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Island Hopping
Unusual Visitors


Co-DM SteveK (Rum Returning) 
Wednesday August 1st, 2012 11:34:08 AM
Harvest wonders if she is accepted as part of the team and begins to brood. Her upbringing knows how to handle rejection and insignificance; she has no experience on how to act among a group of peers instead of a pack.

Brom and Barratore are not wiley enough to understand the non-verbal cues of others, especially Harvest. Up front and straightforward, they decide the spotlight isn't for them, but a bath... a bath definitely is!

Peza and Lemick, however, both notice Harvest's silence and hunched shoulders, and guess at the cause. Young friends encourage the half-elf to join them in a bath.

Peza and Lemick also look over Scully's Heroes and realize that not all was glory in the other tunnel. They are bruised, battered, and dirty as fully as the WLAers. What's more, Mac Allen the ranger... is not there.

Gerox wants to identify magical equipment, and get bed, beer, and bath, in that order. He further speculates that there must be an evil mastermind that is using the humanoid monsters and other uglies on the island.

Bralin follows the others to the baths.
.............

Artus Morindim and the WLA staff seem to have anticipated the needs of the adventurers after thier underground crawl. There are two large tents set up behind the WLA building with a smaller tent between, the whole thing looking like an "H". The two larger ones are labeled "MALE" and "FEMALE" and has a raised, wooden slat floor sanded smooth. Near the entrance are cloth bins to toss in equipment and clothing, and near the center are buckets and buckets of hot water with more boxes of a soft, powerful soap smelling of pine. And the far end... ah! the far end is a HUGE tub of hot water for soaking!

The staff give the heroes half an hour to clean up and begin resting in the tubs before arriving with fruits, cheeses, breads, and vegetables in bowls cunningly made to float in the water to be passed around. within easy arms reach of the bath, a smaller, ice-filled tub is set with wooden mugs and three kegs which turn out to be Ale, Wine, and Water respectively.

Finally, the center partition of each tent is raised so everyone can talk with a modicum of modesty available for those who desire it. The group's accumulated treasure is there. And sitting at a folding chair, his feet propped on a folding table, and carefully peeling an apple with his dagger is... Captain Sal Theringer!

"So, bath, food, and drink, check. Artus is keeping Miss Sweerit busy, check. So... tell me what you saw, did, and think."

...........

ooc: The Wold uses the Medium Class Advancement Table.

Each hero should now have 3050 + 2900 + 60 = 6010 experience points

All heroes are now 3rd level!

For more information on Hero Points, follow this link: Hero Point Rules


Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Wednesday August 1st, 2012 8:57:44 PM
His bath passes quickly, but he feels rejuventated. It was hoped the group could talk first to streamline their own story, though that was wishful thinking with the hordes outside wanting to know. A mental note to himself that his conference was not the time or place to discuss group tactics, nor was it a substitute for such.

----

"Well," Lemick begins. "The cave-in and attack could not have been a recent decision. The tunnels are long, travelling a good distance from here. While I'm not sure on depth, it wouldn't change much."

"We fought and killed at least a dozen kobolds who were well fortified -- as if they were expecting a fight in their lonely dark tunnel.They also had 'trapped' another cross creature, this one a giant caterpillar rather than a spider."

"Despite their structure, there were no obvious signs of a leader outside of this clan, though surely there must be one - kobolds aren't know for the science."

"Course with that said, more of the creatures were dead by the time I was paying enough attention to such details," he concludes clearly feeling he had missed out of stuff.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 14), CMD: 19 (21 Raged); HP: 13/21 (17/25 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday August 1st, 2012 9:16:24 PM
Brom strips and heads to the tub. Brom's back, shoulders, and chest all show signs of his days on the streets. He cleans up and enjoys a soak.

"That was plain ugly." He says to the guys. He has other conversations as he and the others clean up.

When food shows up, Brom climbs out and grabs food and drink. He offers mugs to the others. "Any day you don't meet Gargul is a good day." He says before taking a drink.

He is relaxing out of the tub with a large mug of ale in his hand. He either doesn't realize or care that he is still naked as the divider is raised.

Any remarks to his nakedness are met with "This job ain't clean sheets, soft bed, and private rooms. Ain't no cozy comforts in the places we're gonna go."

Brom let's others fill in Artus on what happened. He will fill in gaps as he sees them.

Peza 
Wednesday August 1st, 2012 10:14:02 PM
Peza's smile fades as she notices the ranger missing .... with a little sad shake of her head she makes her way to the tents .... making sure her friend Harvest is in tow ....

Hrading to the female tent ... the raven haired girl quickly tosses her equipemt and clothing into the respective bins .... with a quick but strong scrubbing leaving a trail of pine scent as she dashes to the hot tub ... jumping in with a splash and giggle

" whoa this feels good ... jump in Harvest "

As the food arrives she snags the bowl of fruit ... keeping it floating near as she samples it .... drinking the chilled water to rehydrate from the trip into the tunnels ... before sipping a mug of ale to help relax ....

As the partition is lifted revealing Captain Theringer Peza almst jumps out of the tub in surprise ...

"Captain you made it !! its good to see you ....

Adding to the Cleric of Lucks report ... " couple of the kobold leaders escaped ... one wielded magic like Gerox ... but not as good ..."

" But i think the most important thing we found was a blue stone .... seemed like it was able to communticate from distances ... not sure how far but i'm sure Artus and the fixers will be able to study it and find out more infomation about it .... not to mention the beingf with blue eyes .... who was very surprised we had captured it ... he spoke some strange language ....not sure what it was but hopefully one of us can try and figure it out "

"Lemick is right .... those kobolds have been there awhile .... there is no doubt part of some underground society .... not to mention that spider thing .... he enspelled me ... i ... i ... i couldnt control what i did but i did manage to try use it to our advantage ... not sure it helped ...... but that spider was smart and seemed to know more then what he gave .... Harvest spoke with him the most .... she was brave standing up to it "

" to what i think ....well ....those early scouts sent her to gather info ... Missed a lot ..... i suspect what ever controls the undeground scociety has been here for a long time ... .... a mention of Lords ... i believe it was plural so a council or rulling body type rules is my guess "

A fleeting thought of the cute ranger flashed in her mind .... " oh i noticed Scullys group was missing someone ... what happened to him .... Mac Allen i think his name was "



Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 17, CMD: 21; HP: 15/23Character Sheet 
Wednesday August 1st, 2012 10:54:11 PM
Barratore pulls off his armor and uses it to begin a rather unceremonious pilling of equipment on the ground. Soon the only thing he is wearing is his Torc, as he climbs into the huge tubs and occupies a great deal of it. Barratore leans back closes his eyes and sends a fist bump to Brom on the 'Ugly' comment. As fine a word as any to use.

"I truly hope to never be underground again." Barratore reaches for a drink and when it arrives, some food to chase down the third drink. The minotaur is very content to lean back stretch out his arms to both sides and drink while the others talk to let the Captain know what transpired. Besides, he saw and heard very little outside of a single room where the kobolds were beyond the axe trap. No he wanted to relax, and then look into converting what they had to coin or script and purchasing higher quality armor

Gerox Shale Hps 8/16  d6=4 ;
Wednesday August 1st, 2012 10:59:59 PM
Hitpoint roll 4.

Gerox chimes in, "You need to talk to Harvest. She basically battled a very nasty creature and was able to negotiate with it as well. Their are definitely politics to our enemies. Harvest should tell that story though. She was the main character." The gnome pauses and then says, "Whoever our enemy is, they are organized, intelligent and banding together diverse groups. I would say someone isn't happy that Rum was established here."

Gerox sits back with a glass of wine, swirling the red liquid in circles. He looks up and says, "Are we expected to go back down there? What is next?"

Harvest Moon (HP5/18; CMD 18 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 7:46:36 AM

There is something very soothing about the heat of the water. At first, she had been lost at the back of the group. Lost within her own dilemma, her own confusing feelings. She had wished, at that time, to do no more than walk away. The sea called to her with it's great waters and expansive beach. But Peza's smile had come, like a beam of light in the darkness. Harvest Moon had gone to her. Her hand had reached up unconsciously to hold to her friend's belt and she had stayed very close to her as they had come to the bathing tents.

"Drys," comes the voice of Harvest Moon now. She is invisible, hidden by the edges of the tub, with only her head exposed above the steaming waters of the bath. "The Black Spiderkin named himself Drys."

"He said, 'Peace? You will not have it. But not from me. The Lords will see to that.' The Black Spiderkin Drys seemed very certain. He spoke with ... " Harvest Moon pauses to fish for a word. "He spoke with inevitability."

"The Black Spiderkin Drys also seemed not to be of the same kind as the other spiderkin. He claimed them not as his brood. He said, though, that he could control them. He also said that he did not think that they would return to take our people."

"The rooms of the Small-eye Kobolds was a strange place. There were many there within few rooms. And it seemed that the tunnel ended with the rooms. There was only one other possible passage out of the rooms of the Kobolds, and that was a hole within which a Centipedekin lived. It was collapsed. And it was too small for many Kobolds to regularly travel with food and goods. I think that the Kobold Rooms were the end of the tunnel. If you collapse it now, I do not think more will come from that direction."

"More dangerous a thing, I think," continues Harvest Moon, "is that I think the Spiderkin and the Centipedekin were not born as we are. I do not know for sure. I only feel this. But I think that they were made. It is a strange power to be able to make creatures such as these. But, I think it is very dangerous."

Harvest Moon's hand rises slowly from beneath the steaming waters and feels its way over the edge of one of the floating bowls. When it pulls back, it brings with it a slice of crisp white fruit. The strong white teeth of Harvest Moon rise up from the water to meet the approaching fruit, and take it into her mouth. Then the head of Harvest Moon, bald, save for the single crest of wet hair plastered over her forehead, sinks beneath the steamy surface of the bath.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: -4 STR, Ioun Torch

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

CLW Wand 6/15

Co-DM SteveK (Rum Returning) 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 10:27:02 AM
Captain Sal Theringer waves away any surprise by Peza. Clearly, the others are very tired to forget that the ranger had been left behind at South Harbor and the group hasn't seen him for nearly half a year. "Teleportation.", he explains in a single word.

And then the Captain of the Rum WLA Outpost begins an interrogation of what was seen, found, and thought of that morning in the tunnels, beginning with what the heroes have said. A man of few words, he is deft at picking out the important details, hunting with words with the same single-minded determidness that his scars show he hunted in the woodlands of Elenia.

When the Blue Stone is mentioned, Captain Theringer immediately wants to see it, even bringing in the Fixer, Torian Silverleaf to look it over. Unfortuneately, the opportunity has passed, the stone is now entirely unmagical and a dull gray in color... worthless. The ranger waits for Torian to leave before he gives his young prodigies his thoughts.

"You remember and think, that is good, but you will need to think more as a team than as individuals. As a team, you let overconfidence of a small enemy to split you, and made your mission more difficult. Kobolds are small, but cunning and they love traps, which is the only way they survive. Kobolds also have many secret passages, you found several, but there is probably more that were not found."

The Captain gives a summation on the fight report by the group. "Concentrating your strength allows you bring down one target fast, reduces the effect of a surprise, and also lets you aid your shield-mate if they are in trouble."

Captain Theringer then gives the group infromation from the Scully Heroes expedition as well as other expeditions that were made at the other holes around Rum. "Some groups had hard fights, some just endless tunnels. Scully's group and one other also brought back word of taurian monsters and hints of 'Lords' or 'Beastlords'. Most of the captives were returned, though some were killed and some never found."

Finally, Sal shares with the group information from Fixer Island and his own speculations. "The tunnels are all being collapsed, except for the deepest one found. That will now be guarded and used for regular patrols. The Fixers feel that there is a nest of Monstrologers who have been expirimenting with making monsters more intelligent and stronger. The failed experiments like the Spiderkin and the Centipedekin are sent to fend for themselves and act as a buffer. The Fixers think that collapsing the tunnels and patrolling underground will keep a buffer between the groups until Rum is too strong for the Monstrologers. They also asks this information be kept from most people in Rum." He stops, then adds his own speculations. "I think that you are right, the Beastlords are real, and that they used thier failed experiments like the Centipedekin with the Stone and Dys the Drider much more closely than the Fixers think. I do not think the Beastlords will be content with maintaining a buffer. I think we need more information."

"Since the tunnels but one are collapsed, and that is regularly patrolled, I think it is time that you explore the rest of the island. I will work with the FIxers to make it official, and you get rested and ready."

Captain Sal Theringer, one-time ranger in the Culverwood, now leader of the Rum Outpost of the Woldian League of Adventurers stops talking. He waits for any questions or ideas before he leaves and lets the heroes plan together.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 14), CMD: 19 (21 Raged); HP: 13/21 (17/25 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 1:48:54 PM
"Isn't there some ruins nearby?" He says. "That sounds like a good place to start"

Brom also asks one of the WLA people if the is a place for some new cloths. Nothing fancy just pants and shirts.

Brom listens to the experienced Sal. The split definitely gave them problems and divided resources. Brom pledged himself to be more conscious of simple tactics.

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 23, 3(4)/25 hp) True Strike, fighting defensively  d8+1=6 ;
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 5:13:09 PM
Bralin accepts the warning to solidify the group's tactics with a wordless nod. There is much to be discussed on this, especially given his own issues in combat.

But, now, in the presence of Sal, is not the time. The dwarf holds his tongue.

Harvest Moon (HP5/18; CMD 18 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 5:34:14 PM

It is as she had thought. The Blue Eyes overcame its surprise and realized that it would be better not to reveal more of itself than it had already. The Blue Eyes will come more secretively now. One more worrisome thing among many. Beastlords. Monsterologists. Were these Beastlords the Monsterologists of which the Fixers feared? It seems likely. Was the Blue Eyes one of these Beastlords? This also seems likely. She will be on the watch for blue eyes, then. And be wary when they come.

"What will become of the Small-eye younglings?" asks Harvest Moon. All things die. Many things die young. It is the way of things. Harvest Moon reminds herself of this fact with great deliberation. She braces herself to hear of their fate.

"Ruins would be good," she adds to Brom's words, more to distract her mind from the fate of the younglings than anything else. "Such places say much about those who lived before. And if the Beastlords come from such people, we may discover things about them."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: -4 STR

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

CLW Wand 6/15

Peza 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 10:25:18 PM
Soaking in the hot tub .... Peza listens to the wisdom of Captain Theringer's experience ,... she makes a mental checklist ...

1. better teamwork and communication
2. patience
3. target selection

The urban ranger soaks in silence .... absorbing what her friends add to the discussion " we also need to resupply "

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 10:58:42 PM
Lemick didn't hear much more than was expected -- no real solution or end to the real issue. Still it was good to hear other captives were rescued, and at least for the moment the problem was being monitored.

"Ruins would be good, but just as good would be the location of the highest natural spring known. It may seem an odd start, but everything needs water -- so if we are looking for stuff, people, monsters -- start with how they are fed and drink. We can follow the water to the ocean --- if there are any ruins nearby, they'll be near fresh water."


Gerox Shale Hps 8/16 
Thursday August 2nd, 2012 11:28:06 PM
ooc feat question: Thinking about taking brew potion as my new feat. Need a DM ruling. What potions are open to me? Is it only my spell level? First level spells? Higher level spells? Only spells I can cast? Your answer will definitely influence my choice!

Gerox listen in and thinks, "We definitely got split up. We need to find a way to be able to scout ahead with a few of us, communicate and work better as a team."

Gerox asks the Captain before he leaves, "Sir is there any maps of the area. Even a rough one? I am sure some kind of surveys were done and it would be hugely helpful to have one so we can get a lay of the land. The ruins sound interesting. I am sure they have been scouted already at some point. Do we have any information on them. Finally we got some decent loot. Is there an entrance to the Catacombs here in Rum? I might need to buy some lab equipment"

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 17, CMD: 21; HP: 15/23Character Sheet 
Friday August 3rd, 2012 7:50:49 AM
Barratore snorts a bits as Captain Sal Theringer admonishes the group. Well, that was the way the minotaur hears it at least. Over confidence? Perhaps, but that was not the cause of the difficulties. A good firm dose of Waard being on the side of the kobolds, now that made the fight more difficult. Although it sounds as if the others encountered quite a bit more and the leadership while he and Brom were in the main chamber. Bah that was then now is now, time to move on and Barratore grabs another drink.

"Ruins and then if we want, we could follow any water towards its source from there. Next week sounds like a good time to start."

The stone was a dead rock, some sort of communication device then. Barratore was glad he stopped the small girl from giving information to the enemy. The voice that came through the stone was certainly one of these Monstrologers and they could see through it. Hopefully the group was fast enough and their enemy did not know too much about them.

Co-DM SteveK (Rum Returning) 
Friday August 3rd, 2012 11:07:59 AM
"I don't know of any ruins", says the Captain, "and I'll see what I can find about a map. There's no access to the Catacombs yet. Talk to the WLA Clerk for supplies and Torian about magical items. Master Silverleaf seems to be the Fixer liason to the WLA here." The Captain leaves while nodding approvingly at the conversations already starting among the team; a week or more of rest and refit, plans on how to find out more, and thinking of what to do once they find something of interest.

Life goes on, and the team is able to fully rest and recuperate and refit. They find out that the WLA Outpost is well-stocked with almost any non-magical equipment they would want. For magical gear or more exotic equipment, the Fixers are selling thier services, and a day-trip to Fixer Island will support most needs.

A few days after the teams got back from the tunnels, the WLA find the bear-like Lipscomb, the Scully Heroes cleric, waiting for them in the WLA foyer. He gives a reserved if genuine smile and invites the WLA for a memorial service for Mac Allen. Those who go: Highlight to display spoiler: {Others from around the community are also there, and Vicki Sweerit is conspicuous by her absense. The service is simple, calling on the gods of the Wold as a group to watch over the soul of Mac Allen as he travels the Woldblood to the Lands of Rest. In a back area that looks to be a courtyard when the permanent buildings are complete, a slender 4 foot stone pillar is set, the top looking like it was broken off and not completed, and etched with the letters "Mac Allen". For a wonder, Scully's Heroes are not boisterous or jockeying for position, but keep alone in their thoughts. Lipscomb and Scully both make it a point to come over and thank each WLA member who came to the service.}

It takes closer to a month before everything is actually ready for the expedition. In the meantime, building continues, and any help the WLAers offer is gratefully accepted. Many of the tents around the city are down, with real houses and stores taking thier place. The major roads are paved with smooth stones, and the city wall is beginning. The main defenses for the city right now is a citadel on a small hill on the north side of Rum, and the tower of the Fixers on Fixer Island in the harbor.

Captain Theringer, Torian Silverleaf, and Artus Morindim are all in the WLA main building with the WLAers on the end of a nice afternoon. Comfortable chairs and low tables are grouped around a large fireplace made of fieldstone, the hearth cold and empty on this warm day. The Captain clears his throat, and nods at Master Silverleaf. It doesn't look like the ranger is happy.

"Well", says Silverleaf, "The Second Fleet is only a month or so away from arriving with thousands of people and more equipment and other materials. We are sending a small fleet to escort them in and the SeaSprite has been selected to be a part of that swift flotilla." Artus snorts and exchanges looks with Sal who looks like he is made of stone. Torian continues. "Since the fleet will bring so many more people to help with defense, and because there has been no futher events with the Beastlords, Anvil Stormrager, the Chief Fixer of Rum, decided that any expedition into the island can wait until Second Fleet arrives." Sense Motive DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Sal is NOT happy, and neither is Artus. Both think the Fixers are too conservative and making a mistake.} ; Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Torian is also unhappy at delivering this message, and seems to be hoping for a way out of telling them 'no'.}

...................

Brew Potion: (From PCB: You can create a potion of any 3rd-level or lower spell that you know and that targets one or more creatures or objects.)

Level: All PCs complete your leveling over the weekend and post on docs.google.com for approval by one of the co-DMs. Anyone who is thinking "foreshadowing" is right. There's gonna be a fight come Monday!

Equipment: PCs can buy any non-magical arms, armor, or equipment on the Pathfinder Corebook from the WLA Outpost or merchants in the neighborhood. No need to go to Catacombs.

Magic Items: PCs can buy any magical items from the Pathfinder Corebook only from the Fixers. No need to go to Catacombs.

Buying Old Stuff: WLA and Fixers are NOT buying any unwanted equipment ...yet.

Harvest Moon (HP5/18; CMD 18 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=30 ;
Friday August 3rd, 2012 1:55:45 PM

"It is alright," Harvest Moon it is very plain from the looks upon their faces, that neither Captain Sal Theringer or Navigator Artus Morindim is pleased at the decision of the Fixers. So too, Torian Silverleaf is displeased to be the bearer of such news. "The Fixers are those who we look to for guidance," she continues. "We must have faith in them and follow their words." (Sense Motive 30)

"Perhaps if you explain your misgivings, they might reconsider."

The past month since the exploration of the Small-eye tunnels had been quite busy for all. In addition to helping with the building, Harvest Moon had spent several days in the special training of the League Adventurers. These were mostly lessons in climbing and swimming. More than simple repetition, these lessons taught her different ways and tricks that she would never have thought of on her own.

A day or two after the adventure in the tunnels, it strikes Harvest Moon that the many goods and coin that they had captured from the Small-eyes and the Beastlord creatures have been sitting unused. She spends the better part of the day rounding each of them. The items, she arranges on the floor of a tent in neat rows. The coin, Harvest Moon counts, and then divides into neat piles. She creates a complete accounting, before calling the others to divide the goods and other wealth.

Items
=====
Wand of CLW 6/15 charges
1 Potion of Restoration, Lesser
A Masterwork Quarterstaff
A quiver with 5 Javelins, masterwork
A wooden shield +1
Wand of Magic Missiles, 4 charges left.

Monies
======
1,490gp = in disks (not coins) and raw nuggets of various metals
2,000gp in several disks of platinum and bits of uncut gems from agates and quartz to flecks of jasper, jade, and one pea-sized amethyst

3490gp divided by 7 characters

498gp, 5sp, 7cp

"I would like to use the staff," requests Harvest Moon. It would be a shame for it to be unused."

She had attended the memorial service of the one named Mac Allen mostly out of curiosity. She had never seen such a thing before. And, because the invitation had come from the one named Liscomb. Harvest Moon had bristled when the man had entered, and she had approached him with an aggressive and challenging posture. This had been less from dislike, as it would have been had the man Sculley come instead, but rather she had hoped for the chance of a rematch, a chance that did not come. So, for that reason Harvest Moon had attended the memorial service. That, and because Peza was going too.

Solemn described the memorial service for Harvest Moon. It had the feeling being amongst the great mountains when shrouded in mist. Or, perhaps, upon the beach on a gray day with the ocean stretching to forever. The feeling remained with her for many days. But day stretched into day, and each was filled with much business. The time free from her obligations to the building of Rum was spent tending to a small garden plot she had started. There was plenty of food (a thing that she has now become accustomed to) but there was also great satisfaction in watching things grow from small seeds and cuttings. Harvest Moon had also wandered the beaches and swam the harbor, bringing in different sea grasses upon which she experimented. Some kinds of sea grasses made better clothing. Some, when treated, were even better.

It was after some hours hanging sea grasses to dry, that Harvest Moon had come into the League Adventurer's building to find Captain Sal Theringer, Torian Silverleaf, and Navigator Artus Morindim in attendance in addition to the others. Their faces now are as the written page to Harvest Moon. "We have waited a month for the expedition," she adds. "What difference will come of a few more days?"

Peza 
Friday August 3rd, 2012 11:48:26 PM
Surprised by the visit of Liscomb ... but the sad news confirm her fears of Mac allen .... tears spring to her eyes ... she readily accepts the invite to the rangers memorial servce .... upon arriving she warmly greats the bear of a cleric and Scully .... giving her condolences to them ... " i heard you all fought well in the tunnels ... you all brought honor to Rum and your group " ....

Peza makes it a point to greet each member of scullys heroes ... before leaving she steps next to Mac Allens pillar .... kneeling down .... she murmers a few prayers for a fellow ranger .

During the month ... Peza makes it a point to help out many in the surrounding area ... shopkeepers and craftsman alike ....making new friends along the way .... working on building local network for gathering infomation .... keeping a watch on the pulse of the neighborhood

Resupplying her equipment and adding a few wrinkles she readies for their next mission ....

With the added wealth they recovered from the tunnels the raven haired girl muses on a possible visit to fixer island ....

ooc: will update character sheet this weekend



Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20=10 ;
Sunday August 5th, 2012 10:27:46 PM
Barratore picks up on the Captain and Artus's misgivings and tightens his jaw. "Too dangerous to venture inland to see what might be at our door beofre more who will need protection arrive? " Barratore asks the question aloud having found it useful to repeat aloud for all to hear when something was being decided upon that just did not sound right. He was not i charge and so would go with those who were. He was not here to lead, but niether was he going to blindly follow.

Barratore purchases a Breastplate and stocks his leather armor into his bunk. he spends most of the month exercising and getting used to moving in the armor. To Tuck and roll to a side before springing to his feet. Sprints to and fro across the compound. Soon enough it feels almost like a second skin hardly seeming to hinder his footspeed or tumbling skills

Barratore will attend the services of the fallen ranger. His differences with Scully will not so put him off to disrespect another's sacrifice. Barratore is curious on why the marker is incomplete, but does not verbalize his question. He will ask one of his fellows later in private. Perhaps a custom he simply does not know. Now is not the time. When Scully and Liscomb offer thanks however, the big taur is taken aback and merely eyes the main antagonist Sculley for several moments. Barratore will put out his hand and nod at last.

On the equipment, Barratore has no personal use for any of it and thinks that those who can use it should certainly do so.

Gerox Shale  d20=10 ;
Sunday August 5th, 2012 11:41:01 PM
Gerox also goes to the funeral and if their is a wake or party afterwards will attend and raise his flagon to the fallen. He will try and find out who he fell and what happened to Scully's Heros on their adventure underground.

Gerox will spend the month helping out where he can, giving his time generously to the towns folk using his minor magic to help where it can. He uses his mage hand to hand tools up to carpenters and clean dishes and crockery of the cooks. He easily helps to light cook fires and will teach sailing to youth in the harbor.

Gerox goes shopping and tries to by some artisan's masterwork tools for making his jewelry. (55 gps). With it he will start converting some of his gold into braclets and necklaces. (need a DM ruling on this. How much is it worth if I convert 100 gps of regular gold into necklaces. Assuming I am taking 10 with artisan's masterwork tools I get an 18)

Gerox also asks around the WLA if they have a strong box. His gold is getting to heavy to just carry around. He needs someplace safe for it.

When the group is sat down, he determines that the bosses aren't happy. He pipes up, "Are we going out on the Sea Sprite as well? Or are we staying here? If we are staying here, couldn't we just independently take a look around? Is there a ban on it?

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 14), CMD: 19 (21 Raged); HP: 13/21 (17/25 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Monday August 6th, 2012 9:24:07 AM
Brom accepts the invitation to the funeral. The funeral is a sobering reminder of their fights in the tunnels. Brom knows it could easily been any of them being buried this day.

For the rest of their down time Brom purchases a breastplate, bastard sword, morning star, and some provisions- ale, tobacco, dried rations, and new clothes.

Brom will also lend his impressive strength and carrying capacity down at the docks or wherever the WLA has need of him.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (42/42 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Monday August 6th, 2012 9:44:13 AM
Side note: Brom has the captured shield from the kobolds so he isn't interested in the wooden shield. He will take the javelins if no one uses them.

Co-DM SteveK (Rum Returning) 
Monday August 6th, 2012 1:18:11 PM
Mac Allens Memorial.

Harvest, Peza, Brom, Barratore, and Gerox all attend the service. Harvest glares at Liscomb when he first arrives, but the large man looks amused and breaks him a little out of his reverie. "Maybe another time, little one, where we can spar under more pleasant circumstances." Brom and Scully shake hands at the memorial, though it is half a strength test between the two warriors. Peza's comments about bringing honor and Gerox's equally curious questions are gently diverted by Lipscomb. The others are less inclined to talk about it, even Tinsy the gnome is subdued and disinclined to speak. One bit of information is Scully explaining the broken pillar... "that his life was cut short and not completed. It's a reminder that the rest of us owe him the rest of his pillar."

Around Town.

Shopping is fairly easy, especially since the group has so much time, and the heroes are able to get all the normal tools and equipment they need. Several of them have made themselves useful around the neighborhood and the WLA have a general good reputation in the neighborhood.

Gerox buys the tools he needs to practice some jewelry making. He has been practicing a Craft (Gerox needs to identify on PC Sheet what type of Crafting), and is excited about getting started. After a week of making a gold necklace, has been able to make 9 gold profit. ooc: PCB: You can practice your trade and make a decent living, earning half your check result in gold pieces per week of dedicated work.

Meeting.

The group seems to accept the news by Torian until Barratore has to speak what he has heard aloud. Sal Theringer's frown goes to a feral grin as if he smells blood but doesn't say anything. Artus is less able to curb his feelings, and gives out his best ocean-roughened bellow. "Exactly, you stuck up elf pole! Who's side are you on anyways? Get back to Fixer Island and CONVINCE them that this expedition is neccessary before something just falls out of the sky and buggers us proper!"

As if that is a cue, a WLA clerk burst in. "There's a flock of winged monsters has landed on our roof!"

When the heroes come out of the building and look up, there are 3 Large-sized raptors with the heads of shaggy wolves along the roof-tree of the WLA building, thier wings spread 15 feet and facing the sun!

Peza 
Monday August 6th, 2012 8:48:03 PM
After departing the memorial service for Mac Allen .... Peza gets the feeling that something has been left unsaid by Scully's Heroes ..... " a piece of that puzzle has yet to be found " she keeps that bit of info to herself for now

later at the meeting Peza grins as Barratore speaks his mind " hmm so we'll just make a hiking trip on our own ? ... maybe we'll just get a little lost "

The ranger dashes outside .... running through the doorway ... and stepping to the left ..... spots the trio of winged puzzles .... " what by Waard is that " as she reaches for her crossbow .... smoothly loading it .... but holding her fire "

"captain have you've ever encountered anything like them ??"



Peza 
Monday August 6th, 2012 8:49:59 PM
ooc : Loot , i'm fine with anyone taking anything .... the wands are limted by the low charges and should just become party magic ...and used by those able too

Gerox Shale  d20+5=18 ;
Monday August 6th, 2012 11:03:22 PM
(ooc sorry about that, Gerox is a jeweler)

Gerox moves out to check out the birds. He takes a look at the wing span and says, "Stay close to the building. We need to avoid flyby attacks. They look like they could pick us up and drop us. I knew I should take feather fall. Have they attacked anyone yet?

We need to concentrate our fire on one at a time. If you have a bow weapon or distance spell, concentrate your fire on the one on the right. Let's see how tough they are."

Gerox peers at the other buildings looking for more creatures or possible riders. (perception check 8) He voices his concern saying, "Do you think they are the attackers or just the transportation? Maybe both? Keep an look out for riders."

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+7=25 ; 2d8+6=15 ; d20+7=13 ; 2d8+6=19 ; d20+7=21 ; 2d8+6=12 ;
Monday August 6th, 2012 11:28:44 PM
barratore nods as Scully explains the headstone, that made sense and the minotaur found him puzzling about the human because ofit. He shakes the thought from his mind and soo the services are over and he departs back to the WLA area. Barratore does not stay after a single toasted drink offering

Barratore mimics Sal's grin and is quick to move outside at the proclamation that something has landed. Drawing his blade as he exits, Barratore squares off, confident none of the creature would be carrying him off. "What in Waards eyes are those?"

Readied Action to attack if they come into 10' Reach AC 25 Dmg 15
AoO Hit AC 13 Dmg 19 Reach 10'
AoO Hit AC 21 Dmg 12 Combat Reflexes

Harvest Moon (HP5/18; CMD 18 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=23 ; d20+2=18 ; d20+2=18 ; d10+1=10 ; d6+1=7 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 7:54:51 AM

Elfpole. It is an epithet she has not heard before. The shadow of a smile touches Harvest Moon's lips as well. It is sly and feral too, but for a different reason.

A the call of monsters, Harvest Moon rushes outside with her polearm. Doghead Birds! Harvest Moon darts for the cover of the largest thing in sight. It just so happens, that this is Barratore Steelwind. Within his shadow, she waves the polearm in a threatening manner. "Go away, Dogheads!" she shouts.

Doghead Birds. How strange and ...

"These must be more of them!" Harvest calls to the others. "Creatures of the Beastlords. Her eyes narrow as she scans the three Dogheads, attempting to pick out one of the gems that they had found upon the Centipedekin.

The wave of the polearm steadies. It's focus turns to the three Dogheads. Harvest Moon readies for an attack.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 23 (To spot a Gem)
AoO from Halberd Hit AC18; Damage 10hp
Ready Kick AC18; Damage 8hp (+1 for Wooden Fist)

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wooden Fist 6?/7

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (42/42 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+5=24 ; d6+5=10 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 9:37:26 AM
Brom can't help but give a smile after shaking Scully's hand. Always a competitor, he understands that even in tragedy it is a hard habit to overcome. "Your friend will be missed. Live on and have many battles; so when it is time for you to enter the Land of Rest, you will have many glorious stories to tell him."

Later, Brom completely misses the subtle insult. No matter, one thing is as good as another.

The cries of beasts rouse Brom to action. With sword in hand, he reaches for a javelin as he moves out into the yard. Eyeing the aberrations, Brom sends the javelin at a target.

(If too many actions, let me know. Will use attack next round.)

Atk: AC 24 (adjust for range increment 45-ft), dmg 10

Co-DM SteveK (Wolf-Eagles!)  d20+7=11 ; d20+7=17 ; d6=2 ; d20+7=13 ; d8+4=5 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=11 ; d8+4=11 ; d8+4=10 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 9:45:04 AM
The impending argument in the WLA headquarters is cut short by the announcement of monsters on the roof.

Peza, Gerox, Barratore, Harvest, and Brom have all dashed outside.

Peza steps outside and to the left, close to the building. She gets her crossbow ready, but holds fire. (without a stated Ready Action, Peza does not get a free shot)

Gerox also keeps close to the building and calls that there may be more and may be Riders as well. He looks around, but the little gnome sees nothing, not even any bit, bridle,or saddle on the monsters.

Barratore is outside, confident that they could not carry him off, and readies his powerful sword against any attack.

Harvest brandishes her long weapon and stands in the shadow of the biggest thing she can spot, which happens to be Barratore! Inspiration strikes her and she loudly calls that they are monsters of the BeastLords, even though her sharp eyes can't spot anything like the gem from the Centipede. She also is ready to repel any attack!

Brom dashes outside with sword and javelin. He's not concerned about watching the monsters, and goes into immediate 'defend the base' mode, launching a javelin to pass through a Wolf-Eagle's wing!

Lemick and Bralin are still inside. (will require a move action to get outside)

Sal Theringer has sprinted out the back of the building to help cover other civilians along with Torian Silverleaf. Artus, an expert navigator and leader but not a fighter has sensibly remained inside, organizing the staff in a defensive position.
...........

The wounded Wolf-Eagle howls, and, echoed by the others, launch themselves in the air, the wounded one slightly slower and wobbling in the air. It looks like a feint until they wing over and suddenly plummet to the ground in a vicous attack!

The lead Wolf-Eagle tries for Harvest, razor claws extended, and is met by Barratore's ready sword, then a backhanded opportunity that misses the agile creature. Yet Barratore's miss is Harvest's gain, for the monster swerves into the half-elf's halbred, and crumples into the dirt of the street!

The second monster brakes in air directly in front of Peza and Gerox, recieving a wicked stab by Barratore's opportunistic sword, but it bores in on the two smaller prey. A claw attacks Peza, missing, and another scores on Gerox, cutting shallowly across his leg. The musky odor of wet bird-and-wolf is strong as sharp teeth snap at Peza and are turned aside by her leather armor.
(Gerox AC 17, Damage 5)

Wolf-Eagle number 3 bores in on Brom, the one who hurt it, hovering to make best use of its weapons. Two claws cause a blood fan, but the devestating jaws only snap at the air.
(Brom AC 22, 26, 11miss Damage 11+10-2[DR]= 19)
...........

We are in COMBAT ROUNDS

Wolf-Eagle 1: AC:15 HP: dead

Wolf-Eagle 2: AC:15 HP: 12 damage

Wolf-Eagle 3: AC:15 HP: 10 damage


Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 21, 37 hp) 
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 1:33:02 PM
Bralin breaks out of his reverie, and heads outside. Seeing the flying creatures, he empties three sling stones from his pouch, and casts a spell over them.

[Magic Stone]

Harvest Moon (HP18/18; CMD 18 / AC17) - Al  d20+2=5 ; d20+2=18 ; d10+1=8 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 3:22:38 PM

"You don't hurt my friend!" Harvest Moon growls. She swings the polearm in such a way as to distract the Doghead and give Peza a better shot. But the swing is wild. It is a good thing, then, that the momentum of the weapon is such that it comes around with a sharp blow, that strikes the Doghead with great power.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Aid Another AC5
Halberd Hit AC18; Damage 8hp

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wooden Fist 7/7

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+7=26 ; d20+7=21 ; 4d8+12=28 ; d20+7=25 ; 2d8+6=10 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 7:32:08 PM
Barratore comes on at the one that has gone after Gerox, not wanting to 'steal kills' from Brom. However, once engaged such considerations are sometimes forgotten. The minotaurs blade flashes and nearly decapitates the creature.
Hit AC 26 crit 21 Dmg 28

He follows the swing into a full round house into the other on Brom.
Cleave Attack Hit AC 25 Dmg 10

He calls out to the others, "Look for others, there may be more!"

