DM Kathy Wednesday July 25th, 2012 11:20:11 PM
Quila opens her mouth to answer Vaniime, but she is forstalled by one of her fellow rangers. Actually, he is probably the head ranger, a scary-looking half-orc with scars across his face and down his bare arms. He is missing a finger.
"All right, listen up!" he shouts, looking as sour as Professor Lobrian on his worst day. "My colleagues and I have identified some creatures that need to be eliminated to maintain the balance of the Preserve. Yes, I know you don't care about the balance of the Preserve, but I hope to get some of this through a few of your thick heads. Today isn't just about chasing things and killing them. It's about maintaining a sustainable population. Try to remember that." He scowls.
"Your professors should already have sorted you into groups. Get into your assigned groups, and we'll give you your assignments. Once everybody has their assignments, the hunt will begin." He scowls some more. "Questions?"
tl;dr: The head ranger is a big, scarred half-orc. He yells at you for a while, then tells you to get into groups and asks if you have questions.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 11:29:49 PM
PInwheel steps lightly from the carriage and quickly looks about, surveying her surroundings. Confident that the school wouldn't spring a surprise attack/test on them without an explanation first, she relaxes and saunters over to the gathered rangers and druids. Noticing their weaponry, she unslings her crossbow from her back, draws a bolt from her quiver, loads and locks. "This is my weapon of choice for ranged encounters. It is a special commission piece from the weaponsmith Callahan of Floating City, with a solid oak stock, customized trigger, mercury-injected balancing, and magically calibrated sight lines. It is my very favorite crossbow. I call it Vera."
Pinwheel has a question for the surly half-orc. "Sir, what sort of critter will we be 'balancing' today?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=28 ; Thursday July 26th, 2012 12:56:40 AM
"With all respect, sir, we are here to be tested and to execute our duty. We take no pleasure in this exercise. Our thick heads are fully capable of appreciating the gravitas of our task. Though we are young, we will prove to you that we are capable and efficient. The hunt is in our blood."
He makes sure that the tone of his voice is strong, serious, and confident, but not disrespectful. Emrys knows that flattery doesn't work here, especially with half-orcs in charge. (Diplomacy: 28)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday July 26th, 2012 10:02:30 AM
Vaniime grimaces as Quila is hushed and she quickly mouths an apology to her.
As the half orc ranger begins speaking she steps to the front a bit to make sure she hears everything and doesn't miss anything. She understands the need for occasional culling and balancing of a forests populations and has participated in a few small hunts in the Culverwood. A question comes to mind and she raises her hand. When acknowleged the quickly asks her question.
"Excuse me. But has the forest given permission for this culling?"
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Thursday July 26th, 2012 10:25:51 AM
The redheaded cleric listened to all that was being said, her eyes shifting from the yelling half-orc to Van, who asked a very valid question. Then she looked back at the head ranger, extremely interested in hearing the answer to that question, since ticking off a sentient forest was not the best thing in the Wold to do...
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+2=11 ; Thursday July 26th, 2012 7:31:36 PM
Ariach waits behind his friends. He listens to Vaniime when she asks her question and thinks about it for a short moment. Under governing law the permission of the forest is not required. (knowledge local:11) But just before he says something he gets the idea that maybe Rangers have some extra laws and he keeps quiet.
TUCK: Tuck listens intently to what the half orc ranger says. Thinking *Oh, man! Come on! What kind are these creatures?*
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Thursday July 26th, 2012 9:02:19 PM
Tuck folds his arms across his chest and gives the grizzled ranger his undivided attention. There is no laughter in his eyes at the moment. This is a dangerous situation and he takes it quite seriously that his friends are putting themselves into danger.
(OOC - Thanks Ariach for subbing for me. I'm back. A bit redder than when I left, but none the worse for wear.)
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Thursday July 26th, 2012 10:32:33 PM
Working on my post now...shouldn't be more than a couple of minutes...
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Thursday July 26th, 2012 10:37:42 PM
Left, right...left, right...Grell tries not to let his impatience show, but it's reaaaaaally difficult. Blah, Blah culling, blah, blah balance. Sheesh, let's get the show on the road...
Grell looks over at Tuck and Ariach and smiles when the half-orc isn't looking.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Thursday July 26th, 2012 11:33:13 PM
Pinwheel raises an eyebrow.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday July 26th, 2012 11:37:37 PM
Emrys' ears twitch with sounds of his friends restlessness behind him ... he is too afraid to look.
DM Kathy Friday July 27th, 2012 1:41:56 AM
[First, before I forget (again!), everybody take 500 XP for the first scene.]
Emrys and Vaniime attempt to persuade the half-orc that yes, indeed, your group at least cares about the balance of the Preserve. He grunts and looks unmoved. Vaniime asks about whether the forest has approved of the hunt. "The forest here isn't what you'd call sentient," he replies. "Not like the Culverwood and that. The druids say it's good with the Powers that do inhabit the place." His eyes narrow a bit. "Though they're a little stirred up about the gargoyle that got killed a few weeks back." He pitches his voice to carry to all of the students. "None of you would know anything about that, would you? Getting a jump on Beasting Day?"
Grell, meanwhile, is showing signs of restlessness, and the rest of you are curious about what kind of creature you'll be hunting. Quila comes up to your group, smiling. "You're the most advanced team," she says, "so we're sending you after one of the young chimeras. If you follow this trail," she points, "about a half-mile, then bear due west, you should be able to pick up its trail. The chimeras have had their wings clipped, but not recently. Yours can probably fly, but not for long distances." She smiles. "Good luck. Do you have any questions?"
Thinking for a moment, Van tries to remember all she has learned about Chimeras.
"Ok Chimeras, are very stealthy they have a lion's body and claws, three heads; goat, feline and dragon,they bite, they have a breath weapon and as mentioned they can fly for short distances.
So, this chimera is a young lone male? Quila, do you know what kind of dragon head it has? Also how many young males are there in the vicinity and do they all have the same type dragon head?
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+12=20 ; Friday July 27th, 2012 2:45:29 PM
(Knowledge [arcana]: 20 to identify the traits for a chimera)
Emrys is about to begin conveying to the group the dangers and weaknesses of the chimera, when Vaniime beats him to it. With a smile, he compliments Van's insightful report, "Ahh, I forgot you wrote a thesis on beasts of magik. I shouldn't be surprised, these beasts being your favored prey. Chimeras, along with excellent vision and hearing, also have a keen sense of smell. Be sure to remind me to replenish the incantation I put upon each of you."
(Ongoing Spell effects: Pass Without Trace, on everyone.)
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Friday July 27th, 2012 5:56:56 PM
"A chimera. Oh man."
Tuck shakes his head. "That's a big deal. How do we take him down?" he asks of Vaniime and Emrys. "Does he have any vulnerabilities we can exploit?"
