Nonam, Archmage of the Floating City--Retired [Jerry] Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 2:01:55 PM
With a flash and a loud popping sound, a very ornate exhibit appears in the very center of the room. An illusion of the entire Floating City in the middle of a lake viewed from what looks like dragonback is included in the display.
A short skinny human in fancy wizard robes appears shortly after.
"Bah! I told them I didn't want all this show. Oh well."
You're not sure if he is talking to those around him in general or just talking to himself.
He opens a bag of holding and begin pulling out pamphets. He also pulls out a large key and sets to floating in the air, slowly spinning.
Finally, he sets out sandwiches, a fruit based beverage and places a sign: Courtesy of your future neighbor, The Giggling Ghost.
"That ought'a do it."
He sits on a stool, and....patiently awaits the coming throng.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 4:49:43 PM
"Thank you, Vaniime. It felt good to team up with you all. I would be honored to join your group, if you'll have me."
Tuck thanks the gnome for the conversation and moves on, looking at the other booths. The sudden appearance of Sir Nonam startles the youth, but he regains his composure. Having a wizard for a father, Tuck was interested in those who shared the magical aptitude.
"Sir," Tuck begins with Nonam. "How are you today?"
He takes a pamphlet and smiles at the archmage. "Are there any particular troubles in the Floating City, at the present? How are things, there?"
Taking the brochure, Vanime thanks the lady and moves on toward the comotion on the other side where se sees an older gentleman wearing robes. As she gets closer she sees Tuck come over as well. She too takes a pamphlett and a sandwich and waits to hear what the old man has to say.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 10:40:46 PM
ooc: My apologies. I had a very long day. Will post tomorrow morning.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 10:56:14 PM Wilma approaches the Crescent Valley booth. "Apple pie, dear," the halfling woman says, handing one over. "News? Gracious, well, let me see. I spoke to Etta's youngest before coming here--that would be Etta Redthorn, dear, her mother was a Peake. Young Bimver said the giants were attacking again from the Scab--had it from his cousin, you know, who's blacksmith up in Peaseblossom. That is, he's a second cousin once removed. Anyway, it would certainly be nice to have our own adventurers again, for when things get out of hand. More pie, dear?"
Carver, meanwhile, is studying brochures. He notes that Plateau City offers no special compensations or enticements for adventuring parties to move there--and really, why should they? Everyone knows that Plateau City is the place to be an adventurer! They have their own Quarter, and everything! Culverwood is offering to cover relocation expenses. Windhorn Hamlet and Crescent Valley are each offering relocation expenses, plus free housing. Dirt City offers relocation expenses, the use of a townhouse and servant, plus a small weekly stipend.
Further down the hall, a female centaur stands next to a red-and-black banner reading Join the Woldian League of Adventurers! She is talking and laughing with a handful of students.
At the other end of the hall, a human man in shining plate mail sits behind a table. Its green-and-blue banner says Cinnamon Valley: Crossroads of the Wold.
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Wednesday May 2nd, 2012 11:17:24 PM
You see a strange, late-coming creature coming into the recruiters' hall. The being has four legs and two hands. He reminds you of a centaur, but with a bull's head, a lion's tawny lower body and paws, and a black horse's mane and tail. He is taller than any human, and more imposing. When he speaks, you hear that his words are selected and pronounced in a refined and civilized manner.
"Well, Well, oh my, at least the event is not over!" the creature exclaims. He casts a spell, and an image of a huge map appears behind one of the empty tables.
The creature unfurls a banner and fixes it to the table.
"Welcome to the Taur Isles!"
He sits behind the table, on the floor, as quadruped taurs do. He looks around, and smiles at anyone who glances his way.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Thursday May 3rd, 2012 11:48:12 AM
Rubbing his chin absent-mindedly as he reads the brochures, Carver's interest is sparked by the appearance of the tauric... thing. That certainly is not in my taxonomy manuals. The young wizard appraoches the Tauric Isles table and clears his throat. "Hello. I am Carver." He nods his head. "What can you tell me about the Tauric Isles, specifically why adventurers are needed and what it has to offer them?"
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Thursday May 3rd, 2012 4:32:54 PM
Wilma thanked the halfling lady for the information (and the pie!) and then immediately drifted over to where the female centaur was recruiting for the Woldian League of Adventurers.
"I've heard of this League," the acolyte said to the centaur lady, "Not a lot of it was very helpful, though...is there some sort of test you have to pass to get membership? What are the advantages..? I don't suppose you have pie, either...?"
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 3rd, 2012 5:38:32 PM
Tuck nods to Vaniime when she joins him at the Floating City table. After Nonam has answered Tuck's queries, the martial artist sees Wilma approach the WLA booth.
"Do you want to go check that out, Vaniime? I've heard a little about them. One of my father's friends was a member." Tuck smiles at Wilma when he arrives. "How are you?"
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Thursday May 3rd, 2012 9:23:51 PM
Kular bows when approached by Carver. "Ah, welcome, young biped, and thank you for your inquiry. Indeed, one might ask what the Taur Isles does not offer! Adventure at sea, and under sea. The sophistication of Imod City! The stunning natural beauty of the huge Whistal Trees -- the tallest and widest trees in the Wold! Perhaps you might help the liontaurs in their ceaseless battle against the hell hounds of Liontaur Isle. Perhaps you will witness, or even partake in the ritual minotaur battle-challenge of honor known as the Kaleb. Perhaps you will meet the centaur greenmages and learn their secrets."
"Moreover, from the Taur Isles, adventure lies in every direction. To the north, the new settlements at Bonetown and Rum. To the east, the old civilizations of Aisildur, Farungia, and Isumbre. To the west, uncharted islands filled with barbarians and ancient Teucri artifacts. And to the south, the widest ocean of all."
"But most importantly of all, noble youngster, let me appeal to your better nature. For the Taur Isles are yet riven by old feuds and ancient grievance. The Taurs ever strive against each other. What better example could you set these warring siblings than to give them an example of different races working together? And perhaps you could be a neutral helper, maybe to bring a lasting peace to the Isles."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 3rd, 2012 10:13:51 PM
Emrys walks over to Nonam Firstorlast and introduces himself. "Hello, sir. You may not recognize me, I'm Emrys, Myrridan's son. What a wonderful surprise! I had no idea you were attending this fair."
(Myrridan the Wild was once a member with the Gold Dragons and fought alongside Nonam on various epic Wold-changing campaigns.)
DM Kathy Friday May 4th, 2012 12:07:49 AM
Some of the heroes have questions for Sir Nonam, who tells tales of the Floating City. [I'm not sure whether Jerry intended to post follow-ups or not; I'll give him some time.
Meanwhile, Kular gives a stirring, impassioned speech about why adventurers are needed in the Taur Isles.
Wilma and Tuck have questions for the centaur woman from the WLA. "No, I don't have any pies," she says with a laugh. "That was a clever idea Crescent Valley had. There's no test for membership to the WLA; pay the fees, take the Oath, and you're in. For beginners like you, the fee is 2,000 gold. It seems like a lot, I know, but you get a lot in return. We have a lot of people out gathering information, which we pass along to the members. You can get specialized training. And, you get a WLA pin, so you'll be recognized as a warrior for Good wherever you go." She winks. "I haven't paid for a meal in years."
Sir Nonam, Archmage of the Floating City--Retired [Jerry] Friday May 4th, 2012 12:59:55 PM
You are Myrridan's kid? Well welcome Emrys! Here have a sandwich. A pamphlet.
Now, I'm not supposed to legally say this yet, as you haven't declared a "strong interest" yet, but the High Lord Mayor, we call him the HLM, has authorized me to offer any promising groups a contract. Agree to stay in the region of the city for 2 years and help with 3 needs as or if they surface, and we will provide--well a pretty nice "Adventuring Cottage" that has been refurbished with the latest needs for Adventuring Groups. It was once owned by a group called The Crimson...something or other. It has a magic and alchemist lab, is close to the WLA headquarters, has secret exits and separate chambers for up to 9 people that leads into a common area.
Its not...rich, but it is very nice and better than staying in an inn. Oh, and the Giggling Ghost will cater a meal to your cottage every time you return after an adventure to welcome you home for the 1st year. I have a feeling if you guys are as well trained in royal court skills as you should be as a Maplehurst graduate, you'll be making all sorts of deals as you help others and they help you. We have a shortage of "Adventuring Groups in Residence" with all this new Rum business and I think you'll find folks very happy to see ya.
You might end up with more to do that you could ever accomplish. A good problem, I'd think.
Oh? What's this key thing? This is the enlarged key to the house.
Excuse me, my father, Ingrge Nightseer, said you had multi-colored hair when he met you early on in his carreer and that you gifted him his staff when you met.
"Can you tell me a little bit about the crying woods? Being from the Culverwood, I am especially interested in the Wold's wilder natural places."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 4th, 2012 5:21:46 PM
Tuck smiles at the WLA spokeswoman. "That does sound like a good deal. I don't have enough money, right now. Would I be able to join at a later date?"
"Oh, man! There are so many interesting places to choose between!" Tuck seems at a loss as to where he would most like to go. "I think we'll need to have a discussion with the group about what's next for us," he says to Vaniime and Wilma.
DM Kathy Monday May 7th, 2012 1:34:51 AM
"You can join at any time," the centaur woman tells Tuck. "But the price goes up when you get farther into your career. I'd advise joining in your first year or so after school." [OOC: The 2000 gp price is for levels 1-5; at 6th level, the price goes up.]
Meanwhile, the other recruiters are eager to talk to any students who have questions.
[OOC: I'm having a little trouble getting our next module approved. Hopefully it won't be too much longer.]
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Monday May 7th, 2012 7:42:42 AM
Kular looks around the room dejectedly. He was hoping others would consider talking with him.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday May 7th, 2012 3:21:36 PM
"Thank you," says Tuck to the centaur woman. He excuses himself from the WLA booth and heads to the Taur Isles booth.
"I have seen many Taurs before, but none like you!" Tuck is agape at the mix that is Kular. "I don't mean to be rude. Are there more like you, sir?"
Sir Nonam, Archmage of the Floating City--Retired [Jerry] Monday May 7th, 2012 4:54:39 PM
Vaniime! I've heard of you, but not since you were a child. Ingrge is one of the bravest men I ever met. I have great respect for him.
Now, as for the Crying Woods, they are one of the seven magical forests of this continent. Culverwood, where you are from is one of them as well. The Crying Woods is wilder and more directly opposed to outsiders than Culverwood. Whereas Culverwood will tantalize and misdirect you causing you to lose your way, the Crying Woods has an aversion of anything civilization-made. From a trail to a structure, it will actively send its denizens to destroy them. We've learned quite a bit about how to appease the forest, because that's exactly what you have to do. There is no subjugating it! Those in the drow city east of us are further along in their understanding of the forest than we are, sadly. Our turtles help. For some reason, they appease the forest.
During the Dark Fae Rising, the forest actually attacked the city causing it to begin sinking. A dark battle was fought on the shores as giant treants, the size of which we'd never seen before, opposed the army of the Floating City and several adventuring groups.
What other questions do you have?
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday May 7th, 2012 5:18:04 PM
Carver gives a respectful nod. "Thank you, sir. That was very informative."
The young wizard wanders a bit, listening-in on conversations around the hall and staying quiet and observant.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 7th, 2012 9:26:43 PM
Emrys goes around and takes a copy of each brochure that is available. He reads them and admires the colorful illustrations.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 Monday May 7th, 2012 10:31:07 PM
Thank you for the information Sir Nonan. Perhaps we will be seeing you in the future in the Big Float.
Looking around Vanime sees that the man representing the cinnamon Valley seems to be free at the moment and heads over that way to pick up a brochure and some information.
"Good afternoon sir, I was wondering what you could tell me about the advenrturing needs of the Cinnamon valley and why it would be advantageous for an adventuring group to consider relocating to your area?"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP16/20, Monday May 7th, 2012 11:00:51 PM
Grell follows along, stuffing as much food as possible into his mouth and staying quiet. That is, until they hear the speil from the Taur Island representative. At the very mention of Hell Hounds, Grell turns sheet white and starts choking on the apple pie in his mouth. He backpeddles backwards, speaking with his mouth full "Werf NOF going wif him! EVEFR!!" He gives Wilma a knowing glance, aware that she knows all about his secret fear.
OOC: I'm sorry I had to drop out for a while. RL dropped a huge bomb on me!
DM Kathy Tuesday May 8th, 2012 12:57:10 AM Carver, Emrys, and Grell are content to watch and wander, although Grell is pretty certain he doesn't want to go the Taur Isles.
Vaniime has questions for the Cinnamon Valley representative. "We sit right in the middle of places that could frankly use some help from adventurers every now and then," he replies. "To the south lies the Culverwood, still recovering from the reign of the Tyrant. To the north are the Windbourne Hills, with their long and troubled history of conflicts. To the west is the mystery that is Shadow Mountain. Within the valley itself, we have the ungovernable Tower of Boydos, with the Sons of Chaos causing trouble every now and again. We have had adventurers before, and they have been successful." He grimaces. "So successful, in fact, that they have gone on to bigger challenges. Rest assured that we know how to treat adventurers well in Cinnamon Valley."
The recruiters are beginning to pack up and put away their supplies, but there is still time for a few questions, if anyone has any.
Change the Wold in the Taur Isles! (Kular the True Taur) Tuesday May 8th, 2012 1:08:34 PM
Kular makes a disapproving frown at Tuck's questions, but he can't keep up the pretense, and his smile reappears. "Ah, the impertinence of youth!" he says.
"No doubt you have not seen my like before. Know then that this form is that of the original Taur, before the Sundering of Legend, when Liontaurs, Centaurs, and Minotaurs were one people. Those few of us who are true Taurs wish to work with all the other Taurs, instead of clashing with them due to erroneous cultural beliefs," Kular says. "They also have that innate inner courage that the God of War strives to inspire within all beings of the Wold."
"And there are still few of us because the old animosities and old biases continue, and Taurs of different branches very rarely marry. There are a few, however."
"My hope is that bringing a diverse group of heroes to the Isles will inspire the diverse branches of Taurdom to work together."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 3:11:24 PM
"I'm sorry if I offended." Tuck looks abashed. "Sometimes my curiosity causes me to speak before I think."
"Thank you for telling me about your people. It's quite fascinating and something I will discuss with my friends. Have a good day!"
Tuck starts to track down the others to see how they're doing.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 7:01:31 PM OOC: my apologies...I've been neck-deep in Real Life issues as well.
"Well..." Wilma said, sighing because she was happily full of pie, "...what do you guys think...? All of the different areas of the Wold seem to need adventurers...any particular areas stand out for you...?" She glanced at her brother.
"The isle of hellhounds notwithstanding...?"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP16/20, Tuesday May 8th, 2012 8:26:55 PM
Hmmmph!!! Grell sprays crumbs all over Wilma's tunic as he somewhat manages to recover his cool. "I kinda like the Cinnamon Valley...they have good pie!" Though, truth be told he feels an almost irresistible pull toward Plateau City. All that glory, just to be had! That is truly where Grell's heart most desires to be. However, it's like his Dad often said "Sometimes the best adventures find you when you aren't even looking for them."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 8th, 2012 8:55:54 PM
Carver rubs his chin absent-mindedly. Plateau City would likely offer the greatest diversity of opportunity and commercial gain. Not to mention the proximity to the Star Mages Guild. Hmm...
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Tuesday May 8th, 2012 10:17:26 PM
Emrys contemplates the ability of dual-sight. The ability to stand back and calmly observe our inner dramas, without rushing to judgment, is foundational for mystical seeing. The vision afforded to sages. To see like the mystics see. The bard stands motionless and closes his eyes while he attempts to process all the clamor around him. Somewhere hidden in all the noise is the answer.
Tryouts
DM Kathy Wednesday May 9th, 2012 12:36:43 AM
Soon enough, the recruiters are gone, leaving you all with plenty to think about. You don't need to make a decision just yet, however, and soon other events crowd the question to the back of your mind.
Headmaster Roww announces that Maplehurst and The Gnowsy Thornton School will be having a competition! Gnowsy Thornton is a local school for the scions of the wealthy familiies of the Second Plateau. There is an off-and-on rivalry between Gnowsy Thornton and Maplehurst. The last competition between the two happened when you were in the Lower School, but you still remember the intense excitement.
The competition will include physical contests, such as wrestling, footraces, archery, riding, swimming, etc. There will be an original song competition, and a "knowledge bowl" with questions from different areas of knowledge.
Tryouts for the Maplehurst teams will begin immediately. Times, places, and events are posted, and within minutes the tryouts are the talk of the school.
[OOC: If your character wants to try out for something (and I assume you all do), please make three rolls of the appropriate skill. For "fighty" events, such as wrestling, please make three attack rolls. You can try out for more than one thing; make three rolls for each thing you try out for. I am deliberately leaving the list of events vague, because I want everybody to think what their character would want to compete in. Let me know if there are questions.]
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+6=12 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+2=8 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 3:14:12 PM
Tuck talks animatedly with the other group members as they discuss where they might go after they leave the Academy.
"My dad got his start in Dirt City," he says. "It would be nice to go there for a while. We might even have some good will from the people my dad helped. I also thought the Floating City seemed interesting. Lots of things to do there." He scratches his chin.
The coming competition excites Tuck. He gathers around with the others to listen to Headmaster Roww announce the events.
"Oh man! That sounds like fun. Are any of you guys going to do it? I'll definitely try out for some of them."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP16/20, d20+10=24 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=18 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 4:36:59 PM
Grell flexes his massive muscles. "Oh, I am soooo in!!" Truth be told, he'd been waiting for this moment for years! Ever since those upitty GT snobs had the cup in the warrior division. Even though he had been in his first few years, Grell had vowed that he was going to teach Gnowsy Thornton what a true warrior's school could do! It was one of the big reasons he has trained so hard for all these years, and now the tournament was FINALLY here! Grell signs up for as many events as he's allowed to, determined to put Mapelhurst back in first place.
As Grell is doubtlessly competing against some of his old partners in bullying, he pushes himself extra hard to be in first place in all the events. When they finish Swimming, Grell gives Tuck a hearty slap on the back "Not too shabby out there Tuck!".
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 d20+7=19 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+3=6 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=6 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 5:22:52 PM
Torn between all the different options facing their group, Vanime really frrls herself leaning toward the Floating city area, the Cinnamon valley or perhaps even trying to convince the others to stay around the Emerald Kingdom, but At least for now they could put that decision off a bit and focus on finishing school.
As the announcement of the upcoming competition is made, Van is possibly as eager as grell but perhaps not so forcefully. She too tries out for as much as she can. and hopes they have the overnight survival challenge this year as well.
Viewed from a distance the youngling named Ariach seems to be an imposing appearance. Almost 6 feet tall and with broad shoulders it seems he can challenge any bouncer. But on closer viewing youīll immediately notice his disfigured face. His nose is crooked and itīs obviously it was badly damaged once. In general, his entire left side of the face is deformed. His left eye almost disappears under to low hanging eyebrows. The left corner of his mouth, deprived of any sense, runs down unnaturally.
In Contradiction to all these distortions are his bright blue eyes. Among these sparkling eyes you find the fluff of a blond mustache which is perfectly trimmed. His hair is blond and shoulder length.
With increasing excitement Ariach follows the announcement about the competition from Headmaster Roww. Once the Headmaster has finished, Ariach still stands like petrified at his place. With open mouth and staring eyes, he seems mentally delving into his own world.
*This is my chance. Finally there is a challenge that must be mastered. Of course I will only participate in those competitions, which are worthy of a knight or paladin. I must not fail! I must not fail!"
After reviewing the list itīs clear he will sign up for archery, riding and competitions where weapons are used. When he sees that there are fights without weapons, he turns up his nose a little. He himself would never voluntarily participate in such a gutter fight.
(Ariach signs up for archery - 3 attack rolls 15, 6, 17 riding - riding checks 18, 20, 21 fight with weapon - 3 attack rolls 21, 12, 19
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+15=18 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+9=15 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 9:44:36 PM
Emrys isnt the least bit interested in the physical events. However, when his musical and loremaster talents are put to the test, he has always been able to shine. He swaggers over to the sign up sheet, with his walking stick in hand and adds his name to the rest.
When he tries to play his lute, something doesn't sound right. On his second attempt, a string breaks. After a mental scream, he replaces it and he nails his third performance.
(Song competition: Perform [strings]: 18 blah, 16 geesh!, 30.) (Knowledge [Nature]: 13. [Local]: 15, [History]: 28, loremaster ability -take20 on a knowledge check as standard action 1/day. Screw these awful rolls!)
Wilma (subbed by Nellie) d20+8=21 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+8=12 ; d3=2 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=12 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2012 10:59:22 PM
Her eyes twinkling with more than a spark of the competitive spirit of her sister, Wilma also signs up for several events.
Wilma (subbed by Nellie) Wednesday May 9th, 2012 11:18:01 PM
"Competitive spirit of her sister..." Sheeeesh. I suck tonight. :/
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 9th, 2012 11:39:34 PM
[placeholder]
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+11=15 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+11=28 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+11=17 ; Thursday May 10th, 2012 12:39:50 AM
Carver signs up for several of the more cerebral competitions. Not that I would be suited for anything else...
DM Kathy Thursday May 10th, 2012 1:22:21 AM
Although many of the Maplehurst students are eager to compete at swordsmanship and jousting, Ganz tells you that those contests are not planned. "You know how soft they are over at Gnowsy Thornton," he says. "They're afraid somebody'll get hurt." He shows his teeth, in what cannot really be called a smile. "Maybe they have a point. Wrestlers, step up!"
Two by two, students come forward to try to earn a spot on the wrestling team. Tuck loses his first match, but Ganz gives him another chance, much to the dismay of some of Grell's former friends. Zeliak Hawk, a dark-haired human lad, protests the most loudly. He protests even more loudly when Tuck defeats him in the next two matches, earning a spot on the team. "That was rigged!" Zeliak protests angrily, and storms off the field.
A short time later, Grell jumps into the still-chilly lake to compete for a spot in the swimming competition. Next to him is his one-time friend, the half-orc Belorin Echt. Grell sets a school record. Belorin curses him roundly as they climb from the water. "You think you're so great," he fumes, "but you'd just better watch yourself!"
Meanwhile, Vaniime is having a great day in the riding paddock. Normally, Holly-Iris Kallier, a halfling girl, is the best rider in the school. But Vaniime outdoes herself, earning a spot over Holly-Iris. The other girl does not take defeat gracefully. "That was a fluke!" she rages. "They should pick the person who's consistent!"
Vaniime's archery is pretty good as well, but she is edged out by the odd-looking human boy, Ariach. Although he hasn't been on your previous adventures, you know who he is, and many of you look forward to having him on your team. Royse Mellon, Wilma's one-time admirer, also competes. He grimaces a little at his loss, but seems to take it in stride.