Peza  d20+9=25 ; d8=8 ; d8=8 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 8:51:04 PM
As the trio of winged creatures attack ... Peza raises her crossbow ... Harvests tactic opens up a perfect shot ... the raven haired girl snaps off a shot .... it sinks deep into the creatures chest ...

Wolf thing shot d20+9=25 hit ! damage d8=8 vital strike damage d=8 total damage = 16 !!!

Quickly reloading for another shot Peza steps back a few feet [ 5'ft move ] to space out from her friends ... allowing the wolf heads to choose who to attack instead of multple attacks on a grou p

Harvest Moon (HP18/18; CMD 18 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=14 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 9:18:15 PM

OoC: Perception Check for more. (Oh well.)

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+2=14 ; d8+1=2 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 9:39:24 PM
Lemick stayed on the edge of the funeral as was his custom to not remind others that the luck of Warrd was not with the fallen.

--
While he hears the screams, it takes Lemick a moment before he exits the tent with javelin in hand. He prefers to jab, but if none are low he'll throw his javelin.

Att: 14 (15 is thrown)
dmg: 2

----
OOC: Lemick's character sheet is up to date.
If no one else wants, Lemick would be interested in the MW Javelins. Anyone else use a shield?

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 16/35 (22/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=23 ; 2d6+10=16 ;
Tuesday August 7th, 2012 9:44:17 PM
Brom takes his shot at the wolf-eagle thing, if it is not already dead.

Atk (PA): AC23; damage 16

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  2d4+2=9 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 12:38:01 AM
Gerox grunts in pain at the slash. (ooc not sure if I still have a creature in front of me or it is dead) If it is in front of Gerox, Gerox retreats 15' to some clear ground and then turns and fires a magic missile spell at the surviving wolf/eagle. If both are still alive, he will shoot at the one that wounded him. If he doesn't have a creature near him, he will stay in place and cast his magic missile.

damage is 9
1/5 of his first level spells used

Co-DM SteveK (Wolf-Eagles!) 
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 10:09:07 AM
Bralin breaks out of his reverie, and heads outside, casting a Magic Stone spell on three sling stones.

Harvest Moon growls, and the Trustworthy girl swings her polearm to try and distract the Doghead and give Peza a better shot, but the swing is wild. She does, however, use the momentum of the weapon to come around with a sharp blow and shears deeply into the beast!

Barratore only needs to take a single step to get within range of the Wolf-Eagle that is attacking Peza and Gerox. The minotaurs blade flashes and the monster collaspes in a fountain of blood as Barratore completely decapitates the creature! The minotaur pivots and sends a devestating slash into the last remaining Wolf-Eagle as well.

Peza has no monster in front of her and raises her crossbow to fire at the one attacking Brom. They are locked sword and claw and it will take a near-perfect shot to ... the bolt leaves and unerringly slams into the Wolf-Eagle's back. The monster collapses as if it was a puppet whose strings were cut.

Lemick is reminiscing about the funeral, and an unusual thought slides into his mind. The luck of Wardd can go both ways... He shakes himself and jumps out of doors with a javelin in hand, but sees no targets to throw it at.

Brom the Barbarian stands above the fallen foe, never even had time to get his sword bloody.

Gerox grunts in pain at the slash, and also looks for (and fails to find) a target.

The team is tense and looks around, listens for the sounds of combat. There is nothing, there were only these three gaunt and wet monsters.

ooc: Geez, that didn't take long... :-(

...END OF COMBAT ROUNDS...


With "monsters dropping out of the sky" as Artus so recently fumed, Torian collects a couple feathers and is off for Fixer Island, while the WLA staff and several neighbors clean up the mess.

It is only a day later that another meeting is held in the WLA foyer, and the same people are sitting around the empty fireplace. The mood, however, is much lighter and filled with a sense of purpose. Sal has a small secret smile as he gestures to a much calmer and relieved Torian to open the meeting.

"Well!", the elf half-sighs in relief, "the Wolf-Eagles have certainly convinced Anvil Stormrager that the danger is not only subterrainean. Looking over available resources, we believe we can accomplish five projects at once, though barely, until the Second Fleet arrives.
One - Continue to build Rum
Two - Continue to patrol the near tunnels
Three - Send an escort flotilla to guide in Second Fleet
Four - Send an expedition to map the flora and fauna of the coast of this island.
Five - Send an expedition to map the terrain, flora, and fauna of the interior of this island.

"Artus will be the lead Navigator for the flotilla to Second Fleet, to which he has already agreed, and I will be the Fixer liason.", continues Torian. Artus grins and nods, "And about time to get my ship back under my feet it is, too!"

"The Council has asked Scully's Heroes to use thier ship for the coastal exploration, to which they have also agreed for a price." Torian isn't trying to hide his feelings, but his natural bent for controlling emotion makes his non-verbal gestures more opaque. Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Torian is not happy about the amount of price Scully asked for when the elf thinks of it as a service to the whole expedition.}

"Finally, they have asked me to come to the WLA and this team to explore the island interior. What's more, they will provide you with a few objects to make the expedition easier. The WLA is allowed to keep the equipment except for the Map, which they are to return to the Fixers." At this, Torian opens a small chest beside his chair and pulls out a scroll, a spoon, a folded vest, and a lightweight silk bag, and gives them the team. "You do still have the Campfire Bead that you found during your fight with the sahaugin, yes?"

Torian waits for the team to ask any questions before he goes into specific instructions for the mission.

......

The FIxer's Map and Marvelous Tent are Fate Items and can not be sold, bought, or traded.



Fixer Map; faint transmutation; CL3; No Slot; Fate Item gp; 1 lbs.
When held in one hand, the map will perfectly map everything the holder sees up to 500 feet. The map rendition will be to scale, accurate, and without flaws as to the moment of the sight. (If the holder sees a forest which is later burned down, the map will show a forest). The Map will draw terrain, flora, and man-made objects, but will not show any creatures. Once the map draws an area, it is permanent and will not re-draw that area. The map is capable of drawing 10 square miles to 1 foot of map.

All Tools Vest; faint conjuration; CL1; Chest; 1,800 gp; 5 lbs.
Standard action 1/day, the wearer can speak its command word bring forth all standard tools required to make any one Craft skill. They remain for 24 hours or until another creature touches them, whichever comes first.

Sustaining Spoon; faint conjuration; CL5; No Slot; 5,400 gp; Weight --
If this unremarkable appearing utensil is placed in an empty container, the vessel fills with a thick, pasty gruel. Although the gruel tastes like warm, wet cardboard, it is highly nourishing and contains everything necessary to sustain any herbivorous, omnivorous, or carnivorous creature. The spoon can produce sufficient gruel each day to feed up to four humans.

Marvelous Tent; moderate transmutation; CL10; No Slot; Fate Item; 5 lbs
Made of elvish silk, the tent is extremely lightwieght. Further, it has a number of useful properties for the wilderness traveller.
1. A command word sets up and collapses the tent in one round and secures itself to whatever surface it is erected upon. The tent is Large when fully erected.
2. The Tent has a permanent Endure Elements spell inside.
3. The Tent opens an extra-dimensional space, enough to comfortably fit up to 12 beings as identified by the Command Word user. (Like any other e-d space, no other e-d magic items are useable within the tent.)
4. The Tent has a Hardness of 5 and 10 Hit points. If destroyed, it expels anything inside in a heap at the tent entrance.


Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 16/35 (22/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 10:59:27 AM
Question re: extra-dimensional spaces. I've looked at the various items and spells that create them and the only mention of bad things are between portable holes and bags of holdings. Handy haversacks and magnificent mansion create extra dimensional spaces but don't explicitly speak of bad things if taken inside other ex-dim spaces. Haversack says the side pouches hold more than their size like a bag of holding but I think that is only making a comparison for the reader.

I only bring this up for clarification and because the tent is similar to a magnificent mansion. I would rather have the discussion now so to prevent problems once the group starts to get ex-dim items.
...................
DM SteveK:
Rich, great question! And one that has come up in every mid- to hig-level game I've ever been in. Pathfinder has solved that problem by putting the Rule in the Corebook. :-)

I'm taking this off Private Post, because EVERONE I think needs to be on the same page here.

From Pathfinder Corebook under Wondrous Items. "Extradimensional Spaces.
A number of spells and magic items utilize extradimensional spaces, such as rope trick, a bag of holding, a handy haversack, and a portable hole. These spells and magic items create a tiny pocket space that does not exist in any dimension. Such items do not function, however, inside another extradimensional space. If placed inside such a space, they cease to function until removed from the extradimensional space. For example, if a bag of holding is brought into a rope trick, the contents of the bag of holding become inaccessible until the bag of holding is taken outside the rope trick. The only exception to this is when a bag of holding and a portable hole interact, forming a rift to the Astral Plane, as noted in their descriptions.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 12:12:21 PM
Gerox smiles at the tools they are being given. He says, "I am already carrying the firebead. I guess it makes sense to spread the equipment out amongst us, so if one of us is lost, we don't lose everything. If I can make a suggestion though, I think Harvest should carry the map. She is always darting willy nilly in all directions so she is most likely to map the most terrain. (occ just curious, how big is the map? I think it is a cool item.)

I am also a craftsman. (He points to the new gold necklace he is wearing} but I doubt I will be making all that much jewelery on the march. Do we have any smiths? bowyers? They should take the vest. "

Gerox tastes a bit of the gruel and grimaces. He says with a twinkle in his eye, "I think Brom should cary the spoon. I have tasted his cooking and this might improve it!"



Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 21, 37 hp) 
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 4:17:19 PM
[OOC - Bralin would like the shield, if no one else is claiming it]

In answer to Gerox, Bralin says, "I can work stone, although that craft is likely unhelpful on this expedition." The dwarf looks about, "I can also create water and purify food, should the need arise."

Bralin ponders a bit more, adding as an afterthought, "I can also look through stone."

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=28 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 7:22:43 PM

"I would be very pleased to hold the map, Gerox Shale. I have my own book of maps," Harvest Moon says with pride, "and I will draw in my book from the magic map."

The small half-elven girl then takes the hand of Torian Silverleaf and looks up into the face of the elf. "I am certain the Mercenaries of Scully do not have such fine gifts. They are foolish. Gold will not help them," she continues, "as your gifts will help us. Your healing wand helped us greatly in our fight against the Small-eyes and the Spiderkin." Harvest Moon then breaks into a broad grin and grips the hand of the elf tightly.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sense Motive 28

Harvest Moon also has ranks in Knowledge Geography.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wooden Fist 7/7

Peza 
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 10:00:10 PM
The ranger smiles as the discussion turns to a trip inland to explore the island ... " Captain what time frame will this exploration be ?? week ?? month ? ..... would be helpful to know what supplies will help and when do we leave ? "

Peza laughs at Gerox's teasing of Brom .... " well i'll bring some sugar ... hmm maybe brown sugar if i can find it ... that should sweeten that up "

Perusing the gifts from Torian " thank you we'll make good use of these ... will make the trip more comfortable ...... i'll carry the tent ... seems light and compact enough "

ooc: Bralin , you have my vote to take the shield

ooc" Peza will accept the potion of restoration, lesser if that is ok



Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 10:21:36 PM
OOC: Shield is yours.

"Not sure I have any real crafting skills to mention. I kinda of tinker with this and that, that is until I get tired of it." He shrugs not finding any item particularly calling to him. He'll be happy to carry if needed.

"Which direction will Scully be travelling down the coast? While we plan on travelling inland, knowing we could cut seaward for aid could be useful -- what is their timeframe?" Lemick's thinking that with the map, they could find the coast easily enough.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20=20 ;
Wednesday August 8th, 2012 11:04:34 PM
Barratore notes the elf's displeasure, but does not say anything on it. Scully thinks and acts in what he believes to be his own best interest. Barratore believes more of the fault lies with those that overpay rather than with those who ask. Barratore dismisses the idle thoughts and turn his attention to the items. All certainly useful to the task at hand, but also not all they would need. "We should take a few days to get together the additional gear we will need."

Barratore leans in on the paste and sniffs. He stands quickly and snorts making a face, "It will take more than sugar and a few days of hunger for me to consider putting that in my mouth."

Barratore feels a few days should be enough to get ready and that the group should gear up for a 20 day expedition if we can. Food will be the main need over a long period of time. "Does anyone have skills that could feed us? Perhaps we could create a base camp and strike out from there?"

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Thursday August 9th, 2012 7:51:42 AM
Gerox looks around to the others and asks, "Do you think we will be hacking through jungles? (ooc not sure of our climate) Would it be wise to bring some pack animals if we are going on an extended hike. While I don't mind roughing it, I still would like a tent or some kind of shelter to sleep in at night. Keeps the bugs off and the snakes out. I am a bit small to carry those things. Maybe I can hire a porter? How long do you think we will be out?"



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 16/35 (22/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+1=19 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2012 9:48:11 AM
Brom picks up on the meaning and is annoyed that Scully and crew are getting paid and all Brom sees is stuff that has little benefit in the jungle. The tent is nice but it doesn't kill beasts or kobolds.

"Funny stuff!" Brom bellows with a fake laugh then his face loses all expression. "I don't cook. I kill it, I clean it, i don't cook it."

After a moment Brom turns his attention to the Fixer. "Is there any coin to go with this stuff? We bring the Fixers a nice map and they pay us for our labors. This stuff is nice but it don't buy new weapons and armor. Don't buy me anything sold in this town." Brom waits for the reply.

Co-DM SteveK (Expedition Plans) 
Thursday August 9th, 2012 1:59:30 PM
Gerox smiles at the tools and makes suggestions on who should take care of what. The map is large, a 4 foot square, and Torian assures the group that it will be able to map the entire island if necessary. He also suggests pack animals, a porter or two, and a review of the climate.

Bralin takes the shield from the kobold lair, a little more defense is never a bad thing. The dwarf explains some more of his Power-given abilities.

Harvest Moon takes the map and promises to draw thier own map as well. The half-elf also tries to open herself to helping others, foretelling no good end for Scully's Heroes.

Peza asks how long is expected for the exploration. Theringer replies: "If you are careful, you should be able to cover the island in a little more than a month." He smiles and waits, seeing if his prodigies can come up with thier own list of what will be necessary for so long a journey away from all civilization.

Lemick asks about Scully's travel and how it may be useful in case of any aid, which brings up Theringer's eyebrows in surprise. "Old questions for a young head", he murmurs, but the Captain tells the group that Scully's ship is planning a clockwise course around the island and will leave in 10 days. "Should take them about 3 weeks if they are careful with thier assignment."

Barratore feels a few days should be enough to get ready and that the group should gear up for a 20 day expedition if we can. Food will be the main need over a long period of time. "Does anyone have skills that could feed us? Perhaps we could create a base camp and strike out from there?"

Brom doesn't think much of the gifts as the others do, and asks Torian bluntly. "Is there any coin to go with this stuff?

........................

Captain Sal Theringer thinks a moment before answering some questions. "The early scouts found the interior to have no roads and only the occasional animal path. Flora ranges from small praries, to broad-leaf and sub-tropical forest, with pine-forest on the upper mountains. There are even a few mountains that have no trees on the top, only rock and ice, but you don't need to go that high."

"You won't find any porters for hire, young Gerox, not for an expedition into bare wilderness when there are so few people in town. A mule? The WLA can get you a mule and I think we'd be able to set up some 'kits' if you give me a list of what you might need."

"There is no way you will be able to carry enough food and drink on this expedition, so pooling your skills to find a way to augment your food and water is a very good idea. The alternative is being on half-rations with that gruel and liking it!" Only someone who has been drop-down starving would understand the experience dripping from Sal Theringer's last words.

Torian smiles his thanks at Harvest, and shrugs at Barratore's knowing eyes as if to say 'there's nothing I could do about it'. Brom, however, has asked a direct question and deserves a direct answer.

"Master Brom, the Fixers are willing to provide your team with the same compensation as Scully's Heroes, which was a thousand gold each. But if you so choose, I will have to take back the generous items that the Fixers have given to the WLA. In any case, you have the right of salvage in anything you find outside the walls of Rum. While it is trackless wilderness, we know that the BeastLords must have come from somewhere. It is highly likely that there is an outpost, hideaway, or the like somewhere in the hinterland."

Theringer and Torian wait for decisions and action on the part of the group.


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=31 ; d20+12=21 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2012 2:26:07 PM

"We should bring food and water." Harvest Moon wears a very serious face as she speaks of survival things. "But I can forage for myself and one other with ease." The words bring back thoughts of her mother, who could not care for herself, and depended very much upon her Boo Moon to feed her. "With good fortune and good hunting, I can gather food and water for many of us."

With the question of climate, Harvest Moon raises an eye to the sky. She sniffs the breeze, and then puts a finger in her mouth to wet it before raising it into the air. Harvest Moon then tells Gerox Shale the weather for today and for the next three days after.

Then, as though to punctuate her earlier claims to the gathering of food, the half-elven girl's eye spies a small broad leaf plant growing in the shade of one a nearby building. "This is mint," she announces as she plucks the plant from the ground. "It is good for tea, and to mix with other foods." She pulls a leaf for herself, pops it into her mouth, and begins chewing before offering some to Peza and Barratore Steelwind.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Survival 31 (predicts weather three days in advance)
Survival 21 To find edible plant within the immediate area.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wooden Fist 7/7

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  d20+2=18 ;
Thursday August 9th, 2012 8:44:16 PM
Gerox looks around and asks, "I think a couple pack animals might be wise if we are going to go on a long trek. Bringing some tents, digging tools, an wood axe and plenty of rope would be wise but trying to lug it all ourselves is going to be burdensome." He looks at the dwarves and says, "We might even be able to get a cask or two for those campfires.

Taking care of the animals is a pain though and requires skills I don't possess. Anyone here good with pack animals? I still think we can get some help with them too. Offer high enough wages and someone will come along. It would be nice to have a person or two to stay at camp, watch the area and tend to the animals."

He turns to Theringer and Torian and asks, "If we offered 20 gps each for a couple of experienced men good on the road, do you think that might entice someone. What price would suffice?" (ooc that is roughly 2 months salary for a skilled worker such as a teamster.) Gerox puts his hand to his brow and starts thinking of the people he has met and helped over the last month trying to think of someone he met who might like a walk in the woods and some nice cash. (local knowledge roll 18)



Peza 
Thursday August 9th, 2012 9:11:52 PM
Peza smiles at Harvests offer of the mint leaf .... she tries it ... " mmm thats a treat .... "

" i agree with the Captain ... it will be to cumbersome to bring supplies for a whole month ... a couple mules to carry some stuff might be a good idea ....but we all have skills that can help ... we pool them and we should ok ... i can hunt and track ... Harvest can forgage ... add in what athers can do .. we should not starve " as she gives the Captain a smile "

"i think we should get a compass ... i'll get one from the WLA supplies ... a little exxtra rope ... plus a few other things "

"We should bring a bunch of spices for the food we hunt ... i'll try my hand at some cooking .. some open pit BBQ yum "

Captain Theringer's comments on the beastlords whereabouts sparks Peza curiosity " well i don't think they have some hidden city someplace ... more like individual labs where they do their own experments .. at least thats my guess .... not to mention they have eyes and ears watching what RUM is doing ... afterall it didnt take them long to have them spiderkin come through the tunnels and attack Rum's citizens "



Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Thursday August 9th, 2012 9:42:23 PM
Lemick chuckles at the remark to his question. "Not old, but just thoughts from one that knows sometimes it's a good idea to know where luck might present itself."

----
"No expert, but I've handled my fair share of farm animals. Got a good head for nature and geography too. This should help identify animal grazing paths and finding areas with good food sources. Course it also never hurts to have the luck of Waard happen about."



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 16/35 (22/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Friday August 10th, 2012 8:39:18 AM


Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Friday August 10th, 2012 9:02:11 AM
"That's what i figured." Brom says. "So I'm funding your mapping trip? Is that what I'm hearin? A map we have ta give back, a grits spoon that can barely feed half of us, a shirt that has no use in the wilds, and a tent is what we get instead of something useful. The map, fine. It's the Fixer's. The tent and spoon maybe, but I still gotta carry 50# o'food inta the jungle." Brom is very frustrated that the others think these items are fine without any coin to help with the trip. "Still gotta cut a path and spend at least a month in there."

"What is this stuff payin for? What're the Fixers willing ta spend coin on? I bring yur map back. They willing ta pay for info? Furs? Water sources? Grazing location? What?"

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Friday August 10th, 2012 9:26:54 AM

It seems very ... ungrateful. It stirs feelings of unease within Harvest Moon to watch Brom and listen to his words. Has the Woldian League not taken them in? Have they not given training? Have they not provided astounding feasts of food? (More food than Harvest Moon has ever seen in one place before in her entire life previous to this, but something that they seem to take for granted.)

The half-elven girl hunkers down nearby, sinking down into the folds of her sea grass clothing. From there, she watches with great intent.

Ultimately, though, must they not care for themselves? Think for themselves? Think of their own needs? Perhaps it would be best to ask monies from the Woldian League. They seem to want for little.

Harvest Moon's lips purse a little tighter as the different thoughts war across the terrain of her mind.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wooden Fist 7/7

Co-DM SteveK (Expedition Plans) 
Friday August 10th, 2012 11:18:00 AM
While most of the WLAers are pleased with the magic and making plans for the expedition, Brom is ... less than satisfied. Quite frankly, he is pissed off, and explains such in short words to Torian Silverleaf.

The elf straightens up and begins, "Well, the alternative is..." and is cut off by Captain Sal Theringer.

"Torian, the WLA thanks you for your service. We accept the terms by the FIxers, and you can go back and tell them so. So don't worry about it." Torian knows a dismissal when he hears it, and stands up, giving a correct bow to Captain Sal Theringer, and leaves the building.

Another look with his eyes, and the captain makes all the other WLA staff to vanish like a stage-conjurer. Very, very quickly, the group is left in the big room with the scarred and weatherbeaten ranger. Sal doesn't raise voice or threaten, but it is quite evident that the hall feels like a showdown.

"Brom, you are saying it, but I'll bet some others of you are thinking it, so listen up. The League exists to combat evil, in all its deadly forms, and protect the innocent. Each of you has made an oath to that effect. Somewhere out there, there are BeastLords who are seeking to hurt, kill, or enslave the innocent, peaceful pioneers here in Rum. The WLA accepts this task and I, as WLA Captain, offer it to you group of WLA Initiates. You do not have to take it, but if you do not, I will have to form another group and go myself, leaving you here in Rum."

"I recruited each of you", and Theringer gives a nod to Bralin being the exception, "and agreed to NOT make you each pay the 2,000 gold necessary for being a WLA Initiate, getting training, free food, bunk, information. This was a pretty good bargain for you, getting training early, getting out from under bad circumstances or famous relative's shadows so you have the opportunity to make your own fame. You don't have to feel gratitude, you don't have to want your own destiny. That is your choice."

"The Fixers, free of charge, have used thier magic, thier gold, thier blood and sweat to build the docks, roads, public buildings. They are still building the defenses every day and at the same time helping individual groups with THIER buildings. By Domi's left foot, this headquarters itself wouldn't be done if it weren't for the Fixers pitching in.... for free."

"The WLA also has an agreement with the various countries and interests who have come on this expedition of Rum to open up new possibilities, new trade routes, maybe even a new way of living together and protecting those that need protecting." Here, Theringer's eyes shine at the inner visionn he sees, and the young heroes can understand why a backwoodsman like him would accept a bureaucratic position like Captain. And with that light comes a little emotion of his own.

He stands and looks directly at Brom. "And if THAT all doesn't convince you, try this. This frontier doesn't have people to spare, resources to spare, time to spare. It took me and Torian weeks of talk AND the little fight you had to convince them even to ALLOW this expedition, and now you are acting like a little kid who can't get a lollipop. Like a Rhemora. Like Scully. And that attitude hurts the WLA reputation, and I will not stand for it."

"So, Brom, you and your friends now have one of three options to choose. You will go on this expedition for the WLA and LIKE it. You can leave the WLA outpost because I can't afford to house people who won't do thier fair share of work and you set up on your own. Or, you can try to convince me with your blade, your team against just me."

"Your choice." A slight tensing of Captain Sal Theringer's muscles makes it obvious to the watching young heroes that the very experienced ranger is ready to make immediate good on his words. Every one of them.

..................

ooc: as a reminder, Rhemora was the term used by the Fixer Fleet to identify the privateer hangers-on that sailed with the Fixer Fleet to Rum our of thier own interests.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Friday August 10th, 2012 1:33:22 PM
Brom eyes the Captain. Normally, Brom would be pummeling the man. He knew the Captain wouldn't be that easy.

"Save the speeches." He says. "Here's the way I see it. You waved the 2000 gold cause you couldn't get anyone else to come on this trip. Second, the Fixers should be footin the cost, it's there deal. And killing monsters and protecting costs coin, and it ain't cheap."

"Finding safe paths, fresh water, killin' monsters is going to take months, and all for the Fixers' benefit without a single coin to get even the right gear. I like fightin', but I ain't dying cause their too cheap. And I never asked for what Scully got. I wanted coin to get proper supplies and maybe a little extra."

He takes out a pouch. Taking out a handful, he dumps the rest on floor. "This'll cover my cot and grub. Good luck." Brom grabs his pack, turns and walks out of the tent.

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=23 ;
Friday August 10th, 2012 2:07:35 PM
Lemick is unsure how to react -- the group must be cohesive and work together -- but coin wasn't all that high on his list. Luck had always provided for his needs, and in turn he tried to increase the luck of others -- often this meant putting an item of aid somewhere least expected and most needed such as the coins he often buries.

Thoughts return to the old flask most recently found that still sits at the bottom of his bag.

Feeling the captain deserves more and understanding Brom's position, Lemick offers an alternative to all one or the other. "Perhaps Captain, and I mean no disrespect, it would have been nice to have been asked what specialized items would have been most helpful. Our view in the field is often different than engineers and other fixers. Some of these items, while useful, aren't as useful as that Wand of healing was for example. Perhaps some coin could be offered to provide us the opportunity to buy those specialized items and you could in turn keep some of the items offered?"

Hoping his offer meets good results, Lemick looks to the others to see if he has overstepped his position (by assuming what they wanted)

Diplomacy: 23
Attempt to call the situation and provide an alternative where neither group loses, but both get what they need.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Friday August 10th, 2012 3:04:31 PM

Harvest Moon springs from her place of watching. As Brom turns for his pack, she sprints for the opening of the tent. His movement is plain. His intent is clear. She arrives at the opening before he.

She looks up into his face and extends her hands. "You may have mine," she says. In her hands is her pouch containing all of coin and jewels that she has collected so far. "Please stay," she asks. "You may have this. I do not know of what use it is anyway."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wooden Fist 7/7

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Friday August 10th, 2012 4:44:33 PM
OOC: When we joined the WLA, was it considered a 'large' post so that we were entitled to the skills points and feat? If so, I need to add thes

DM Steve: yes, all of the PCs have WLA membership, the Free Feat, weapons, and +2 skills per level

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  d20+8=18 ;
Friday August 10th, 2012 5:16:50 PM
Taking some liberties with the timeline here

Gerox moves to intercept Brom as he pauses before Harvest. "Brom, I understand if you want to leave for your own reasons but are we here just for money? I am here to build a home, a community, a new life. I think most who have come to this faraway place are looking for the same thing. I am not a carpenter, farmer or tradesman. My skills mainly lie along the destructive path. I will use those skills to to protect the farmers and and tradesman. To give them a chance to build this place up.

Yes we all have to live but we have already gained more coin than most here in our short adventure. The Fixers have already offered more aid in mules and "kits" along with the magic they have given and loaned. Besides I am guessing these Beastlords will have some treasure. Also as we travel, we will explore the island with an eye out for our advantage. We will find the best timber, possible mines, good farmland and harbors. Knowledge is power and money my friend. Stay and help us all prosper."

(not sure if it is applicable here but diplomacy roll of 18

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Friday August 10th, 2012 10:04:10 PM
Barratore follows the captian into the tent. Brom was right on some levels and wrong on some, but Barratore had been chastisied enough to know that when the servants are sent running, you had best be prepared and so he takes a deep breath to prepare. It wasn't as bad as he had been through, but it was good enough to get him angry and at the challenge his eyes narrow a bit as he starts thinking through the fight. Barratore homes in on one section of the berating, a follow up to what happened not so long ago That of the Fixers 'allowing' the WLA to go inland. That had stuck in his craw from before and does again now.

Brom moves to exit, he was a good warrior, Barratore would miss him. The minotaur holds his ground.

Peza 
Friday August 10th, 2012 10:59:22 PM
As the room clears ...and the Captain talks ... peza nods at his words ... thats what she signed up for ... to make a difference in the wold by helping others ....

but she grows uneasy at the Captains last words ... of challenge ... they might have differences but they should not settle it by fighting each other

But she is shocked at Broms words and departure .... but she stays in the room .... her place was in the WLA

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Saturday August 11th, 2012 9:42:39 PM
Gerox Shale gives Brom a sob story, but as Harvest can see, he is unmoved by his speech. "Save it gnome. I ain't here ta get warm and cozy with ya. I'm here for me and I thought the League was the best path. But I ain't here ta getting pushed around by no old man or no bunch of builders."

Brom's head turns slightly towards Captain. "I do this, it'll clear what I owe for my training."

Brom turns his attention back to Harvest. "Get out of my way, woman, or I'll move you." Brom says still very mad. His temples pulse and Harvest can see the veins pulse.

Brom is not seen anywhere around the WLA compound for several days. When he is there, he is only there long enough to find out when they group is leaving.

He spends much of his time finding work at the docks or anywhere he can lift, drag, or push heavy objects. Anything to channel his anger.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Sunday August 12th, 2012 11:20:20 AM
Barratore was very unsure how to act. Such blatant disrespect was not very known to him and certainly the elders never offered up position challenge. Challenges for leadership had procedure, well usually they did and that is what this very much just felt like. Or at least what Barratore imagined it would feel like. Metascar had never been challenged that he knew of and had taken up the mantle at the head of the Starlight clan years before Brratore was even born. Things are said in anger or done in combat that are unchecked by one own filter. Barratore's moment of panic against the kobolds was one of those and so to was this moment. The human was not here just foe himself and not here for the coin. He was chasing ghosts, or rather being chased by them. Barratore thought he might understand i part what those ghost might be, but not near enough about thier prey to really help. The man had a monster inside him and needed a direction to aim it.

Barratore had a couple things he needed to work out before setting into the wilds with though so the next time Brom shows up the minotaur intercepts him. Barratore leaves his his weapons at his bunk.

"I need to talk you." he begins. "I am unsure now if I can depend on you and I need to be sure. I and the rest would be here even if it were only a group of farmers asking for our help. Simple facts are this place is being built and those building it are asking for help so we are helping and by doing so we protect and as we did just a few days ago, save the lives of those who can't do so themselves. If you're in this for you, then I suggest you talk to Scully about his recent opening. Of course it would be easier with arms and armor and not a glue-spoon and Fixer vest. Then again it would be easier if the Dragon Consortium just took care of all this. Then you and I could just sit about getting fat playing marbles in the dirt. You want you and nothing else, go continue to be a dock mule. You have always been dependable in a fight, but your recent actions and words have raised doubts and I need them cleared." Barratore falls silent, maintaining eye contact and simply waits for the mans response, ready to step directly in his way if he simply tries to brush the minotaur off

Co-DM SteveK (Expedition Prep Week) 
Monday August 13th, 2012 9:58:54 AM
Brom bristles as Sal Theringer lays out the situation and the barbarian's choices, but even he can see a fight can have only one ending. Still, Brom has his pride, and he will not knuckle under pressure. Dropping a handful of coin on a table, he stalks towards the door.

A distressed Harvest and diplomatic Gerox try and block the barbarians way, but must either step aside or be walked over. In seconds, Brom is gone from the room. He pounds down to the docks, but finds no release; the docks are built and no ships have come in. Following the sounds of heavy work, Brom does come to where the city's defensive wall is being built. A squad of FIxers are using magic to erect the main gatehouse to the wall, and a platoon of workers are smoothing out the interior and building the rooms and special crenellations and murder holes necessary for any defense. They gladly accept a helping hand who wants to lift, carry, move, and break rocks. Handed a 20 pound sledge, Brom soon finds an outlet for his anger.

Back at the WLA headquarters building, Peza and Barratore are both uneasy at the physical challenge, but for different reasons. Peza thinks fighting should only be for practice or against enemies; solving problems among themselves should not have to use violence. Barratore on the other hand, is worried that the fight is not ritualistic enough, nor for the right prize. Challenging a leader should be more deliberate, and only for the right to become a leader. Nevertheless, both cleric and fighter hold thier hand and tongue and stay in the building.

Bralin also remains as silent as the stone he serves.

Lemick tries to reduce the tension in the room and ask, in a nicer tone than the barbarian, if there may be something more in the way of what the group thinks is important rather than what the Fixers think is important. Captain Theringer loses the tension in his stance and face and tries to fully explain the current situation. "The Fixers provided these items to you because that is all they have available. The entire city is scrapping the bottom of the barrel until Second Fleet arrives, which is why Artus and a flotilla of ships is going out to meet them and ensure nothing happens to the fleet. While truck gardens are planted all over the city area, no fields are planted, and we are still eating from what we have brought, from fishing, and a great deal from the spells of the Fixers and other clerics. And, with using thier spells for food, building, and keeping some in reserve for a fight with the Beastlords at any time, I expect there are very few spells available for other things like making magic items. Still, if you can agree on one item, I will try and see if I can get it made."

Theringer pauses before continuing. "That's the bad news. The good news is that the SeaSprite was well stocked with anything I and a team of logistics experts could possibly think of. And like I've already said, since this is a WLA expedition, the WLA should be able to provide you with one mule and as much non-magic specialty equipment, kits, tools, and food you can carry. What's more, you don't have to buy it, only return to stocks whatever you don't use."

The Captain glances at the door Brom left out of, and purses his lips. "I wouldn't worry about young Brom. Let him let off some steam and I'm sure he'll come around. I was much like him when I was your age; not willing to listen to reality and only concerned with my own situation. I learned, but have the scars to show for it. Don't worry, there is no danger about him losing his WLA membership." The ranger unbends enough to actually smile. "If we revoked membership over every bit of temper, there wouldn't be a WLA!"

.................

For the next week, the group works with Captain Sal to make a list of food, tools, kits, and equipment up to 200 pounds, which is a medium load for a mule. The Ranger reminds the group that there is no time limit on the expedition, they can take thier time and use thier woods skills to find food and water. He suggests that they keep 3 days rations in reserve, which could probably get them back to Rum if they went in a straight line and did not dawdle.

On the night before departure, Captain Sal Theringer invites the WLAers and staff and Torian Silverleaf (who is a WLA member as well as a Fixer) to a going-away dinner party. He carefully looks around to make sure all of the WLAers are there.



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Monday August 13th, 2012 10:55:55 AM
During the week, Brom has spent a lot of time working at the outer walls. He also has spent time preparing for the excursion into the jungle gathering supplies among other things.

He is at attendance at the dinner the night before they leave but is very quiet and doesn't speak only listening to what conversation can be heard.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+5=15 ;
Monday August 13th, 2012 5:12:44 PM

It is saddening to hear that the city is scraping the bottom of a barrel. There must be many who are needy. Harvest Moon turns for a glance at Brom's retreating back. He did not want her monies.

"Will you take these?" Harvest Moon holds the pouch up to Captain Sal Theringer. "I am ... not familiar with the use of monies," she adds. "And if it will help the city ... " Harvest Moon leaves the sentiment at that, only lifting the pouch hire so that the League Adventurer Captain might take it.

In addition to her daily tasks, helping to build upon the town of Rum (where she spies Brom upon occasion), combing the beach for good sea grasses, and tending her garden, there is now the new task of preparing for the expedition.

From the stores of the League Adventurers, Harvest Moon picks some small simple things. Things easily stored. Most of her time is spent with the mule. It is a small and sturdy animal, and she names it Eeoh. Through coaxing and mostly kind, but occasionally stern words, Harvest Moon trains the Eeoh to stay and then to walk upon command.

5lbs Climber's Kit
1lbs Healer's Kit
1lbs Masterwork Camouflage tools (for stealth)
15lbs Pack Saddle (For Mule)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Handle Animal 15 to teach the mule to Stop and Start

Bralin the Stonesinger 
Monday August 13th, 2012 6:27:25 PM
Bralin is impassive during both Brom's outburst and Theringer's retort. The dwarf spends the bulk of the next couple of days carefully carving a figurine out of a bit of rock he has found. By the time of the dinner, it resembles a male human, although the fine features haven't been completed yet.

Peza 
Monday August 13th, 2012 9:04:38 PM
Peza makes sure to add some spices to the list .... add some flavor to the bland food they'll catch ...

During the week she continues to help out in the WLA neighborhood .... building blocks to friendship and infomation network ... neighborhood gossip was the lifeblood of pulse of the area .... [knowledge - local] ...
while walking about she also practices using her new compass ... should come in handy in the wild

At the dinner party Peza gives the barbarian a quick smile and wave ... welcoming him back ... but gives him his space ...