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Friday July 27th, 2012 7:04:24 PM
Even as everyone else asks the logical questions, there is one thing that catches Wilma's attention and holds it long enough so that she adds her own query to the mix:
"Pardon me, Miss Quila," the young acolyte held up a finger as she spoke, "But...what is this about a gargoyle that seems to have been killed before the official Beasting Day...?"
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Friday July 27th, 2012 10:19:49 PM
Grell breaks out into quite possibly the biggest grin his face has ever had. A chimera, huh?? Awesomeness!! Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, this is going to be wicked! He turns to Tuck and smirks "Well, you're gonna kick the crap out of it's booty and I'm going to chop off it's head and then we're gonna chop it into iiiiiity bitty little pieces..." He looks over Quila and releases that he's not supposed to be quite *so* excited. "Uhhhh....and we're going to do it in a very respectful manner..."
Grell listens with horror as Wilma asks about the gargoyles...no doubt the gargoyles that they dusted on the way back home on the Floop. Moving so he puts himself behind Quila, he frantically runs his finger across his throat in the universal symbol of "What the crap do you think you're doing???" Alas, it's too late, and Grell shoots daggers at his sister from a distance.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Friday July 27th, 2012 11:44:06 PM
A second, even more inquisitive, raised eyebrow. "Is there something out there that may try to hunt us?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Saturday July 28th, 2012 4:52:06 AM
A chimera is a truly dangerous prey. The more Ariach listens to Vaniime and Emry the more dangerous the chimera seems to be.
As Ariach hears the words of the half orc, he gets the feeling the Ranger condemns the death of the gargoyles. Knowing that rangers are very attached to nature, he still cannot understand this reaction. Convinced he did the right thing Ariach says,
"Sir! With all due respect, but the gargoyles attacked us. In an act of self-defense, we were forced to defend ourselves. Neither we did provoke this attack nor did we want to fight. Any time I would act in the same manner to protect my friends!"
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Saturday July 28th, 2012 11:06:08 AM
Pinwheel turns her head slowly toward Ariach, an incredulous look on her face. "Remind me to never tell you secrets, Ariach."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=26 ; Saturday July 28th, 2012 12:35:43 PM
Emrys closes his eyes and imagines a sunny day at his favorite meadow near Culverheart. The place containing thirteen ancient standing stones. A place where even the fey have forgotten their true meaning. The oldest trees know the stones' origin, but they speak sooo slowly. It's this place where Emrys developed his fascination for lore and the songs and oral traditions that forbid them from being forgotten.
Emrys realizes that he isn't really in his favorite meadow. But why is he here? Could it be that his mind has retreated to this safe place while the remainder of his subconsciousness is screaming in baleful, bloody, bone-mashing belligerence.
(Bluff: 26, to mask his fury with a stoic facade)
He opens his eyes and the bard is back in the monster preserve. Emrys simply turns his head and looks at Ariach. Even though Emrys has become a master of hiding his true emotions, his left eye still can't help but twitch a little.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20=15 ; Saturday July 28th, 2012 1:01:21 PM ooc: I imagine that the party told Pinwheel about their recent exploits at some point prior to embarking together.
Pinwheel sighs. "It is true. Our party was involved in the slaying of the gargoyle. It was a necessity, of course. We were tasked by my faculty advisor with delivering an urgent missive to a professor at another school. It attacked us while we traveled, and as the gargoyle was threatening the safety of commissioned agents of Maplehurst, we were within our power to defend ourselves. It is a shame, really. I'm certain you understand." She makes a gesture of helplessness with her hands. "Now, which direction would be best for us to find this chimera?"
Bluff check 26
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Saturday July 28th, 2012 3:05:49 PM
Wilma--who had merely been attempting to find out about what the rangers may have known about the gargoyle's demise--had NOT reckoned with Ariach's propensity for keeping to a very narrow interpretation of law and honor. Right about now she felt like putting her head in her hands and groaning out loud.
Mentally, however, she gives many points to Pinwheel for her quick thinking and looks curiously at the head ranger, wondering what he will say to all this...?
As Ariach makes his pronouncement Van snaps her head around to glare at him as if to say are you totally insane and then drops her eyes to the ground for a moment and with a shake of her head and a roll of her eyes looks back at Quila and kind of shrugs, as if to say what can you do.
DM Kathy Monday July 30th, 2012 12:11:08 AM Vaniime and Emrys share what they know about chimeras, and Vaniime thinks to ask what color the dragon head is.
"Green, I think," says Quila.
Wilma asks about the dead gargoyle. "Oh," says Quila. "Well, like the chimera, we'd clipped their wings, but it had been a while. We'd had complaints that they'd been leaving the Preserve and getting livestock, and then one day we found one of them dead not far from here. It looks as if it had flown too low and crashed, but some of the rangers think it was already injured. Another one also seemed hurt, but it was able to fly back to the Preserve."
Ariach, of course, believes in full disclosure, so much to the dismay of his companions, he tells the rangers that your group was responsible for the dead gargoyle.
Pinwheel follows up with an elaborate bluff, and Quila looks over her shoulder, as if trying to see whether the half-orc ranger overheard any of this. "I wouldn't go spreading that around," she says at last. "Mind you, if the creatures were flying around harrassing people, it's not surprising one of them ended up dead. Just--Crumorn probably won't see it that way."
With that, she once again points you down the correct path. "Good luck," she tells you.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Monday July 30th, 2012 2:26:22 AM
"Thank you!" Wilma says brightly, waving to the youngest master ranger. She then turns to the others, nodding at Vaniime especially.
"Got any ranger-ly advice about hunting down a chimera...?" the redhead asks with a relieved grin.
"Green Huh." That means it may be able to spay acid at us if it old enough and as it is on its own, it is probably old enough.
As Wilma asks her question, Van replies, "Oh yeah lots of rangerly advice."
First see it before it sees you. Attack from as far away as you can. Don't let it get airborne Don't let it catch you. And it will probably smell or hear us way before we smell / see/ hear it unless we are very careful. so much of the above will be useless advice.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Monday July 30th, 2012 1:38:38 PM
Wilma's head nods as the spirit ranger makes her very wise points.
"Well, in that case..." the redheaded cleric says with a sigh and a shake of her head, "...here, Grell--you're stronger than I am..!" Her younger brother finds himself the recipient of her backpack with most of her heavier camping gear in it--Wilma only keeps her weapons and her belt pouch containing her healer's kit and the magic wand for Curing Wounds.
"Aw, buck up, bro!" the acolyte's arm flashes out and, catching her brother around his neck, pulls him into a lighthearted headlock, complete with a quick noogie on his head. "Now you get to brag to Mother and Father about how you had to bail my puny little...self out during our class chimera hunt..!" Even as she releases the snowy-haired teenager, Wilma exchanges another grin and a wink with Van.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday July 30th, 2012 2:04:52 PM
Emrys corrects Van's last statement, "The chimera will NOT smell us. If you recall, I cast an incantation on each of you that prevents that, nor do you leave tracks." (Pass Without Trace) He wonders if he had whispered the last two times he told everyone about this, because it appears no one can hear.