So much for the outdoor activities. Inside, Emrys gets off to a shaky start, but eventually edges out Migla (the halfling girl a year behind you) for the song competition. You think that it's the extra year that made the difference; if Migla had had just a little more training, she probably would have edged you out. She is clearly disappointed, but shakes your hand and wishes you luck.
Wilma and Carver try their hand at the knowledge tests, a nerve-wracking hour of questions fired from all sides by different professors. Carver makes the team easily. Wilma is in a three-way heat with two other students, Neave Zvarra and Belhorn Troud. Neave is a human girl, one of the silly ones that tried to get close to Vaniime a few months ago. Belhorn is a minotaur, smart but with a surly disposition. Neave and Belhorn both give Wilma sour looks when she makes the team instead of them. As they leave the hall, they complain loudly to each other about contests that aren't fair.
So, all of you have made the competition team. Each of you (and everyone else who made the team) is given a gold ring with the school's crest on it to commemorate the event.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP24/24 Thursday May 10th, 2012 7:17:02 AM
A little disappointed in himself that he didn't make it on more than one team, Grell is still determined to try his best to be a good sport about his "loss" (seeing that he didn't make the cut on every team!). Toweling off his snowy white hair, he congratulates Tuck on his wrestling win and then praises his effort in the swimming competition. "That was some impressive form out there! Haven't had that much competition in a long time! We should work out together!"
As Belorin begins to rant, Grell smiles, though he does an inward contemplation. That couldn't possibly be what I look like when I lose my cool, could it? The thought bothers him so much that he makes extra efforts to be "polite"...or as polite as orc raised boy could be. Turning to the half-orc, Grell flashes his winning smile "You'd be faster if you cross trained more. Come run with me at dawn. I'll be wearing full plate armor and suggest you do as well. That's way you get endurance and strength training in one workout."
Hoping to see the half-orc at his dawn workout, but suspecting Belorin's pride won't allow him, Grell turns his sites on the new guy Ariach. Now *he* looked like he would make a GREAT workout partner! "Hey you...uhhhhhh...Arch is it?" Grell is clearly struggling...obviously not great with names. "What do you say you join me for my morning workout? I didn't feel as strong as I should have been out there, so I was gonna double up on my endurance and strength training. Meet me at the track...dawn...and wear full plate. This is no time to slack off...we got a tournament to win!"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+9=27 ; Thursday May 10th, 2012 1:36:12 PM
ooc: Appraise check 27 on the gold ring.
Carver accepts the ring humbly, carefully holding it and examining it in his hand. Yay for social validation.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 10th, 2012 3:37:44 PM
Tuck grins widely at Grell. "You're a great swimmer! I'm sure you'll blow them all out of the water."
He seems quite pleased to be on the wrestling team, though his first loss is a bit embarrassing. For one skilled in hand-to-hand combat, any loss could be the last. Shaking it off, he vows to improve.
"That would be great to work out together, Grell. I need a big guy to wrestle with. And I could help you with your swimming!"
Tuck congratulates the others on their successes, as well. "I think we'll have a good team, this year."
Ariach Thursday May 10th, 2012 5:27:08 PM
In the first moment after the equestrian competition Ariach felt quite something like disappointment. He has always considered himself a very good rider, but he must recognize without envy that Vaniime cannot be beaten that day. Even Holly Iris Kallier, the best rider in school, has no chance against Vaniime today. Therefore he decides that is no shame in this defeat and congratulates Vaniime to her success.
Ironically Vaniime is also Ariachīs toughest opponent in the archery competition. Royse Mellon and Vaniime hit the targets well. Fortunately Ariach hits a little better and wins the try out.
He takes great pride in receiving the golden ring and struts through the ranks of other students before it comes in his mind that arrogance isnīt a chivalryīs virtue. Immediately his broad smile disappears from his face and he exhorts to show humility.
To his surprise itīs ironically Grell who speaks to him and invites Ariach to join his training. Grell, this uncouth, rude bully. Why should Ariach deal with a guy like him? Well -- First at all Grell is recognized as one of the best fighters in school. Although Ariach had been surprised that a student named Tuck, not Grell, had won the wrestling competition. But Ariach would train with Grell. Because Grell has something Ariach really likes. Grell has a sister.... Wilma. And to be near this delicate, innocent girl with the lovely red hair he would do almost anything. Even if that means to work out with Grell who is probably an unpleasant companion. But every person, in this case every half- orc, deserves that he can prove his righteous character.
"If you allow, I am happy to participate your training. I hope I will not be a burden for you but to be helpful to you in your honorable quest for fame and honor for our school. "
At the agreed meeting with Grell Ariach appears in full armor and with his entire adventure equipment.
Grell (2nd post) Thursday May 10th, 2012 7:06:50 PM
The muscle bound jock blinks at Ariach's comment, obviously struggling to comprehend his flowery words. "Uhhhh...okay". The gears in Grell's mind grind painfully slowly. "It's ummm an open invite, so you can show up on the days you like. Just don't be late because I like to leave before it gets too hot." Quite clearly, the rest of what Ariach says just doesn't click. "Alright...so I'll see you at the track then."
If Ariach is astute, he will notice that Grell is all but shunned by his old popular friends. He will also notice that this doesn't seem to bother Grell too much.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Thursday May 10th, 2012 8:54:17 PM
Wilma looked her ring over, smiling slightly. It was nice to have your efforts acknowledged, but the order of Gargul frowned on extraneous jewelry. One wore rings if one needed the magical abilities they imparted or if one pledged themselves to another in marriage. Some exceptions were made if wearing the ring was required by the school or such. Until that time, however, the ring went into her pocket.
Meanwhile, the redheaded acolyte of Gargul remembered to find and congratulate her classmates on their team placements.
"I wonder what the actual competition's going to be like...?"
Her disappointment at not having a swordsmanship or survival event this year bothers her awhile and even stays under her skin during the wrestling and that distraction caused her to be pinned quickly by a student she normally beats after having had two wonderful rounds. But is truly pleased to see that Tuck ended up winning.
Trying to pull herself for the archery, She shoots well and is beaten just by a hair by Ariach, a boy she doesn't really know well but who seems to be a relatively ok sort, though sometime he can come off as a bit snooty, but then nobody is perfect. After the ring is given out, she happily congratulates Ari on his victory and puts on her game face to try and win a spot in her next event, the riding. While not her strongest area, it is mostly because she prefers to be on the ground as opposed to on top of a large lumbering beast. And well to be honest she just doesn't much like being around Holly, so she often avoids the stables when the "Girls" are around.
So... Van is nearly as surprised as everyone else when she wins the riding ring. Even she realizes that she has never ridden so consistantly or felt at one with her mount. As she accepts her ring she can't help but grin as she is congratulated by Ari whom she had just congratulated herself for beating her in archery. Well I guess we will be seeing a bit more of each other as we train for the competition. I am sure we could give each other some pointers....
All in all as she looks around she realizes that all of her friends have won a spot on the roster and with the addition of Ariach the team looks quite formidable.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 10th, 2012 10:37:57 PM
Emrys fancies his new ring. However, upon remembering his disastrous performance, he goes to giving his prize darkwood lute the once over. After getting it back in tune, he sighs with relief and his smile returns. His presence radiates warmth and good feelings. Those standing around him can't help but smile as well.
DM Kathy Friday May 11th, 2012 12:55:21 AM Grell attempts to smooth things over with Belorin, but the half-orc is having none of it. "We'll see about this," he mutters as he stalks off.
Ariach and Vaniime are surprised to win their respective events, but resolved to do their best for the upcoming competition. Tuck looks forward to training with Grell.
Carver takes a look at the ring. He tentatively places its value at around 5 gp, similar to various signet rings he has seen. Wilma decides it wouldn't be appropriate to wear her ring, so drops it in her pocket.
Emrys spends some time with his instrument, making sure it is up to the challenge.
That evening at dinner, Headmaster Roww presents the team to the school to enthusiastic applause. Well, most people are applauding enthusiastically. There are exceptions.
There are an even dozen students on the team, and you are all brought up to the front of the dining hall for your introduction. Professor Roww also announces that Dame Brightseeker will be your coach, and she strides up to shake your hands and promise that the work has only just begun.
"The competition will take place in two weeks," the Headmaster concludes. "And I must stress that, from this point until the end of the competition, I expect everyone at this school to comport themselves with decorum and good sportsmanship. I know that in past competitions, tempers have gotten out of hand, and some unfortunate incidents have occurred."
He pauses for a moment, then frowns. His usually-affable demeanor becomes almost menacing. "Let me be very clear. Any incident of poor sportsmanship or hooliganism will result in immediate detention and a letter to your parents. If anyone on the competition team is involved in such a display, they will be removed from the team immediately. There will be no appeal. Do I make myself quite clear?" He fixes the suddenly hushed hall with a stern gaze for a moment.
Then he smiles. "Good. Now, let's show those pampered kids what Maplehurst students are made of!"
Grell (2nd post) Friday May 11th, 2012 8:01:30 AM
Dame Brightseeker's announcement brings about a flicker of terror in the fighter's eyes. *Any* incident and he's off the team! That's gonna be kinda difficult with Belorin and the others constantly hounding him. And there is NO way he's going to not be in the tournament this year!! Terrifying visions of being booted off the team and replaced with Belorin fill his head. He's got to think of a strategy,... the sooner the better!
I could try and make sure a Professor is with me at all times... Naw, that would be hard to arrange, and I need to find my own answer. I'm not some little kid any more. Wilma and Van would back me up, maybe I should hang with them. Of course, Wilma's my sister, and if push came to shove, I'll bet they'd believe Belorin over Wilma. He mentally screams at the problem which apparently has no good solution.
His eyes casts about the room, desperately searching for a way out of his problem. His eyes settle on Ariach. Hey, what about that guy? It's true that Grell knows very little about Ariach, and honestly, the few times he's spoken to him, he couldn't figure out half of what he said. But he had a *reputation* for always being honest, even when it wasn't in his favor.
Grell remembers back to that time a couple of years back when Ganz had assigned them to run laps. It was the hottest summer on record, and they'd already finished up a grueling hour of swords practice. Everyone was hot and tired, so it wasn't a big surprise when Grell some of his friends "accidentally" skipped a couple of laps while Ganz stepped out for a couple of minutes. Everybody but Ariach followed suit. Not only did the guy finish out his laps, he had the *gaul* to tattle on the rest of the group! Grell remembers the day well, because that night, after he finished cleaning the latrines as punishment, he and Belorin had snuck into the stables. A couple of well hidden burs on Ariach's saddle brought about roars of laughter the next day as Ariach was thrown about four foot from his mount and into a mud puddle during jousting practice. Grell frowns a bit at the memory. Sure, his intention at the time had been to teach the whelp that a group sticks together no matter what and never rats out the other members. But now, in retrospect, he wonders if the guy hadn't had a point...maybe there was something to this honor jazz... A slight pounding at his temples indicates that Grell has been thinking too much. He should really stop making a habit of all this mental stuff, that was Wilma's job.
Grell turns to Ariach and pulls him aside. "Hey uhhhh...Arch. I was wondering if you could help me with something." Once again, it's clear that Grell isn't intentionally calling Ariach by the wrong name, he just doesn't remember it. "See, I GOTTA stay on the team, but I got me a little problem. Belorin and some of the other guys don't like that I beat them out. And well, we're not on very good terms since I started hanging out with William. I'm pretty sure they're gonna try and do something to get me to get kicked off the team. So I was wondering if you wouldn't mind hanging out with me until the tournament. Maybe help me make sure I don't lose my cool." Grell looks hopeful, but is more than a little worried that Ariach might shoot him down. Considering all the pranks he's pulled in the last few years, Grell wouldn't blame the guy if he wanted to stay as far away as possible. "What do you think?"
Grell Friday May 11th, 2012 8:01:58 AM
Ugg...stupid headers. :P
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 11th, 2012 3:28:07 PM
Dame Brightseeker, a strict overseer. Perhaps what is necessary for this team to succeed.
With a red face and a wide smile, Tuck stands awkwardly in front of his classmates. He nods vigorously to Dame Brightseeker's stern lecture, hoping to wordlessly convince her of his intentions to focus and refrain from hooliganism.
Later, when the team is left to themselves, Tuck speaks up. "Oh man. I feel nervous." He looks nervous. He lets out a deep, shaky breath. "I don't want to let anyone down."
AriachAC 23/14/19 Friday May 11th, 2012 3:34:24 PM
As Ariach hears that none other than lady Brightseeker will be responsible for the training of the team, he is more than enthusiastic. Finally lady Brightseeker will be one of Ariachīs teachers. Of course he will try to do everything possible in order not to disappoint the other team members and the school administration. Ariach also finds that the remaining members of the team are very well-educated students. With this composition the team can win the competition. But it itīs Grell again who surprises him one more time. The warrior asks Ariach for help against a threat from its own ranks. And although Ariach doesnīt want to spend more time with the half-orc it is his duty to assist a person seeking assistance.
"We are now at the same team. Whenever it is possible I will support and protect you. But I expect that your behavior does not harm the welfare of the school. You can count on me . Iīm the shield of of righteousness"!
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 Friday May 11th, 2012 8:19:21 PM
At the introduction of their coach as Dame Brightseeker, she cringes a bit. Dame Brightseeker, it seems is one of the few professors who doesn't seem to have a sense of humor and always seems to be frowning at Van's antics.
Ah well, I guess I can curtail my activities for a bit "Hey Wilma, do you think you can manage to keep me on the stright and narrow for a few weeks?"
Glancing over at Grell and the others, she is surprised to see him leaning over and chatting with Ariach, as the two have never seemed to be running in the same circles. Well, Maybe it will mellow Grell out a bit.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday May 11th, 2012 11:45:22 PM You can do this. Just stand here. Just stand here and smile. Yes, that's it. Wave a little. Don't do look too nervous. Just stand here and smile and you can get through this pep rally without embarrassing yourself. Last time was a fluke. It's not your fault that halff-orcs are clumsy. You didn't ask for him to trip and fall on you, pinning you in front of the entire school. *sigh* Why do they have to hold these during class? I'm missing Outer Planar Horticulture for this. But noooo. We could never interrupt the sports teams that meet after school. Dumb policies.
"What? Oh, right. Yes, good manners."
DM Kathy Sunday May 13th, 2012 10:30:40 PM
You hear the stern warning of the headmaster, and immediately realize its significance. Grell and Vaniime go so far as to ask for help in controlling their tempers.
Over the next few days, you become accustomed to your new routine. Your class schedule is relaxed to allow you more time to train and prepare for the competition. The team's unofficial "headquarters" is a multi-purpose room in the chapel--the old dining hall, with its high ceilings and many windows. It's a pleasant place to spar, do calisthenics, or drill yourself on History of Aisildur. Even those of you who need to do much of your training outside, spend a fair amount of time in "headquarters" as well. Dame Brightseeker provides encouragement and advice, and keeps a stern eye out for infractions.
Wilma realizes, at some point, that she can't find the ring she was given. It was in her pocket, and then on her nightstand, and then--another pocket? Her keepsake box? She doesn't remember what she did with it, and it's kind of vexing not to be able to find it. Still, it's bound to turn up at some point.
Tuck has a braided-leather headband he uses to keep his hair out of his eyes while he's training, but now he's not sure where it is. Maybe it dropped, unnoticed, out of his pocket at some point? He's not sure. It's not a valuable heirloom or anything, but he kind of likes it and he wonders where it's gotten to. Still, it's pretty distinctive and most people know it's his. If somebody finds it, they're sure to let him know.
Meanwhile, your training is going well, Dame Brightseeker praises you for how hard you're working, and there is palpable excitement on campus as the competition draws nearer.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Monday May 14th, 2012 12:11:40 AM
Wilma applied herself to her studies--her categories were not the physical ones that Van or Grell would be participating in, but the object of the competition was for the members of the competing teams to win as many of the various contests of skill as they could, so her competitions were as important as archery or swimming.
"Dame Brightseeker," she said to the team's appointed coach, "I can't find the ring I was awarded--you know, the one that all the team members have..? I...I put it in my pocket and now I don't know where it is. Have you seen it..? Maybe I should put a notice up on the school's bulletin board...?"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday May 14th, 2012 1:18:47 PM
Carver sits in an over-stuffed chair near a window. Those who pass by will see him intently reading a textbook while sucking on a few licorice hard candies.
Evocation Magic and You or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Magic Missiles
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday May 14th, 2012 4:07:48 PM
"Well, that's weird," says Tuck to himself. He rummages through a few more drawers and looks under his bed. "I must have misplace it."
With hands on his hips, he stands silently for a moment, musing about where he might have put his headband. Finally, he shakes his head and leaves. There are more important matters.
Tuck is furious in his dedication. He spends long sessions wrestling, bringing in fresh partners every few minutes to work on his cardio. He practices his duck walks, double legs, single legs, knee taps, clinch throws. Attack, attack, attack!
Next comes defense. Tuck asks Grell to attack him with double legs, single legs, knee taps, clinch throws. Defend, defend, defend!
Groundwork. The seatbelt and the craddle. How do you escape back control? Maybe like this. Spin, turtle, pin!
"You have to work from the worst positions, Grell," says a huffing, red-facedTuck to his training partner, Grell. "You do the hard work now, and the actual match will be a breeze."
Tuck gives back. He helps Grell with his own conditioning and pace in swimming. Grell finds that Tuck is willing to do about anything to help.
One might get the feeling that Tuck is a competitive sort...
Ariach AC 23/14/19 Monday May 14th, 2012 4:59:13 PM
Ariach spends his time near his newfound "friend" Grell. Whenever Grell wrestles with Tuck or exercises in swimming, he stands stonily like a full armored city guard in the vicinity and observes Grell and his environment. When Wilma is near, he seems to lose a little of his stoicism and smiles a lot. If he is aware of this, he turns quickly to the side. Seconds later when he regains his composure he looks back again.
Only in the morning Ariach spends 1-2 hours to shoot arrows. At that time he asks Grell to stay near him. Ariach is keen not to deviate from its usual practice routine. Because he learned that daily repetition and repetitive daily routines bring order into life. If you watch him you will notice how many times a day he cleans up his bow and aligns the feathers of the arrows fastidiously - quite the contrary of his normal daily routine.
DM Kathy Monday May 14th, 2012 10:39:00 PM Wilma asks Dame Brightseeker about the ring. "I'll ask around," the paladin says, "and it might not be a bad idea to post a notice as you suggested." The ring does not turn up, however. Neither does Tuck's headband.
But that is largely forgotten as you throw yourselves into training. Excitement builds as the day approaches, until at last it is the day before the competition. Your training session goes a little long, and you are wrung out but exhilarated as Dame Brightseeker dismisses you. "Get a good night's sleep," she says. "And tomorrow, we'll be ready to show Gnowsy Thornton what we're made of!"
[Everybody take 200 XP for this first scene.]
A Warning
DM Kathy Monday May 14th, 2012 10:44:37 PM
You manage to get to the dining hall just in time for dinner. You linger a little over your meal, discussing strategy. A few students stop by your table to wish you luck.
It is full dark by the time you leave the dining hall, but it is a pleasant evening for early spring. As you begin to head toward the dorms, you hear the sound of running footsteps, approaching you. A figure approaches, and, as it gets closer, you recognize him. It is Royse Mellon, the boy who seemed briefly interested in Wilma, and who was beaten at archery by Ariach.
"I have to warn you," he says, gasping for breath. "You guys are going to be in serious trouble!"
Grell Monday May 14th, 2012 10:50:20 PM
GRRRRRR!!! I thought I had 10 more minutes to get my post in. :(
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday May 14th, 2012 11:19:02 PM
Grell relishes his practice time with Tuck and Ariach! Ever since he was out of the "in crowd", Grell had been struggling to get in a quality practice. Now he finds himself suitable challenged, particularly by Tuck. He's never worked very much on hand to hand combat of this type, and he works hard even if he's not particularly skilled. Tuck finds that mostly Grell relies on pure brute strength, though he finds Tuck's lessons fascinating, and tries to pick up a couple of new skills.
Grell also finds his time with Ariach very agreeable. He still doesn't understand half of what he's talking about, but he likes the guy's style. He makes sure to thank Ariach for his vigilance and when he is observing his archery practise, Grell fills in the down time with extra sets of sit ups and and push ups. "You know, a lot of people depend on their arms in swimming, but very few people realize the importance of your abs. You core is the key in so many things...especially fighting... Grell goes on and on about the importance of proper conditioning to maintaining top fighting form...no doubt it's a boring speech.
When the day before the competition finally arrives, Grell is thrilled! He nibbles at the foods, not wanting to fill up on too much food. He raises his eyebrows in surprise as Royse jogs forward. "Trouble? Why?! I didn't do ANYTHING! Ariach's been with me the whole time!!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 Tuesday May 15th, 2012 3:43:52 AM
After Dame Brightseeker has wished them all a good night, Ariach goes immediately to sleep. But before he escapes into the land of dreams, he prays for a long time to Domi. "Thank you for your protection and your goodwill towards which I am so far gone. I am thankful too for my new companions that you have sent me. Now give me the strength to man up tomorrow. Keep the fear of failure away so I am victorious at the battlefield. "
The next morning he is among the first at breakfast. He makes sure not plug up too much food into himself - quite the opposite of Grellīs appetite which seems to be huge all the time. He listens attentively to the words of the just-arrived Royse Mellon and Grellīs reply.
"There is no reason to worry Grell. We've had nothing to be guilty. If the other team members are able to say the same thing about their own activities, we have nothing to fear. " With these words, he lets his gaze glide through the ranks of the other team members.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Tuesday May 15th, 2012 3:48:16 AM
"I don't think he means you did anything to get yourself in trouble, little brother," Wilma said, frowning. "Royse--what kind of trouble are you talking about..?"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 15th, 2012 8:02:13 AM ...and make it double!
Carver looks up from his reading and waits for Royse to answer the question.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 15th, 2012 3:57:14 PM
Tuck is glad to be done with the training. The fun starts tomorrow. The reward for all the hard work.
He has grown closer with Grell and jokes with him at the dinner table.
"Oh man, I can't wait for tomorrow! I just know we're all going to do well."
Afterwards, Tuck is as concerned as the others with Royse's warning.
Oh man. What now?
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Tuesday May 15th, 2012 9:51:21 PM
As he walked, Emrys was gently plucking a tune about warm spring nights when he is so rudely interrupted by Mellonhead. The others already asked the question, so he just continues to keep on playing nonchalantly.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 d20+10=29 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=29 ; Tuesday May 15th, 2012 10:03:46 PM
Having had an amazing week riding (DCs 29, 15, 29), and working with her teammates, Van is finally beging to relax a bit and feel Like she is going to do well when Royse makes his appearance and his procamation. Hearing the others ask, she waits to hear what it is that he has to say.....
DM Kathy Wednesday May 16th, 2012 1:40:13 AM
[OOC to Ariach: If your character really does go straight to sleep after the end of the training session, you'll miss the rest of the adventure! I'll assume you went to dinner with the others, and were on hand to hear Royse's warning.]
[OOC to everyone: it is evening, not morning.]
