DM Kathy Tuesday July 17th, 2012 11:42:15 PM
You return from Gnowsy Thornton covered in glory. And, in at least one case, Chicken a la King. Your victory is the talk of the school for days, and you finally get some sleep.
Shortly thereafter, Fizzle approaches you, looking a little glum. "The Floop doesn't like me," he says. "Or at least, he likes you better. Or he likes what you did together, or something. Was there really a flock of gargoyles? Anyway. I've turned the project in for evaluation, but he wants to belong to you after. So," he sighs a little. "So I guess he's yours." Then he seems to brighten. "But I learned a lot making him. I can make another. Even better! Yes, yes, I can see it now! Oh, excuse me; I've got to get back to work." And he putters off.
[OOC: Decision time. Keeping the Floop, or selling it?]
More changes follow swiftly behind. Carver, unexpectedly, drops out of the Adventurer track and goes back to pursuing a regular diploma. He still hopes to continue his education later, but he's decided against adventuring.
Meanwhile, your classmates in the Adventurer track have begun forming themselves into adventuring parties. Your rivals (Belorin, Zeliak, Holly-Iris, Neave, and Belhorn) form a company called the Claws of the Griffon, and announce their intention of moving to Windhorn Hamlet. Fizzle joins a group of mostly halfling and gnome students bound for Crescent Valley. They call themselves the Short Order, to the delight of some professors and the consternation of others. Royse seems to be considering his options, still lingering hopefully in your orbit. A tomboyish girl named Pinwheel also seems to be hanging around you a great deal.
Everybody seems to expect that you will form an adventuring party of your own, and the gossip is that you will opt for Plateau City. They seem to be waiting to hear what you're calling yourselves.
[OOC: You don't have to decide right away, or pick a name at all; it's just an option for role-play.]
Tanner Tuesday July 17th, 2012 11:50:31 PM
ooc: Hello, everyone. I spoke with Kathy and Jerry, and they have agreed to allow me to change my character. When I joined Legacy of Heroes, I was under the impression that this was going to continue as a school-based campaign. I was surprised when we began seriously discussing where the group was going to go after graduation. Carver is a bookworm at heart, so it was hard for me to reconcile him going off on an adventure. I designed him specifically for that purpose, and it just didn't seem to work after hearing about the move.
So, Kathy and Jerry have graciously allowed me to switch. I will introduce my character below. I know that adding a new character is always a little slow-to-warm, but I appreciate your forbearance. :)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 12:19:14 AM "Hey, guys." A young woman plops down her lunch tray next to your group in the cafeteria. She has medium-brunette hair cropped short into a tomboyish look. Her eyes are the color of pine needles, with small flecks of silver near the iris. Her skin is touched by the sun, with sharp, angular features softened by youth. She is dressed in tight-fitting studded leathers, colored black and gray. She is of average height but lanky, with a wiry frame and straight posture.
You identify her as a young woman known as "Pinwheel." How she acquired this name and why she doesn't have a decent name like everyone else is somewhat of a mystery, but she has gone by that nickname for as long as anyone can remember. Even the faculty call her Pinwheel, which seems to justify it as much as anything. She is one of the rare students who studies stealth and subterfuge.
She speaks between bites of an apple. "I'm Pinwheel. I heard your team lost a player. Is there anything I can do to help rectify what is obviously a gaping hole in your roster?"
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 1:16:27 AM
Grell sizes up Pinwheel and thinks back to the practices he's had with her. She wasn't particularly strong, but she sure was light on her feet and absolutely wicked with that dagger of hers, specially if you made the mistake of letting her get behind you! Grell looks over at Vaniime. "What do you think, Van...might be handy to have an extra hand..."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 5:05:34 AM
Only recently part this confirmed community Ariach doesn´t want to miss his friends. With them, it should be possible to establish one´s reputation. Still, he doesn´t respond at Pinwheel´s request.
What should he say?
That Pinwheel is a nice girl, but he questions her motives.
That someone who trains thieving skills has to be sneaky and devious himself.
That he could not understand how such a prestigious school like Maplehurst offers an education for scoundrels.
That it may be better Pinwheel would join the Claws of the Griffon.
But to prejudge a person is not part of the Codex. Therefore, he says nothing. Pinwheels will have the chance to prove her good intensions.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 8:20:33 AM
Oh Fizzle, I am sorry. That was never our intent. I hope you know that. Wait, You're giving the Floop to us? WoW! That is so cool. I am sure that your next contraption will be really amazing.
Vaniime grins as Pinwheel sits, as she recognizes possibly the only student other than herself to have gotten into more uncaught mischief during their time at school. It is actually a wonder, Van thinks to herself, that we never got into anything together. Perhaps now is the perfect time to remedy that situation, she shinks as a grins speads across her face.
"[b]Hey Pinwheel. Had any "Fun" recenetly, or anything planned as a going away present?"
As Pinwheel mentions her desire to join their group, Van smiles as she looks over her friends and hears Grell's comments and can see Ariach's msigivings written all over his face, He really needs to work on that, she tinks to herself.Pinwheel is perhaps the best she has seen with a dagger in her time here at Maplehurst. And she wasn't half bad with that crossbow she uses as well, Van thinks to herself.
So Pinwheel, You don't have any other big plans for after graduation? Yeah with Carver deciding to pursue more academics we are indeed a person down, though I think we could actually use another body as well, articualrly a spell slinger of some sort. I would love to have you join us, but to be honest it would have to be a group decision."
Turning so she kind of faces Pinwheel as well as Ariach, Van continues.
"Pinwheel, I was very surprised you didn't compete in the preliminary competitions with your bow for a spot against Gnowsy, were you sick? Ariach have you ever had the chance to watch Pinwheel spar in the close quarter drills with her dagggers, she is quite something, she might actually be more agile than I am."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Wednesday July 18th, 2012 6:06:28 PM
Tuck is a little miffed that those jokers are calling themselves the Claws of the Griffon.
"Man, I can't believe you guys would besmirch such a dignified creature by naming your kiddie group after a fictitious part of the Gryphon," he calls after the new group. "They have talons, not claws. And there's not a shred of dignity amongst you dumbags. Won't the villagers be disappointed when you blow up their town. Incompetent..."
With red face and furrowed brow, he turns and huffs away. "I can't believe those losers picked that name of all the names they could have picked. My last name is Gryphon! I should have my dad blast them."
The rest of the day is ruined for him. Although he's thankful to Fizzle for the Floop, and he consents to Pinwheel joining the team with a disheartened grunt, there seems to be a dark cloud following him about.
"Can you believe they chose that name?!" He swats Grell's shoulder with the back of his hand. "I can't! Now I'm forever associated with them. Geez!"
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=13 ; Wednesday July 18th, 2012 8:35:19 PM
"I understand your frustration, Master Tuck. It is unfortunate that they would choose a name after such a noble beast. Like the group who named themselves, Mallard's Teeth, may the Claws of the Griffon be forever known as exemplars of idiocy."
Emrys hopes what he said improves the monk's mood. However now the pressure is on to produce the perfect name for their group.
DM Kathy Wednesday July 18th, 2012 11:49:45 PM
The girl called Pinwheel seems interested in joining your group. Ariach is concerned about the moral implications, but he really shouldn't be. After all, students in Maplehurst's Rogue program are held to the highest standards of ethical behavior--higher than the general student population. True, there's something a little...unsavory about a person who can bypass security so easily, but if she uses her powers for Good, so to speak....well, Ariach is still undecided.
The rest of the group seems at least open to the possibility.
Except, of course, for Tuck, who is busy seething over the name that the Claws of the Griffon have chosen. A deliberate insult? Or are they really that dumb?
Shortly before your classes are to end for good, Professor Lobrian calls your entire class to a meeting. You meet in one of the large lecture halls. Surrounding you are your peers--some adventure-bound, some not--all of whom you know, some of whom you have known since the Lower School. The mood is a curious mixture of excitement and dread. You are almost done with school forever! All that's left are.....oh yeah. Finals.
Professor Lobrian stalks to the front of the room, looking sour and put-upon. Without preamble, he begins.
"Next week, you will undertake your final exams. The schedule is being posted in the main building, and copies are available at the back of the room. When I've finished!" he adds as there is a general stir.
"You will all take written exams, and those of you not in the adventurer track will have oral exams. Those in the adventurer track will have a final test at the Monster Preserve. Your faculty advisor will have more information." He pauses. Sniffs disdainfully. "Try not to embarrass me," he concludes, and stalks back out of the room.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+12=14 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+12=22 ; d20=13 ; Thursday July 19th, 2012 1:31:32 AM
CAFETERIA
Pinwheel continues to munch her apple as she speaks, letting her other hand drop to her lap. "It was my turn for kitchen duty. Trust me, lecturing first-years on the finer points of peeling potatoes is not nearly as exciting as it sounds."
Let's try the right side first. Does Grell have anything?... Nope, his pocket is too far away. Ah, and he didn't see me.
She laughs at Vaniime's remark. "Yes, but I am a fish out of water in those dark forests. Maplehurst doesn't give the rogues very much lenience in practicing their trade."
And Ariach is on the right side... Yes. Perfect.
Pinwheel wipes her mouth on her sleeve. "But, they do give us some leeway as long as it is just practice. Well, off to classes." She stands and picks up her tray. "Oh, here Ariach." She reaches into her pocket and withdraws a whetstone. She places it on the table. "I think you dropped this in the hallway." She gives the big warrior a wink and continues on her way.
LECTURE HALL
Pinwheel purses her lips. She leans over to whisper to the group. "That's not good. He seems nervous." She taps her chin and nods. "I'm off to my faculty advisor, as the good professor suggested." She stands and waves before leaving row of seats. "Laters."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Thursday July 19th, 2012 4:24:26 PM
Wilma's fiery eyebrows elevated at the parting comment by Professor Lobrian.
"Now when have we ever 'embarrassed' him...?" she asked out loud, chuffing a breath of disbelief. The acolyte of Gargul shook her head. "Honestly!" Her sapphire eyes assessed Pinwheel and she nodded, a slow grin dawning over her face.
"I've seen you around," Wilma said, clearly amused. "I have to say that there were times that I definitely like your style." She chuckled at the girl's comment about peeling potatoes.
"If I were you, I'd just teach 'em to carve the spuds into skulls..." the redhead said, her smile turning sly, "...complete with a bowtie!" She waved to Pinwheel as the other girl took her leave, then turned to the others.
"I meant to ask about post-graduate plans before now," Wilma said in a more serious tone. "But...well...everyone is assuming that--since we seem to have made a great team these past few months--we're going to form our own adventuring group. So...are we..? If so, where are we going to seek our fortune? And...are we going to ask Pinwheel along for the ride..?" She tilted her head to one side.
"And--last but not least--whatever shall we do about that Floop..?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday July 19th, 2012 4:33:03 PM
Ariach has great sympathy with Tuck. He can appreciate how angry Tuck must be on these dirty bastards who drag his family name through the mire. Ariach lays a hand on Tuck´s shoulder and says, "Don´t worry Tuck, nobody will associate "Claws of the Griffon "with the great house of Gryphons. That would be as if you compare day and night. "
Suddenly Pinewheel presses Ariach´s whetstone in his hand, telling him he lost the stone at the hallway. Apparently, his concerns had been unfounded regarding Pinewheel. Even if she just had returned a whetstone, it showed her good and righteous character. Maybe not all thieves are that bad. When Pinewheel leaves the room he says,
"If you ask me, our group could use someone like Pinewheel well. She is funny, honest and not unattractive. I was also told that she can fight.
I also think that we should take Royse with us. Apart from the fact that he constantly is around us, I think his soul is lost when he joins the "Claws of the...." with a view to Tuck he continues "you already know who I mean. He is a young man trying to do the right thing. With a little guidance from us he will find his way."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Thursday July 19th, 2012 5:44:12 PM
Tuck eventually moves from angry to sullen. Ariach helps to put the situation into perspective.
"You're right. Those jokers can't hold a candle to my father. Plus, they don't even spell it the same."
After a few deep breaths, he seems much improved.
Lobrian gives his quick confusing speech and Tuck makes his "What was that?" face.
"I think we work well as a group, Wilma. I'm definitely down with creating our own group. Pinwheel seems okay. We don't know much about her, but we can give her a shot and give her the boot if she doesn't work out."
"Where should we go?" He gives the others a strange look. "My father got his start in Dirt City. I would like to start there, too. There's nothing saying we have to be stuck in a certain spot. But I understand if others don't want to go."
"As to the Floop, I think we should sell him. He's unreliable and it's dangerous to have an unreliable form of transportation, especially when you're up in the air. He might bring us some coin that we can use to purchase better equipment."
"Well, do you two want to go see what Ganz has for us," he asks of Grell and Ariach. He accompanies them to their faculty advisor.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=18 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+9=14 ; Thursday July 19th, 2012 8:10:01 PM
Emrys is pleasantly surprised when Pinwheel joins them at their table. Her skills and reputation have not gone unnoticed by the young bard. (knowledge [local]: 17) Of course, most things fail to allude his scrutiny. He can't help but smile when she speaks to the group. She is a living abacus. Emrys can almost hear those beads sliding and clicking together behind her eyes. (perception: 18, sense motive: 24)
'Ahhh,' he thinks, 'a kindred spirit.'
"That is good advice, Pinwheel. Several of us here should also take advantage of their respective professors."
After she leaves, Emrys will also add, "She comes from good stock, and highly skilled." Pointing at Ariach's whetstone, he also states, "In this short conversation with her, she exhibits honesty, respect for others, and a stalwart dedication to her classes. All virtues I find quite refreshing, especially after having to deal with the likes of those dognappers. I trust her implicitly." (bluff: 14)
Emrys gathers his things and heads off to prepare for his finals as well. While out of sight of his friends, he gingerly feels at his pocket to make sure the contents are still there. Once confirming they were, he smiles and continues on his way.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Thursday July 19th, 2012 9:41:29 PM
Grell grunts his disapproval of the rival groups name. Tuck was right, they must be completely stupid. He has a sneaking feeling that they're going to see the group again, and it was going to feel sooooo good to beat them into the ground! He smiles as Ariach comforts Tuck. This was shaping up to be a nice team! He grins as Pinwheel returns the whetstone to Ariach. She was a sly one and he liked that. Not like he liked Van...waaait a minute...where did *that* thought come from??? Crimson floods his cheeks involuntarily and he turns away, pretending to examine a seam on his uniform.