Raiding the WLA stores she puts together a list of goods .....

Falcata - 10 gps
Bolts - 4 gps [40]
compass - 10 gps
Lasso - 1 sp
pot, iron 8 sp *
Saw - 4 cp *
shovel - 4 gps [2] *
Spear - small fish spear 1 gp *
Bucket - 5 sp *

* these will be packed onto the mule



Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=24 ;
Monday August 13th, 2012 9:37:43 PM
Lemick listens to the Captain glad that the level of frustration quickly faded from his face and that he seemed to honestly understand Brom's view. It also gave him a better idea of the political stresses of the city - much different than the well established areas he had come from -- though city politics were new, stress wasn't.

Finding the situation diffused, Lemick thanks the Captain and nods in understanding. "We all want the same goal, though some may fear inadvertantly being taken advantage of, or are unnerved as others (thinking of Scully's crew) get more than they deserve for doing less.

--
The time passes and Lemick makes himself useful -- digs if necessary, helps haul materials, roof some houses, etc. He's not particular about who he helps but goes to different areas each day. At the completion of each day, tired, he leaves a token of luck -- some hidden, some buried, others slipped into a pocket or tossed into a empty pot to be found later -- in all, near 20 gp are left to offer others a day of luck. "The luck is dealt, though good or bad can come of it -- that he leaves to Waard to decide."

During his time of helping, Lemick attempts to get a better feel of how the city dwellers are doing, thoughts, fears, plans, goals, and rumors. (Perception or Diplomacy: 24 Not sure which now contains the old Gather Information, but the bonus for these are the same)

--
In terms of supplies, Lemick requests 200' of rope and a grapple. He also inquires if they have any trap kits, even if it's something simple like thread and a bell. Camping out in unknown turf, they need an alarm system. He also gets some extra bells and whistles thinking he may secure them on the girls.

Attending, Lemick nods to see Brom present, hopeful his tension has been worked out.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  d20=4 ;
Monday August 13th, 2012 10:03:43 PM
(ooc you never gave me any answers on my local knowledge check from a couple posts ago trying to think of anyone who might want to go. rolled an 18 for local knowledge)

Gerox will add to the list for the mule.

200' of rope
10 water skins
8 small tin bowls good for serving meals
10 empty canvas sacks

Gerox will spend his week still helping out where he can but also actively recruiting for someone to come along to help keep the campsite and protect the mule. He will offer good pay 20 gps for an approximate month long journey for an experience person.

Co-DM SteveK (Expedition Prep Week) 
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 10:34:31 AM
Brom spends most of the week working at the outer walls, but also does not neglect preparing for the excursion into the interior of the island (ooc: if he doesn't have a list on his PC sheet or put on the mule, it is not gathered). He comes to the dinner the night before leaving but keeps his own counsel.

Harvest Moon offers her coing to the Captain who smiles at the girl. "We are not badly off, Harvest Moon, just that we are a pioneer town that doesn't have all the ammenities yet. I have been stressing what is NOT available because some people in Rum are offended that in four months work we can't relax and take it easy like Plateau City. Please, keep your money. You may realize later that you can do much good with it."

Harvest goes about her daily tasks and also prepares for the expedition. She names and trains the Mule, who becomes very friendly with the half-elf, especially around feeding time, and seems quite docile even with the full load.

Bralin spends the bulk of the next couple of days carefully carving a figurine out of a bit of rock he has found.

Peza adds to the list, and continues to help out in the WLA neighborhood. The gossip that she gets is rumor of the Second Fleet arrival is already common knowledge, it brings a sense of renewed building so the newbies will be impressed with what has been done by the First Fleet. She also finds that the neighbors hold both Scully's Heroes and the WLAers in high regard for what they have done in the nieghborhood, and that the expeditions are also known about. Peza gets lots of 'good luck's and other well-wishes.

Lemick seems to have a fine grasp of the situation and possible fears of others, and the Captain again appears to file that thought away for the future. Lemick makes himself useful and leaves a token of luck to encourage the luck of Wardd, and his conversations with the pioneer people are very similar to Peza's.

Gerox adds to the mule list easily. However, he has had a very difficult time finding anyone who wants to go on the expedition; the sense of purpose and the building of the city are taking first priority on just about everyone. There just isn't anyone to hire at any price. At last, on the afternoon before the dinner, the little gnome sorcerer meets a clean, short-bearded dwarf at a small drink shop. Exchanging names, Gerox finds he is called Arno, and is willing to hear what the situation is before making a decsion. Arno agrees to that he will meet at the WLA headquarters for dinner and promises to 'bring his kit'.

...............

Theringer looks over the list and adds a couple things. On consideration, he has a staffer run about and after a couple days (and a lot lighter purse) the Captain is able to provide a second Mule for the team, who is already trained as well as Eeoh.

At the dinner, he welcomes everyone to eat and drink first, even the new dwarf Arno that Gerox found.

"Time for introductions and any last questions before you are off in the morning."
..................

Eeoh the Mule: Tricks: Stop and Start
Mule #2: Tricks: Stop and Start

2ea Pack Saddle, Bridle, Lead rope

Kits
3ea Climber's Kit
2ea Healer's Kit (20 doses)
1ea Mstrwk Disguise Kit (10 doses)
1ea Bell&String Alarm Kit
1ea Armor Repair Kit
1ea Arrow Making Kit
1ea Fishing Kit (line, tackle, small tri-spear)
1ea Trap-making Kit (1 large, 2 Med, or 4 Small traps; potentially reusable)

Weapons
2ea longsword
2ea shortbow
2ea handaxe
1ea crossbow
40 bolts
40 arrows

Tools
Shovel, Pick, Wiresaw
Iron Pot
Wood Bucket
200' rope
8 wooden whistles
8 metal bells
10 water skins
8 small tin bowls good for serving meals
10 empty canvas sacks
2 waterproof tarps 10x10
24 torches

one week traveller rations for each person on expedition

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 12:37:38 PM
Barratore will be bringing his original set of Studded Leather as well At the Dinner the minotaur takes advantage of the food and tries to sit back relax and enjoy himself but not voerly so on the ale

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 7:52:55 PM

It is wonderful for Eeoh to have a friend, and Harvest Moon names the mule, Sister Sarah.

"Is there a way in which we might send a message quickly to Rum," she asks. "If we find the Beastlords," continues Harvest Moon, "I think that we will wish to do so."

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=26 ;
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 8:33:14 PM
Lemick watches as the various supplies requested in specifics or generality are provided. He seems pleased with such an offering and looks to the others to judge their appreciation - in particular Brom's (due to previous frustration), Harvest (due to over sympathizing) and Arno (due to his new-ness)

Perception: 26

At Harvest's suggestion, Lemick smiles acknowledging that good idea, wishing it had come to his mind.

"Captain, I would like to thank you for your effort in gathering these supplies. The extra mule, er Sister Sarah as she'll apparently be called, is much appreciated knowing how scarce these types of resources are. Money or not, certain items are hard to acquire in Frontier Rum."


Lemick main question is whether or not the Captain was able to find a vague map. Something for them to start with

Bralin the Stonesinger 
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 8:51:14 PM
Bralin extends an arm to Arno. "Well met," he greets the dwarf.

Other than those words, Bralin maintains a patient silence.

Peza 
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 8:55:14 PM
Peza relaxes ... enjoying the atmosphere of the dinner .... she warmly greets the newcomer

"Welcome ....I'm Peza ... so i hear your thinking of joining us on our expedtion into the wilds of the island ..
we would be happy for you to help us ... so tell us a little about yourself ....."

" I'm originally from Plateau City myself .... a city girl " she says with a smile " so this is a just such a new experience ... actually building a whole city and surrounding areas from it foundations ..." she adds with enthisiasm



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Tuesday August 14th, 2012 9:13:20 PM
Gerox leads the new dwarf to the WLA dinner. "The Fixers are sending us on a mapping mission to scout around and see what resources, monsters and the land looks like. I am looking for someone to stay at camp and tend to the pack animals while we travel deeper in the bush. I was thinking of a teamster or even a promising youngster. You seem to be more experience than I was looking for since you have your own kit. Can you tell me your experiences and skills? "

Once they get to the to the dinner, he introduces Arno around to the others and invites him to sit and eat."Arno is thinking about travelling with us. I have a feeling that he has more skills then I was originally looking for but we can always use good dwarves to travel with us."

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 7:39:37 AM
Brom is up and his gear loaded and ready to go. (It's on his sheet.) He waits now for the others to be ready.

Arno  d100=62 ;
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 9:22:04 AM
Arno looks around at the faces, who were watching him. This kind of attention always caused him to assert control. Besides doing his best work in less than lighted places, attention in general made him, queasy. And women folk, ones he didn't know, made his nose twitch.

He nodded at the greetings, "Well met all. I have been around these part for a while. Been on a two less than successful missions. I came back. The others... The leadership in each were less than experienced. So I am anxious to join a group that has been a round the block. Thank you for considering me."



Co-DM SteveK (Expedition Prep Week) 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 10:39:27 AM
While there is some who are appreciative of the gear, only Harvest has any suggestions as to the minor magic that Captain Sal Theringer said the Fixers may be able to provide despite how overworked everyone is. At her suggestion, the grizzled ranger gives a small smile and places on the table a fist-sized stone of amber, easily worth 1000 gold!

"The FIxers have been facinated by the Blue Stone you brought back and have been trying to activate it or find out how it works. They haven't been able to do the first, but this is the results of the second effort. They call it a Telestone. Once a day, you can activate it and for one minute, you will be able to speak and listen to a person on the only other Telestone on Fixer Island similar to a Clairaudience spell. Torian Silverleaf told me that they don't know how stable it is or what the range is, but it should be at least anywhere on the island."

Arno the Dwarf introduces himself, and seems shy especially around the curious Peza. Surprisingly, the Captain knows a little of the cleanly dwarf and supplies some information. He tells some information that the heroes all know about to ensure Arno is also up to date on what is going on.

"The Woldian League of Adventurers is very good at finding information, and we like to keep aware of other forces in the area in which we operate. Arno here was a hired treasure hunter for the Rhemora ship, Bruggess, and sailed with the Fixer Fleet. The Bruggess was lost in that great storm a month out of Liontaur Island, and a Fixer ship picked up Arno here clinging to some wreckage. Once you arrived here and started setting up the city, Arno hired on with the adventuring group led by the Mailed Fist, a mercenary group with a hard-but-fair reputation. When the tunnels opened up all over the city and the spider-taurs attacked, thier leader immediately led thier group into a charge down the tunnels... only Arno came back up, but with one of the people who was kidnapped. He's had some hard luck, but maybe bumping into Gerox will change it, by Wardd."

"Arno, these young heroes are the adventuring arm of the Woldian League of Adventurers here in Rum. They were able to survive the 6 month voyage from New Elennia to here, and were also fought off the spider-taurs in Rum. They then went down the holes, rescuing two kidnappees, reaving a nest of spider-taur and kobolds, and brought back some valuable information that these monsters have been created by a group calling themselves the BeastLords."

Captain Sal Theringer is a scarred and weatherworn ranger, usually of little words. These past several days has been a trial for him, talking more than he has total in the past year! He is also the WLA officer in charge of the WLA outpost in Rum, responsible for the political coordination of the group, thier training, and sometimes providing information and equipment. He provides some more information right now.

"The WLAers here are going on an exploration of the island, starting tomorrow morning. We don't know nearly enough about the island's interior and there could be clues about the BeastLords. It's going to be a trek of at least a month, and there is no telling what you will find." The Captain shrewdly looks at the necklace with the sign of Wardd dangling from the young dwarf's neck. " Are you interested in joining the group and seeing if your Luck will change?"

.........................

ooc: Everyone, welcome Arno, played by James to the group! Please give a brief description of your PCs for James/Arno (and vice/versa)

Building of Rum: Many of the tents around the city are down, with real houses and stores taking thier place made of wood, stone, and stucco. The major roads are paved with smooth stones even as the secondary are still gravel and the alleys are packed dirt. The city wall is beginning. The main defenses for the city right now is a citadel on a small hill on the north side of Rum, and the tower of the Fixers on Fixer Island in the harbor.



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 12:42:43 PM

Harvest Moon's half-elfish face splits into a broad grin as she accepts the magic Telling Stone from Captain Sal Theringer. She stretches up her thin emaciated arms to her friend Peza to present the Telling Stone to her. Then, as though seeing him for the first time, Harvest Moon peers with her large dark-gray eyes from around the curve of Peza's hip at the dwarf brought by Gerox Shale. It is curious, that after the departure of Crag Hammerfist, that another dwarf should appear, and she wonders whether this might not be Crag Hammerfist in a different form, much in the same way that a butterfly returns from whence a caterpillar went.

The single arching lock of hair that she keeps on her otherwise shaved head, slips down once more over her eye, and Harvest Moon shoos it back up to its place with a puff of breath. This dwarf does not look like Crag Hammerfist. Perhaps her idea is wrong.

"I am Harvest Moon," she says, coming around from behind Peza. Once out from behind her friend, the deceptively frail appearing form of the thirteen year old half-elf is revealed. Now, better fed, than she has ever been in her life, her new clothing of sea grasses, wrapped and tied about her body, accentuate her thin arms and legs in a way that her old oversized burlap robe never had. Perhaps this is why she wears the fierce looking polearm at her back. With a curved blade as well as a spiked point, it stands over twice her height.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 5:10:08 PM
Gerox is a gnome who stands around 3'2" tall and maybe weighs 45 pound with his clothes on. His hair is a dark green color and his skin the color of a nice ripe peach. He does carry some daggers but beyond that seems pretty harmless.

Gerox lifts his flagon to Arno and says, "Well are you up for it? Feel like tramping around the countryside exploring and looking for threats to Rum?"

Gerox takes a healthy sip of his wine and cuts a piece of cheese which he pops into his mouth. "If so, I suggest you eat heartily. I doubt we will see grub like this for a while."

Bralin the Stonesinger 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 7:46:57 PM
"I am Bralin Stonesinger," the dwarf introduces himself to Arno. "An Oracle of the Stone."

Bralin pauses, scratching at his black beard, aware he should clarify his title, but at a loss how to do so within the short time of an introductory greeting. At last, he merely nods again.

He looks to all the world like a warrior, encased in dull black armor, and carrying both shield and war axe, making the Oracle title all the stranger.

Comfortable in the background, he waits for the next development.

Peza 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 9:20:53 PM
Peza listens as the Captain passes on his infomation about some of what Arno has gone through since he started his journey to Rum ...

"Seems you been through quite a bit of action... and bringing back one of the kidnapped townsfolk from the tunnels .... that speaks well of you " chimes in the raven haired girl ... she grabs a a couple mugs of ale ... hands one to Arno .. " well heres to new friends and new adventures " as she raises her mug in toast to the dwarf .... completely oblivious to the dwarfs uneaseness with the smarter gender ;-)

The petite ranger stands 5'4 .... with a light crossbow slung over her back ... dressed in black and grey leather ... she is obiviously outgoing ... and good friends with the little waif peeking around her [harvest]

Welcome to Rum James !! you should link your character sheet to the page

+

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Wednesday August 15th, 2012 9:23:36 PM
"I'm Lemick, aide of Waard," replies a young human. His stature is typical of a farm lad, 20 years at best with just the beginnings of facial hair appearing though not enough to shave yet. He's clothes likely didn't match when new, but now that they are well worn, their fadedness goes together. His hair is relatively short, but in disarray (to long for a buzz, not long enough for the weight of his hair to lay flat).

---
OOC: Welcome James.



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Thursday August 16th, 2012 7:48:14 AM
Welcome to Rum James.

Brom is a six and a half feet tall human. He wears breastplate and wields a two handed sword. His nose is crooked and slightly mashed and looks like it's taken a few punches. He also has several large scars on his left forearm and shoulder.


Arno 
Thursday August 16th, 2012 11:47:25 AM
As the rest of the group examines their new possible team mate, they notice that his studded leather armor is exceptionally clean. Not like he just bought it, but that it has been taken care of. The same goes for his full backpack, His weapons you can see are a dagger on one side and what looks like a kukri on the other. Not something you would see a normal dwarf to carry. But then he not like a normal dwarf in that his beard is close cut, not long. And his appearance can only be described as clean.

He is always polite when anyone speaks to him, but a little distant as you’d expect a new person coming into an established group. His movements are precise and exact, with not wasted motion. His eyes never stay still and his hands seem to brush against his weapons as if to reassure they are there. The same seem to go for his pack, resting at his feet.

Nodding slightly, Arno says, “Thank you. I would like to accompany you, yes.” His voice does not seem to be that of a dwarf. Polite, but it’s strong without being boisterous, and though it wasn’t loud, it carried to everyone within earshot.

OOC: Thank you everyone. I don’t know how to link my character sheet or I would, so if someone could please tell me how to do that, I’d appreciate it.

DMSteveK - I'll give you an email.

Exploring the Island


Co-DM SteveK (Into the Bush) 
Thursday August 16th, 2012 5:53:48 PM
Introductions made, equipment settled, and communication with the town assured, the WLA heroes are ready to go off on thier exploration.

The day dawns bright and clear as the eight heroes and 2 mules make thier way through the half-finished streets of Rum to the main gatehouse. Workers there pause to give Brom a wave for the help he supplied the week before, and away they go!

Within a half-mile of the wall, the last signs of civilization have ended. The terrain is mostly forested and hilly and the going is slow. Small streams and trickles cross between each hill, and nearly every hill has a meadow area where going is easier.

Going straight into the island for a day and making camp, Harvest notices something unusual with the Fixers map. It is only drawing a thin line on the parchment!

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=18 ;
Thursday August 16th, 2012 6:33:14 PM
The minotaur moves to extend his hand to the newest member of the group, "I am Barratore Steelwind of the Starlight clan. Well met dwarf Anro." Barratore is a large powerfully built minotaur with a large barrel chest, powerful arms and thick legs. He appears designed for one task, combat. A large bastard sword hangs at his side and a small stack of javelins in a sheathe on his back. His eyes are large black orbs, with a black diamond mark between them that stretches from the top of his head to his snout. His fur is a reddish brown with streaks of black as well. Barratore dresses in well kept Breastplate armor with an oil skinned leather cloak, a brown waist coat that comes to about mid thigh with pockets, a belt pouch and pack

If the minotaur finds the dwarf's appearence odd, he doesn't show it. Barratore does let his gaze linger on him on the whole. Perhaps sizing him up and mentally placing him within the groups hierarchy. Barratore nods to an unspoken question and then steps away to grab his pack

Barratore walks near the front of the group, javelin in hand and casually takes in the surroundings as they proceed away from the city. [Perception 18]
Noticing the map, Barratore offers, "It was said the map drew what you would see. perhpas the entire map represents the entire possible island and what is being drawn is all you see from here. We are looking at the map as if from a great height? Maybe as the map holder you can will a closer view?"

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=15 ; d20+12=19 ;
Thursday August 16th, 2012 7:35:12 PM

Harvest Moon looks up from the map at Barratore Steelwind. She had been much distracted from foraging, and despite the bounty of the land, she hand been able to find less than she had wanted to for the League Adventurers.

Where are the streams and hills and meadows? 'We are looking at the map as if from a great height? Maybe as the map holder you can will a closer view?' Harvest Moon nods her ascent to the minotaur and turns back again to the Fixer Map. She imagines herself a great bird with steely eyes and a curved beak. She folds her wings, allowing the air to drop out from under her, and she dives back down toward the earth, back to the forested hills, back to the interspersed meadows, back to the streams that wend their way between, back to the camp and the small band of peoples. The mind's eye of Harvest Moon takes the air under her once again and rides the currents just above.

And she looks down once again at the map.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Survival 15 for Foraging: Self and two other persons.
Perception 19

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18 
Thursday August 16th, 2012 9:34:53 PM
Lemick enjoys the walk, being watchful most of the time, but without any lurking dangers hour after hour his mind wanders. He considers the clouds to see if Waard has sent him any other messages as he had with the WLA.

The map perplexes him, unsure how much detail should have been present -- mages tended to overstate their magicks just as artist and daredevils do. "Perhaps if you touch it at a specific location it will fly down and give us a more local view?"

Peza  d20+6=26 ; d20+7=15 ;
Thursday August 16th, 2012 9:41:13 PM
Well rested from a good nights sleep ... Peza takes point position .... leading the group through the forest and hills ... searching for paths or open walking areas for a ease of movement ..[survival check d20+7=15]

As she walks .... the ranger keeps her eyes and ears open for tracks and sounds of creatures ... getting a sense of the reas eco systym

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Thursday August 16th, 2012 10:18:56 PM
Gerox uses his speak with animal spell to introduce himself to both mules trying to win their trust and friendship. As the group moves off into the jungle and the strangeness of the map is discovered, he pipes in, "Could it just be the scale of the map? Maybe we should try and envision the draw section bigger. We could also take some time to walk in a circle to see if the map fills in. " He ponders some more and says, "Harvest why don't you try and climb a tree so you can see farther. See what happens with the map then."

After the group makes camp, Gerox will set up the camp fire peeble. "Did anyone see any good hunting along the way? We should pause when we see it to take advantage of it." Gerox also takes some time to fill his waterskin along the way or at the camp if they are near a clean water source.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=12 ; d20+7=12 ;
Friday August 17th, 2012 10:24:35 AM
Brom is out front with his great axe in hand. He clears underbrush and small trees to give the others and the mules a better path to navigate. He keeps his eyes out for danger, both natural am unnatural.

Survival dc12, Perception dc12.

Co-DM SteveK (Learning of the Map) 
Friday August 17th, 2012 1:14:05 PM
The day and weather have been cooperative and the group have made thier first camp. With the magical Tent set up and a fire going, the group is able to sit down to dinner. Between the Survival knowledge and skills of Harvest, Peza, and Brom (the only ones to do a Survival Check), they have enough food for all eight adventurers; a combination of edible (and sometimes tasty) plants, fungi, and a few shot squirrels. Brom has enlarged the trail they are making just a bit, and Gerox considers refilling waterskins, though he doesn't know what is a clean watersource (Skill check?). Eeoh and Sarah have been able to forage enough on thier own, so the group doesn't have to break into thier stores at all. Maybe they ARE experienced enough to live off the land!

While most of the group has been content to just look and let the environment wash over them in a wholeistic immersion, Barratore, Harvest, and Brom (the only ones to have done a Perception or Knowledge Check) have taken a closer look at their surroundings. They have seen the area is hilly and forested, with occasional meadows of tall grasses and hidden ponds and swampy ground among the low areas. Insects abound, and the sounds and occasional flushing of animals in hiding indicate a normal level of activity by normal temperate animals. Further away, the occasional fox, deer, or eagle is seen going about their own business. At night, insects take up thier calls, and the hero's fire reflects the eyes of curious animals, with the occasional bat or owl sweeping through to grab at the attracted insects.

The map is perplexing, but with Harvest, Barratore, Lemick, and Gerox pondering the image, the answer becomes easy to recognize. The map isn't just a line. Looking at the map closer, the line thickens and thins and has textures and colors. It is in fact a faithful representation of everything Harvest was able to see within a couple hundred feet! There is the blue line of the stream they last crossed, and the openness of the meadow receding into a very thin line when the trees bunched in close about the group! it dawns on the group that they can't just walk in a straight line, but will have to range over every hill and valley to get a good map.

Evening is passing and night is approaching. While having a camp, the WLAers have about an hour to determine how they are going to spend the night out in the open, away from the shelter of city walls and comfort of other people...

Arno  d20=12 ;
Friday August 17th, 2012 2:47:27 PM
As the night comes upon them, Arno starts to feel more alive. The darkness has always been his friend. With no real duties except maybe gathering more firewood, Arno makes a circle of the camp trying to note if he can make out any danger out there.

Perception: 23

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=14 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=28 ;
Friday August 17th, 2012 3:21:46 PM

It is a great relief to find that the map is not already broken. That it is as Barratore Steelwind has said. It is only that the view from very high up does not yield the detail that can be had from a closer look. To fill in more details, it will be necessary to crisscross back and forth in the manner of filling in a drawn shape with a pen or chalk. Perhaps it would be best to trace the entire outline of the island by traveling the coastline first, thinks Harvest Moon. And she asks the other League Adventurers their thoughts upon this idea. Harvest Moon looks about her at the terrain, but, as it is, this evening it is difficult for her to know which might be the best direction in which to head for the coast.

As the sun begins to set over the edge of the Wold, Harvest Moon spends some time with Eeoh and Sister Sarah. She speaks to them with wordless soothing noises and feeds them tender plants that she had foraged during the day. They are kindly animals. Sometimes stubborn, but generally good natured.

Before night fully falls and she settles in for sleep, Harvest Moon observes the sky, she feels the air, she touches the leaves of the plants, and through these things, determines the weather for the next four days.

And when Harvest Moon is waken for her shift at watch, she maintains a vigilant eye, her sight, born of the elf, sees clearly in the light of the moons of the Wold.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Knowledge Nature 14 (To determine best direction to head for the coast)
Knowledge Geography 10 (To determine best direction to head for the coast)

Handle Animal 14 (for affinity with the mules.)
Survival 32 for predicting weather = Next 24hrs and 3 days beyond that.
Perception 28 (For watch)

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=15 ;
Saturday August 18th, 2012 5:32:25 PM
Barratore agrees with the others that the group is going to need to pattern thier walking, but he still believes the group should move to create a base camp and pattern out from there. "I say move for another few days, then set our camp and spiral from it". The minotaur volunteers for the first hours of the watch

[perception 15]

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Sunday August 19th, 2012 11:44:41 PM
Gerox holds a pointed stick to the fire with a skinned squirrel upon it, he slowly turns the furry tailed rodent to evenly cook it. "I don't think we should take up any grid walking to try and fill in the map yet. I think we should just take another day of hiking looking for a good base camp to stay in. From there we can scout around for 3 days heading in 3 different directions making a loop. Remember, we are here to look for resources for Rum, possible issues and enemies and see if we can find any trail of these Beastlords. As we do our loops, I think we keep an eye out for those things. I am not interested in becoming a mapmaker, but using the map as a tool. Once we find something of interest, we fill in the map more closely."

Gerox will take the predawn shift to make sure I can get my spells back from the previous day.

Daily activities:
Everynight before bed, Gerox will cast his speak with animal spell (if available) to check in with the mules. He will include Harvest in this so they both can train the animals to more tricks.

During the day's march, Gerox will do a perception check taking 10 for a 15 every 5 minutes. He will take in terrain, possible food sources and other resources and of course look for danger

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=25 ; d20+7=18 ;
Monday August 20th, 2012 8:47:23 AM
Survival dc25, perception dc18

Brom agrees with the others. A central camp is probably the best course of action. There are enough who understand nature well enough, they should ne able to fond s good defensible location.

Brom will take either a dusk or last shift, preferring to be alert during many predator's hunting times.

Co-DM SteveK (First Night Out) 
Monday August 20th, 2012 9:40:55 AM
Night falls quickly in the forest, and the sounds increase as light diminishes. Warbles, chirps, and buzzing sounds come alive as Insects take up thier calls. The hero's fire reflects the eyes of curious animals, with the occasional bat or owl sweeping through to grab at the attracted insects.

Now that the secret of the map is discovered, the group is falling into to thoughts on how to accurately map the island. Harvest suggests to circumnavigate the island and then do a crossing pattern to fill in the space. Barratore suggets a central camp and then ranging out from there. Gerox and Brom agree with Barratore, and the rest realize they have to choose as well. The group is naturally falling into a system recognized by many other adventuring parties who do not have a clear, strong leader: the majority rules, and the rest will agree to the plan of the moment, knowing that they may be in the majority the next time a descision is called.

Another question arises once the first is settled; the question of keeping a watch, and how. The spellcasters need 8 hours of rest a day (not necessary for it to be uninterrupted), and an hour's watch each is the simplist method available. By whatever method the group chooses, Arno, Harvest, Barratore, and Brom all know they have to keep thier eyes open while they guard their companions and the two mules.

Harvest, with her affinity for maps and hard-won skills know the best way to the coast from here is right back to Rum, where Scully's Heroes have sailed out a week prior to do a detailed mapping of the coastline. To avoid Rum and get to the coast, she doesn't think it really matters if they head north or south. Eeoh and Sarah are even-tempered animals and the half-elf has little problem getting them thier feed and calming down for the night. With the last of the light, Harvest is able to predict that there will probably be some rain every day for the next 3 days, but not a big storm.

Gerox finds that the two mules are fairly intelligent for members of thier species, and while they understand they are not as safe as within a stable and many people, neither one minds walking in the grass and water for most of the day. "Easy work", nods Eeoh while looking at Sarah and Gerox. "Good food. Interesting", replies Sarah agreeing.

The night is deep with only the orange glow of the campfire reflecting the thin tent entrance. It is time for the watches and sleep.

...............

ooc: PbP format is difficult to coordinate some things that are easy on a tabletop, like when each person is taking a shift. My plan is I will take the number of PCs that are on watch-shift and if a random encounter or planned night encounter occurs, I'll just roll a die to determine who happens to be on watch.

This means it doesn't matter who is watching when. All the Player has to do is Roll any relevant skills for thier shift (whenever that is), and the die will determine when something happens.

So far, Arno, Harvest, Barratore, and Brom are alert enough during thier watch to possibly notice anything (if anything is there to be noticed).

Arno  d20=17 ;
Monday August 20th, 2012 12:48:06 PM
During his watch, Arno makes a circuit of the perimeter, and keeps to the shadows as much as he can. He is reminded too much of his previous expeditions, so is being even more cautious and more alert than normal. He hasn't seen any of these people in action, so waits to form any opinion. His mind wanders a bit to the books in his pack. He is determined to start to lay a foundation for his businesses when he can get enough scratch to buy a plot. Brushing at some imaginary dirt, he sighs as he swivels his head. He knows hes been lucky so far. He just hopes it still runs true. Brushing against his weapons, he feels the blowgun strapped to his forearm. he smiled at some of the lame comments, that was until he proved that he was a deadly aim with it at a tavern once. The second was when he took down some bandits with the sleep toxin he had coated those darts with; if he wanted to it could have been the poison. But he was trying to be good.

Going back and stiring up the embers of the fire, he went and sat down on a big piece of wood that would probably go into the fire to keep it going the rest of the night. Arno pondered the mapping question. He has been more used to someone just saying 'this what we are going to do' verses asking what everyone thought. So he thought.

Honestly he felt that Moon had the right idea. She seemed to know what she was talking about and it had nothing top do with her being a female or part elf. Besides, with the ocean on one side of them they would always have an idea of the right direction. Normally the sea would provide protection; butArno has found that there are things that venture from the water; deadly things. Well, that's what they pay me for, he thought. Still, he liked her idea better and better. Looking around more closely, he stood up. Time for another silent and cautious stroll around the camp.

Stealth: +26

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Monday August 20th, 2012 1:07:13 PM

Harvest Moon spends a portion of her watch, drawing and writing in her book of maps. Frequently, and at unpredictable intervals, she raises her head to look about the camp and listen into the night with her keen half-elven senses.

To establish a camp for a base is not a thing that she would have considered. Rum is their base, is it not? Would it not be best, and most orderly to begin there and map outward?

And yet, thinks Harvest Moon, if the island is big, it may be best to find another base from which to begin. The area around Rum might be easily mapped by those already within the city. It is for they, the explorers of the Woldian League, to map the more difficult places. Also, such a secondary base might one day provide a convenient place for an extension of Rum. A fort, perhaps, charged with protecting the outlying areas of Rum. Or, perhaps a village that supplies Rum with food or timber or metal ores.

The wisdom of Gerox, Brom and Barratore Steelwind now comes clear. One or two days out from Rum should be ideal for such a place, and Harvest Moon begins a list, penning it within her book, of things that such a base should have. Tomorrow she will speak of these things with the others. She begins her list with ...

Water.
Woods. (Timber and hunting.)
Defense.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+4=8 ; d20+4=7 ;
Monday August 20th, 2012 4:58:34 PM
Lemick finds com fort away from hussle of the ever expanding city of Rum. While no expert, he preferred the quite of the wild -- course that generally meant the tamed wild.

He'll take whatever watch is necessary as his spell skills were not necessary this day.

At the camp, Lemick takes a closer look at the over environment from the contour of the land and it's naturalness, looking for things that seem out of place or unnatural (Knowledge Nature 8, Knowledge Geogrpahy: 7).

Lemick puts his vote in for Barratore's idea, spiralling out, figuring that would allow them to always be closest to "safe" areas.



Bralin the Stonesinger  d20=2 ; d20+4=10 ;
Monday August 20th, 2012 9:09:02 PM
Perception 2
Survival 10

Bralin spends an uncomfortable night in the open, with "open" being the key phrase. The numerous stars in the sky only accentuate the lack of a nice closed roof, which the dwarf was able to ignore more easily with the various duties of travel upon him.

His diligence wains as he becomes more distracted by the night sky, and he even finds several excuses to duck back into the tent.



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Monday August 20th, 2012 9:12:19 PM
Gerox sleeps well and wakes for his shift without being woken. He stretches, yawns and then leaves the tent to relieve whomever happens to be on guard duty at that time.

Before dawn comes he will start boiling some water and preparing breakfast for the group, while taking in the sunrise.

Peza  d20+1=21 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+11=24 ;
Monday August 20th, 2012 9:15:17 PM
Trekking along Peza keeps her eyes and ears open .... she absorbs what she see's [d20+1=21 !! know - geography]...

During the discussion of the map and how to maximize what they see ..." well we could also stop now and again and climb a tall tree ....it will be be a different perspective but might be helpful ... at least worth a try "

Once they make camp ... the ranger decides to take the lead in cooking ...she gathers what everyone has gathered or hunted and makes a tasty stew adding some of the spices and herbs she brought along ...

" I agree .. a base camp is a good idea .... a good defensible position ... with a view "

As the group settles for the night she sleeps before she has to take her turn on watch .... when awaken for her hour she circles the camp ... finding a suitable tree she climbs up it ...settling in at her vantage point she keep a watchful eye on her surroundings .. [stealth check d20+11=24]

The owl catches her eye .... the ranger grins as it hunts .... " we're like sisters ... stealthy hunters "
it was agood sign .. if they were predators about the bats and owls would be silent ....staying hidden until the danger passed ...as the owl flies from veiw .. Pexza says a silent pray for the forest to watch over her her sister of the night ....



Arno 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 8:50:35 AM
As Arno wakes, the light temporarily blinds him. He can hear people moving around and the smell of breakfast starting. Rubbing his eyes he stands up and grabs some of the wood he has collected and sets it over by the fire, ready when needed. He then moves off a bit for his morning constitutional.

Upon returning to his place, he digs through his pack, replacing everything he had taken out. He always keeps his things ready to go. He remembers from previous times, that's whats saved him; always ready to go with everything you owned; either forward or backwards.

Glancing about, he sees he has stowed all his things. Looking up he sees it will still be a while before breakfast. Moving himself and his pack nearer the fire, pulling out one of his books, he sees its the one on paper-making, Arno starts to read.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 9:21:15 AM
Finally open sky and space to stand and not squat or hunch over. Barratore is no woodsman or hunter, but he is a taur and the joy of the vast open lands appeals to his very soul. The camp set and settled, he begins a walking path about the perimeter at thirty feet. An even pace he passes by the same point nearly every two minutes. He retires after a hundred trips

Morning calls Barratore for food and he rises relatively easily to hunt down Peza. "another day to find adventure" he says to no one in particular thanking Peza and anyone else who may have had a hand in organizing breakfast, Barratore eats and then assists in clean up

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 10:36:38 AM
Brom feels at home under the open sky. He takes his time taking in the smells and sounds of the night. When morning comes Brom puts his armor on before anything else. After exiting the tent, he grabs some food and finds a rock or log to sit and eat.

"We need to find some high ground. Just to give us some basic land features."

Co-DM SteveK (First Week) 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 11:57:17 AM
Morning dawns, and the WLAers are able to break thier fast and pack up camp with little trouble. Nothing disturbed the guards in the night, though occasionally, small eyes peeped at them from dark bushes before winking out. Nearly every hero thinks a base camp is a grand idea, and so, setting action to thought, the group heads further into the hills.

Two days of tramping later, and the group pretty much determines they are far enough away from Rum to set a permanent camp and start doing thier cloverleaf examination of the area. The group identifies an adequate area, camp is set, the nearby area is familiarized by the heroes, and daily expeditions to map the area begin!

Arno contemplates his blowgun and the sleep and poison extracts he one day hopes to get. He knows the alchemical (or natural poison) process to acquire these infusions is tricky, and unless he is more skilled in working with the concoctions, there is an even chance that he will poison himself everytime he dips a dart. So too, Rum being such a new city, there is no underground for the dwarf to find someone else to make and sell sleep or poison extracts, and poison is not something that he could just walk up and ask anyone for on market day!

Harvest started making a list of what would be a good campsite, and is pleased she found it. A stand of tall branchy pine trees provides plenty of near- wind and rain resistant roof and walls, and the acidic pine resin has kept away all groundcover. The place is fairly level with two good areas for a tent and field-expedient corral, and on the other side of the hilltop is one of those bubbling water sources.

Peza suggests occasionally climbing a tree for a better view. It won't help the map, since the group has already discovered that the maps line of sight stops at a couple hundred feet, but it may give a good veiw of the area for the heroes.

Brom suggests, more than a tall tree, to get to the highest points of the island to get a general view.