"Zeliak and Belorin and some of the others," Royse says, beginning to catch his breath, "they didn't like that you'd beaten them out. So they got together and planned to get you in trouble. The sought me out and asked me to join them."
His eyes seek Wilma's. "I didn't want to. You all won your events fair and square. I wanted to warn you. But then I thought--warn you about what? They didn't tell me what they were planning.
"So I pretended to go along with them," he continues, "trying to find out what they're up to. But they must not have trusted me completely, because they didn't really tell me anything until today at lunch. We cut afternoon classes, and went to Gnowsy Thornton. We snuck onto campus and stole their school mascot. We left some clues there that I guess are going to trace back to you. And we put him in your 'headquarters.' The mascot, I mean."
He looks around at all of you. "I'm really sorry I wasn't able to warn you sooner. And now I'm not sure what to do, or how to get you out of this!"
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 d20+10=24 ; Wednesday May 16th, 2012 2:55:20 AM
Wilma listened very carefully, watching Royse's face as he spoke, searching for any nigh-imperceptible clues about whether he was being honest in the story he was telling them. (OOC: Wilma has rolled a Sense Motive check with 24 as the result.) She also sighed as she frowned.
"I bet I know what happened to my missing ring now..." she predicted, then shook her head at the confessing boy. "I wish you could have warned us a little sooner, Royse...but at least you're telling us now. Are the others planning to give Dame Brightseeker some sort of 'anonymous tip' about where to find the mascot, or were they going to rely on us being discovered with it when Gnowsy Thornton inevitably tracks the creature here..?"
As an afterthought, Wilma also added: "What IS the school mascot for Gnowsy Thornton, anyhow...?"
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 16th, 2012 4:45:29 PM
Tuck's eyes go wide and his face colorless at Royse's confession. My headband!
"My headband!" he says when Wilma admits to her missing ring. "They must have taken my headband. I thought I just lost it. Oh man, this isn't good."
"Who all is involved, besides Zeliak and Belorin? I don't suppose if we went to Brightseeker with Royse and he told her what he told us, that she would take our side."
"Oh man."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 Wednesday May 16th, 2012 5:53:42 PM
Ariach follows Royseīs story to the end. He is very upset about the heard things.
How can someone fall so deeply and is so jealously that he just spins out such a plot. This would indeed not only harm the team members-no- the entire good reputation of the school would be damaged for years. And then my name would stand for eternity in connection with this debacle. I cannot tolerate such infamy.
Flooded at the thought of the conspirators he feels anger first. How happy he would be confronting the evildoers with their crime. But then a feeling of compassion wins the upper hand. Compassion for these lost souls who have strayed from the clear path. Nevertheless, he has to initiate the necessary steps to expose the traitors.
"Lady Brightseeker must be immediately informed of the events. She will know the truth and we finally have a witness. Although I admit that it would be good to remove the mascot from the "headquarter "- just in case things go wrong."
Ariach is proposed to have surely the right approach to such offenses. But when he looks around he believes to see in some faces skepticism over his proposal. Also, he is still not clear if he accords credibility to Royse.
I agree that Madame Brightseeker should be told with Royce in attendance, but I think only one or two of us should accompany him to her, while the others of us try and catch and return the mascot if at all possible without notice.
Royce, what is this mascot? I suppose it would be too much to expect that it is something as simple as a goat or some such?
Wilma, how is it that I am so much more capable than these idiots and I get caught doing something artistic and they somehow get away with this?.......
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Wednesday May 16th, 2012 9:42:58 PM
"Well, if any of those buffoons try anything, they'll find themselves dancing naked in the teachers' lounge." After a short pause, Emrys exclaims, "You all didn't hear that."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Wednesday May 16th, 2012 10:32:08 PM
Grell sighs. No, it would be too easy to think that Belorin would just let it go. He definitely agrees that Dame Brightseeker should be notified, but he is hesitant to agree to go after the mascot. "If we get caught, it won't matter what we say...we *will* be guilty then."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 16th, 2012 11:46:37 PM "We should avoid guilt by association. We take Royse to Brightseeker now and have him confess what he has told us. We can let the professors lead the way to discover the mascot."
DM Kathy Thursday May 17th, 2012 1:15:10 AM Wilma studies Royse's face carefully, and comes to the conclusion that he's either completely sincere, or the best actor on the Second Plateau. And you're pretty sure Bluff isn't a class skill for him. She asks whether the other group intended to tip anyone off. "I think they were just counting on the theft being discovered," he replies. "But now that you mention it, they may get impatient. I don't know how much time we have."
Tuck asks who else is involved. "Um..Holly-Iris," Royse replies. "Naeve and that minotaur kid....uh, Belhorn. That's all I know about."
Vaniime asks what the mascot is. "Oh, it's just a dog," he assures you. "A bulldog. He really wasn't any trouble on the way over here."
You speak of taking this to Dame Brightseeker. Royse looks doubtful. "Well, here's the problem," he says. "We have no proof. It'll be our word against theirs. Actually, it'll be worse than that because all the evidence is on their side. And you heard the Headmaster," he adds. "Any infraction will get you kicked off the team. And I'm worried that they'll just disqualify all of us and figure it out later."
He has a point. Maplehurst professors tend to do that kind of thing. Oh, once they've been convinced that you weren't to blame, they'll apologize handsomely, but a lot of good that will do when the competition is already over.
"If only there was time, you could just put the dog back," Royse says. "And reclaim those 'clues.' That would be ideal. But Gnowsy Thornton's ten miles away. You'd need wings."
When he says "wings," it reminds some of you of something. Some of you remember Fizzle Tinkerhand, who came on your earliest adventure before academic work took up all his time. The last time you saw Fizzle, he was talking excitedly about his "final project." It's always a little difficult to follow what Fizzle is talking about, but....you think maybe he said something about a "flying machine."
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Thursday May 17th, 2012 3:22:12 AM
"Wings..?" Wilma echoed, her brows puckering before she recalled Fizzle and his flying machine.
"Wings!" she repeated, snapping her fingers. "Guys...we just might be able to get that bulldog back to Gnowsy Thornton in time! Remember Fizzle's big project..? The one that he was forever scribbling all those formulas and sketches about..? His flying machine...? I'm pretty sure that we could use that to get us there and back before the dog is missed!"
She looked around at her fellow students hopefully.
"All we have to do is find it, get it, and then figure out how it works after we get our hands on it!" Wilma said brightly. "It should be as easy as falling off a treant...!"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:13/15 Thursday May 17th, 2012 7:51:14 AM
Van listens and then as Wilma finishes she adds her thoughts to the mix.
Umm Wilma, People don't "fall" off of Treants They are usually thrown very hard to the ground and then trampled upon, until they are jelly.
Hey Guys, How about we use our invisibility potion on the dog and then get him back to its owners. Perhaps I should just sneak in give the dog the potion and then with no visible evidence we might have a bit or breathing room. I don't suppose any of you can cast a silence spell for the dog as well?
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday May 17th, 2012 8:55:18 AM
Once again Ariach thinks hard to assess the situation properly and to take appropriate counter- measures.
*Perhaps Royse is right. Zeliak, Belorin and their co-conspirators will certainly deny everything and days could pass before the truth comes to light. We would be excluded from the team until they would find out that we are innocent. But then the competition with Gnowsy Thornton would be long gone. And Holly- Iris is involved in all that too! What a shame.*
But whatīs about the flying machine Wilma is talking about? Flying? No, no, I'm not afraid - just - well ... If the gods had willed that people fly they had given them wings.
Despite he has doubts about the flying machine Ariach is ready to assist his teammates. "Wilma's proposal sounds to me pretty well. Of course we must ask for permission to use Fizzlīs flying machine. Vaniimeīs idea of using an invisibility potion could also be a great help. I hope the gates of Gnowsy Thornton are still open, because of course we will not sneak in or do other things law forbids! "
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 17th, 2012 3:08:44 PM
"A few of us should go speak with Fizzle and a few should go round up the dog. We can meet at Fizzle's and take the machine. Save the potion until we're closer to Gnowsy Thornton's since it will wear off. Wilma, do you have a good relationship with Fizzle? Maybe you should speak with him. I'll go get the dog. Is everyone okay with that?"
Tuck looks to the darkening sky. The hair on the back of his neck perks up. This is a real adventure! This is what Dad was talking about. This feeling.
"We should hurry."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 17th, 2012 9:06:52 PM
Emrys retrieves the potion from his backpack. "Here is the Invisibility Potion. However I suggest that one of us bipedals drink the potion and then carry the dog past sensitive areas. Both should be cloaked with the desired effect. However the potion will only last a few minutes."
The bard continues, "Of course, I could talk to the animal and explain things. I may be able to convince the dog to cooperate with us."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Thursday May 17th, 2012 10:55:15 PM
Grell sighs. This was exactly what he was afraid of. He looks over at Tuck and Emrys. "Well, if we're going to split up, it would be good to have Emrys and Tuck go together. That way Emrys can talk to the dog, and Tuck can protect him." Grell decides to go with Wilma's group to get the flying machine.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 17th, 2012 11:50:41 PM
"Actually, my magik will grant the dog the ability to understand, read and speak any language I know. However, I think the dog will only be able to answer us with grunts and gestures, since they lack the ability to form words. Anyone will be able to talk to him."
DM Kathy Friday May 18th, 2012 12:02:58 AM
The group decides that "divide and conquer" is the best strategy, especially given the urgency of the task. Tuck volunteers to go get the dog, and Emrys and Grell volunteer to accompany him.
Meanwhile, Wilma, and whoever wants to accompany her, will seek out Fizzle and see if they can get permission to use his flying contraption. If he even has one. If it even works.
Royse sketches you a quick map of where the dog needs to be returned, then goes to find his co-conspirators. "If they get the idea of alerting Dame Brightseeker," he says, "I'll try to talk them out of it. Or distract them."
(Vaniime, Ariach, and Carver, let me know which group you want to go with.)
The group going to "headquarters" knows the way pretty well by now, and it doesn't take long before your'e inside. Sure enough, there's a bulldog sitting near the wrestling mats. He is brown-and-white, and he is sitting placidly, panting a little. A bone-shaped tag on his collar gives his name as "Gnowsy."
[A Knowledge Nature check might reveal more about Gnowsy.]
Meanwhile, Wilma and her group head out in search of Fizzle. He isn't in the nearly-deserted dining room, and he isn't in the boys' dormitory. Although the hour is late, you decide to try the Magic labs. Maybe he's working late.
The classroom building seems a little eerie at this time of night. During the day, it is a place of light and noise and crowds, but now it is all but deserted. You see the occasional light, and hear the occasional sound of someone working late, but for the most part the building is dark and quiet.
You finally find Fizzle in a lab on the second floor. He is a gnome, with a shock of white hair that always looks as if it were just in an explosion. He is studying some drawings and muttering to himself. In one corner of the lab, something quite large is covered with a sheet.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday May 18th, 2012 1:45:50 AM
Ariach decides to accompany Wilma. If he has to fly then he wants to take a closer look on this so-called flying machine. He also wants to make sure that Fizzle is really asked for the permission to use the machine.
When they reach the lab, and he sees the funny-looking little gnome who talks to himself, brooding over some documents, his confidence in the flying machine is not strengthened.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday May 18th, 2012 1:50:06 AM
Carver follows along, but with a grimace on his face.
Why couldn't we have just threatened the cheaters until they confessed? This is rather convoluted.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Friday May 18th, 2012 2:01:14 AM
"Well..." Wilma confessed to her teammates, "...Fizzle and I aren't bosom buddies, but I always liked him, so I'm willing to give it a shot."
Once she and the people with her found the industrious gnome, Wilma decided that being as forthright as possible was the best chance they had to borrow Fizzle's flying machine.
"Fizzle!" the young cleric-in-training greeted the gnome with a smile. "I'm glad we found you, because we need to ask you a very big favor..." Wilma paused a moment before going on.
"Fizzle...we are here because we very much need to borrow that flying machine of yours. We need to get...eh...somewhere rather far away as quickly as possible, and your machine is our only hope. I know I'm sounding very mysterious here--but I don't want you to know too many details about where we need to go or why...because I don't want you to get into trouble for helping us in case our trip to...the place we need to go...doesn't work out the way we are hoping..." The redhead shrugged sheepishly.
"So...may we please borrow your flying machine..?"
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 18th, 2012 4:11:41 PM
"Heeeeeeeey, buddy," Tuck says in a friendly tone. "I bet you're having fun on your trip, huh."
He does a quick scan of the room to see if there's any other evidence the schemers might have left to get them into trouble.
"I guess we should take him back to meet with the others."
As Grell decides to go with his sister to see Fizzle, Van thinks she would be better off joining Tuck and Emrys in getting the dog out and unseen.
As they approach the team headquarters, she takes a good look to see if there are any telltales around to let anyone know they are there. (Perception 13).
Once inside She makes a quick inspection of Gnosy to figure out what makes him special, as she is fairly sure he isn't mundane, (knowledge nature 14).
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+9=13 ; d20+9=21 ; Sunday May 20th, 2012 5:51:19 PM
Emrys looks and listens around to be sure they are alone (Perception 13). In a calm soothing voice, he approaches Gnosy and says, "That's such a good, good dog" (Diplomacy 21). He mutters a few more words of power and gives the dog a gentle pet across his head and back.
"Hello, Gnosy. Do you understand me? My name is Emrys, he is my friend Tuck. We are your friends too. Would you like to go home to a soft bed and a good meal?"
(Casting Share Language. If the dog chooses to Will save against it, it is DC 16. I choose the Common Language. Gnosy should be able to understand written and spoken Common for 24 hours.)
DM Kathy Sunday May 20th, 2012 10:06:31 PM Wilma, Ariach, and Carver go into the lab to talk to Fizzle. Well, Wilma does the talking; the others accompany her.
"Hmm?" Fizzle looks up from his notes. "Oh. Um, Wilma. Say, would you happen to know the magical flux coefficient of dragon scales?"
"Flying machine?" he asks. "Oh, yes! My final project." He glances over to the covered thing in the corner. "Hasn't really been tested yet. I mean, it flies, and it carries stuff, but I haven't really done any long range...far away, you say? Hmm.....that almost sounds ideal. And it's never crashed or anything, except that one time."
Meanwhile, Vaniime, Emrys, Grell, and Tuck are face-to-face with Gnowsy the bulldog.
Tuck tries sweet words, and the dog gets to his feet, rather slowly, and wags his stump of a tail. Emrys follows up with an invitation the dog can actually understand. He can't answer you, but he walks toward you and gives a friendly-sounding "whuff!"
Vaniime, meanwhile, is studying the dog. She realizes that Gnowsy is a perfectly normal, natural dog. He is unusually calm for a dog, but you realize, as he moves toward your group, that he is quite old. There is grey on his muzzle, and he walks as if he may have a touch of arthritis in his hips. His days of scampering around like a little maniac are, fortunately, behind him. He moves the rest of the way to Emrsy and sits at his feet with a gusty sigh.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Sunday May 20th, 2012 10:42:14 PM
"Then we have your permission to...uh...to take it on a longer-range test flight? Yes..?" Wilma asked brightly, batting large sapphire eyes at Fizzle as she smiled hopefully.
All the while, she hopes that the others are doing well with Gnowsy the bulldog.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday May 21st, 2012 9:22:56 AM
The dog's calm demeanor is one of the few things the group has going for them, Tuck thinks.
"All right, doggie! Let's get you back home. Shall we take him to meet up with the others?"
He looks to Emrys and Vaniime to make sure they have nothing left to do at headquarters before heading out.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday May 21st, 2012 4:29:19 PM
A cold shiver runs down his back as Ariach hears the words- *it has not really been tested yet.*
Even without the words of the slightly weird gnome he had a queasy feeling about the whole thing.
But pioneer spirit and courage are qualities of a good adventurer, he thinks to himself, forcing himself to smile as they receive permission to use the flying machine.
Van thinks for a moment about any less than normally trafficed exits to and from the headquarters that she may have learned on her skulking about over the years.
Umm Shall I drink the potion and carry Gwnosy, so we don't get caught with him?
(Knowledge Local/dungeoneering DC 10)
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 21st, 2012 10:12:49 PM
"Yes, I'm ready to go. Sounds like Gnowsy is ready to go too. OH, and a reminder, Gnowsy understands what we say. He may have some special talents that would helpful."
Emrys turns to Gnowsy and explains the situation. "Gnowsy, the people who brought you hear don't want you to go home tonight, so we will need to be as quiet as we can. If you smell them nearby, let us know by tapping us with your paw." The bard asks Gnowsy one more thing, "When we ask you a question, you can say, 'Yes,' by nodding your head up and down. You can say, 'No,' by shaking your head back and forth. Do you understand?"
Fizzle's Fantastical Flying Floop
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 21st, 2012 10:15:03 PM
"Van, I'd say have the potion ready. It's only going to last a few minutes. Gnowsy may be able to smell them coming."
DM Kathy Monday May 21st, 2012 10:22:50 PM Vaniime considers things. It is after dark, although some of your fellow students (and a few professors) have low-light vision. Still, there would be nothing unusual about a few members of the Maplehurst competition team walking out of their headquarters. You'd have to be careful about Gnowsy being seen, of course, but all in all the danger is going to be much greater at Gnowsy Thornton than it is here. You might want to save the potion.
Emrys is able to explain things to the dog, who cautiously nods his head "yes" when Emrys asks him if he understands.
The dog walks quietly as Vaniime, Emrys, Grell, and Tuck leave the headquarters and begin searching for the others. After some scrambling, you are able to locate them in one of the magic labs, talking to Fizzle.
[Yes, I know the timing is unlikely, but I want you all together for The Reveal!]
Meanwhile, the thought of flying in an untested contraption fills Ariach with a cold dread. Which just goes to show how sensible he is. Wilma, clarifying, asks if you can take the machine on a test flight, just as the rest of the group enters with Gnowsy.
"Yes, yes!" Fizzle says excitedly. "I can't go with you, I'm afraid. I've got far too much to do here. Be sure to take careful notes of your observations." He puts down the drawings he had been messing with and leads the way to the covered device in the corner. He grabs hold of the sheet.
"Behold!" he shouts. "Fizzle's Fantastical Flying Floop!" And he sweeps the cover away.
It takes you a moment to fully understand what you are looking at. Two sofas have been tied together, facing each other. Four wood-and-canvas "wings" have been affixed to the sofa backs. From one end, where the arms of the sofas meet, juts a broomstick tail. Affixed to the other end is a stuffed, mounted goblin's head.
You all stare for a moment. Finally, the goblin head rolls its eyes and looks right at Wilma. "Why don't you make a sketch, Red? It lasts longer!"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday May 21st, 2012 10:24:08 PM
OOC: Okay...so I'll stay with Emrys group then...no big.
Grell looks over at Van. Yeah, the sooner you guys get out of here, the better. You want me to cause a distraction?
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday May 21st, 2012 11:42:26 PM
ooc: Hmm... reminds me of The Gump from Return to Oz.
Carver hesitantly takes his place on the flying sofa, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible. He shrugs. "When in Plateau City, as they say."
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP20/20 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 12:56:42 AM
"Ah...ha..." Wilma was rendered rather speechless by how incongruous the entire device looked, but then she had to admit that at least the sofas would make the flight comfortable.
"Yes, I'll just have to make sure to take very good notes, Fizzle," she agreed, then looked at the gnome. "Can you give us the rundown on how this machine of yours is supposed to work? Carver and, eh...Emrys!" The young acolyte brightened considerably as she pulled Emrys over beside her by one shirt sleeve.
"Emrys...right...Emrys, here, will also be helping Carver to take notes about how our, um, test flight goes...so they will need to have the precise operating instructions for your...Floop." Somehow, in spite of herself, that last word squeaked out as more of a question.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 5:03:33 AM
Ariach decides that *confused*, appears not to be the right word for the gnome when he uncovers his machine. But when he wants to express his protest, he notices that no one else seems to raise objections. On the contrary, most of his friends seem to be very keen to fly with this device. Reminiscent of his duties as a fearless warrior, he also takes a seat on one of the sofa and decides not to ask the most important question.
*How much weight can carry this thing?*
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 8:49:57 AM
"Oh man," says Tuck after Fizzle's triumphant flourish with the cover. He walks slowly around the contraption, one arm crossed over his chest, the other holding his mouth to keep from any incredulous outbursts. His eyes widen in skepticism.
I hope there's some form of securing yourself into this thing. If one of us falls, we're gone.
Was she the only one to notice the goblin head roll its eyes and look at Wilma? Perhaps she was seeing things.
Watching the goblin head closely she walks up to it and looks it straight in the eye.
"Are you sentient?" I mean can you communicate with us? And are you aware of everything going on around you?"
Waiting for an answer from the Floop, she feels more than a bit foolish.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 8:54:59 PM
Grell looks over the contraption with EXTREME suspicion. "Uhhhhh...you know...I could...uhhhhh...stay here to make sure we're not missed."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 10:06:14 PM Carver pulls out his book and continues reading, waiting for take-off.
DM Kathy Tuesday May 22nd, 2012 11:24:41 PM Ariach asks how much weight the Floop can hold. "Oh, it should hold all of you just fine," Fizzle replies. "About 1500 pounds, give or take a few. And the dog is going, too? Wonderful!"
Meanwhile, Vaniime talks to the goblin head. "Yeah, I'm sentient, Ears," it replies. "I'm not sure i can say the same thing about you."
Grell gallantly volunteers to stay behind.
"Well, you must suit yourself, of course," Fizzle says. "But first, we need to get it up to the roof, so it can take off." He looks at Carver, lounging on one of the sofas. "It can't generate enough thrust in here to get the proper lift," he adds. "So, all together now!"
He calls encouragement and leads the way to a little-used set of stairs that lead to the roof. The Floop is heavy, and the goblin-head mocks you the entire way. But at last, you are out on the roof, under the starry sky.
"So, to fly it," Fizzle says. "Well, just tell it where you want to go." He frowns. "Sometimes you have to argue with it. It's a little more self-willed than I'd intended. Rush job, you know. Still, it will eventually go where you tell it. Or, at least, it always has in the past. Now, all aboard!"
[OOC: Yes, it is totally a Gump, only based on the one in the books because I haven't seen that movie. :) ]
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 d20+10=15 ; Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 12:12:39 AM
Wilma inspected the Floop head once more, using her powers of Perception to see whether or not the head was merely what amounted to an animated stuffed pillow, or if it was, in actuality, an ex-goblin-head. If it turned out to be the animated remains of an ex-goblin, then Wilma would have to refuse to allow this device to be used by anyone because she was obligated to destroy the undead as an acolyte of Gargul.
OOC: Wilma's Perception on this observation is 15.
If it turns out that the goblin head is NOT an undead goblin, Wilma will sit down in a spot close to the head.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 3:48:40 AM
Grell would probably like to lag behind. But as a team, that they are now, they will do something together against this conspiracy. Ariach had decided to go along with them and so Grell would have to go too.