Grell's final days at his beloved school draw shorter and shorter until he finds himself in the old lecture hall. Has it really been years since he first arrived in this very hall?! Grell looks around at the metal bleachers and the memories come flooding back. Not all of them are ones he's proud of...like the time he weighted down the Slug's practice sword during physical training...mind you, he really was just trying to stengthen up those flabby arms of his. But there were other, happier memories, like his first sparing match against Ganz or the time he bested the captain of the varsity team in a "practice" match his 3rd year. Soon they would be graduates and headed out on their own adventures. Though he's very excited about his future career, Grell is going to miss this place.
His small moment of contemplation over, Grell grins over at Tuck. "Hope it's something challenging!"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday July 19th, 2012 10:11:27 PM
After the lecture from Professor Lobrian, and his last little comment Vaniime can't help but think about what that was all about and suddenly a horrible thought pops into her mind. what if the "Claws" tried to do something that would get someone in their group in trouble again......
Her mind continues to race as she heads out to find her advisor, what if they tried to steal a final exam and planted it somewhere or found another way to make it look likeshe or one of her friends had cheated, or ....
DM Kathy Thursday July 19th, 2012 10:31:15 PM
Over the course of the next day or two, you find our your exam schedule and talk to you faculty advisor.
You learn that your "practical" final, to be held in the Monster Preserve, will mark the beginning of Beasting Day.
Most of the students are familiar with Beasting Day, that once-a-year celebration held in Plateau City. The druids and rangers of the Monster Preserve, charged with maintaining an ecological balance there, identify several monsters that need to be culled. The most challenging ones are teleported into Plateau City, where teams of adventurers hunt them through the streets with a great deal of noise and celebration. When the beasts are dispatched, the finest chefs in the city are standing by to make delictable dishes of the meat. It is a day of celebration, good food and drink, and not a little danger. Many ordinary citizens spend the day indoors. Some more adventurous ones follow the hunt in specially-designed "pillow carts" or open taxis, so they can watch the action.
However, some beasts needing culling are not quite challenging enough--or glamorous enough--for the adventurers of Plateau City. Occasionally, students from Maplehurst are brought in to hunt and kill these "smaller" monsters as a final test before graduation. This will be one such year. Your entire class (or rather, your entire class's Adventuring students) will be taken to the Monster Preserve. You will be divided into groups, and each group will be assigned a monster to hunt down and kill.
Excitement builds as this news spreads through the school. It's nice to have something to get excited about because the weather, which has usually turned sunny by this time of year, remains stubbornly gray and rainy. You swear it's rained more in the past week than it has all winter.
Meanwhile, the barristers arrive from Plateau City come to sign up adventuring groups as official allied adventurers of New Elenna. Students are encouraged, but not required, to sign the oath. (Essentially, the oath says you're one of the good guys, and New Elenna can count on you in times of trouble). The barristers seem to prefer signing people up by groups, but they will also accept oaths from individual students.
tl;dr: You're going to hunt a monster; it's raining a lot; you have an opportunity to sign up to be an official adventurer.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Friday July 20th, 2012 11:02:53 AM
After disappearing for several hours to speak with her faculty advisor, Pinwheel stops by the main hall to see the desks arranged for the barristers from Plateau City. She watches them for a few minutes, see the panoply of Maplehurst students making their way past or speaking with the representatives. She approaches and smiles. "Hello, there! I'm Pinwheel. Yes, like the toy. I'm strongly considering an adventuring career. Could you tell me about the terms and conditions of signing with Plateau City? It seems to be a referral system in exchange for rendering emergency aid. Is there a copy of the charter I could see?"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Friday July 20th, 2012 11:27:24 AM
Heading out into the recruiting area with her friends to get signed on with Plateau City, Van looks around trying to locate Pinwheel and lo and behold she is heading right toward the Plateau City folks right where they are headed.
"Hey Pinwheel, We've been looking for you.We were wanting to know if you were still interested in joining our group, because if you are we would love to have you with us."
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 Friday July 20th, 2012 4:04:30 PM
"What kind of baddie will we face," Tuck wonders aloud.
"I think we should sign on as the good guys. What about you all?"
(OOC - I will be gone until Thursday. Could anyone take over Tuck for me? Thanks!)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Friday July 20th, 2012 6:44:46 PM
"I agree with you, Tuck. To swear the oath is not only an honor but also our duty. It links us with all the good elements of New Elenna. But we should enter as a group. We would demonstrate that we are a unity."
With a nod toward Grell he continues. "Hopefully the chosen beasts, we will hunt, are really dangerous. I think this could be really beneficial for the start of our Adventure career."
After that Ariach sinks a little in his thoughts. *Of course I also hope that none of us get hurt. But I prefer to speak not loud - it could be misinterpreted - interpreted as fear.
Plateau City! We're coming! The group is really good.
There is Grell, the rough butcher who misses any sign of fear and caution. Tuck, a true master of unarmed combat. In our ideology we are two of a kind.
Emrys, the spell caster, whose songs fascinates all and whose knowledge is very impressive.
And then there are the girls.
One of them is Vaniim. The fiery girl is fighting as unconventional as she looks like.
Wilma, the lovely, beautiful .... ahhh ... priestess.
And now even Pinewheel, the girl with very special talents. And yes, she looks good too.
As my father always said, [The selection of your group will make a major contribution to your future career - choose well and wisely.]
I do not think that he meant that the group should have the most beautiful girls around.*
As Ariach notices his broad grin, he blushed with shame.
Such thoughts are clearly not part of the codex.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Friday July 20th, 2012 11:17:25 PM
"So that's our name, then, Tuck..?" Wilma said with a teasing gleam. "Hi, there--we're...The Good Guys...?"
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Saturday July 21st, 2012 2:15:36 AM
Grell smiles as Van invites Pinwheel to join their group. He had a feeling she would fit in just fine.
As the barristers begin showing up, Grell becomes more and more excited. He paces around the campus yard like a love sick puppy dog, more than ready to get out there and prove himself. He literally beams at Tuck and Ariach. "Oooooh man, I hope it's a Beholder! Man, that would be soooooo cool! You know, my Dad took out one once. Or maybe it'll be a troll! How cool would that be? I mean seriously, you could have almost endless fun playing Karraja with a kokpar that regenerates?!! Grell is so excited that he's not even aware that he's slipping back into sections of Orcish heritage not all that commonly known.
As Ariach gives his speech about the group, Grell smiles and nods enthusiastically...UNTIL Ariach gets to the part about Wilma. Could he possibly have heard that right?! Did he just call her......beautiful?! There Ariach finishes up with a blush, and Grell's jaw hangs open ridiculously. He quickly calls the warrior over, making sure to pull him out of ear shot of his bossy, overbearing big sister. Speaking in the lowest whisper, Grell speaks with clear concern. "Ariach...I count you as a friend and a brother. And believe you me, I don't just throw that term around. So, as a brother, I am warning you to steer clear of Wilma. Don't let that red hair and those long eyelashes deceive you. My sister is NOT kind and sweet. Trust me, she won't bring you anything but heartache."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Saturday July 21st, 2012 7:42:24 PM OOC: I might be wrong, but I think that Ariach was thinking to himself as opposed to saying anything out loud...and boy, is Wilma looking forward to getting Grell in a headlock and giving him noogies like she did when they were little kids.... ;D
Oh well, I'm pretty sure the looks and the blush would have tipped him off anyway. :)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday July 22nd, 2012 8:10:51 AM
OCC: Wilma is absolutely right. Ariach didn´t call out his thoughts loud. But his foolish smile, his looks and his behaviour in the past maybe have uncovered his reals thoughts.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=13 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+9=14 ; Sunday July 22nd, 2012 11:49:01 AM
Before he lets himself be known, Emrys scrutinizes the barristers from Plateau City. He looks for symbols, signet rings and so on in order to see if he can figure out who they are for the purpose of flattery. (Perception: 13. Knowledge [local]: 20)
Emrys introduces himself the only way he knows how ... bless is soul. "Greetings most honored barristers of Plateau City. Welcome to Maplehurst. You see before you," with flamboyantly gesturing, Emrys refers to his surrounding friends, "the very best that Maplehurst has to offer. I am Emrys Myrridanmyl, son of Archdruid Myrridan the Wild - Gold Dragon, Knight of the Realm, Friend of Dragons and Lord of Culverheart. We eagerly sign your charter and await our move to your fair city. (Diplomacy: 14)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+11=18 ; d20+11=23 ; Sunday July 22nd, 2012 10:56:55 PM
Pinwheel gives a snarky grin to Van. "Does the Pontifex of Alemi wear a big hat? Of course I want to join!"
Though briefly distracted by the encounter between Grell, Wilma, and Ariach, it is Emrys' introduction that draws most of her attention.
Ah, we have a 'creative.' She looks to the barristers for any clue as to their reception of the bard's grandiose entrance.
Sense Motive 17 [Dice roller weirded-out on me. That was supped to be a +10 modifier and only rolled once.]
DM Kathy Sunday July 22nd, 2012 11:13:15 PM
You pepper the barristers with questions, and they have ready responses. "You promise to obey the laws and do your best to help people," one explains to Pinwheel. "And you promise to come to the aid of new Elenna if you are called. In return, we keep you on our list of adventurers of known good character, which can help you avoid trouble with certain municipal authorities." He doesn't quite cough Dirt City under his breath, but you do get the idea.
"We prefer to sign up adventuring groups rather than individuals...am I to understand that you wish to enroll as a group?"
He sits patiently through Emrys's and Pinwheel's introductions. He doesn't seem notably impressed. He's probably been doing this for years, and has probably met any number of wet-behind-the-ears adventurers who think they're all that. He gives a rather pained smile, then continues.
"If your group doesn't yet have a name, we can sign you up together anyway; just notify us of your name when you've decided on one. If you really are going to Plateau City after graduation, that will make things easier." And with that, he prepares the paperwork, takes your oaths, and signs you up.
[OOC: If you choose not to sign the oath, let me know.]
Meanwhile, your exams grow ever closer. Students spend long hours studying; they form themselves into study groups and quiz one another over meals.
One of the earliest finals is the Magic exam (that is, Knowledge Arcana). It is held in the Magic building, where upstairs you first met the Floop. The exam is downstairs, in one of the larger lecture halls. Tuck and Emrys are present, along with a few dozen other students.
You are absorbed in your exam when you start to notice....a smell. It's an unusual smell: acrid and sweet at the same time. Then you hear cries of consternation from somewhere in the building, followed by the sound of running feet, and something falling over with a crash.
tl;dr: The barristers sign you up; you can choose a name later. Finals start, and something has interrupted the Magic final. If you don't have ranks in Knowledge: Arcana, you probably are not there.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Sunday July 22nd, 2012 11:16:52 PM
Pinwheel signs enthusiastically, adding a heart above her 'i' and a flourish to her capital 'p.'
During the proceedings of the Magic exam, she is likely to be down near the kitchens again.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday July 23rd, 2012 10:33:45 AM
Yes we are wanting to sign up as a group though we don't yet decided uopn a name.
She quickly sings her name to the oath and then steps back to allow someone elso sign up.
Hey Guys if we are to be a force for good why not work that into a name. Something like the Guardians of Goodness.....
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday July 23rd, 2012 5:53:25 PM
Ariach also signs the contract. He is relieved seeing most of his friends signing it too. Especially the fact that Pinewheel signs the contract suprises him.
Ariach likes Vaniime´s proposal to name the group Guardians of Goodness. "I think the name fits."
Then he follows Pinewheel. He never thanked her for the return of the whetstone. It was time to fix this.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Monday July 23rd, 2012 7:54:13 PM
Wilma signed where the official indicated, smiling to herself. As soon as she and the other go through their finals, they'll be a real, live, official adventuring group! Her parents didn't really go to Plateau City too often, so there was the added benefit of being able to establish themselves without being in the shadow of the famous Emerald Dragons.
Not that Wilma wasn't proud of her parents, but now she and Grell would be able to prove to themselves that they were adventurers in their own right.
"All that...AND we get to be the Good Guys...!"
Could the day get any better..???
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+13=28 ; Monday July 23rd, 2012 8:17:21 PM
(Since Emrys is in the final, am I supposed to roll? Here we go, just in case. Knowledge [Arcana]: 28.)
Having completed his Arcana final in good time, he sits there with his quill feather tickling his nose. His mind is on thoughts and ideas for names and places he would like to go. The sudden disturbance drops him earthbound from his flights of fancy. He looks at the others in the class to gauge their expressions. His keen elven ears hear the patter of running feet. Emrys rises from his chair and looks out into the hall. If the mystery has yet not revealed itself, he will continue on to find out what it is. He hurries along, but is careful to look around corners before proceeding onward.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Monday July 23rd, 2012 10:28:36 PM
Grell smiles happily as he signs the contract. It was finally his turn to make an impact on the Wold and he intended to make the most of it. Look out Plateau City, you have NO idea what's headed your way!! He looks down smugly at his signature (with it's crude block letters that are different sizes no less...penmanship had never been his area of expertise!). Just a couple more dumb tests and he'll be on his way!
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Monday July 23rd, 2012 11:29:03 PM
Pinwheel overhears some of the discussion as she leaves for the kitchens. She twists her face a bit as she walks and thinks to herself. The Guardians of Good? The Good Guys? Ugh. Those names would mark us as rubes as soon as we set foot in a place like Plateau City. The last thing we want is to paint a big target on our chests. I'm going to have to suggest something that sounds more professional. After all, we're going to be adventurers, not church bake sale organizers.
DM Kathy Monday July 23rd, 2012 11:38:28 PM
You sign up to be adventurers of New Elenna, still trying to think of what to call yourselves. Vaniime sugests Guardians of Goodness, which seems to enjoy some mild support.
[Your DM remembers that you had once thought about the Something Vanguard, so in keeping with wanting to sound like "good guys" will suggest the Righteous Vanguard. Or the Virtuous Vanguard if you're into that whole alliteration thing.]
Meanwhile, finals are underway, and the Magic final is proving to be more exciting than exams usually are. Emrys tries to ascertain the cause of the smell; it seems to you like an Alchemy final project going horribly, horribly wrong. You are just wondering whether to leave the building when Professor Bounderly appears at the door of the lecture hall. "Everyone outside, please," she says briskly. "We can finish the exam later. Leave your papers."
