DM Kathy Sunday August 26th, 2012 10:20:56 PM
[Everybody take 500 XP for the last scene.]
Your decision made, you climb down into the ankheg burrow and begin following the back trail. Grell goes first, following his nose, with Ariach by his side.
Tuck follows, providing light for his friends. Vaniime walks beside him.
Wilma, Emrys[/b], Dreppi, and Pinwheel bring up the rear.
Vaniime reads the tracks as you move, and can see that Quila did not go quietly. There are signs that the ranger thrashed around, and managed to wound the ankheg at least once. You pass a longsword, apparently knocked from her hand, lying on the ground. Later, there is a shortsword.
After a few minutes, you begin to hear sounds ahead, scufflings and scuttling. Then you hear a faint moan. It appears that the ranger is still alive.
Grell AC 21/13/18, HP47/47 d20+9=20 ; 2d6+10=13 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 8:03:11 AM
Grell makes sure the swords are collected as they pass them, either by himself or someone else. You never knew when stuff like that comes in handy.
Hearing the moan, Grell motions for Van to come to the front, knowing all too well from the day's battles that charging in head first often proved dangerous if not catastrophic. Still, the blood pounding in his ears and the adrenaline coursing through his veins makes it extremely difficult to ignore his urge to rush in sword drawn. In whispered tones, he motions to Van, Wilma and Emrys. "If you want to do something fancy, better do it now."
Lacking any other plan, Grell is willing to charge in an do what he does best. (Doubt he can get to the critter this round, but if needed, attack roll is AC20 for 13 if needed)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 d20+8=16 ; d8+4=11 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 6:45:51 PM
Quila´s voice comes from the darkness in front of the group and pierces marrow and bone. The plight of the Ranger aware Ariach does not hesitate. Ariach storms forward into the darkness ready to fight all insects he sees. "Quila stand your ground! Help is coming! ......................................... Light! Damn light - I need light!"
(Ariach will attack all big insects he sees. attack roll = 16 / damage=11 and aid another (+2AC Quila)
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 20/20/16 Monday August 27th, 2012 7:07:37 PM
Grell makes the party aware of Quila's presence ahead. Tuck's knuckles whiten on his quarterstaff. One of these giant bugs nearly killed him only a few minutes ago. He continues to move forward with the rest of the group.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday August 27th, 2012 7:43:18 PM
Having collected her friend's swords, she brings them along hoping against hope to be able to return them.
At Grell's motionsshe moves up to his side sword drawn and at the ready. As Ariach charges in Van shakes her head mutters a curse and hurries in after the gung ho paladin.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Monday August 27th, 2012 8:01:40 PM
For one moment, Wilma very seriously considers firing her readied crossbow at Ariach, because there was one thing that her mother always told her that a warrior on a rescue mission like this does not do, and that was give your position away to the enemy so that they definitely know you're coming.
"Um...charge...?" the cleric prompted, although it was definitely a question. Maybe Ariach's shout would distract the giant insect-like beastie away from Quila and towards their group in order to defend its hard-won prey..?
OOC: WIlma has her crossbow at the ready...but she's in the back, and so must rely upon the group pushing forward enough to at least see if there is room enough for her to fire her weapon at the ankheg (assuming there is only one there trying to snack on the nice ranger lady...
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+6=13 ; d20+4=10 ; d8=6 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 9:22:46 PM
Emrys urgently warns those nearby with a whisper, "Mind your feet, avoid loose tufts of softened soil! These creatures burrow, you know. They could literally be the ground you walk upon."
While humming a small tune under his breath, Emrys invokes a sight granted by a divination that allows him to view an area (10-ft cube) a short distance ahead of the group (30-ft), as if he were standing there scrutinizing the space. However, if he sees the ankheg, he wont hesitate to fire his crossbow. (Hit AC: 10. Damage: 6.)
(Casting Sift. Perception: 13, already applied the -5 penalty, but able to spot fine details and traps as if there with sight and touch.)
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+11=21 ; d20+8=25 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 9:24:26 PM
(ooc: forgot my normal checks. Perception 21, Survival 25.)
Seeing Ariach charge in, Grell sighs and wades forward, rushing the beast. AC20 for 13 if we're close enough to get in an attack this round.
DM Kathy d20+5=25 ; d20+5=19 ; 2d6+4=14 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 9:54:21 PM
As you approach the sounds, Grell and Ariach move to attack! Grell hits the creature for damage; Ariach distracts it to give the ranger a better defense (Joe, you can attack to do damage, or you can attack to Aid Another. You cannot do both on the same attack.)