"If we speak in hush tones, refrain from drumming on Grell's helmet, and are careful not to step on every brittle twig along the way, it should better our chances of not being noticed. However, I suggest we all fan out when we come upon the beast. It will lessen the chance of us all becoming soaked in acid."
(Active Spells: Pass Without Trace (on everyone))
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Monday July 30th, 2012 4:11:19 PM
Grell accepts the backpack with a deep sigh. He's not sure *how* Wilma has gotten herself in to such poor physical condition, but he can tell that it's VERY important that he make her join him in his morning workouts. I mean, if she can't handle her own gear now, how's she gonna make it when they are official
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday July 30th, 2012 4:23:07 PM
It seems that the half orc doesn´t assume anything to confess Ariachs reply. Therefore Ariach assumes that the ranger accepts the circumstances which lead to the gargoyles´ death. The reactions of his companions irritate the warrior. Had his friends concealed the truth? Probably they were just afraid of the imposing appearance of the orc.
But now he has to focus on the hunt again. Emry´s magic will help him to stalk close enough the chimera. Then it should be possible to attack it at close quarters. And hopefully he can avoid the breath of the dragon head.... Hopefully!
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+14=15 ; Monday July 30th, 2012 5:47:23 PM
(ooc: Second slighly illegal post to get this on the move.)
Ok guys and gals, I will take center point when we find a likely game trail. I think that one to each side of me 45 feet away with a second row 45 feet behind us.
Track DC 15 (natural one- ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!)
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 d20+5=8 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=8 ; Monday July 30th, 2012 6:54:21 PM
Grell accepts the backpack with a deep sigh. He's not sure *how* Wilma has gotten herself in to such poor physical condition, but he can tell that it's VERY important that he make her join him in his morning workouts. I mean, if she can't handle her own gear now, how's she gonna make it when they are official adventurers??
Knowing that he's about as stealthy as a bag of nails dropped down a cliff, Grell contemplates using the magical gifts he received from that Yule time dream. Skill Pills they had been called. Before he does though, he offers them to the group. "Hey guys, these things can help you become more skillful. I was thinking of taking them so I can move a little more quietly, but if anybody needs them more..."
Grell notices as they are heading out that Van seems to be having a bit of trouble finding the trail. He takes a look himself, but can't make heads or tails of things. "Well...urrr...I think it might have headed in that general direction..." Grell motions his hand in a 30 foot spread. (Survival=8)
As they move further into the forest, Grell finds it fairly easy to conceal the sound of his armor and foot falls, though he can't help but wonder how long that will last. (Stealth=21) Grell takes up the right hand position on Van and indicates that Pinswheel should take the left. He would have loved for Ariach to have taken the spot on the other flank, but his oath about not taking up his bow severly hampered his ability for provide a first strike. He suggests that Wilma, Ariach, Tuck and Emrys fan out behind them...but not too close, because, like Van reminded them...if they all get caught in the breath weapon, things would turn ugly fast. Pulling out his bow, Grell waits for the signal and then follows after Van, hoping to spot the thing before it spots them. (Perception=8). As they head into the forest, Grell wonders whether the things his father had taught him so long ago about dragons will be useful in this encounter. True, this wasn't a real dragon, but it had a dragon's head. Adrenline surges through Grell's legs and arms giving him that warm and tense feeling that he craves. Soon...soon.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+10=24 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+4=15 ; Monday July 30th, 2012 7:11:47 PM
Emrys takes his spot near the back, but not too close to the others if he can help it. His large glassy eyes scan every hidden spot. His elven hearing, keen as always. Since the party isn't leaving tracks, he also scans the ground of chimera-like tracks. Emrys also takes advantage of the shadows as much as possible.
(Perception: 24. Survival: 20. Stealth: 15)
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+9=10 ; d20+8=25 ; Monday July 30th, 2012 7:18:31 PM
Tuck nods as Vaniime and Emrys set out the plan to find the chimera.
"Is the chimera a particularly intelligent creature? Most of us have ranged attacks. Could we hit it from a distance while one or two engage it up close? If the one or two in melee range get into trouble, another could run into hit the chimera and take his attention off the others while they retreat and continue hitting from range. What do you all think?"
He unslings his crossbow and sets a bolt to it. He checks the pull to make sure everything's in working condition before they set out. Taking a staggered position between and behind Pinwheel and Vaniime, he informs the others that he is ready.
Unfortunately, he's not all that stealthy down the trail. (Stealth 10, natural 1) But he is alert. (Perception 25)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Monday July 30th, 2012 7:44:07 PM
Emrys steps over and in soft, quiet tones, he whispers into Tuck's ear, "Chimera are twice as smart as any animal. They're able to speak draconic. They also have excellent hearing and are always hungry, shhhh."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active Monday July 30th, 2012 10:36:19 PM
"If we can't track the chimera," Wilma suggests, "...perhaps we can anticipate what the chimera is most likely to try to eat in the Preserve and track THAT...?"
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Monday July 30th, 2012 10:54:20 PM
Pinwheel rubs her chin, thinking and pondering as she looks out into the forest. "Would it be possible to get a goat or a lamb? We could tie it to a tree and wait for the chimera to come. If we did it in a clearing, then the chimera would have space to land and we could attack it before it takes off again." She furrows her eyebrows. "Now, where would the nearest goat be...?"
DM Kathy Monday July 30th, 2012 11:07:27 PM Vaniime has some rangerly advice, but she seems to have forgotten Emrys's bardic cleverness in hiding the scent of the group. He cannot, alas, do anything about the noise.
Wilma tosses her backpack to her brother, and Grell vows to "help" his sister with her training. This will end well.
Ariach and Tuck are all business, though they could probably be a little quieter. Pinwheel suggests luring the beast with a goat, but somebody (presumably) informs her that one of the chimera's heads is a goat, so that may not be as effective as it first appears.
You head down the trail that was pointed out to you. It's more of a game track, really--rough and winding, with plenty of opportunities to get equipment hung up on branches and stumps. Those of you inclined to notice such things see that the ground is very soft. If there were hills, you'd worry about slides, but luckily the ground here only rolls gently.
When you have gone about a half-mile, you depart the track as instructed and begin heading due west. It doesn't take long before Vaniime, with Emrys's help, locates the chimera's tracks.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+2=18 ; d20+10=21 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2012 12:55:42 AM
Wilma follows Van's lead, trying her best not to tramp about the landscape too loudly. She's secretly rather pleased with her attempts at being noiseless (OOC: voluntary Move Silently check is 18!) even though she isn't trained in the technique like Emrys or Pinwheel. As the group goes along, she takes the time to inspect one of her crossbow bolts, noting its craftsmanship and the way the bolt has been put together. It's not master craftsmanship, but it's really rather well done. By the time the party reaches the point where the chimera's trail picks up again, Wilma has loaded the crossbow bolt into her crossbow and has the missile weapon ready to use should the three-headed beastie make an appearance. She makes it a point to look around at their surroundings in an effort to help Vaniime detect where the chimera's trail leads...