You dutifully troop out into the rain, and are able to watch as the smoke pouring out of an upstairs window turns from pale green to delicate pink and back again. Nearby, a female student with singed eyebrows and green-splattered uniform says mournfully, "It was supposed to be a new room-freshener. Now what am I going to do?"
The reaction is eventually stopped, and the Magic students are able to complete their final. The rest of the final exams happen without incident--or at least without any incidents as spectacular as that one.
[Let's see how everybody did on their exams. Please make a roll for each Knowledge skill you have ranks in. Feel free to post an interpretation of how your finals went.]
The rain continues, and your classmates begin to grow anxious. Nobody wants to hunt monsters in the rain.
tl;dr: You take your finals. Make a roll for each Knowledge skill you have. It is still raining; will it affect the monster hunt?
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+10=23 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 12:16:34 AM
Pinwheel takes her examination on the significant mercantile, military, and political organizations extant in the greater world - both legitimate and dubious. After all, no self-respecting rogue would be unaware of the major power players. As my advisor always says, "There are three kinds of sods in the world -- those who can be your mates, those you can peel, and those that can put you in the dead-book. Know the difference."
Knowledge (local) 23
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+13=21 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+13=19 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+12=28 ; d3=1 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+14=17 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+14=25 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 1:10:29 AM
Exhausted and at his wits end, Emrys becomes even more exasperated when he runs out of ink and breaks his favorite quill from all the testing.
Knowledge [arcana]: 21 Knowledge [dungeoneering]: 18. Uses Recall ability to reroll: 17, that really sucks. Knowledge [engineering]: 28 Knowledge [geography]: 31 Knowledge [history]: 19. Uses Recall ability to reroll, then opts to use Lore Master 1/day ability: 33 Knowledge [local]: 24 Knowledge [nature]: 30 Knowledge [nobility]: 18. Uses Recall ability to reroll: 29 Knowledge [planes]: 28 Knowledge [religion]: 14. Uses Recall ability to reroll: 25.
(Lore Master ability is 1/day and allows to take20 on any knowledge skill.) (Knowledge [Memory Subdomain] Recall (Su): 5/day. Any creature touched. Allows reroll of any one Knowledge skill.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+4=13 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+4=21 Tuesday July 24th, 2012 7:31:24 AM
Sitting for her exams Vaniime can't help but wish she were outside, even in the planted set piece gardens of the school, doing aything beisdes taking these tests. With a heavy sigh and a glare for the professor she turns back to her exams and completes then with just a few moments to spare. Satisfied with all but her relligion exam, (Wilma was going to be so disappointed in her for that one but thank the gods it wasn't one she needed for graduation). Surprisingly even with the interuption and the smell Van did well on her Arcana exam. Finally finished, Van heads out to find her friends.
Knowledge Dungeoneering DC 13 out of 24 Knowledge Geography DC 18 out of 25 Knowledge Nature DC 21 out of 25 Knowledge Local DC 14 out of 24 Knowledge Religion DC 6 out of 25 Knowledge Arcana DC 21 out of 24
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 d20+8=26 ; d20+6=8 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 12:41:39 PM
Wilma hurried from her Religion finals to her History class, passing the rather noisome mess that had been somebody's Arcana finals. Unfortunately for her, the History professor insisted on the class remaining at its location right next to the smelly disaster while his students took their final exam, and--try as she might--Wilma found it impossible to maintain her concentration with that horrible smell permeating the air.
"I can't believe that I said the former King of New Ellenna was called King Cleo...!" Wilma moaned on her way out. A coughing fellow student patted her on the shoulder as they hastily left the area.
"Never mind that--" he replied, "--I wrote a paragraph about how important 'Platter City' is to the Wold's adventurers!"
At least Wilma hadn't been the only one distracted by the odious odors...
OOC: Wilma kicked butt with her Religion knowledge by getting 26 out of a possible 28; but she totally boofed her History exam by getting only 8 out of a possible 26.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+2=11 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+6=17 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 6:13:08 PM
The tests are a welcome diversion for Ariach after his failure in the competition. Fully motivated, he takes the questions for his local history exam. A short look is enough to determine that he hasn´t learned enough. He just answers half of all questions. Unfortunately not the performance he had expected.
In the following test about dungeoneering he does much better. Still, he gets very angry about his examination and admonishes himself to take up a book to deepen his knowledge in the future more often. Hoping his friends did better he looks for them. (knowlegde history:11, knowledge dungeoneering 18)
TUCK: Accustomed to being able to focus even under the most adverse circumstances Tuck has no problems to stay focused. He is so concentrated that he nearly doesn´t notice the smell and the cries. Using the short interruption to refresh himself he manages to deliver an excellent exam.
Also in the field of local history, he has no problems. His meticulous preparation was certainly responsible for his success.
(knowledge arcane:24, knwoledge history 17)
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 d20=10 ; d20=8 ; d20=17 ; d20=16 ; d20=15 ; Tuesday July 24th, 2012 10:30:57 PM
Having only the bare minimum of training in most subject, Grell finds himself having extreme difficulty with the history sections of the exams. Good thing the exams didn't way too heavy for the fighter's section.
OOC: Grell has no knowlege skills, but it sounded like fun, so I went ahead and rolled. Use them for what you want.
DM Kathy Tuesday July 24th, 2012 11:29:45 PM
You manage to make it through your finals, and although you have ideas on how you did, you won't know for sure until the results come back.
[OOC: Everybody should have at least one Knowledge skill. At character creation, everybody got an extra skill point that had to be put into a Knowledge skill. Every time you have leveled up (so far), you got an extra skill point that had to be put into a Knowledge skill. Also, all Knowledge skills are class skills for everybody (for now). I know I've explained this before, and I swear that at one time, Grell had a knowledge skill (otherwise I wouldn't have approved his character sheet). Can everyone please double-check and make sure they're not shorting themselves?]
In the meantime, you prepare for your trip to the Monster Preserve. You are not terribly surprised when Professor Goodnight informs you that you have been assigned to the same group, and will be hunting one of the more advanced monsters. You're a little ahead of most of your classmates, thanks to your adventures this year.
The day finally arrives, and although the morning is gray, it isn't actually raining. At the moment. You and your classmates pile into coaches for the short ride to the Preserve.
You step through the gates to find an array of very tough-looking rangers and druids. They're an intimidating bunch, and you hesitate for a moment. A friendly voice calls: "Hello Vaniime! All ready for graduation?"
You turn to see a young half-elf woman, clearly the youngest of the rangers here--only a few years older than most of you. Vaniime recognizes her as Quila Souhn, a former Maplehurst student who was in her last year when you started in the Upper School. She helped you then, when most upperclassmen ignored you.
[Some of the rest of you may also know Quila; you can decide for yourself if she's somebody your character would know.]
tl;dr: You're at the Monster Preserve and your finals are over. Also, make sure you got your extra Knowledge skill point. If you don't know what that means, you'll need to read the whole post.
Emrys (ac14, hp18) d20+9=25 ; Wednesday July 25th, 2012 2:01:52 AM
While they approach the preserve in their coach, Emrys had prepared a orison that should come quite handy in this little hunting expedition. "I'm about to place upon each you an incantation that should spare us from becoming the hunted out in the wilds. We shall leave no tracks, not even in the most mired bog. Nor shall we leave a scent trail." He thinks the latter being probably the most important. A few of his friends are quite tart at the moment, especially within the enclosed space of the carriage. "I will replenish the magik every hour."
When he emerges from the coach to face their greeters, Emrys goes out of his way to be cordial but maintains a serious and nonchalant facade. He knows these are serious people and he wants to earn their respect. However, today he isn't wearing the colors of his school, but instead his elven, darkwood-plated, leather armor and over his shoulders the mantle of Culverheart, a symbol of a towering, white tree with long, twisted roots. A mark the local rangers and druids should know very well. (Diplomacy: 25)
(The spell cast on each party member is 'Pass Without Trace'. No tracks or scent for one hour. Can not be tracked without magical means. This spell can be recast, it's a 0-level orison for Emrys.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 4:24:22 PM
Van is a bundle of nervous energy as they make their way to the monster preserve. She mentally goes through what equipment she has and physically pats each location to ensure that the object is really there.
Bounding out of the coach she eagerly leads the way through the gate only to come to a complete and sudden stop as she sees those who are there to greet them. Sudden feelings of misgiving come over her when she suddenly hears a familiar voice ring out from the back of the group.
"Hey Quila, glancing around at the other rangers, Yeah I think we are anyway. You look well and it looks like you travel in august company these days." So what's in store for us, or can't you say?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 5:32:58 PM
Ariach spends the early morning polishing his armor and his shield. Fully equipped and prepared for any eventuality he struts to the waiting coaches. Upon boarding he notices that he should have left his quiver in his room. Due his promise and without a bow he will not shoot an arrow in the near future. But such trifles as his forgetfulness or the bad weather cannot spoil his good mood that day.
As they walk through the gate Ariach sees Quila.
*Quila? Is she a Ranger? Or is she a druid?*
Ariach cannot remember. In any case, she had left the school recently. Maybe she would give former schoolmates some informations. This could be useful. Therefore Ariach decides to stay behind Vaniime who seems to know Quila a little better.
Tuck: Tuck feels great joy when he thinks about the upcoming battle. As he sits in one of the coaches beside Grell he winks at them slyly.
"Oh man! I'm curious against which creatures we must compete. "
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP36/36 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 10:22:10 PM
As they travel to the Preserve, Grell is as giddy as halfling in an unguarded storeroom. He chats happily with Tuck along the journey. "Oh, man, whatever it is, I hope it's got *massive* claws and teeth...tons of teeth! This is going to be the BEST day EVER!!!"
Once they leave the carriage, Grell keeps quiet as they approach the gate, though his anticipation is difficult to conceal. Grell checks the straps of his armor time and again and shifts his massive sword on his back. Finally, he settles into a stance and shifts his weight from left foot to right foot and back again as he anxiously sniffs the air around them.
OOC: I'm very sorry about the Knowledge skill. I have no idea how I missed that. I'll go back and change the sheet and submit my roll.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25 Wednesday July 25th, 2012 11:06:17 PM
Wilma smiled, happy to see that her brother was looking forward to their test of mettle. She only wished she could recall Quila better--Wilma had been so involved in trying to pass her various tests, quizzes and competitions that meeting the young instructor completely slipped her mind. She gripped her quarterstaff and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, anxious to begin their field test.
Seemed that Grell's excitement was catchy...
On The Hunt
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.
Can We Get Extra Credit for This?
DM Kathy Friday August 10th, 2012 12:29:24 AM
You gather around the travois, and attempt to pull it. You could probably manage, but Emrys's idea of contacting the rangers seems better and better.
Then, suddenly, there is a rumbling beneath your feet, and the sound of something crashing. You look around, but nothing in your view seems to have caused the sounds.
Then you hear shrieks and cries for help.
Dreppi Highlight to display spoiler: {as you are returning with your kill, you feel a rumbling beneath your feet, then all of a sudden several giant insect-like creatures burst out of the ground! Your companions react with a variety of shrieks and yells, and prepare for combat.}
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+10=13 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 2:01:16 AM
Wilma's head turns this way and that as the young cleric-in-training looks around to see where the shrieks and cries for help are coming from--however, the sudden appearance of the other creatures definitely interferes with her attempt to pinpoint who needs help and where they are.
OOC: rolled a 13 out of a possible 30 for Perception. (groan!)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active Friday August 10th, 2012 7:39:16 AM Second OOC: and then there is the fact that our group is not technically close enough to Dreppi & Company to actually see anything! Snort!
I hope SOMEONE else in the group gets a better Perception or applicable skill check result!
Emrys (ac14, hp21) d20+11=22 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=28 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 1:54:54 PM "Zounds! What was that?"
(Perception: 22)
Emrys whips around toward the sound of shrieks and cries for help. Frozen with fright, he remains planted next to the travois until his friends begin to move off in the direction of the chaos. Moving as fast as he can through the overgrowth of the forest when he gets close to the edge of a clearing, he hunkers down in the shadows to see the source of the noise (Stealth: 20). Looking on in a terrified awe, Emrys tries to identify the beast that has caused this pandemonium.
(Knowledge [Nature]: 25, if an animal, giant vermin, elemental and so on. Knowledge [Arcana]: 29, if a magical beast, 27 for dragon, etc. Knowledge [Dungeoneering]: 18, Recall reroll: 28, if an Aberrations, underworld creatures, etc.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+10=14 ; d20+9=24 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 4:58:54 PM
Feeling the rumling vibration followed by screams takes her back to her very recent past, as the first ting that comes to mind is that there are more earth elementals around somewhere close. Taking amoment to use both her perceptive abilities (15) and her survival skills 924) she locates the sounds and drawing her sword starts moving that way as rapidly as is safe.
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+8=20 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 6:07:56 PM
"What was that?"
Tuck drops the pole of the travois and searches for where the ruckus is coming from. (Perception 20)
Should he determine the direction the commotion is coming from, or if others in the team start heading a particular way, Tuck runs off in that direction, trying to keep close to trees or bushes to provide some amount of cover or concealment.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+4=13 ; d20=8 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 6:26:04 PM
Ariach also grabs a handle on the travois and the warrior enjoys working together with his friends.(strength check: 13)
As he suddendly hears a cry for help not far away from his current position he doesn´t lose any time. As fast as possible he runs forward the place the cries came from. He draws his flail from his belt and looks around if some of his friends are with him. But during his sprint he asks himself if the sound really came from this direction. (perception roll: 8)
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+6=10 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+10=12 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 11:26:04 PM
Dreppi instinctively reaches into his pack, drawing out a medium size vial, shakes it up, pops the cork and drinks it, backing up sizing the creatures erupting into the area. Dreppi shouts out to the others to gather around near him. "Rally up all! Apparently the fun is far from over!"
Cast Extract: Targeted Bomb Admixture
Perception: 10, Knowledge Arcana: 18 Are these magical creatures from lore I have heard? Knowledge Nature: 12 Woodland creatures in this area?
OOC: Should I wait to see if a map will be supplied?
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+10=19 ; Friday August 10th, 2012 11:45:18 PM
Pinwheel shoulders her crossbow and peers about. "That sounded close. I think one of the other groups has bit off more than they can chew."