Emrys fires his crossbow, but misses. Wilma holds off on taking a shot.
The ankheg, apparently cross at having been interrupted, drops the ranger, who is ominously silent. It bites at Grell, and its mandibles find purchase. Grell takes 14 points of bite damage, but no acid. Apparently, this creature spat its acid at some point, which is a break for the good guys.
Please note: You are in very close quarters. The burrow is 10 feet wide; there's not a lot of room to move around. Only two of you can get adjacent to the ankheg at any one time, unless somebody knows how to fly. You can swap around to put different people in front; however, it will be challenging to do that without provoking.
Also, you have enough light to see your foe, thanks to Tuck's whatchamajigger.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+6=7 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 10:41:25 PM
Dreppi turns to watch the group rear just in case another monster popped up, thinking against throwing more of his fire goodness. Listening closely to the group fight and the surroundings as he pulls out his kukri and waits.
"Peas and Carrots!" curses Emrys when his shot sticks in the roof of the tunnel, just short of its target. "This is how you will die, beast!" The bard's words resonates within each of his friends as he begins to speak of the ankheg's weaknesses and most sensitive areas. This bit of insight helps guide his companions' attacks to slay the beast.
(Naturalist +1. Knowledge [Arcana]: 29, good for Ankhegs up to 14HD. Everyone receives +1 insight bonus to AC, Attacks and Saves vs. the Ankheg.)
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) Monday August 27th, 2012 11:34:44 PM
(ooc: I forgot. As a move action, Emrys loads his crossbow.)
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP33/47 d20+9=22 ; 2d6+10=17 ; Monday August 27th, 2012 11:55:16 PM
Grell looks Ariach square in the eye. "Ariach, you have GOT to get Quila back to Wilma. If you don't do it now, she will probably bleed to death. I can handle this thing, but I'm afraid it's gonna hit you when you leave. I can't tell you to do this..." Grell lets the rest of his sentence drop off as he returns his attention to the creepy crawly in front of him. Blood trickling down the gash in his chest Grell lets the adrenaline course through him, falling fully into the clutches of blood lust. His breathing comes in quick bursts, though he is careful to not to allow himself to hyperventilate. A small lunge of his sword and the creature moves its leg just enough to allow Grell to bring his sword up in a powerful back swing, cutting deep into the ankheg's weak belly (AC23 for 17).
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 d20+4=12 ; Tuesday August 28th, 2012 5:17:55 AM
Not sure if he should follow Grell's instructions or better slay the giant insect Ariach finally makes the decision to rescue Quila. He drops his flail, bends down to the young ranger and grabs her by the collar of her dress. Then he pulls her back with all his strength and hopefully out of reach of the raging battle. (strength check=12) While he is struggling with the lifeless body he keeps repeating the words. "Do not die! Please do not die! "
OOC: At my last post i didn´t know if i would reach the ankheg able to attack or maybe find Quila first. Ariach is able to attack and aid another as a move action (trait: trustworthy)
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 21/21/17 Tuesday August 28th, 2012 6:11:10 PM
"Go ahead, Van!" Tuck yells as Ariach drags Quila from under the ankheg. "Get in there."
Tuck waits behind Grell as the warrior cuts again into the giant bug. "If you need to step back, buddy, don't hesitate. Don't let yourself get too banged up by this thing. I'm right here to fight him if you need a breather."
He grips his quarterstaff, twisting the wood between his hands, eager to inflict some damage.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; 2d6=6 ; Tuesday August 28th, 2012 7:59:37 PM
Not even waiting until Quila is near her, Wilma--unable to get a truly clear shot at the ankheg--elects to channel a burst of healing energy to everyone within a 30-foot-radius of her except the beastie they were fighting for the possession of the nice ranger lady...
OOC: Thanks to Wilma's Selective Channeling Feat, she can exclude the ankheg from the 6hp of Curative magic that was just released. Note also that not only is the damage that she sustained from the previous battle now healed up, but also she is sporting her shiny new Level 4 Hit Point Total as well.
As Ariach squeezes back past her with Quila in tow, Van focuses on joining Grell in the absolute destruction of the beat in front of them. Slicing down trying to shear off one of its mandibles AC 24 for 15 points of damage.
DM Kathy d20+5=23 ; 2d6+4=12 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+11=25 ; Tuesday August 28th, 2012 10:20:12 PM Dreppi looks around, but the only ankheg he sees is the one the group is currently fighting.
Emrys once again shares his knowledge, giving his companions an edge on the creature.