(OOC: voluntary Perception check: 21)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+10=28 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+4=12 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2012 1:29:02 AM
Looking down at the chimeran tracks, Emrys consults with Vaniime. In a hush tone, he asks, "How old are these tracks? Do you think we're getting close?" He then asks Pinwheel, "You have an interesting idea. If we can find bait, how talented are you at trapmaking?"
Emrys estimates that it's become close to an hour since he warded his friends. He softly touches the shoulder of each of his friends, while quietly reciting the words of magik, and renews the charm.
Taking a look at the tracks Vaniime tries to figure out what she can from them as to how old they appear to be, if it was tracking something or just travelling etc. track DC 31
The bait it is most likely to want is one of us. Any volunteers?
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20=15 ; d20=10 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2012 3:05:49 PM
Pinwheel crouches down into the shadows of the foliage just off the trail. She shoulders her crossbow and and her movements become precise and controlled, compared to her usual lanky movement. "Let's do this."
Stealth 26 Perception 20
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday July 31st, 2012 5:47:24 PM
The fact that Ariach doesn´t possess his longbow anymore leads him to the following statement.
"I will be the bait if you want. Without my bow I'm going to face the monster in close combat anyway. With my armor I am not able to move silently and it will be a great honor for me fighting in first row. With my armor and my shield I am maybe the best protected guy in our group. I will resist the chimera´s bites and claws and I am hopefully fast enough to avoid the breath."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+9=12 ; d20+8=27 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2012 6:11:25 PM
Tuck nods to Ariach. "We'll hang back and hit him from range, then. If you get hurt, holler for us and either Grell or I will charge in to take his attention off of you so that you can retreat."
He takes a few deep breaths as he continues forward. His step becomes more determined, his senses better attuned.
(Stealth 12; Perception 27)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday July 31st, 2012 8:06:37 PM
Hearing that Ariach has offered up himself as bait, and it looks like everyone has decided on making a stand in this clearing, Emrys drops the spell he had cast upon Ariach just a few short moments ago and instead replaces his ward with a cantrip that accentuates the warrior's own natural musk.
(Dropped Pass Without Trace on Ariach. Casting Prestidigitation to make Ariach's scent more potent.)
Emrys then steps back into the shadows and loads a bolt onto his crossbow.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Tuesday July 31st, 2012 9:48:51 PM
Grell slaps Ariach on the back, and he grins at the warrior. He keeps his voice to a whisper, though Ariach can hear his excitement. "A bold move...a bold move indeed! But we don't want you to die a hero... " He looks around the group, remembering even in excitement to keep his voice down. "Who's got the invisibility potion?"
Once the potion has been located, Grell makes sure it is given to Ariach. "If it hits you hard, take the potion and get out of there. We'll be backing you up and we'll charge in if it looks like you're in trouble, but I want you to have a backup."
Once everybody looks ready to go, Grell notches an arrow and heads out in his position.
DM Kathy 6d8=31 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2012 11:51:08 PM
Your trackers agree that the tracks are fairly recent. As rainy as it's been, any tracks you find are likely to be fresh.
You evolve a Cunning Plan. Ariach will walk in front of the group, more or less offering himself as bait. The rest of the group will follow at a distance, and back Ariach with ranged attacks once the chimera shows itself.
And....it works. Ariach moves into a small clearing, and hears a thrashing in the underbrush. He looks up to see the chimera, sort of flutter-hopping toward him, obviously not quite able to fly. It moves in, and breathes a line of acid straight at Ariach! Ariach, take 31 damage, DC 17 Reflex save for half.
And the map. The rest of the group is just off the map, in row 21.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 d20+8=16 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2012 12:35:55 AM Oh...my....merciful...gods.... Grell gulps as he watches Ariach get toasted by the critter. Not good...not good at all!
Grell wings off a shot at the critter, but doesn't even get close. (AC16). He decides that this probably isn't going to end well for Ariach and heads forward, knowing that he'll need to rush at the critter next round to get it off of Ariach. (Hopefully moving to O15).
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+2=9 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2012 12:53:21 AM
Wilma's eyebrows elevated--wow, that sure was effective! She'd have to remember to congratulate Emrys on his clever application of magic later. For now, the acolyte of Gargul cast True Strike on herself so that she could be sure to hit the chimera with her first crossbow bolt. After casting the spell she moved forward to a strategic spot just between a pair of trees so that she would be in range and still be able to see the chimera to take aim at one if its heads...
OOC: Wilma has tried to Move Silently to O16 on the map; her skill check totals to 9.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Wednesday August 1st, 2012 2:24:53 AM
(ooc: Emrys would have given Ariach the Invisibility Potion after Grell's suggestion before the battle.)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+10=18 ; d20+10=27 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2012 3:19:20 AM
"Zounds!" is all the young bard can say as Ariach takes such a devastating attack. His poor, brave friend's life is circling the drain and he notices the cleric preparing to attack the beast. "Wilma ... forget the beast, Ariach needs you!"
Emrys' thoughts berate himself for allowing Ariach to move *SO* far ahead of the group. So far that he is more than twice out-of-range from any of his spells or abilities!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Ariach is a sitting duck with no support. How could this had happened?!
The bard mutters a few words of power and he completely disappears from sight (Invisibility spell). He moves forward, just to the right of a tree (T15). Between two trees ahead of him, Emrys can still make out the large shape of the chimera. The bard bellows out the most biting insults, that he can think of, at the beast in its own language of draconic, in an attempt to draw it away from Ariach.
"AMAZING HOW YOU HAVE THREE HEADS AND STILL BE SO COMPLETELY STUPID!! COME GET ME YOU STUPID, BONE-HEADED FOOL!!" (in draconic)
(Intimidate: 18, hero point reroll: 27. I'm not trying to scare him, I'm trying to taunt and make it angry. Dont know any other skill that best does that.)
(Active spells: Pass Without Trace, Invisibility.)
Shocked at the abruptness of the acid attack on Ariach, Van hesitates for just a moment before drawing back her arrow and releasing the deadly shaft. DC 24 for 9 points of damage. She watches with satisfaction as it streaks to its target and strikes true. With a seeming fluid movement she darts fifteen feet diagonally and forward, nocking her second arrow as she goes. (Now at I 17.)
"Ok guys now is the time to get in there close if you are more effective it will take a little tiime for it to manufacture more acid."
====== (OOC: Hey Cathy, the magic number was 45 ft apart front to back and side to side from my Monday post you have us more than 60 away from Ariach. Ah well, for future reference.)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+4=17 ; d20+3=19 ; d8+4=11 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2012 4:59:57 PM
Armed with shield and flail Ariach browses through the undergrowth to find a track of the chimera. But the chimera finds him first. Immediately the chimera sprays the deadly acid breath in Ariach´s direction. Though his warriors trained eye immediately recognizes the danger, he reacts almost too late. At the last moment he saves himself by jumping to the side before the fatal breath disintegrates him. Although the acid rain only brushes him, Ariach has to grit his teeth to avoid screaming.