The talking goblin head doesnīt increase Ariachīs confidence in the flying loop and makes the whole scenario unreal for him. But knowing that he isnīt alone with his discomfort solaces him.
"No way! We need you Grell. In addition, we are a team. The adventure will bind us together even more which will help us in the competition." With a broad grin Ariach knocks a few times on a sofaīs seat. "Here is a nice seat - just for you."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 5:10:02 PM
Tuck uncoils his rope and ties it to the most secure looking piece on the...Floop.
"Here we go, Gnowsy," he says, helping the dog up onto one of the cushions. He creates a harness for the dog. Should the mascot fall during flight, hopefully they'll have a chance of reeling him back in.
After Gnowsy is secured, Tuck provides the remainder of the fifty feet of rope for others to loop themselves in. If it's not enough, perhaps some others might have more rope on them.
Tuck settles into a relatively comfortable position and takes a deep breath. "Ready as I'll ever be, Captain Wilma."
"Well aren't you a bit of an uppity fellow. I meant no disrespect. Having never met anyone quite like you I wanted to make sure you could actually think, as opposed to just being a programmed automaton. I mean such a unique being as yourself deserves to be treated as an individual not as a thing."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 9:38:23 PM
Following Gnowsy, Emrys also tries to show confidence in the flying contraption so not to worry the bulldog.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 10:24:52 PM
With a big sigh, Grell pulls out a length of rope and helps Tuck tie everyone in. Then he looks over at Wilma. "You better get this thing moving before I change my mind!"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 11:26:37 PM
ooc: I knew it! :)
Carver continues to sit, waiting for his companions to board.
DM Kathy Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 11:48:23 PM
[OOC: Before I forget (again!) everybody take 200 XP for the second scene. Also, some of you still show that you're down some hit points in your headers. Your dungeon adventure was over weeks ago; you're all healed up. Not that it's going to be relevant or anything...]
Wilma spends some time studying the goblin head, and also asks a few questions of Fizzle, who is glad to tell her all about it. The goblin head was stuffed (by a taxidermist) and mounted on its wooden plaque some time ago; Fizzle found it someplace and attached it to his flying machine. When he animated the machine, the head animated, too. So, the head is an animated object (or rather, part of an animated object), and not undead. Macabre, certainly (who in the Wold would want a stuffed goblin head?!), but not evil.
Meanwhile, Ariach refuses to let Grell stay behind, so Grell helps Tuck secure some ropes to help the group stay in the contraption. Tuck lifts Gnowsy onto one of the couch cushions and makes him a harness out of the rope. Gnowsy seems to enjoy being on the couch; he pants with an open mouth that makes it look like he's smiling. And maybe he is.
As Emrys settles himself on the cushion, attempting to relay a feeling of calm, Gnowsy shoves his head under Emrys's hand in a blatant invitation to be petted.
Vaniime's answer seems to appease the testy goblin head. "Right you are, Toots," he says. "Now, let's get this show on the road."
"Indeed," says Fizzle. "All aboard!"
You (I assume) all pile into the Floop. The sofas are quite comfortable, except there's really no place to put your feet. "Just tell it where you want to go," says Fizzle. "Oh! And don't damage it. I need to hand it in next week."
With that, the wood-and-canvas wings begin to beat, kicking up an impressive amount of wind. Slowly, the Floop rises into the air and begins moving forward.
"Woo-hoo! We're on our way!" the goblin-head shouts. "Okay, who's buying the first round? I can't because my money is in my other pants. Also, I don't wear pants anymore. Ha! Oh, and you'll have to tell me the way to the pub; I doubt you want to fly all the way to the Duck and Salamander."
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 Thursday May 24th, 2012 2:33:39 AM
Wilma smiled at the dog as it demanded attention from Emrys--even if the mascot was technically for a rival school, Gnowsy was entirely too charming to not like.
"We're on our way to the school at Gnowsy Thornton, Mr. Floop," the redheaded human told the goblin head, "Some jealous classmates of ours took the dog and left things that belong to us at the scene of the crime so that we will be blamed...we are flying there to return the mascot and, hopefully, get back our own things before we are unjustly accused of swiping Gnowsy here..." She looked around as the machine flew on.
"We simply must make sure that nothing happens to Mr. Floop," Wilma remarked, "Fizzle outdid himself with this..!" The young cleric of Gargul decided that she liked flying in such a machine even if the design was rather odd.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday May 24th, 2012 3:03:36 PM
Tuck holds on tight to an armrest as the Floop lifts into the air.
"Oh man!"
After a few minutes of travel, Tuck becomes a little more comfortable. He keeps a firm grip on the rope, however.
"We should land in an inconspicuous place, a little distance from the school. If we're seen flying this thing into the school, people will come looking for us. Or even try to bring us down by violent means."
Otherwise, Tuck seems to enjoy the ride. The wind ruffles his hair as he looks out at the land passing below.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday May 24th, 2012 4:46:44 PM
As the wings start to move Ariach breathes deeply and tries to remain calm on the outside. To his surprise, flying seems to be very comfortable. The machineīs light up and down movement is similar the movement while riding. If he still avoids the gaze straight down and looks at the landscape in the distance, flying is not even that bad. Only the fact that a stuffed goblinīs head is the navigator of this Floop, prevents that he is completely relaxed. He gives Grell a slight dig in the ribs and then says mischievously.
"Flying seems to be a good thing. I just hope we come back to the floor in one piece."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:48:09 PM
Emrys gives Gnowsy a good rub. "Don't worry, Gnowsy. You'll be home in no time at all."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:56:45 PM
Taking a seat near the head Van keeps up her conversation as the flight gets underway.
"So you mentioned an inn, but do you actually need to eat or drink? I mean I know you have a mouth and teeth, but does your mouth lead anywhere, so to speak? "
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Thursday May 24th, 2012 10:14:10 PM
OOC: Dag nab it!! I can't believe I forgot that Grell was deathly afraid of dogs!! Geeeez, I suck!!
The warrior looks very uncomfortable as they lift off, and Ariach can physically feel the warrior tense up. Though the funny thing is, it doesn't seem to be the fact that they are rapidly accelerating off the ground that bothers him. Rather, it seems to be the dog. The cute, innocent little pooch seated directly in front of them. Grell locks eyes with the beast, never letting it out of his sight, as a film of sweat begins to form on his brow. So intent is he on watching Gnowsy's every move, that he misses half of what Ariach says. "Uhhhh...yeah...one piece..." Grell gulps as he notices the massive canine teeth on the bulldog. He absently rubs at an ugly looking scar on his neck and begins to feel like he's going to vomit.
DM Kathy Thursday May 24th, 2012 11:48:34 PM Emrys reassures Gnowsy, who, truth to tell, looks a little nervous about flying. He's in good company with Grell, who looks a little nervous about Gnowsy.
Wilma attempts to explain your situation to the Floop. "Yeah, I care deeply about all of this," he replies. "Who's buying the first round?"
Vaniime asks him whether he can actually eat and drink. "Well, you never know until you try, do you? All I know is, my head is stuffed with sawdust, and I'm parched!"
Tuck finds flying rather pleasant, as does Ariach. You realize that looking down is not really a problem; you are flying high enough, and it is dark enough, that you can't really see the ground. At least not in any detail. Which, considering you're trying to reach a specific destination, is a little worrying.
[OOC: Monday is a holiday in the US, so I'm going to assume we're not posting. My next DM post will be Monday evening for Tuesday.]
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday May 25th, 2012 2:52:38 PM
"Hmm, I don't know if alcohol is a good idea while you're flying, Floop. Maybe we can get you a drink when we return to Fizzle's. Right now, I can offer you some water."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday May 25th, 2012 4:34:48 PM
The longer the flight lasts the more Ariach relaxes and soon all doubts are vanished. So he can refocus on the important things. While his eyes look off into the distance, he begins to muse to himself. "Donīt you find it incredibly sad that students of our own school weave such an intrigue? Why did they do that? Holly, Iris, Neave, Belhorn and Zeliak ....... hmm, I never had problems with one of them. Nothing what could justify such an approach. "
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday May 25th, 2012 10:24:05 PM checking in
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Saturday May 26th, 2012 10:55:15 AM
His eyes still firmly locked on the dog, Grell shrugs his shoulders at Ariach's musings. "Competition does strange things to people. Some people just can't handle losing." Grell begins to do a mental countdown, counting the minutes they've been in the air, and how long until that *thing* in front of him will be gone out of his life forever.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 Saturday May 26th, 2012 6:34:13 PM
Wilma spent the rest of the flight trying to think of how the group would get Gnowsy to where he needed to go. She also used the opportunity to see just how the immediate area looked from the air. One of her favorite stories that she'd made her parents tell her over and over was about the time that they'd actually flown over the Wold on the back of a golden dragon. This Floop was no dragon, to be sure, but flying was something that the young acolyte found that she rather liked...
DM Kathy Monday May 28th, 2012 9:24:05 PM Tuck tries to reason with the Floop. "Water?!" the goblin head repeats in disbelief. "Who brought the boring kid? Oh, all right, fine. Later on." And he flies in silence for a while.
Ariach and Grell discuss the possible motivations of their rivals. Carver and Wilma allow their thoughts to drift. It's so easy to get comfortable on the sofas...winging through the night....
Which is why it's a little startling a few minutes later when the Floop says: "So....this Gnowsy Thornton place....where is it? And are we headed the right direction?"
You realize that, apart from the name of your destination, you didn't give the Floop any information about how to find it. And now, flying through the dark, you're not sure where you are. It is too dark to see the ground. Even those with darkvision cannot see it, which probably means you're flying more than 60 feet high. The stars are out, so you can probably work out where you are and where you need to go. But it will take a little effort on your part.
Emrys (ac14, hp14) Monday May 28th, 2012 9:57:08 PM
Emrys tries his best to answer the Floop. "That is a good question, Mr. Floop. Maybe I can be of assistance." He tells the Floop every detail he can recall.
(Not sure which Knowledge skill to use. The book has Knowledge Geography and Local as skills that give info about regions, location (well-known and secret), people and personalities on page 100 and on the Knowledge Skill DC Chart on page 101. However, Geography will also recognize terrain and locations, so Emrys will use his Loremaster ability (1/day) and take20 as a standard action on a Knowledge skill check. In this case, to determine the right direction and location of our destination. Knowledge [Geography] 30)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday May 28th, 2012 11:41:35 PM
Grell looks more than a little concerned from the Floop's message. "Uhhhhh...that way?" he points randomly, having no clue which way they should go. He smiles at Emrys who is no doubt working out the problem as he speaks.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 Tuesday May 29th, 2012 1:45:35 AM
Wilma sighed. She could have sworn that she had explained to the Floop where it was that the group had to go and why. She recalled that the cheeky device had asked who was buying the first round instead of asking her where the school was located. This annoyed her a bit because if the Floop hadn't known where Gnowsy Thornton was at the time that Wilma had mentioned that the school was their ultimate destination, then why hadn't the Floop spoken up at that time?
"Because the Floop's mind--what there is of it--was probably not focusing on what I said, most likely..." the young cleric-in-training muttered with another gusty sigh. She would have to remember to be more clear in the future...assuming that they were not now hopelessly lost in the skies over this level of the Plateau...
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday May 29th, 2012 9:06:18 AM
Ariach stops his conversation with Grell irritated as he hears the testimony of the Goblin. But when he sees Wilma handles the problem, he relaxes again convinced they will find the right way.
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 d20=13 ; Tuesday May 29th, 2012 1:39:51 PM OOC: voluntary check to see if Wilma can figure out the proper set of directions to give the flippant Floop...(just not sure which skill to use for this, though, so it's a straight d20 roll...
Rolled 13 for Wilma's attempt to tell where they are and how the group needs to get to Gnowsy Thornton.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday May 29th, 2012 3:02:02 PM
Tuck has no idea where the school is. There are others better suited to figuring that out, and Tuck stays out of it. Instead, he keeps an eye on the dog and enjoys the ride.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+4=22 ; Tuesday May 29th, 2012 9:01:32 PM
ooc: Intelligence check to see if I can figure out where to go.
Int check 22
DM Kathy Tuesday May 29th, 2012 10:07:35 PM
When your craft asks which direction to go, Grell indicates a random direction, and Ariach and Tuck don't feel up to figuring out your location. Wilma and Carver give it a try, but don't come up with an answer.
Emrys gives the matter some thought. You close your eyes, and can picture the map of the second plateau quite well. There is the village of Gnowsy Overton, and there is Maplehurst. Gnowsy Thornton is almost due east from the village, and south-southeast from Maplehurst. You know right where it is.
Getting there, however, is more of an issue. You need to figure out where you are now, which will entail either navigating by the stars (Knowledge Nature), using intuition (Survival), or asking the Floop to fly lower so you might be able to make out some landmarks. (Perception, or Survival, or Knowledge Local. That is, once you've persuaded the Floop to descend.)
"Any ideas?" the Floop persists. "Look I don't care; I can fly all the way to the Scab without getting tired. Only that gnome guy seemed to think he'd be showing me to some people pretty soon."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 d20+11=23 ; Tuesday May 29th, 2012 11:46:47 PM
Knowledge (local) 23
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+2=16 ; Wednesday May 30th, 2012 4:18:47 AM
"I can see from up here absolutely nothing. When we could fly lower, I could perhaps say where we are and what direction we need to go (knowledge local 16). Maybe our Floop captain is willing to lose a little height so we can orient better."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday May 30th, 2012 3:28:53 PM
"Yes," Tuck agrees with Ariach. "If we could descend a bit so we might make out the land, then we can get the direction right."
"I expect the quicker we get to Gnowsy and back to Maplehurst, the quicker we can get the Floop a drink," he adds to entice the wacky flying craft into cooperating.
Trying to get a sense of how far they may have gone, Van asks floop a couple of quick questions.
"So Mr. Floop, Can you tell us just how fast you have been flying and how long we have been flying?"
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+11=25 ; Wednesday May 30th, 2012 8:38:26 PM
Emrys opens up his backpack and retrieves his compass. After consulting his little brass compass, he is aware of which direction they are going. "Ahh, I see we are going ..." ." He then turns his gaze up to the stars and constellations that twinkle above in the sea of night. "Ohhh, I see! I think we need to head to that part of the second plateau. We should also keep an eye out for the school's everburning flame that burns in the main courtyard."
(Knowledge Nature: 25 to study the stars for the right direction ... and with the help of his compass.)
Bitten by inspiration, Emrys offers up an idea for when they begin to close on their destination. "With all the talk of drinking early in this flight, why not Mr. Floop drink the Invisibility Potion, if he is able to. Since he is carrying us, we'd be invisible as well! No one will notice us as we arrive!"
(Invisibility spells affect objects too. So if the Floop can drink, then why not?)
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Wednesday May 30th, 2012 9:56:13 PM check
DM Kathy Wednesday May 30th, 2012 10:55:19 PM Vaniime tries to get some sense of speed and direction. "Uhh....this way," the Floop replies vaguely. "And I only go one speed, which is as fast as I'm flying now."
Emrys uses his compass to get a heading, and is able to point the Floop in the right direction. Specific navigation, however, will almost certainly require landmarks.
You therefore talk with the Floop, and try to persuade him to fly lower. Tuck promises him a drink once you return to Maplehurst. Ariach thinks to ask nicely.
The Floop seems unimpressed. "Boring bunch, aren't you?" he grumbles. Then he seems to perk up a bit. "Maybe we can fix that. Lower, you say? Sure. Let's go lower!" And with that, the wood-and-canvas wings fold back and the Floop goes into a steep dive.
Luckily, you thought to rig ropes ahead of time, so you stand a good chance of catching yourself! [Everybody make a DC 5 Reflex save, or unpleasantness may ensue!]
Gnowsy, secure in his harness, stays aboard the Floop. But he clearly doesn't care for this turn of events, and sets up a surprisingly loud howl.
"Yeeee-HAAAAAA!" shrieks the Floop as you plunge out of the sky.
"OOO-wroooowwroooww-OOOWWWROOO-roooow!" howls Gnowsy, not to be outdone.
Between the two of them, they are likely to wake the entire countryside, which isn't really what you want on a stealth mission.....
Wilma AC16/12/14 (chain shirt); HP25/25 d20+3=5 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 12:37:18 AM
Wilma--who was trying hard to recall which stars one had to locate in the sky in order to actually tell where one was--was completely unprepared for the sudden change in direction and found herself literally flying out of her seat on the Floop, only just barely latching onto one of the ropes that was meant to hold them onto the couches.
She was in no position to admonish either Gnowsy nor the Floop about their noises, as her own scream of surprise was adding to the din...
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+6=16 ; d20+4=24 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 3:56:34 PM
As the Floop plunges into the darkness, Tuck instinctively latches onto the back of the sofa with one hand. His hair gusts out behind him as they race downward. "Oh man!" His lips flap back from the pressure to reveal his gritted teeth.
Reflex = 16
With his other hand, Tuck snatches at Gnowsy to pull the dog close and comfort him. "Hush, boy. I gotcha. We're okay. I gotcha."
Touch attack to grab the dog = 24 (natural 20)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+3=7 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 5:47:05 PM
Before Ariach can respond something to the goblinīs head it seems the Floop finally crashes. (Reflex=7) Ariachīs viscera want to leave his body and his head wants to explode. His body is lifted from the seat and he cannot even hold on to something. At least he is not the only one at the moment of death who screams. Although his subdued "Arrrgh" stands in stark contrast to the other death cries. Because a "YEEEEEEEE-HAAAA!" doesnīt appear to fit in here.
Vanime realises just in time what Floop intends and grabs hold of the ropes and braces herself (DC 14)just as Floop goes into his dive. Her loud "Waaaaiiittttttt!" melds well with the other screams and howls being emmitted by the others.
Slightly louder than under her breath, Van quietly says to whoever can hear her.
"Remind me to remove all the stuffing from this contraption and use the remaining wood for kindling if he ever does something like that again."
Emrys (ac14, hp14) d20+6=21 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 9:48:31 PM
"THE DRINKS ARE ON US! THE DRINKS ARE ON US!!" is all Emrys can say as they go into their dive.
(Reflex save: 21)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday May 31st, 2012 9:49:45 PM
(sorry, I just remembered to update my info in the name line)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+3=7 ; Thursday May 31st, 2012 11:21:26 PM
Suddenly lunging forward, Grell is caught by his safety rope, but almost slips under it. Grasping about desperately, he finally manages to get ahold of a cushion and holds on for dear life. To his extreme terror, he finds himself directly in front of Tuck and the Gnowsy...almost in Tuck's lap. Turning crimson, and then pale, Grell prays to Domi that the contraption settles out soon, because when they're all said and done, he's gonna grind it into saw dust!!
Reflex=7
DM Kathy Friday June 1st, 2012 12:29:14 AM
You are unprepared for the sudden change in direction, but fortunately nobody tumbles out of the Floop. Wilma, almost tossed from the contraption, lets out a scream. Ariach also cries out, not quite as loudly, in the face of imminent doom.
Tuck catches hold of Gnowsy and reassures the dog. Ordinarily, this wouldn't do much good, but thanks to Emrys's spell, the dog still understands Common. He subsides to whimpering.
Grell manages not to cry out, though he almost falls before finding himself face-to-face with a savage, ravening bulldog! Vaniime calls a belated order to wait, while Emrys cleverly offers to buy the next round.
It may have been the threats, promises, or shrieks, but the Floop probably only stopped because it felt it had dropped low enough. It fans its wings, and the dive levels out into a treetop-level skim across the countryside.
"Woo-hooo-hoooo!" the Floop cries. "That was great! Hey, I should get some altitude so we can do that again!" And with that, the broomstick tail tilts down, the front end tilts up, and the Floop begins climbing again.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday June 1st, 2012 4:20:18 AM
After an abrupt stop Ariach realizes that they will not die. Relieved he takes a deep breath before the talking head announces to make a nosedive again. With wide eyes an obvioulsy worried Ariach begins to speak. "Stop this madness, please! Otherwise ..... "
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Friday June 1st, 2012 10:33:57 AM
Carver looks rigid and stone-faced, gripping the sides of their precarious vehicle with white-knuckled fingers.
I'm going to murder this abominable thing as soon as I get a chance.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday June 1st, 2012 4:21:18 PM
Still clutching tightly to Gnowsy, though the others might not be able to discern whether it's to calm the dog or so Tuck has something to hold onto, the wild-eyed youth gasps out, "No! Keep it at this level! This level is good! Someone tell him, for Pete's sake!"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Friday June 1st, 2012 10:13:43 PM
The warrior bellows out at the top of his substantial lung capacity "STOP! HOLD your altitude and listen to Emrys and Wilma or I will carve you into a back scratcher in mid flight!!!"
Still hugging the couch, Wilma's relief at being level is very audible as she quite loudly says "Thank Gargul." which is followed up just as quickly by "Floop Please wait!" as she hears the Floop's comment and feels the beast begin to angle upward for another dive.
Leaning forward to make sure he hears Wilma speaks calmly and firmly to the Floop.
"It is very important that we and the dog get to where we are going in one piece." and at this lower level we can see where we are and how to get there more quickly and then when we are done then perhaps we can see about some more arial acrobatics."
VANIME
As she realizes that the Floop is acyually going to be able to stop the dive in time and not crash into the ground, killing them all, Van realizes that the dive was kind of fun and exhilerating and is almost looking forward to another dive as the Floop begins to angle upward again and then she hears the others and adds her two cents to their pleas.
" Hey Floopster, That was actually kind of fun, though next time a little bit more warning would be appreciated so we don't all nearly go flying over the edges and die." I tell you what If you will just follow our directions and get us to where we are going and back safetly, I will get permission from Fizzle and you and I can go out and take the ride of our lives. How does that sound.?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=26 ; Sunday June 3rd, 2012 5:17:15 PM
Emrys squirms his way over to the Floop's goblin head and speaks as calmly as he can, even though his heart is still beating as fast as a drum roll.
"Mr Floop, you are truly a master of the art of flight. To watch you work is not just a pleasure but is equally exciting. However, many here have been earthbound all their lives. They fear their separation from the ground, especially poor Gnowsy. If we can fly low enough to spot landmarks and hasten Gnowsy's return home, that gives us more time for games and merriment afterwards."
(Diplomacy: 26)
DM Kathy Sunday June 3rd, 2012 9:16:49 PM
There is universal alarm aboard the Floop as it starts to climb again. Grell bellows threats. Ariach and Tuck exclaim in dismay. Carver white-knuckles and promises a reckoning to come.
Wilma and Emrys ask nicely, and Vaniime tries to jolly the Floop along, promising fun times later. Whether its the politeness or the promise, the Floop sighs a little and levels out.
You are now flying at about 40 feet above the ground. Those with low-light and darkvision can see reasonably well. Those with regular human-style vision are having a little trouble. Carver thinks he recognizes a few landmarks [I used your earlier roll], and guides the Floop a little more eastward.
After that rather exciting start, the bulk of your journey is still ahead of you. You will need to navigate [Knowledge Nature, Local, Geography; Perception], and it might not hurt to stay on the Floop's good side [Diplomacy and/or really good role-playing. :)]
You may also want to formulate a strategy for when you arrive.