Grell smacks the ankheg pretty hard, and it wobbles visibly.
Ariach, throwing caution to the winds, grabs the ranger and tries to back away from the ankheg. The creature, seeing its prey being dragged off, takes a bite at the retreating fighter (Attack of Opportunity). The bite connects for 12 damage, and the ankheg attempts to grab hold of Ariach, to prevent him from escaping. It is successful; Ariach isn't going anywhere and neither is the wounded ranger.
Tuck grips his quarterstaff and expresses his readiness to back up Grell.
Wilma channels some healing energy to the group.
Vaniime is unable to move forward because Ariach wasn't able to leave his position. She waits for her opportunity.
The ankheg tries to pin Ariach, and succeeds. Ariach is now pinned.
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 d20+9=26 ; 2d6+10=20 ; Wednesday August 29th, 2012 8:28:00 AM
Seeing Ariach trapped in the jaws of the ankheg spurs Grell even further into his maniacal rage. Determined that this is the last breath the creature will ever breathe, Grell aims for the creature's neck. His heart pounding and his arms and legs pleasantly burning, he barely feels the heft of his colossal sword as he brings it up above his head. Focusing all of his energy into his attack, the warrior pulls the sword down cleaving the hardened shell of the beast and cutting deep into its soft tissues. (AC27 for 20)
Ariach AC 24(23)/14/19 ; HP 21/33 d20+7=10 ; Wednesday August 29th, 2012 5:53:17 PM
Ariach feels a warm and refreshing wave of healing energy streaming through his body and closing his wounds. (Wilma´s healing gives him full HP) Suddenly....
"Argh!" Ariach cries out in pain as the ankheg bites him. But he tries to ingore the pain. His mission is clear - rescue the ranger. He still tries to get Quila´s body away from the insect as the jaws enclose him. Unable to move he concentrates and tries to break the grasp. (CMB roll = 10) But not able to use his arms it´s a physical impossibility. Totally frustrated he yells on more time. "Argh!"
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) d20+5=12 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday August 29th, 2012 8:28:38 PM "Tuck!" proposes the bard, "Save Quila, now that the beast is locked with Ariach!" Emrys punctuates his statement with a shot from his crossbow, which probably missed!
(Hit AC: 12. Damage: 2. Im assuming that both Ariach and the Ankheg are suffering from the Grappled Condition and therefore easier to hit. Still, probably not good enough.)
Emrys continues to speak and point out chinks in the Ankheg's armor while he loads another bolt to his crossbow. The poor 'bar steward' doesn't have a chance. (Naturalist +1. Knowledge [Arcana]: 29, good for Ankhegs up to 14HD. Everyone receives +1 insight bonus to AC, Attacks and Saves vs. the Ankheg.)
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 21/21/17 d20+3=9 ; d20+6=8 ; Wednesday August 29th, 2012 8:48:19 PM
If Tuck can grab ahold of Quila, he does so and pulls in an attempt to get her out of there. (Strength check 9)
If he can't get to Quila, he attacks the ankheg with his quarterstaff, missing horribly. (Hits AC 8)
Taking a few steps backward Ingrge puts every thing she has into a jumping flip to land astride or standing on top of the Ankheg, now that its jaws are occupied. acrobatics DC 17 and then strikes downward with her sword (using previous roll) AC 24 for 15 points of damage
DM Kathy Wednesday August 29th, 2012 11:22:01 PM Ariach cries out as he is grappled and pinned by the ankheg. Emrys fires a shot that flies wide. Tuck tries to pull Quila to safety, but it's a forest of arms and legs and mandibles up front, and he's not able to disentangle her.
Grell continues taking it to the ankheg, and his sword bites into the creature again. The ankheg shudders, twitches, and falls limp.
Vaniime performs a truly stunning acrobatic feat, but it is not needed. The ankheg has fallen.
Quila lies where she was dropped. Her left foot has been severed, and although the flow of blood has slowed considerably, it still oozes from the wound. She is pale, and still unconscious.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday August 29th, 2012 11:40:57 PM
Dreppi still patiently waits wishing he could use his fire bombs. If there was only alittle more room! Fire. Fire would bring the beastie down. "Keep fighting the good fight chaps!"
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; 2d6=3 ; Thursday August 30th, 2012 4:58:29 AM
"Phew! That sure was a fight!" Wilma said, pulling out her magic wand. "Van...Grell...if you can pry apart those mandibles now, we can get Ariach and Quila out of here. Meanwhile..." Once more Wilma channels healing energy so that both the ranger and the wounded fighter can benefit from it at the same time.