The next week convinces the group of three things. The first is that thier plan is producing a good map for the Fixers. Each evening, Harvest is able to draw her own map based on what is drawn on the Fixer Map. The group has carefully identified streams and a couple of deep, cool artesian pools, usually under cut-away sections of deep forested hills. The second is that most of this area of the island is hills and woods and it is taking a good and long time to get that accurate map (No matter, though, for the group has nothing but time!) The third is that the local fauna seem to be afraid of the group. While there are signs of fauna, the group has seen very few animals or birds of any sort.

At the end of a week, the group has fairly well mapped in all the spaces possible from this location. The terrain wihin a days walk has remained the same; forested hills with mostly broad leaf trees and stands of pines, streams, occasional meadows, and the few artesianal springs. The hills have been getting higher to the west, and the group knows they have yet to get to the spine of the island, a couple of days ahead. Harvest's weather has been very predictable, and it has been overcast most of the week, with a light drizzle through the morning and the sun breaking through just enough in the afternoon to get relatively dry before nightfall.

It is evident that the group has another decision to make. They could either do multi-day treks to gain more mapping ground, or push further into the island to find and set another camp.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 1:07:02 PM

"I think that Brom is right." One morning, after divining the weather for another two days, Harvest Moon spreads the map out beside the breakfast things. "It would be best to find a high place from which we might better see the land." She places a finger within the center of the area that they have explored so far to indicate their current location at the base that they have found. "We should go this way." Her finger and thumb form an arch over the distance between the center and the left outer edge of the discovered area. She swings her finger about the pivot of her thumb to mark out a distance even further to the left, indicating the least distance that they must travel in order to establish another base. Had she known that a tool for doing just such a thing existed, she might know its name was a Divider.

"We should go to this place. To the west. It is where the land rises." Harvest Moon lifts her head, casting about as though sniffing the wind. She finds the direction which she knows to be north and then points in a direction ninety degrees to the left of there. "That way," she says in a matter of fact tone. "West is there."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Survival Taking 10 = 22 on Weather Prediction. Predicts 2 days ahead.
w/at least 1 rank in Survival, you automatically know North.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Bralin the Stonesinger 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 8:40:17 PM
Bralin looks over the map as Harvest explains what the group should do. The dwaf merely nods his assent, and waits patiently for the others to comment.

Peza  d20+6=16 ; d20+7=26 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 8:44:22 PM
Being more of a city girl ...Peza feels a little exposed in the open ..... no walls , buildings or people moving about ... but she feels more comfortable as the days pass ...seeing her friends feeling at home in the wild ... her unease fades ..

As she explores .. the ranger notices the lack of wildlife .. at least openly .... so she changes tactics ... Peza starts to look for tracks ...droppings and other markings on the ground and trees ... all animals mark their territory in some fashion .

During the exploration she will climb up trees now and then ... hoping the veiw helps spot any movement of the local wildlife .... putting to use her WLA training skills

The raven haired girl agrees with leapfogging to another campsite .... the higher elevation should give better sight lines for spotting movement in the forest and surrounding hills

d20+6=16 perception check
d20+7=27 survival check



Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=8 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=10 ;
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 9:48:35 PM
"Higher ground is good," agrees Lemick. He's in favor of moving camp, rather than longer multi-day treks.

Lemick continues to look about for signs, especially uncharacteristic signs. The lack of fauna being one that is growing more on his mind.

Percpetion: 8 :(
Knowledge(nature): 21
knowledge(geography): 10

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Tuesday August 21st, 2012 10:50:45 PM
Gerox sighs as he looks around the camp that they had already established. He whines, "Another latrine pit to be dug, another fire pit to be ringed with rocks. I finally found a log that fit my butt just right when we we cook our food. Still no one said an adventurers life had to be comfortable. It is nicer when it is, but I guess I can endure.

He looks up at his taller companions, "I think we should try and find some altitude as well. We need to find some high ground. I bet those flying beastlord scouts live up high somewhere. While this week has been effective, all we are finding is some pine cones. Not going to pay the bills that way. Only way to get rich as an adventurer is to loot your fallen foes corpse. We need to find some foes!"

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=27 ; d20+7=15 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 8:40:15 AM
Brom gives a nod in agreement to Harvest's suggestion to head west. "I don't like we've seen little to no signs of animals in the area. Could be beastlords, but don't like it." After camp is packed up, Brom again takes lead, with axe in hand, clearing the path so others can move easier through the forest. He, like much of his companions, keeps an eye, or two, on the surroundings.

"At least you won't have ta dig one on the way back ta Rum." He says to the gnome trying to lighten his mood.

Survival dc27, perception dc15.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 8:50:51 AM

OoC: If we do move on and trek west (or trek anywhere), Harvest forages for the party. Taking 10 yields 22 which is sufficient to provide for herself and 6 others.

Perception is likewise 22 with Taking 10.

Co-DM SteveK (A Month of Exploring) 
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 10:50:29 AM
Although there is some good natured griping, the heroes all agree that high ground and a view of the island is necessary. Further, setting up a series of camps to explore the local area and then moving on seems the most sensible way to go about mapping. It is clear after the first week that while the Fixer's Map is magically accurate, it is also so shortranged, that Harvest's Map has been able to have some generalities, like the far away mountainous spine of the island that the Fixer's Map keeps blank.

There is some concern about the lack of animals in the area, and some take a closer look. There are definitely animals. The heroes can see thier eyes at night, thier tracks by day, and scat, nests, and other sign to show there is a healthy environment here. Small traps at night net the group rabbit and the occasional fox. Signs for badger, deer, wolf, otter, and beaver are also seen. Occasionally, a flash of an animal is spotted, but the larger ground animals are very, very skittish and run at the first sound of the clanking troop. Birds are seen, even large eagles near the rocky mountaintops, but other than small songbirds, and the nighttime owl and bat, they too stay away from the group.

Moving and camping and exploring have allowed the heroes to realize another bit of knowledge. As long as they take their time, they are experienced enough to live off the land. Harvest, Peza, and Brom are able to find plenty of food for the expedition, and being on an island with mountains, it is nearly impossible to be lost!

The daily rains do not damp the heroes spirit, and as they get higher and closer to the mountains, the weather changes. The group goes through an entire day of a steady downpour, making walking through mud and swollen streams an exhausting trial. The next day is foggy, but the day after is bright and clear with the clouds away, a cool breeze from the mountains that are now close.

Another week passes while the group camps, scouts, and then moves on, this time over a saddle in the mountainous spine and to the other side of the mountains before making camp once more. The wilderness saavy heroes scout a good location for a camp that has a very good view of the other side of the island. From here and piecing together her maps from the last camp, Harvest is able to get a good idea of the shape of the island that the group is on. The Island is almost 75 miles long and more than 30 miles wide at the widest part. Since the city is nestled near the southern tip of the Island, the WLAers have been moving steadily north, and now on the other side of the spine, can see the northernmost third of the Island.

Arno  d20=4 ; d20=10 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 10:55:57 AM
As they moved on, Arno had to admit one thing; this group had survived longer than some he had been with. Of course nothing had happened. At that thought he reached into his pouch and found his luck coin.

It was a wood chip, fairly large that a druid had given him. On one side there was a 4-leaf clover that had been glazed over with sap. The 4-leaf was the usual sign for good luck since they were so rare. On the other was a 3-leaf cover; common so not lucky. The druid said he could flip it to see if good or bad luck was coming his way. He tried flipping it, but because it was made from wood, didn't want to. The druid just laughed, saying it was a lesson he had to learn about making his own luck.

Never being one to be laughed at, and liking to prove people wrong, he decided to fix it. He took the wood chip to a silver smith who trimmed the edges of the wood and laced it with silver. It wasn't as big as it once was, now the size of a normal coin, more circular. And after the silver had cooled, Arno was able to flip it. So now, when in a tight spot and he could flip it, when the 4 leaf showed up he usually was lucky at what he was doing. But if the 3 leaf appeared, then he wasn't as lucky.

He had decided not to flip it yet, not wanting to draw either good or bad luck just yet, but he was tempted.

And while the group was mapping out the lay of the land, Arno was doing his own mapping. Since he was trained in brewing, he was watching for any ingredients to make his brews. He knew where ever people gathered they were going to be thirsty And to have good drink was also a way to have a steady income when the time comes he can no longer go adventuring either through age or accidentally. He wanted to be prepared, so he was looking to see if he spotted anything good, and made a note in his brewing book.

Perception 11 + 4 = 15 Craft: Brewing: Beer 8 + 10 = 18


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=16 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 12:48:38 PM

It is refreshing to be high up in the mountains. Harvest Moon points to the heights of the spine and speaks some words to Bralin the Stonesinger in the language of the stone creatures. It is a language that sounds of moving earth, the grind of rock and the sift of sand. What she says does not translate well into Common, but it speaks to the strength of the back of their island.

In addition to foraging, she had kept a weather eye out for new plants and useful plants. In the evening, along with her mapping, Harvest Moon drew into her book, the pictures of these new plants from the seeds and samples that she had collected that day.

Now in their camp on the far side of the mountain pass, Harvest Moon draws the outline of the island within her book, drawing the shoreline, the boundary with the sea, in relation to the discovered areas, as she estimates they should lie based upon what she has seen from the heights of the mountains.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC: Harvest Moon now speaks Terran.

Knowledge Nature: 16 / For Plants

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  2d4+2=8 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 3:31:00 PM
Gerox tramps along with the others, hitching a ride from Barratore when they have to cross a stream or river. He is to easily swept away at his size. He asks the others, "I am concerned that we are not seeing more large game. I know you tell me they are about but if this island hasn't seen to much humanoid life on it, why are they so skittish? I expect we are not alone in hunting for a meal. Has anyone seen any tracks that might belong to an intelligent race?"

Gerox keeps up his habit of checking his surroundings every couple of minutes (taking 10 on his perception rolls for a 16)

If Gerox does see any larger game like a deer he will launch a magic missile at it doing 8 points of damage. (hey he doesn't have a bow)

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=17 ; d20+7=18 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 7:49:23 PM
Looking northward, Lemick wonders how far it is to the next land mass. Given the long walks, he has plenty of time to let his mind wonder, the game seems skitish -- much more than at home -- much more than an isolated island of animals with few predators should be. These animals fear being hunted, they fear humans or bipeds -- he concludes they fear the beastlords.

At night, along the mountain ridge, Lemick spends time looking outward for a light source.

Perception: 17

At sunrise and sunset in particular, Lemick look seaward to look for Scully's ship.

Perception: 18

Peza  d20+6=25 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+11=31 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 10:01:03 PM
Growing more comfortable in the great outdoors .... Peza takes her experiences and puts them to good use helping to provide for the group .... hunting for food and tracking for infomation

Perception check d20+6=25
suvival check d20+7=26

The raven haired girl actually enjoys hiking in the rain ... most people and creatures too avoid going out in the rain ... but its a perfect cover to scout about quietly as the sound of rain masks the sounds you can make as you travel ...

Getting handy in setting up new camps .... Peza continues to do her ebst to set up the camp with good sightlines ... no need to get quickly ambushed by anything that might do them harm ...

Taking her turn on watch ... the ranger does her watch as she has done before ... climbing up a tree .. setting up a small tree stand .... taking her cue from her sister of the night .. the owl ... she keeps her movement and noise to a minimun ...

stealth check d20+11=31 !!! nat 20 !!

Bralin the Stonesinger  d20=11 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 10:07:24 PM
Perception 11

Feeling much more comfortable in the mountains, Bralin observes the surroundings with a practiced eye.

Harvest speaks, and Bralin's eyebrows shoot up about ten feet over his head. The dwarf answers in kind, praising the mountain's strength and power. He also takes the opportunity to slip in a phrase or two on the virtue's of patience and caution, and waits - with a gleam in his eye - for the young girl's reactions.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=21 ;
Wednesday August 22nd, 2012 10:13:31 PM
Barratore takes in the country and helps Gerox forge the deeper and more dangerous streams whenever the gnome needs assistance. He is not worried on the lack of animals as he has no experience in such matters. Besides if some of what they have seen previously in the flying creatures and the spider things, he was really not surprised that a group this large and loud would seen anything except trees. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made and so having had his mind made, he put the thought from it.

javelin in hand and in a good mood to be about if not a bit bored, Barratore keeps his spot about mid group and his eyes to the left and right [perception 21]

Arno  d20=20 ; d20=1 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 9:29:15 AM
This quiet and lack of action is starting to get to Arno. While on one hand he likes that after so long, everyone in his party is still alive; he hasn't seen much adventure out here. So that evening as everyone is getting settled for the night and before people start turning in and watches set, he decides to expand some on his nightly forages and goes a bit further out in a wide circle of the camp. Accomplishing two things; one to see what can be seen of the camp on the off chance that anything bad is looking. And two, to see what can be seen not from the camp.

Perception 11 + 20 = 31. Stealth 9 + 1 = 10. (So I'll be able to see whatever is out here but its a good chance they know I'm out here too)

The Hidden Valley


Co-DM SteveK (In Yonder Green Valley) 
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 9:56:29 AM
Arno looks for some brewing ingredients along with his usual alertness. He doesn't find any wild-growing barley, hops, or malt in the forests, but the lower hills near the city look like they would be fine for growing just about anything. For herbs or other infusions that the dwarf thinks may enhance the brewing, well, he picks up something here and something there to try out at a later time.

Harvest looks for food, draws her maps, and also collects samples of new plants and useful plants while noting where she found them on her map. The half-elf is finding many useful pursuits for her time in the wilds!

Gerox gets Barratore to help him through the swollen streams, and surmises that the animals are so skittish because there are other humanoid hunters on the island, and asks everyone to keep an eye out. He itches for some venison, but there is never a time that a deer is within 150 feet of the group, and so the gnome keeps his magic to himself.

Lemick agrees with Gerox about the animals have been hunted, probably by the BeastLords. From the high vantage on a clear day, the cleric can see nearly 50 miles out to sea, but only sees low clouds at the very edge of his vision to the north-west. Closer, looking around the shore for Scully's ship, the Leaper, Lemick can't make out the small ship among the many rolling breakers and whitecaps of the ocean.

Peza is having lots of fun, enjoying the rain and the ability to move quietly while in the rain. She is also getting very good at spotting things and keeping from being seen while on watch, too!

Bralin seems pleased there is another of the party who can speak to him like the mountains. So much so that he unbends enough to tease the half-elf girl... just a little.

Barratore helps Gerox through the swollen streams, and comes to the conclusion with so many outright monsters on the island, and the noise the large, city-bred, and armored group is making, why, there is no wonder the animals are skittish! That slow thought assessed and categorized, the minotaur then ignores it and works on being alert.

..........

The heroes have trudged and scouted in the wilderness for over a month. They have become more hardened to the elements, more used to the flora and fauna of the island, and have slowly made a map of nearly the entire southern portion of the island, moving inexoriably towards the largest hill/mountains that make up the island's spine. It is here, the first day of establishing thier basecamp on the other side of the spine, that Harvest, Peza, and Arno all find something unusual while moving around a rocky outcropping.

Expecting to see a continuation of the talus slope going up, they are surprised to find a gentle slope going down, and the rock quickly replaced by grasses and low bushes. Following this 'trail', the group sees the hills open up into what looks like a pocket valley, full of trees a small waterfall cascading off a cliff to provide a rainbow in the air.

From where they stand, Peza and Arno (who are in the lead) make another discovery. At the side of the trail, the cliffside has been smoothed flat and bits of paint and plaster can still be seen. What the scene was has been worn away, but it is obvious that something intelligent once called this Valley 'home'.
..............

Every PC gets 1300xp

800xp for the Wolf-Eagle fight (Arno included for previous by-email role-playing)
500xp for discovering the Valley



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=20 ; d20+12=28 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 4:49:38 PM

Harvest Moon studies the ground. The words of Bralin the Stonesinger are clearly a rebuke. As kindly as they might be, they are what they are. And yet all things must be looked at for their value. Harvest Moon looks up from the ground. Her dark gray elfish eyes show the fastness of her commitment and determination. "Even the land must follow the course of the river," she replies to the dwarf in Terran. Then in Common Harvest Moon adds, "I will do better next time." It is a promise that she had often made to Thelonious. And she had never received a second rebuke for the same mistake.

Later, at the mouth of the small valley, Harvest Moon examines the bits of paint and plaster that can be seen upon the cliff side. She quests with her nose, as though to catch what scent she may from these things.

"How is it that such things are upon the face of a cliff?" asks Harvest Moon as she scours the ground for tracks. She stands from the ground and peers into the valley, hoping to pierce the land beneath the trees. "Perhaps it may be best to climb to the top of these cliffs," she suggests, and turns her eyes upward to eye the face of the escarpment. "Then we might be better able to see the fullness of this place."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Survival for Tracking 20
Perception 28
Climb 16 Only to Evaluate the difficulty of the climb up the cliffs.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Bralin the Stonesinger 
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 7:41:23 PM
Bralin nods again at Harvest. "I will as well," he replies.

The worked cliff face captures the dwarf's interest, and he quickly scans the scene.
"Mayhap a sign, or drawing," he murmurs.

DM:Highlight to display spoiler: {Using Oracle Revelation Crystal Sight to look for hidden passages. Can see through 2ft of stone for 2 rounds}



Peza  d20+6=15 ; d20+17=19 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 9:24:43 PM
Peza stops in her tracks ... just taking in the veiw of the valley below ....

"Wow ... that is beautiful ..... look at that waterfall !! "

As the others catch up and take a look .. start their investigation of the cliff face .... " somebody lived here .... its just way too nice not to have been settled ... no doubt it seems to be somewhat isolated ... but
has mnay good qualities to support a small settlement "

The ranger kneels down ... taking a sip of water from her waterskin ... her eyes peer into the valley ... looking for signs of society .. past or present .... outlines of farms , agriculture ... or any organized activity

perception check d20+6=15
survival check d20+7=19



Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=11 ; d20+7=17 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 10:09:28 PM
Lemick thanks Waard for the luck of finding such a pretty valley. He isn't surprised that they finally fine signs of previous inhabitants, but his mind immediately goes to -- where are they?

OOC: Perception: 11 (any way to estimate how old the painting is? Did the paint wash away (days or months) or did the paint get worn away (likely years))

"We need to stay together as we venture into this valley. We don't want to spook anyone still living here. Let's make towards the wall, perhaps a Predestination spell could review what once was shown? " he offers unsure of the extent of the spell thinking it might just as likely remove the rest of the painting.

As the group progresses into this valley, Lemick focuses on finding other signs of previous inhabitants.

percpetion: 17

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 10:18:16 PM
Gerox murmers, "Well finally. Some sort of civilization. Even if it is a past one. I was getting real tired of looking at trees, bushes and rocks."

He looks at the others as they move into the valley. "Do we want to do any sneaking? This is the first location where the beast lords might be at."

Arno  d20=7 ; d20=19 ;
Thursday August 23rd, 2012 11:39:19 PM
Arno replied to his question, "And where would you like me to 'sneak'?" He said with a slight grin. Finally, he thought.

Stealth 9 + 7 = 16. Perception 11 + 19 = 30.

Sneaking around seeing what I can see.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=23 ;
Friday August 24th, 2012 8:55:42 AM
Brom surveys the beauty of what he sees. It looks like a place he would one day settle down in. He takes special note of the man made structures, and keeps his eyes on them for signs of movement, or something watching.

Perception DC23

Co-DM SteveK (In Yonder Green Valley)  d20+5=12 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=17 ;
Friday August 24th, 2012 9:48:28 AM
The small pocket valley is green and inviting. It looks well-watered from the waterfall and stream, despite the high walls that would stop many clouds from getting rain into the valley.

Harvest does a quick assessment of climbing to get above the valley but is daunted. While there are plenty of handholds in the uncut side of the mountain, she can't seem to find a path to a vantage point that doesn't mean crossing an overhang with only her arms to save her from falling. (ooc: Climbing these walls is a DC15 for 20 feet, then a DC30 for an overhang, before another DC15 check.)

Bralin uses his special abilities to confirm there is no hidden passage behind the flaking painting.

Peza and Brom scan the Valley itself with young eyes. They can't see the entire valley because of the curve of the trail, but there does appear to be lumps of vegetation that are too square and evenly spaced; almost certainly ruins of some sort.

Lemick looks more closely at the painting. While he is not a painting expert, it is easy enough to recognize the 'paint' was mixed with some water-proof plaster and then layered onto a smoothed rock surface. That the frieze is all but unrecognizeable is sufficient evidence that this place was abandoned a long, long time ago.

Arno prepares to do a little 'sneak scout', and only gets as far as the curve of the trail when the others all see him stiffen and stare intently down the trail portion unseen by the rest. Arno only until Arno's action Highlight to display spoiler: { Around the bend, Arno sees three humanoids partially hidden in vegetation near the path. These lithe, catlike humanoids have a long tail and pointed ears. The leader is obviously female, her feline eyes sparkle with curiosity and mischief. They each wear nothing more than a loincloth of leather and carry short bows and stabbing spears. The leader has also stopped her companions with an upraised palm and is staring right at Arno. The both of you have seen each other!}



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Friday August 24th, 2012 10:51:21 AM

Harvest Moon takes in what Lemick 4-Leaf Sted has discovered about the paint and plaster upon the cliff's face. She also notes the regular squares covered by vegetation. The question that rises within the mind of Harvest Moon is, why would someone place such a painting as this in this place?

This place appears an entrance to this valley. Perhaps it is a sign of welcome. Or, perhaps, and less likely, it is a sign of warning. There is one way to find out. They must learn more of this place. And, to do this, they need to uncover what has been covered by the years of growing plants. This place may be more than simply the drawing upon the cliff face.

As a prelude to the clearing of this place, Harvest Moon steps away from the cliff drawing for an estimate of its original size. Then she approaches one of the squares of vegetation and begins pulling away the plants to expose what is underneath.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Arno  d20=20 ; d20=4 ;
Friday August 24th, 2012 5:02:03 PM
Stopping as soon as he sees them, Arno straightens a bit and thinks, 'Figures. Just when I get complacent, this happens. Well, that's what they pay me for.'

He raises a hand, open to be seen by the female and her friends, that nothing is in it and tries to look as relaxed as he almost feels. He is trying to think what he knows of the local area (Knowledge: Local 9 + 20 = 29) to see if he knows who these creatures are, what tribe, their customs, anything. Also, he is going to be as diplomatic as possible. Though they are armed, and well, he is too, no one is reaching for anything. Arno figures discretion is the better part of diplomacy (6 + 4 = 10)

Arno hopes the others from his party see him, see what he is doing and not decide to rush in singing. These creatures could help them. And again, no one is doing anything stupid.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  d20+6=11 ;
Friday August 24th, 2012 5:31:54 PM
Gerox looks around and sees Arno straighten up and hold his hands up (rolled a perception check of 11, might be taking liberties). He taps Barratore on the knee and says, "Looks like Arno sees something. Be prepared to back him up."

Gerox will move forward to Arno to see what has the dwarf so curious.

DMSteveK: no liberties, Gerox is fine. :-)

Peza  d20+6=9 ; d20+11=16 ;
Friday August 24th, 2012 10:16:15 PM
Peza eyes continue too sweep the valley below .... she catches their newest member stop mid stride ... " but hey we're all stopping and looking about [d20+6=9 perception check ] ;-)

Not alarmed she quietly kneels down .... [stealth check d20+11=16] just observing the sights

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=8 ;
Saturday August 25th, 2012 1:25:07 PM
Barratore looks about the valley, definately cultivated and settled at one point, he thinks to himself. With not much to see or do as the other more learned members investigate, Barratore idly gazes about [perception 8]

When Gerox pokes him he snaps form his mindless gazing, "Wha? Oh right." Barratore moves with purposeful strides towards Anro's position to be in a spot to 'back him up' "What did you find?" he asks the dwarf

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 12/16, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=8 ;
Saturday August 25th, 2012 2:03:16 PM
Standing before the last scaps of what must have once been a large and perhap ornate mountain painting, Lemick wonders what religious significance it must have played.

As others begin to focus on Arno, Lemick looks in that direction, but remains standing where he is. (perception 8) With his armor he has no chance of moving without alerting others, whoever or whatever they are as Lemick doesn't see anyone aside from his comrads.

For good measure, Lemick takes a moment to slowly adjust his symbol of Waard about his neck.


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Saturday August 25th, 2012 2:51:54 PM

Sometimes it is not what one hears, but what one does not hear that draws the attention. Harvest Moon rises from one of the blocks of vegetation. Before her is an armful of plants and vines so large that it obscures much of her face.

Everyone is looking at a place ... further up the trail ... where ... Arno is standing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=23 ; d20-1=14 ;
Sunday August 26th, 2012 10:02:38 AM
Brom continues to take in the valley and its simplistic beauty. Arno immediately catches his vigilant eye, perception DC23, and the barbarian moves up slowly. As he moves, he switches his great axe (his brush-clearing tool), to his left hand and pulls a javelin.

Stealth DC14

Arno 
Monday August 27th, 2012 9:23:45 AM
Arno can feel the movement of his comrades behind him. And while he doesn't think he has too much to worry about from the three cat people, he also knows that someone, on either side, could accidentally start something.

Exhaling, he forces his body to relax. Slowly touching his chest with his other hand he says aloud, in Common, "Hello. I'm Arno." Looking straight at the female, and hopefully the leader of their small band.

Co-DM SteveK (In Yonder Green Valley) 
Monday August 27th, 2012 9:56:18 AM
Arno freezes when he sees the three medium-sized cat people crouching in the bushes 50 feet away, and tries to signal his companions that something is happening. He wracks his brain, but has never heard of humanoids like this before! The primitive gear, similarity of purpose, and the animal-Noble race cross seems to indicate they would have a tribal, hunting culture and that they are similar but different than the BeastLord monsters Arno had seen in the tunnels. Where the spider-taurs were like two animals stuck together, these are more like cat and human blended into one being.

Harvest looks at the frieze and estimates from the smoother cliff face that at one time the painting could have been 50 feet wide and 30 feet tall. The closest regular square of vegetation further into the valley is at least a quarter mile away, and Harvest estimates it is about the size of a 2-story building.

Gerox, Peza, and Lemick all note Arno's stance and hand signal and prepare themselves without moving up the 30 feet to where Arno is standing at the curve of the trail.

Barratore and Brom are more forward in thier preparations and move to stand right behind the dwarf. "What did you find?" Barratore asks the dwarf, startling the relative quiet of the moment.

......................

The sound of Barratore, the sudden presense of the minotaur fighter and human barbarian just behind Arno galvanize the three cat-people into action. The leader mouths something quietly to the others and with a swish of tails and a rustle of leaves, they disappear into the forest. Brom, Barratore, and Arno only Perception DC15 to hear what the leader said. Highlight to display spoiler: { "Cousins, report, now!"}



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=9 ;
Monday August 27th, 2012 10:11:07 AM
Brom doesn't make out the comment from one of the cat-people. "That's somethin' new. Anyone get a sense of them?" Brom says. "What ya think, Arno? Barratore? Friendly or not?"

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=21 ; d20=19 ;
Monday August 27th, 2012 11:00:49 AM
Ooc. Can't highlight from phone. Will have to post later. Perception 21

Arno  d20=9 ; d20=20 ;
Monday August 27th, 2012 12:15:44 PM
Perception 11 + 9 = 20

Still watching where the cat people were Arno said a bit softer, "I wouldn't say friendly, but wouldn't say unfriendly. More curious. Like cats. But, I would also say that they may lay claim to this area so we should proceed with heightened awareness .If we have the chance to be friendly with them, might make our job easier." He looked around, all around to see if could make out anything watching them.

Perception to see anything else around them 11 + 20 = 31. Hes really looking so we don't walk into an ambush or something...

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=26 ;
Monday August 27th, 2012 1:11:17 PM

Harvest Moon proceeds with great curiosity to the head of the trail where Arno, Brom, and Barratore Steelwind stand. She peers around the great bulk of Barratore Steelwind at the empty trail beyond before placing her armload of vegetation to the side of the trail.

"Were they unlike the Wemics?" Harvest Moon asks of Brom and Barratore Steelwind after receiving from the trio descriptions of these beings as a cross of cat and human. "If we wish peace with these creatures, should we not proceed with great noise so that they may know of our approach?"

"But ... " Harvest Moon's hands go to her hips and her brow contracts in a frown of thought. "If we do so, we will be at a disadvantage. And if these beings are as the Wemics that we met, then they will respect prowess." Looking up then from her thought, Harvest Moon first scans the valley for signs of these potential Wemics, before she turns her gaze to search the faces of the other League Adventurers, seeking in them their thoughts.

"Perhaps we should call challenges to them," she suggests.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 26

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Arno 
Monday August 27th, 2012 2:21:14 PM
Arno looks at the female half elf and thinks, 'Why is it always females that get me in trouble? Not this time.'

Moving back a ways from the curve and hopefully out of range and sight of those cat people, "We don't know what they were. And for all we know we are entering an area they consider their home. I know I wouldn't like it if someone barged into my house and started throwing out challenges. I knew a paladin that was real good at issuing challenges; too bad some don't take kindly to challenges. He's not around any more. Perhaps if we are friendly, we might get some help out of them; like information and help if needed. I thought our mission was to map? So far we've been lucky; I'd like to keep riding that trend."

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Monday August 27th, 2012 4:19:53 PM
Gerox pipes up, "They could be useful allies if they don't like the Beastlords but I also wonder how they will feel when they hear about Rum. If they claim the entire island as theirs, they might view us as interlopers and a threat. I think we need to try and make contact and get more information but we need to be cautious in what we say to them. Did anybody see where they went?"

Peza 
Monday August 27th, 2012 10:01:55 PM
" I disagreee Hravest ... we shouldnt make lots of noise ... we should just go about our business of exploring .... they are intelligent creatures .... they'll make their own assement of us .. as we act normally "

"As for working with the beastlords .... i doubt it .... it seems to me that the beastlords warp creatures .. mix and match them .... those cat people look whole to me .... "

"And as Gerox mentioned ...they could possibly make good allies .... " and with a smile she adds " and uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."

" if they are againist the beastlords in some fashion we'll have a common goal "

After the discussion ... the ranger moves a little ways down the trail to where the cat people were spotted ... she takes note of their tracks and other clues "

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Monday August 27th, 2012 11:23:45 PM
Barratore looks at Anro and Brom, "The leader called for cousins to report. Perhaps they are regrouping to discuss precisely what we are. He spoke common, perhaps an envoy?" Barratore keeps his eyes towards the area where the cat people vanished as he answers Harvest, "They were not like the Wemics and I do not think we should suppose they believe the same as them. They are regrouping, I think we should await their return. We do have the time."

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 4:38:16 AM
Gerox mumbles, "I just hope they don't think I am a mouse or something. Still I guess we need to make contact with them and establish if they might be friendly."

Arno 
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 9:17:04 AM
"If I may comrades; I 'll go. I would recommend that Gerox also accompany me. My reasons: we are of smaller stature so hopefully less intimidating. And if the time comes, someone who slings spells would be helpful in getting us put and letting the rest of you know to come in a swinging. And while I agree that trying to be friendly is important, I am also not naive enough to just tell them all about what we are doing here. A mapping mission <i>is</i> what we are doing. And it seems innocuous enough. And with at least one of them speaking Common, we should have a basis for understanding each other."

Arno glances downward a bit as he adds, "And we did see each other first..."

Then looks back up at his companions, "Thats my idea."

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 9:27:23 AM

OoC to Arno: The Wold uses non-standard HTML syntax. Most of it is still the same. The major change is that instead of < and > we use brackets [ and ].

Co-DM SteveK (In Yonder Green Valley)  d8=4 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=16 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+4=7 ; d20+14=24 ; d6+4=9
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 9:27:46 AM
Arno wants to sneak-scout.

Harvest wants to ensure the cat-people know they are there by making extra noise and perhaps issuing a challenge.

Barratore is convinced the cat-people are regrouping and will return so if the group stays right here, they will get the meeting they seek.

Gerox and Peza are both of the mind to keep going with the regular exploring and perhaps meet the cat-people as they map the area.

Brom, along with the silent Bralin and Lemick just want to know if they are friendly or not.

................

Without a designated leader, the WLAers have been running things by consensus. While there isn't a real majority in this case, more of the heroes want to continue with the exploring and do it with a normal level of noise.

The companions continue to walk the downward sloping trail that curves gently to the right, and in a quarter mile, they have approached the first overgrown ruin. With Arno and his sharp eyes in the lead, he has seen several other bits of cat-people watching from the brush, but they are keeping well away from the trail. Harvest has also been able to see pairs of intelligent eyes, and silently agrees with Arno's assessment; the cat-people are keeping at least 50 feet away from the group.

It could be because of the distraction of the cat-people, or the looming plant-covered ruin before them, or simply that the thing stalking the group was very good indeed. In any case, the first clue that the group is under attack is a gurgling growl as an amalgam of fur and feathers like a bizarre half-bear, half-owl monstrosity raises its huge, ursine claws and attacks!

It is large and grotesque, and instinctively targets Brom with his bare axe as its most dangerous opponent, striking at barbarian with wicked claws and sharp beak! The razor beak misses, but both claws dig into flesh and the Owl-Bear grabs onto Brom to where he can't use his javelin or axe and causing even more wounds! Brom AC 20, 26, 16miss; Damage 22+Grapple; 3 attacks, I did not take out damage resistance.

..............

Brom has his axe and a javelin in hand.

No other hero has weapons unsheathed or in hand which requires to brandish as part of a move action. No crossbow is loaded.

Owl-Bear AC 15 (grappling)

Arno
Barratore
Bralin
Brom 22 damage (grappled)
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 16/35 (22/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+10=16 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 10:20:51 AM
Brom takes the ferocious attacks from the beast, ouch. Brom quickly realizes that he cannot stay like this for long or he'll be this things next meal. Blood pumps and veins bulge as the barbarian lets his rage take over.

Breaking free: DC16

Brom fails to break free of the beast's grasp. His only hope now is a little luck and quick acting companions.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20=3 ; d20=3 ; d20=18 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 11:33:44 AM

It is as a bear! But with the beak of an owl!

Harvest Moon is so astounded by the rarity of the creature that she does not act until it is too late and it is already upon Brom. Truly this valley is a place of strange wonders. Cat people who are not of the Wemics. And now this Bear Owl. Or, perhaps it is an Owlish Bear. Owlbear, she decides.

Regardless, it cannot be allowed to continue to savage Brom. Harvest Moon aims a kick at a tender spot near the coccyx of the thing. Her motion is ill-timed, however and her foot sweeps empty air. "Huyah!" she cries, though, the flat of her hand thumping down upon its flank. "Look away, Owlbear!" The distraction is very powerful, causing the Owlbear to turn to her and away from Barratore Steelwind. "Strike, Barratore Steelwind," she calls. "You have the advantage."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Knowledge Nature 13 to Know of Owlbears
Hit AC5 Stunning Fist / Fail
Aid Another 20 / Pass as Move Action (+2 to Barratore to Hit)

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Arno  d20=2 ; d20=20 ; d4=4 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 1:45:57 PM
The only thing that surprised Arno was that he was surprised. Doing what he did, and having gone where he has gone, the attack was the only surprise, and that upset him. He should have spotted it. He chastised himself as he realized he needed to get behind that thing. Moving quickly he drew his kukri in one hand and moved to the side to get around this thing so he could strike from behind. He only hoped that those cat people didn't decide now would be a good time to strike.

Base: 20 speed. Initiative: 7 + 2 = 9. Attacking: 4 + nat 20 = 24. Damage: 1 + 4 = 5 x 2 = 10 pt damage (if I get a sneak attack 2 + 3 = 5 pts more damage)

Bralin the Stonesinger(Ac22, 37 hp)  d8+2=5 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 4:52:52 PM
While his companions attack the monster, Bralin steps up, calls out an incantation, and lays a healing hand on Brom.

[CLW on Brom - 5 hp healed]

Peza  d20+8=13 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 7:52:44 PM
Caught by surprise .... Peza smoothly unslings her crossbow ... loads it with practiced ease ....all her training seemingly paying dividends .....raising her weapon for a shot .... she lines up the big owlbear ... snapping off a quick shot .... maybe too quickly ..... another lesson that patience is important in these stressful situations ..... one she constantly seems to have to relearn ...

Owlbear snap shot d20+8=13 ack missed !!

The cat people are watching ... they didnt act aggressive so hopefully they will just sit and watch at least that is what the ranger hopes ....

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  2d4+2=7 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 9:57:05 PM
Gerox steps 5' away from the creature making sure he is away from its claws and then summons his magic shooting 2 magic missiles into the freaky creature. Magic missile damage is 7 pts of damage.

"We need to take it down quickly! It might be a nest or a pet of the cat people."

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+3=7 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 10:19:57 PM
Lemick grabs his javelin and advances against the bear-beast, flanking opposite Arno. In order to avoid hitting Brom, Lemick pulls short.

Without shield, Lemick's effective AC is only 19

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+6=21 ; 2d8+9=20 ;
Tuesday August 28th, 2012 10:33:06 PM
Barratore steps forward drawing his sword and bringing it to bear against the creature after Brom with devastating results
[PA Hit AC 21+Harvest Aid Another for a 23; Dmg 20]

"Keep an eye out for more treats!" he calls to those not actively engaged

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=29 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 7:24:16 AM

On the word of Barratore Steelwind, Harvest Moon spares a moment for a look about the area lest their be other threats - a mate, possibly, to the Owlbear.

