DM Kathy Tuesday August 21st, 2012 10:05:45 PM Dreppi introduces himself as you make your way back toward the Preserve's entrance. He seems to prefer your company to that of his assigned team.
Your return journey, of course, takes longer than your journey into the Preserve, because now you are dragging a chimera behind you. At last, however, you reach the spot where you parted ways from your professors, your classmates, and the rangers.
There is nobody there.
No professors, no classmates, no rangers. What you do see are several holes ripped out of the earth, and four or five dead ankhegs. Even the non-trackers among you can see the churned-up ground and splashes of blood marking where the battles happened.
Vaniime, with her Tracking ability, sees more. She can tell that there were several people here when the ankhegs burst from the ground. She can see that the largest group of them fell back in what looks like orderly retreat, toward the gates of the Preserve and the Safe Road beyond. She can see that a second, smaller group took off at some speed, moving farther into the Preserve. She almost misses the third track--more of a blood trail, really, with some drag marks. It leads down one of the ankheg burrows. Ominously, there is a severed foot lying on the blood trail, right at the burrow entrance.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 d20+5=20 ; d20+5=7 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2012 10:22:46 PM
Grell greets the gnome with a cordial grunt and grumbles a bit as the group stops to rest. "How are we going to increase cardio if we don't push ourselves?!" Grell asks no one in particular. Still, the warrior supposes that the others can't help but be a little weaker, due to there lack of training. He makes another mental note that they're going to need group cardio.
Sniffing the air suspeciously, Grell frowns. (Track=20) This didn't bode well.
Spotting the holes, Grell swears, then, ever the man of action, he grabs his sword and begins to start digging through the soft dirt. "NOBODY gets left behind!" Str check of 7...well...it was nice knowing them. :( OOC: Dag nab it, just missed posting before DM.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+11=15 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2012 10:23:35 PM OOC: Perception check 15! snort!
Wilma peered around her, her mouth dropping open in surprise and shock. Then she noticed Van lead the discovery of a bloody trail...complete with the foot on the ground. She gulped, eying the burrow.
"There's...a chance that whomever belongs to that foot isn't dead...yet..." she opined with a healthy dose of doubt in her tone, "...I...uh...I have one spell left to me...the only one that I can't trade for anything else..." She took a deep breath and then looked at everyone around her.
"It's my Location spell," she said levelly. "I...I can locate the person that the foot belongs to...if I cast the spell using the foot..."
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 12:44:06 AM
Dreppi gave a perplexed look then suddenly concerned. "I hope everyone is safe!" the gnome fidgeted alittle thinking of all his mates. Though he seemed comforted in the fact with this group, they all could find some answers.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 3:10:49 AM
Ariach feels very uncomfortable when the group reaches the spot the rangers should be and nobody is there. His discomfort increases when he sees tracks of a fight and Vaniime explaining details of the past fight. As he sees the foot he is shocked.
"'Do it Wilma! Cast your spell!"
He draws his flail out of his belt and turns to grell with a face like thunder.
"Our goal is to find the body which belongs to this limb. Either we can rescue the person or we bring the body back for a proper burial. And we kill all of these giant insects!"
Then he goes closer to one of the tunnels checking out if itīs possible to follow the ankhegs through their own tunnels.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+12=29 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 8:11:14 AM
(Spellcraft check: 29)
"Wilma, I know that same divination. I'm afraid that magik only works at locating general objects or well known possessions. It doesn't work at locating people. I suggest saving your magik. With what little magik we have left, it looks that we are going to need it." The idea of trekking down within these blood-splattered tunnels fills Emrys with a new found terror he has never known.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 8:48:45 AM
"Maybe we should first check the road, in case people ran there for safety! (Assuming the magic road is not far away ... what is the distance?)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 1:38:51 PM Second "illegal" post, for RP
Wilma looked at the foot, noting that it had its shoe still on it. Her spell could possibly still work--she could use it to find the other half of the pair of shoes--but she also felt distinctly at a disadvantage. All of the magic she could have utilized had been sacrificed for healing Ariach of his horrible, horrible wounds...
...now, far too late, the young cleric realized that she should have simply used her Curative wand--it had many charges and could be easily recharged overnight. She had been too hasty with her resources...and now there were people who could suffer because of her thoughtlessness.
She remained silent for the moment, however, looking to Van and her brother to see how their group would go.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+12=31 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 1:48:10 PM
"Wilma, on second thought, do you recall any unique items worn or carried by either Professor Lobrian or the head ranger? That divination would work locating items like that."
Emrys searches his mind about unique items worn or carried by the professor, the head ranger and any other rangers they've talked with this day. (things like: an eye patch, monocles, a horn, red sash, etc.)