OOC: My apologies for missing the deadline to post. Even more apologies for the terrible roll--3hp of damage healed. Wilma will be tapping people with her wand once everyone is untangled.
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 d20+5=22 ; Thursday August 30th, 2012 11:25:09 AM
His breathing still coming in short bursts, Grell kicks the dead corpse as hard as he can burning off some of his excess adrenaline. Then he heads over to the critter's jaws and yanks as hard as he can to get Ariach free (Str.=22).
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) d20+4=23 ; Thursday August 30th, 2012 2:18:48 PM
Emrys throws down his crossbow and hurriedly kneels down at Quila's side. Anxious hands root around in his backpack for his healer's kit. "Someone help me, please! I'm not the best at this," pleads Emrys. "She needs more than cure magik ... by god's hooks ...urgh!!" Emrys winces and feels sick at the sight of the wound. "She's missing her foot and bleeding out!" He hastily breaks into his kit and begins to tie off the ankle with a tourniquet. Emrys, with shaky hands, then begins to clean off the wound and wrap it tightly in bandages. "Quila ... Quila, do you hear me?"
(Heal check: 23)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 24/33 d20+7=19 ; Thursday August 30th, 2012 5:47:34 PM
As Ariach feels that the ankheg slups dead to the ground he tries to get free one more time. With Grell helping he is finally able to break the hold. (CMB=19) Relieved he sees that Emry is next to Quila and bandages her wound. While he picks up his flail from the ground he asks "How is she? Will she get over it? Can i help somehow?"
While waiting for a respons he sees Grell from the corner of his eyes. "It seems that it is my part to occupy the foe and yours to kill him. Good teamwork....... and thanks to all of you too."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+3=23 ; Thursday August 30th, 2012 6:42:52 PM
Withdrawing her blade from the already deceased beast she hops back down, she addresses Grell.
"Good Job taking this thing out Grell."
Hearing Emrys the moves quickly to his side.
"Emrys, I can clean it up and do a field dressing and perhaps that touniquet will help with the bleeding. But we will need to loosen the tourniquet occasionally so she doesn't lose the leg." Heal DC 23 (natural 20).
As she leans down and takes over the cleaning and badaging of the wound, she continues.
"Meanwhile get her to swallow as many of these as she needs, Handing Emrys three small potion bottles (cure light wounds - 1d8+1 each).
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 21/21/17 d20+8=9 ; Thursday August 30th, 2012 8:44:20 PM
Tuck stays out of the way as more capable folks handle the healing of Quila.
What a day. Hopefully, we can get out of here before something else terrible happens.
"When she's stable enough to move, we should. We're still in an unstable tunnel."
He moves to the back to keep an eye out for potential rear attacks. When they're ready to move out, Tuck leads the way back down the tunnel.
Still at the mercy of the tons of chemicals pouring through his body, Grell grunts at Ariach. "No, you tried to get her out. Wasn't your fault the little cockroach grabbed ya." He nods at Van's words of encouragement, but personally feels like he should have taken the critter down with less blows.
Concerned about Quila, Grell watches as Wilma, Van and Emrys tend her wounds. A frown forming on his face, he turns to the care team. "You know, we learned in one of our Basic Combat Wound Care classes that sometimes the loss of a limb can send people into shock or worse. Maybe it would be kinder to let her stay unconscious until we get her to help? I could carry her."
DM Kathy Thursday August 30th, 2012 11:33:28 PM
In the aftermath of the battle, you are able to get Quila stabilized. Her foot--or where her foot used to be--stops bleeding, and her color improves a little. She speaks, but doesn't always seem aware of her surroundings.
"Get them back!" she cries, her head thrashing. "Get them away from here! Get--no....." she trails off.
She's probably as stable as you're going to get her.
Meanwhile, some of you are still injured. Wilma has her wand, and Vaniime has her potions, so you can heal yourselves back up if you think you need to.
[Keep track of wand charges and other resources expended.]
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; d8+3=8 ; d8+3=5 ; d8+3=11 ; Friday August 31st, 2012 1:05:34 AM
Wilma--as soon as she had the room--brandished the wand with the Cure magic, tapping Quila, her brother (on the back of the head) and Ariach in turn. She made sure to look completely professional as she did so. She looked over the excellent tourniquet that Van put into place and nodded her approval.
"I don't have the magic to regenerate the foot," she explained gently, "But I'm sure that someone at the school does. And if they don't, then they will be able to find a healer who does."