++++++++++++++++

Perception 29

Co-DM SteveK (Owlbear!)  d8=4 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+5=20 ; d8+2=10 ; d8+2=8 ; d10+3=7 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 10:21:28 AM
Brom fails to break free of the beast's grasp. His only hope now is a little luck and quick acting companions!

Harvest Moon aims a kick at a tender spot near the coccyx but her foot sweeps empty air. Shouting, she is able to momentarily distract the beast for Barratore to get a good hit.

Arno moves quickly, drawing his kukri and striking the monster from behind.

Bralin steps up, calls out an incantation, and lays a healing hand on Brom.

Peza smoothly unslings her crossbow and loads it, and shoots, surprising herself by hitting the OwlBear! Then, she sees Arno on the other side and realizes the creature is distracted enough by the flanker to be an easier target! Highlight to display spoiler: {(ooc: unsling is a move action, loading a second move action Peza is able to shoot next round. Ranger Crossbow style allows Peza to select ONE of the following list: Deadly Aim, Focused Shot, Precise Shot, and Rapid Reload. I'm assuming you intend Rapid Reload, but it is not on her character sheet.) }

Gerox steps away from the creature and evokes 2 magic missiles into the freaky creature. He calls about the possibility that there are more or maybe a pet of the cat people.

Lemick grabs his javelin and advances against the bear-beast, flanking opposite Arno. In order to avoid hitting Brom, Lemick pulls short.

Barratore steps forward drawing his sword and bringing it to bear against the creature after Brom with devastating results! The OwlBear looks staggered, looking about in bewilderment, but life is still enough that it wants to take someone along into death.

Barratore calls for others to watch for more monsters, but Harvest is the only one who looks about and sees what happens next...
..............

Bursting from thier hiding spot 50 feet away, three cat-people charge the furious melee, the flankers with thier thrusting spears held ready and the leader in the middle with a large club. Bounding over the ground, they leap and pounce... onto the OwlBear! Now, all the heroes can see the reckless feline grace of the tribe of cat-people. Standing on the monsters shoulders, they stab and beat the OwlBear into glaze-eyed mass of stinking fur and feathers.

"Kuu!", shouts the one with a club, and the others take up the call, the walls of the valley echoing. "Kuu! Kuuuuuuuuu!!!"

..............

The cat-people's leap took them over most possible AOOs, but Barratore has an opportunity to AOO each one because of his size and reach.

Owl-Bear dead

CatLeader
Cat1
Cat2

Arno
Barratore
Bralin
Brom 14 damage
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza

Arno  d20=5 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 10:34:38 AM
Arno watches the final bit of life leave the Owl-Bear. Still clutching his kukri he wipes the blood on the fur/feather of the corpse and makes a show of sheathing his weapon before stepping slowly toward the Cats. Catching the female leader's eye he nods at her. Stopping about 8 feet from her he tries again what he started at their first meeting. Speaking in Common he says, "I am Arno. Thank you."

Diplomacy 6 + 5 = 11.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=24 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 10:47:09 AM

It is in the eyes of the Cat People. In the movements of their bodies too. But is mostly in their eyes. And despite the words of Barratore Steelwind, in this, these Cat People seem very much like the Wemics.

There is nothing to fear from them now. At least in this instance.

"Kuu!" calls out Harvest Moon. She leaps into the air and raises her fists to the sky. There is something infectious in the call of the Cat People. "Kuuuuu!" calls Harvest Moon again.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sense Motive 24 for Hunch

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 21/35 (27/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+1=3 ; d20+7=14 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 11:08:25 AM
Brom tumbled away from the flurry of felines and feathers. "Seems like we did them a favor." He says tearing a strip from his cloak to bind his bleeding wounds.

Too unfamiliar in nature, Brom only understands the hunter like nature in these creatures, which at the moment appears to be their main drive.

Sense motive dc3, perception dc14

Rage used: 1 rd

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=18 ; d20+7=25 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 5:06:05 PM
Lemick follows suit with Arno offering general hands signals. "We thank you for the aid," as he steps back from the dead owlbear offering them space for the right of search and salvage. As he moves back, he waves his arms offeringly.

Diplomacy: 18 (Not sure if this provides +2 aid to Arno, or counts separately).

"May the luck of Wardd continue to shine upon us, new friends and the safety of each of us," again tilting his symbol about his neck just enough to draw their eyes to it. Lemick looks for recognition in their eyes and their level of friendliness or hostileness.

Perception: 25

Bralin the Stonesinger(Ac22, 37 hp)  d20+2=10 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 8:17:50 PM
Bralin's eyes flick to the cat-people, and back to owlbear. As his companions take the newcomer's measure, the dwarf takes the opportunity to continue getting Brom back into fighting condition.

[CLW on Brom - 10 hp healed]

Highlight to display spoiler: {[2 of 7 spells cast]}

Peza 
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 9:30:55 PM
Surprised by her shot striking the owlbear .... Peza is stunned by the sudden appearence and attack by the catpeople .... first they run away and as quickly attack the owlbear .... unpredictable

As the trio of cats celebrate .... Peza decides againist reloading her crossbow .... they weren't threatening them ... just celebrating the victory over the twisted design of an owlbear .... beastlords doing for sure

Her face turns from stunned to a growing smile .... " well done ... very brave of you to come to our aid ... we thanks you " adds the raven haired girl

ooc: hmm steve where does it say unslinging a weapon is a move action ?? i looked for it but could not find it
SteveK PCB Combat Chapter: Draw or Sheathe a Weapon
Drawing a weapon so that you can use it in combat, or putting it away so that you have a free hand, requires a move action.If you have a base attack bonus of +1 or higher, you may draw a weapon as a free action combined with a regular move.


Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=19 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 10:05:14 PM
Barratore tracks the cat people coming in over him with his blade, but holds on striking as they pass. thier jumps were wrong, not coming at him or Brom, but for the nearly dead owlbear. The minotaur fighter has a diferent tact on the creatures though. He glances at Brom and with the dwarven cleric healing him, he quickly shifts his attention from him and back to the cat people. Harvest's reaction puzzles him and Lemicks move away from the now fully dead thing irritates him. Barratore remains right where he is, standing over the creature that he and the others just killed, blade in hand and guard up.

The new Dwarf Arn was it? Anyway the new dwarf was talking and so was the Waard cleric and Barratore would keep his eyes on the three new warriors. [Perception 19]

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23  d20+5=7 ; d20+4=22 ;
Wednesday August 29th, 2012 10:50:02 PM
Gerox scans the area wondering if they noise the catfolk were makng was a celebration, a war cry, a call for help or something else. If something or someone else is out there, the young gnome doesn't notice.

He steps forward towards the cat people with a smile on his face and his hands help out palm up and empty.
He says, "It is a pleasure to meet you. You are the first friendly folk we have seen since we have come to this fine island. Thank you for the aid against the bearowl or owlbear. Are their many of them about?" Gerox pauses and then says, "Do you understand my language. I would hate to think I was just blabbing on and you didn't understand me." Gerox is trying to be friendly and unthreatening. Diplomacy check 22

Co-DM SteveK (Diplomacy with the Catfolk) 
Thursday August 30th, 2012 11:11:09 AM
Arno makes a show of sheathing his weapon before stepping slowly toward the Cats. He says, "I am Arno. Thank you."

Harvest Moon's hunch is right on the money as she joins in on the cat-people's infectious celebration. An odd look from the three tribal warriors immediately tell Harvest did not get something exactly right...

Brom tumbles away from the flurry of felines and feathers. He tears a strip from his cloak to bind his raw wounds.

Lemick follows suit with Arno offering general hands signals. "We thank you for the aid," as he steps back from the dead owlbear offering them space for the right of search and salvage. As he moves back, he waves his arms offeringly. The cleric searches but finds no spark of recognition about the symbol of Wardd. The way the cat-people are eyeing Harvest and Arno, it seems they are nearly eaten up by bewilderment and curiosity respectively.

Bralin's eyes flick to the cat-people, and back to owlbear. As his companions take the newcomer's measure, the dwarf takes the opportunity to continue getting Brom back into fighting condition. Brom's wounds are not only angry scars.

Peza is stunned by the sudden appearence and attack by the catpeople and adds her own words to the congratulations of the other WLAers.

Barratore holds striking the cat-people, correctly identifying thier target as the owlbear. Still, they are armed strangers calling loudly in unfamiliar surroundings, and the minotaur isn't going to let his guard down yet. He remains right where he is, standing over the creature that he and the others just killed, blade in hand and guard up.

Gerox can't tell if the noise the catfolk were makng was a celebration, a war cry, a call for help or something else. He does however, step forward and give them his own loquacious welcome.

...................

The catfolk leader lowers her club and gives a palm up signal to her companions who immediately stop shouting. The leader is obviously female, her loincloth not covering the four rows of nipples down her chest. She glances at Brom and Bralin doing obvious healing activities and nods. Her eyes are whipping from Arno, Peza, Lemick, and Gerox in amazement, but there are a couple things to do first. Locking eyes with Barratore, she slowly and deliberately puts her greatclub down on the ground. Her two companions still have thier weapons at ready like Barratore, but not threatening and not speaking, obviously deffering to the leader. "You talk", she says in reasonable Common, "I did not know therre was any besides People who could talk!"

Then she approaches Harvest. "No", she says, and reaches out to Harvest, slowly closing Harvest's hand into a fist, and then gently pulling her down to strike the dead Owlbear. "Kuu is when you strrrike an enemy close." She suddenly grins, showing teeth but not the points. "NOW you may call kuu!"

Apparently, the ice broken, the leader moves off the OwlBear and sits on her haunches, looking with undisguised curiosity at the WLAers. "You talk, you use tools, you take carre of the sick. But you arre not People and not Hrrerrikho? Strrange! So! Mannerrs firrst. You arre Arrno", she points to the dwarf, "and Warrdd", the second point is at Lemick, but seeming a little confused. She points to herself and then her companions. "I am Young Motherr. This is Seventh Brotherr and Thirrd Cousin. You arre in the Valley of the People. Thank you forr killing the OwlBearr, it would have trried to devourr many Kits. And yet you arre in the Valley of the People and I guarrd. Why arre you herre?"

ooc:Highlight to display spoiler: { There will be no post on Friday as I'm on vacation until Monday night. Have a great weekend!}



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday August 30th, 2012 5:57:25 PM

Harvest Moon strikes her fist against the body of the Owlbear with a slow but solid thump. "Kuu?" she says tentatively. Then she breaks into a broad grin. "I am Harvest Moon," she says, introducing herself.

"Your names are very fine names. I understand you very well from them." Then the young half-elf tips her head to one side in a poise of questioning. "But what is a Hrrerrikho?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Thursday August 30th, 2012 8:13:34 PM
Barratore focuses in on the apparent leader when she makes eye contact with him and he tracks her movement to place her club on the ground. In time, Barratore brings his own blade to a fully resting position, point buried in the soft earth, and his hands simply resting on the guard. Barratore answers the leaders comment about talking. "Yes, and there are many that can. I am Barratore Steelwind of the Starlight clan." he then adds with a nod.

As the converstaion then directs to Harvest and the others and specifically of why the group is there, Barratore, looks to Lemick and somewhat to Harvest to continue the dialogue.

A strange encounter, he had never before heard of such a race, or the other race now mentioned. Did the scouts actually do any scouting when they chose this place? A furrow creases his forehead and he finds the snort escaping in a blast before he even realizes he did it

Peza 
Thursday August 30th, 2012 10:28:56 PM
Listening to the catfolk leader .... it dawns on Peza that this valley is extremely isolated .... if they didnt know others could talk ... it must mean that they have had few visitors to the island ....did they not see the fixer fleet ?? ... of even early the scouts in the past few years ??? ....

They obvisously are enemies with the owlbear .... the warped creation of some insane experiment .... most likely the beastlords .... they must have witnessed many strange concoctions of animals ... we could learn much from these allies

Slinging her crossbow over her shoulder the raven haired girl steps near her friend Harvest ... smiling at the leader she she points to herself ... " I'm Peza ... i'm real honored to meet you all " smoothly stepping over to the prone corpse of the owlbear she asks " are there many such beasts here ?? " as she kneels down and investigates the corpse .... plucking several owl feathers ....

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Friday August 31st, 2012 9:17:11 AM

Harvest Moon's grin draws even wider as Peza places herself at her shoulder. Her friend seems to speak very easily with the Cat People, and says very wise things. It is an enviable talent. To be able to speak easily with others.

A question comes to Harvest Moon as Peza kneels to take one or two feathers from the beast. "We can eat Owlbear?" she asks of Young Mother. Then, as with many young beings when the questions flood the mind, Harvest Moon asks them. They come in rapid succession, the thought process behind them unclear.

"The old sign painting upon the cliff," Harvest Moon indicates the remains of the enormous and clearly ancient frieze, "It is very amazing. Do you know who once painted this thing?"

Then, "If you are Young Mother, is there an Old Mother?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 31/35 (37/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=11 ;
Friday August 31st, 2012 9:40:47 AM
Brom gives a nod to Bralin, "Thanks." He puts his javelin away, but hangs on to his axe with his left hand, hanging down at his side.

A curiosity for sure, Brom thinks those of a more silvered tongue should speak. But he asks only one question. "Who are the herrerrikho?"

Perception dc11

Rage used: 1 rd.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Friday August 31st, 2012 1:11:46 PM
Gerox listens to the others shoot questions but none seem to be answering Young Mother's question. He steps forward and says, "We are scouts on a mapping trip exploring this island. We have been sent out to look for possible allies and enemies of a colony that has been started on the southern tip of the island. (ooc not really sure what tip we are on so please correct if not on the southern tip) Where I come from, we don't speak of such things while standing over the body of a slain and smelly foe. While I see why you might not want to invite strangers to your home, we will soon be setting up our camp for the night and perhaps you and some others might join us for a meal and we can talk about our futures and hopefully a friendship that might follow. Do you know of a good campsite we could use? Also do you know if Owlbear is good to eat?"



Arno  d20=19 ;
Friday August 31st, 2012 3:29:37 PM
Since it seems like everyone wants to talk now, Arno decides to take a step back, so as not to confuse or upset the Cats. Turning his attention to the slain Owl Bear, he decides to pluck a few feathers as mementos (he grabs about 8 or so) and stuffs them in his pack. Also, since no one is really keeping any kind of watch, just on the off chance that the Owl Bear traveled with a companion, Arno does a visual sweep of the area besides everyone he can see.

Perception: 11 + 19 = 30

Bralin the Stonesinger 
Sunday September 2nd, 2012 7:53:10 PM
Bralin nods in reply to Brom, and then again to Young Mother.

"I am...Stonesinger," he says by way of introduction. Then, like Arno, the dwarf waits patiently as his companions ask many questions.

Co-DM SteveK (Diplomacy with the Catfolk) 
Sunday September 2nd, 2012 10:47:27 PM
Questions and introductions fly and the Catfolk flinch a little at the noise, but Young Mother seems to relax at learning they can all talk. She relaxes further when Gerox explains the WLAers reasons for being there. Surprisingly, any suspicion completely disappears.

"You may camp with us this night. You have many questions on yearrs ago, and Motherr is the best perrson to tell the tales. Come! Come!" Smiling, Young Mother encourages Harvest and Peza with pulling on thier arms, and the others with a 'follow me' gesture.

One of the Catfolk sprints into the vegetation, and the other with Young Mother stay with the group at a more liesurely pace. [b]"Not many Owl-Bear here, occasionally come into the Valley, not often. We kill any that come in and we do not leave the Valley, not past Hrrerrickko Picture."

Arno  d20=1 ; d20=16 ;
Monday September 3rd, 2012 8:51:49 AM
As they move, Arno lags back. He wants to see if there is anything following and be prepared in case anything attacks.

Perception 11 + 1 = 12. Stealth 9 + 16 = 25

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Monday September 3rd, 2012 9:57:26 AM

It is a strange thing. Most assuredly. Harvest Moon turns as Young Mother speaks of the Hrrerrickko Picture, and in her minds eye she sees a giant statue. It is of a woman, and upon her head she wears a crown of thorns. The giant statue is half buried upon a sandy beach. All that is exposed is the upper torso of the woman, and the torch that she holds aloft.

"Young Mother," asks Harvest Moon, "the Hrrerrickko, they do not live under the earth, do they?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OoC: "Hrrerrickko". Heh. I bet Jerry got a chuckle out of that.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+4=24 ;
Monday September 3rd, 2012 10:13:47 AM
Lemick wonders at the stir it would cause to become know as the Waard imposter -- surely it wouldn't be good for his own personal luck. It takes him a moment to figure out how to re-explain his name which could prove difficult if they don't have a religious connection to someone. He decides to begin simple, "Call me Lemick please, the title of Wardd belongs to another -- it is the power of Wardd that I am thankful for in finding friendship at the Hrrerrrickko Picture.

Before leaving the owlbear, if the catfolk haven't done so, Lemick will examine the body searching for any hybrid items similarly found on the spiderkin.

knowledge (nature) : 24 (nat 20), attempts to determine if owlbear is of magical creation similar to spiderkin, or are natural beasts

Bralin the Stonesinger  d20=18 ; d20+4=10 ;
Monday September 3rd, 2012 4:02:39 PM
[Perception 18
Sense Motive 10]

Noting Arno lagging, Bralin drops to the back of the group, but not so far as to call attention to the younger dwarf. Like Arno, he's more concerned about something besides this trio suddenly appearing from amongst the brush.

He lets Harvest and his companions entertain the 'people'.

Peza 
Monday September 3rd, 2012 8:04:59 PM
After plucking a handful of owl feathers from the owlbear ....Peza grins with delight at the young mothers invitation to camp together ....and takes the arm of the young mother ans walks arm in arm with her ....

While walking instep towards the campsite .... the ranger thoughts settle on the phrase "we do not leave the valley " ..... the whole of the valley that can be seen is lush and fertile ... completely different then the other side of the moutain ... Peza starts formulating several questions for asking later at the campsite

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Monday September 3rd, 2012 11:06:41 PM
Gerox trots along and looks up in surprise at some of the statements. "You never leave the valley? How did you learn our language? Do you have visitors? I don't mean to be rude but I have never met one of your kind before. My name is Gerox Shale and I am a gnome. I know you are called Young Mother but what are you?" Gerox points at Barratore and says, "He is a minotuar. Are you related to the Wemics?"

Co-DM SteveK (Dinner with the Catfolk) 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 12:38:34 PM
Several of the WLAers take feathers or other suveniers from the OwlBear. The Catfolk seem to approve, especially of the heroes who actually hit the beast when it was alive.

Arno and Bralin keep watch over the backtrail, but the Catfolk seem true, there are no other monsters or other beings seen once the group is in the Valley.

The Catfolk, though nervous at first, have been very friendly and as curious of the WLAers as the heroes are of them. They babble gaily in the mile it takes to get from the scene of battle to thier lair. "Of Hrrerrickko, I will let Motherr speak of that," says Young Mother, refusing to answer any of the questions about the mythical name or the Catfolk's own origins. She accepts Lemick's explanation with an air of no understanding but easy acceptance anyways. "Lemick, yes, Lemick we will call you. And Gerrox, too. Strrange names. What do they mean?"

"It is my question to you, Gerrox. How did you learrn to speak but not know of Hrrerricko? That is verry strrange. Hrrerricko taught the People how to speak, and otherr than Hrrerricko, People arre the only ones who know how to speak. What arre visitorrs? You arre the firrst in ourr stoirres that arre not People, Hrrerricko, or Apex. This is why Motherr must speak of these things with you." Young Mother looks uncomprehendingly on Gerox' questions about 'Wemic' and 'Minotaur'. Clearly, she and her companions have never heard of the word before now.

................

The Catfolk lead the WLAers up a side of the Valley about mid-point and close to the waterfall. In a clearing protected on three sides by cliffs, there is a half-dozen rounded huts made of supple branches and treebark, a central firepit for the community has smoldering ashes kept alive in all seasons.

The Catfolk themselves are expecting the heroes presense, and all but a couple of scouts are at the central fire to greet what looks to be the most unusual thing that has happened since the creation of the Wold! There are 12 Catfolk and 6 Juveniles in the area, a middle-aged female with feathers and ribbons in her braided hair is introduces as Mother. After more introductions on both sides, the WLAers have heard everyone's name: Mother, Mother's Mate, Young Mother, First Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, First Sister, and First through Fifth Cousin (male and female). The juveniles are not named for the heroes.

In the presence of Mother, Young Mother has become as silent as her previous companions. Eyes are bright with curiosity and ear tufts continually twitch as the entire tribe takes in the look and speech of the WLA heroes, but all of them defer respectfully to Mother. Finally, Mother picks up a melon and breaks it in half. She scoops out some orange flesh and bites into the firm and sweet meat, then hands the melon halves to the heroes. "You speak and make tools. I call you Nobility. Be welcome at the firres of the People."

With that, the silence is broken and the Catfolk become a friendly swarm around the heroes. Food and drink appear and are thrust into hands, and a curiosity of babble, eyes, and bodies make it seem like there are three times the number of Catfolk as there actually are! Food is plain but good, made of fresh fruits and vegetables, griddle cakes, and skewers of meat cooked over the now built-up fire. The WLAers recognize the meat as mainly that of the OwlBear (someone must have butchered it after the group left the scene of battle.) Drink is mostly water, but they do have some fruit juices that are faintly alcoholic.

Mother presides over the welcome ceremony, and waits until all are settled before going into 'story-mode' and answering some of the most insitent questions of the group...

Catfolk Creation Story (as related by Mother)

In the mists of Yesterrday, beforre living Memorry, Hrrerrkho came to Island. He saw plants and prrey and prredatorr, but therre was Nobility missing. So Hrrerrikho lived in Valley and built Pyrramid and worrked to crreate Nobility. At firrst, he made the Apex, like the Owl-Bear you slew this day. But this was only to prreparre forr Nobility, not the People themselves. At last, when rready, he took a parrt of himself and fashioned the best of curriosity, generrosity, and a happiness forr the worrld, and he made Firrst Motherr.
For yearrs, Firrst Motherr and herr kin lived joyfully with Hrrerirkho, until Unname came, the Thrird Brrotherr of the Thirrd litterr. Currious without generrosity, Unname went into the Pyrramid and disturrbed Hrrerrikho in the middle of a crreation. In a furry, Hrrerrikho closed Pyrramid and set a Guarrd and drrove the People out of Pyrramid until generrosity may again be learrned.

Since this time, any Third Brother of a litterr takes the quest to go to Pyramid to demonstrrate generrosity and ask for forgiveness of Hrrerrikho so the People may grow in happiness once morre."


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 1:58:49 PM

It is not a difficult thing to understand. Harvest Moon sits upon the ground. In her hands is one of the griddle cakes upon which she monches. Upon her lap is her book, open to the latest page upon which she has recorded a tree of the various Mothers and Brothers and Cousins. It is not a difficult thing for one to grasp with one's mind. But, for Harvest Moon, who has never had any brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles or aunts - only she and her feeble-minded mother - having such a family is not something that comes as easily grasped by the heart.

She had showed the various People both the magic map of the Fixers and her own book within which are her various maps, writings and drawings. Now Harvest Moon holds the griddle cake in her mouth and scoots to a place nearest to Young Mother. Transferring the griddle cake to her knee, she shows Young Mother the tree she has drawn, upon which the various mothers, and brothers and cousins lie stacked upon each other and tied by the lines of birth that connect them. Harvest Moon points to the empty space above the row of cousins. "Does Mother not have other sisters?" she asks of Young Mother in a respectful whisper.

Then, as another question comes to her, Harvest Moon raises a hand and asks a question of Mother herself. "What became of Unnamed third brother?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Arno 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 3:17:47 PM
Arno relaxes a bit. He doesn't think he has anything to worry about the Cat people at this time, so he reclines and picks at the food he is presented. Not that he doesn't like it, he just tales some time to get used to things. He doesn't jump in to some things as he has seen others do.

Soon the questions will start and after hearing the story Mother has told has two immediate questions which he asks aloud when he gets a chance:

"Where is the pyramid and is there a Third brother going to it sometime soon?"

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=20 ;
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 8:36:39 PM
Barratore walks in the front half of the group on the short trip to the rest of the cat folk. He is silent and observant for the most part and marking in his mind where it is thery are heading. [perception 20]

Once the festivities begin, anytime food and drink are brought fits the fighters definition of a festival, Barratore adjusts his weapon and has a seat. Towering over everyone is not the friendliest of acts after all. Barratore listens with more than idle curiosity at the tale told. On some levels it was very familiar, quite similar to the tales of the splitting of the taurs. A tale he sadly had to admit to himself that he never studied much or tuned into when it was told. Now here was another that struck similar chords.

Barratore movves to Harvest and takes a seat next to her. "Did you write that in your book?" he asks casually and if she had he thanks her, if not, Barratore leans in close and asks her to quickly do so before any of it is forgotten

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+4=17 ;
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 9:06:50 PM
Lemick considers a response regarding the meaning of his name, their names clearly state a relationship to their Mother or Leader. It's a name whose meaning has been lost to me and my family though it has been passed down through the generations.

--

Hearing the story, Lemick can see how the story has structured their lives, and how they strive to gain favor with their own creator or God. But who would this deity be, perhaps he is called something else back home?

Knowledge: religion: 17

While Lemick understands this is party, he does his best to relax, even going as far as removing his armor, though making sure his shield and javelins are close. Given the opportunity, Lemick inquires if Mother has seen any creatures that are half-spider and half-human? He doesn't press the issue given the party, but will bring it up by morning.


Peza 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 9:16:04 PM
Enjoying the feast ... especially the fruit and griddlecakes .... she waits for an opening to ask her questions ...

The pyramid intrigues but Arno beats her to that one .... she settles for the one that has been spinning around in her head ... " The valley is a beautiful and bountiful place but how often do you travel outside of the valley ??? ...and if not ... then why not ?.... and with this amazing veiw from atop the mountain ...you haven't glimpsed any ships from the sea ??"

The raven haired girl chats easily with the catfolk ... genuinely taking an intrest in them as individuals ... building friendships

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 10:06:19 PM
Gerox decides that eating is more important than talking for a few minutes and enjoys trying the new foods. Still he considers the question put to him and wonders if he should answer it. He decides that honesty is the best policy and says, "I would guess that this Hrrerrkho was a traveler from lands similar to ours. The language you are speaking is called "Common". It is the trade language that many different races share and communicate in. When Hrrerrkho said that you were missing nobility, I would guess he was saying the island was deserted or had no what we call the noble races."

He points to himself and says, "Their are many which are classified as the noble races. I am a gnome" He points to Peza, "Peza is a dwarf" He moves his hand over to Harvest, and says, "Harvest is a half elf, Bralin is a human, and Barratore is a minotaur." We are all considered the noble races. Gerox thinks, "I am not sure if Barratore is a noble race but I am not going to say he isn't!"

He continues, "Many of us have other languages we speak. Typically each race has its own but we all use the common language to communicate with each other. Humans use the common language as their primary language so I wonder if Hrrerrkho was human.

The noble races generally tend to get along and band together against others who would enslave and harm us. Orcs, goblinkind, giants and such. We have found that working together makes us stronger. Just look at our this group. We have many races each with their own strengths to make a stronger united whole."

Gerox starts to blush, "I am sorry. I started to sound like an old school teacher I used to have. This is excellent fruit. What is it called?"

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 10:14:50 PM

OoC: Psssst. Peza is a human.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Tuesday September 4th, 2012 10:56:04 PM
ooc well uhmmm opps. Maybe she is an ugly human?

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 31/35 (37/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 8:41:21 AM
Brom listens to the story with interest. He is sure there is some truth to it, nut suspects that much of it has been changed after years of telling.

In any case, this pyramid seems like a perfect place to start providing the cat-folk don't object.

Arno 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 9:01:24 AM
ooc: ummm and did you forget that Arno is also a dwarf? :(

Co-DM SteveK (On Origins and Pyramids) 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 10:07:05 AM
For the most part, the WLAers relax and enjoy the unexpected company of the Catfolk.

Harvest asks of the doom of the Unnamed one, and gets a shrug. No one seems to know.

Arno asks a more immediate question and Mother nods. "It is nearrly Thirrd Brrotherr's time to quest to the pyrramid and go in to ask Hrrerricko's forrgiveness. Perrhaps yourr arrival is a sign that tomorrrrow is the time and Thirrd Brrotherr can be accompanied by Nobility. Always beforre, Thirrd Brrotherr has gone alone, and none have everr rreturrned frrom the pyrramid."

Barratore is certain he knows how to get to the lair and back to the Valley entrance before urging Harvest to write down the Catfolk's creation story.

Lemick asks about half-spiders and is rewarded by First Cousin telling him that there is a story of a Catfolk hunter slaying such a creature. "The storry ends in that they arre not good to eat."

Peza makes friendships and asks about seeing ships on the ocean. Looking around at the looming walls of the valley and knowing that the Catfolk have some taboo about leaving it makes the next conversation more understandable. Because before Peza can get an answer, the girl has to explain what is a 'ship' and 'ocean'... the Catfolk have never seen either!

Gerox for a time holds center court, all the Catfolk leaning in eagerly. Second Cousin scoffs at the gnomes boastful lies. "There is only one way to speak! There is only one People!", but is rebuffed into silence by Mother. She and her Mate soak up the new knowledge for it is obvious the Catfolk lives are about to change. With gnome, human, dwarf, minotaur around their fire, they know there is much more to the Wold than they understand. And with a half-elf here as well, the knowledge that these different Noble Races (another new word) can intermingle and have offspring...

And it is Harvest's ability to write words down that poses immense curiosity for Young Mother and Fifth Cousin. It takes a little while to explain what she is doing, and that the marks on the 'paper' are words and ideas that anyone who knows the sign can read "like spoorr sign on the hunt!", exclaims Fifth Cousin excitedly. Young Mother's eyes go wide in understanding and then narrow satisfactorily while watching Fifth Cousin.

Once Young Mother understands the 'family tree' Harvest has created, the Catfolk shakes her head. She attempts to explain and then instead points to a scene across the fire. There Second Brother has been steadily getting closer to Gerox and Mother and slowly pushing First Brother away from sitting next to Mother. First Brother reacts with a casual bat, which turns into a pawing match, which quickly goes into a wrestling match. Besides giving the two men room, no one interferes while watching the display with interest. Fairly quickly, First Brother slaps his arm on the ground and the scuffle ends. Second Brother sits next to Mother and First Brother moves a little further away from the fire.

Young Mother points to the one next to Mother and speaks to Harvest. "That is First Brother. That is Second Brother." A second pointing at the Catfolk that used to be FIrst Brother.



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 10:21:48 AM

Harvest Moon nods with understanding. Her chart now is of little worth. The understanding on which it was based is faulty. The names of the Cat People are not designations of birth, but of rank based upon prowess.

Harvest Moon makes note of this observation below her chart before continuing on to finish recording the history of the Cat People as requested by Barratore Steelwind. At the end, she pens the words, Tomorrow Third Brother may enter the Pyramid. How the one who is Third Brother must feel tonight. This time Third Brother may be accompanied by we, the League Adventurers. It may be our chance to meet the Hrrerrickko.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Stunning Fist 1/2

Arno 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 5:40:22 PM
Arno looks around and asks Young Mother, "And where is Third Brother? Is it permitted to speak with him? Also, may I, as I can not speak for my companions, accompany him?"

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 7:11:08 PM
Barratore nods a bit and internally processes the structure of this clan, perhaps easier than the others as the Steelwind clan and many of the clans on the taur isles had similar structures and rituals. Names were titles and rankings and nothing more, simple. Barratore liked it.

Barratore also liked the idea of accompanying Third Brother and as he just heard, their host just invited them. He looks to the new dwarf and then back to Mother, "It will be our honor to accompany Third Brother." and he hoists a drink and then drains it.

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=15 ;
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 7:46:47 PM
Lemick is surprised as to what the names really mean, though rank certainly explains it better and prevents him from asking an embarrassing question regarding incest.

He also wonders if the catfolk desire to be the Third Brother like a position of honor, or is there a fear of dying as Third Brother. He attempts to read the expression of current Third Brother as the issue is brought up.

perception: 15

"Perhaps with us joining Third Brother, his task can be completed and he can return safely. To what reward does one hope to gain by this task." Lemick attempts to get a better grasp of what generiosity is missing from the catfolk that has been taken?

The short take of eating a spider-taur is disturbing. He files this away for later discussion. The Beastlords must have a vast area for their creatures to be found here. Which makes him wonder...

"What did your creator and the unnamed look like?" as he continues to try


Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 7:47:40 PM
and make connections between his Gods and their Gods, and perhaps the beastlords. (rolled Knowledge Religion previous post)


Peza 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 9:21:06 PM
The girl giggles at knowledge of the catfolks not knowing what a ship/boat is .... she wonders if they know they live on an island ... she of course explains it with humour

Peza laughs at Gerox description of her .... lol

Her attention is caught by the talk of exploring with the third brother on his journey to the scarted pyramid ...nodding in agreement with lemicks suggestion ...



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 18/23 
Wednesday September 5th, 2012 11:25:17 PM
Gerox watches the wrestling match between the two cat people and when the change in rank is announced sighs and says, "If things are going to be determined this way, I guess I am going to be #8 in our little band."

He listens to the others but decides to remain quiet for now wondering if they were going to go see the pyramid. He wonders out loud, "How could one man build a pyramid?"

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 31/35 (37/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 8:51:57 AM
Brom was in agreement with the others and the First Mother that accompanying Third Brother was a good idea. He was not accustomed to their tribal structure as was possibly Barratore, but none the less he did understand the idea of the strongest moving up in station. It was familiar to him from back home.

Seeing the cat-folk wrestle made Brom want to join. It was this type of battling that brought a strong connection to the combatants.

Co-DM SteveK (End of Feast) 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 9:35:47 AM
The WLAers both learn and teach through the afternoon and evening with the Catfolk, and both groups grow more wise by the interaction. The Catfolk are endlessly facinated by the differences within the WLA group, opening up endless vistas of possibilities that have never been a part of thier life nor thier tales.

The Catfolk can't describe Hrrerricko for they have never met thier mythical creator nor do thier tales describe. The Unnamed One, of course, is described as a Catfolk, what else would he be.

And sadly, Mother is certain that every Third Brother who has tried to beg forgiveness of Hrrerricko is dead, and forgiveness is not done yet. How else would the Catfolk still be outside the Pyramid and taboo from leaving the Valley? Still, Third Brother is both nervous and determined. While he is a chosen sacrifice, it is also a great honor, and he goes willingly for the sake of People.

It is decided that Third Brother will venture to the Pyramid tomorrow, and while no other Catfolk is allowed because of tradition, Mother had wisely named the WLAers 'Noble' but not a part of the tribe of Catfolk. Therefore, the HEROES are NOT banned from accompanying Third Brother! This also noticably rises Third Brother's spirits. The signs are clear that THIS time, the quest may well have a different result!

Night passes and morning comes. The Catfolk break thier fast. Third Brother wears a loose necklace of berries and leaves and has his stabbing spear and shortbow, ready to take the walk to the Pyramid.

He pauses, and looks to see if the WLAers are coming too.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 11:02:52 AM

Harvest Moon unfolds her arms to greet the rays of the rising sun. There is something to this warmth that has always brought a smile to her face. In these moments, she now also receives the blessings of her magic.

Afterwards, she nibbles on one of last night's griddle cakes. (One of several that she has scavenged from the previous evening.) They are still tasty cold, much more so than many of the things that she has forced herself to eat in the Contested Kingdoms. Harvest Moon secures her pack and the polearm. The Pyramid, The Hrrerrickko, and the Forgiveness await, and she gathers with the others to proceed with Third Brother.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Arno 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 5:36:55 PM
Arno had spent some time talking with Third Brother. It was as he thought; the winner becomes 1st Brother, and the less winner becomes Third Brother-who gets 'volunteered for the privilege' of this visit. Things like that always irked him. Bullies were all they were, he thought. But, it was tradition. Yeah, big whup.

In any case, he was going to make sure that this 3rd Brother made it back alive. Forget anything that he was suppose to do; mapping, looking for brewing plants-this 3rd Brother was coming back.

He checked his equipment and pack. As always he carried all his possessions on the off chance he would need them and not have them where he couldn't get at them. He was getting used to it. he also placed his rope and grapple at the top of the pack. For some weird reason he thought he might need them immediately.

This time he would be neither in front or back; but right beside 3rd Brother. And when they started to move out, he would have his weapon ready. His head would be on a constant swivel. His nose twitched and he smiled a slight smile; one that had any one been looking would have described as cold and a bit scary.

'This was getting interesting,' Arno thought.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 6:00:12 PM
In the morning, Barratore awakens and looks for what he hopes is an ample supply of food as a send off. He dons his armor, rearranges his gear and restows it. Barratore walks up to 3rd Brother and takes a position just behind him. It was his quest, the WLA was mostly along for the ride. At least that was where Barratore saw them, it seemed that the new dwarf had other thoughts. Barratore shrugged and gives a slight chuckle when Anro draws his weapon.

Bralin the Stonesinger  d20=4 ;
Thursday September 6th, 2012 8:24:14 PM
Bralin wakes in the morning, and spends an hour staring, motionless, into a fist sized sphere of the blackest obsidian (holy symbol). LIke most of the others, the dwarf immediately understands that the clan issueing a quest to their third best warrior speaks volumes about the expectations of success.