But after he composes himself, he concentrates on the plan. There he is expected to defy the chimera to give his friends enough time to cast their spells and bring their range attacks in. He strengthens his grip on the flail and attacks. (fight defensively + combat expertise= AC 26, melee -5) (just modified attack roll 19, damage 11) (OOC: How do i know what i need to roll to hit the chimera?)
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday August 1st, 2012 5:56:59 PM
Tuck is upset with himself that he allowed Ariach to get so far ahead of the group. He quickly moves forward and takes up concealment behind a bush and prepares to fire on the chimera.
(Uses a double move to position at N10)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+6=14 ; d10=6 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2012 11:12:55 PM
Pinwheel moves swiftly forward, taking a partially covered position behind one of the trees and taking aim before letting loose a bolt at the chimera.
ooc: Move to I16. Attack 14, Damage 6.
DM Kathy d4=3 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+12=21 ; 2d6+4=11 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=9 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2012 12:46:30 AM Grell fires a shot, which goes wide. He hurries forward.
Wilma casts a spell on herself and moves up--trying to stealth, but without notable success.
Emrys slips forward and tries to get the chimera's attention.
Vaniime's shot hits, then she too moves forward.
Ariach manages to avoid some of the acid, then attacks with his flail. [You never know the precise Armor Class of the bad guys; I'll tell you whether you hit or not. :) You hit AC 19, which does hit and do damage. You know that Grell's 16 was a miss, so you can deduce that the AC is higher than 16, but lower than 20.]
Tuck spends a whole round hurrying forward.
Pinwheel moves up and fires a shot, which misses.
The chimera lands, awkwardly, a little closer to Tuck. His target for this round, however, is still Ariach. Each of the heads takes its turn. The dragon head bites him for 11 damage. The lion head bites him for 10 damage. The goat head gores him with its horn for another 9 damage. Two claws also swipe at Ariach, but miss him.
Seeing Ariach getting chomped upon, Van decides that missile attacks aren't going to suffice at this juncture drops her bow and drawing her blade charges into the fray (double move) to P8 and cuts down with her curved blade. Ac 29 for 10 points.
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 d20+11=21 ; 2d6+7=10 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2012 10:35:19 AM
Grell watches in horror as the chimera rips into Ariach time after time. Seeing Tuck move directly into his line of charge, Grell shouts out "Tuck MOVE over! I'm gonna teach this thing the meaning of pain!" Charging forward, Grell can only hope that Ariach is still alive but it's really not looking good at all right now! This is not at all how he had hoped this day would go.
Screaming in anger, Grell rushes forward and slams his sword into the creature's muscular body. (AC21 for 10) This time, his rage distracts him and he feels his attack is not as powerful as it would normally be. "Hey you, UGLY! C'mere! I got something for you!" Grell taunts the beast wanting to distract it from Ariach so that *maybe* Wilma can find a way to heal him.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday August 2nd, 2012 1:53:55 PM
The invisible bard moves forward to get within range of the chimera (R10). "Gods!" is all Emrys can mutter as he watches on in horror at the ferocity of the three-headed beast. Ariach must be near death from all those wounds and Wilma is nowhere in sight. This beast needs to be put down now or poor Ariach would most certainly be dead in a few short seconds.
Emrys speaks the words of power, "SLOOM DIEP!" Magical energies attack the minds of the chimera attempting to force it into deep sleep.
(Casting Deeper Slumber on the Chimera. Will Save DC: 16 vs. falling asleep)
IF the chimera falls asleep, Emrys will shout out, "Quick, while it's helpless ... deliver the killing blow ... the coup de grace!!"
(Active magical effects: Pass Without Trace)
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+5=21 ; d6+3=7 ; d8=5 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2012 6:03:56 PM
As the chimera rips into Ariach, Tuck gets a sickening feeling in his gut. He's the one that suggested this method of attack and now his friend was being torn apart.
"Get out of there, Ariach!"
Grell rushes by him to cleave into the monster and Emrys casts a spell.
Should the spell work on the chimera and put the beast to sleep, Tuck steps forward and drives a vicious elbow point first into the chimera's spine. If the chimera withstands the spell, then Tuck moves to his right and fires off a bolt which digs into the monster's flank.
(If the chimera is asleep, Tuck delivers a coup de grace for 7 damage. If the chimera is not asleep, he moves to Q10 and shoots a crossbow bolt, hitting AC 21 for 5 damage.)
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday August 2nd, 2012 6:45:48 PM
(ooc note: I know it's hard to find the Coup De Grace rules in the link I provided. Here is a brief version - "Full round action. Automatic critical hit. Fort Save DC: 10+damage dealt vs. death.)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20=19 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2012 7:25:27 PM
Ariach´s big body lies in the green gras in front of the raving beast. Wouldn´t be blood all over his body you could think he is just sleeping. At the last split of a second before the chimera destroyed his body he had just on thought. *I will not retreat! * Then Darkness closed in on him. But from far, far away a pinpoint of light appeared giving him the feeling that he shouldn´t give up. (constitution check for getting stable vs. DC10 = 19-13= 6)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active 2d6=4 ; 2d6=6 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2012 7:26:36 PM
Wilma's jaw dropped as she witnessed Ariach stand his ground after getting hit by the stream of acid spat out by the chimera's dragon head. That stupid, noble fool was supposed to drink the blasted Invisibility potion Grell had given him! What in the Wold was he thinking???
Even as she blinked shocked sapphire eyes, the three-headed monster followed up on the initial attack by munching, crunching and then goring the young paladin. As if in a dream, the acolyte of Gargul registered the booming voice of Emrys and the movements of Grell and Tuck as they did what they could against the huge beastie that was killing one of their own.
Wilma sprinted forward in a straight line and then rounded a tree to get as close to Ariach as possible, her original intentions of firing her crossbow now abandoned. Instead, the young cleric-in-training stretched out her left hand towards the paladin, intent upon unleashing healing energy for her allies alone...
OOC: Wilma intends to move as close as possible to Ariach--map coordinates O8 (if possible) or at least O9. Once there, she immediately invokes her supernatural Channel Energy ability to heal Ariach of 6hp damage. (I used either one Hero Point to reroll the original 4hp outcome--or, if Hero Points are no longer used for such a reroll, then Wilma will invoke the magic of her Ivory Slippers.) Wilma also possesses the Selective Channeling Feat, which allows her to control her burst of healing energy so that the chimera does NOT benefit from it at all.)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+6=16 ; d20+6=18 ; d10=5 ; d10=1 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2012 11:13:55 PM
Pinwheel reloads and fires. That silly knight. He's going to end up as flesh soup if we don't take down this beast.