OOC: Three more wand charges expended (and noted on Wilma's CS. Quila was healed 8hp; Grell was healed 5hp and Ariach was healed 11hp.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 21/21/17 Friday August 31st, 2012 3:12:49 PM
"Let's get her out of here, then."
Once they have gathered up Quila, Tuck leads the way back down the tunnel.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Friday August 31st, 2012 4:41:40 PM
Grins widely knowing that this group bravely saved a school member throwing risk into the mix. Follows Tuck skipping along behind him fully of happy joy thoughts. Though a familiar itch inspired him suddenly to craft! Soon he may have time to scratch that thought, swaying his head slightly left and right, whimsically.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Sunday September 2nd, 2012 8:14:07 PM
Seeing that Quila is in good hands and at least relatively stable without the use of her potions replaces them in her pouch and cleaning off her sword turns to the others.
"Might I sugges that we get back above ground and back to the others?"
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 d20+5=23 ; Sunday September 2nd, 2012 9:08:47 PM
Grell volunteers to guide or carry Quila out of the tunnel. He also quickly checks to see if he can catch the scent of any others that might have been dragged into the tunnels (Track=23).
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+11=29 ; d20+8=24 ; Sunday September 2nd, 2012 11:37:07 PM
"Yes, wholeheartedly, lets leave this dark place." Emrys struggles against his walking stick to lift himself from the ground. "I'm sorry, my friends, for being so weary and near collapse. I'm unable to help carrying poor Quila. My curse in life, I'm afraid. She needs a stronger hand than I." He lifts his sorrowful eyes and glances at Grell, Ariach, and Tuck. He can't help but covet their strength and vigor. Alas, this is the way its always been. Emrys wastes no time making his way back to the ranger camp.
(Perception: 29. Survival: 24)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+4=22 ; Monday September 3rd, 2012 6:48:14 PM
Ariach helps Grell to get Quila out of the tunnel. (strength check: 22) Not any more in the tunnels he takes a deep breath. The fresh air helps him to put some life into himself. Then he waits for further instructions.
"Wilma" the heavily built warrior whispers. "Thanks for your help again. I hope i will proof that you made the right decision and promise i will not forget your support."
DM Kathy Monday September 3rd, 2012 9:31:31 PM
You are more than anxious to get out of the dark, confining burrow, and you begin working your way back the way you came. It seems to take forever, but at last you climb back into the light of day and the fresh air.
Quila is still semiconscious, and occasionally moans or cries out.
In the distance, you can hear shouts and the sounds of fighting. They seem to be getting closer.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+6=21 ; Monday September 3rd, 2012 9:45:58 PM
Comes to a stop clear of the hole once back on the surface, his smile disappears. Replaced with Probabilities Dreppi looks around gaging the situation. "Seems the fighting is far from over. What do you guys wanna do?"
Wilma, Dreppi, help me get Quila up into a tree where she can't be reached and will be high enough to be safe. I will tie her in and leave her with some water. Anyone wnat to volunteer to stay with her?
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) pass without trace Monday September 3rd, 2012 11:59:21 PM
Emrys volunteers to stay with Quila. "No, not up a tree, I can hide her. Just get her to a cluster of trees and I will blend us in with the rest of the flora." He quickly casts pass without trace on both himself an Quila to extinguish the scent of blood and sweat.
If or when his friends move Quila to a wooded spot with a little space to sit on the ground, Emrys will hum a little tune and suddenly light and reality begins to bend and fold into a huge tree with gnarled roots. A tree that completely obscures the pair that hide within.
(Casting Silent Image. Area: eight 10-ft cubes. Duration: concentration (standard action). Save: Will disbelief (only if interacted with) DC16.)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; d20+11=16 ; Tuesday September 4th, 2012 4:22:37 AM
The redheaded cleric looked genuinely puzzled at Ariach's words, but the sounds of battle and the need to make sure that Quila remained safe took her attention away from the conversation. She hastily used her healer's kit to and her skill to make sure that the footless ranger would at least get no worse.
OOC: making a voluntary Heal skill check--a whopping 16 result. Wilma is trying to determine if Quila must have more healing now or if she can survive being unattended for the upcoming battle. If Quila still needs help, Wilma will stay with the ranger. If Quila is well enough to be by herself for a bit, Wilma will make sure she has her crossbow ready and follow her classmates to where the combat is taking place. Since the description of the impending fight sounds like the combat may come to the group, Wilma will likely remain close to Quila in order to make sure that the injured ranger is not left unprotected under the circumstances.