(Knowledge [Local]: 31)
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+8=21 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 6:48:41 PM
Tuck lets out a heavy breath as they come upon the bloody scene. The rangers didn't expect this. How could all of these ankhegs have gotten into the preserve without the rangers knowing? In their last battle, Tuck hadn't pegged them as intelligent enough to evade detection by the grizzled woodsmen.
"Oh man."
He squats over the severed foot to get a closer look. Can he determine the race and gender of whomever might be missing their appendage?
After determining all that he can from the foot, Tuck stands and rejoins the group. "Don't forget about those that fled back into the preserve." He points after the trail that the smaller group took when they fled from the battle. "They could be trapped and in need of help, too.
"This one's most likely gone." He points at the foot. "Maybe we should expend our energies helping out those still trapped in the forest."
(Perception 21 to determine race/gender/etc. from the foot)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 9:45:25 PM
Vaniime passes on the info she has gathered to the others. Looking at the severed foot she shakes her head.
the likelihood of this person still being alive is slim. Belhorn, Naeve, why don't you go see who is near the road and see if they need help. If not bring them all back this way, while we go see if we can quickly find those that went into the woods. We should all try to meet back here and then we should decide if we try to recover our other compatriot?
Other thoughts?
DM Kathy Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 10:32:45 PM Grell vows inwardly to see the group train harder. The sight near the entrance spurs him to action! True, it's not especially productive action, but it's action, which should count for something.
Wilma hesitantly offers to use her locate spell, but Emrys cautions against it.
Ariach is all in favor of tracking down the person who lost a foot. Dreppi is uncertain.
Tuck takes another look at the foot. It seems to belong to a female, and you feel as if you have seen the boot before, recently. It comes to you in a flash--this boot belongs to Quila, the young ranger who greeted Vaniime when you entered, and who was so friendly toward you.
Vaniime suggests that whoever lost the foot may be beyond saving, and it's certain that Quila probably doesn't have much time left. Do you have time to check on the other groups before trying to recover her? Is it even worthwhile to make the attempt?
Grell looks down at the tunnels. "I agree with Ariach, we must find the others. They don't have time. Let's go!"
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+6=16 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 11:07:56 PM
Dreppi flared his nose, sniffing the air. Curiously searched the ground for footprints and ankheg tracks.
Survival: 16
"Finding survivors is first priority." The happy optimistic look of the gnome is only briefly washed away. "Just think how good a review we'll get if we save them"
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 11:21:19 PM OOC: waiting to see if Tuck will share his bit of info with the others in the group....
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 Thursday August 23rd, 2012 4:34:28 PM
Ariach waits for Wilma casting the spell. If nothing happens he asks for a torch and goes into the tunnels.
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 20/20/16 Thursday August 23rd, 2012 5:52:33 PM
Tuck grunts when he recognizes the boot. "It's Quila's."
He stands back up and looks at the rest of the group. "It's Quila's boot. I recognize it."
As the others debate whether to go after Quila, whom Tuck thinks is a lost cause, or after the small group possibly trapped still in the preserve, he pulls out a small circular container. The inside smells of old leather, and he takes a healthy glob and begins to smear it on himself.
(Using Oil of Mage Armor) Mage Armor - 1 hour from ankheg battle scene
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Thursday August 23rd, 2012 7:32:37 PM
Wilma stood there, thinking about Tuck's revelation--the boot belonged to that nice young ranger who had been kind to them.
"The Claws can start tracking down the group that went into the woods," Wilma suggested, "While we find Quila's...other boot. I know I'm probably being silly, but I get the feeling that Quila isn't ready to be judged by Gargul yet. She struck me as being a very competent sort of ranger--I'd prefer to believe that she would know enough to keep herself alive for as long as possible, even in the grasp of an ankheg." She looked to Vaniime, her friend and, in Wilma's opinion, leader of their group.
"I'll cast the spell if you want me to, Van," she said quietly, "But I won't if you really, really think that Quila's a lost cause."
The young acolyte stood still, her face impassive but her sapphire eyes keenly watching the spirit ranger for her response.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+4=9 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+11=25 ; d20+8=12 ; Thursday August 23rd, 2012 7:49:04 PM
Emrys' blood goes cold with Tuck's assessment. He answers in a sobering tone, "By the gods, Tuck! I think ... I think you're right. Then our task is clear." He turns away for a moment and under his breath, he whispers, "Lord Ebryon, forgive my weakness, and my fear of Mother Wold's embrace."
Emrys turns back around and loads a bolt on his crossbow. He then takes a stone and mutters a short phrase. The stone bursts with light. He then tosses it, as far as he can, down into the hole where Quila had been dragged. "Drat!" Not caring for his first throw, he picks up another stone, casts Light on it, and tries again. (Casting Light on a stone. Throw roll: 9. Retry: 14.)