The dwarf assumes his customary role near the rear of the formation, and remains lost in his own thoughts.

[Perception 4]

Peza 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 8:37:24 PM
Waking up .... Peza readies for the trip to the pyramid .... inquiring about the length of the journey ...
" we'll need supplies for the trip "

Afterwards she spots 3rd bother .... remembering his nervousness from last night ... the ranger greets him " we're all a little nervous ... the unkown does that to everyone ... but your a brave one ...you'll do fine ... we're coming with you too so you want be alone ... i'll stand with you " as she spots him on the shoulder to show support

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 9:25:56 PM
Lemick finds the evening relaxing and restful. He awakes ready to change the fate of Third Brother from his previous Third Brother's fate. Nervousness is expected and as the group begins to walk Lem ick considers what he can make to help the catfolk. With a small blade he begins to shave off the imprints of several coins with the thought of carving into them himself when the group is resting.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Thursday September 6th, 2012 9:56:18 PM
Gerox wakes up and moves over to #3 looks up at him and grabs his hand. "This is your quest. We are just tagging along to help you kick some butt. That is what the noble races do. Support each other. Somehow I think you are pretty noble."

Gerox lets go of his hand and walks over to his mother, sinks to one knee and says, "We will do our best to protect him."

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 31/35 (37/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=24 ;
Friday September 7th, 2012 8:48:12 AM
Brom wakes in the morning and after donning his gear grabs some dried meat from his pack. After eating his fill, he has axe in hand and move out.

Putting a hand on Third Brother's shoulder, Brom says confidently "You will not fail."

Perception DC24

The Pyramid


Co-DM SteveK (End of Feast) 
Friday September 7th, 2012 11:10:28 AM
The night and morning of the WLAers as they get ready for the quest, several of them speak more with Third Brother. While nervous and proud, the warrior is able to explain just a couple more parts of the Catfolk society. It turns out, the hierarchy is BOTH hereditary and positional. Those named "Brother" and "Sister" are directly descended from the current Mother. All others are named "Cousin". Competition can happen only between the three designations with two exceptions. The first is when a new Mother is chosen, she is Mother for life. The second is that if ever a third male is littered by Mother, he becomes Third Brother for life, always training for the Quest.

Third Brother, having grown up knowing he was going on the quest, is much more honed in purpose than any of the other Catfolk save Mother herself!

Still, Third Brother seems happy for Arno's company and the hulking presense of Barratore behind him as he leads the WLAers away from the Catfolk lair and down into the bowl of the Valley.

Vegetation quickly closes in from all sides until the group is walking on what used to be a fitted-stone roadway. It is now nearly covered in knee-high grasses, ruined buildings to the left and right completely covered by vines, bushes, and gigantic broadleaf trees. The air is humid and still, making sweat break out without comfort, and an air of oppressiveness as if swimming through the air instead of walking. In a half-hour, Third Brother and the WLA team come to an opening. What used to be a large plaza is now a fitted-stone meadow of knee-high grasses. Standing in the center 50 feet away is an entirely bare Pyramid.

The Pyramid looks like a Mayan step-pyramid, covered in carvings that show various types of animal/monster crosses; Wolf-Eagles, Owl-Bears, Lion-Scorpions, and Snake-Vultures are depicted at every corner among the geographic designs. Worn away paint that may have shown picture scenes is also around, but not enough to see by. There is one that resembles the creation story of the nearby cat-people, and another that looks like a Mer-Lion.
...................

All Heroes get 1200xp! (700 for the OwlBear, and 500 for the excellent role-playing with the Catfolk! Not only getting them to tell thier story, but learning thier culture. Wow. Excellent role-playing everyone!!!)

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=26 ; d20+12=13 ;
Friday September 7th, 2012 4:12:18 PM

This is the Pyramid. Harvest Moon's head tilts back as she gazes to the distant top of the structure. It is as big as many of the astounding buildings that she saw in Plateau City - one in particular that she was told was called the Cathedral of Light. Curiosity draws her nearer, near enough to touch the stone. Is this what the many blocks would look like where they cleared of their plant-life?

Harvest Moon's investigation continues until she arrives at one of the many carvings. Something of this form, odd as it may be, tweaks her memory. There is a creature such as this. It is known. She looks at the others and receives the same odd impression. She knows this.

So distracted by the pursuit of these memories is Harvest Moon, that the normally sharp eyed girl loses track of her surroundings.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Knowledge Nature: 26 (To identify the Wolf-Eagles, Owl-Bears, Lion-Scorpions, and Snake-Vultures. Mer-Lion too. Note: Knowledge Nature applies to Magical Beasts too.)

Perception 13

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Peza  d20+6=25 ;
Friday September 7th, 2012 9:52:58 PM
Following 3rd brother down the trail .... Peza keeps her crossbow loaded .... remembering the quick ambush of the owlbear also in hand ....

while inroute to their destination a thought comes to mind .... she quietly asks 3rd brother ... " so how many 3rd brothers have gone before you ??? .... how long has the peoples been here in the valley ?"

Taking a look at the ruined buildings as they walk by .... looking for signs of if the ruination was natural or destructive ....

perception check d20+6=25 !!

"We've seen the owlbear and wolf/eagle .... no doubt more mixture of creatures we'll see " as she shudders at the thought " who would do this too beatuiful creatures ?"



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  d20+5=9 ;
Saturday September 8th, 2012 4:51:07 PM
Gerox walks next to Barratore pushing through the grass that comes up to his chest. He glances up at the bull man and pushes the grass aside as he walks. "You know I am pretty light. I bet if we made some kind of harness, I could ride on your shoulders and you wouldn't even notice. I could watch your back, cast my spells and keep a good eye out for trouble. You would be able to sling your weapons around and I bet some of my spells could effect and aid you as well. I just learned the vanish spell. Similar to invisibility. I wonder if I cast it on you while you carried me, if we would both be invisible. Think how scary it would be for you just to pop out of thin air after taking that first nasty swing at our enemies. I know it would freak me out." (need DM ruling on that please)

As they come into the clearing and the carvings come into view, Gerox falls silent as he studies them. He then says, "Hmmmmm this looks like beast lord territory. I wonder how many Beast Lords their are? Is their a head Beast Lord and peon Beast Lords. Guess we are going to find out."

Gerox looks around for any bad guys popping up. Perception check 9

He then decides to cast a detect magic to see if he notices any magical auras

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+2=18 ;
Sunday September 9th, 2012 11:40:39 AM
When the ruins of the pyramid come into view, Barratore draws his blade in his left hand and pulls a javelin with his right. As the group closes, he starts looking to the left and right for incoming threats or things of interest. [perception 18]

Not looking down he answers Gerox with a snort, "I'll never understanding the humor of gnomes." he states.

His ears prick up a bit and his shoulders drop slighlty then, she didn't mean it as a slight he told himself, but it still stung to hear. Somewhere in the hearts of all the 'noble' races it seemed that prejudice lived. he and his kind the taurs, would always at some level be horrid blending of otherwise beautiful creatures. Barratore looks over his shoulder and down towards the small female, his teeth grind subconsciously, he pulls his mind back to the duty at hand and what perhaps this place could mean for all of his kind and their own quest to be united once again.

Barratore picks up his place, his strides elongating and his shoulders setting with purpose.

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Sunday September 9th, 2012 8:58:13 PM
Lemick smirks at the comrad's jests. It's good to seem them finally relaxing enough with each to joke about riding on shoulders. As for the fact that he considers riding a friend like a pack mule, he's not sure he'd handle it so well.

In the back of his mind he continue to try and consider what this pyramid must 'test.'. Surely the catfolk are capable hunters, stealthy and have superb hearing. What does this group bring, aside from quantity and perhaps greater strength among a few of them. There must be some riddle he decides, and hope that someone in the group can read whatever language it's written in.


Arno  d20=16 ; d20=14 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 9:11:10 AM
Arno constantly looks around; while the vegetation was pretty, it could hide almost anything.

Perception: 11 + 16 = 27

Any other time Arno might have been interested in the history of this place. The only thing he was interested in now was what 3rd Brother had to do and to make sure he got back alive. He looked at the others; they seem to be of the same mind set.

Arno starts to look at the pyramid, trying to recall what he knew from some dungeoneering he did to see where possible opening and exits might be on this thing.

dungeoneering: 7 + 14 = 21

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d20+19=35 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=16 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 10:09:38 AM
Peza and Arno look around at the remains of what could have been a large town. Certainly the paved street and buildings made of stone means that someone with considerable civilized skill lived here at one time. Could it have been the Catfolk who lost so many skills and knowledge? Could it have been this mythical Hrrerricko person/people? Why was it abandoned? The adventurers don't have enough clues to piece together any coherent theories.

Neither is Third Brother able to help much in the history regard. Mother was the most knowledgeable in the Catfolk history, but so much detail had been lost with a spoken tradition passed from generation to generation from the shadows of the past. Third Brother doesn't know. The ruination of the town has been so long ago that any trace is mostly wiped away. Still, Peza has the overall impression that while there may have been some fighting, the town's decay was mostly from lack of people.

Gerox' mind jumps with his mouth, looking for a way to keep above the tall grass, deep streams and anything else that would challenge his height. Barratore assumes he is joking and Lemick laughs along with the joke as well. Soon enough, Gerox realizes that a 2-for-1 spell casting wouldn't work anyways. If a wizard couldn't spell both himself and his familiar with one spell without specialized training, it wouldn't work with the gnome and the minotaur. Besides, Gerox can think just a little smugly, the sorcerer is much more complicated than a backpack!

Harvest recognizes the various creatures and that they are magical beasts. More specifically, each of them are a direct result of wizardly manipulation of standard animals which made them stronger, faster, and possessed of other animalistic extraordinary abilities. (Quite unlike the noble majesty of a Taur, passes through her mind.) She thinks of the Wolf-Eagles and the Owlbear and makes a fairly accurate assumption about the other animals. More aggression too, much more aggression.

Arno looks for entrances, but can see none from this one side and 50 feet away. There may be an entrance on the other sides or a secret stone, but the dwarf is going to have to move about or get within 10 feet of the pyramid to find out more.

Third Brother also carefully looks at the pyramid and surrounding open space. Like the WLAers, he sees nothing moving, no lurking animals, no spoor or scat or sign. He glances at the Nobles and squares his shoulders. "Tradition is that I come to the pyramid and ask for Hrrerricko's forgiveness on behalf of the People. That we have learned how to be humble and we have continued to be faithful servants in guarding the Valley." He pauses. "I guess you all wait here while I walk to the pyramid?" The catfolk sounds unsure but also determined that it is HIS quest. His ear twitches, allowing the WLAers a chance to give advice or take charge.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 31/35 (37/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=11 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 10:17:25 AM
The jungle opens and Brom is in awe by the massive structure.

The images of half man creatues causes Brom to mumble "looks like we found the beastlords." Echoing Gerox's statement.

Gerox's joke gives Brom a smile, although he is sure Barratore doesn't share in the gnomes humor.

The barbarian switches his axe for his sword once out of the thicker brush. It's business time.

Perception dc11

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Monday September 10th, 2012 10:22:42 AM
Posted at the same time.

Brom thinks Third Brother going alone is not a good idea. "How about you lead and we will stay close behind. I want to be close should something happen."

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+13=33 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 10:45:25 AM

"Yes, I think that Brom is right," agrees Harvest Moon. This, after explaining both to all and to no one in particular, that Wolf-Eagles, Owl-Bears, Lion-Scorpions, and Snake-Vultures, Mer-Lion too, are magical in their nature, and not, as are the Wemics and the Minotaurs, beings from and of the Wold.

The time has come for the asking of forgiveness. In this, Harvest Moon feels the great import of the moment. She prepares herself with two gifts of magic. Then, she touches Third Brother with the blessing of Guidance.

"Go now," she urges Third Brother. "We will follow thirty paces behind." Then Harvest Moon turns to watch and listen. Unlike before, her attention is fully upon this task. The silent glide of the owl could not, at this time, escape the notice of Harvest Moon.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cast Guidance and Virtue upon self.
Cast Guidance on 3rd Brother.

Perception 33 (w/Guidance)

Active Effects: Virtue

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: Cure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Monday September 10th, 2012 4:45:33 PM
Gerox nods at Harvest's suggestion and then says, "Wait, just let me...." He casts a message spell pointing at 3rd brother, Lemick, and Harvest. He then whispers, "If you need help, just whisper and some of us will hear and be able to come to your aid." In a more normal voice, he continues, "This way if you get into trouble or see something, you can let us know what it is."

Arno  d20=9 ; d20=20 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 5:28:53 PM
Arno says nothing, hoping no one will ask his opinion as he already knows what he is going to do. He is going to parallel and be slightly ahead of Third Brother. Hes not going to interfere with any test or anything, Arno understands that some battles you have to fight on your own; he just wants to make sure its a level playing field. Hes going to be looking for traps and ambushes specifically. He has his grapple and rope out. Ready for two things: if need be, he can use it to hoist anyone up, out of the way or down. And if needing a diversion he can cast it out and start to drag it in while still retaining cover. But his other weapons are ready, on the off chance he has to drop the grapple and use more deadly force.

When Third Brother moves out, Arno slips silently into the foliage and paces him.

Stealth: 9 + 9 = 18. Perception: 11 + 20 (nat, thank you very much!) = 31.

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Monday September 10th, 2012 6:34:24 PM
Bralin catches Barratore's eye, and then fans out to the left and slightly ahead of the group as they approach the pyramid.

Following Harvest's, uh, suggestion, the dwarf stays thirty paces away from Third Brother.
[left flank in a shallow U-shaped formation behind Third Brother].

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=9 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 9:17:57 PM
Lemick listens as plans are made. Surely there is more to this, and he wants to be prepared help the catfolk. "Third brother, if you would like, I am willing to accompany you, to stand beside you in your request for Hrrerricko's forgiveness, to offer my physical support and validation of the humbleness and generousity I have seen from the catfolk in this short time."

OOC: Diplomacy:9 hoping to offer his aide without offending

If allowed, Lemick joins Third Brother standing beside him. If not, he'll be 30 paces behind like the others.

Peza  d20+6=26 ;
Monday September 10th, 2012 9:51:08 PM
Peza falls into position ... taking up a spot near the back .... scoping out firing lanes between those in front ... her crossbow loaded and readied for action

With a few encouraging words to 3rd brother ... " we're right here with you brother "

Glad to see the Brom keeping a watchful eye on their friend ..... the ranger eyes sweep ahead [perception check d20+6=26 !!! woohoo ] seeking movement

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet 
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 7:47:57 AM
Barratore slows and stops as Third brother speaks. Barratore drops to a knee to be a a better view with him, "Tradition does not seem to have worked thus far. I would be honored to accompany you to ask for forgiveness." He nods as Bralin catches his eye and then Baratore stands and walks with Third Brothers side to the pyramid. Barratore with stow both weapons as he approaches. One does not ask forgiveness for anything at the end of a weapon.

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d6=3 ; d20+10=27 ; 2d6+9=16 ; d20+3=16 ; d3=1 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 10:11:22 AM
The WLAers shake themselves out into a loose battle formation, everyone but Arno used to each others combat moves from long experience. Harvest suggests that they will keep within easy rescue distance, but let Third Brother make the first approach, and most everyone agrees with her.

Lemick offers to pace beside Third Brother, but when the Catfolk shakes his head, stays with the group.

Bralin assumes that the group will be in a shallow U in order to help Third Brother from all sides and paces forward and staying behind.

Arno doesn't wait for permission, but moves out to a supporting position with rope and grapple, using the two foot high grass as concealment pacing slightly ahead of Third Brother.

Barratore also thinks that permission is overrated and when Third Brother moves out, he paces without words beside the smaller Catfolk.

Third Brother himself has a gammut of emotions run across his face before settling on stoic purposefulness. Reversing his spear but keeping it in hand, the warrior walks forward for a few seconds.

Third Brother and Barratore are only 15 feet away from the Pyramid when Harvest, Arno, and Peza all shout a warning together; The stones at the top of the Pyramid are moving!

..................

They are doing more than simply moving, but grow until the stones show as a weaving pillar more than 15 feet tall, a red, bald head of a gigantic vulture with teeth, its fangs dripping a green venom!

Now that it is moving, everyone can easily see it, but the extraordinary stone coloration made it all but impossible to notice unless someone was right on top of it. And it moves very fast indeed, speeding off the top of the pyramid and attacking Third Brother! The incredibly long neck flashes out, targeting the catfolk. A single snap and the beak grabs Third Brother's shoulder and bite hard, fangs piercing lungs. Barratore sees the Catfolk's eyes glaze over as the poison courses through his system, the determined warrior whispers "forgive us", coughs, and collapses.

........................
COMBAT ROUNDS

The Pyramid

Snake-Vulture AC unk DAM none (Huge with Reach)

Third Brother - 16 DAM + 1 DEX (poison round 1) UNCONSCIOUS

Arno
Barratore
Bralin
Brom
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza

Arno  d20=14 ; d20=14 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 11:17:51 AM
"NO!" Shouts Arno as he spins the grapple and casts it at the Vulture. His hope is that he snag that thing and tie his rope to a tree, so that it doesn't take off and let the bigger folk pound it, until he can find a way to flank it.

Initiative: 7 + 14 = 21

He throws his grapple at the thing and hopes he can grab it. He wants some payback. And he thinks of a couple of empty vials he has; that poison on it's beak-he can use it.

to hit: 6 + 14 = 20 (not a natural, but still)

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+5=23 ; d6+5=11 ; d20+7=25 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 11:46:23 AM
Brom is surprised as the top of the pyramid is a huge monster. "Beast, you die!" He shouts as he moves up, grabbing a javelin. He lets the javelin loose 5-ft short of Third Brother's position.

AC: 23, damage 11; range increment: 45-ft for javelin.

"Lemick, Harvest get him once you have an opening. Everyone else, let's take this this down!"

Perception DC25

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  d4+1=2 ; d3=1 ; d4+1=3 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 12:21:42 PM
Gerox raises his hand and two darts shoot from it striking the vulture in the flanks. (magic missile does 5 points of damage. Sorry about the die roller. Rolled die 3 in error)

"Does anyone have a cure for poison? Lemick you need to heal number 3!"

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+10=22 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+3=7 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 2:17:08 PM

It had not appeared so large at the top of the Pyramid. Such are the tricks that distance plays with the mind. Now that it is nearer it appears very terrible in its size, thinks Harvest Moon as she leaps through the tall grasses that cover the field towards the place at which she saw Third Brother fall. How can they defeat such a thing? She wracks her brain for what she might have learned about such a huge and unusual creature. It seems familiar to her, but what does she know of its strengths and weaknesses? What might they use against it?

Coming in at Barratore Steelwind's side, Harvest Moon kneels at the body of Third Brother and calls on one of the gifts from the Wold. A glow of green life passes from her hand and into Third Brother's body. Where the green glow travels, Third Brother's wounds melt away.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Knowledge Nature 22 for Information/Weaknesses/Etc on Snake-Vulture
CLW Heal Third Brother for 7hp (Rerolled the 1, if we're still doing that.)

Position: H14 (25ft move)

Active Effects: Virtue

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 3:20:52 PM
Like everyone else, Bralin reacts just a tad too slowly. Plus, of course, the dwarf is totally out of position for a frontal attack.

Calling out an incantation that sounds like rocks breaking, the Oracle is encased in a blue field. Then, he moves directly for the monstrosity, pulling free his battleaxe and humming a low, bass, monotone note.

Cast Shield of Faith - duration 20 rounds.
Move 20' to H11
1/7 spells cast

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 24, 37 hp, Shield of Faith) 
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 3:21:41 PM
ooc - need to fix header to account for spell

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+7=17 ; d20+7=16 ; 2d8+6=13 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 5:38:43 PM
Barratore's eyes go wide as the top of the pyramid disengages and comes at them. His hand has just gotten to his weapon when Third brother slumps to the ground. The thing was fast and big, a combination that didn't appeal to him in an opponent. Here though was an exciting challenge, here was what Metascar spoke of in his stories and Barratore could not help but feel thrilled as adrenaline surged and he draw his weapon.

The fighter sidesteps and quickly tries to spin ot his off hand side and come back around on the creature.
[Acrobatics 17 to move through threatened square. His blade then thrusts forward in a quick jab hoping to draw first blood
[Hit AC 16 Dmg 13]
[move to K-15]

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+4=12 ; d6+1=3 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 6:47:06 PM
Lemick follows behind Harvest partially up to (H13) while preparing his javlin. He watches the glow of healing go into Third Brother and hopes to see movement momentarily -- in the mean time, he launches his javelin at the large beast.

AC 12, dmg 3

"Seems an uncharacteristic way to accept his plea for forgiveness," grumbles Lemick as he attempts to figure out what to do about this creature -- course a moment of fear flitters through his thoughts should this beast respond to him in words.

OOC: If Third Brother is still unconscious, Lemick intends to drag him next round. What would I roll for that, if anything?

Peza  d20+9=13 ; d20+9=12 ;
Tuesday September 11th, 2012 9:56:22 PM
Ready for anything ... or at least so she thought ... the pyramid coming to life wasnt one of them ... the sudden swift strike to 3rd brother shocks her she couldn't help prevent ... failing in her words to support him ...

With Brom and Barratore cutting pieces of the vulture beast ... Peza quickly snaps a shot off ... but it goes wide ...

[hero point used to attack ... d20+9=12 !! double ack !!! ] [pukes ]

Vulture shot ... d20+9=13 ?? ack !!!

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d20+10=25 ; 2d6+9=15 ; d3=3 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+10=21 ; 2d6+9=14 ; d3=2 ; d20+3=22
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 10:35:10 AM

Arno spins his grapple and casts it at the Vulture, but he is too far away to get a good grab. The grappling hook snags a single stone-colored scale and then falls to the ground. (Arno is at 3 range increments for the grappling hook and so takes a -6 to hit)

Brom shouts at the monster as he moves up and lets the javelin loose 5-ft short of Third Brother's position. The iron-tipped shaft flies true and pierces its hard scales! His battle awareness strong, Brom can only see the one enemy.

Gerox raises his hand and two glowing darts strike the vulture in the flanks. "Does anyone have a cure for poison?"

Harvest leaps through the tall grasses that cover the field. Looking at the monster she knows its scales are as hard as the stone they resemble. The only weaknesses that she can see is that it can only attack with its fanged beak, and that the vestigal wings are much too small to allow the huge magical beast to fly. To kill it? Harvest can only come up with a large amount of sharp steel shoved into its body.

Coming in at Barratore Steelwind's side, Harvest Moon kneels at the body of Third Brother and calls on one of the gifts from the Wold. A glow of green life passes from her hand and into Third Brother's body. Where the green glow travels, Third Brother's terrible chest wound disappears and the young warrior opens cat pupiled eyes to look at the half-elf. "I must be alive for I hurt too much to be dead!" he jokes feebly.

Bralin calls out an incantation that sounds like rocks breaking and he is encased in a blue field before moving directly for the monstrosity, pulling free his battleaxe and humming a low, bass, monotone note.

Barratore's adrenaline surges as he draws his weapon. He tries to sidestep up to the beast, but the sinuous head is lightning-quick, and the fangs score the minotaur's thigh! The wound puts Barratore off-balance and his sword skitters across the stone-scaled flank of the beast! (Acrobat vs CMD fail; AOO AC 25 Barratore Damage 15 + Poison: Fort DC 17 or -3DEX; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves.)

Lemick follows behind Harvest and, seeing movement in Third Brother launches his javelin at the large beast which only bounces off its hide. "Seems an uncharacteristic way to accept his plea for forgiveness," grumbles Lemick (LOL!)

Peza quickly snaps a shot off with her crossbow, but the bolt goes wide.

Third Brother is prone and still vulnerable to any opportunistic attack by the monster, but he demonstrates his combat saavy by taking his own opportunity. With the vulture-snake's attention on Barratore, Third Brother jumps to his feet and dodges out of the way around harvest. Simultaneously, the Catfolk cocks his spear for a cast at the beast which fares no better than most everyone else's attacks. "A monster from legend!" he gasps, overcoming the green poison. (2nd consecutive save due to earlier Guidance spell.)
.......................

The Snake-Vulture stares unblinkingly at the heroes charging at it, its vestigal wings mantling in anger. With a hiss, it strikes again at Barratore, leaving more wounds on his sword arm, and then it slides around to the north side of the pyramid to wait for his prey to be paralyzed and taking it closer to Arno. (Attack 21 Barratore Damage 14 + Poison -2 DEX; Fort DC 17; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves.)

Barratore gets an AOO as the monster moves out of his threatened area.

........................
COMBAT ROUNDS

The Pyramid

Snake-Vulture AC 20 CMD 23 DAM 16 (Huge with Reach)

Third Brother - 9 DAM (not poisoned, no DEX loss)
Arno
Barratore 29 Dam +2 Poison saves per round Fort 17 or d3 Dex for 6 rounds
Bralin
Brom
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:00:54 AM

OoC to the other Healers: Barratore is down to 1hp and Harvest is out of Healing. One more hit and he is likely dead.

Who has the wand of CLW that Torian Silverleaf gave us? Last I remember it was Bralin.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+5=12 ; d6=4 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+7=12 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:16:41 AM
Brom grabs another javelin and sends in towards the beast, used hero point,. This time it fails to pierce the beast's hide. He then moves to Arno's side. "Come face me demon. Come face your end."

Perception DC12

Hero point used.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:30:22 AM

"It cannot fly!" calls out Harvest Moon. It is the most useful thing that she can think of telling to the other League Adventurers. The most useful thing that is not already plainly obvious.

How to approach such a powerful creature. Barratore Steelwind is already gravely wounded, near unto death from such an attempt. The best way seems to be to strike it from afar as Brom has already done.

"Draw back!" calls Harvest Moon. "Cause it to follow us out onto the grasses. I might then call to the grasses to rise up and Entangle the Snake Vulture."

With those words, the half-elven girl herself retreats to Peza's side. From there she watches the Snake Vulture, making ready a spell to catch it should it advance upon the grassy plain.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Move / Ready Action

Ready: If the Snake Vulture comes off the Pyramid, cast Entangle to catch it without catching anyone else.

Position: B13 (30ft move)

Active Effects: Virtue

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Arno  d20=18 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 3:52:55 PM
Reeling in the grapple from his throw, Arno inches closer, still hopping for a better shot. And while it's wings may not give it flight, magic can he thinks. Grasping the grapple again and still looking to tie it down and go for a rear attack he swings his grapple again silently asking his gambler God to bet on his throw and give it good aim. If nothing else, he can try and distract it for the bigger fighters of his group..

'Here we go again,' he mutters swinging the grapple and letting fly at the Vulture.

Attack: 6 + 18 = 24.

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 24, 37 hp, Shield of Faith)  d8+2=7 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 7:39:15 PM
ooc- Bralin does not have the wand, I don't think.

Bralin moves up next to Barratore, drops his battleaxe, and calls out another incantation as he lays a hand on the taur. It helps a little....


Move 20' to Barratore
Cast Cure Light Wounds - heal Barratore for 7 hp

Shield of Faith - 2/20 rounds.
2/7 spells cast

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet  d20+6=19 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+7=15 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 7:40:57 PM
Blood and air blast from Barratores lungs as the creature nearly rips him to shreads. The poison onslaught overwhelms his system and muscles strat cramping causing a second spasm and spray of blood to coat the nearby area. Barratore makes a second jab as the creature moves off, but there is no real power behind the strike and it glances off impotently.

[Fort save 19 success; Fort save 10 failure lost of 2 Dex]
[AoO Hit AC 15]

Barratore staggers back 20' [F/15] "I need some healing here to keep it on the run!" cough cough spit blood

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d8+2=6 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 8:34:46 PM
OOC: I think Lemick had it last from the kobold area. (Or Gerox?)

Finding Third Brother still up to the challenging mentally, Lemick re-assesses the status of everyone.

"Not able to fly," makes Lemick laugh. The mere sight of a rock beast of this size is certainly magical -- and thus magic could easily make it fly. Had he the time, he'd continue this line of thought.

His hands free, Lemick rushes to Barratore (G13) to aid in his recovery -- in part feeling guilty for not wanting to get any closer to the winged beast and finding the need to heal others a good alternative.

OOC: Barratore heals 6 more. Puts Barratore at 14 hp

Spells
4 -0th level
Light
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (0/5) - standard action

OOC: Dang, should have channelled positive energy -- didn't think about it until I had rolled. Would have helped Brother some, but Barratore less.

Peza  d20+9=28 ; d20+9=20 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 9:28:41 PM
taking aim again ..... Peza takes a deep breath ..." patience " she says quietly .... with the snake/bird lined up in her sights she snaps the trigger .... the bolt flies true ....sinking into the creatures neck ...

Vulture kill shot !! d20+9=28 !! crit hit !!
crit roll d20+9=20 !!! woot !!
crit hit damage d8=2 , crit roll damage d=2 , vital strike damage d8=2 !! total damage = 6
[wow 3 two's !! , hope next time for 3 sevens ;-) ]

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  2d4+2=6 ;
Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:14:10 PM
Gerox scampers 30' over to c10 and calls releases another magic missile spell at the creature doing another 6 points of damage to it.

"Anyone with a range weapon, use it! Let's take this thing down before it comes back and eats me...I mean one of us!"

(ooc Rigging has the campfire bead and the wand of magic missiles. I believe Lemick or Harvest have the wand of curing)

2/5 1st level spells used

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d6=6 ; d20+5=22 ; d8=2 ; d20+10=18 ; 2d6+9=15 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday September 13th, 2012 11:46:47 AM
Brom grabs another javelin and sends in towards the beast, missing the weaving head. He then moves to Arno's side. "Come face me demon. Come face your end."

"Draw back!" calls Harvest Moon, and hatches a plan as the half-elven girl herself retreats to Peza's side. Harvest's call about the wings allow the other heroes to see what Harvest sees; the snake-vulture can not fly.

Arno reels in his grapple and inches closer, still hopping for a better shot. He throws again, but the unwieldy grappling hook just can't easily snag the huge creature. (ooc: I'm allowing a move action to recoil the rope, a 5' step, and a throw. At 30 feet away, Arno still gets -6 AC to hit and misses. Additionally, if hit, I will allow Arno to perform a Grapple check against the creature [CMB vs CMD], but there will be no other restriction or condition on the Snake-Vulture.)

Bralin moves up next to Barratore, drops his battleaxe, and calls out another incantation as he lays a hand on the taur.

Barratore, horribly wounded, makes a jab as the creature moves off, but there is no real power behind the strike and it glances off impotently. The minotaur staggers back asking for healing and spitting blood.

Lemick rushes to Barratore and heals him some more.

Peza takes aim again ..... takes a deep breath ... and snaps the trigger! The bolt flies true into the creatures neck in a shallow arc and trailing blood.

Gerox scampers over to where he can see the monster on the side of the pyramid and calls another two magic missiles to strike the creature!

Third Brother, unlimbers his bow and moves back to flank Gerox. Setting arrow to string, and marks the monster. "Kuuuu!" he calls, waving his bow over his head while grabbing another arrow.
.......................

The Snake-Vulture hisses, still full of life, and slithers forward until it curls around one of the medium-sized statues on the north-west edge of the pyramid, and close enough to Brom and Arno! It attacks again, rearing back and striking on its long neck, bright red head and curved beak flashing towards Brom and ripping into a shoulder! (AC 18 Brom Damage 15 + Poison: Fort DC 17 or -3DEX; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves.)

Harvest, in tune with the magical beast, notices that the Snake-Vulture is staying on the pyramid. Insight into the nature of the magical beast allows the half-elf to know it will not come down.

........................
COMBAT ROUNDS

The Pyramid

Snake-Vulture AC 20 CMD 23 DAM 30 (Huge with Reach)

Third Brother 9 DAM
Arno
Barratore 16 Dam +2 Poison 1: 1/6 1 save 2: 1/6 -2DEX
Bralin
Brom 15 Dam + Poison
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday September 13th, 2012 12:03:09 PM

"Draw back! Draw back!"

With it's great size, a direct confrontation with the Snake Vulture can only result in terrible injury. It can strike from afar. The best way to defeat it is to trap it and attack it from even further away. Perhaps, speculates Harvest Moon, it may not even be able to descend from the Pyramid to pursue them. There are no tracks here. A creature of such size and weight must necessarily leave such tracks.

"Draw back!" cries Harvest Moon again. She takes the healing wand of Torian Silverleaf in hand and steps a few paces forward, nearer to the injured Barratore Steelwind and Brom, though she remains prepared to call upon the grasses to trap the Snake Vulture should it venture off the Pyramid.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Draw wand of CLW / 5ft step / Ready Action

Ready: If the Snake Vulture comes off the Pyramid, cast Entangle to catch it without catching anyone else. (Reflex vs DC15 or be Entangled.)

Position: C13 (5ft move)

Active Effects: Virtue

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 6/6

Arno  d20=18 ; d20=14 ;
Thursday September 13th, 2012 1:07:39 PM
Reeling in the rope and still on the move trying to get a rear or flank action Arno just shakes his head. He wonders if this is the time the rest of the group comes back except for him. Well, that's what they pay me fore.

Arno is moving behind the creature, but this time he has the grapple in his hand and pulls his kukri out. He exhales, runs and then jump on the back of this thing (ride'em cowboy!) and use the grapple to hook into it, so he can use his kukri to to start stabbing it in the back. (At least, thats the plan) If nothing else, it should distract the thing.

Acrobatics: 9 + 18 = 27.

To hit: 3 + 14 = 17 grapple in the back I hope and holding on.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+5=13 ; d6=3 ; d20+16=34 ; 2d6+7=16 ;
Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:23:18 PM
[Fort save DC13, failed. Dex 11]

Brom gets wailed from the snake-vulture. He fails to resist the poison and as the poison begins to course through his body, he feels his muscles start to stiffen.

"Arno, back off, regroup. I don't feel like taking this thing on alone." Brom stays until Arno withdraws choosing to cover their withdrawal. He does ready for an attack by the beast.

Readied Attack (hero point): AC34 (BAB +8, hero pt +8; so close), damage 16

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 20/35 (26/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:24:02 PM
Adjusting numbers:

Temp AC - AC16

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 14/30Character Sheet  d20+6=15 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+4=13 ;
Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:47:30 PM
Healing flows into Barratore and he grins at the pair of clerics, blood still dripping from his mouth, "Round 2."
Barratore moves 30' north pulling a javelin and sends it hurling towards the thing. The missile falls well off the mark

A cramp attacks his arm and midsection as the poison continues to due its work

[Move to F/9]
[Fort save 15 failed Barratore takes poison for the second hit again ignore the second fort save]
[Attack Hit AC 13]

-2 Dex + this round loss

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Thursday September 13th, 2012 9:22:20 PM
Lemick is stuck following Barratore as he wasn't finished with him, but instead was digging around his belt for one of his potions. (Moves 25' north with Barratore) As Lemick touches Barratore a pair of dice appear above his head rattling, landing on snake eyes and fading away as they sink into his massive minotaur body.

OOC: Cast Bit of Luck on Barratore: For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result

Spells
4 -0th level
Light
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (1/5) - standard action

Peza  d20+8=23 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ;
Thursday September 13th, 2012 9:41:53 PM
"Patience " whispes Peza to herself .... her friends need her ... she won't let them down

loading her weapon .... she smoothly lines up the vulture/snake in her sights .... taking a moment as the beast comes into view in her sights she snaps the trigger ... the bolt flies true ....sinking into its neck again

vulture kill shot d20+8=23 damage d8=5 vital strike damage d8=7 total damage = 12 !!!

" LET IT SIT ATOP THE PYRAMID .. WE'LL BLAST IT FROM DISTANCE " shouts the raven haired girl

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 24, 37 hp, Shield of Faith) 
Thursday September 13th, 2012 10:10:16 PM
Bralin is not feeling suicidal today. The dwarf picks up his axe and retreats.


Move to F14
Shield of Faith - 3/20 rounds.
2/7 spells cast


Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  2d4+2=9 ;
Thursday September 13th, 2012 10:16:05 PM
Gerox looks to the others, "Well we know it isn't a very forgiving creature. I suspect it is some kind or guard dog. Do we stay and fight or head back and come up with a better plan on how to kill this thing. Maybe some pikes? Range weapons. Catapult?"

Gerox shrugs and launches another magic missile attack at the creature. The two missiles strike home doing 9 points of damage. Gerox winces and moves back to B10. "Hope it doesn't snap me up like a snack."

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d6=6 ; d20+5=12 ;
Friday September 14th, 2012 11:03:28 AM
Harvest knows there are no tracks here and the monster probably does not descend from the Pyramid. "Draw back!" she cries again as she takes the healing wand gets ready to heal or Entangle.

Arno reels in his rope again and then bounds forward and over a writhing coil to flank the monster, his jinking and weaving keeping the fanged mouth too off-balance to strike! Highlight to display spoiler: { Arno takes a move action to reel in the rope, and another move action to move; he can attack next round. Acrobatics allows 1/2 move to go through enemy space without AOO, success! }

Brom feels his muscles start to stiffen. He also calls, too late, for Arno to back off, and sets his axe to guard the withdrawl.