Attack 16, Damage 5.
ooc: Sorry for the extra rolls. For some reason my mouse is double-clicking things lately.
DM Kathy d20+6=7 ; Friday August 3rd, 2012 12:36:46 AM Vaniime double moves to get closer to the chimera. (A double move uses both your move action and your standard action; you don't have another action for an attack. You can save the attack roll for the next round if you want.)
Grell drops his bow and charges. His sword slices into the chimera,and the lion head roars in pain.
Emrys moves up and casts a spell. All three heads blink sleepily, then the beast falls to the forest floor and begins triple-snoring.
[Holy crap, nat 1 on the save!]
Tuck moves up and strikes the chimera, doing damage. (Since coup-de-grace is a full-round action, you can't do it this round because you had to move. But you can do it next round.)
Wilma moves forward and channels divine energy to heal Ariach.
Pinwheel fires an arrow, which hits and does damage.
[Normally, being wounded would awaken the chimera, but I'm going to give you another round because 1) the coup-de-grace thing is really difficult in play-by-post, and 2) it rolled a frickin' 1 on its save!! Also, I'm not going to bother with a map this round. Run up and kill it. :)]
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 Friday August 3rd, 2012 1:01:12 AM
Grell turns to Vaniime and nods at the beast. "Do it." All the excitement leading up to the hunt is gone as he rushes over to Ariach's limp and bleeding body, searching for signs of life. "Wilma, get over here and heal him!" Panic constricts the warrior's chest as he feels immense guilt about the fallen warrior.
This is all my fault. I never should have let him get so far out of range! What kind of leader runs a piss poor battle like this?! We're just lucky that Emrys is here or things probably would have gone even worse. Shoulders slumped, the warrior continues to mental berate himself for this combat gone so, soooo wrong.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Friday August 3rd, 2012 4:42:01 AM
*Is the light getting brighter?*
(OOC: Wilma´s healing has stabilized Ariach. So his current hp´s are -13 -1[missed check last round] +6= -8)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active 2d8+3=12 ; 2d8+3=16 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=8 ; Friday August 3rd, 2012 4:44:35 AM
"You know I love you, Gargul," Wilma whispers as she sinks to her knees beside the fallen paladin, "But you're not judging this one...not today..." She then begins to cast Cure spell after Cure spell, substituting all her non-Domain magic for clerical healing magic, determined not to stop until Ariach returned to the Wold once more as a living person...
OOC: Wilma substitutes her Aid and Spiritual Weapon to cast Cure Moderate Wounds (one heals 12hp damage, the other 16hpd) and goes on to trade in her Sanctuary and Magic Weapon spells to cast Cure Light Wounds (those two heal up another 6hpd and 8hpd respectively.) All those spells--added to the healing energy she channeled in the previous round--mean that Ariach should be completely healed up.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+6=21 ; Friday August 3rd, 2012 7:39:10 AM
Emrys looks on in slacked-jawed wonder. He forgets himself for a short moment as he stands there in shock. He stumbles backwards after experiencing sudden weak knees. Emrys is fortunate that he is able to catch himself before he falls (Reflex save 21).
After collecting his wits, the bard runs over to Ariach's side. He cautiously pauses to tip toe by the sleeping beast. He knows that ordinary sound won't wake the chimera from its magically-induced sleep, but Emrys takes no chances.
After kneeling next to Ariach, Emrys' is still stupefied. All he can say is, "Eberyon's Antlers!? I can't believe it, you're alive! Praise the gods ... you're alive!!"
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d6+3=9 ; Friday August 3rd, 2012 6:11:50 PM
As the others gather around Ariach, Tuck steps up to the sleeping chimera. If Vaniime wants the final blow, he steps back to let her take it. If not, Tuck delivers a powerful elbow to the spine.
Otherwise, he keeps his distance as the group works on Ariach. He watches in silence.
(Coup de grace, if Vaniime doesn't act, for 9 damage)
Vaniime nods as Grell suggests she deliver the Coup de grace and does so as swiftly and mercifully as she can slicing down with her Curved blade. 31 points damage DC 41 vs death
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Friday August 3rd, 2012 10:17:54 PM
Watching Vaniime deliver the deathblow to the beast, Pinwheel walks over and watches as she plunges her blades into the chimera. She smiles, "Yeah. Yeah, that's right!" She kicks the chimera in the ribs once, twice - "Who's the big man now, huh?"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Saturday August 4th, 2012 5:24:13 PM
Emrys looks away when Vaniime delivers the killing blow. He finds the act rather unpleasant, but he can't help but feel relieved when the chimera gurgles its last breath. At least the beast wouldn't have to suffer the sadistic and savage cruelty of Beasting Day. 'What has happened in Plateau City,' he thinks, 'have the most bawdy barbarians taken over? Even though this creature was wholly evil, it deserves to be slain outright, not paraded about and hacked at by reveling marauders for the entertainment and pleasure of the most daft and depraved of society.'
His thoughts return to Ariach. Emrys retrieves his waterskin and offers it to the warrior. "Proper lubrication eases the effects of curing magiks, not to mention washing away the taste of blood." Emrys then recasts Pass Without Trace back onto Ariach.
"Are we going to attempt to haul the chimera back to camp? We may win favor with the rangers and our professors for not wasting the carcass. The meat and hide would be quite valuable. We could construct a simple travois or a litter pole. It will be difficult, but far from impossible. Any ideas?"
DM Kathy Sunday August 5th, 2012 11:18:53 PM
Between them, Tuck and Vaniime finish off the chimera. Emrys and Wilma rush to Ariach's side, and the cleric of Gargul is able to heal her companion over the next few rounds.
Pinwheel is exuberant, Emrys is pensive, and Grell blames himself for Ariach's near-death experience.
However, you are all hale and hearty and alive, and the chimera...not so much.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active Monday August 6th, 2012 8:28:58 AM
Wilma waited until Ariach's eyes were open and the young man clearly recovered from his near-death experience.
"Are you okay? Everything all healed???" the cleric asked anxiously. Upon seeing him nod his blond head, Wilma heaved a sigh of utter relief--then she reached out clawed hands with the intention of choking some sense into the self-sacrificing paladin.
"What part of 'drink the potion if you're in trouble' did you NOT understand???" screamed the redhead. "Did you think that just because I was born with the mark of Gargul that I could sweet-talk your way out of the Shadowlands? I'm only an acolyte, for the love of the Wold!!! I don't have an automatic 'come back to life' token just because of some stupid promise made before I was even born!!!
"I swear to the gods, Ariach: if you ever try to die on me like that again, I'll kill you myself--with my bare hands!!!"
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Monday August 6th, 2012 5:46:31 PM
Tuck offers help in any way that he can to get the chimera onto some contraption to bring back to the rangers.
"Ariach, I'm glad that you're okay. I'm very sorry that this happened to you."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday August 6th, 2012 7:16:14 PM
As Ariach opens his eyes he briefly believes he is in paradise because an anxious Wilma knees beside him and takes care of his wounds. But then he remembers everything when he listens to Wilma's harsh words which really hurt him deeply. Although he is certainly not fully recovered he replies the priestess with a forced smile.