Perception 19
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP36/36 d20+5=18 ; d20+5=21 ; Saturday August 11th, 2012 12:10:37 AM
Hearing the screams, Grell drops his pole and pulls his sword. Taking a couple of seconds, he listens closely and then sniffs the air, checking for the scent of a large group of humanoids (Percep=18, Survival (to aid Scent)=21). He notices Ariach heading in the wrong direction and calls him back over to where he is heading. As soon as Ariach joins up, Grell drops into a jog or a run, whatever the terrain will allow.
DM Kathy Sunday August 12th, 2012 11:38:52 PM
It doesn't take you long to figure out where the noises are coming from. You race for the scene, and now the sounds of battle are clearly audible.
When you arrive, you see several Maplehurst students, obviously one of the other hunting groups, engaged in combat. You recognize the Claws of the Griffon, along with a couple of other students who seemed to have been assigned to the group as make-weights. From the torn-up ground in the area, you easily deduce that the creatures they are fighting tunneled up from below. It's possible that they are not even native to the Preserve.
The creatures look like giant insects, six-legged, with nasty-looking green ichor dripping from their mandibles.
The Claws seem to notice you. "Oh, great," says Zeliak, wielding sword and shield. "This is all we need. Go away, losers!" Nearby, Neave clutches her spell components. "No! Don't go away! Help us!"
Nature or Survival DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { It's likely that the creatures were able to burrow more easily than normal because the recent rains have made the ground unusually soft.}
Arcana DC 13 Highlight to display spoiler: { The creatures are Ankhegs, a type of Magical Beast.}
[I spent the whole weekend at a local game convention, and I am happy and exhausted. I will get a map for you, but I won't promise to have it for Monday. Do the best you can to describe where you go and what you do, and I'll do my best to accommodate you.]
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+2=10 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+5=19 ; d8=5 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 11:10:04 AM
Tuck pulls up about 40 feet from the nearest creature, hopefully behind some form of cover or concealment like a tree, big rock, or bush.
"What the heck are these things?" he hollers.
He takes aim with his crossbow and looses a quarrel at one of the creatures. (Hits AC 19 for 5 damage)
(Survival 10, Arcana 11)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+2=3 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+4=7 ; d8+2=5 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 2:31:50 PM OOC: Survival check is 3, and the Arcana check is 10, so clearly Wilma don't know nuthin'...
The redheaded human girl snorted at Zeliak's outburst but she quickly moved to where Neave was on the verge of panic.
"What magic can you use against these things?" she asked, checking that her crossbow was at the ready. "We can back you guys up, but we need to know what you can do." Wilma eyes the giant praying-mantis-thingies.
"Van--what ARE these things? Do they have any weaknesses..?" she yells to the spirit ranger, holding her shot until she's sure that one of the beasties is definitely attacking Neave, herself or anyone else from Maplehurst.
OOC: if the above conditions are met, then Wilma will fire her crossbow to hit AC7 for 5hp damage...thus proving why it is that the quarterstaff is her best weapon. (snort)
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20-1=11 ; d20+3=6 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 3:33:33 PM
Although Ariach has never seen such giant insects before, he does not hesitate. (survival= 11) As fast as possible he runs toward the fray. He positions himself next to Neave and attacks one of the monsters. But his flail misses it´s target by far. Nonetheless Ariach tries to bring his shield between the monster and Neave. "Stay behind me- i will protect you."
(standard action: fight defensively, use combat expertise = AC 26 move action: go to Neave or aid another +2 AC if possible)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+6=22 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+13=20 ; d10+6=8 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 6:18:50 PM Knowledge Arcana DC 22, Survival DC 14
Coming up fast sword in hand, she stares in momentary confusion. These things shouldn't be in the woods. How could they borrow... She thinks to herself. She then hears Wilma ask her questions as she takes a flanking position on one of the beasts attacking the other group and slices into the magical beast AC 20 for 8 points of damage.
"They are called Ankhegs, they are magical beasts. They do not normally inhabit the forests, so they must be lost, so to speak. Their bite is acidic and while they can spit the acid they do so only as a last resort, usually. Beware that there may be more of them below. They feel vibrations if I remember correctly."
Grell AC 19/14/19, HP47/47 d20+5=20 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+10=27 ; d8+4=5 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 9:01:45 PM
Knowing what Van says is true (Survival=20), Grell grins when Neave asks them for help. He angles around to a flanking position behind Ariach. "Hey Ariach...lets teach this thing some respect, eh?" Grell moves into his position, charging if he needs to and slashes at the back of the creature. (Attack=27, Damage=5).
OOC: The damage includes an addition point of damage since I'm assuming that Grell can flank with Ariach.
Emrys moves up with the rest, as they make their attack. As he does, he begins to lecture about the strengths and weaknesses of this magical beast, the Ankheg.
(Performing Naturalist +1. Knowledge [arcana]: 30. Good enough to identify the abilities of a 15HD Ankheg. Everyone within 30-ft of Emrys receives at +1 insight bonus on Attack Rolls, AC, and Saving Throws vs. the Ankhegs.)
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+6=16 ; 2d6+8=12 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 11:05:42 PM
Dreppi draws out a vial, shakes it up and tosses one of his alchemical fire bombs throwing it at an Ankheg AC 16 for 12 points of damage, a curl of his lips begins upward as the bomb releases from his fingertips "Fire!" Happy gnome moves to keep more range from the creatures. Already in the working of the Gnome mind of his, afterwards need to collect samples of the specimens acid properties, I could work on a acid bomb perhaps.
DM Kathy d20=6 ; d20=2 ; d20=5 ; d20=17 ; d6=5 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+7=22 ; d12=7 ; d20+5=19 ; 2d6+4=7 ; d4=1 ; d20+11=15 ; 4d4=5 ; Monday August 13th, 2012 11:59:25 PM Tuck pulls up short and fires a crossbow, hitting one of the ankhegs.
Wilma hustles over near Neave, and also fires a crossbow. She is somewhat less successful.
Ariach also rushes to Neave's defense; and Grell moves in an attempt to flank. It is more difficult than he thought because of the unstable ground; he may be able to get a flank next round. He is nonetheless able to take a piece out of the creature.
Vaniime is also looking for a flank, but nobody has moved to the closest Ankheg; Ariach was intent on protecting Neave and Grell followed him. Vaniime, too, moves into a position where she might get a flank next round. She swings her scimitar and connects.
Emrys moves up and begins helping his teammates with his knowledge of Ankhegs.
Dreppi throws another alchemical concoction, and the Ankheg writhes in pain.
Belorin and Zeliak are back-to-back, fighting two Ankhegs at once. "Who asked for your help?" Belorin snarls. "We don't need you."
"Don't be a jackass, Belorin," Holly-Iris replies. "Of course we need their help." She is also trying to flank, and encountering the same problems that Grell and Vaniime are facing; the footing is just too unstable.
Belhorn looks about uncertainly, seeming unclear on what he's supposed to do. Neave casts a spell, and one of the Ankhegs suddenly looks a lot weaker. (Ray of Enfeeblement)
One of the Ankhegs grabs Zeliak with its pincers; another, weakened though it is grabs Belorin. The third Ankheg attacks Grell, hitting for 7 damage. The acid dripping from its pincers does another 1 point of acid damage, and the creature tries to grab Grell, but fails.
The last Ankheg sents a stream of acid at Emrys. Emrys, take 5 points of acid damage; DC 14 Reflex save for half.
The brown circles are churned-up ground where the ankhegs tunneled up. They are extremely unstable. The brown circles are impassible; you cannot move through them unless you have a burrow speed.
The light-brown areas are slightly-less-churned-up ground. They are passible, but the footing is very soft. The light-brown areas require two squares of movement to move through one square.
The green circles are trees. Green circles provide cover. You can move through them (at normal speed), but you can't stop in one.
The light-green area is heavy undergrowth. The light-green areas require two squares of movement to move through one square.
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+6=21 ; d10=3 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 1:09:31 AM
ooc: Sorry for my lateness. We lost power for a while, and tried over and over again to fix it. Finally we figured out that my neighbor had plugged his tripod spotlight into our circuit when he was working on his car and it kept tripping the breaker.
Pinwheel approaches carefully, keeping her distance and taking a position near Wilma (C13). She shoulders her crossbow and fires.
Unhappy with her performance versus the Chimera, Van decides to try and be a bit more serious, but then calls out to Grell.
"Ok Grell, let's see who can kill the first beastie."
Deciding she is fine where she in Vaniime goes into slicing mode coming down on Ankheg #4 with a vicious slice that does some serious damage to the beast.
AC 32 (nat 20 - crit threat) (threat confirmed AC 25) for 15 points damage
Emrys (ac14, hp21) d20+7=26 ; d20+5=6 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 7:31:20 AM
(Reflex save: 26 vs. acid spray. Congrats to Kathy, first two points of damage to Emrys ;)
"AAAHHHH, that BURNS!!" is Emrys' initial response to the shock of acid burn. He quickly retreats, "Ow, ow, ow!", to a position behind his friends. He takes special care to avoid the broken and turned over soil (D10). Emrys fights through the pain to continue his lecture in the form of spoken word (free action), "Jaws drool with acid and burn with bite. Acid ceases to drip once they spit, the ankheg's only respite!"
In anger, he aims his crossbow at the ankheg that spat upon him. He then pulls the trigger and there is a loud 'TWANG'! Confusion sets in as Emrys is unable to see a bolt shoot toward the beast. He finds his bolt resting on the ground at his feet, apparently having fallen off his crossbow. "Mother of all..." followed by a short stream of expletives!
(Attack Ankheg with crossbow. Hit AC 6, natural 1.)
Emrys (ac14, hp21) Tuesday August 14th, 2012 7:41:01 AM
(OOC: forgot to change title bar info. Emrys (ac15, hp19/21) Naturalist +1)
Also forgot to mention: (Naturalist +1: Everyone within 30ft of Emrys gets a +1 Insight bonus to AC, Attack Rolls, and Saves. Those included in area: Grell, Van, Ariach, Wilma, Dreppi, and Neave.)
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP40/47 d20+9=11 ; 2d6+7=11 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 8:49:53 AM
Grell looks down at his smoldering and blood stained tunic. Directing his attention once more to the creature, Grell's face is twisted in rage. "My *brother* bought me that tunic for a Yule present!!! That's IT! No more Mr. Nice orc!!"
Spewing orcish profanities like steam from a kettle, Grell brings up his massive sword. Shifting to a firmer stance, Grell tenses and his legs and tightens his core, moving all his major muscle groups in harmony to bring the sword down with the utmost kinetic energy. (Power Attack AC12) Unfortunately, he overextends and goes wide with his blow.
OOC: Grrrrr!! I rolled the wrong dice on yesterday's attack. Should have been 11 damage not 5. I would completely understand if you want to leave it the way it is though.
Grell AC 21/14/19, HP40/47 Tuesday August 14th, 2012 8:53:44 AM
OOC: Uggg, didn't see Van's post before.
The orcish profanities rise to an absolute crescendo as Van declares her contest. It was going to take a LOT of better effort on his behalf to even come close to that last blow of hers!
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active 2d6=8 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 10:59:31 AM
Normally Wilma would have waited before attempting to channel healing energy for the group's benefit (because her brother Grell probably could have taken another hit or even two before needing serious healing), but she suddenly remembered that channeling positive energy and maybe one other spell were all that she had left in her personal Cure magic stores, so--after glancing around to see who from Maplehurst was where on the battlefield--she stepped up to the space immediately behind Ariach and released a pulse of healing energy that excluded the two beasts that were closest to her. She then swapped out her crossbow for her quarterstaff, trying to maintain a visual perspective on all the Maplehurst students in the area--especially the now-captive Zeliak and Belorin.
Wilma is now at E12; her burst of Channeled Energy[b] should have provided 8hp of healing to Emrys and Grell. Her wave of energy should also have helped Zeliak and Belorin--but only JUST barely, as Belorin is at the very furthest edge of her 30-foot range. Wilma has the [b]Selective Channeling Feat so she can (and does) exclude Ankhegs 1 and 4 from the healing properties of her burst.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+4=5 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 5:48:16 PM
Not forgetting his defense Ariach wields his shield and tries to block every hit on him or Neave. With an appreciative nod he recognizes the deep wound Vaniim's weapon inflicts in the shell of the insect.
Ariach himself holds the line. He tries to smash the Ankheg with his flail. He puts all his strenght into the blow and misses the giant monster by far. Not enough that he didn´t score a hit the flail gets entangled below the loose stones and brings the warrior completely out of balance. (attack roll= natural 1)
(standard action: fight defensively, use combat expertise, +1 insight bonus to AC = AC 27 move action: aid another [Neave] +2 AC )
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 Tuesday August 14th, 2012 6:46:45 PM
Emrys gives Wilma a nod of thanks. He then begins to wonder if his lecture is actually jinxing himself and his friends instead of helping.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+7=16 ; d8=1 ; 2d6+8=18 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 7:28:15 PM
Dreppi grabs another fire bomb vial saying quietly "Fire, yus Fire" throws the vial at Anhkeg 1 AC 16 for 18 damage. He smiles as he sees more adventurers join in "Welcome and thanks for helping friends!"
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+5=12 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 9:11:19 PM
Tuck moves through the scrub while loading another bolt to his crossbow. He takes aim at another of the critters and fires. The bolt deflects off the insect's natural armor. He grunts to himself in frustration.
(Move to J4, loading crossbow a free action, shoots at Ankheg 3 hitting AC 12)
DM Kathy d20=8 ; d20=10 ; d20=6 ; d20=1 ; d20+5=7 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2012 11:27:11 PM Pinwheel steps up and fires a crossbow at one of the ankhegs, doing damage.
Vaniime draws back her sword and absolutely unloads on one of the ankhegs. The creature chitters, waving its legs wildly, then collapses and dies.
Emrys cries out at his first-ever combat wound and tries to respond with a crossbow, but misses badly. His knowledge, though, is still helping the rest of the group.
Grell takes a mighty swing and misses, possibly because Vaniime has already downed the creature. It's time to seek a new foe.
Wilma takes a cautious step forward, then allows healing energy to wash over her friends. And Belorin and Zeliak.
Ariach, on seeing the monster drop, moves to stand between the other one and Neave. His blow misses.