Emrys sighs in relief that the Floop has decided to cooperate. Now that they are close to the ground and the stars allow him to see, he able to find his bearings. "That river must be the Brinkwater, and there are several roads in the area that would lead to Gnowsy Overton when the two converge. Gnowsy Thornton will just be east of there."
Emrys looks to the stars again, admiring their beauty. They seem to twinkle more brightly in the night's sky. His eyes seem more keen than they once were. Maybe it's because of their altitude. However there is something more ... he feels connected in some way. Emrys thinks to himself that someday he will learn of all the stars' origins ... "your secrets will be known to me," he says softly.
Suddenly his ears detect a whisper in the evening's breeze. Emrys eyes dart around to each of his friends. None appear to be aroused by it. Then again, the whisper speaks again, "They say the forest cried the day she died ...."
"What?!" Emrys sinks down in his seat and appears quite shaken. He looks about at his friends again, but none of them appear to be the source. In fact, Gnowsy seems quite confused.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20-1=2 ; Monday June 4th, 2012 6:21:47 AM
To Ariachīs relief the Floop waives to launch a daring action again. It seems that they fly a little deeper though Ariach still cannot see anything on the ground in this darkness.
(Diplomacy=2) But the absence of all manners of the Goblin makes Ariach angry. In addition it is irresponsible in accordance with the Code to arouse fear just for fun. In the belief that once has to speak with the Goblin in a proper way he raises his voice. "What is this nonsense! I command you to hold on immediately. Your behavior is outrageous and inexcusable. If you had a body I would hold you accountable in a duel."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday June 4th, 2012 7:31:51 AM
Emrys looks on in complete disbelief as Ariach challenges the Floop to combat after they had finally gotten the "goblin head" to calm down and cooperate!
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday June 4th, 2012 3:25:01 PM
"Let's keep it here, Floop. I think this is a good level for us. Ariach, chill out. He's flying okay, now."
Tuck pets Gnowsy's head. "We're okay, now buddy. Almost home."
As he's thinking of what to do once they land, Tuck remembers the spell that was cast on Gnowsy. He can understand what they're saying!
"Hey, Gnowsy. Are you familiar with the school's grounds? Could you take us back to your bed in a way that we could avoid most people? It would be better if no one saw us taking you back, you see."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday June 4th, 2012 9:18:54 PM
Satisfied that the contraption has listened to his threats, Grell settles back in to his spot and tries to avoid the dog's glances.
OOC: I'll be out of town next week. If Donna or Kent can take over Grell, that would be swell, otherwise, please try not to kill him. ;)
DM Kathy Monday June 4th, 2012 9:30:49 PM Grell settles in and hopes this will all be over soon.
Emrys, now that he can see his surroundings, is able to direct the Floop. Then....he seems to start hearing voices. Fortunately, they don't seem to be telling him to kill anybody. Yet.
Ariach's indignation causes him to speak more harshly to the Floop than he otherwise might. "I have a body, Sword-for-Brains, and you're sitting in it now," the goblin-head replies.
Fortunately, Tuck is able to intercede and the goblin-head calms down again. Tuck takes a moment to speak to Gnowsy, asking him about returning to his place without meeting any people. Gnowsy looks puzzled. He makes a "hrrr?" noise before shoving his head under Tuck's hand again.
The Floop continues winging through the night. It really is a comfortable way to travel, when you're not having to argue with the contentious goblin-head.
Eventually, you see that you are approaching the cluster of buildings that comprise the Gnowsy Thornton school. You are almost at your destination.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 24/27 Monday June 4th, 2012 10:56:46 PM I'm going to set this thing on fire when we get back.
Carver clings until the abomination lands, then alights quickly and steadies himself.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+19=36 ; Tuesday June 5th, 2012 12:04:35 AM
Emrys smiles when they first start to see the school. He then turns to his friends and asks an important question. "Do we want to simply return Gnowsy, or do we place one of the lead conspirators at the scene of the crime?"
The bard mutters a few small words of power and Emrys takes on the appearance of Zeliak, one of the Maplehurst ring leaders who created this unfortunate situation.
(Casting Disguise Self and then Emrys makes a Disguise skill check: 36. Emrys gets a +10 to his check because of the spell.)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday June 5th, 2012 3:16:51 AM
The renewed offensive by the Floop does not contribute that Ariach really calms down. But it would be dishonorable to duel with someone who cannot defend himself. Dishonorable, but not entirely without charm as Ariach notices shocked about his own thoughts. Fortunately, it seems the Floop doesnīt add another insult.
To Emrys he says, "As tempting as it is, let's not sink to their level. We do not need such charades."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Tuesday June 5th, 2012 2:28:23 PM "I have no problem with stooping to their level. After all, their level seems fairly competent in causing trouble for their opponents."
I do not think we go out of our way to implicate anyone in our place, The question I have is, do we try to get back our things that were left here, or do we just simply leave Gnowsy and return and see what occurs.? Also do we see if Floop here can drink a potion and possibly waste it or what?
Vanime
Van can't help but chuckle at Ariach's response to the Floop, Domi knows she had the same reaction at first but what can you expect from a constructe being that has basically been alive for only hours and has a Goblin brain.
At Emrys's comments and thought about reframing the others, her first thought is Most Definitely! and she is about to agree with him and support the idea when Ariach and Wilma speak up against the idea and with a moment's true thought, she realizes that doing nothing but returning Gnowsy would be the honorable and the correct thing to do.
Van shakes her head in disbelief at herself.
"Hey Guys, I can't believe I am actually saying this but, we said we would keep our noses clean and not do anything to bring dishonor to Maplehurst, so we need to return him and leave without causing any other problems or getting anyone from Maplehurst in trouble. Whether they deserve it or not."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday June 5th, 2012 9:09:34 PM
Emrys sighs, "Agreed. Let's not dishonor Maplehurst. I'll simply have to deal with Zeliak and Belorin on my own time. However, I'm keeping this disguise though, I have a reputation to maintain."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday June 5th, 2012 9:43:56 PM
On second thought, why cover up, he thinks? Emrys decides he may need his natural allure, and not Zeliak's ugliness, in case his charm and charisma becomes necessary. He could always cast the illusion again.
(Dropping the Disguise Self spell.)
DM Kathy Tuesday June 5th, 2012 9:45:48 PM Emrys disguises himself as one of your rivals, thinking to implicate them in turn. Wilma, Vaniime, and Ariach manage to talk him out of it, but he keeps the disguise on, because you never know.
Absent any instructions from you, the Floop sets down in the middle of what appears to be a large, grassy field. It is after midnight by now, and only the occasional glimmer of light shows from the windows of the school. Starlight and the fading moonlight is pretty much all you have to see by. Gnowsy, sensing that home is near begins to make anxious little whiny noises. You get the sense that only Tuck's previous explanations are keeping him from barking in joyful anticipation.
Royse did sketch you a map before you left, so hopefully somebody has it with them. Of course, in order for the map to do any good, you need to figure out where on campus you set down.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Wednesday June 6th, 2012 10:08:23 AM
After landing Ariach notices the constellation of the heavenly bodies and that it must be after midnight already. Even if they bring the dog back in time and disappear without any further complications, they will be tired tomorrow. They will be tired at their most important competition of life.
With a resigned sigh he turns to his companion. "If we want to appear to the competition rested, we must now hurry. Zeliak and his friends have achieved at least that we get no sleep tonight."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday June 6th, 2012 3:26:00 PM
Tuck stares off into the evening for a few minutes, absentmindedly petting Gnowsy's head. When they set down, he blinks a few times and lifts the dog out of the Floop. He gently unties himself and the others from the contraption, leaving a bit of length as a harness for Gnowsy to use as a leash.
After a quick stretch, Tuck squints towards the school grounds. He kneels next to Gnowsy. "You're a good boy, aren't you?" The dog receives an ear scratching. "Good boy. We need you to keep quiet now, Gnowsy. Do you know how to get to your home from here? Nod for 'yes' or shake your head for 'no'."
"I think we should leave one or two of us with the Floop, just to make sure he doesn't...take off without us," he says to the others. "It will be easier to sneak in with fewer people as well."
"Tuck maybe you and I and perhaps one other should go and the rest should remain here with the Floop, but that is just my opinion."
Wilma
Thinking that perhaps it would be best if she left the delivery to others decides to remain with the Floop and keep it calm and relaxed.
Grell
Grell checks his gear and waits sullenly, emitting a grunt every few seconds to show his impatience.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+14=33 ; Wednesday June 6th, 2012 9:06:44 PM
(I don't remember who took the map, so in the interest of speeding things along ...)
After having changing back to his normal form, Emrys opens a pouch and extracts a single piece of folded paper. Once unfolded, everyone can see a crude, hand-drawn map of the school and a location marked, Gnowsy's room. "This is the map that Royse had drawn for us. Judging by what I saw from above in the Floop, I believe we are located here." Emrys points to a spot on the map and then traces a path to the destination.
(Knowledge [Geography]: 33, to match up what he saw above to the hand-drawn map to discern their current location.)
Giving a nod to Ariach suggestion, "Very true, our lack of sleep will effect all of our performances tomorrow. We should finish this as soon as possible."
Emrys turns to the dog, "Gnowsy, you have been so good on this trip. You can help us find our way, but could you warn us if you smell someone else approaching?"
DM Kathy Wednesday June 6th, 2012 10:37:17 PM Emrys studies the map. As far as you can tell, you have set down in the riding-paddock. So, you know, watch where you step. Gnowsy's enclosure is at the end of the stables (outside the stables, but built onto the end). The stables are marked on the map, and don't look too far away.
Both Emrys and Ariach note the lateness of the hour, and seem to think that you guys are going to get some sleep at some point, which is cute. :)
Tuck asks Gnowsy if he knows the way home from here. Gnowsy neither nods nor shakes his head, but lowers his head to the grass and starts sniffing. He walks back and forth, nosing along the grass. His stumpy tail wags. He seems to know that he is near his home, and could probably find it if need be. But he doesn't know the direction yet.
Tuck also suggests that someone stay with the Floop to keep it from taking off. Wilma volunteers to do so, while Vaniime feels she is stealthy enough to help return Gnowsy.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Wednesday June 6th, 2012 11:45:10 PM "You know, if we were to just leave him right here, someone would likely come along and find him. They would say, "Hey, that's funny. How did Gnowsy get out?" Then they would put him back in and we wouldn't have to worry about finding his room."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday June 7th, 2012 5:00:07 AM
Ariach replies Carver's idea "We necessarily need Wilma's ring and the hair band to make sure they cannot prosecute us for doing anything."
He agrees to go along to the stables. But he strictly rejects to enter one of the houses. But he will take position in front of the stable and warn the others if something unnatural happens.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Thursday June 7th, 2012 3:07:29 PM
Tuck nods at Vaniime. "I will go. I'm fairly sneaky." He pauses for a moment. "Not trying to brag, or anything. And not that that's a skill to be proud of." A pained expression appears on his face and he shakes his head. "Sorry."
"I can scout ahead to make sure there aren't folks about. Then the rest can come when it's safe. Should we use the invisibility potion, now?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday June 7th, 2012 9:41:01 PM
A dark thought enters the bard's mind. "We cannot assume that others aren't already privy about our visit. This could very well be a trap. Splitting up may not be a wise decision." Emrys thinks a little bit and turns to dog and asks, "Gnowsy, did strangers sneak you away from your home and put you in the room where we found you? Nod your head for yes, shake your head for no."
Emrys becomes a bit shaken with the idea. "Now that I think of it, Gnowsy being at Maplehurst is completely logical. Why not bring the school mascot to such an event? It's at least 7 to 8 hours travel time, without magical means. (I remember reading that the two schools were 50 miles apart, correct me if I'm wrong.) I knew there was something about Royse's story that didn't sound right!"
After humming a little tune, Emrys begins to scan the area for divinations and other forms of magic. "We may have actually been tricked to steal Gnowsy. If that's the case, then we really are in trouble!"
(Casting Detect Magic.)
(
Skullduggery
DM Kathy Friday June 8th, 2012 12:40:42 AM Carver suggests simply leaving Gnowsy here, but Ariach reminds you that there are also incriminating clues to retrieve.
Tuck volunteers to be among the stealthy group that returns Gnowsy.
Emrys with a healthy adventurer's paranoia that does his teachers credit, wonders whether you have perhaps been set up to steal Gnowsy under the pretense of rescuing him. You realize that this is unlikely. Tomorrow's competition will take place at Gnowsy Thornton, not Maplehurst, so there would be no good reason for the mascot to be there. Also, when you ask Gnowsy whether he was taken by strangers, he stops sniffing around long enough to nod his head.
You cast Detect Magic and soon discover that, apart from some gear on your companions, and the Floop of course, there is nothing magical in the area.
Meanwhile, Gnowsy seems to have found a direction he wants to go. He begins tugging at the leash, panting anxiously. He is tugging in the same direction that Emrys had calculated earlier, which is a good sign.
The question remains, however: split the party, or stay together?
As Emrys mentions it, Wilma gets this sinking feeling, that something bad is going to happen soon and wonders if perhaps they shouldn't split up after all.
"Floop, are you going to remain here if we all go do what we need to do and come back or do we need to leave someone here to keep you company?" Perhaps you could just circle this area in the air about 300 feet up unitl you hear us call you? What do you think?"
Vanime
Preparing to go with whom ever Van checks her gear to make sure it is easily accesible but not making any noise and then waits for the decision.
Grell
Impatient as always, Grell glowers at the group and mumbles. "Let's do something. This standing around is stupid, dangerous and not getting us any closer to bed.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Friday June 8th, 2012 7:20:04 AM
(ooc: whoops ... I thought the tournament was at Maplehurst! my bad.)
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+8=16 ; Friday June 8th, 2012 3:21:12 PM
Tuck hands the rope holding Gnowsy to Emrys. "I will scout ahead. Give me five minutes and then follow after. Assume you're good to go unless I come back. Just try to be as quiet as possible. Stay out of open areas."
He nods to the others and crouches low, moving in the direction that Emrys indicated. He stays close to the walls and scans the open areas before quickly moving to the next spot to hide in.
Stealth 16
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday June 8th, 2012 5:08:29 PM
For Ariach it is clear that he will not stay back at the Floop. Not after the Floop has offended him, and brought the whole group at risk.
"I will accompany you as promised and keep watch in front of the stable."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Friday June 8th, 2012 10:42:32 PM
Carver stands idly near the Gnowsy, letting those more skilled in stealth decide on a course of action.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=16 ; Sunday June 10th, 2012 11:16:57 PM
"Well ... this evening certainly isnt what I would call boring. If a couple of dullards, like Zeliak and Belorin, could have pulled something like this off, then it shouldn't be so hard to correct." Emrys saves any thoughts for revenge until after their work is done. For now, he keeps his eyes and ears alert for problems that are sure to come.
(Perception: 16)
DM Kathy Monday June 11th, 2012 9:00:04 AM
Eventually, you decide it's best not to split up. Wilma asks the Floop if he will stay without somebody here to monitor him. "I suppose," he grumps. "Don't know where the local pub is anyway. Just hurry it up, will you? I don't want to get termites."
Tuck offers to scout ahead, and takes off into the darkness.
The rest of the group follows [right?] with Emrys staying alert for trouble.
[Who has Gnowsy? Also, is everyone going, or are some staying behind?]
The night is quiet as you make your way across the paddock. Tuck, on reaching the edge, discovers that the paddock is encircled by a rail fence. You aren't sure where the gate is. Do you look for it, or climb the fence?
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday June 11th, 2012 9:38:43 AM
Ariach is with the group when they follow Tuck after a while. Reaching the fence he says. "Are we looking for the gate? You donīt have in mind to climb the fence.... or? If you realy wanna do that i will patrol here and wait for your return."
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Monday June 11th, 2012 9:54:13 PM
ooc: Sick all weekend. Please excuse me. Bleh.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=27 ; Monday June 11th, 2012 10:30:18 PM
(OOC: How many rails on the fence? Four is the standard number for a corral, 2 to 3 for a paddock or larger field. I grew up on a ranch in Texas, I should know. :) For a fence high enough for horses, with only 2 or 3 rails, it would be quite easy for an average-sized person to squeeze between without having to climb.)
After examining the fence, Emrys will offer up his suggestion. If there is not enough space between the rails to squeeze between, he would suggest climbing over. Emrys then kneels over to Gnowsy and whispers, "Gnowsy, do you smell any other people in the area?" The bard then listens to the breeze for any sound and looks for reflections or glimmers in the moonlight.
(Perception: 27. BTW, I think Gnowsy was left with Emrys)
Joining Carver with Gnowsy, Wilma stays right beside the dog figuring she can at least try keeping him calm as they try to return him.
Grell
About time we got moving grell mumbles as he moves out just to the right flank of the group and his sister and in front of her about 15 feet.
Vanime
Vanime moves out to the left flank and slightly in front of the others making sure to keep an eye to the shadows.
DM Kathy Tuesday June 12th, 2012 10:37:58 AM Emrys examines the fence. It's a three-rail fence, so it shouldn't be too difficult to go over, or though it. And Gnowsy could definitely fit under it. Ariach doesn't seem enthused at the prospect of climbing the fence, but he could probably squeeze through it. Or, you could try to find a gate.
Emrys also asks Gnowsy if he smells other people in the area. Gnowsy nods his head.
Wilma stays with Emrys and Gnowsy, while Vaniime and Grell fan out to either side.
The night continues quiet. You hear crickets, and the occasional call of a night-bird. You hear your companions, and Gnowsy sniffing along the ground. Everything seems peaceful and calm.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=26 ; Tuesday June 12th, 2012 3:08:33 PM
Tuck slowly pokes his head through the fence and peeks every which way.
If he sees or hears anyone, he quickly ducks back to the other side and informs the others as to the location and how many. If he doesn't see or hear anyone, he squeezes the rest of the way through and continues on with his scouting.
Perception 26
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday June 12th, 2012 5:23:56 PM
"I must apologize, but I cannot accompany you. Breaking into a property is not correct. Maybe you should think over it again. Breaking in is for sure not the best idea. I'll try to find a gate. It may be that the gate is not locked at night. Finally, there is nothing really dangerous in this area. Should the entry be open I go to the stables. If itīs not open I return to this spot here waiting for your return." Ariach waits until they others are gone. Then he searches for the regular entry. He follows the fence until he finds the gate.
Roling her eyes at Ariach's pronouncements, she quickly whispers three quick pointsand then joins Tuck and Gnowsy on the other side of the fence.
Ariach, First off we aren't breaking anything. Secondly we aren't committing a crime we are correcting one that has already happened, and thirdly there are no signs telling us to keep out or not to trespass, therefore there is no crime being committed. So come on and let us return our victim to his rightful place and then go home.
Grell
Taking a careful look around the area, he looks down at Gnowsy, being careful to stay as far away from the animal as he can. "Let's get this beast home and get back ourselves."
Wilma
Ariach, we can not separate like this. We are here to support each other and you made no mention of having an issue about not coming on the campus when we were planning this return. So by agreeing to join us and help us, knowing where we were going and participating fully in the planning of said action, You have entered into a verbal contract to right the wrong done to the very institution we are at and are honor bound to stay with us. Please do not separate from us. (diplomacy DC 18)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+12=14 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+9=15 ; Tuesday June 12th, 2012 7:41:42 PM
In an attempt to relax Ariach's ethical anxieties, Emrys searches his mind for religious passages or any known laws that would make this exercise justified and legal. (Knowledge [religion]: 14) The bard can not think of any scriptures that supports the parties actions, however (Knowledge [local]: 23, laws) he recalls a sure-fire legal precedent.
"Ariach, dating back to the time of King Claudia, the king decreed that all subjects of the crown, in regards to lands and lodgings of the realm, that it is morally and lawfully permissible to enter said lands and lodgings without the consent of the Master or appointed authority for the purpose of: in the defense of your own life; in the defense of the occupant(s); or in the defense of the property. Our quest surely is in the defense of Gnowsy, and that makes it morally and legally correct."
Emrys takes another look around and will pass through the fence if the others do the same.
(Perception: 15)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+1=20 ; Tuesday June 12th, 2012 10:16:39 PM
OOC: Thanks Kent for taking over Grell!!
As he heads out to his position, Grell takes a look around, checking for possible sources on trouble. (Percept=20).
DM Kathy Wednesday June 13th, 2012 10:59:33 AM Tuck scrambles through the fence and looks around. You are on a groomed path that runs parallel to the paddock fence. Ahead of you, something large and square blocks out the stars. Based on the map and your calculations, you think it's probably the stables. You know that Gnowsy's enclosure is just to the north of the stables.
Ariach isn't happy about hopping the fence, or scrambling through it. Emrys, Vaniime, and Wilma do their best to persuade him that what you are doing isn't illegal.
[OOC: Just to make sure everybody is clear, you landed in the riding paddock, which is on Gnowsy Thornton school grounds. If returning Gnowsy constitutes trespassing, you are already doing it.]
Cautiously, you (or most of you) follow Tuck through the fence. Gnowsy can easily walk under the lowest rail; he barely has to duck. You see much the same thing that Tuck saw; the groomed path, and the large building in front of you, which you believe is the stables.
[Nobody has darkvision, right?]
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=11 ; Wednesday June 13th, 2012 4:24:06 PM
Staying low and in the shadows, Tuck continues towards the stables. He tries to keep an eye out for potential sentries or passersby, but the excitement of the venture fills his senses.
Perception 11
Oh man! I can't believe I'm doing this. It's just like how Dad said. I feel so nervous, but good!
OOC - Hate to do it because of all the people already on hiatus, but I'll be gone all next week for work and won't have constant access to the interwebs. Could some kind soul guide Tuck and lead him not into temptation?
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+2=18 ; Wednesday June 13th, 2012 5:45:20 PM
Ariach listens carefully to Vaniimīs and Wilmaīs explanations. Their objections are fully justified even though they did not entirely convince Ariach. Ultimately it is Emry's list of historic decrees that make him change his mind. Ariach also believes he is remembering that there were these decrees. (knowledge local = 18) It even seems very logical because otherwise sinister plan had an easy time. "Maybe you are right. I think i know these decrees. I come with you as i promised." But as Ariach makes his way through the fence, he still has a queasy feeling in his stomach.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+1=4 ; Wednesday June 13th, 2012 10:30:26 PM
Grell eagerly sneaks under the fence, ready for this particular adventure to be over. That dog is just creeepy...especially now that he understands what's being said! Once more, Grell checks the area over for trouble and spots nothing. (Percep=4...sheesh).
Vanime heads out with the others, using her low light vision when she can and being as quiet as possible.
Wilma
Pleased that Ariach has been persuaded, she chuckles to herself as she watches her brother scoot quickly through the fence and keep as far away from Gnowsy as he can.