"Thank you for your care. And Gargul also be thanked for his help. As regards that plan I totally stuck with the plan. After the breath I was convinced to withstand the following attacks. It was simply bad luck that all three heads hit me. But the plan worked- nothing else matters."
As Wilma puts her hands around the neck of the warrior and threatens him to kill him personally Ariach is shocked for a short moment. But then he starts to grin broadly due Wilma's obvious concern. Apparently the priestess is scared for the warrior.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+10=24 ; d20+9=22 ; Monday August 6th, 2012 7:56:01 PM
Emrys gives Ariach a pat on the shoulder and gets up to look around at the resources available to them. This beast is heavy and it's going to take a great deal of strength and drudgery to get it back to the ranger camp. He thinks hard on how to construct a simple travois or litter that would give him and his friends some leverage. He takes out his journal, ink well, and his second-favorite quill, and begins doing the math and drawing a basic design.
(Knowledge [Engineering]: 24, to design the device. Survival: 22, to assess the resources that are naturally around them.)
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 d20+6=10 ; Monday August 6th, 2012 9:50:53 PM
Hearing Wilma's tired brings a small smile to Grell's face, though he is still not at all happy with how the battle turned out. Heading over to Emrys, he looks at his drawing and nods. "If we got a couple of big branches and put them under the neck area and the middle area, I'll bet Tuck, Ariach, Van and I can probably lift the thing out... Of course, it'll probably take us a LOT longer time to travel. I'll check around the area and see if I can find any suitable sized branches." Grell scouts the perimeter looking for something to help transport the chimera. (Survival=10)
DM Kathy Monday August 6th, 2012 10:49:23 PM Wilma scolds Ariach fiercely, and the valiant fighter defends himself.
Meanwhile, the rest of you turn your attention to the problem of transporting your prize back to the rangers. You soon realize you can craft a quick travois for the task, and you set yourselves to finding the proper materials.
Emrys, giving it some thought, realizes that a chimera of this size would have its own lair, and in that lair there may be treasure. Not much help in crafting a travois, true, but there could be something else of interest.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Monday August 6th, 2012 11:01:34 PM "Well then, come on woodsy folk!" Pinwheel makes a shoo-ing motion with her hand. "Go find us that lair that may or may not have wonderful shiny things inside." Her eyes light up, perhaps envisioning shiny things in some far corner of her mind.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active Tuesday August 7th, 2012 5:45:54 AM
For a moment, the red-headed acolyte of Gargul seriously considers her tried-and-true childhood tactic of putting Ariach in a headlock and giving him the harshest noogie possible...but then the words of the paladin (no, wait--ex-paladin!) sink into her brain and she subsides.
"I'm sorry that I yelled at you, Ariach," she says ruefully, "You gave me the Wold's worst scare...but I have to admit that you're right. You were doing fine until all three heads of the beast struck you in succession." Wilma sighs, then brightens up as the business of finding a way to transport the chimera back to the rangers' camp becomes top priority.
"Do we really have to lug this whole thing back?" the young cleric asks, eying the huge corpse. "I mean...we can't just cut the heads off at the base of the throat and take that back instead...?" She tilted her head as she considered that alternative: the three heads would still be big and unwieldy, but just the heads alone would not be as bulky and heavy as the entire corpse.
"And if we take the whole body, aren't we just ringing a big ol' dinner bell to the rest of the creatures in the preserve...?" Wilma points out to the others. "I've only got maybe one or two spells left to use, and if we are unlucky enough to meet up with a hungry critter who wants to chomp our ex-chimera here, I might not be able to heal up anyone who gets hurt this time around..."
Regardless of her logic, however, Wilma pitches in and helps rig up whatever contraption needed to transport the remains of the creature that they just culled.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday August 7th, 2012 5:34:47 PM
Ariach rises slowly from the ground and is still a little unsteady on his feet as he positions himself next to the priestess of Gargul. "Although I am not in the full possession of my strength, I will support you bringing the chimera to the rangers´ camp.....and thank you all that you did not let me down. It's nice to have such companions."
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Tuesday August 7th, 2012 6:27:07 PM
Then again ... chimeras are known to hoard treasure! "How about after we finish with the rig, we can see if this chimera's den in nearby. It would be nice to acquire a little treasure for our effort. We know the direction from which it came, and with its wings clipped, we should find some tracks leading back to its den."
He looks at the beast's carcass and decides to cast, Pass Without Trace, on it as well. No need to let others smell this fresh kill.
(Cast Pass Without Trace on the chimera.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+5=12 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+13=27 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2012 6:58:32 PM
Using Skills learned during her studies Vaniime, KNowledge nature DC12/ Survival DC 18 and the help of several others in the group they very shortly have a workable travois ready and witha lot of gruntingeffort and sweat drag/roll the chimera onto the travois and tie it down. Once that is done Van puts her tracking skills to use trying to locate and back track the chimer's prints.
Survival (tracking) DC 27
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+8=23 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2012 7:19:12 PM
Tuck assists in the construction of the litter. Although he has little know-how into building the contraption, he is a good worker and puts his effort where directed.
As he helps out, he also keeps a wary eye on the surrounding foliage, in case there are more baddies about. (Perception 23)
"I don't know if we need to lift the thing," he says to Grell. "If we can secure him well enough, we should be able to drag him."
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 d20+5=17 ; d20+3=15 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2012 8:17:27 PM
Grell does his best to aid Vaniime and the others in the location of the chimera's lair. The work help distract him from his frustration at the previous combat and the fairly obvious flirting of Ariach toward his sister. He makes a mental note to give the warrior a good talking to when they get back to Maplehurst!
Survival=17, Perception=15
DM Kathy Tuesday August 7th, 2012 10:30:04 PM
Like any rogue worthy of the name, Pinwheel perks up at the mention of treasure. Wilma and Ariach seem to be forming an attraction, much to Grell's frowning disapproval.
Working together, you are able to fashion a travois and drag the remains of the chimera onto it. Emrys, I'm going to rule that the chimera is not a valid target for Pass Without Trace, as it is no longer a creature.
Your prey secured, you head off in search of its lair. Vaniime is able to backtrack it with little difficulty. In the lair, you find two scrolls, a potion, and a quantity of coin and jewelry.
Dreppi HP 28/28 d20+10=21 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+10=30 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2012 12:11:12 AM
Dreppi's inkpen scibbles furiously as he answers his final exams with enthusiam. Dreppi is oozing out excitement about written exams, he doesn't know why, just something about them seems to make him chipper and smirk, he holds in a little giggle that tries to slip occasionally. He finishes his exams on each of the knowledge exams he had to take and waits for his scores almost pacing back and forth in the hallway.