Dreppi, however, hits with another alchemical mixture, and now that ankheg is looking decidedly worse for wear.
Tuck moves up and fires again, but his shot skips wide.
Belorin and Zeliak struggle, but they can't escape their ankhegs. "I've--got--him--right--where I want him!" Belorin pants. Zeliak, perhaps wisely, says nothing.
Holly-Iris takes a stab at the ankheg and misses badly. She takes a step out of the soft earth, clearly seeking a better position. "Belhorn!" she yells. She points at Wilma, who has just finished channeling her healing energy. "That's what you should be doing!"
Still looking a little dazed, Belhorn steps up and gives Belorin some healing. Neave grabs a crossbow. "Out of spells," she mutters, and fires. It is a terrible shot; she only barely avoids hitting Holly-Iris. "Watch it!" the halfling snaps.
Ankhegs 1 and 2, prey clutched in their mandibles, begin moving back down the tunnels.
Ankheg 3 goes after Tuck, but its mandibles close well above his head.
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 Wednesday August 15th, 2012 8:05:37 AM
Emrys simply reacts when two of the ankhegs pick up Zeliak and Belorin and begin to drag them back to their respective holes. The bard moves in closer (D12) to better target Zeliak as he struggles in the ankheg's grasp. Emrys sings a magical limerick directed at Zeliak, and his armor becomes coated in slippery grease.
(Casting Grease on Zeliak's armor (which is allowed by the spell description). Zeliak gains a +10 circumstance bonus to Escape Artist checks or combat maneuver checks made to escape a grapple. The Ankheg needs to make a Reflex save DC 16 to avoid dropping Zeliak, since it is currently holding Zeliak.)
The bard continues his lecture, this time commenting on the Ankheg's severe lack of intelligence.
(Naturalist +1. Free action. Everyone within 30-ft of Emrys gets a +1 Insight bonus to AC, Attack Rolls, and Saves.)
Grell go help Tuck, I am going to try and help Zeliak. Dreppi keep it up. Ariach, Holly, Belhorn, you are closest, go try and help Belorin. Pinwheel, shift a bit and start targeting the one going after Tuck.
Instructions being yelled out as she moves, Vanime gets to D15 and takes an swing at Ankheg 1. DC 24 for 11 points damage
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 Wednesday August 15th, 2012 1:23:17 PM
Grell nods at Vaniime and starts tromping through the loose dirt, grumbling along the way about "first kills", messed up tunics" and "no fair picking the closer one".
Splerch...splerch...splerch...soft dirt works its way over the top of his boots, as the bulky warrior stomps stalwartly forward. "When I get over there, I'm gonna cut you seven ways to Yule day!"
Pulling himself just short of the creature (I6), Grell shouts out at the top of his lungs while he flails his free arm about. Hey ugly...yeah you! C'mere ya overgrown cockroach...I got a little something special for ya! Looking over at Tuck, Grell calls out, "Hey Tuck, if this thing comes my way, why don't you see if you can flank him. It'll never know what hit it's ugly little carcass!"
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 25/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+6=21 ; d6+6=9 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2012 2:41:46 PM
Wilma sprints forward (mostly), lifting up her quarterstaff and screaming at the top of her lungs as she literally charges at the ankheg with Belorin in its grasp, swinging the staff in a wild arc at the creature in an effort to keep it from disappearing below ground with its intended meal...
Wilma has moved to L15 on the map. Since I'm not sure if what she intends is actually possible by the rules of the game, I will list the following: (1) Thanks to her Travel cleric Domain, Wilma's movement is 40 feet and she has the ability of Agile Feet [i](which states as a free action, she gains increased mobility for 1 round. For the next round, she ignores all difficult terrain and does not take any penalties for moving through it.) (2) Her quarterstaff (assuming she can get to L15) hits AC21 for 9hp damage. I am not sure if Wilma gets any additional bonuses for charging.[/i]
Tuck HP 28/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+4=19 ; d20+4=8 ; d6+3=6 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2012 6:09:09 PM
Tuck drops his crossbow as the ankheg advances on him. "Oh man."
He places his right foot back into his fighting stance. Taking a deep breath, he closes his eyes for but a moment. When he opens them again, the ankheg is lunging at him. He ducks under and hits the big bug in a soft spot with a powerful uppercut. His following left strikes a plate and does no damage, other than to scrub Tuck's knuckles.
"A little help, Grell. This bugger's got a bit of a size advantage on me."
He continues to sway as the ankheg looks for another opening. "I won't be an easy meal, I promise you."
(Flurry of blows; Hits AC 19 for 6 damage, Misses AC 8)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 d20+7=10 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=19 ; d10=1 ; d10=1 ; d10=6 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2012 7:52:39 PM
ooc: I'm heading to a remote area for vacation and my posting may be spotty for a day or two. Pinwheel will continue to fire her crossbow at #1, then attack the weakest ankheg from there. She will stay near Emrys for the bonus. I will post several attack/damage just in case.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+7=9 ; 2d6+8=14 ; 2d6+8=15 ; 2d6+8=13 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2012 9:48:04 PM
Dreppi continued his barrage on his target pulling out and throwing another bomb at 1. Hitting AC 9 for 14 points of damage. He squints his eyes, the throw going alittle off as he released, hoping it still hits his intended goal.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday August 15th, 2012 9:48:53 PM
OOC: Sorry got alittle mouse overzealous when clicking for damage. Last too rolls don't count
DM Kathy d20+3=6 ; d20=9 ; d8=1 ; d20=16 ; d20=2 ; d20=9 ; d6=2 ; d4=1 ; d20=3 ; 4d4=7 ; d20=20 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=18 ; 4d6+8=22 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d20+11=24 ; Thursday August 16th, 2012 12:15:12 AM Emrys casts a spell to help Zeliak escape the clutches of the ankheg. The creature clutches him tighter--and then Zeliak squirts out like a slippery bar of soap. He hits the ground hard, but he takes no further hurt.
Vaniime shouting orders, goes after ankheg #1. Her blade bites again, and she has killed another one. Dreppi really softened it up for her, but if anyone is keeping score (*cough*Grell*cough*), Vaniime is well ahead.
Grell double moves, getting into position.
Wilma throws caution to the winds and charges ankheg #2, managing to give it a resounding thump with her staff.
Tuck drops into his monk's stance and gives his ankheg a pretty good thump with his fist.
Pinwheel and Dreppi fire a crossbow and an alchemical concoction respectively, but both miss.
Belorin scrambles to his feet and charges ankheg #2. His sword connects, and he does a little damage. Zeliak manages to escape the ankheg, but that's about all he can do this round. Belhorn seems to shake off his shock and also moves to #2. He swings ineffectively at the creature. Holly-Iris's eyes light up, and she rushes to take up a flanking position. Her little sword stabs in, and seems to hit something vital. Ankheg 2 does not look at all well. Neave fires a shot at ankheg #3, but misses.
Ankheg 2, seemingly panicked, spits a line of acid at its attackers. Wilma and Ariach take 7 points of damage, DC 14 Reflex save for half. Belorin is also caught in the acid, but manages to dodge some of it.
Ankheg 3 makes another attempt at Tuck, and this time it is a critical hit! Tuck takes 22 damage from the mandibles, and another 6 points of acid! The ankheg tries to grapple Tuck, and rolls a 24 on its check. Tuck is grappled.
Sticking her sword in the ground in front of her. Van grabs her bow and an arrow, nocks it, aims and fires at Ankheg 3. She watches with satisfaction as it strikes home. AC 18 for 8 points damage.
"Keep it up ladies and gentlemen." Wilma, Tuck needs you as soon as possible."
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 Thursday August 16th, 2012 7:17:10 AM
"Oh no, Tuck!" utters the young bard as he sees his friend being ravaged by the ankheg. Emrys moves back around (G6) from where he originally encountered that pesky ankheg and casts the same grease spell on Tuck's clothing.
(Casting Grease on Tuck's clothing. +10 competence bonus to Escape Artist and CMB vs. grapple. Ankheg3 must make Reflex 16 or drop Tuck.)
Emrys is able to continue his lecture for both Grell and Tuck, who are now the only two who are able to benefit. (Performing Naturalist. +1 Insight bonus to AC, Attack Rolls and Saves vs. the Ankheg.)
DM Kathy Thursday August 16th, 2012 11:00:56 AM
Whoops--didn't read the fine print. Tuck, you take the 22 damage from the bite, but ankheg 3 is all fresh out of acid, so you don't take the additional 6.
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 d20+9=19 ; 2d6+10=19 ; Thursday August 16th, 2012 11:21:47 AM
Watching in frustration and horror as yet *another* one of his friends gets munched on while he is forced to watch, Grell inwardly breathes a sigh of relief as he spots the oily film form on Tuck's body. Knowing the monk will soon be free of the jaws of the beast., Grell calls out "Tuck, do a full retreat! You need to get out of here and get healed. I'll finish this thing off for ya."
Grell steps forward and takes up a stance beside the creature's gigantic scaly leg. Dropping his weight and twisting his shoulders he brings his sword up above his head. Using his massive biceps control the hefty weapon, he shifts his weight back to his center and the sword arcs toward the ankheg's neck with a tremendous amount of force. (Power Attack AC20 for 19) Sweat begins to bead on his brow as he roars in anger at the creature.
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 Thursday August 16th, 2012 2:11:34 PM
Emrys quickly turns his head and fights off his impulses to retch after witnessing Grell's ferocious assault on the beast. After spitting up and clearing his throat, Emrys calls out to Tuck, "I will heal you ... urpp ... as best as I can."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 d20+4=21 ; Thursday August 16th, 2012 4:39:09 PM
Although Ariach isn´t aware of the spitting Ankheg he manages to avoid the acid. (reflex save=21)
Recognizing that Tuck is in big troubles, he ignores any danger and runs to aid his friend.
(running 4x20ft / that should bring him to M7)
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 20/25; Pass Without Trace active d20+3=19 ; 2d6=2 ; Thursday August 16th, 2012 6:17:01 PM
The redheaded cleric did her best to scoot to one side, but caught a splash of the acid stream across the top of her left arm and shoulder in spite of her reflexes. She choked back a scream of pain and reminded herself that it could have been worse. She gripped her quarterstaff, intending to thwack the big bug in front of her once more when Van's shout makes her turn her head and register the plight of the martial artist.
"You guys keep beating on this one--you've got it practically beat anyhow..." Wilma tells the Gryphon gang, "...I need to help out Tuck...!" Using her Domain ability, the acolyte of Gargul traveled the otherwise-choppy terrain to a position just behind the Ankheg that was trying to keep its grip on the plucky monk. She was definitely too far away for her normal healing magic to work, so Wilma once more channeled curative energy and released it in a rather weak burst. She privately bemoaned her lack of concentration...
Wilma's Reflex save is 19, so she only suffers 7hp damage from the acid. She uses a free action to activate her Travel Domain ability for a second time, going to L7 in a mostly straight line (but skirting away from the edge of the hole as she goes through L9). Her Channeled Energy excludes Ankhegs #2 and #3, healing up a whopping 2hp damage to everyone else who needs it and is within thirty feet of her, including herself.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Thursday August 16th, 2012 6:20:56 PM
OOC (again): half of the stated 7hpd for the Acid Stream is supposed to only be 4--Wilma's newest HP total is reflected in this post's title--23 out of 25 after her weak, weak Channel Energy burst. Sigh.
Tuck HP 10/28 AC 17/17/13 d20+19=22 ; Thursday August 16th, 2012 7:53:41 PM
The ankheg picks up on Tuck's movements and catches him in its mandibles. Tuck hollers in pain as he is almost torn in twain. His eyes go wide as he glances in fear at the tunnel the giant insect undoubtedly plans to take his meal back down. He clutches desperately at the powerful jaws.
Blood trickles down his legs as he struggles in the ankheg's powerful grip, his face turning white. Suddenly, his clothes feel slick and oily. Tuck does not hesitate to ponder why, but uses it to his advantage, torquing his body just so to slip from the monster's clutches.
If he should escape, with clothes and flesh torn, blood and grease smeared across his body, Tuck again steps into his power stance and lifts his hands to defend against the next attack, knowing that to leave the area would expose him to another attack.
(Escape Artist check with Emrys' +10 from the spell = 22)
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+7=13 ; 2d6+4=10 ; Thursday August 16th, 2012 10:36:12 PM
Dreppi moves to J12 taking out another fire bomb throwing it at ankheg 3 making sure the blast doesn't hit a friendly hitting AC 13 for 10 damage. (Bombs back to target and 5 ft out splash, using precise bomb edge to ensure bomb splash doesn't hit Grell or Tuck)
DM Kathy d20+3=20 ; d20=4 ; d6=3 ; d20=10 ; d20=3 ; d20=3 ; Friday August 17th, 2012 12:30:13 AM Vaniime shoots the ankheg holding Tuck, and wounds it.
Emrys races back toward Tuck, and casts a spell. Unfortunately, this time the ankheg holds on (Reflex 20).
Ariach throws caution to the winds and runs toward ankeg 3.
Grell steps up and bisects the thing with his sword, then Dreppi tosses an alchemical weapon that sets the pieces on fire. Ankheg 3 is done.
The Claws of the Griffon manage to finish off the final ankheg. The battle is done.
Belorin, still covered with magical grease and ankheg goo, comes stomping up to you. "What do you think you were doing?" he yells. "We had that under control!"
"Oh, we did not," says Neave. "Honestly, Belorin, use your head for a change."
Belhorn adds, so low you can barely hear him, "thanks for the help."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active d8+3=9 ; d8+3=8 ; Friday August 17th, 2012 11:54:06 AM
"You all did just fine..." Wilma said out loud, "...I'm sure you'll all get a chance to return the favor some day!" She went over to Tuck, checking out the extent of his wounds and casting her final healing spell on him. The acolyte was satisfied to see that, this time, her invocation was much more effective than her channeled energy had been. She fumbled a bit with the pouch at the front of her belt and took out the wand that was there.
"Who else needs healing?" the redheaded human asked, tapping the monk and using a single charge of her wand. "I'm all out of healing magic, but I have a wand that's almost fully charged here..."
OOC: Wilma's final Cure Light Wounds for the day heals Tuck by 9hp, and the additional tap from the wand fixes up an additional 8hp. She'll gladly use the wand on anyone else who needs it--especially Tuck or Ariach if they still have unhealed damage from combat--but also she'll heal any of the Gryphons who may wish it.