DM Kathy Thursday June 14th, 2012 9:38:01 AM Tuck moves cautiously forward. You try to stay alert to your surroundings, but you are so focused on what might be out there in the night that you forget to check under your feet. You take a step, then hear a squelching noise and smell the unmistakable aroma of horse-plop. Now you've got it on your shoe.
Ariach reluctantly sets his misgivings aside and continues with the rest. Grell, Vaniime, and Wilma watch and follow.
You get close enough to discern that those are indeed the stables. You move north along their length, and eventually come to the end, where a small, fenced-in area has been built. It contains a doghouse, and there are a few miscellaneous items scattered on the ground that are difficult to make out in this light.
Gnowsy whuffs happily and moves toward his home.
CDM Jerry Thursday June 14th, 2012 10:13:10 AM
Hey Nellie!
::waves::
You have ADM emails to reply to maam.
[this can be deleted once Nellie sees this.]
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday June 14th, 2012 2:53:03 PM
As Ariach sees the contours of the doghouse in the darkness, he is very relieved. It appears that the group now has just a little luck and divine blessings.
"Domi seems to be on our side. Hopefully the things we're looking for are under those laying on the ground."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=23 ; Thursday June 14th, 2012 3:24:05 PM Oh, that's so gross! Oh man.
Tuck scrunches his face into one of disgust as he tries to quietly shake the excrement from his boots. He sighs to himself and continues on, much more alert to dangers beyond and below.
Perception 23
Approaching the doghouse as indiscreetly as he can, Tuck looks about for his hairband and Wilma's ring, collecting them if he finds them. He also looks about for anymore clues or evidence that might have been laid against them.
Vanime makes her way to the doghouse and pen and takes a look at whatever type of latch there might be and any sort of alarm system that might be in play. Perception DC30
Wilma
Letting others move toward the pen, Wilma sets up and begins peering into the darkness trying to keep watch and listening very carefully. perception DC 16.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=15 ; Thursday June 14th, 2012 10:28:00 PM
"Alright, Gnowsy. Sorry it took so long, but you're home." Emrys releases Gnowsy back into his pen. "It was nice to get to know you," and he gives the dog a fairly brisk rub.
Being characteristically cautious, Emrys again casts a divination to detect magical auras in the area, especially magical traps.
(Perception 15, looking and listen for trouble. Casting Detect Magic for the reasons mentioned above.)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+1=2 ; Thursday June 14th, 2012 11:11:43 PM
Grell peers into the darkness and whispers to Wilma "You ready to go back and get your stuff?" Perception=nat.1.
DM Kathy Friday June 15th, 2012 9:36:54 AM
When you arrive at the enclosure, Emrys detects for magical auras, but finds none. Vaniime examines the exterior and the gate, and finds both to be pretty straightforward. The gate's latch is a simple affair, set high enough so that a dog could not accidentally let himself out.
Gnowsy seems happy to be home. He still can't be said to run, really, but he moves briskly all around, sniffing excitedly.
Wilma and Grell stand guard while the others search for the incriminating "clues" that were left. The most obvious one is a sheaf of folded papers, which you didn't know to expect. Examining them, you find that they are class notes, in Grell's distinctive handwriting. He hadn't known they were missing because, quite frankly, he hasn't studied all week.
Finding the ring takes a little more effort, but at last you spot it gleaming dully in the dim light and are able to retrieve it. Finding the leather tie takes some time, but at last you uncover it and are ready to return to the Floop.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=14 ; Friday June 15th, 2012 4:33:46 PM
Even though they still have to make it back without being detected, Tuck feels a sense of relief. He is proud of himself and the others that they got this far.
"Let's shake it back to the Floop, guys," he whispers. "I'm sure he misses us." Tuck gives them a satisfied smile and nods his head.
Heading back, Tuck uses the same caution he did getting to the pen. No sense in getting busted coming back after successfully returning the dog.
Perception 14
OOC - Thanks Grell, for taking over Tuck next week. Have a good week everyone. Happy Father's day to those who are.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday June 15th, 2012 6:22:51 PM
Thank Domi, all the stolen items are at the floor of the pen. Ariach is overjoyed to return home so soon. But the prospect of flying once again with the Floop makes him shiver.
In a low voice he turns to the others "And now- letīs go home. We have an important task ahead of us. If we remain steadfast tomorrow and win the competition for Maplehurst, we will hurt the conspirators more than any beating which we can give them."
DM Kathy Sunday June 17th, 2012 9:22:55 PM
Your "clues" in hand, you whisper good-byes to Gnowsy, close the gate, and make your way back to the Floop.
It's a little easier getting back to the Floop that it was finding Gnowsy's pen. There seems, somehow, to be more light. And are the stars starting to fade? They can't be! It can't be coming on for dawn so soon!
But it's spring, and dawn is coming earlier every day. You left Maplehurst late, and then you had to find your way here, and then you had to find the enclosure, and then you spent a long time turning up those "clues." And now, it is indeed almost dawn.
You cross the riding paddock and head back to the Floop. It is humming to itself, and doing an odd, hopping dance, which can't be doing the sofa legs any good.
"Finally!" says the goblin head when you arrive. "Now can we go for a drink?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday June 18th, 2012 5:38:11 AM
Back at the Floop a great burden is lifted from Ariachīs shoulders. Together with his new friends he has actually managed to turn everything to good. Now it is all about winning the competition. To win the competition would honor his school and his family. The approaching sunrise noticing he recalls one of the wisdoms of ancient stories.
The sleep before a battle is decisive and decides between victory and defeat. Experienced warriors can sleep anywhere, anytime.
Although he still has a queasy feeling when it comes to flying he boards the first. Ariach is willing to do anything to win the coming battle. He commits himself to the rope, and makes himself comfortable on the sofa and a short time later you can hear a soft snoring.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday June 18th, 2012 9:05:01 PM
"Yes, Mr Floop. Get us out of here and we will have that drink." Emrys loads up and takes a seat. He is thoroughly pleased with his friends and himself. "Job well done, friends!"
DM Kathy Monday June 18th, 2012 11:22:00 PM
You pile into the Floop. Emrys promises a drink.
"Great!" says the Floop. "But you'll have to tell me where. Not sure what will be open at this hour."
Once everyone is aboard, the Floop begins flapping its wings. It kicks up quite a storm of dust and loose grass, and you find yourself hoping that nobody at Gnowsy Thornton is looking in this direction. There may be enough light to see the cloud being created. Slowly, the Floop rises into the air.
Once you are airborne, Ariach takes the opportunity to get some shut-eye.
"All right, which way?" says the Floop.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 Monday June 18th, 2012 11:36:46 PM
Grell grins at the mission accomplished, and then makes sure EVERYONE is tied back in before the Floop takes off. He tries to think of a place at Maplehurst where someone can snag a drink. Even though the mission was exhillarating, Grell feels a slight heaviness to his eyelids that reminds him that they haven't slept all night long. This will surely impact their performance tomorrow, but right now he doesn't care. He just sits back and throws his arms behind his head...happy in their success.
OOC: OMG...sorry...forgot to post tonight...it's my anniversary.
Tuck (subbed by Nellie) Monday June 18th, 2012 11:40:19 PM
Laughing at Grell, Tuck can't help but grin. After all, tomorrow was the big day...or was it today?! Tuck double checks his ropes and then hopes the flight is an uneventful one.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday June 19th, 2012 2:39:24 AM
In the firm grip of fatigue Ariach begins to dream during his sleep. He dreams of the award ceremony. He dreams of the cheering for them as they are honored by lady Brightseeker and he dreams of a kiss Wilma breathes on his cheek as a reward for his perfomance. The latter makes him smile even in his sleep a little.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Tuesday June 19th, 2012 1:06:09 PM
Vanime joins the others on the Floop and gets settled and then as someone give Floop the directions to go Back to maplehurst, she has a horrible thought.
"Um Guys, What if we get caught coming back on campus from being AWOL all night."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday June 19th, 2012 10:17:29 PM
Emrys wonders to himself ... 'in all the good, green Wold, what does AWOL mean?' The bard knows a great many languages, and there are words in them all that comes close to the spelling, but don't make a lick of sense within the context of the sentence. He thinks, 'maybe it's druidic.'
"We can hope for the best circumstances. However, if our little expedition is discovered, we should be truthful. Our endeavor, although unsanctioned, was just and right."
The Disadvantage of Flight
DM Kathy Tuesday June 19th, 2012 10:33:01 PM
The Floop rises up over the trees and begins to fly. "So...what, we're going back?" the goblin head asks. "Not going for a drink? You guys are lame."
Nonetheless, he heads back toward Maplehurst. Pink and orange streaks begin appearing in the eastern sky; the stars have gone altogether. You can see around you, and it is quite a sight.
You realize that the lush green expanse you are flying over must be the Monster Preserve. As the sky grows ever lighter, you hear the occasional strange cry drift up from below.
And then, you see something on the horizon. Something flying toward you. Much too large to be a bird.
"Uh.....what's that?" asks the Floop.
[OOC: Tanner posted to the LnB recently that he is quite sick. Is someone willing to play Carver until he gets back on his feet? Also, it looks as if Donna is still having computer problems. Can somebody play Wilma? And yes, that thing approaching is hostile, and you're about to enter combat. So I'd kind of like you to be at full strength. :) ]
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20-1=10 ; Wednesday June 20th, 2012 4:37:43 PM
In his dreams Ariach and Wilma are walking hand in hand straight towards the sunset, as a recurring bizarre screaming destroys the idyll.
The dream images begin to blur before he opens his eyes.
Irritated by the strange noise he raises his head to the source of the scream to see what it is.
(OOC: perception roll for wake up = 10 / I hope this is rule confirm. I couldnīt find something in the player handbook but maybe i overread it. If it doesnīt fit please adjust it.)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+15=17 ; d20+13=18 ; Wednesday June 20th, 2012 9:33:15 PM
"That, Mr. Floop, is trouble!! Big trouble! I would buy you a KEG if you can get away from it!"
Emrys takes a hard look at the flying beast ... the cry it made sounds off alarms in his head. "Oh no! Is that a roc!?" Or worse, he thinks, a dragon!
(Knowledge [nature]: 17, for animals. Knowledge [arcana]: 18, for dragons. Wow, two royally bad rolls.)
DM Kathy Wednesday June 20th, 2012 10:38:59 PM Emrys recognizes the creature after studying it for a moment. It is a gargoyle, and it is definitely headed right for you.
"I think it's probably faster than I am," the Floop says, but goes into a steep, banking turn away from the monster.
The jostling is enough to awaken Ariach who looks around to see the stony menace flying after the party.
"Whatever it is, it doesn't like Floops!" the Floop says as it levels out.
"Um Floop, can we see if you can drink real quickly with some water? If so I may have an idea how o escape cbecoming splinters."
Making sure the rope is secure around her waist Van makes her way to Floops head and pours some water in its mouth and observes what happens. If I appears that the water is obsorbed/swallowed or she will continue her directions.
Wilma
Seeing her friend head up to floop's head with the water, she sees what Van is trying to do.
"Good idea Van. Who's got the invisibility potion? Now may be the time to use it. Get it to Van quickly."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday June 21st, 2012 7:38:45 AM
Reaching into his pack, Emrys quickly retrieves the Invisibility potion and hands it to Van.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Thursday June 21st, 2012 9:48:37 AM
Hearing that the girls wanna use their invisibility potions to hide themselves from the gargoyle, Ariach gets in a proper stand for fighting the enemy and to protect his friends.
Tuck (subbed by Nellie) Thursday June 21st, 2012 9:47:37 PM
Not having anything that can hit at this range, Tuck helps the girls find whoever is holding the Invisibility potion and helps administer it if needed. He readies himself to find the weird looking stone creature should it dare to come close enough for him to strike it.
Carver (subbed by Nellie) d20+4=11 ; Thursday June 21st, 2012 10:22:44 PM
OOC: It's been a LONG time since I've played a spellcaster. I looked over Carver's sheet several times and couldn't find his Concentration skill, so I'm going to roll a +4. If anybody else can spot it, PLEASE let me know!!
Securely tied in, Carver scowls at the new comer. He begins to cast a spell, one that takes a LONG time to cast, but should bring forth a little helping hand to the combat. (Casting Summon Monster-Eagle). Concentration=11???
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+3=9 ; Thursday June 21st, 2012 10:37:53 PM
OOC: Hoping to be able to mod Grell's abilities this weekend. Sorry this is taking so long!!
Since the creature is still a distance away, Grell decides to focus on a ranged attack. He pulls out his longbow and takes a shot at the flying critter, but finds it rather difficult considering the Floop's aerial tactics! AC 9.
DM Kathy Friday June 22nd, 2012 1:33:33 AM Vaniime tries to test the Floop's ability to drink something by giving it a little water.
"Sure, why not?" says the goblin-head, and drinks. The water disappears, and doesn't seem to leak out or get the head wet or anything. From all appearances, it has been "swallowed."
"Is that it?" The Floop sounds disappointed. "I could barely feel anything at all. I'm still thirsty!"
You think you can probably give the Floop the Invisibility potion, and it will have an effect. That is, it will turn the Floop invisible. It will not turn you guys invisible, because you are not objects. Not even Grell. :) So, you won't be able to see the Floop, or the ropes you use to keep yourselves in, but you will be able to see each other. And the gargoyle will be able to see you, but it won't be able to see the Floop. It will look as if you're just flying through the air in a little group.
If, knowing that, you still want to give the potion to the Floop, you succeed.
Grell fires an arrow at the creature, but misses. Tuck begins casting a spell.
[OOC: Concentration isn't a skill anymore in Pathfinder. The rules for concentration checks are laid out on the magic page. The check is 1d20+caster level+ability modifier (of whatever ability is being used to cast the spell). Carver's check would therefore be at a +7, which would make the total check 14. I'm ruling that this is "vigorous motion while casting" (at the moment!), so his DC is 10+spell level.]
The gargoyle continues to gain on the Floop. Luckily, it doesn't seem to have any ranged weapons, either, but it is almost on you!
DM Kathy Friday June 22nd, 2012 11:50:00 AM
[The gargoyle is about 30 feet away.]
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+2=17 ; d8+4=7 ; Friday June 22nd, 2012 7:30:52 PM
Ariach positions himself alongside his warrior companion Grell.
Drawing his flail from his belt he waits for the upcoming attack of the gargoyle . If the beast comes in reach of his flail he attacks with full force.
Now it remains to be seen whether he has what it takes to withstand any attack.
Since Ariach is aware of the fiery nature of Grell, he also tries to protect his friend.
As far as Ariach believes Grell will not waste any thought about defending himself.
"For Domi!"
(standard action: fighting defensively -4attack +2AC combat expertise: -1 attack +1dodge =AC26 move action: aid another (feats: trustworthy&noble) +2AC/+2CMD for all attacks this round attack roll: 17 damage: 7)
Reaching down and touching the Floop, Wilma channels some her godly gift and casts santuary upon the Floop. concentration Nat 20 Dc 15
Vanime
Realizing that her idea probably wont work, she pulls out her bow and quickly nocking an arrow she sends one flying at the gargoyle.
AC 25 for 5 points damage
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP20/20 d20+6=16 ; d8+3=9 ; Saturday June 23rd, 2012 7:47:47 PM
Grining as Ariarch takes up a spot next to him, Grell wings off another shot. The beast was still too far away for him to attack, so he might as well get in a ranged attack while he can. Steadying himself despite the chaotic movements of the Floop underneath him, Grell manages to pull off a quick shot. AC16 for 9.
He then stores his bow back on his back, not wishing to lose it when he attacks the beast next round. He looks over at Tuck and calls out over the rush of wind whipping past his ears "Hey Tuck, make sure that Ariarch is tied to this thing with ropes...don't want him falling out if the Floop decides to do something weird!"
Grell Saturday June 23rd, 2012 11:12:58 PM
HP should be 36/36 now for 3rd level. :)
Carver (subbed by Nellie) d20+3=21 ; d4=1 ; d20+3=20 ; d4=2 ; d20+3=20 ; d4=2 ; Saturday June 23rd, 2012 11:41:15 PM
Finishing up his summoning, Carver directs his eagle to appear behind and above the gargoyle's head. He directs the eagle to attack, hoping to buy them more time. Carver waits a little longer, bidding his time under the creature comes within range of 15 feet. Then he casts another spell, aiming the cone of color directly at the gargoyle's face, but making sure not to catch his eagle in the cone. (Delaying casting Color Spray until the gargoyle is in range).
Eagle The majestic creature appears and begins attacking the gargoyle's neck. Claw 1, AC21 for 1, Claw 2, AC20 for 2, Bite, AC20 for 2
Tuck (subbed by Nellie) d20+8=9 ; Saturday June 23rd, 2012 11:49:09 PM
The monk nods at Grell and grabs up the rope that had lashed Ariach to the cushion on the Floop. He fashions a loop and ties it about Ariach's waist. He then ties the other end to a secure spot on the Floop so the paladin will not fall out if the animated machine pulls another one of his stunts. (Escape Artist to tie knots=natural 1).
OOC: Well Ariach, it's been good knowing you. :/
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+15=25 ; Sunday June 24th, 2012 6:06:06 PM
Emrys is at a quandary. He has a spell that, if successful, would send the winged beast to a certain death. However, the creature, while horrid, is only seeking sustenance. While it's unfortunate to be the prey in this instance, he hopes the efforts of his friends would at least distract and dissuade the gargoyle to go hunting elsewhere. Emrys decides to help his friends persuade the beast to retreat.
(Naturalist +1 ability. Knowledge [nature]=25. Good enough to successfully identify the traits, strengths and weaknesses of up to a 10HD gargoyle. Everyone within 30-feet of Emrys receives a +1 Insight bonus to AC, attack rolls, and save throws vs. the gargoyle.)
"ON YOUR GUARD ... BEWARE! Gargoyle will strike with claws and bite. Crowned in horn to gore on sight. 'Fears little the threat of common arms, magical blades bite best', and retires the fiend to an early rest!"
DM Kathy d20+4=6 ; Sunday June 24th, 2012 9:43:26 PM
As the gargoyle approaches, Wilma casts a protective spell on the Floop that should keep it from being attacked directly.
Vaniime looses an arrow. It strikes the creature, but has no effect against the stony hide. Grell's shot likewise hits, and likewise does no damage.
Carver's giant eagle appears behind the gargoyle. It's claws and bite don't do much damage, but it seems to get through whatever is protecting the creature.
[OOC: I think that normally the natural attacks from a summoned creature don't count as magic, but I'm going to count them as magic for the purpose of this fight, because I know you guys don't have magic weapons.]
Tuck secures Ariach to the Floop, while Emrys begins calling out helpful information. Notably, you're going to need to figure out how to make your weapons magical if you want to hurt this thing.
The Gargoyle flies closer, and Carver hits it with a spell. The gargoyle stops abruptly, with a dopey expression on its face. Then it begins plunging earthward like the piece of rock it resembles.
"Whooo! Nice shootin'!" yells the Floop. "Let's get out of here." Suiting actions to words, it angles its tail and begins to ascend.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Monday June 25th, 2012 11:17:02 AM
ooc: Hello, everyone! Please accept my humblest apologies for my absence. It turns out I have "acquired severe allergies" and I was out of commission for quite a while. I'm back now. Yay!
Carver smiles in satisfaction as he sees the gargoyle succumb to his spell. "Yes! By all means, let us be off from this place!" He grips the edge of the flying apparatus and braces himself for the flight.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+7=14 ; Monday June 25th, 2012 3:22:56 PM
After Tuck secures Ariach to the Floop, he roots around in his backpack and pulls out two small cylindrical containers.
"If we rub the oil in these on a weapon, it will become magical for a short while."
He hands one to Ariach and one to Grell.
"Don't use them yet. If he comes back, we'll need it then."
He peers over the side of the Floop trying to catch sight of the plummeting gargoyle to see if it might return.
Perception 14 Gave Oil of Magic Weapon to Ariach and Grell
(OOC - Thanks for subbing for me, Nellie. I'm back!)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday June 25th, 2012 6:33:50 PM
Ariach takes one of the containers given by Tuck.
"Thank you. I will use the oil carefully."
Then Ariach focuses the sky again and searches for the returning gargoyle.
DM Kathy 10d6=40 ; Monday June 25th, 2012 9:54:57 PM Carver braces himself, while Tuck fishes out a couple of potions that will magick the weapons.
The gargoyle shakes off its stun, but too late. It smacks into the ground with a hard thud that you swear you can feel, airborne though you are.
However, smacking-into-the-ground damage is not magical damage, and the fall does not seem to have finished off the gargoyle. It rises into the air again, looking unsteady, clearly debating whether chasing after you is a good idea.
"Oh, hell no!" says the Floop. Looking up, you see what caused his consternation. A second gargoyle is headed straight for you!
Once again, the Floop folds its wings and goes into a dive--this time, in a clear effort to avoid combat. Although you do wish he'd warn a guy.
[That's DC 10 Reflex saves all around! Also, there's another gargoyle, although shooting or casting at it is going to be a challenge at the moment.]
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+6=9 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=21 ; Monday June 25th, 2012 11:04:16 PM
(Reflex save 9, hero point 13. Wow, I couldn't roll a 4 or better, had to burn a hero point, grrr!)
Emrys struggles to stay within the floop after the dive, but is able to keep himself strapped in. "ZOUNDS!" What qualms he had earlier about taking life were all squashed when his own survival instincts began to finally kick in. He wrestles with the words to sustain his lecture. "The time is now, no long goodbyes, they're especially vulnerable between the eyes!"
(Naturalist +1. Round2. Free action to maintain. Everyone within 30' of Emrys gets a +1 Insight bonus to AC, attack rolls, and saves vs. the gargoyles.)
Now the bard turns his attention to the second gargoyle that has entered the fight (how far away?). Emrys waits for that gargoyle (2nd one) to come in range before releasing his spell, "SLOOM DIEP".
(Casting Deep Slumber. Concentration check: 21. Targeting 2nd Gargoyle. Affects up to 10HD of creatures. Area: 10-ft burst, if the other gargoyle is within 10-ft, he is affected as well. Will Save: 16 vs. falling asleep.)
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP36/36 Monday June 25th, 2012 11:12:33 PM
Kathy, could you please delete my last post? I was trying to post before you, but looks like you beat me by an hour.
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+6=22 ; d20+5=25 ; d6+3=9 ; d20+5=9 ; Tuesday June 26th, 2012 4:22:10 PM Reflex 22
Tuck stabilizes his momentum as the Floop dives, supporting his weight with his right foot lodged into a cushion crevasse. He strikes a dashing pose, focused intensely on the approaching foe with his right fist clenched and cocked as his dirty-blond hair waves in the wind.
Should either foe come within reach of the Floop, Tuck springs forward with a whooping holler striking it solidly behind the ear with his right fist.
Stunning Fist attack 25 (natural 20; confirm is a 9); 9 points of damage, if possible. Gargoyle must Fort save v 13 or be stunned for 1 round
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+3=20 ; d20+3=7 ; Tuesday June 26th, 2012 6:34:07 PM
This time Ariach expected the Floop to dive again and isnīt surprised by its maneuver. He is able to keep his position and looks around to make sure everybody else does the same. After a short hesitation Ariach decides to put the magic oil on his weapon right now. Then he gets ready again not changing his fighting tactic.