OOC: I'll link the sheet tomorrow in the post name :P
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+10=29 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=14 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2012 7:45:48 AM
"Ohhh, lookie here," declares the young bard. He turns to Vaniime and states, "Excellent tracking, my dear ranger." Emrys doesn't hesitate to cast a divination upon the collection of objects. "Let us see the magik within thee!" (Casting Detect Magic and concentrating on the items.)
Once it is determined the presence of magik, Emrys will attempt to identify these items. He will cast a second divination to determine what is written on the scrolls. (Cast Read Magic on the scrolls. Spellcraft checks: 29, 11, 19, 17, 21, 14. To identify the magical items.)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday August 8th, 2012 11:05:46 AM
Ariach is very astonished when Vaniim leads the group to the lair of the chimera. Coins and jewelry are not important for Ariach. In them Ariach sees just the possibility to alleviate poverty. But the warrior is pleased to see his comrades who seem to be very happy about the treasure.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday August 8th, 2012 5:37:44 PM
"Well, this sure is a welcome sight."
Tuck, with hands on hips, lets out a whistle as they look on the haul.
"I wonder how much is here."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active Wednesday August 8th, 2012 5:49:19 PM
"Well..." Wilma temporizes, "...while we of the cleric set aren't supposed to think in terms of 'money' and 'valuables', I have to admit that it can sure help out a lot..."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday August 8th, 2012 8:54:31 PM
Glad she hadn't lost her tracking touch after all, Vaniime looks around the lair and helps pick up what is found.
Ah well i guess it is time to get to the hard work and drag that carcass back to our friendly neighborhood rangers.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+8=17 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2012 10:24:19 PM
Pinwheel smiles and shakes her clenched fists just under her chin. "Loot!" She gets down on her knees and begins poring through the treasure, evaluating each item.
Appraise 17
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 d20+5=13 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2012 11:28:11 PM
Grell begins picking his teeth with a dagger as he watches Pinwheel work. He's more than ready to head back to the rangers and put this horrible day behind him. Once everything's been examined, he helps pile it up on the liter with the chimera corpse and sets his back to lugging the haul out, never once speaking so much as a single word. (Str. Check=13)
DM Kathy Wednesday August 8th, 2012 11:47:38 PM
Everyone is cheered, at least a little, by the discovery of the treasure. Pinwheel doesn't really have time to do an in-depth assessment, but she realizes that there is a respectable haul, probably over 1000 gold in gems and jewelry.
Emrys is able to use a Read Magic spell to identify the scrolls: Locate Object and Lesser Restoration. The potion gives off a faint Transmutation aura. He also realizes that one of the pieces of jewelry is magic. It is a hideously gaudy necklace, tawdry-looking gold with three thumb-sized golden balls suspended from it. It radiates a faint Evocation aura.
You are able to gather the loot with little difficulty, and you return to your travois.
[Everybody take 1000 xp for this scene. The next scene will start with Friday's DM post.]
Emrys (ac14, hp18) Thursday August 9th, 2012 2:05:59 AM
Not the least bit hiding his excitement as they gather the treasure. After identifying the two scrolls, he hands the Lesser Restoration scroll to Wilma. "I'm certain no one objects to you having this. I can hold on to the Locate Object scroll for now." He looks to the others and asks, "Who wishes to carry the rest? The weight of all that gold and gems would certainly encumber me, but I *will* if I must," Emrys says with a devilish grin.
When they return to the chimera, Emrys ponders, "With the death of the chimera, our test is done. I wouldn't believe it would be out of place to ask the rangers for help to carry our prey back. Does anyone object?" IF no one objects, Emrys mutters a few words of magik and invites the winds to encircle him. His hair and clothes gently flutter in the cool breeze as the scent of evergreen and leaves waft about. Emrys then whispers into the wind and says, "This is Emrys of Maplehurst. We have slain the chimera. We are preparing to carry it back. Can you spare a few rangers to help?"
(Casting Whispering Wind. Target: ranger camp, assembling area. Area:10-ft radius spread. Range: 2 miles. Wind movement: 1 mile/10min. Wind will swirl in place until message is delivered.)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active Thursday August 9th, 2012 5:46:51 AM
Wilma accepts the Lesser Restoration from the bard, nodding.
"Thank you, Emrys," she says, "I already have that other spell memorized--I was going to use it to locate my crossbow bolt after shooting the chimera with it--if it had managed to get away after our initial attack. Just goes to show that just because you have a good plan, it doesn't always go the way you want it to."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday August 9th, 2012 7:11:41 AM
Well as Grell is carrying Wilma's geer, I guess I can carry some or all of the loot until we get back and split it up.
(Kathy: I believe the final decision was to sell the Floop)
Emrys (ac14, hp21) d20+11=15 ; Thursday August 9th, 2012 7:32:39 AM
For some reason, Emrys can't get over the feeling that they're being watched. Then dust from the wind gets blow into his eye.
(Perception: 15... drat!)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday August 9th, 2012 9:02:06 AM
Ariach helps to carry the chimera back to their camp. Gradually he regains his strength. "Finally we passed the test. I am feeling good!"
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Thursday August 9th, 2012 5:02:48 PM
Dreppi gives a amused look to Belorin Echt and Zeliak Hawk. Seems the giant centipedes wasn't the challenge they had hoped for "Are you boys gonna mount those heads in pride? Hmm? They make nice trophies!" Rubbing it in subtly after they kept complaining about how "Grell's group" got to hunt a chimera. "Hey we passed! You should be happy. You can venture out another time and take on a chimera with your little war-band" happily walking back to turn in their prize.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Thursday August 9th, 2012 8:16:26 PM
Tuck helps to gather up the coins and gems. When they get back to the chimera, he hefts one of the supports for the travois with a grunt.
"All set to get this baddie back to the starting point. Everyone okay?"
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 Thursday August 9th, 2012 10:37:54 PM
Grell waits for the others to finish up and stands at the ready by his pole, waiting to see what the results might be of Emry's message.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+2=15 ; Thursday August 9th, 2012 11:41:49 PM
Grabbing a handle on the travois, Pinwheel gives it an experimental heft. "Come on, everyone! I think we could do this without help if we try hard enough."
Strength check 15
Emrys (ac14, hp21) d20-2=13 ; Thursday August 9th, 2012 11:59:45 PM
Taking inspiration from Pinwheel's words, Emrys also gives it the old guild try.
(Strength check: 13)
It seems that the young bard isn't allowing his lifelong affliction command over his body. Emrys seems filled with vigor and a strength he hasn't ever known.
DM Kathy Friday August 10th, 2012 12:24:54 AM
[Okay, one more post before we switch scenes.]
Emrys is able to identify the potion as Cat's Grace. The necklace is a Necklace of Fireballs, Type 1.
I'm awarding a Hero Point to Ariach for offering himself as bait to lure out the chimera. Well done, Ariach! As a reminder, Hero Points come with 30 xp per level, so Ariach gets an extra 90 xp along with his Hero Point.
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