He waits for his more stout friends to take the lead and he does his best to keep up.
(Perception: 25. Survival: 12)
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Thursday August 23rd, 2012 8:44:59 PM
Runs up to Emrys watching him dropping stones in the hole. "Who is going to go down first?"
Looks up at everyone waiting patiently. He wasn't going first..Not a fighter
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 d20+5=19 ; Thursday August 23rd, 2012 9:28:29 PM
Hearing about the ranger, Grell sets his jaw, his mind made up about what he has to do. Heading over to whoever is holding the foot, Grell takes it and places it close to his nose. Then he begins sniffing it, trying to pick up Quila's above the overpowering smell of blood. Then again, maybe the blood was all he needed... Pulling his lantern out of his pack, Grell hands it to Dreppi. "I'm gonna need light."
Sampling the air constantly, Grell pulls his sword and strides into tunnel, trying to follow the scent of the lost ranger. He briefly looks over his shoulder to the others. "What are you waiting for?! The trail is getting colder by the minute...let's get a move on!" (Survival=19)
Hearing that the foot/shoe seems to be Quila's, Van gets a cold closed look uopn her face.
"Cast the spell Wilma. One way or another we will go get Quila back."
DM Kathy Thursday August 23rd, 2012 10:35:19 PM
Learning that the severed foot is probably Quila's is enough to decide you. She must be found, even if her chances are not good.
The Claws willingly set off in search of the smaller group that headed into the Preserve. The larger group, the one that headed for the Safe Road, are presumably better able to take care of themselves.
At any rate, it's the best you can do.
Looking at the situation, Vaniime is pretty sure she can track the ranger using her Tracking skills. After all, there's only so far off track you can get inside an ankheg burrow.
However, if Wilma still wants to cast her spell, she can do so before you leave.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Friday August 24th, 2012 1:36:48 AM
Wilma reached for her holy symbol...and saw that the majority of the group had already decided to follow the hole. She sighed and nodded at Van.
"Well, o Fearless Leader," she said with a bit of a smirk that also conveyed a sense of wearied long-suffering, "The troops have gone ahead. Looks like I don't have to give up my spell just yet. I'll go first, then--that way when we have to reverse course, you can be in the lead." Wilma took the time to make sure that her crossbow was loaded and ready before descending into the hole after the others.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 Friday August 24th, 2012 2:01:12 AM
Fascinated he watches Emry who casts a spell on a stone which starts to light and thus the darkness in the tunnel is no longer a problem. Ariach follows Grell immediately into the tunnel. The warrior prays to Domi that Quila is still alive. Nevertheless the darkness and the narrowness of the underground tunnels discomfit him. But he tells himself to stay strong, no matter what lurks in the darkness in front of them.
Finally he says to Grelll, "Grell! You can rely on me. I will not leave your side. Let us bring back Quila! "
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Friday August 24th, 2012 5:22:20 PM
Save your spell for the moment Wilma, Vaniime states as she moves forward to quickly take the tracking lead or to be close by if she is needed.
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 20/20/16 d20+8=18 ; Friday August 24th, 2012 5:43:54 PM
Tuck retrieves a bright stone from his backpack and drops it right in front of his face. Rather than falling to the earth, the stone begins to orbit around Tuck's head while emitting a warm glow.
He hurries after the rest of the group into the tunnel. The circling stone lights the way as he pulls out a thick quarterstaff.
Mage Armor - 1 hour from ankheg battle scene Ioun Torch activated
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+11=24 ; d20+9=17 ; Friday August 24th, 2012 6:44:02 PM
In agreeing with Vaniime about Wilma's spell, Emrys also adds, "Yes, our eyes and ears should be all the divinations we need until the trail goes cold. By the way, if you could use the magik of that spell for healing, I do possess the same incantation on a scroll." Before entering the tunnel, Emrys will grab the discarded boot, in case it's needed as a focus later on.
When the bard passes the point in the cave where is glowing stone is located, he will then recast the Light spell on the top of his walking stick.
(Perception: 24. Survival: 17.)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Saturday August 25th, 2012 5:24:36 AM
Wilma sighed gustily at Emrys' statement.
"Unfortunately for us," she told him somewhat dolefully, "I can't swap out that particular spell--it's my last one and it's one that I'm given to showcase Gargul's domain of travel."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 Sunday August 26th, 2012 7:50:50 PM
Tromping through the loose dirt with a determined expression on his face, Grell can only hope that someone will provide light. He continues to follow the scent trail of blood, glad that Ariach has his back. Noticing Van come up along side, Grell nods at the ranger. "You can lead the way if you want, or I can continue to track the blood. Doesn't matter to me."
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