Emrys I only suggested up a tree because these beast use tremor sense and can feel your slightest movement way under ground and can come upfrom underneath you without your knowledge. If you can hide your body's movements without climbing then that will work too.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday September 4th, 2012 6:29:07 PM
After all these fighting Ariach really thought he could enjoy a more relaxed time and is disappointed to learn it will not be like that. The warrior shrugs a little bit when he hears the new sound of a close fight. But this time he is unwilling to go into the battle unprepared.
"Grell, Tuck let´s form a battle unit. The warriors in front- the others behind. We all move with the same speed."
Ariach brings his shield in a good defending position, draw his flail and waits for his comrades to join him.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) pass without trace Tuesday September 4th, 2012 6:55:45 PM
Emrys must really be tired, he hadn't considered the ankheg's special sight. Emrys replies, "Agreed, but how would we get her into a tree without causing her more injury? We should move as a group and get Quila to the road. The ankhegs are occupied with the rangers, we should be able to slip through."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 21/21/17 d20+9=17 ; Tuesday September 4th, 2012 8:16:41 PM
Tuck sighs heavily as he secures his quarterstaff and unslings his crossbow. He sets another bolt to it as he tries to discern the direction of the battle sounds. (Perception 17; Is it coming from deeper in the preserve or nearer the entrance?)
Such a beautiful place but for all the monsters, he decides. He allows himself a moment to appreciate the breeze and the sight of the trees, ignoring the bodies and gore on the dirt and grass at his feet.
"Where is it coming from? If it is not between us and the entrance, someone should try to get Quila to safety, back to the rangers."
Mage Armor from before they went into the tunnel
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 d20+5=24 ; Tuesday September 4th, 2012 9:52:56 PM
Seeing that Emrys, Wilma and Vaniime seem to be in control of the Quila situation, Grell nods at Ariach and heads toward the sounds of the battle (Perception=24), hoping to help help other survivors.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday September 5th, 2012 12:02:02 AM
"i'll follow you" Giving Grell notice he was behind him. Dreppi pulled out a vial, potentially a fire bomb and followed on to the sound of battle.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 5th, 2012 12:12:14 AM
The sounds of battle are an urgent call to Ariach, Grell, Tuck, and Dreppi. Exhausted they may be, but they form themselves into an order of battle to await the coming conflict.
Meanwhile, Emrys, Vaniime, and Wilma concern themselves with the injured Quila. Based on her knowledge of healing, Wilma's pretty sure you've done all you can for the ranger given the field conditions. She will need more expert care, but thanks to you, she will probably live long enough to receive it.
You discuss various means for protecting her during the coming battle.
And now the battle is almost upon you. Actually, looking at it, you see that it is more in the nature of an orderly retreat. First come a group of injured students and rangers, helping one another. Covering them is a larger group of uninjured rangers and students, carefully staying between the wounded and the attackers. The attackers, of course, are more ankhegs. You can spot a few of the Claws of the Griffon among the students.
"We're almost to the entrance!" one of the rangers shouts. "Get the wounded to the Safe Road!"
The scarred half-orc--Crumorn, Quila had called him--looks over and sees you. "There you are!" he says. "It's about time you--who is that? Quila?" He looks around at the battle, clearly realizing for the first time that Quila had been left behind. "How did--never mind. To the Safe Road, all of you!"
And, indeed, the wounded are already heading for the gate, with the defenders covering their retreat.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+4=14 ; Wednesday September 5th, 2012 6:43:03 PM
Uncertain if he should follow Wilma´s instructions or join the fight he slowly walks up to Wilma. He chokes his feelings of rage and vengeance and tries to fully concentrate on helping Wilma.
"With all due respect i don´t think this emergency bucket seat will work out with a person unconscious. But i will help to carry her- either this way or another."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday September 5th, 2012 6:44:54 PM
(Sorry: The dice roll (=14) was a strength check to carry Quila.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 21/21/17 d20+6=14 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday September 5th, 2012 6:48:53 PM
Tuck aims into the oncoming ankhegs and fires a bolt. (Hits AC 14 for 2 damage)
"Back it up!" he hollers to his group. "Ranged weapons if you've got them. Slow their advance and give the wounded a chance to get to safety."