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 Friday August 17th, 2012 2:56:04 PM
Emrys makes a graceful wave of his hand at Tuck and hums a deep tone. The grease that had covered him evaporates into thin air. The bard excludes Belorin the same treatment, he thinks he can stay greased and sticky for as long as it lasts (2 minutes).
Emrys, however, can't stand Belorin's belligerence. He turns to the ignorant classmate and says in a cool calm voice, "You should really be thanking each and everyone of us for saving your life. It's the right thing to do." He then looks to each of his friends and says, "We should be getting back to our chimera."
(Emrys drops the Grease spell on Tuck.)
Tuck HP 10/28 AC 17/17/13 d20+5=21 ; d6+3=8 ; Friday August 17th, 2012 6:50:18 PM
Tuck watches as his wounds close up, leaving new pink skin where there had been blood, bone and muscle. He checks himself over and finds that he's good to go. "Thank you, Wilma." He smiles at her.
He gives the ankheg that almost ate him a good kick. "You thought we'd be easy pickings, huh. Not with these guys around."
Wrapping his arms around Grell, Tuck gives the warrior a great big hug. "Thanks, man. I would've been toast."
Lastly, Tuck steps up to Belorin. He looks the fellow up and down. "You're welcome." Then he hauls back and punches him square in the kisser!
(Attacks Belorin, hitting AC 21 for 8 nonlethal damage)
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 16/16/12 Friday August 17th, 2012 6:51:28 PM
(OOC - Forgot to adjust HP and AC)
Pinwheel - AC 17/13/14 - HP 32/32 Friday August 17th, 2012 7:10:18 PM
Pinwheel sees Belorin cock back his fist... "Oh, bollocks."
Cleaning her sword after she put her bow away. Vaniime looks up just in time to see Tuck punch Belorin. Before things go any further she steps between then so that when Belorin turns back he will be face to face with her, with abig grin on her face.
"Good Job everyone. That was as good a piece of teamwork I've see; Once we all got on the same page any way. So Why don't we all head back to the Rangers and see what they might have in store for the rest of the day."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Friday August 17th, 2012 8:38:56 PM OOC: "Illegal" second post for RP purposes only.
Wilma's sapphire eyes rounded wide as she registered Tuck's response to Belorin. Then she slowly tucked her wand away, whistling slightly off-key as she did so.
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 Saturday August 18th, 2012 1:00:42 AM
Dreppi walks over with a big smile "Thanks for the help! I'm Dreppi" His attention turns to the Ankheg and suddenly he walks over pulling out a couple vials, to collect specimens of the creature's acid
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 Sunday August 19th, 2012 4:19:41 PM
"Thanks for your effort Wilma but my injuries aren´t that bad" the warrior responses to the priestess.
Confronted with Belorin´s behavior Ariach just shakes his head in disbelief. When Tuck punches Belorin Ariach gets a little nervous. "Hold on Tuck! I understand your feelings and maybe they didn´t deserve our help. But it was our duty to help them. Now we are done and i don´t wanna stay longer in such a company. You- Neave and Dreppi- not included- it seems you have manners."
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 Sunday August 19th, 2012 8:16:57 PM
Grell laughs at Tuck's antics. "Enh...Tuck, don't waste your energy. You're never gonna make a dent in that thick skull of Belorin's." Wiping the Ankheg goop off his sword, Grell heads keeps near Tuck just in case any more trouble breaks out, though he doubts Belorin has the guts.
He looks over at Emrys and smiles, remembering a time not that long ago that he had decked the bard. "Emrys is right. We need to get our prize and go..." Once it looks like the fight is officially broken up, Grell heads back to the litter, ready to get going once more.
DM Kathy Sunday August 19th, 2012 9:47:42 PM Wilma heals Tuck the rest of the way, and Emrys dismisses the Grease spell from him. Emrys also tries to infuse a little bardic magic into the situation, but he is seriously depleted and nothing really happens.
Meanwhile, Belhorn is able to heal his companions, so Wilma's wand is not needed. Yet.
Tuck, obviously feeling better, hauls back and slugs Belorin. The Claws of the Griffin react.
"Ow! Hey!" says Belorin.
"You'd better watch that!" says Zeliak, coming to his friend's aid.
"That was uncalled for!" Holly-Iris says indignantly.
"No hitting!" says Neave at exactly the same time.
Vaniime physically places herself between the two, and finds that the shy minotaur Belhorn has done the same thing. Belhorn, healer's kit in hand, murmurs, "let me look at that, Belorin."
Ariach and Grell opine that the Claws are not worth fighting, and move to pick up their travois.
"You'd just better watch out, that's all," Belorin mutters, but he and his friends move to their own travois. You can see that there are a couple of giant centipedes on it.
"Come on," Neave says wearily. "We'd better get back, or we won't get credit for our hunt."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Sunday August 19th, 2012 10:35:58 PM
"We'd best do the same with our beastie," Wilma advises, glancing at Dreppi and Neave before moving off with the rest of her group to their hastily-abandoned chimera corpse.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday August 20th, 2012 7:04:35 AM
Hey guys, should we add these beastiesto the loads or just leave them and let them know about them???
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 23/25; Pass Without Trace active Monday August 20th, 2012 12:33:25 PM
("Illegal" second post for RP)
"That's a good question, Van," Wilma said, blinking, "You said that these particular things aren't natural to the Preserve at all, right? If that's true, then the rangers in charge of the Monster Preserve ought to know about them. Something might be seriously wrong..."
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 d20+13=15 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+9=19 ; Monday August 20th, 2012 4:14:35 PM
(Knowledge [arcana]: 15. Using Recall, with a +5 insight bonus to reroll: 38)
"Natural to the Preserve?," says Emrys with a bit of a stutter having suddenly lost his train of thought. After a short moment of concentration, he recalls what he was going to say, "I would decidedly say not. Many of the beasts, here in the Preserve, aren't native to Culverwood. It's true, these ankhegs are dwellers of the warm grasslands of West Izen, where the great bison herds roam. They are beasts of a magical nature, so it does fall within the realm of possibility that they were brought here." Emrys gives the beasts another look. Their appearance, even in death, gives him cold shivers. He attempts to hide his unsettled nerves with a blasé facade (Bluff: 19). "I believe they are worth mentioning to the rangers. It's quite evident they weren't meant for our mismatched classmates here."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 Monday August 20th, 2012 5:59:20 PM
Ariach listens attentively to the conversation. "It was not our task to fight these....ähmm... Ankhegs? So it should be enough to tell the rangers about these monsters. The chimera is heavy enough. Don´t let us waste any time carrying an insect corpse around nobobdy is in need of."
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 16/16/12 Monday August 20th, 2012 8:29:57 PM
Tuck harrumphs as the Claws walk away. He felt a little better, but not much.
"Sorry," he says to his friends. "I was still bitter about that trick they played on us before the competition."
As he surveys the scene, he realizes something. Dead things smell bad. The wind was kicking up a foul scent of rotten innards and charred carapace. He places his hand over his nose to lessen the stink. Not much better.
They were really coming together as a group. A strong bond was developing between them. That had been demonstrated when first Ariach and then Tuck himself were in danger of visiting the reaper. There was no hesitation in hurling themselves into danger to save their compatriots. Perhaps not the smartest strategy for an adventuring group, but that passion could be tempered and directed into a safer more effective tactic.
"Emrys, Vaniime! Do either of you know if the ankheg have lairs? Could these tunnels lead to something similar to what we found with the chimera?"
Grell AC 22/14/19, HP47/47 Monday August 20th, 2012 10:30:10 PM
Grell looks over at Tuck and his discomfort and snickers. He breathes in the delicious aroma of death. "Oh man Tuck...you can't tell me you don't love that smell! This is so awesome! This thing is gonna be perfect for a game of Toss the Corpse by the time we get back! I mean, it's a little on the big side, but we could probably break it down a bit..." All frustration from the days battle disappear as he anticipates some good old fashioned orc celebratory games!
DM Kathy Monday August 20th, 2012 10:42:43 PM
You briefly discuss the option of dragging back an ankheg carcass as well, but really, the chimera is going to be about all you can handle. Grell has some truly disturbing suggestions of what to do with the carcass instead, but your fist task is going to be to get the chimera back to the rangers.
Emrys had sent out a call earlier, but if somebody was going to respond to it, they'd be here by now. Maybe the rangers are busy, or maybe bringing the chimera back is part of the test.
So you and the Claws, taking parallel courses, make your way back toward the entrance with your kills.
[Everybody take 1000 XP for this scene. Also, Perception checks would be good right now. And Survival checks for anyone who can track.]
Dreppi HP 28/28 AC 16/13/14 d20+6=20 ; d20+5=22 ; Monday August 20th, 2012 11:46:37 PM
Dreppi walked back over to the group with a grin on his face as he noticed the Chimera carcass they had. "So, if you guys don't mind, could I hang out with your guys?" Looks back to the others of his original group for a brief moment, thinking most of his group was alright except ....those two. To Tuck "That was one heck of a swing there. I don't know if he would actually do Belorin any good, but the guy is a jerk" Bobs his head left and right slightly, walking to everyone. "Hi, I'm Dreppi!" The gnome greeting everyone in person, then turns about when they talked about potential lair and looked about.
Perception: 20 Survival: 22
Emrys (ac15, hp21/21) naturalist +1 d20+11=19 ; d20+8=19 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2012 7:40:51 AM
(Perception: 19. Survival: 19.)
"That's odd ... where have our hosts gone?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday August 21st, 2012 1:53:40 PM
"Hmmm, these tracks look interesting. Van, what do you make of them?"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 29/33 d20=8 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2012 6:10:56 PM
As the gnome leaves his group coming towards Ariach and his friends the warrior is alarmed.
*Who knows what a party member of the Claws is up to mischief. But the gnome wasn´t with the Claws when they tried to betray Ariach and his companions. Maybe the gnome is different........... and yes he is different. Thinking back to the fight Ariach remembers the little gnome strange fighting style. Undoubtable the gnome must be a little bit crazy to throw such explosive things around. Take care! Ariach says to himself. These scientists are all mad and dangerous for their surrounding.*
"Welcome, Dreppi!" is all Ariach says.
(Perception=8)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 d20+11=26 ; d20+9=28 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2012 6:13:35 PM Perception 26, Survival 28
As they make their way back Vaniime keeps her eyes open Perception 26 and catches sight of a number of tracks as others in her group do as well. Track 28.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday August 21st, 2012 6:44:05 PM
Again, Emrys is unable to assuage his anxieties about being watched by unseen eyes. It may just be his nerves, the sounds he hears, the sounds he doesn't hear, those little twinkles in the darkness of shadows. Maybe it's the strain of carrying what feels like half a ton of dead weight. Emrys leans heavily on his darkwood walking stick now that they've stopped to rest.
"Well, it's safe to say the tracks aren't ours ... we're not leaving any ... well, except for the gnome."
Tuck HP 27/28 AC 16/16/12 d20+8=26 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2012 7:21:27 PM
Tuck collects his crossbow and wipes off any dirt it may have collected. Slinging the weapon back over his shoulder, he falls in with the others as they troop back to the chimera.
He shakes Dreppi's hand and smiles at the gnome. "He definitely deserved it, but that's a story for another time. I shouldn't have let my anger get the better of me."
What a strange and dangerous forest. Already they had battled twice with unnatural foes. Attuning his senses to the sounds, sights and smells, Tuck hopes they can make it back to camp without any further incidents.
(Perception 26)
Where Is Everybody?
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 it´s 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."
The Missing Ranger
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.
Graduation
DM Kathy Sunday September 9th, 2012 10:34:26 PM
Over the next week or so, you hear about the aftermath of the ankheg attack. With patience and persistence, the druids and rangers killed or drove off the remaining ankhegs, and sealed off their tunnels. Quila's foot was regenerated at the Temple of Light. And the Preserve sent a special plaque to the school to honor the students and their heroism. Headmaster Roww makes a little ceremony of hanging the plaque in the front hall, where future generations of students will see it and know of your heroic deeds. Or, more likely, run past it wondering whether they have time to finish their Conjuration homework before dinner.
[Everyone take 1500 XP for that final scene.]
The results of your finals exams come back. Everyone will be graduating. Emrys graduates at the head of the class, although Professor Goodnight is somewhat disappointed with his knowledge of dungeoneering. All the rest of you make the Honor Roll.
As promised, Fizzle gives you his Fantastical Flying Floop once it has been graded. "I got top marks," he says, "but next time I won't use a goblin. And I've got this idea, see, for improving the magical flight coefficient, if I can find the right material...."
For its part, the Floop seems glad to see you. "Were are we going?" it asks. "Is there a pub? Hey, didn't you used to have a dog?"
However, as much fun as it would be to own your very own flying Floop, you have decided to sell it to a collector. The Floop is rather rude about it, and calls you names, but in the end it subsides and your group is 30,000 gp richer.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; Sunday September 9th, 2012 11:54:14 PM
Wilma sighed as the collector flew off with the Floop. She was actually rather fond of it, but at least the collector and the Floop seemed to get along nicely. Still, she knew she was going to miss it.
The young acolyte spent her time recharging the Cure Wounds wand and making sure she had all of her personal business finished up at the school.
"Congratulations on making top of the class, Emrys!" she told the bard as the group was all enjoying lunch. "I can't wait until the graduation ceremony...Mother and Father are going to be there. Grell is going to have to be on his best behavior...aren't you, Grell..?" Wilma's sapphire eyes twinkled with humor.
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Monday September 10th, 2012 1:27:23 AM
"Congrats Emrys!" The happy natured Gnome added after Wilma. Seems this group is good luck if he believed in that kind of thing, saved a school member, made the honor roll, made some gold out of it too. Things are looking up. "Where are your parents from Wilma?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday September 10th, 2012 2:37:52 AM
"Thank you, thank you, my friends. You can imagine my delight when I first heard. It's a wonderful honor." Emrys then takes his cup and raises it. In fact, I would like to make a toast to all of us. We all bring unique talents to this table and I consider each of us the cream of the crop. Our heroic deeds will forever be immortalized in bronze memorial, spoken word and song. The legacy we leave will be that of heroes, and our greatest adventures have yet come."