Healing flows into Barratore and he grins at the pair of clerics, blood still dripping from his mouth, "Round 2." Barratore moves, pulling a javelin and sends it hurling towards the thing, the missile falling well off the mark due to a cramp attacks his arm and midsection as the poison continues to due its work. Highlight to display spoiler: { Barratore was poisoned twice and required 2 saves per round. Since the second was a success, he now only needs to save once per round.}

Lemick follows Barratore, giveing him a Bit of Luck. As Lemick touches Barratore a pair of dice appear above his head rattling, landing on snake eyes and fading away as they sink into his massive minotaur body.

"Patience " whispes Peza to herself, and can crow as another bolt bites deep into the monster's neck!

Bralin is not feeling suicidal today. The dwarf picks up his axe and retreats.

Gerox looks to the others, "Well we know it isn't a very forgiving creature. I suspect it is some kind or guard dog. The gnome shrugs and launches another two magic missiles at the creature!

Third Brother lets another arrow fly, missing the weaving monter.
.......................

The Snake-Vulture is deeply wounded, but still very aggressive, and it has two tempting targets. One is bouncing around its coils and the other is standing perfectly still... the ugly red head launches itself at Brom, its dripping fangs razor sharp in the wide open beak. But the barbarian is ready and his axe strikes first. Only a hair's breadth from his face, the great beak shoots past and the monster sprawls at Brom's feet... dead!

Though the monster is truely dead, its poison still courses in Brom and Barratore's viens. ( Barratore needs 4 saves and Brom needs 5 saves at Fort DC 17. 2 consecutive saves ends the poison. Every fail = temporary d3 DEX loss. If hero goes to 0 DEX, he falls unconscious.

........................
END OF COMBAT

The Pyramid

Snake-Vulture AC 20 CMD 23 DAM 66-dead (Huge with Reach)

Third Brother 9 DAM
Arno
Barratore 16 Dam +Poison 2/6 -4DEX
Bralin
Brom 15 Dam +Poison 1/6 -3DEX
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d8+1=6 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=5 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=6 ; d20+12=14 ;
Friday September 14th, 2012 12:27:07 PM

"Yip!" Harvest Moon leaps into the air, a fist raised to the sky. With a feral laugh, the small half-elven girl goes bounding through the tall grass to pounce upon Brom. "You must call!" she demands of the barbarian. "'Kuu!' You must call 'Kuu!'"

Then she sets about using the wand of Torian Silverleaf to heal the wounds from the great beak of the Snake Vulture. Most of Brom's wounds are smoothed away with two uses of the wand. Barratore Steelwind requires three uses.

There is nothing, however, that can be done about the poison that runs already through their veins. It is a terrible thing, poison. Harvest Moon then begins clambering over the body of the Snake Vulture. Is it truly make of stone? She attempts to dislodge one of its feathers. She feels for the heat of its body. She dabs fingers into the flesh and blood if its wounds.

At some point, she looks up from her examination, taken by the idea that others of the statues upon the Pyramid might come alive as well. The distraction of the Snake Vulture, however, is great, and her eye is soon drawn back to it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Use wand of CLW
Barratore 14/30 +6+3+5 healed to 28/30
Brom 20/35 +6+6 healed to 32/35

Perception 14

Active Effects: Virtue

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Arno  d20=20 ; d20=19 ;
Friday September 14th, 2012 6:44:23 PM
Arno, still hyped up on adrenaline doesn't know if he should feel happy or sad that he didn't get a good lick in. Realizing that he must be going more crazy he quickly gets out two empty vials and heads for the head of the monster. As careful as he can hes going to get some of that poison for his needles.

As he moves forward he looks around. It would be just his luck, he's miss another surprise attack.

Perception: 11 + 20 = 31

(OOC: Don't know if i need to roll anything to collect the poison. Rolled a 19)

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d6=1 ; d6=3 ;
Friday September 14th, 2012 9:03:01 PM
One issue down, and wounded still about. Lemick moves over to the other poison victim hoping to help his body fight off the poison.

Standing next to Brom, Lemick calls forth more luck. The red dice roll above his head, showing a 1 and 3 it's total being 4. 4 is the number of dependability and productivity, both of which Brom and the group need.

OOC: Brom has been given a "Bit of Luck" for one round.For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result

Spells
4 -0th level
Light
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (2/5) - standard action



Peza 
Friday September 14th, 2012 11:48:55 PM
"Yeah Brom .... way to finish off the beast!! ..... standing tall "

Peza's eyes sweep the surroundings .... just incase something else is lurking ..... a smile creases her face at Harvests enthusiasm .... checking each each member to make sure everyone is ok ... she settles on their newest friend .... " hmmm ... as the vials come into veiw .... an eyebrow arches
" hmm ... that could be helpful in the right spot " muses the girl to herself.

Keeping watch she catches 3rd brothers eye ... giving him a wink ... " you did well " ... then reloads her crossbow



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Saturday September 15th, 2012 6:17:30 AM

Harvest Moon suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, thinks of a way in which she might be of help to Brom and Barratore Steelwind. She leaps, quite literally, from where she is scrambling atop the body of the Snake Vulture, and runs first to Barratore Steelwind and then to Brom. To each she imparts the gift of Guidance.

+1 to Barratore and Brom's next saves.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Saturday September 15th, 2012 7:47:36 AM
Gerox watches Harvest plunder the body, who is quickly followed by Arno collecting poison. He shakes his head and calls, "I don't suppose anyone found any gold? Arno, see how much poison you can collect. I would think the fixers would be interested or maybe an alchemy shop? I saving for a wand of lightning bolts!"

Then young gnome scans his eyes around the area keeping an eye out for any other nasty creatures or surprises. (taking 10 on perception for a 15)

He looks to the others and asks, "Do we push on or bring #3 back to report to his Mother?"

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 32/35 (38/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+5=17 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=17 ;
Saturday September 15th, 2012 2:31:27 PM
Brom eventually fights off the poison, he failed one in four, -3 dex.

Brom's body becomes more stiff, but he doesn't succumb to its effects. The beast lying at his feet, Brom doesn't kuu but instead gives a mighty roar.

He looks to Barratore with a smile, "That's one for me."

"We follow Third Brother. I don't think this is forgiveness."

Brom takes some feathers and a fang from the beast as trophies.



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 32/35 (38/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=20 ;
Saturday September 15th, 2012 2:33:34 PM
Temp: 8 dexterity (-6 total)

Perception DC20

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Saturday September 15th, 2012 6:57:23 PM
Lemick takes this moment of calm to find the potions in his bag. He also finds the flask he found earlier with the kobolds kicking himself for not determining it's contents over the last weeks. "Got 2 potions of lesser restoration here?" He looks to those affected by the poison.

"So?" he looks to Third Brother, "Shall we all move together to ask for forgiveness now?"

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet  d20+7=14 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=26 ; d3=2 ; d3=2 ;
Sunday September 16th, 2012 1:08:40 PM
Barratore smirks back at Brom and replies, "It kept running and hiding from me." The minotaur puts on a brave face, but muscle spasms keep rippling across various portions of his body and his movements are labored and deliberate. Harvest is soon there with the wand and the physical woulnds all but vanish.
"Lemick, give one to Third Brother and the other to Brom."

Barratore looks to 'Third Brother', "Your quest. Ready when you are."

Fort saves 14, 14 Fail / 11, 7 Fail / 14, 26 success/ 26 success
Dex Dmg 8

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d100=2 ; d100=12 ; d100=6 ;
Monday September 17th, 2012 4:05:14 PM
Brom, with a Bit of Luck from Lemick is able to fend off the rest of the poison. Barratore is not so lucky, and even with magical support, stands on very shakey legs. Lemick, however, has found 2 Potions of Lesser Restoration, which, when taken by the minotaur, heal over half the damage! Barratore healed of 7 DEX

Harvest, with the wand of healing, is able to take care of everyone's physical wounds with 5 charges of the wand. (to include Third Brother).

An examination of the Snake-Vulture reveals that while the scales are hard and provide good protection, the creature is not made of stone, only a very good camoflage. The underbelly of the creature has several twists of gold and a few coins lodged between scales as if the monster slid over the treasure backwards and the great weight made the gold fast. There are only 100 gold pieces worth where the Snake-Vulture lays dead.

Arno is excited about using the poison for his own purposes. He gets two vials and is able to collect enough of the Snake-Vulture's venom for 10 doses. Unforetuneately, in his first attempt, Arno accidentally scratches himself with the dead snake's fang, and poison courses through the dwarf! (5% chance each vial; 2 poisoned!, 12 safe) [b]Arno make 6 saves at Fort DC 17. Two consecutive saves ends the poison. Every failed save means Arno takes d3 DEX damage. Highlight to display spoiler: {Applying poison to a weapon or single piece of ammunition is a standard action. Whenever a character applies or readies a poison for use there is a 5% chance that he exposes himself to the poison and must save against the poison as normal. This does not consume the dose of poison. Whenever a character attacks with a poisoned weapon, if the attack roll results in a natural 1, he exposes himself to the poison. This consumes the poison on the weapon. Characters with the poison use class feature do not risk accidentally poisoning themselves.}

Brom takes a feather from the Snake-Vulture's wing. He also nearly poisons himself all over again by snapping off a fang, but gets away with it. (5% chance, rolled a 6)

The WLAers look about but the clearing is quiet, there are no other threats.

Third Brother is looking at the pyramid. "The monsterr must have kept Hrrerricko trrapped in his Pyrramid", exclaims the Catfolk, "this is the chance that the People have been waiting forr! We rrescue Hrrerricko and he will have to forrgive us!" The nimble man takes a leap up the pyramid to where he is standing on the second tier and looks back down to see if the WLAers follow.

.......................

Third Brother

Arno 6 saves at Fort DC 17 d3Dex each failure
Barratore -5 DEX
Bralin
Brom -3 DEX
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza


Arno  d20=11 ; d20=10 ; d20=17 ; d20=17 ; d3=3 ; d3=2 ;
Monday September 17th, 2012 4:33:55 PM
"OUCH!" Arno screeches. Then quieter, "owie vey." He had heard his parents use that expression when luck seem to not go their way.

Arno can't believe it. he can't believe it! After everything he has been through, to possibly die from getting scratched on a dead creatures fang. Talk about the fickle finger of luck. Well, he knew where that finger could stick it! He steeled him and could already feel the poison working its way through his veins. Provided he survived, this would be good stuff!

((FORT +2. 13, 12, 19, 19...saved twice in a row. But also loss the first two, so; 3 + 2 = 5 off DEX. Is that permanent or can I be healed or...))

He stands, a bit shakily and announces, "If anyone has anything for poisoning, I would not be adverse to a little help." He holdings his hand over the minor scratches, which has done more damage to him than all the encounters he has had since he joined this group.



Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Monday September 17th, 2012 4:44:49 PM
Bralin's eyes shift from conversation to conversation, but it is obvious the dwarf is still in 'battle-mode', and can't understand a thing.

But, it is apparent that Third Brother means to climb the pyramid, and so Bralin starts up with him.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=14 ;
Monday September 17th, 2012 7:51:59 PM

An accretion of some matter upon a creature usually means that there is much more of this matter somewhere else around. Harvest Moon works a coin loose from between two scales of the Snake Vulture. Where there is mud upon a person's feet, one can be reasonably sure that there is much mud also somewhere else around. Where would the Snake Vulture have gone that it would collect such ...

The cry of pain from Arno draws Harvest Moon from her examination. She observes the vials. He has been collecting poison. Curious.

And then the voice of Third Brother draws her attention again. Harvest Moon looks dubious. Could the Snake Vulture alone have kept such a thing as this Hrrerricko within the Pyramid? If the Hrrerricko performed such miracles as creating the Cat People, it seems unlikely.

Harvest Moon leaves the body of the Snake Vulture behind. She rushes up the side of the Pyramid with Bralin the Stonesinger. She glances quickly about, then just as quickly she taps herself again with the spell of Guidance. Third Brother Next. Bralin the Stonesinger after that.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 14

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance

Guidance on Third Brother and Bralin.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Peza 
Monday September 17th, 2012 8:11:21 PM
Hearing Arno's yelp .... and plea for help ..... " i've gotten nothing for poison .... but you should talk with the others affected too .... let us know the side effects .... we'll have a good chance of meeting another one of the bird/snakes "

peza giggles a little at 3rd brothers enthusiasm " at least he waited ... Harvest would of charged off already " .. " easy brother .... be patient ... we need to go as a group ... you witnessed how devastating one of those is ... our strength is as a team ..."

" I'm with you .... i'll provide covering fire " as she taps her crossbow " just move carefully "

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Monday September 17th, 2012 9:04:32 PM
As Lemick gets ready to move on, he finds his comrads being hurt by the dead beast. Is poison and keepsake talismen worth the risk of dying?And it's not even the women this time. Out of potions, Lemick can only watch.

"Poison is beyond my power to heal, and Barratore has consumed the last of the known potions. Course I do have a flask of unknown liquid, it might be a cure poison potion, or some really well aged ale, or I suppose more poison. If you'd like to test your favor with Waard, your welcome to try it." The aged and dirty flask is offered should Arno or anyone else really be interested.

Seeing Third Brother jump up causes Lemick to worry. "Perhaps slower, my friend. We need to be cautious of other traps and creatures that may await our arrival with ill intent. Luck often favors those that know when to be cautious."

Hoping the catfolk slows, Lemick follows slower.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Monday September 17th, 2012 11:22:14 PM
Gerox moves over to Arno and puts a hand out to help steady the dwarf. "You have to be careful with that poison stuff." I know it is fascinating and maybe worth some gold but obviously you aren't an assassin. I think we are out of healing magic. Do you wish to go on?"

Gerox looks to the others and sees the cat person ready to push on. "Should we push on or rest up?" We have several members of the group under the adverse effects of the poison. What happens if we run into more of those things?"

Gerox moves over to Harvest and says, "Maybe only one of us should go scout. I can make someone invisible for a short time. Really only seconds but it might be enough time to take a quick look around."

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 7:29:16 AM

"But Gerox Shale ... " Harvest Moon considers the idea of the gnome. "Should this honor not belong to Third Brother? You have already cast your Message magic upon him, have you not? If your magic can cause invisibility, should you then not cast your magic upon him so that he might be the first to the top of the Pyramid."

Harvest Moon shades her eyes with a hand and looks up toward the apex. "Would you like that, Third Brother," she asks. "Would you like to scout the top of the Pyramid with Invisibility magic? Or shall I go?"

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 32/35 (38/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=21 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 8:09:39 AM
"Thanks, my friend." He says for the healing.

If possible, Brom will retrieve any javelins that ate still useable.

Brom stands near Third Brother and will follow him up the pyramid.

Perception DC21

Temp Dex: 11; AC 16/14

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) 
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 9:30:18 AM
Arno is affected by the poison before his stout dwarven constitution rejects the vile serum. He wonders if his agility is affected permenantly or if it is only a temporary effect. (Anyone with Know Nature, Know Arcane, Survival, Healing, Alchemy, or a potion/poison relevant Craft or Profession DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Temporary ability damage returns at the rate of 1 point per night of rest (8 hours) for each affected ability score. Complete bed rest restores 2 points per day (24 hours) for each affected ability score.}

Harvest collects the small ammount of gold on the underside of the Snake-Vulture and wonders, if the Snake never ventures off the pyramid, where did the gold come from. She casts a couple of Guidance spells and follows Third Brother up the pyramid.

Bralin and Brom also flank Third Brother as he ascends the pyramid.

Peza and Lemick call for caution, noting the best strength and luck is in the entire cautious team, but both are ready to back up the four ascending.

Third Brother notes that half the group is with him and the curiousity and instant decisions that the WLAers have noted infect all the Catfolk grabs Third Brother hard. With a grin he bounds to the top of the pyramid with Bralin, Harvest, and Brom on his heels. "We must complete the quest before the sun falls below the mountains!", he calls. Any hero that looks around can see that in this little valley surrounded by higher peaks that Third Brother is talking about mid-afternoon, only a few hours away!

At the top of the pyramid they see a 15x15 stone roof held up by four snake-carved pillars. Here is a burrowing nest of detrius, mostly of vegetation and bones from the snake's previous victims with a few bits of gold scattered to the lip of the pyramid where the Snake-Vulture obviously launched itself to the attack but a few minutes ago.

.......................

Third Brother

Arno -5 DEX
Barratore -5 DEX
Bralin
Brom -3 DEX
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=32 d20+12=21
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 9:47:59 AM

From the top of the Pyramid, Harvest Moon looks back down upon the others. He notes the hesitation of the otherwise very forward dwarf Arno. "Do not worry," she cups her hands into a cone and calls back. "The wages of poison will usually subside over time." Then she explains some of what both he, Brom and Barratore Steelwind might expect. (OoC: Ability *Damage* - not to be mistaken for Ability *Drain* - returns at the rate of 1 point per night of rest (8 hours) for each affected ability score. Complete bed rest restores 2 points per day (24 hours) for each affected ability score.)

Then the half-elfish girl turns to the mystery that is the top of the Pyramid. If there is a Hrrerrickko to be found within the Pyramid, there must necessarily be an entrance. The only question is where is this entrance. Her nose leads - almost as though sniffing the trail - as she begins a search for the footsteps of those who might have walked here before. Her eyes also, upon occasion, roam the top of the Pyramid in search of this entrance.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Knowledge Nature and Survival Autosuccess vs DC10

Survival 32 looking for Tracks.
Perception 21 for a door or other entrance.

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance

Guidance on Third Brother and Bralin.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Arno  d20=14 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 11:03:21 AM
Though he feels a bit dizzy and weak, and being around the females, he feels like he has had the flu. Arno says, "I'll be ok. My own foolishness anyways... we are here for another." He pockets the vials that cost him so, and looks around.

Perception 11 + 14 = 25.

Arno knows that they have been standing here a while and wants to make sure there is nothing out there ready to attack them. Gathering up his grapple and rope he says quietly, "Third Brother says we need to move. He is why we are here, so I suggest we get going."

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+3=13 ; d20+7=22 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 4:15:35 PM
"I can offer some minor healing by positive energy, but there is nothing I can do about the weakness in your knees. Only time will heal those wounds."

Lemick is ready to advance with the group, but the nest makes him think of babies, and babies of the giant snake-vulture would still be just as big as any in the group. He keeps his eyes out for a well hidden baby snake-vulture (OOC: Percpetion: 22)

His javelin ready, he looks for danger and shares this knowledge.

Peza  d20+8=25 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ;
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 7:49:21 PM
As the group all start to fall in behind 3rd brother .... Peza takes a position in the middle ... giving her the ability to quickly turn and fire where needed to defend her friends

Her crossbow loaded .... Peza cautiosly following Harvest and 3rd brother ....ready to strike at any threats .

readied shot s20+8=25 damage d8=4 vital straike damage d8=6 total damage = 10 !!!



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Tuesday September 18th, 2012 11:21:30 PM
Gerox follows along grumbling about the height of the stars and why a harness on a minotaur should be taken as a joke. When he gets to the top, he stops to look around and take in the view. "Harvest, make sure you get this view for the magic map." he says. Not often we are this high.

take 10 on the perception check for a 16

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet  d20+2=8 ;
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:50:03 AM
Barratore scrambles up the pyramid to pace Brom. Quiet thanks to Waard that Third Brother mentioned a time frame. At least now everyone would be on the same page and stop talking about sitting about andplaying it safe. Where was the excitement in that?

Barratore looks about, but sees nothing that is not already being investigated or looked at. He keeps his sword at the ready and responds to Harvest's proclamation on the affects of the poison not being permanent. "Good to hear, now let's get ourselves inside"

Ooc Barratore had only been damaged a total of 8 Dex and the intention was to give them to Brom and Third Brother. If the cat does not want it, Barratore will drink one

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) 
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 10:59:38 AM
Third Brother and the WLAers climb to the top of the pyramid. Under the stone roof held up by thick pillars each in the sinuous form of a snake, they have discovered the Snake-Vulture's nest. It looks like a burrowing nest where the monster must usually sleep or hide under the detrius and the heroes will have to move branches, decaying plant matter and the odd bone away to discover where the trail of small gold items comes from.

Lemick is concerned about the nest equalling babies. But soon his knowledge puts him at ease, and he is certain there is no other animal, sounds, or movement coming from the nest.

Gerox recommends Harvest get a good look around from the top of the pyramid for the magic map. And indeed, the half-elf can ensure most of this end of the Valley is dutifully rendered on the map. Both the range of the map's magic and the high mountains on all sides obscure any other sights.

Barratore doesn't drink the Potions of Lesser Restoration yet, but offers them to others who may need them more. Arno, Brom, and Barratore are the only ones under the effects of the poison. (ooc: Third Brother made two saves right off thanks to Harvest's Guidance spell and so has zero DEX damage.)

Harvest looks around, not only at the sights and the nest, but the top of the pyramid. Looking up, she notices there are holes in the roof that could have supported a wooden beam and winch. For what purpose?

.......................

Whoever drinks each potion recieves a d4 healing to thier ability scores. Need to solve this before moving on.

ooc: The top of the pyramid is a puzzle. The WLAers are going to have to figure it out for the xp and to be able to continue.

Third Brother

Arno -5 DEX
Barratore -8 DEX
Bralin
Brom -3 DEX
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza


Arno  d20=10 ; d20=5 ;
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 12:20:07 PM
Arno is looking all around and also trying to draw on his dungeoneering knowledge to figure everything out.

Perception 11 + 10 = 21 to see anything
Dungeoneering 7 + 5 = 12 (its the poison I tell ya)

"Perhaps the creature slept on top of the entrance?" Arno vocalizes. "We should all be on our toes and at our best before we continue." He nods at Barratore who had offered the [Potions of Lesser Restoration] and accepts the vial.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 4:48:31 PM

"We must dig." Harvest Moon extracts her length of rope from her back and begins to bind it about her waist in the manner taught to her by Navigator Artus Morindim. The other end, she secures to one of the four stone Snake Pillars. "I believe there is a hole beneath the branches and old plant loam that covers this place under the roof. Do you see? There once may have been a mechanism," Harvest Moon says, pointing to the holes in the roof," for raising and lowering into the depths of the Pyramid."

With both hands, she begins clearing away the branches and other detritus, trusting to her rope to catch her should things give way and pitch her into the Pyramid. She casts her armload over the side of the Pyramid and returns for more. "We must clear this away. Clear it away to see what is beneath. I believe it to be the entrance."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance

Guidance on Third Brother and Bralin.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  d20+6=14 ;
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 5:04:30 PM
Gerox starts looking around for an entrance while picking up any choice loot he might find. He casts a detect magic to see if anything around there is magic as well.

perception check 14

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet 
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 5:51:32 PM
"Good eyes". Barratore says as Harvest begins her work. Personally he did not think so small and light creature had any risk of falling through given the wisely the former occupant, but eventually enough would be cleared

Taking a lesson from his time at sea and from Harvest, Barratore lashes himself to a different pillar and begins to assisting clearing the debris. Aviolent snort is expelled from the Minotaur "and I thought they smelled bad on the outside."

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:34:35 PM
Lemick catches himself as he breathes heavily, these women are going to be the death of me finding some gratitude in being informed of the plan and seeing that some safety measures are being taken.

With no creatures about at the moment, Lemick watches as Harvest digs. He's not opposed to digging, but his chainmail makes him weigh much more than her. Still he remains diligent just in case this thing had a mate -- otherwise, why have a complete nest?

Peza 
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:41:00 PM
Not wanting to fall in under all the debris .. and unsure if they all can tie themselves to something secure ... Peza adds her voice .. " lets form some lines .... you in front pass stuff back to those behind you .... this way we won't all be in danger of possibly falling in ... to what ever is under there "

Lining up behind her friend " pass me stuff Harvest "

"Bralin ... you have a special bond with stone don't you ??... what can you tell us about it and whats under it ??" she asks of the stonesinger

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:48:45 PM
Bralin needs to see the stone. All this debris is impeding him. So, he starts clearing it away - although he does makes sure to start at the edge so as not to inadvertantly fall into a possible pit.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=9 ;
Wednesday September 19th, 2012 10:53:01 PM
Brom assists with the clearing of the brush. He ties himself off anywhere he can before begins clearing.

Perception DC9

Temp Dex (-3 dex): 11; AC 16

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid)  d4=4 ;
Thursday September 20th, 2012 9:18:36 AM
Arno takes one potion and is restored most of his agility. (Arno is restored 4 DEX)

Harvest, Barratore, and Brom use thier knowledge of the sea to tie themselves to one of the snake-carved pillars before digging in the well mulched and decayed vegetation that smells strongly of reptile. Many a wealthy merchant or idle noble have kept turtles or lizards or snakes in glass boxes as an enjoyment, but always had a lower servant have the job of cleaning the box. The WLAers soon discover 'why'. WHEW! THE SMELL!

Bralin and Peza and Third Brother also help, being more careful and keeping away from the center.

Lemick and Gerox keep on watch for any surprises. Each hero sliding into a role to help the team like a well-oiled clockwork device.

It takes about 15 minutes for the detrius to be fully cleared. The heroes are filthy, even the ones on watch flecked with bits and pieces carried by the wind. What has been revealed is a bed of gold and gems and a filthy but still unrusted chain shirt. There is also a 15' square slab with a large rusted iron ring in the center. The edges of the slab are easily seen, weathered and (in places) cracked.

............................

The WLAers gain 1000xp each
Brom gets a Hero Point for standing and overcoming the Snake-Vulture
The WLAers gain:
500 gp in twisted and bent gold objects
1,200gp in gemstones; pearls, coral, amythyst, and garnets
Chainshirt
...........................

Third Brother

Arno -1 DEX
Barratore -8 DEX
Bralin
Brom -3 DEX
Gerox
Harvest
Lemick
Peza


Arno  d20=9 ;
Thursday September 20th, 2012 9:51:53 AM
As soon as Arno sees the 15' square slab with a large rusted iron ring in the center, he carefully makes his way over to it and checks for any traps.

Perception 13 + 9 = 22 Checking for traps.

Harvest Moon (HP35/35; CMD 21 / AC18) - Al 
Thursday September 20th, 2012 12:51:34 PM

It is strange, the way in which one can become unaccustomed to certain things. Such smells as this were commonplace for life in the Contested Kingdoms. To dig within the refuse, sometimes even the droppings, of others for vital bits of food could sometimes mean the difference between life and death. And yet, after months of great plenty and the leisure of such things as bathing, such a stench as would not have given her pause before, now seems so repellant.

"We now carry the scent of the Snake Vulture." Harvest Moon stands at the edge of the square stone door or lid that seals the interior of the Pyramid. The dwarf Arno searches diligently about the surface and the edges. She is momentarily intrigued at what he might hope to find.

"Those who are accustomed to the Snake Vulture may mistake us from this scent. The enemies of the Snake Vulture may attack."

But before they discover whether there are those within the Pyramid might be friend or foe of the Snake Vulture, they must first lift the door. "Guidance for your strength," says Harvest Moon to Barratore Steelwind. "Guidance for your strength," says Harvest Moon to Brom. Each she touches, and with that touch comes a blessing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Cast Guidance upon Barratore and Brom. Then on self. And Virtue too.

Barratore and Brom get +1 to STR to lift the slab.

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp)  d20+2=9 ; d20=10 ;
Thursday September 20th, 2012 8:29:33 PM
Bralin gives the slab a once-over, and the corner of his mouth curls up at Harvest's 'enemies' comment.
"Tis unlikely it had many friends," he replies in jest.

The iron ring beckons.
"Mayhap a rope so we all can pull," he notes, pulling off his backpack and fetching a silk rope from it. Then the dwarf does his best to tie it off on the ring.

[Perception 9 for noticing unusual stonework yada yada yada
10 for the rope tying, no idea what kind of check to make]

Peza  d20+6=10 ;
Thursday September 20th, 2012 9:30:25 PM
Peza nods at Bralin's idea ... she lines up behind him .... " we should get a stone or block of wood ... use it as a wedge first ... so we can peek under there .... no surprises when we lift it off "

perception check d20=6=10



Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+6=22 ;
Friday September 21st, 2012 9:12:11 AM
"I got the tool for this." Brom takes a crowbar from off the side of his pack. "Thought this might come in handy." He jams the end of the crowbar into a good spot. "As long as it holds..."

Strength check DC22; includes Harvest's bonus. Brom can lift 1200lbs off the ground.

[OOC: are we leveling yet? Or waiting?]

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Friday September 21st, 2012 9:34:01 AM
( I am assuming I don't see anything magic? chainmail?)

Gerox says to the others, "I have detected magic and don't see anything so we should be good vs magical traps."

Gerox backs away from the burly members of the group to give them room to heave and keeps a watch out

(taking 10 on perception check so 16)

Arno  d20=8 ;
Friday September 21st, 2012 10:02:00 AM
"Allow me to double check on that trap bit. I have had some experience in locating, finding and disarming them," Arno says as he still looks at the 15' slab and rusted ring and being careful as if it was a snake that might come alive and bite him.

Perception 13 + 8 = 21 Checking for traps

Under the Pyramid


Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) 
Friday September 21st, 2012 10:44:39 AM
((ooc: OOPS! Friends, I miscalculated on the xp needed for next level. The rest of the module is still geared towards 3rd level team of 8. I would ask your forebearance to NOT use 4th level stats until the Pyramid is cleared. Thank you for your understanding.))

Once the chainshirt is revealed, Gerox is able to identify it as magical. (Gerox only Know Arcane DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: { magical with a faint abjuration aura }

Arno goes around the edges and is convinced there are no traps.

Brom gets out a prybar, Bralin a silk rope. The knot is tied well, and in no time at all, the large stone slab is pryed and pulled out of place to teeter for a moment and then tumble down the side of the pyramid smashing into a dozen pieces.

Revealed before the heroes and Third Brother is a spiral stone staircase ten feet wide and descends into the pyramid in a clockwise manner. There is no light, and so the Heroes will have to provide their own.
...............

Arno. For linking your character sheet to your Post Name, use these instructions.

the script is {link href=" place your link here "} place your noun here {/link}

only replace the { with [ and it will link.



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+13=26 ;
Friday September 21st, 2012 11:27:30 AM

Harvest Moon rushes to the edge to watch the great stone lid tumble down the side of the Pyramid and break apart. The destruction is quite impressive.

But the entryway and Third Brother's forgiveness await. Harvest Moon fetches the Ioun Torch from her pouch and sets it to spinning above her head. After untying herself from the Snake Pillar, she coils the rope neatly and replaces it within her pack.

How large could the interior of the Pyramid be? The entrances to caves are very small upon the surface. But they can be quite extensive below.

The authority with which the dwarf Arno searched earlier for traps was very reassuring. With her light, she waits his entry, following directly behind where she might keep a weather eye for things that might attack him while he paid heed to possible pits or traps.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 26 w/Guidance

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Arno 
Friday September 21st, 2012 12:04:07 PM
Arno

SteveK: excellent! I put the link up in the "Post Name". Now it is an easy way for you and the DM to refer to Arno's stats.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet 
Friday September 21st, 2012 1:50:27 PM
Barratore assists where he can to move the stone and then untied himself and stows the rope for later. Barratore then draws his blade and looks to Gerox. "a light on my sword please"

Barratore will take the second line assuming Third Brother will be in front with Harvest. Everyone else can trail in behind him

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Friday September 21st, 2012 9:44:37 PM
Gerox casts a light spell on a stone and then tosses it down the stairs trying light the way a bit.

"Someone grab the chainmail. I am seeing that is is magic."

Peza 
Friday September 21st, 2012 9:55:44 PM
Waching as Arno checks for traps ..... " he's finding and filling a much needed niche for the group ... " muses Peza to herself with a nod of approvel od his work

"

Peza 
Friday September 21st, 2012 9:58:25 PM
continued .....

" good thinking Harvest ... we'll need the light .... but maybe someone with eyes that adjust well to the dark should also be near the front ... and one near the back .. "

With crossbow loaded .... the raven haired girl takes up a position in the middle .... easily able to give fire support in any direction

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=14 ;
Sunday September 23rd, 2012 9:30:29 PM
Lemick tries to figure out if the lack of a trap is a surprise to him or if a giant vulture snake should have been sufficient -- concluding the number of Third Brothers that have perished that the vulture snake was enough, Lemick takes a position in the middle.

He also casts Light - though he focuses his spell on Barratore sword. Normally, he cast it on himself in the middle of the group, but down the likely cramped hallway, Barratore will need to see what is coming.

Perception as the light stone from Gerox is dropped down: 14

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action


Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=23 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 9:28:41 AM
"Shall we." He says to Barratore after lighting a torch. The rope he tied himself off with is lowered. He slides down the rope, sword hung and torch in his teeth. Once at the bottom, he draws sword; and with sword in one hand and torch in the other he looks around.

Perception DC23

Temp dex 11, AC16

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) 
Monday September 24th, 2012 10:08:14 AM
Harvest takes out her Ioun Torch and stands beside Third Brother, ready to support the questor.

Barratore pulls his longsword and stands behind Third Brother.

Gerox casts Light on a pebble and tosses it down the spiral staircase. It plunks and rattles, turning out of sight until the gnome can't hear it or see it anymore.

Peza loads her crossbow and takes position behind Barratore and beside Gerox.

Lemick casts Light on Barratore's sword and falls in behind Peza.

Brom, like Barratore and Harvest, coils his rope and puts it away before lighting a torch and holding it in one hand. There is nothing to lower the rope "TO" because of the spiral stone stair is wall-to-wall, and leads down in a clockwise turn. Because of the continuing downward spiral, none of the WLAers can see more than 15' before the curve of the stair and the stone walls block all vision. He moves into line beside Lemick.

Third Brother looks at the WLAers preparations and realizes that there may be more to this quest than rushing in and asking for forgiveness. Still, it is his quest, and so steps on the first stair and then slowly, deliberately, begins walking down. He allows enough time for even the smallest and heaviest of the heroes to easily keep up.

.....................

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together. Right now the walking order is below. Light source is indicated with (L)

Harvest(L) and Third Brother
Barratore(L) (takes up entire space)
Gerox and Peza
Lemick and Brom(L)
Arno and Bralin



Arno  d20=18 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 11:36:46 AM
Arno hangs back so he is 'tail-end Charlie' the last person in line. Granted he wouldn't be much help up front, but if something comes at them from behind, always a possibility, it would be his job to deal with it. He has his kukri in one hand and the grapple in the other. As the others made their way down as quietly and as carefully as they could, Arno takes a few steps so hes further down the stairs, stops and really tries and listens. He knows that the others movements might disrupt what hes trying to do, but believes its a shot.

Perception (listening) 11 + 18 = 29.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=13 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 2:33:47 PM

It is unnerving. Being first. Being first while descending into such a place as this is unnerving. Oddly, it was not so in the tunnels of the Spiderkin. Perhaps it is the age of this place, and the thought that somewhere within they will encounter a creature that the Cat People think akin to a god.

It is good that Third Brother goes slowly. Slow is cautious. Twice, Harvest Moon stops. Once she stops to confer the blessing of Guidance to Third Brother. It had helped before. Perhaps it will help yet again. The second time, she confers the same blessing upon herself. At this time she also takes the polearm from her back, holding the point up in the air. So occupied is she with her thoughts, that her attention to her surroundings is little but cursory. Unfortunately, this sort of laps can mean the difference between life and death.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 13

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp)  d20=11 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 7:05:16 PM
While coiling his rope, Bralin nods at Gerox's instruction, and also stuff the chainmail into his pack.

He descends with Arno, idly wondering if the other dwarf is picking up any noises other than his own clanking armor. He does try to help Arno out by stopping when the other stops.

Either way, sneaking up on two dwarves in the dark should be rather difficult, so Bralin is confident of the rearguard.

[Perception 11]

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet  d20+2=14 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 8:33:51 PM
Sword alight, Thanks to Lemick, and focus ahead, Barratore descends the stairs. As long as the two in front of him didn't run off. The minotaur chuckles a bit as the thought hits. Of every companion in the group , the tow most likely to run off were right there in front and will have the best opportunity.

[Perception]

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=17 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 9:08:55 PM
There is little Lemick can do with most of his limited 15' view obscured by Barratore. Any traps will likely get triggered before he could even spot them. Still his ears work to listen for ungroup-like noises such as a stone sliding: Perception: 17

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action

Peza  d20+6=16 ;
Monday September 24th, 2012 9:35:27 PM
Taking up a position behind Barratore as they head downward gives Peza sense of security ... especially with Brom behind her .... the sharp steel of that duo have proven to be deadly to tose that they have encountered ....

As safe as she feels ... a thought crosses her mind ... she can't see a thing behind the big warrior ...he's blocking out herveiw ... improvising ... she edges towardsthe wall .... peeking as est she could around the edges of the minotaur ..

[perception check d20+6=16]

With a look over at Gerox walking instep with her she smirks .... " you see anything ahead ??? ...just peek ahead through his legs "



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Monday September 24th, 2012 11:07:59 PM
Gerox grumbles back at Peza, "If he would only listen about me riding on his back, I wouldn't have to walk down the overlarge stairs and would be able to see something! I could be useful up there. If we are attacked now, I might as well sit around and brew tea!"

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=25 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:56:47 AM
Brom follows as they begin to explore the pyramid.

Perception DC25

Temp Dex 11; AC 16

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) 
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:39:26 AM
The group grumbles, chivvies for position, or keeps within thier own thoughts. The steady clank and rattle of armor on stone leave litte doubt that there is more than one warrior walking down the spiral stair.