Mage Armor from before they went into the tunnel
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+8=14 ; Wednesday September 5th, 2012 7:29:34 PM
Vaniime steps up as Ariach steps back to take his place in the defensive line and quickly lets of a shot with her bow but misses with her shot AC 14. disgusted knocks and draws hfor her next shot.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) pass without trace d20+4=9 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+8=14 ; Wednesday September 5th, 2012 7:57:29 PM
Emrys maneuvers with the group, crossbow in hand, as they make their way to the road. With Ariach carrying Quila, the young bard does his best to cover the warrior's back. Emrys lets loose another bolt into the deep, blue sky (Hit AC: 9, miss). He wonders how many more bolts he will be releasing peacefully into the wild before the day is done.
(Perception: 30. Survival: 14)
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 d20+5=15 ; Wednesday September 5th, 2012 9:46:32 PM
Grell smiles as the fight moves to him, ready to slice up some more Ankheg! Then Wilma calls out to him. His eyes flicker from the Ankhegs to Quila back to the Ankhegs, caught up in a internal dilemma.
Microseconds tick by and finally Grell stomps back over to Ariach and does as Wilma directs. The entire time he carries the injured ranger over to the safe road, Grell is busy muttering under his breath. Over the din of battle, Ariach and Wilma might occasionally make out words such as "delivery boy", "holding hands", and "lose some weight", not to mention a couple of really flavorful orcish swear words. (Str=15)
DM Kathy Thursday September 6th, 2012 12:08:51 AM
Under Wilma's direction, Ariach and Grell form a human chair for Quila. Ariach has a point; it's not an ideal carry for an unconscious victim, but Quila is semiconscious and seems to have enough instinct to hold on. You begin moving toward the entrance and the Safe Road beyond it.
Meanwhile, Vaniime, Tuck, and Emrys cover the group with ranged attacks. The Preserve's rangers and your Maplehurst classmates help as well, and the ankhegs are showing reluctance to advance.
Slowly, you make your way through the Preserve's entrance gate. Along the way, you see several dead ankhegs, some felled by weapons, some apparently blasted with heat or cold. Probably the work of Maplehurst professors.
When you reach the Safe Road, the professors are there, with a group of wide-eyed students who were lucky to get out when the first wave of ankhegs hit. Your professors are relieved to see you.
The few remaining ankhegs, unable to attack on the Safe Road, mill about for a while before retreating. You are safe for the moment.
The rangers immediately turn their attention to Quila, who is still pale and semiconscious. "Where did you find her?" one of them asks.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Thursday September 6th, 2012 12:43:19 AM
Dreppi puts his vial away and follows the others jogging to keep up. When the group reaches the professors and rangers Dreppi walks up to them. "One of the creatures was attempting to bring Quila further underground in a burrow. The others here caught the trail and pursued, rescuing her. The cleric here and her friends have patched her up"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) pass without trace Thursday September 6th, 2012 12:49:21 AM
Emrys recalls the events of Quila's rescue, "She was grabbed by an ankheg and dragged down within the dark of the burrow. We returned to camp with our chimera and discovered the grizzly remains of battle. Quila fought hard, her struggle afforded us a trail which Vannime easily tracked. We came upon the fiend and Ariach bravely wrestled Quila from the ankheg's grasp. Grell and Tuck charged in stout and lionhearted. However it was Grell that struck a vicious blow to slayed the beast. Wilma, Van and I tended to her wounds as best we can. Her foot was severed and she has lost much of her life's blood. We are very much in fear for her life. I pray we got to her in time."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday September 6th, 2012 9:42:46 AM OOC: It's the player's fault rather than Wilma's for the chair rescue hold suggestion--somehow I'd thought that Quila was barely conscious rather than totally unconscious.
The acolyte of Gargul doesn't add to Emrys' ably-rendered explanation of what had happened, instead hovering near Quila with her Cure Light Wounds wand at the ready.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 21/21/17 Thursday September 6th, 2012 5:48:09 PM
"Is everyone here?" Tuck does a head count of his group to make sure that no one is missing. "Where is Pinwheel?"
He slings his crossbow and looks to the horde of ankheg milling about beyond the safe road. "Why don't they attack?" Tuck looks at the professors. "And where the heck did they come from? I don't think [i]that[/] was part of the test."
Mage Armor from before they went into the tunnel
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday September 6th, 2012 6:22:38 PM OOC: second "illegal" post for RP purposes
"Tuck," Wilma explained to the monk, who was clearly still effected by the adrenaline rush from battle, "We're on the Safe Road now--the one that's enchanted so that travelers using it cannot be attacked." She looked back to the rangers in charge of the event.