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday September 10th, 2012 8:39:00 AM (OOC: "illegal" post for RP
Wilma raised her glass to salute Emrys' toast. Then she leaned towards Dreppi to address his question.
"Oh, well," she said to the gnome with a shrug, "My parents live in a little village called Madryn. It's in the Emerald Kingdom."
Vaniime too congratulates her freind and is pleased with her results and toasts the group with the others. As Wilma down plays who her parents are Dreppi, Van doesn't succeed in choking back a chuckle.
"Ummm... Dreppi, What Wilma is neglecting to mention is that both her and Grell's mom and dad are members of the Emerald Dragons and are currently part of the governing body of the self same Emerald Kingdom. They are truly Woldian Aristocrats.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday September 10th, 2012 6:45:36 PM
Ariach stands up and drinks a toast to Emry. "Congratulation Emry! I am proud to know you and call you a friend of mine. I am sure our group will profit from your profound knowledge in the future. But for me even more important is the fact that you are a nice guy......ähmmm.... like i said... i am proud to know you." Recognizing that it maybe wasn´t a good idea to stand up and draw the attention to himself he sits down as fast as possible. Ariach feels that his cheeks turn red and feels very uncomfortable. To draw off the attention he asks Wilma "Truly woldian aristocrats? That explains why Grell is such a spoiled brat." Although he works hard not to laugh he cannot choke laughter.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday September 10th, 2012 6:54:39 PM
Tuck appears to be in a better mood after a few days to reflect on things. He jovially claps Emrys on the back. "Way to go, nerd!"
He is excited to be graduating and then moving on to a new place in the world. What great adventures are waiting for them?
He raises his glass with the rest of the group and cheers loudly. "Plateau City, here we come!"
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 Monday September 10th, 2012 9:43:30 PM
Grell looks over at Vaniime with an incredulous look "Uhhhhh...yeah...well, you forgot to mention the "poor as dirt because Mom and Dad keep popping out babies" part of aristocracy, didn't you?"
Grell shoot Wilma a dirty look when she mentions being on her best behavior...a bit of his old resentment flaring up. "Actually, I was thinking Dad and I could go out for some Karraja. Maybe Lowell will show up too. Shoot, we need to get Tuck and Ariach in on the game!! We'll finally have a proper team!!"
A slight growl escapes Grell's lips at Ariach's teasing. Wilma's small barb combined with Ariach's jest rubs the warrior the wrong way. He wasn't really fond of the way the paladin had been looking at Wilma, and now, suddenly he wonders if he hasn't been friendly just to get closer to Wilma. WHY did everything always have to be about her?! Even here, even now...after he had made a name for himself...somehow she ALWAYS managed to worm her way into the middle of things. Slamming his hand down on the table, Grell rises abruptly. "That's it...I'm off to the practice fields!" he manages to get out through gritted teeth before he stomps off to work off his frustration.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 11th, 2012 12:06:06 AM
The end of your academic career brings accolades for some, a sense of relief for others. And for Grell, the combined gibes of his sister and Ariach prove more than he can handle.
Soon, however, you are all swept up in the excitement of graduation. Your parents arrive, from all corners of the Wold, bringing with them the good wishes of friends, relatives, and former adventuring companions who were not able to make the trip. Many of them, however, sent "tokens of support" in the form of small bags of gold. By the time you are getting ready for the graduation ceremony, you have each netted 1,000 gold pieces in graduation gifts. And your parents haven't yet given their gifts; that will happen after the ceremony.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday September 11th, 2012 2:56:10 AM
After Grell had left Ariach realizes that he had hurt the feelings of the big warrior. He follows the half orc immediately. "Grell, wait! Please wait!" "I apologize for my behavior. I just said it to draw attention to something else. It wasn´t correct and it wasn´t my right to say such things."
As Ariach gets all these graduation gifts he is very happy. So many persons show him respect in sending these gifts. But he doesn´t forget his duty. The codex commits him to donate half of the money for the poor. How many food can be bought with this money? A smile passes over his face. He made the right decision to leave home and come to Maplehurst. Now he has the chance to make the Wold a better place.
Wilma; AC16 (chain shirt); HP 35/35; d20+11=19 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 12:34:51 PM
Wilma thought about Grell's unexpected reaction to her customary teasing--could it be that he was still insecure about his ability to become a great warrior in his own right? (OOC: Voluntary Sense Motive check 19.) If this was the case, there wouldn't be much that the acolyte of Gargul could do about it--anything she said or did now was likely going to taken the wrong way...
...unless...
"You'll have to excuse me for a bit," Wilma said, getting to her feet, "I have to go find my folks and, uh, make a few arrangements..." She dashed off to do just that, stopping long enough to find and enlist the help of none other than Lowell, Grell's twin...
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday September 11th, 2012 5:27:07 PM
Tuck looks after Grell as he storms out, but does not follow. He can take care of himself.
He takes another drink and smiles stupidly at Emrys. "So...know anybody in Plateau City? I hear it's big."
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+9=21 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 6:48:59 PM
Answering Tuck's question, Emrys says, "Yes, Plateau City is big. A great number of nerds live there. I hear their count is about to increase by two." Emrys smiles and finishes his drink. He pauses for a moment and then says, "Well, I need to acquire a few more quills ... a lot of thank you letters need writing."
Once again Van shakes her head as somehow once again something she said or did backfires with unintended consequences.
Not having heard from her parents, she has no idea if they are planning on making an appearence or not, and a wave of melancholy sweeps over her. Quietly she steps away from the table looking for a quiet corner.
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 Tuesday September 11th, 2012 10:56:24 PM
When Ariach pulls him aside, Grell forces himself to calm down. He nods at Ariach's apology. "It's fine. Really, I just lost my cool. But if you want some advice, it's this...stay away from Wilma. She's not as sweet and innocent as she looks."
DM Kathy Wednesday September 12th, 2012 12:06:21 AM Ariach takes Grell's departure hard, but on second thought Grell decides to stay. Wilma begins concocting a scheme.
Meanwhile, Tuck asks about Plateau City, and Emrys confides that is the home of creatures called nerds. He does not elaborate on what sort of thing a nerd may be. He leaves the table, and Tuck soon discovers he's been the victim of bardic mischief. The drink in his cup has become unbearably sour.
Vaniime wonders whether her parents will even make an appearance.
The following day, you graduate from Maplehurst Academy. The non-adventuring students receive their diplomas first, in alphabetical order. Then the adventuring track students receive their diplomas, starting with the students that have formed themselves into adventuring groups. The Short Order, the Claws of the Griffon, the Maple Fellowship. Then, hesitantly, Headmaster Roww calls for "the Vanguard."
Nothing happens for a while, and then you realize he means you. You had certainly talked about the name, but you hadn't adopted it officially yet. As far as you know.
Still, it's easily corrected if that's what you want, so you step forward to receive your diplomas. Emrys receives a special certificate for graduating top of the class.
Then, the adventuring students who are not yet in companies are called alphabetically to receive their diplomas. And then, the partying can begin.
Both of Ariach's parents attended the ceremony. Afterwards, they each present him with a gift. His father gives him a +1 Breastplate with the symbol of Domi subtly picked out on the shoulders and gauntlets. His mother gives him a +1 Shield with the symbol of Domi prominently displayed.
Dreppi's "parent," a surface drow, is also in attendance. He gives you a cautious nod. "Not bad, youngster," he says. Almost as an afterthought, he tosses you a small package. Inside is a rather ugly-looking gem. "There's an air elemental trapped inside," Fixer tells you. "Nasty surprise for somebody, eh?" (Dreppi has received an Elemental Gem containing an air elemental.)
Emrys's father, clearly choked up, envelops his son in a bear hug. "Top of the class," he says. "Knew you could do it." He hands you an odd, lumpy package. "Tool of the trade," he says. "At least, that's what they tell me." When Emrys opens the package, he finds a Hat of Disguise.
Perhaps not coincidentally, Pinwheel also receives a Hat of Disguise as a graduation present. Maybe the Catacombs ran a special.
Theodore Gryphon congratulates his son Tuck. "I know you'll do well in Plateau City," he says. "I'd have liked to have seen you come to Dirt City, but perhaps two Gryphons in one place would be too much, hmm?" He hands you a leather haversack. "Crafted this myself," he says. It is, of course, a Handy Haversack. Embroidered on the outside is "Presented to Tuck Gryphon on the occasion of his graduation from Maplehurst Academy."
Vaniime finds herself embraced by her mother. "We're so proud of you!" she says. "Your father couldn't be here; something about an undead Behir. I know he'll be disappointed to have missed this." Handing you a package, she adds, "this is from both of us." You open the package to find an Efficient Quiver. "Vaniime Elemirre Claudia Nightseer" is embossed on it in gold.
Grell and Wilma receive hugs and congratulations not only from their parents, but also from a gaggle of siblings. Grell is presented with a +1 Greatsword. "For the Wold!" is etched into the blade. Wilma receives a +1 Mithral chain shirt. The links of the shirt are two subtly different shades. When seen from the right angle, you can see the symbol of Gargul.
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday September 12th, 2012 1:07:37 AM
Dreppi smiles having graduated, but when he sees Fixer the Gnome is ecstatic inside, but contains it on the outside. Afterwards when he opens the gift seeing the gem, smiling up at Fixer "Yes indeed. Thanks!" Places it away for safe keeping. "Seems the life of adventure is for me now. I hope your experiments are going well?" Bows slightly.
K'Nara of the Emerald Dragons Wednesday September 12th, 2012 1:12:43 AM
It is very easy to identify the Illutu-Grell clan...all of the children look a lot like their parents. Grell is the spit-and-image of Gunther, while Wilma very closely resembles the tall redhead that is her mother. K'Nara envelopes her daughter in a heart-felt hug and releases her to turn towards the younger of her first set of twins.
"Grell!" the blade singer grins widely and then also throws her arms around the muscular young man in a bear hug, lifting him briefly off the ground and then pounding Grell's back and shoulders in blows that, to most humans, would look like she was beating on him. However, when mother and son separate, they are both wearing ear-splitting grins.
"Congratulations!" K'Nara says exuberantly, punching Grell's shoulder one last time. "You've conducted yourself well in battle, and now you're off to find more glory. Don't forget to write every once in a while!" For a moment, the female fighter's expression turns bittersweet, but the moment passes. "Grell...your father and I are so proud of you!" She draws in a deep breath.
"Now...I must go, unfortunately...I promised a certain elf that I would back him up with a certain undead Behir," K'Nara says with a sigh, "But your father is staying here for a bit--try not to kill your brothers and sisters, all right...?" The human blade singer then turns to the others in the family, raising her voice:
"Thrax! Gunda! Xiomar! Gauthier! Luane! Garen!" the female fighter yells out the names of her other children, getting their attention briefly. "Behave yourselves! Just because I asked Grell not to kill you...doesn't mean he has to listen!" Six young heads bob hastily in acknowledgement. K'Nara turns and salutes her graduating children once more before vanishing from sight.
Wilma; AC18 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 9:14:05 AM
Wilma was very happy to see the huge brood she was related to--upon arrival, all of her younger brothers and sisters got their usual "noogies of greeting." She made sure to introduce everyone to those of her friends who had not met them yet:
"I'm the oldest, of course," Wilma explained and then went on to point out the rest of her brothers and sisters: "Then came Lowell and Grell--they're a year younger...then Mama and Papa had another set of twins...that would be Thrax, there, and Gunda...he keeps skipping off to the Emerald Forest and she wants to be a bard.." The boy and girl she is introducing look to be about twelve years old or so, and they both had brownish-red hair. The acolyte then points to a ten-year-old boy with white hair.
"That's Xiomar...he likes bugs," she said, then indicated the last three of her siblings: "Gauthier...Luane...and Garen...they're triplets, if you can believe it! Boy, was Mama surprised when they arrived..!" The five-year-olds giggled at their older sister's introduction. The boys in the trio had brownish hair while little Luane sported the white hair from their father--she also possessed the same sapphire eyes that Wilma and Gunther had.
Wilma was waiting to see Grell's reaction to Gunther and Lowell's offer of a game of karraja before the rest of the family had to leave.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:24:43 AM OOC: second post to correct the new AC for Wilma.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday September 12th, 2012 4:14:01 PM
Tuck takes another sip of this drink and swallows hard. He looks from the bitter brew to the departing Emrys.
He makes a face and deposits the mug back on the table. "Gross."
Pushing away from the table he stands to join in the festivities.
He is glad to see his father and hugs the small mop-headed man fiercely. They looked almost nothing alike but there was a strong affection between the two.
"Thanks, Dad!" Tuck holds the haversack up to the light so he can get a look at the craftsmanship. Theodore was dedicated to his work and took pride in producing quality. It appeared to be another fine example. Functional yet pleasant to look upon.
Tuck spends the rest of the evening with his father, introducing him to his friends.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday September 12th, 2012 5:32:27 PM
Ariach enjoys being with his parents. Whenever they all are together he has a feeling of absolutely security and complacency. Maybe they are not as famous as Wilma´s and Grell´s parents but Ariach knows that they make a lasting impression on everyone who talks to them. This happens because Ebrol and Lireala Gatelatch are maybe the fondest persons in the wold. Ariach introduces them to all of his friends and you can see how proud he is.
"These are my parents Lireala and Ebrol Gatelatch and this is - Grell, the best warrior of the "Vanguards" - Wilma, priestess of Gargul and our spiritual leader. - Emry, a master bard or at least on they way to be one. He was "Top of the Class". - Tuck, a strong and noble minded monk. - Vaniime, our ranger who tracked down Quila. - Dreppi, our newest member. He uses burning and exploding projectiles to fight our enemies. - and Pinwheel, she is a great fighter but i cannot find her in here."
Later on Ariach thanks his parents for their gifts. Gifts which fit best for a paladin as Ariach figures out sadly. But he says nothing. Today isn´t a day to lament......
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 7:24:32 PM OOC: RP post
Wilma made it a point to say hello to every one of the relatives of her teammates.
"Hello, Mr. Gryphon!" she said brightly to Tuck's father, "It's a pleasure to meet you!" She was visibly surprised that Dreppi's parental unit was a female Drow. However, her smile didn't dim.
"Pleased to meet you, ma'am," she greeted Fixer, holding out her hand to shake. "You should be very proud of Dreppi--he's quite the...firebrand!" When Ariach introduced his parents, Wilma was happy to meet them as well.