(standard action: fighting defensively -4attack +2AC combat expertise: -1 attack +1dodge =AC26 move action: aid another (feats: trustworthy&noble) +2AC/+2CMD for all attacks this round attack roll: 7)
Somehow Van was totally ready for Floop's dive and hardly even budges in her seat reflex DC 25 . She does do a bit of colorful muttering as she sees the second gargoyle.
Wilma
Gargul's favorite just manages to avoid losing her seat once again and an involuntary sqeal eminates from between her lips. As she settles back in and sees the new foe, she begins casting a quick spell.
Spiritual Weapon A glowing crooked shaped staff appears above the gargoyle ans strikes down at its head. AC 26 for 5 points damage.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Tuesday June 26th, 2012 10:18:09 PM
Carver whispers a mumbling of arcane words under his breath, holding a spell ready in case a gargoyle comes too close.
ooc: Cast color spray if a gargoyle comes within range. Will DC 15.
DM Kathy d20+4=6 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday June 26th, 2012 11:31:58 PM
When the Floop dives, Emrys comes within a whisker of tumbling out, but manages to catch himself at the last minute. Wilma, too, comes close to being tossed out. Everyone else seems to manage pretty well.
[ Carver and Grell, I still need Reflex saves from you. ]
As the second gargoyle comes into range, Emrys and Wilma both cast spells on it. Wilma's Spiritual Hammer whacks the gargoyle with a solid hit. Then the Sleep spell hits and this gargoyle, too, begins plummeting out of the sky. It never gets close enough for Carver, Tuck, or Ariach to attack it.
The first gargoyle is hanging back, perhaps trying to decide whether it's worth making another attack.
Carver's giant eagle, which had been flying in confused circles, winks out of existence.
Although the gargoyles aren't posing much of a threat, the Floop isn't taking any chances. It plunges through a leafy thicket, sending branches and leaves whipping past all of you. And, in some cases, into you.
[Everyone make a DC 12 Reflex save or take 6 points of branch-whipping damage!]
Nellie Tuesday June 26th, 2012 11:33:25 PM
OOC: Look guys, my son Benjamin's been running a 102 fever for 5 days now. I've tried to get the posts in, but I can't can I get somebody to sub for me tomorrow. We're taking him back to the Ped.
Before they lose sight of the original gargoyle Wilma directs her spiritual staff to smack it, the swing misses its intended target as her focus shifted to avoiding being swatted herself as they dive through the foliage. AC11, Reflex DC 17
Grell
Managing not to fall out of the Floop Reflex DC 18, Grell sees where they are headed and manages to avoid being struck by any branches as thay come in for their landing Reflex DC 24, Nat 20
Vaniime
Vaniime to sees the quickly approaching vegeation and drops to the bottom of the Floop and misses being struck by the vegetation. Reflex DC 20
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+6=14 ; Wednesday June 27th, 2012 3:10:18 PM
Tuck's attention is diverted from the gargoyles as the Floop dives into the foliage.
"Oh man!"
His eyes grow wide and he ducks just in time to avoid being decapitated by a large branch. Keeping his arms protectively across his face, he peers out of the jumble of limbs to see what's next.
Reflex 14
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+3=23 ; Wednesday June 27th, 2012 5:37:20 PM
Although Ariach is focused on oiling his weapon he ducks right in time before one of the branches can hit him off the Floop. (Reflex 23)
Emrys loses grip of his self-restraint and bellows out a celebratory, "YESS!!", along with a fist pump, as the gargoyle falls limp from the sky. For a very brief moment, he wonders, 'what do gargoyles dream about?'
He suddenly catches a scent of pine and Emrys turns his gaze to the front only to catch a glimpse of a branch rushing towards his head. However, he is able to drop down into his seat and narrowly avoid the bludgeoning. From his prone position, he continues his lecture. "Apply, lather, rinse, and repeat!!"
(Continuing Naturalist +1. Round4. Free action. Everyone continues to get the +1 Insight bonus to AC, attack rolls, and saves.)
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 d20+4=22 ; Wednesday June 27th, 2012 11:42:15 PM
ooc: Reflex save 22.
Carver continues to hold his spell, ready to blast any gargoyle that gets too close.
DM Kathy 8d6=25 ; Thursday June 28th, 2012 12:42:17 AM Wilma shifts her Spiritual Hammer to the first gargoyle, but it misses. Even the threat of being whacked with a transparent weapon is more than enough for the creature, however. It turns and flies away.
The second gargoyle smacks into the ground, but it wasn't as high as the first one. Screaming defiance it rises again. You think you're probably still going to have trouble with this one.
Then your faces are too full of leaves and branches to do much of anything. You manage to avoid actual damage, but your field of vision is completely filled with a blur of green. You can't see a thing.
Then, abruptly, you burst out of the thicket, and find yourself racing toward a very solid-looking stone wall. It is the wall of a house, you realize, and the top is far too high for the Floop to climb over in so short a distance.
"Whoa!" shouts the Floop, and many of you concur wholeheartedly.
The Floop slams its wings open, and heels over onto one side in a steep, banking turn. It manages to avoid the wall, but half of you fall down onto the opposite couch and squash the other half. The good news is, you avoid the wall.
You are still untangling from one another when you spot the second gargoyle, still on your tail. The Floop's wings beat several times, and now you are skimming through a vineyard, the second gargoyle about 40 feet above you. It seems hesitant to come much lower, but it clearly can see you, and clearly isn't giving up the chase.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+8=15 ; d6+1=3 ; d20+6=18 ; d8+3=11 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=20 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=10 ; Thursday June 28th, 2012 7:18:34 AM Wilma Pulling her self upright and off of Van, she turns and sees the gargoyle coming and for last time tries hitting it with her spiritual weapon. AC 15 for 3 points
Grell shoving Tuck from off of him, Grell lifts his bow and sends an arrow straight at the gargoyle. AC 19 for 11 points
Vaniime
Pushing Wilma off of her, Vaniime joins grell in the arial assault and sends an arrow streaking at the beast. AC 28, Nat 20, Crit threat, Crit confirmed, AC 20 for 24 points damage
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 d20+5=21 ; d6+3=6 ; Thursday June 28th, 2012 3:15:26 PM
Tuck grabs hold of one of the ropes with his left hand, keeping his right hand free for clobbering. As the gargoyle keeps pace with them, Tuck wonders what the ugly brute's planning next. He watches as Grell and Vaniime's arrows sail towards him. Should the monster venture within reach, Tuck strikes out with another powerful blow.
Stunning Fist hits AC 21 for 6 damage. Must Fort save v 13 or be stunned for 1 round.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 d20+2=17 ; d8=2 ; Thursday June 28th, 2012 6:38:18 PM
Ariach frees himself from the tangle of hands and feet.
Back on his feet he tries again to take position next to Grell.
He calmly waits for the gargoyle attacking. If the creature attacks, he will smash his flail against it - not forgetting to protect Grell as well.
(standard action: fighting defensively, combat expertise move action: aid another AC 17 for 6 (2+4) points damage)
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Thursday June 28th, 2012 7:42:50 PM
Carver grimaces and continues to hold a spell at the ready.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=22 ; d20+10=12 ; Thursday June 28th, 2012 7:45:53 PM
Amid the chaos of tangled limbs and mounds of bodies, Emrys finds himself firmly planted and face first into a cushion. "Wuuah ughh wuah?! is all he can say until others begin to pull themselves off of him. With a sudden gasp of breath, Emrys says, "Their fangs are sharp, although their wits are not!"
(Naturalist +1. Round 5. Everyone gets +1 Insight bonus to AC, attack rolls and saves.")
Emrys finally lifts himself up and sees the gargoyle giving chase from above. 'Ahh,' he thinks, 'the gargoyle is aware of the magic we've cast upon him ... he's staying back, flying cautious.' Being out of range complicates things ... maybe he can fool the beast that something BIG is coming. They're gullible creatures.
Emrys begins to wave his arms and hands in slow dance-like motions as if casting a very, powerful spell. He speaks in loud, sobering tones that resonate with power and gravitas. In actuality, Emrys is only attempting to bluff the gargoyle to death, a very excruciating death.
(Bluff: 22. Spellcraft: 12)
DM Kathy d20+7=25 ; d6+2=5 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=24 ; Thursday June 28th, 2012 11:31:31 PM Wilma's spiritual weapon continues to flail against the gargoyle, but can't quite penetrate its thick hide.
Grell gets off a good shot, but without a magic weapon, he barely scratches the creature. Vaniime scores a hit that would mean instant death to most creatures, but again, the gargoyle doesn't seem to take all the damage.
Emrys continues giving helpful advice, then feigns casting a most dreadful and awe-inspiring spell.
The Floop, meanwhile, reaches the end of the vineyard, marked with a rail fence. It soars up and over, but the gargoyle, who seemed to be waiting for this chance, swoops down to attack.
Several things happen at once. Ariach and Tuck both hit the creature, even as it attacks Tuck. Tuck's agility is no proof against the gargoyle's claw, and he is hit for 5 points of damage.
The gargoyle is unaffected by Carver's spell, but Tuck's powerful punch stops it in its tracks. It crashes to the ground just behind the Floop, its forward momentum throwing up a massive divot.
"Domi's massive codpiece!" the Floop swears. "Keep that thing away from me!" It continues to maneuver just a couple of feet above the ground.
The gargoyle, however, does not get up. There is no sign of the first one. As far as you can tell, the battle is over.
Tuck HP 12/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday June 29th, 2012 3:39:26 PM
Tuck clutches at his left arm, streaming blood. He sits back on a cushion and watches the gargoyle plow into the dirt. He grits his teeth as crimson ekes out between his fingers.
"Oh man."
After a few moments of the gargoyle not getting up, he checks on the wound. It looks as painful as it feels.
"I can't believe I have to wrestle in a few hours. I believe we need to have a talk with those pranksters. They've gone too far, this time."
With a dark face, Tuck places his right hand back over his wound and stares out into the middle distance.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Saturday June 30th, 2012 1:53:16 AM
Carver sits down and folds his arms in a cross sort of way. "Let's just get home. I'm tired of this trip."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Saturday June 30th, 2012 2:55:59 AM
Tuckīs behavior impresses Ariach. How brave it is to attack an opponent with bare hands. With a compassionate face he turns to Tuck.
"You are injured my friend. Sit down and get your wounds bandaged. I will hold the position and warn you if the gargoyle comes back again."
Then he turns to Emry asking him "What do you think? Shall we land and destroy the thing once for all?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d8+3=8 ; d20+14=33 ; Saturday June 30th, 2012 4:06:28 PM
In response to Ariach's suggestion, Emrys replies, "No, how will it learn if it's dead? We need to expedite our return to Maplehurst."
Wilma seems quite distant at the moment and not tending to Tuck's wounds, so he reaches into her backpack and retrieves her cure wand. "Don't worry, Tuck, if we succeed in arriving undetected, you should be fit as a fiddle for the competition. Placing the wand on Tuck's wounds, Emrys triggers the magic with a simple word. (Casting Cure Light Wounds on Tuck. 8 points of healing.)
After placing the wand back in Wilma's pack, Emrys then retrieves his compass from his pocket and helps direct the Floop to correct his direction for home. (Knowledge [geography]: 33)
DM Kathy Sunday July 1st, 2012 9:52:59 PM Emrys roots through Wilma's bag and finds the healing wand. He is able to use it to heal Tuck.
Ariach is concerned that the gargoyle may still pose a threat, but after watching it for a few seconds you're pretty sure it's dead.
[OOC: Ariach took it down to 1 hit point, so I decided it died plowing into the ground. Because of the awesome.]
Carver is just anxious to get back to school, and indeed, time is slipping away from you.
Luckily, when you look around you find that you are nearly back to Maplehurst. The Floop, either intentionally or through sheer luck, had fled toward the school, so now you're almost there.
The Floop seems to know where he's going. Skimming along at tree-top height, he makes for the Magic building--the one you left from so many hours ago. Looking anxiously about, you see very few people out moving about--mostly staff--and none of them are looking up. You don't seem to have been noticed returning.
"End of the line," the Floop says, skidding to a halt on the roof. "And I believe there was talk of a keg?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Monday July 2nd, 2012 8:55:38 AM
Glad to be back at Maplehurst again Ariach looks forward to leave the Floop as soon as possible.
"Finally we made it back home. Now the real challenge is waiting for us. I am thinking of telling the whole story to lady Brightseeker. It is our duty to tell her the truth. But if you wish we can tell her after the competition."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Monday July 2nd, 2012 9:41:54 AM
Tuck wipes the blood from his arm to find the gash beneath vanished.
"Thank you, Emrys. It always amazes me to see that happen."
After disembarking, Tuck pats the Floop on one of the sofa arms. "We'll bring something back for you. Give us a little time."
"When were the games supposed to start?" he asks of the group. "Do we have time to clean up and get some rest?"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Monday July 2nd, 2012 12:42:31 PM
ooc: How much time do we have prior to the start of the games? My spellcaster is out of spells...
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=27 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+9=26 ; Monday July 2nd, 2012 7:35:06 PM
"Not to worry, my dear Mr. Floop. We will get you that keg as soon as elvenly possible. ANNND, as a bonus, we will get you something extra special if you perform well at Fizzle's final presentation." (Diplomacy: 27)
Emrys reaches for his backpack and pulls out his waterskin. With his back turned, he hums a magical tune that will alter the flavor of ordinary well water to that of wine ... well, as close to elderberry wine as possible. (Casting Prestidigitation - to flavor the water to taste like wine.)
The bard takes a swig of his magically enhanced beverage. Judging by the quality of its flavor, he will offer it to the Floop. (If it's good enough to pass as a sweet wine, Appraise: 21) 'if it's good enough,' "Hmmm, try this. I've been holding on to this wine for a special occasion. Hopefully this will gratify your healthy thirst." (Bluff: 26)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday July 2nd, 2012 7:42:33 PM
Now that the excitement is over, it suddenly dawns on him a thought that fills him with dread. "Sigh! Let's get as much rest as we can before having to go all the way back to the other campus."
DM Kathy Monday July 2nd, 2012 9:50:51 PM
As you pile out of the Floop, Ariach muses aloud about telling the entire story to Dame Brightseeker. Good idea? Bad idea? It's difficult to say at this point.
Emrys quickly fakes some elderberry wine and offers it to the Floop, who drinks eagerly. "Aahh. That's the stuff." The goblin head tips to the side a bit. "Not much of a buzz, though. Try to find me something stronger, willya?" He seems reasonably content with your promises, though, and only grumbles a little as you leave.
The competition is set for this afternoon. But it is 10 miles to Gnowsy Thornton, and your professors have elected not to teleport. You will be traveling by coach, and leaving immediately after breakfast.
Breakfast, as far as you can tell, will be served in about 20 minutes. So, you do have time to freshen up and change. You have time to get some breakfast if you want it, or to nap for an hour or so if you'd rather do that. It may also be possible to catch a little sleep on the journey, especially if you can all manage to travel in the same coach.
Either way, there's not going to be time to get enough rest and prepare spells. You'll just have to hope you don't need them.
Smiling as they seem to have made it home safely. Vanime turns to the Floop. "As soon as you are done with Fizzle's presentation and we return from the competition, we will bring you your keg. It was a pleasure flying with you."
Ariach I suppose we could tell her on the trip over, though I would rather get what rest we can for the competition and then tell her after or on the way back.
Wilma
Ariach, "Do we need to say anything at all? Wouldn't it be better if they wonder why nothing happened and how we managed not to get into trouble. That would be the best revenge. I mean I could see confessing if we had done something wrong. That would only be the correct thing to do. But as we did nothing wrong, wouldn't try to get the perpatrators in trouble be wrong since apparently nothing ever happened?"
bGrell
"Hmmm, does that mean I can't exact my revenge on them either? I mean they deserve a beat down, and I mean to give them one."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday July 3rd, 2012 3:10:50 PM
Tuck yawns.
"I think that food will be better for me than rest at this point. I'm going to breakfast after I clean up. Anyone else going?"
Tuck edges over to Grell and says to him, "I agree that they need to be taught a lesson. We should discuss how."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday July 3rd, 2012 3:23:55 PM
Ariach listens Wilma very carefully before he answers.
"If we say nothing, no one will condemn their shameful actions. No consequences will result from it and therefore they will take no lessons from it. To say nothing would be a big mistake. But if the majority of the crew of Maplehurstīs school team does not want to proclaim it, I will accept the decision. But just, because the betrayal was not directly against my person. If they had stolen something from me to use it for this plot, I would make it public immediately..... Excuse me. I have to make some preparations before we have breakfast."
Then Ariach goes to his room. There, he washes and shaves himself, cleans his clothes and equipment, polishes his gold ring and appears fully armored with bows and arrows in the hand in the dining room.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 3rd, 2012 10:42:44 PM
You continue to discuss whether Dame Brightseeker, or any of the professors should be told...and if so, when. Grell and Tuck seem to favor taking a more personal approach to the problem, while Ariach would still like the whole thing to come out in the open.
Tuck and Ariach get cleaned up and go in for breakfast. It turns out that skulking about a strange school in the middle of the night, followed by a dawnlight battle with gargoyles, really wakes up the appetite. You both heap your plates high and eat with enthusiasm.
About an hour later, the coaches are ready to take everyone to Gnowsy Thornton. In addition to the competition team, there are many students and professors going as spectators, to cheer you on. Most students will be staying at Maplehurst, but many of them are on hand to give you a send-off.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday July 3rd, 2012 10:56:21 PM
Emrys goes straight to his room, pours a little water into his wash bowl and tries to freshen up and puts a brush to his copper locks of wind blown hair. He gaze lingers a bit longer in his small hand mirror. His eyes ... how glassy they appear. The slightest trace of light would cause them to glint and shine. "They say the forest cried the day she died ..." he says whispering. He emerges from what appears to be a meditative state and goes on about his business as normal, as if nothing had happened.
Before heading back out to breakfast, he takes a seed from his pouch and plants it into one of his larger pygg clay flower pots next to the window. "In tribute to the King, from your chosen steward." He then takes the remainder of the water from the pitcher and gives his plants a drink.
In the dining hall, Emrys makes quick work of his meal. He then puts on the charm with the lunch lady and is able to acquire an extra loaf of bread and a good-sized wedge of cheese for the trip.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Tuesday July 3rd, 2012 11:13:26 PM
ooc: Sorry, my son had a birthday party that went late.
Carver is not excited to think of facing the day without the benefit of his most powerful spellcasting abilities. "Very well, let's get this over with." He is quiet and listless at breakfast, and follows sullenly as the group makes it way.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Wednesday July 4th, 2012 7:27:01 AM
Although Ariach enjoys the slaps on his back he tries to find his teammates. Nearby his friends he feels much more relaxed and his nervousness flies away when he looks at the confident looking faces of his allies.
With a timid smile he says to Tuck. "For Maplehurst!"
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday July 4th, 2012 3:42:52 PM
Tuck laughs heartily and playfully punches Ariah on the shoulder. "That's the spirit!"
He takes some satisfaction from a full stomach and tries to relax on the coach ride.
"All we can do is our best. Victory will be that much sweeter knowing what we've been through. But our victory will be as soured milk in the mouths of our persecutors." Tuck grins foolishly.
Van takes what time she can to freshen up and get a bit of sustanence into her body in the hopes that she can catch a few At breakfast and on the way to the transportation, she looks around to see if she can see any of their "friends".
Wilma
Before Wilma eats a hearty breakfast to make sure she has enouhg energy for what is to come, she takes the time for a moment of prayer.
Grell
"Hopping into the coach next to Tuckand Ariach, Grell grins at the two of them. So how do you think we should pay our friends back for their little shenanigans?"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Wednesday July 4th, 2012 11:50:59 PM
ooc: check
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday July 5th, 2012 3:30:08 PM
Emrys makes his way to his friends carriage and finds himself a seat. "I've foraged the dining hall for a few delectable morsels for the trip." While checking his bag, "looks like a loaf of soda bread and a wedge of ... uh, what appears to be goat cheese. I was thinking any creature comfort would certainly help us relax enough to get a little sleep along the way. Imagine this carriage as a cradle. Does anyone require a tale or a lullaby?"
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Thursday July 5th, 2012 10:43:14 PM
OOC: Thanks again Kent for taking over Grell for me! Benjamin looks like he's doing better now. :)
Grell grins at Tuck and Ariach. "We're gonna kick some Thornton hiney...oh yes we are!" The warrior stifles a yawn, though he is still young, and adrenaline is an amazing thing. Though he's been up all night, Grell's excitement about the competition is more than enough to keep him going...for now. He imagines all the roaring crowds and can't help but let the grin spread a little further. "Heh...the way we ripped through those gargoyles...man, Thorton isn't gonna know what hit them!"
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Thursday July 5th, 2012 10:55:02 PM
ooc: check
DM Kathy Thursday July 5th, 2012 11:54:51 PM Vaniime looks around to see if she can spot any of your "friends" who set you up for this. You don't see them at breakfast, but you do see them getting ready to get into the coaches. They look confused. Royse is grinning.
Emrys procures some tasty nibbles for the journey, and you pile into your coach, eager for the competition, but perhaps a little tired.
Your coach seats ten, so, although you're all able to travel together, you are joined by Dame Brightseeker and Professor Silver. They seem inclined to want to discuss strategy all the way to Gnowsy Thornton, and are a little puzzled when you seem to want to reast. Until Professor Silver nods and says, "Ah. I suppose you were too excited to get much sleep last night. We should let them rest if they're so inclined, Darra."
So, you do get the chance to nap a little on your way to the school.
And, this marks the end of this module. Everybody take 200 XP for Scene 2 (I swear I already gave you that, but I can't find a post that says so), plus 300 XP for Scene 3, 100 XP for Scene 4, and 2,200 XP for Scene 5, where all the fighting was. Total XP for this module should be 3,000.
Hero points go to Carver and Emrys, each of whom dropped a gargoyle out of the sky and made your DM tear her hair out in sheer frustration. This was supposed to be an epic battle! Ah, well.
I'm also awarding hero points to Grell and Vaniime, less for their actions during the module and more for Kent and Nellie subbing for players that went missing. Thanks, you guys.
I will accept nominations for other Hero Points via email. :)
Van Takes a moment to make sure she catches Royce's eye and smiles then sends a wave toward the others of the crew, but once seated in the coach, she drops into a resting mode and tunes out the world.
Wilma
Wilma elbows her brother in the arm as she sights the pepratrators getting ready to get in their coach. "You know I can't wait to win today and really beable to rub their noses in it."
Tuck HP 17/17 AC 16/16/12 Friday July 6th, 2012 4:55:46 PM
Tuck rests his eyes as the coach bumps along, but can't seem to fall asleep. The upcoming event weighs too heavily on his mind.