"However, another question--if you know the answer to it--would be: does anyone have a clue about why these ankhegs were unexpectedly attacking people? Emrys and Vaniime were saying that ankhegs aren't usually associated with the Preserve...or are they actually creatures that were also relocated here..?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday September 6th, 2012 6:43:58 PM
Ariach carefully listens to Emry´s explanations. Like always the bard amplifies the story. But most of Emry´s told story is the truth. Therefore Ariach decides not to interrupt or correct him.
Now, that Quila is safe Ariach adjusts his equipment. He takes care that every weapon is on the right place. He cleans his face with water out of his waterskin and has a drink of water.
"I have a bad feeling. I don´t think it is over yet" the warrior mutters.
Vaniime looks on impatiently as trhe Ankhegs retreat. "Are we just going to let them go?" They don't belong here in the forest. They should be dealt with before they upset the balance of things."
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 Thursday September 6th, 2012 10:14:46 PM
Still upset about not being able to join the final battle, Grell cleans his equipment and continues to mutter. He examines his acid damaged tunic and frowns. Lowell had hand sown it, and now it was ruined. Even with that fabulous last battle, this had to be one of the worst days. Grell prepares to carry Quila down the Safe Road. The sooner they get home, the better.
DM Kathy Thursday September 6th, 2012 11:41:23 PM
You answer questions about what happened to Quila, and the rangers seem impressed. "You saved her life," Crumorn says gruffly. "We didn't see that she'd been carried off...."
One of the Maplehurst professors volunteers to teleport the most seriously wounded, including Quila, to the Temple of Light in Plateau City. Soon the lot of them wink out.
The rest of you, students and professors, begin sorting yourselves back into the coaches. For the most part, the students are a subdued group. This morning, the adventure seemed exciting and heroic, but now...
"Ankhegs aren't native to the Preserve," one of the rangers confirms. "Probably tunneled up because the soil's so soft from the rains."
"You've got the right of it," another tells Vaniime. "We'll need to see to them, eventually. But first we need to regroup and come up with a plan."
Within an hour, you are back at Maplehurst. Word of your adventure has spread, and your younger classmates are full of eager questions. Luckily, you don't have to answer them all; there were many students involved in the fight, and some of them are more than happy to talk about it. Others retire to their rooms, or sit on the edge of the crowd looking thoughtful.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday September 7th, 2012 5:38:31 AM
"So the rangers really weren't expecting an appearance from those ankhegs," Wilma said a bit absently, buffing the holy symbol hanging from its chain around her neck as she spoke. "They weren't a planned part of the culling. There were a lot of them, too. I hope that isn't an indication that there is some kind of catastrophic infestation somewhere under the Preserve--or, worse, near any of the settlements or towns near the Preserve, either."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Friday September 7th, 2012 4:04:48 PM
Ariach belongs to the group which prefers not to answer questions. He leaves it to Emry or someone else to stay in the focus of the curious classmates. But he is also sure he wouldn´t find any sleep in his chamber. So he stays with his friends to talk about all the things that have happend today. "One thing seems to be clear- nobody expected such an attack. And the fact that i was told Ankhegs aren´t natural brings me to the assumption they were sent to attack us. And i don´t like this possibility."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Friday September 7th, 2012 6:15:00 PM
The bouncing of the coach-ride home mimicked the bouncing in Tuck's head. He decided that battle wasn't glorious. It was bloody and fearful. Only those whose closest experience to killing was a bard's stories could think it other than an ugly necessity. His father had been right.
"Tuck, my boy, I think that you will find the taking of another intelligent being's life abhorrent, whether it is justified or not."
Theodore shuffled to put up one of his flasks. Filled with a purplish sloggy goop, it was for turning foolish boys into the lumps of coal that their heads sometimes resembled, should they attempt to play with it. Tuck was suspicious though, as he had seen his father use it to mix other concoctions which he would then give to those who came asking for help with this or that.
"But Father, some people deserve to die! When all they care to do is cause pain."
Theodore hesitated as he reached to place his mixture. "Deserve?" He sighed. The wizard returned to take a seat at the table opposite his son.
"I don't know if anyone deserves to die." He stared beyond his son and Tuck thought his father looked pained. "Perhaps some have to die."
Tuck greets his friends with a smile but answers any questions succinctly. He excuses himself when he can to retreat to his room for a while.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Saturday September 8th, 2012 11:59:54 AM
"There is the possibility that there is a network of subterranean caverns the ankhegs nest in that was disturbed whether intentionally or not. I agree with Wilma. I hope no one else is getting hurt by these creatures right now"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Sunday September 9th, 2012 9:14:12 PM
Vaniime is unusually quiet on the ride back, her mind on her friend Quila and Ankhegs.
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