"It's an honor to meet you both," the young acolyte told them sincerely. "Now I see where it is that our Ariach gets his honor and courage!"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Wednesday September 12th, 2012 8:32:38 PM
"Thank you, father! This is wonderful. I don't know what to say," exclaims Emrys!
"Indeed, that would be a first. My son, you have made us all proud. Stories have already fluttered back on the wings of birds. They tell a compelling story of you and your friends. Not always coherent but with great enthusiasm," explains his father, Myrridan.
Suddenly other familiar faces begin to emerge from the crowd around him. Many of Archdruid's entourage step forward to congratulate Emrys as well. "Claude ... Andrew ... Boggs, so glad to see you all,"says Emrys excitedly. Then a young teenage girl squeezes through and smiles at Emrys. She looks oddly familiar but he is unsure. "Don't tell me you've forgotten me already," spoken in perfect Sylvan. She then blows sparkly dust at the bard. "Tylwyth!! Wha, uhh, you're so ... big!?" answers Emrys, "And you're missing your wings ... and the dress!""Ya like? Yes, I put away the wings this evening and grew up just for you. Besides, these humans like to stare and I didn't want their attention, so I thought it would be fun to play dress up." explains Tylwyth. "Very convincing," says Emrys. "Thanks!" Tylwyth's eyes go wide as she begins to notice the subtle changes in Emrys since last she saw him. She turns to Myrridan and exclaims, "My Lord, he favors his other half ..." The Archdruid interrupts, "Yes ... his mother." Myrridan places the magical hat upon the head of Emrys and it immediately transforms into a garland of vines, holly and golden leaves. Myrridan then places his hand on his son's shoulder and says, "Tonight, after your graduation, we have another ceremony for you to attend. A circle has been prepared. The time has come." Emrys now notices that Boggs carries a small wooden box and Tylwyth suddenly becomes giddy with excitement.
Seeing her mother at graduation is a true surprise as it was rare that she ever left Karri or Saryd these days, so the embrace was more than just perfunctory as she burried herself in her mother's arms.
As she opens her gift her eyes widen and she nearly squals with joy, as she has always wnated one ever since she came across her father's old one.
As they go along she greets her friends' families and introduces her mother to them. She even gets a chance to tussle with several of the Illutu clan as she has watch them all grow up.
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP39/47 Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:03:22 PM
Grell breaks out into a HUGE grin when his Dad arrives, though he does stiffen a bit when K'nara arrives. She embraces him and pounds him, just like she used to when he was little. And then she says it...the words he's always wanted to hear, and something inside the warrior lets go of those heavy animosities that have been weighing him down for years. Pulling his mother in closer he returns her hug in earnest this time. "Thanks Moth...Mom." Grell takes his new sword, feeling the magnificent heft of it. "Thanks for everything." He smiles as he watches her go, feeling closer to her than he ever has before in his life.
Ear to ear grin, Grell heads over to his father and slams him on his back. "Hey old man, you think you can still lift the kokpar?!" Then the warrior grabs up his identical twin and head butts him. "Lowell, you old dog! Can you believe it...my friends here (Grell points to Tuck and Ariach) have never even played karraja!! This is something we need to remedy, don't you think?!"
DM Kathy Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:31:25 PM
You have joyful reunions with your families, who share in your accomplishments. Ariach seems a little taken aback by his gifts, but his mother only smiles at him. As if she'd read his mind, she says "These are also suitable for a warrior who serves Domi proudly. Never be ashamed of who you are. Your father and I are very proud of you."
Meanwhile, the extended Illutu clan is threatening the group with something called karraja.
Then, all too soon, there is the flurry of packing and leaving school. You've done this before, of course, every year. But this time, it's different. This time, you are not returning.
And still, you haven't answered the question: where did all this stuff come from? Why won't it fit in the trunk anymore? Why do I need to find extra bags and boxes every year.
Only this time, your trunks, bags, and boxes are going to Plateau City. Your adventuring careers are about to begin.
Transportation to Plateau City is easy enough to arrange; you can hire wagons to transport yourselves and your belongings. The trip isn't that far, and is mostly over the Safe Roads, so there are any number of wagoners willing to drive you there for a coin or two.
[OOC: I would like to get some idea of where you plan to stay initially in Plateau City. The first scene of the next module involves looking for a place to live, but you'll need a place to stay when you first arrive. Let me know what your plan is.]
Lowell and Gunther (NPC Nellie) Thursday September 13th, 2012 12:32:35 AM
Lowell Returning the head butt with equal ferocity, the identical twin grins at his brother. "I wouldn't miss it for the world! But look at you brother...I think you might have gotten a little soft since you've been gone...you think you still got what it takes or should I take it easy on you?!"
The twins are an interesting contrast. Though they are identical (except for their hair...Lowell having brown hair), in many ways, Lowell is very different from Grell. He constantly smiles, as if aware of an inside joke. He constantly interacts with his younger siblings, engaging them in little games to pass the time. And though he is well toned, he moves with a fluidity that suggests that the young warrior prefers stealth over brute force. Lowell looks over at the young lady with Emrys and his grin spreads from ear to ear. "Hey Grell...I don't think you introduced me to your friend.."
Gunther Wearing a simple tunic stained with what looks to be a large smeared hand print and his pants sporting some unknown substance splattered around the waist, the retired warrior is a blur of arms as he attempts (mostly in vain) to corral several of the weigh ward young children that flock around him. It's hard to imagine that this was once one of the foremost warriors in the Emerald Kingdom! As K'nara leaves, you can almost here an audible gasp as the retired warrior begins to realize that he's been left *alone* to tend to the gaggle of children. "But...K'nara...ve...I..." he manages to splutter before his wife winks away. He briefly mutters something about "voman's vork" before snapping into action. "Well my little monsters, what do you say we teach these little whipper snappers a thing or two about karraja?" Lacking any real corspes, the Illutu tribe quickly gathers several of the heavy practice dummies and set up a make shift field.
For those uninitiated into the finer ways of orc culture, karraja (roughly translated to Toss the Corpse). The game is a rather simple one. Players stand at a marked position and grabbing the arms of legs of the kokpar (corpse) they spin it around rapidly several times and then heft it into the air. The kokpar that travels the furthest distance is usually the winner, though bonus points are earned when major appendages travel separately from the torso.
The match between the Illutu family members quickly becomes heated, with Gunther scoring several impressive tosses. For an older man, the warrior has a strength that belies his flabby exterior. Lowell, for his part seems to focus on technique and timing. Though his tosses do not go as far as his fathers, Grell's twin almost always manages to score separation bonuses. It is no surprise that Grell's technique appears to depend on brute strength and though he initially lags behind his father, the young warrior's last few tosses as quite impressive, and in the end, Grell is able to best both father (who mysteriously manages to pull out his back) and brother (who bungles the last few throws).
Sweaty and exuberant, Gunther, Grell and Lowell, as well as the rest of the Illutu tribe spend several minutes excitedly reliving the better moments of the game. Then, all too quickly, the time comes for the family to leave. Warm embraces are exchanged, more than a few hearty smacks on the back. As they depart, Grell is the happiest that anyone has ever seen him. Whistling a happy tune, he busies himself packing his bags for the adventure that doubtlessly lies ahead.
OOC: I beg the DM's forgiveness, but really needed to get this last post in for the Illutu clan.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:18:45 PM
Tuck politely shakes hands with all the parents he's introduced to. It is quite surreal to meet with so many heroes of the Wold. He hugs his father one last time and waves goodbye.
Back in his room, he packs up his things into his new haversack and prepares for the journey.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday September 13th, 2012 9:20:28 PM
Soon pack with some things being sent home with her mother, Vaniime has soon gotten her things down to a chest and what she can carry and soon has that down to the wagon and loaded.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Thursday September 13th, 2012 10:29:13 PM
Beaming with pride, Emrys leads his father around to introduce him to his friends. "This is my father, Archdruid Myrridan, Gold Dragon, Knight of the Realm and Lord of Culverheart!" Myrridan smiles and gently puts his hand on Emrys' shoulder and says, "Excuse Emrys, he's always been my most enthusiastic herald. Just Myrridan would be perfectly fine ... and a bit less tedious. I'm pleased to finally meet you all. Emrys speaks of you often, I feel like I already know each of you."
------------------
(If we're not continuing with graduation)
It is late before Emrys returns to his room. A proud smile permanent etched upon his face. His diploma in one hand, a mysterious wooden box in the other. When he enters his room, he illuminates the darkness with a light spell. He wasnt going to bother with the lamp, he would soon be in bed. He takes the garland crown from his head and it reverts back to a normal looking hat. He notices traces of glittery dust and begins shake the rest out of his hair. He mutters to himself, "Tylwyth ... really?! Why so much?"
DM Kathy Thursday September 13th, 2012 10:56:54 PM
[I'm going to give everyone some more time for role-playing posts, then I'll start with your new module next week.]
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday September 13th, 2012 11:11:55 PM
Wilma's eyes widened when she realized that Emrys' father was the Myrridian of the Gold Dragons.
"Wow!" she breathed and then smiled, holding out a hand towards the venerable druid. "I am so honored to meet you, sir! My mother has the highest respect for you...and she's told me some stories about your adventures, too..!"
Lowell (NPC Nellie) and Grell Friday September 14th, 2012 12:22:37 AM
OOC: Yay!! Role playing time!!! :) Soo, I guess we skip that last paragraph of the Gunther/Lowell post where they leave..
After the game of karraja, Grell makes his rounds around the group, meeting the various parents. He's happier than anyone has seen him in a long time. First he heads over to Ariach and grins mischievously at his parents. "Sir and Ma'am, you've done a fine job raising your son! It's been a pleasure to serve side by side with him, One thing though...Ariach does seem to have a knack for rushing in headlong..." Grell winks at his fellow fighter, letting him know that he's not serious.
Grell and Lowell chat for with Ariach's family for a while, and then Grell excuses himself an he and Lowell head over to Tuck for a while. "Hey Lowell, this is my friend Tuck."
Lowell smiles at the monk, remembering a certain monk friend of K'nara and Gunther's who taught him a thing or two about unarmed combat. "Ahhh...Tuck...yes, I've read about you from Wilma's letters. Apparently, you've been making sure my uglier half returns alive from these missions! I owe you a debt...it's not always easy making sure Grell's back is covered...I mean...just look at the size of it!" Lowell burst out laughing, while Grell shoots his twin a dirty look, though he still seem in a jovial spirit..
Nellie Friday September 14th, 2012 12:23:16 AM
Bleh...should have been titled Grell!
Fixed for you I think Nellie ... Kent
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Friday September 14th, 2012 5:46:20 PM
Tuck laughs along with Lowell and Grell.
"Yes, well, I hope that Wilma included in those letters the amount of times that Grell has saved my own back. I'm grateful for his bravery and his steel, as I am for the rest of our party. I think that we have an interesting future ahead of us."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Friday September 14th, 2012 7:56:17 PM
OK fine. Ignore the last post then and I will RP some more.
********
Vaniime beams as she meets her companions families and somehow manages to actually enjoy the if not attention, the process of being social for once.
When meeting Emrys' Father, Myrridan She is almost stunned to silence until she remembers that she has met others of the Gold Dragons and even calls Dahlia "Auntie D."
She becomes a bit flustered again when he tells them to just call him Myrridan, but somehow manages it asshe tells him how much having Emrys with them has meant to the group.
"Myrridan, Emrys has helped us so often as we have managed through our scrapes this year. He always seems to know just how to keep us going and get us information to help us overcome the challenges we are faced with. He also put a flying gargoyle to sleep if you can believe that which allowed us to get away."
****
When introduced to Tuck's father she greets Mr. Gryphon warmly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I must say that Tuck is one tough character. Did he tell you that he dropped a Gargoyle with one punch to the nose even while getting clawed? We are very lucky to have him as part of our group."
****
She greets the Illutus with warm famillial hugs nearly loosing herself in K'naras arms.
It is soo good to see you. These two past years have been so much fun since I arrived and joined Wilma and Grell here. I think Grell and I are even getting along better.Not as well as Lowell and I get along but.... Gosh the younglings are so grown up.
She manages to beg out of the game of karraja, having experienced it before and knowing what was coming. Somehow, her mind otherwise occupied, she is surprised by Lowell as the game ends and the sneaks up behind her and lifts her off the ground with his sweaty self.
"Oh!! Lowell, Put me down you great lug. You smell nearly as bad as Grell does most days. How have you been?"
*****
When introduced to Dreppi's mother she is a bit nervous, not because she is drow, but because her own mother is half drow and is unsure how that interaction might play out should they meet or are introduced.
Figuring what will be will be she greets her in Underwoldian.
"Vendui' bel'la ILHAR" Highlight to display spoiler: { "I greet you honored mother."}
"Dreppi has been a welcome addition to our group. His quick thinking and his timely use of his chemical mixtures helped us get out of quite a tight spot we were in just recently. We are lucky to have him with us."
*****
When introduced to the Ariach's parent she nearly instantly feels at ease with them and finds herself smiling as they are introduced to the group. She sees instantly why it is so easy to be around Ariach if he was raised by these two lovely people.
" It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Gatelatch. Ariach is quite the fighter himself, and has been instrumental in several of us getting out of a few scrapes alive and seems to be fearless in the face of danger. It has been a great pleasure to get to know him better over the past few months."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday September 14th, 2012 9:37:36 PM
Wilma made sure to keep to the background as much as possible, at least whenever she noticed that Grell was nearby. She had figured that her younger brother was battling insecurities from their childhood days and had taken considerable steps to try to make sure that he didn't feel overshadowed by anything she did. A cleric of Gargul was not in the business for personal glory--and seeing Grell happy now was totally worth curbing her own normally outgoing personality.
Besides...she could always get him in headlock later and give him noogies when they were in a more private setting--she was the Big Sister, after all...
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday September 16th, 2012 1:34:45 PM
Ariach had known that the parents of some of his friends are very famous. But he never thought he will meet them one day. He feels very uncomfortable to shake hands with living legends and he is to nervous to have a regular conversation with them. Especially the presence of the Illutu clan bothers him. If it´s hard to handle two of this clan it will be impossible to come along with all of them. Therefore he says just a few words and hopes he hasn´t to answer to many questions.
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