Oh man. I hope I don't look stupid in front of everybody. What is my opponent going to be like? What if I mess up? Oh man.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Friday July 6th, 2012 5:20:57 PM
In response to Wilma's remark Ariach replies.
"It would certainly make satisfaction for all of us if we would win today. But we should not underestimate Gnowsy Thorntonīs representatives and pay them the rightful respect. Now that I know you better, I can say with a clear conscience that there are no better representatives for Maplehurst."
Quietly he adds. "I hope these thoughts are an expression of my confidence and my faith and not my arrogance."
Then Ariach closes his eyes trying to find a little rest before the competition starts.
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 Friday July 6th, 2012 10:26:36 PM
ooc: I will update to level 3 this weekend.
Interlude, The Competition
DM Kathy Sunday July 8th, 2012 9:13:45 PM
You doze (or not) on your way to Gnowsy Thornton. Soon, you arrive at the other school, and have a vague impression of red brick, high walls, and green lawns. It looks different in daylight. And from the ground.
You are welcomed by the Gnowsy Thornton headmaster, Lord Elril Grambly, and taken on a brief tour of the facility. It's a nice school, intended for the wealthy scions of the surrounding landowners. Some of the students and staff are welcoming, a few look as if they would call you "riff-raff" if they thought they could get away with it.
After the tour, you sit down to a delicious lunch. You catch a glimpse of Gnowsy, being petted and fawned over by a group of girls in Gnowsy Thornton red-and-gold.
From further down your table, Zeliak Hawk takes a moment to glare at you. "I don't know how you did it," he says, low enough not to be overheard by the professors, "but this isn't over."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20=15 ; Monday July 9th, 2012 7:15:40 AM
Van enjoys the meal and watches Gnowsy being petted and smiles. As Zeliak whispers, she turns and looks over at him staring directly in Zeliak's eyes, with a confused look upon her face.
"What ever are you talking about "Z". Did What? By the way thanks for coming to support us. Believe me it means soooo much to us.
Bluff attempt DC 15
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Monday July 9th, 2012 3:59:24 PM
Tuck is glad to see the school grounds in the light. "This is pretty."
He ignores Zeliak at lunch, not trusting himself to speak without resorting to taunts.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Monday July 9th, 2012 8:55:11 PM
Wilma grinned momentarily at Van's response to Zeliak's veiled threat, but she had to interrupt her amusement with a yawn. She was still a bit tired after the events of the previous night. The redheaded cleric could only hope that she'd be able to maintain her concentration during today's events.
Still, it was rather nice to see that Gnowsy was being treated like a king. Clearly the dog was in his element with all the attention he was receiving.
DM Kathy Monday July 9th, 2012 10:21:10 PM
Zeliak scowls at Vaniime's reply, but says nothing. His friends, the others who were beaten out, give you various glares and dirty looks. Royse, on the other hand, looks very pleased with himself. When you see him up closer, you can see a definite black-and-blue "mouse" under one eye.
After lunch, the athletic types are taken out to the fields to warm up, while the academic competition gets underway. Five Maplehurst students square off against five Gnowsy Thornton students in their red-and-gold. Gnowsy is among the spectators, although he seems to be doing more sleeping than spectating.
Wilma and Carver, I need knowledge checks from each of you, please. You can each make up to 10 checks; no more than 3 can be in the same subject.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=26 ; Monday July 9th, 2012 10:40:57 PM
(BTW, Gnowsy still understands and can read the Common Language. The Share Language spell Emrys cast on him from the night before is still active. Lasts 24 hours. :)
With joyous exuberance, and the graceful posturing of a courtier, Emrys raises his glass and toasts, "To it not being over ... Yes, yes, it's only just begun!" With a little laugh, he pauses for the rest to join him in the toast before taking his drink. He sets his glass down and takes his napkin to dab his smiling lips. Though for the briefest of moments, while he looks upon Zeliak, he continues to smile but his eyes betray an omen of repercussions yet to come.
(Intimidate: 26, a veiled intimidation directed at Zeliak who knows the true context of Emrys' meaning.)
Benedict Carver - AC 18/14/14 - HP 27/27 d20+12=17 d20+12=15 d20+12=23 d20+11=13 d20+11=24 d20+11=13 d20+12=24 d20+12=19 d20+12=28 d20+12=23 Monday July 9th, 2012 11:28:34 PM
Knowledge Arcana 17, 15, 23 Engineering 13, 24, 13 Local 24, 19, 28 Planar 23
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 Tuesday July 10th, 2012 3:31:17 AM
Ariach is close to loose his calmness after hearing Zeliak's words. But Vaniim's response takes away a his anger. Vaniim seems to be a very smart girl, Ariach figures out. Then Ariach wishes Emry and Benedict "Good Luck" and prepares mentaly for his own competition.
OCC: i am on vacation and the net connection is not great. i cannot promise i am able to post every day.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday July 10th, 2012 2:14:12 PM
Tuck claps Benedict on the back and squeezes Wilma's shoulder. "Good luck."
He begins to stretch and warm up for his own event. As he goes through his exercises, he focuses on his breathing.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 d20+10=11 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+6=8 ; Tuesday July 10th, 2012 4:13:39 PM OOC: Wilma's checks are for the following subjects: Healing: 11, 14, 19; Religion[b]: 17, 11, 14; [b]History: 21, 22, 10; Spellcraft: 8
The redheaded acolyte smiled at Tuck. "Thank you--best of luck to you, too!" She looked around at her teammates.
"Best of luck to all of us..!"
Between the escapades of the night before and her lack of sleep, however, Wilma found that she wasn't able to concentrate on her quiz subjects as much as she would have preferred. This annoyed her but she possessed the wisdom to realize that the last-minute mission to prevent her group from being framed for something they didn't do was something that couldn't have been avoided.
It was all in the hands of the gods now. At least Wilma was doing her very best while competing--and she smiled as she recalled that her mother always said that doing her best was all that anyone could ask for, win or lose.
Of course, her father would simply have started beating things up...and that was always an option for later...
DM Kathy d20+7=22 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=13 ; Tuesday July 10th, 2012 9:23:41 PM
The competition begins with a head-to-head test of knowledge. Well, actually it begins with speeches from Lord Elril and Headmaster Roww about fine young people and good sportsmanship.
Then a panel of two Gnowsy Thornton professors and an uncharacteristically stern-looking Professor Silver begin asking questions to test the students' knowledge. Some are specific questions for one school or the other; others are toss-up questions, with points awarded to whichever school answers first correctly.
Answers fly. One of the Gnowsy Thornton students, a cool-faced brunette girl, seems well-nigh unbeatable Carver is able to edge her out on a question or two, but she scores point after point for her team. Almost as good is a big blond kid who looks like he should be out on the athletic field, but who proves to be smart as a whip.
Wilma doesn't do as well as she did at tryouts--perhaps she's nervous--but Carver is steady and your three teammates prove to be very solid competitors. When the final question has been scored, Maplehurst has beaten Gnowsy Thornton 110 to 102.
There is applause, and there are special ribbons awarded to the best from each team--Carver and the brunette, who still hasn't cracked a smile. There are congratulations, some of which even sound sincere, and then the entire group troops out to the athletic field.
Vaniime, I need 5 Ride checks; and Grell, 5 Swim checks. Ariach, when you get a chance, 5 shots (if you can't get a post in right away, we'll "delay" the archery competition). Tuck, roll initiative (if you remember how, LOL) and then roll 5 Grapple checks.
I haven't forgotten about Emrys; the song competition will be last. :)
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 d20+9=14 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=27 ; Wednesday July 11th, 2012 12:49:33 AM
Grell cheers loudly (probably a bit *too* loudly) for his sister, and grumbles a bit when she doesn't get a ribbon, but seeing that Carver beat her out softens the blow a bit.
Finally the time rolls around for the "real" (ie athletic) competitions. Grell wishes Vaniime, Tuck and Ariach luck but he finishes the statement with "But we're not really going to need luck, because we're going to pound their sorry butts into the ground, right?!" After sharing fist bumps, Grell heads over to the swimming area and dips his tow in the water. He smiles at the delightfully chilly water. Perfect temperature for a swim. When the time comes, Grell slices into the icy water, but right away, he can tell that last nights games have robbed him of much of his skill. He watches as others begin to inch their way in front of him, and just when he is about to lose all hope, Grell catches his second wind and begins to cut through the waves. Not daring to look over his shoulder to see how close his competitors might be, Grell focuses on his breathing and making the most of his kicks as he claws his way toward the finish line.
Swim checks: 14, 13, 12, 15 and 27.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/24 5d20+6=69 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=20 ; Wednesday July 11th, 2012 3:26:04 AM
Ariach is very nervous about the upcoming task. He prays to Domi that the god will give him the strength to perform a good competition. Ariach is very happy about the great perfomance of his friends in the knowledge competition. Now it is very important that Grell, Tuck and Ariach can win their taks as well. Talking to himself he always repeats the same words. "Be strong and concentrated!"
OOC:(Forgett the first roll. I thought it will show me 5 times the d20 result)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Wednesday July 11th, 2012 7:06:37 PM
Emrys stands behind the staging area and practices with his lute, allowing his fingers to warm up and become more limber. This is to be the performance of his academic career, and he better perform and look the part. He unfolds his Maplehurst tabard and carefully incorporates it into his outfit. He casts Prestidigitation to give his ensemble a good cleaning and polish.
In the background, he can hear the muffled questions from the professors as they test the students during the competition. He quietly corrects each wrong answer as he hears it and smiles when Carver secures the win. "That's good, good ... no pressure on me," he keeps telling himself to shake off whatever nervousness he feels.
DM Kathy d20+7=22 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday July 11th, 2012 10:10:14 PM
The athletic competitions begin with swimming. You gather along the shore of the lake, looking at a buoy floating a few hundred feet away.
Grell, setting a few female hearts a-flutter in his swimming costume, wades out to the start, which is not quite knee-deep on him. His opponent, a weedy little kid who looks as if Grell could break him in half, is already waiting there. Facing you both is a short, muscular woman in Gnowsy Thornton colors.
"Around the buoy and back to this line," she says. "Ready--GO!"
You both take off, and that weedy little kid swims like a fish. Before Grell quite knows what's happening, the Gnowsy Thornton swimmer is ahead and opening up his lead. Grell surges forward, but the kid is almost to the buoy, and if anything is farther ahead.
Rounding the buoy, though, the other swimmer seems to tire. His stroke isn't as clean; his breathing pattern is off, and Grell closes the distance almost as rapidly as the other kid opened it.
The swimmers are nearly even as they approach the line. The other kid puts on a burst of speed, but Grell puts on a bigger one. He splashes across the line, and stands up with a few seconds to spare. Both swimmers are cheered with enthusiasm, because it was a very exciting race!
The footraces are next. None of you are entered in any of them, but of course you are on hand to cheer for your school. Gnowsy Thornton picks up a few wins here, so their spectators are in a more festive mood as you all troop over to the archery range.
Here, Ariach is facing off against a petite blonde girl who looks as if she may have some Elven ancestry. She watches the scarred fighter with a thoughtful frown, but she doesn't seem put off by his scars the way many are.
She shoots first, and puts five very good shots into her target. Ariach follows, and also fires five very good shots. There are a tense few moments as the shots are measured and evaluated. But alas, when the name of the winner is announced, it is Lady Calynn Dryden who has carried the day. So Gnowsy Thornton wins another one, and you move on to the next contest.
[This whole malware thing has played merry hell with everybody's posting, I know. Post when you feel comfortable. I still need checks from Vaniime and Tuck. Emrys, you can go ahead and roll now, too. I'll need one roll for whatever skill you're using to compose your song (you can use Perform, or you can use something else if you prefer), and a Perform check to actually perform it. ]
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=16 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=23 ; Thursday July 12th, 2012 12:48:55 AM
Full of confidence and swagger, Emrys strolls out onto the stage. His beaming smile is infectious, especially among the young ladies in the crowd. When he spots a group of them, the bard gives them a wink. (Diplomacy: 16)
After bowing to the crowd, and then the judges, he pauses for silence for dramatic effect. Suddenly with an extravagant flourish, Emrys gracefully takes his darkwood lute from his shoulder and immediately begins to play.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday July 12th, 2012 5:07:02 PM
Ariach is very satisfied with his shots. Of course, his opponent has the advantage of elven blood flowing in her veins- the blood of the best archers known in the country. But as far as Ariach can tell, they are about the same. Waiting for the final result he steps nervously from one foot to the other.
"The winner is Lady Calynn Dryden from Gnowsy Thornton!"
*He lost! He lost! He really lost! What a shame! Domi - if you are a really merciful god, let me die immediately*
But then Ariach shakes off these thoughts and considers which reaction the codex demands. He shakes off his paralysis, swallows hard for a few times and goes to congratulate the winner.
With a deep bow he begins to speak.
"Lady Dryden! I must congratulate you on this victory. You are a worthy winner and a great archer. "
He knees down and hands over his long bow to Dryden. "Please take this bow as your trophy and be assured that I will honor your victory by not bending a bow for a year."
DM Kathy d20+7=16 ; d10=4 ; d20+7=16 ; Sunday July 15th, 2012 7:16:10 PM
Lady Calynn looks a little discomfited by Ariach's concession speech. "Well...that's all right. You did fine," she says, clearly not sure how to respond. "Anyway, you need to bend a bow, right? Don't you have exams in a few weeks? I'll take your bow if it makes you feel better, but really, it isn't necessary."
That evening, Emrys steps onto the stage, along with a rather severe-looking dark-haired girl from Gnowsy Thornton. She performs first, a very complicated piece about some obscure historical battle. She's clearly trying to impress the professors with her technique and obscure knowledge, but alas, the end result isn't very entertaining. Even her Gnowsy Thornton classmates are looking a little glazed by the time she wraps up to polite applause.
Then Emrys performs his piece, and honestly, the contest isn't even close. Not only is Emrys vastly more entertaining, but his piece is just as technically complex without being inaccessible. And his chorus is downright toe-tapping. Nobody is surprised when he is declared the winner; even the dark-haired girl seems to be expecting it.
[I still need checks from Tuck and Vaniime. The site seems safe again, so let's get back into the habit of regular posting! :) ]
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Monday July 16th, 2012 12:48:46 AM
Grell grins and slugs the skinny kid cheerfully on the shoulder in acknowledgment of his effort. "Not bad, not bad. Course, not good enough, but not bad..."
The warrior frowns a bit as Ariach is beaten out in his competition, but seeing that Ariach looks like he's taking it hard, Grell is all smiles when he heads over to his friend. "Hey, you did well out there. Takes a lot more than a few arrows to determine a battle...she got a few lucky shots in, but I've seen you in real action. And like they say...action speaks louder than words!" Grell winks at his friend as they head over to watch the bards do there thing. Music not being his thing, Grell finds himself literally nodding off during the Thornton student's performance. After all, it was a loooong night and that combined with the swimming...the warrior was feeling more than a little tuckered out. Then Emrys takes the stage and Grell finds himself actually enjoying the performance. He pounds his fists on the table in rhythm with the beat and let out a loud bellow of excitement at Emrys is determined the winner. Coming over, he give Emrys a hearty slap on the back and grins.
Then, he heads off to watch the wrestling and horseback riding. He can feel the anticipation building, knowing that these last few competitions will determine who wins the cup.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Monday July 16th, 2012 5:10:17 AM
Wilma watched the rest of the competition unfold, cheering and even whistling loudly when Grell won his particular contest. That brother of hers didn't know the meaning of surrender!
Ariach's actions after losing his archery match surprised the acolyte of Gargul--especially the vow to not bend a bow for a year. A year? That was rather excessive...and what purpose did it serve to deprive oneself of archery practice for all that time? All the better to let one's arrow-shooting skills deteriorate even further? Wilma shook her head and made a mental note to ask Ariach about the custom later.
Wilma shifted in her seat, craning her head around to look for wherever Van, Tuck and Emrys were located. Their respective competitions would be coming up soon and she was anxious about whether or not Maplehurst Academy would prove to be the overall winner of the day.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+10=29 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=13 ; Monday July 16th, 2012 9:47:28 AM
Vanime heads intothe riding ring and her nerves begin to get the better of her as she knows that her riding was never her strong suit. And not knowing the horse was going to be even more difficult.
As she mounted up the horse sensing her nervousness, jigs a bit to the side nearly dumping Van on the ground, but with the use of her thighs and calves, not only manages to stay on but gains the determination to do her best.
As the riding begins, she feels extremely confident and finds herself riding above her ability. DC 29, 18, 30 (natural 20) for a good part of the competition. Then she looks around as she rides to check her competition, and see that they are doing a good job as well and her nerves take over, stiffening up a bit the last part of the competition is nowhere near as smooth a job for her DC 16, 13.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+3=11 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=17 ; Monday July 16th, 2012 5:37:56 PM
As Tuck prepares to wrestle, a powerful wave of anxiety and lethargy sweeps over him.
Oh man! I don't think I can beat him!
As he crouches into his wrestling stance, his breath comes quicker to him. His right knee starts to shake.
I'm going to look like the biggest fool! In front of not one but two schools.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday July 16th, 2012 5:58:31 PM
Although still very depressed, Ariach cheers for his friends during the competitions. He enthusiastically applauses Emry after the minstrel had won his competition. The hope that Maplehurst still has a chance to win the event makes him feel a little better. He then moves to the area where the riding competition takes place and eagerly follows Vaniimeīs perfomance.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+6=25 ; Monday July 16th, 2012 8:40:33 PM
Emrys bows respectfully to the crowd, then his competition and finally the judges. After blowing a few kisses to the fawning female masses who have left their seats and gathered at the front of the stage, the young bard exits the stage only to be assaulted by Grell with a celebratory slam against the back. Being able to keep from crumbling to the ground (dex check 25), he joins in the celebration with giving Grell his own jovial thump on the back, only to hurt his own hand ... "Oww!"
DM Kathy d20+7=12 ; d10=10 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=16 ; d20+7=12 ; Monday July 16th, 2012 10:55:19 PM
As Vaniime is preparing for the equestrian competition, her opponent approaches her. He is a tall, dark-haired, good-looking lad with a ready smile. "Jassen Norgold, at your service," he says, extending a hand. "I see I'll have to be at my best, if I'm to ride against an elf! May the best rider win!"
Your horses come from the Gnowsy Thornton stables; you draw lots to see who gets which one. Once you are both mounted, the horse-master signals and the race begins.
Vaniime absolutely leaves her foe in the dust, setting a bruising pace. He tries gamely to keep up, and seems to be gaining at one point, but you cross the finish line several lengths ahead. It is a rout.
However, Jassen is laughing as he dismounts. "What a rider!" he exclaims. "I wish you could have more like you on our hunts!"
Tuck, preparing for his match, has grave misgivings about letting his team down. His opponent is every bit as lithe and wiry as Tuck himself, so it's going to be a difficult bout.
Tuck is a little slow off the mark, and the other wrestler takes the fight to him. Before Tuck is quite aware of what has happened, he's been taken down, and he's one point down in the match. He comes back, and manages a takedown of his own to tie it up. The two scramble about for a while, then Tuck is again taken down, and is again behind. But he has his opponent's measure now, and has shaken off his pre-match jitters. He takes his opponent down and pins him, ending the match. Maplehurst has won again.
At the end of the day, Maplehurst has beaten Gnowsy Thornton in 7 of 11 contests. Congratulations are exchanged, and you are invited to sit down to dinner.
And it is at dinner where you--or at least most of you--crash. You've been up all night, followed by what little sleep you were able to snatch on the way here. Excitement and exertion were enough to keep you going this afternoon, but now that is over. Whether mentally or physically, you have worked hard today. And now, you are sitting down in a comfortable, candle-lit room and the fatigue hits you like a brick wall.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Tuesday July 17th, 2012 4:23:59 AM
Wilma's applause and enthusiastic two-handed whistles for her teammates was wild and uninhibited. It didn't matter to her as much that Maplehurst had lost the overall competition--everyone involved had given the various contests their level-best efforts. Of course, there WAS that one small but important fact that Maplehurst's perfomance may have been better had she and her immediate teammates not been the targets of an attempted frame-up, but life had a way of throwing a person Kokpars that flipped instead of flopped. She couldn't resist the impulse to slip over to where Gnowsy the bulldog was sitting in state and give the dear old canine a rub of his head.
"You're SUCH a good dog!" she said sincerely, grinning at him. "Congratulations! And thanks for everything!" She skipped off to go congratulate Van in person and never could quite remember how they managed to get to their rooms before she fell asleep...
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Tuesday July 17th, 2012 7:00:07 AM
Van thanks Jassen for his congratulations and wishes him luck in the future and after watching and cheering on her classmates in their respective events, joins them afterward congratulating the entire team on their victory.
Dinner was probably not as rowdy as it might have been had they not been so tired, and Wilma was extremely out of it, even thinking that Maple hurst had lost the competition. During dinner, as tired as she was she couldn't help poking the bear by searching out each of the conspiritors and sending a smile and a wave their way during the night's festivities.
After the meal she can barely keep her eyes open and after finding her room, makes sure it is locked and and falls into her bed.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Tuesday July 17th, 2012 5:29:12 PM
Tuck holds his breath until the ref calls the pin. He rolls from atop his opponent and holds his arm aloft in triumph.
"Woo-hoo!"
His muscles tense in ecstatic disbelief as the adrenaline continues to race through his body. He roars again.
Turning back to his opponent, he shakes his hand. "I thought you had me. That was a great match. Thank you."
Dinner finds a much different Tuck. At this point, the lack of sleep and hectic pace of the last few days have caught up with him. He can barely keep his eyes open as he pathetically attempts to enjoy his meal. He is mostly unresponsive to those who attempt conversation, simply because he has trouble noticing anything through his haze of fatigue.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday July 17th, 2012 6:53:28 PM
Ariach is overjoyed after Maplehurst is the declared winner. He is hopeful that his defeat now fades away more quickly from the memories of the spectators. At the dinner he forces himself to celebrate, hoping to displace his gloomy thoughts. He congratulates his teammates and doesnīt forget to congratulate the opponents of Gnowsy Thornton as well. But soon he begins to yawn more frequently and isnīt able to follow conversations. Afraid of falling asleep at the table, he asks Lady Brightseeker for the permission to retire.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday July 17th, 2012 10:19:47 PM
After a wonderful meal, Emrys raises his glass for a second toast of the day. However, this one is meant for his friends.
"Everyone, lift your glasses. I have a toast." He pauses for dramatic effect. "To Fighting, Stealing and Killing! Fighting for what you believe in. Stealing victory from the teeth of defeat, and Killing one last bottle with my friends before we take our sleep. We all won this day and may we never forget it. Cheers!" He smiles warmly to everyone and takes a hearty mouthful.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Tuesday July 17th, 2012 10:25:29 PM
Loading up his plate with 2nds and then 3rds, Grell's eyelids get heavier and heavier until he finds himself face first in his plate of chicken. Loud snores erupt as bits of stuffing are snorted across the table.
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