After Bralin and Arno estimate 30 feet of stair, a square room opens up. From the Heroes light of 3 torch-like objects, they can easily see the 40x40 foot room. They see well-maintained living quarters complete with bed, table, pantry, bookshelf, and clothes chest. Without even doing a diligent appraisal, the goods are quality crafts and would fetch a very good price in the pioneer town of Rum... if the heroes were able to get them back.

The same spiral stone staircase continues going down into the darkness of at least another level.

Third Brother inhales in amazement. He is speechless at the richness of the room, especially when compared to the permanent camp-like life of the Catfolk.

.....................

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together. Right now the walking order is below. Light source is indicated with (L)

Harvest(L) and Third Brother
Barratore(L) (takes up entire space)
Gerox and Peza
Lemick and Brom(L)
Arno and Bralin


Arno  d20=7 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 12:28:59 PM
As the group stops, Arno slides down and past the others, appreciating that he is small, and gets to the front. He knows he didn't earn many brownie points scooting past, but he wanted to get to the front before anyone stepped into the room. So far it had been easy. TOO EASY. Seemed to scream in Arno's brain. He stares into the room trying to see if there were any traps or danger. No one was going to say he didn't take his job seriously.

Perception (trapfinding) 14 + 7 = 21.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=19 ; d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 12:57:50 PM

Such a large room. Harvest Moon gazes about at the expansive stone-encased space. And only one occupant. One bed. One chest. Do the gods sleep? When Thelonious told tales of Domi the god seemed very much like a man. What then is there that separates people from gods?

Harvest Moon tugs upon the sleeve of the dwarf Arno. She diverts him from the room to the well of the stairs that continues on its way downward. "Third Brother has little time," she whispers. "We must go down."

"Please go, she adds, and indicates the stairs with a hand before following behind on quiet feet with eyes open and her polearm held at the ready.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Note, Arno now in the lead.

Question: How big is the bed? That would determine the size of the occupant.

Perception 19
Stealth 14

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Arno 
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 4:50:46 PM
Arno puts out his arm stopping 3rd Brother. Gone is any nervousness as he speaks in low but audible voice, "I know we have a timetable, but this is what I do; make sure we don't walk into a trap. I really should be leading anyway, but the fact remains, my vocation is one that deals with traps. My race is one that deals in stone. Either way," and he motions to the rooms or stairs, "we should be careful. The creatures here are even harder to spot than I thought and I should have been able to have spotted them. That means anything down here is probably going to be even better. Perhaps someone who does this for living might be good to go ahead a bit and see if there is anything worth seeing. Trust me; if there is something to be fought I will be more than happy to let 3rd Brother and anyone else tackle that."

OOC: Still using my previous Perception roll unless you want me to roll a new one

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+4=12 ; d20+7=15 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 7:24:21 PM
Lemick allows and is grateful Arno searches the area for traps. He considers how high the pyramid was, and how far they have decended thus far. The bookshelf calls his name, eager to see what knowledge they may share -- though he waits, once cleared, he intends to investigate.

knowledge (dungeoneering): 12 Lemick again checks for potential problems (fake walls, secret doors or the potential of the stairs to flatten)
Perrception: 15

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp)  d20=2 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 7:56:50 PM
Bralin waits. The give and take between Harvest and Arno is almost irresistible, and the dwarf waits with great curiosity to see which young one will out.

[Perception 2]

Peza  d20+6=18 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:37:04 PM
Standing on the stairs .... Peza gazes into the wel maintained room .... " hmmm .... too neat to not be lived in " mentions the girl softly

As Arno passes her " be careful " whispers the ranger .... she is glad he is finding his niche in their group

Her curiousity peeked her eyes search for signs of use .... dust ?? footsteps ... clothes .... food ... fireplace ... recently used .... burnt firewood ?

perception check d20=6=18 !!

Passing on what she has picked up on .....

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 9:10:47 PM
Gerox searches for his magic stone on the way down. The one he cast the light spell on. If he sees it, he will pick it up and carry it along. If not, he will ask the others if they have seen it. The fact that it isn't there could be telling. If he doesn't find it, he will cast another light across the room hoping to spot any lurking creatures.

"You know, this is a bit rude. We are basically breaking into someone's house. We don't know if they are evil? They could be kept prisoner here. I am not saying don't use caution and common sense but let's not swing first and then ask questions later."

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet  d20+2=17 ;
Tuesday September 25th, 2012 9:37:35 PM
Barratore glances down as he feels someone pushing past. One of the dwarves, he notes and then he is back to scanning the room. Not that he expects to see or hear much and certainly nothing that the others won't pick out
[perception 17]

Well maintained room, "magic could keep such a room." he offers to Peza as he looks about A smirk pulls on the minotaurs lower lip and he casts a slight side glance to Gerox, "Keeps pretty strange pets if this is a home. Seems to possibly more of a prison to me. One was not climbing out the way we dug in."

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=10 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 8:51:43 AM
From Brom's position he really doesn't see anything the other won't find, so he waits for the column to continue.

He can help but think how amusing Peza's warning th Arno is. "Not sure he knows what that means, Peza. He did try to hook that snake-thing with a grappling hook."

"Just a quick, once over, Arno. We can be more thorough on the way out."

Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) 
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 10:43:36 AM
Gerox has been able to find his pebble and pick it up to carry it along as another source of light.

Arno squeezes past the others on the stair until he is actually just in front of Third Brother. His mission? To look for traps. It is going to slow down the group a little, but Arno considers it worth it. Looking in the room, the dwarf sees no traps or creatures.

(ooc: Perception for finding traps is a Move Action. +1 DC for every 10 feet distance, and Arno can only see 15 feet around the spiral staircase. Therefore, instead of moving 30 feet per round Move+Move action, the group is going 15 feet per round when going down the stair.)

Harvest thinks the bedroom suite is unusual but indicates the stairs down, for Third Brother only has a couple of hours left for his quest and there is no telling how large the underground area of the pyramid is actually. She looks at the bed, and figures it is large for a medium-sized creature, but small for a large-sized creature.

Lemick nearly salivates at the bookshelf, but waits until Arno gives the 'all clear' before moving into the room. The shelf looks well-read and catalouged, there is not a speck of dust anywhere. Looking over the various volumes, the cleric discovers several titles, and several that do not have titles at all. The titles include: "Jorian's Book of Animals", "Magical Beasts and Origins", and "Aberrations: Not So Bad After All". Two other books stand out as unusual. One is a very small book, no more than six inches tall and an inch wide in perfect condition. The other is an extremely worn and battered volume. Both are untitled.

Bralin is as patient as the stone he cares for.

Peza notes the place is clean... too clean to not have something living here. No dust, no smudges, it even looks like some furniture has been recently moved by the scuff marks on the rugs.

Barratore suggests that magic could keep the place clean and that this feels more like a prison than a home.

Brom agrees with Arno for a quick once-over. No need to be surprised from behind!

Third Brother latches on to what Barratore has said. "A prrison? Wherre the Hrrerricko may have arrgued with his brrotherrs and they werre the ones who sunderred us frrom our Hrrerricko? Yes! And now we will frree him!" Third Brother follows Lemick into the room to the bookshelf.

........................

As Lemick reaches for a book to inspect more closely, an unlit candleabra standing on top of the bookshelf bends down and bats the cleric's hand away!

In the instant pause after the movement, all the heroes can see the candleabra straighten up again, but wave one candleholder in a gesture easily interpreted as "don't you touch"!

.....................

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together. Right now the walking order is below. Light source is indicated with (L)

The Room is a 40x40 square room with furniture all about. The stair is on one wall and continues up and down. Lemick and Third Brother are in the room. All others are still on the stair.

Arno
Harvest(L) and Third Brother
Barratore(L) (takes up entire space)
Gerox(L) and Peza
Lemick and Brom(L)
Bralin


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=14 ; d20+10=29 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 11:41:31 AM

Cats, Harvest Moon as observed, are easily distracted. The end of a string can serve to divert them from their course. And yet, there are things here of magic. Things of magic may be very useful should they need to fight again. Gerox Shale has show that he can see things of magic with his gifts. Perhaps ...

A frown creases the skin between Harvest Moon's brows as what is useful wars within her with what is right and what is proper. Finally, "Third Brother," she says, calling to the Cat Person, "you should not take what is not yours. You have come for forgiveness. How can you be forgiven if you take with you possessions that may very well belong to the Hrrerricko?"

"Come, let us continue," says Harvest Moon. And, again, she indicates the stairway down with her hand.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Note, Arno now in the lead.

Question: How big is the bed? That would determine the size of the occupant.

Perception 14
Stealth 29

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6


Arno  d20=8 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 1:27:57 PM
OK, no obvious traps in the room, Arno thinks. Its at that time the candelabra swats Lemick's hand away.Hmmmm, ok. Thats magic so it doesn't count. But what Arno finds interesting is that if its a protection of the bookcase, its non-lethal so far. Not to mention that whomever lives here is fastidious in there cleaning.

Arno moves back over to the opening and the stairs down. With most everyone in the room, Arno takes three steps down and peers down further and also opens his ears up real wide. He still grips his weapon and the grapple though as somehow they will help him.

Perception: listening 11 + 8 = 19.


Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet 
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 8:16:52 PM
As if the books weren't bad enough. Magical protection. Be a miracle to get them out of here now

Barratore snorts towards the bookcase, "We should continue moving. Trinkets will keep."

Barratore moves to the stairs and heads down about 10' before stopping and waiting for the others


Peza  d20+9=29 ; d20+9=17 ; d8=3 ; d8=8 ; d8=6 ; d8=6 ;
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 9:08:32 PM
Peza giggles at the candlebra's rebuke of Lemick .... but adds her thoughts " hmm must be a teachers or reseachers books ... a way to keep students or apprentices hands from the books "

" that chair seemed to have moved recently ....must of heard all that ruckes we and that guardian made .... we should move with caution ....i'm sure we're expected now "

With crossbow readied .... the ranger starts to look up .... keeping her eyes sweeping between the front and ceiling .....[ how high is the ceiling ??]

[b]Readied action - shoot !! ;-)

readied shot - d20+9=29 nat 20 !!! damage d8=3 vital strike damage d8=8 !! total damage = 11
crit roll d20+9=17 damage d8=6 vital trike damage d8=6 total damage = 12 [if needed]

The raven haired girl shares Barratore's smirk " hehe "

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Wednesday September 26th, 2012 11:25:05 PM
Gerox holds up his hand and says, "Hold for a minute. Let me take a look around to see if their is more magic here besides the candlestick."

He casts his detect magic spell and slowly scans the room calling out what he sees.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=24 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2012 8:54:19 AM
Brom wait for anyone playing with the library to finish. He stands ready to deal with the magical things in the room, if needs be.

Temp dex 11; AC16

Perception dc24

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom) 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 10:36:17 AM
Nearly everyone is ready to continue down the stairs, even Third Brother who jumped back from the candelabra like it was a viper.

Yet Gerox feels he can get more information from the room, and casts Detect Magic, looking for auras. Line of sight blocks his detection, so the gnome can't see if there is anything magical inside the chest or drawers, but he does find something useful...

The small book that Lemick noticed has a moderate aura of magic.

What is most significant, however, is that the candleabra does NOT radiate magic, nor does anything else in the room! Gerox understands immediately that this means the candleabra is not animated by a functioning spell and is not a magical item, but something else!

Lemick and Third Brother are still in the room, and it appears that the candleabra doesn't like that. It hops down from the bookshelf and menaces Lemick and Third Brother like a terrier. From the desk, and nightstand, 3 more unlit candleabras begin moving. The table shakes itself and takes a step and another towards the heroes. And the coat rack scoots the chair away giving it a clear path towards Gerox, and the fire grate moves into the room as well.

Seven pieces of furniture, none of them radiating magic, are now active and pacing towards the heroes!

.....................

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together. Right now the walking order is below. Light source is indicated with (L)

The Room is a 40x40 square room with furniture all about. The stair is on one wall and continues up and down. Lemick and Third Brother are in the room. All others are still on the stair.

Arno
Harvest(L) and Third Brother
Barratore(L) (takes up entire space)
Gerox(L) and Peza
Lemick and Brom(L)
Bralin


Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 1:17:10 PM
Gerox calls out to the others, "Wait, something is strange here. These aren't showing magic but yet they move? Could they be creatures taking on a different form? "

Gerox will hold both of his hands up to the candleabra and say, "We mean no one any harm. We are looking for Hrrerricko. Do you know who that is?"

Gerox is ready to jump back if the candlestick tries to bop him!



Arno  d20=17 ;
Thursday September 27th, 2012 3:12:28 PM
Arno on the stairs watches the ridiculous battle that may about to begin unfold. He shakes his head and wonders if hes asleep or has finally gone crazy. Realizing thats its neither, he lets the others handle it. He keep watch on the stairs with an eye on whats going on in the room, if they require his assistance. If there was going to be a sneak attack it wasn't happening on his watch. he grips his weapon and the grapple, secure in their weight.

Perception: 11 + 17 = 28

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 3:49:35 PM
Lemick is frozen in confusion having been smacked for stealing cookies and once really hard for looking through a partially open window full of women changing.

Snapping back, he's confused by animated items moving and further unsure of what is going on as Gerox announces the lack of magic. The catfolk don't have a written language so the books can't be theirs. However those without titles must hold something inside if such objects have been empowered to protect them. Lemick regrets the need to leave such a potential. He urges Third Brother to back out of the room, with Lemick beside him -- at which point he encourages Third Brother to ask for forgiveness.

Defensive withdraw: Not sure what I would roll for this.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 4:30:14 PM

The question of what the Live Furnishings are strikes Harvest Moon as less relevant than the pattern in which they move. They move in the way of creatures who protect their territory.

"Draw back," calls Harvest Moon. "If these things belong to the Hrrerrickko it would not do to slay them. Perhaps they only protect this room. If we withdraw to the stairs, they may not pursue us."

"Come, Third Brother," she calls. And, so saying, Harvest Moon withdraws ten feet back from the room.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

(Unsure whether Harvest is on the downward side of the stairs or the upward side of the stairs. The word map of our positions doesn't match the descriptions of Lemick and Third Brother's positions.)
co-DM SteveK word map still shows the stair movement. TB and Lem are in room, everyone else is still in walking formation as if going down the stair.

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Peza 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 9:05:14 PM
" That is sooo strange " giggles the girl .... she knows that this might be more dangerous then it looks but she can't stop laughing

" wonder if they will only stay in the room .... if we move on they might stay .... as Peza starts to move down the stairs

Readied action - shoot !! ;-)[still readied]

readied shot - d20+9=29 nat 20 !!! damage d8=3 vital strike damage d8=8 !! total damage = 11
crit roll d20+9=17 damage d8=6 vital trike damage d8=6 total damage = 12 [if needed]



Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 9:19:17 PM
Bralin calls a command, an irritated crack of stone.

Understand Terran? Highlight to display spoiler: {"Get out of the room!"}

The dwarf stays where he is, waiting.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet 
Thursday September 27th, 2012 10:15:36 PM
Barratoer grumbles at Gerox casts a spell and scans the room. When the objects start to move he begins back up the stairs, but as it seems to the group plans to leave, he stays where he is part way down the stairs.

tmp Dex 7

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom)  d20+5=12 ; d20+5=10 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=13 ; d4+1=5; d6+3=9 ; d4+1=3
Friday September 28th, 2012 10:59:17 AM
Gerox speculates what the objects actually are (ooc: need some skill/knowledge checks) and tries to reason with the candleabra, ready to jump behind Barratore if the things attack.

Arno keeps watch on the stairs with an eye to what he sees as a rediculous battle about to unfold. The sharp-eyed dwarf doesn't see anything coming up the stair.

Lemick withdraws from the animated objects, regretting not being able to get his hands on those books! As he does so, he urges Third Brother to start asking for forgiveness.

ooc: Withdraw is a move action allowing to move the first 5 feet without drawing an AOO. No die roll needed.

"Draw back," calls Harvest Moon. "Perhaps they only protect this room. If we withdraw to the stairs, they may not pursue us."

" That is sooo strange " giggles Peza, and wonders if the things may not follow. She readies her crossbow just in case....

Bralin calls a command, an irritated crack of stone. The stress making him speak in his strange tongue.

Barratore grumbles and is unsure whether to go back up the stair or down, and so stays where he is.

Brom also holds his position.

Third Brother heeds Lemick and Harvest and skips back, eyes wide at the magic, and squeezes around Barratore to be beside Harvest once more.

....................

Heroes move into the room, heroes move out, and heroes stand still, being ready. With the hesitation, the chance is lost, and the furniture in the room attacks! The furniture do not speak or seem to care that Gerox was trying to reason with them.

As soon as they start moving forward, a tung! is heard as Peza's bolt crashes into the lead candleabra. She notes that it doesn't seem to have any vitals and so the bolt only does a normal amount of damage.

Gerox is also light on his feet, skipping back behind Barratore.

Barratore is also ready with sword in hand and the minotaur is able to choose his opportunistic targets between the iron Firegrate, a Candleabra, and the coatRack. (ooc: pending how many he is able to get with his low DEX score)

The FireGrate, Candleabra#4, Coatrack, and Table all rush Barratore. An iron leg misses a kick, brass candlesticks skip off of a hoof, and one of the Coatrack's arms skitters across the minotaur's mail shirt. But a second armtwist of the Coatrack catches against an arm, and the piece of furniture starts slithering up like a wooden snake to grapple and squeeze! And then the Table rises up on two legs and punches Barratore in the chest! (AC 12, 10, 20hit, 17, 18 hit Dam Barratore 14 dam + Grappled)

The three other Candleabras all converge in on Lemick, only one of the brass creatures getting through the cleric's defenses and pounding on a foot. (AC 13, 25hit, 13 Dam Lemick 3 damage)

.....................

Hrrerricko's Bedroom

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together. Right now the walking order is below. Light source is indicated with (L)

Candle 1 AC14 Dam 8
Candle 2 AC14
Candle 3 AC14
Candle 4 AC14
CoatRack AC14
Table AC16
FireIron AC20

Third Brother

Arno
Harvest(L)
Barratore(L)
Gerox(L)
Peza
Lemick
Brom(L)
Bralin


Arno 
Friday September 28th, 2012 5:47:17 PM
When the furniture attacks, (something he never thought he'd see) Arno thinks of three things; I could throw my grapple and try and pull some of that furniture off-balance and let the rest of the group finish them off. Two; but it'll probably be over before I could do much and three, this has to be the strangest adventure I have ever been on.

I love it; we have fought an Owl Bear, a Snake Vulture and we are going to get our butts handed too us by furniture.

co-DM SteveK Highlight to display spoiler: { I modified your last sentence. Jerry and the Wold wants to keep language PG. Just a reminder if you hadn't heard before. }

Peza  d20+9=21 ; d8=6 ;
Friday September 28th, 2012 8:34:26 PM
Still giggling ... but quickly taking aim on the same candlebra ... Peza fires another bolt...tung....

IKEA kill shot d20=9=21 damage d8=6 !

Unsure of what tactics would be best for these unique foes ..... she reloads .... planning to just shoot till they drop

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+2=18 ; d8+1=8 ;
Friday September 28th, 2012 9:19:54 PM
Lemick feels the slap which confirms this is not a bad dream after too much ale -- again. Positioning himself, he pulls his morningstar loose aiming to smash candlebra #1 (FP) just where the arrow hit seconds ago.

Hit AC: 18
Dmg: 8

hp 23/26

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 14/30Character Sheet  d20+7=8 ; d20+6=22 ; d8+6=13 ;
Saturday September 29th, 2012 1:35:24 PM
Barratore is caught more off guard at the sudden attack than one could think possible. His futile jab misses the broad side of a Firegate, litterally [AoO Hit AC 8] The table slams him several times, bruising ribs nearly taking the wind from him and then wraps him up. Barratore drops the blade and switches to hand to hand.

Twisting hard to his right, Barratore brings an arm up and through the donwward pinning leg of the table. His head then sanps forward and collides with a deep wooden THOCK

Grapple 25 Dmg 13 - Check should have been +9 accidently used regular Attack with Gore

Tmp Dex 7
Tmp AC 14
Tmp CMD 16

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+2=17 ; d10+1=8 ; d20+2=19 ;
Saturday September 29th, 2012 6:41:56 PM

Too late. It is too late now. It is fight or die. If the Hrrerricko has forgiveness within his or herself, then he or she must needs forgive one thing more.

Harvest Moon brings the blade of the polearm down upon one of the Living Candle Holders. She twists the blade then to another on nearby, sweeping it near enough to another, different Living Candle Holder, near enough to startle it and provide Lemick 4-Leaf Sted with greater protection.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hit Candlabra2(?) AC17, Damage 8HP
Aid Lemick 19, +2AC vs Candlabra3 (w/Trustworthy Trait)

? If Caldlabra1 is still standing after Lemick hits it, then hit it again. Else, hit Candlabra2

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  2d4+2=9 ; d20+6=7 ;
Saturday September 29th, 2012 11:43:24 PM
Gerox looks at the opponents and decides to use another magic missile spell. He casts and two missiles hit the firegrate doing 9 points of damage to it.

"This is crazy. How is non magical attacking us?"

Gerox tries to think of how this could be happening but all he can think about is a song he heard as a young gnome where candlesticks danced around the room and a tea pot had a child named chip which was a tea cup." Rolled a natural 1 on my arcane check

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=27 ;
Sunday September 30th, 2012 8:55:09 PM
Brom is stuck behind Gerox and Barratore when the animated items begin their attack.

"Gerox move your butt or pull a weapon and attack them!"

Perception DC27

Temp dex 11; AC16

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom)  d20+5=6 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+5=7 ; d4+1=4 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 10:19:35 AM
Arno keeps watch down the stairs with grapple and sword in hand.

Peza is still giggling, but quickly takes aim and fires another bolt, smashing the candelabra to the floor. It does not move...

Lemick, knowing this is NOT a bad dream, pulls his morningstar and smashes at a candleabra.

Barratore is caught more off guard at the sudden attack and futilly jabs at the Firegrate. Then the table slams him and the Coat Rack binds him. Barratore drops the blade and switches to hand to hand, snapping his head forward to collides with a deep wooden THOCK.

Harvest Moon brings the blade of the polearm down upon one of the Living Candle Holders, smashing the one Lemick bashed a moment before, leaving it twisted and lifeless. The half-elf-maid then twists her blade, sweeping it near another Candleabra to startle it and provide Lemick with greater protection.
Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Gerox casts two magic missiles into the Firegrate keeping it offbalance. "This is crazy." He calls, his mind distracted so much that the only thing that flips through the gnomes mind is an apprenticeship list of "Uses of Arcana Knowledge".

Highlight to display spoiler: {
Table: Knowledge Skill DCs Task Knowledge Skill DC
Identify auras while using detect magic = Arcana 15 + spell level
Identify a spell effect that is in place = Arcana 20 + spell level
Identify materials manufactured by magic = Arcana 20 + spell level
Identify a spell that just targeted you = Arcana 25 + spell level
Identify the spells cast using a specific material component = Arcana 20
Identify ancient mysteries, magic traditions, arcane symbols = Arcana variable
Identigy characteristics of constructs, dragons, magical beasts = Arcana 15+monster CR
}

Brom thinks he is stuck behind Gerox and Barratore and shouts for the gnome to get out of the way.

Third Brother has his bow out and an arrow goes skittering by, plunging into the featherbed coverlet.
....................

There is only one Candleabra left on Lemick, and the brass fingers skip aside from Harvest's polearm and beat ineffectually on Lemick's sabatons.

Barratore, however, is beset by every other moving piece of furniture in the bedroom.

A Candleabra strikes, nearly getting Barratore in a very sensitive spot! (AC 23 crit 4 no, Barratore Dam 4

The Coatrack squeezes, but slips off the minotaur and fails to latch back on! (AC 13 grapple fail, 9 miss)

The Firegrate kicks again missing. (AC 8 miss)

The Table rears like a horse and flails at Barratore, also completely missing! (AC 7)

.....................

Hrrerricko's Bedroom

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together. Right now the walking order is below. Light source is indicated with (L)

Candle 1 AC14 dead
Candle 2 AC14 dead
Candle 3 AC14 distracted -2 attack
Candle 4 AC14
CoatRack AC14 Dam 14
Table AC16
FireIron AC20 Dam 9

Third Brother


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Monday October 1st, 2012 10:31:07 AM

OoC: Lemick, could you move out 5ft please. Thanks.

Arno  d20=20 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 12:40:56 PM
Arno's fingers itch and his body almost twitches as he wants to get in on the action, no natter how ludicrous it is. But, another part whispers at him that with all the commotion, something could be sneaking up on them. If the noise didn't waken anything, then whomever's room this is probably has some kind of alert that someone is in it that shouldn't be. Better to be extra alert and safe, than sorry.

Perception (the stairs) 11 + 20 (nat) = 31

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Monday October 1st, 2012 4:52:52 PM

OoC: Nevermind Lemick. Harvest can't cross diagonally through a corner in combat anyway. No problem.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+2=20 ; d20+2=21 ; d10+1=11 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 5:07:41 PM

The blade of the polearm swoops and strikes in the hands of Harvest Moon. After rising from it's first distracting swoop, the blade chops down heavily upon the lone remaining Live Candle Holder within visible range. The blade bounces from the strike, rising up, and Harvest Moon grips the long handle hard, causing the blade at the other end to vibrate as though making a second attack. Such a threat will surely give the small Candle Holder pause and provide Lemick 4-Leaf Sted with a better chance to strike it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hit Candlabra3 AC20, Damage 11HP
Aid Lemick 21, +2 to Hit vs Candlabra3 (w/Trustworthy Trait)

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+2=16 ; d8+1=5 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 8:32:23 PM
Lemick hopes to smack the remaining candlebra into pieces.

Hit AC: 16
Dmg 5

Then taking another breathe he decides to advance, full force all the way to the book shelf. "Maybe the books will turn them off," he inquires questioningly.

Move to F12.

hp 23/26

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action

Peza  d20+9=18 ; d8=2 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 9:25:54 PM
She just can't stop giggling at the strange foes .... but it has really become serious .... Barratore was under assault ..... smoothly raising her weapon she lines up the biggest target .... the table .... standing up it just opened itself to a easy shot ..... snapping off her shot the bolt flies true ...

IKEA kill shot d20+9=18 damage d8=2

Lemick's idea was a great tactical idea ..... Peza smoothly reloads her crossbow ..... ready to give him covering fire next .....

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 10/30Character Sheet  d20+9=18 ; d8+6=11 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 9:51:15 PM
Barratore winces as the Candleabra strikes, but the sting was more mental than physical. Fighting furniture was simply not something he was used to. Where do hit a coat rack? The minotaur decides to try simply smash it with a mighty downward thrust of his horns. Using his right arm to swipe it aside and expose the main support, he then doubles over and brings his horns into teh middle of the pole

[Grapple 18 Dmg 11]
Tmp Dex 7
Tmp AC 14
Tmp CMD 16

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  2d4+2=6 ;
Monday October 1st, 2012 11:09:32 PM
Gerox lets loose another magicmissile at the fire grate doing 6 points of damage. He will then says, "Brom switch spots with me." He will use his move action to try to let the big fighter by.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=21 ; 2d6+10=21 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 8:39:53 AM
Brom switches with Gerox. He brings his sword down on the fire grate. "Die...er...stop moving, vile furnishings."

Power Attack, AC21; damage 21

Temp Dex: 11; AC 16

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom)  d20+3=11 ; d20+5=19 ; d6+3=4 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 11:29:44 AM

Arno's fingers itch as he wants to get in on the action, but this is also an excellent time for something to hear the noise and sneak up on the group. The dwarf keeps a steely-eyed reconnissiance of the downward stair.

The blade of the polearm swoops and strikes in the hands of Harvest Moon breaking a third Live Candle Holder, smashing it to ruin!

Lemick, with no immediate target, advances full force to the book shelf. "Maybe the books will turn them off," he calls.

Peza just can't stop giggling at the strange foes even though it has really become serious. She smoothly raising her weapon and snaps off an easy shot.

Barratore continues his hold on the writhing Coatrack and, with a downward thrust of his horns, he snaps it in two, the pieces going lifeless!

Gerox lets loose another magicmissile spell at the fire grate, scoring the metal before sliding up the stair to give Brom an opportunity.

Brom switches with Gerox. He brings his sword down on the fire grate. "Die...er...stop moving, vile furnishings!" The grate bends, giving a squeel of tortured metal, and stops moving.

Third Brother sensibly does not fire his bow, and instead waits on the stair with Arno.

Bralin mumbles in Terran and keeps watch on the upward staircase.
....................

Only two pieces of furniture are still movingm, and they are both fully engaged with Barratore!

The little candleabra drums a futile tattoo on the minotaur's hoof. (AC11 miss)

The table is bigger, stronger, and heavier and it lands a well-connected blow to Barratore's chest! (AC 19 Barratore Dam 4)

.....................

Hrrerricko's Bedroom

The Ten Foot Wide Spiral Stair allows one Large or 2 Medium/Small creatures to descend together.

Candle 4 AC14
Table AC16

Third Brother


Arno 
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 1:19:35 PM
Though he knows its the right thing, Arno can't but wish he could join the fray. Hes better at close end work anyways. also, it hurts to see that furniture destroyed. besides whatever has animated it, it looks like nice pieces. Things he would have chosen. Not to mention the awesome ability to move and fight!

Ah well. Be careful what you wish for, he thought. Something big and nasty could easily be coming up or down. And then I would be in it.

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=27 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 3:58:07 PM
At the bookshelf, Lemick does a closer inspection prior to be being told no. He's looking for traps, anything that might signal control of the furniture.

Percpetion: 27 (natural 20)

His immediate thoughts are to tip the bookshelf -- assuming he didn't find anything. If the shelf is attached to the wall, Lemick is inclined to knock the books off the shelf. He's not inclined to touch them just yet.

hp 23/26

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+11=21 ; d20+2=16 ; d10+1=10 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 4:22:40 PM

Harvest Moon moves even as Lemick 4-Leaf Sted vacates his spot. She ducks on close to Barratore Steelwind before leaping quickly to one side and vaulting with her polearm to the far side of the Living Table. From here, the table will not be able to advance upon Lemick 4-Leaf Sted. He will be protected.

The small half-elven girl whirls the polearm about with startling dexterity. Turning the entire weapon from its center, she brings the blade down and then back up again in a great circle, a circle that ends with the blade crashing down upon the far side of the Living Table.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Acrobatics 21 (to move through threatened space)
Hit Table AC16, Damage 10hp

Position: H10

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Peza  d20+9=26 ; d8=5 ; d8=1 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 8:36:38 PM
Watching as the table gets ganged up on ....Peza holds her fire .... instead she keeps her focus on Lemick ..... training her weapon to provide support

Readied shot d20+9=26 damage d20+9=26 damage d8=5 vital strike damage d8=1 total = 6

"Anything intresting Lemick ?"

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 9:37:48 PM
HIs axe is out, but Bralin has no where to go. His comrades don't appear to be panicking, so the dwarf continues his watch of the stair.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  d20+6=12 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 9:49:58 PM
Gerox decides to hold off casting another spell since the big folk seem to have things in control. He will cast his detect magic again and scan the room looking for possible sources of magic that might be controlling things or maybe illusions.

percepton roll of 12

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 6/30Character Sheet  d20+9=29 ; d8+6=14 ;
Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 11:11:31 PM
Barratore feels another rib crack as the blows lands into his chest and blasts some blood and wind from his lungs. Each of his own big hands grabs for a table leg and holds them out as wide as he can muster. Then with a blood spitting roar, Barratore slams his horns into the center planking.

Grapple 29 Dmg 14

Tmp Dex 7
Tmp AC 14
Tmp CMD 16

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 7:37:50 AM
Brom is frustrated at the groups lack of urgency. Barratore is badly hurt and with three healers, none have taken charge to tend to the critical minotaur.

"Healers! Get over here and earn your way! Heal Barratore! Those down the stairs...MOVE! Barratore needs to shift so I can get in and help! DO IT NOW!"

Temp Dex11; AC16; CMD18

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 7:42:31 AM

OoC: Harvest is tapped. See the spell list.

Arno  d20=12 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 10:12:36 AM
Arno laughed silently, Knew it. Shaking his head and taking a deep breath Furniture!

Without Brom's bellow, Arno had already been prepared to move down the stairs, now he did so. Scanning everywhere and anywhere for traps and/or ambush. He was waiting for the other boot to drop as he gripped his weapon and grapple.

Perception: 11 + 12 = 23.

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom) 
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 2:49:57 PM
Harvest dances in and shaves a large curl of wood with a wicked swipe of her axe-on-a-stick.

Barratore, blood flecking his mouth, grabs a table leg in each hand and then, holding them out wide, slams his horns into the table, snapping the planking like kindling.

With only one little Candleabra left, the brass figure is quickly reduced to a wreck, and the strangest battle the heroes have yet fought is at an end.

...END OF COMBAT...

Gerox takes another look around with Detect Magic, but sees no more than he did before; the one small book is the only item with a magical aura that he can see. There may be other items outside his line of sight; under the bed, in the chests, behind the bookcase; but Gerox' cantrip can't see around things.

Lemick, knowing the battle is over, is able to take a little more time in searching the bookshelf. He finds the magical book, and peruses several others. One book without a title is discovered to be a false book with 4 scrolls inside. (Gerox confirms each scroll is also magical)

Arno also notes that as the battle sounds die away, the stair is still very, very quiet.

(ooc: I am out until Monday. Sorry about the no posts.)

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 3:59:51 PM

"Yip!" Harvest Moon does a little hop, brandishing the polearm over her head as the Living Table falls and the lone Living Candle Holder is easily brought down. After replacing the polearm upon her back, she draws forth the wand of Torian Silverleaf. Brom was right. Barratore Steelwind is gravely wounded. Again. It is not always the best to be the biggest. Size often draws much attention.

"Lemick 4-Leaf Sted," asks Harvest Moon, "can you heal Barratore Steelwind?" She frowns down at the magic stick. It contains only one more blessing within it, and Harvest Moon is torn between using it to ease some small part of the suffering of Barratore Steelwind, or to reserve the blessed magic for a time in which it is desperately needed.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 6:30:02 PM
Lemick grabs the books (both magical and none magical) and the scrolls, plus the fake book where he can hide stuff once he's no longer living in a tent. He passes the magical book and scrolls to Gerox to determine type and usefullness.

He then gathers those wounded around Barratore. "I can give some healing, but that will leave us with very few options for additional healing between now and the end time of this quest for forgiveness."

Focusing his attention, Lemick calls forth positive energies to heal those which are wounded.
Everyone heals 14 hp, that puts Barratore at 20 hp.

-------
Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action
Positive Energies (5/6) standard action

Peza 
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 9:12:58 PM
Once the battle ends ... Peza relaxes .... taking a deep breath ..... she lets it out ....

" well no rush ... if anyone else is down stairs they most certainly have heard the noise ... so we should search this room .... maybe find a few more clues "



Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 9:27:10 PM
Barratore roars as the plank shatters and the table snaps in half. Barratore then hurls part of it across the room and into the wall. The magic from Lemick stitches bone, heals bruises and overall improves the fighters condition thoroughly. Barratore picks up his blade and watches as the others move through the room. "Scrolls of any use to us?" he asks Gerox as the gnome handles them.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Thursday October 4th, 2012 8:57:00 AM
Gerox flips through the scrolls to see if he can read any of them. "While we are here, we should check out the chests and other stuff. If we are going to bleed and use resources, we might as well get something from it. "

Gerox will then peek under the bed.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday October 4th, 2012 9:02:00 AM

With Barratore Steelwind cared for, Harvest Moon returns the wand of Torian Silverleaf to its place. It will be used only in the most dire of emergencies - something that may yet this day come about. Then, with great curiosity, Harvest Moon kneels to sniff at the remains of the Living Table. It is very curious. It smells no different than any other table. That it moved with purpose and attacked is great magic and beyond her understanding. Even for the wounds it inflicted, it was good to have been here to see such a wondrous thing.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Arno  d20=8 ;
Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:07:39 AM
Arno hears the battle sounds fade as he cautiously makes his way down the steps. He strains with all his senses to hear, see, smell, feel, taste anything.

Perception: 11 + 8 = 19.

If anything happened, he feels that its compensation for missing out on the battle. If nothing else, he could trip a trap or shout a warning.

Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) 
Thursday October 4th, 2012 10:01:31 PM
The battle is over.

Bralin closes his eyes and breathes deeply. In. Out. In. Out.

The dwarf can feel his heartbeat slowing, the rush of energy fading. As it does, noises become words, words with meaning.

Bralin opens his eyes, and resumes watching the stair.

Arno 
Monday October 8th, 2012 5:55:24 PM
Arno continues to move carefully and silently down the stairs, straining to see any traps or opponent that might be lurking. His hands want to cramp for as tightly as he is holding his weapon and the grapple.

Peza 
Monday October 8th, 2012 9:15:35 PM
Waiting a few moments for the others to start down the stairs ... Peza nods approvingly as the Arno moves quietly forward .... She swivels her weapon forward .... in support of him



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=13 ;
Monday October 8th, 2012 10:11:37 PM

But there is little time to explore the wondrous room of the Living Furniture. Third Brother must be forgiven within a few hours or he will fail. Harvest Moon leave the room, following after the dwarf Arno. She holds the polearm high. But her attention is elsewhere as she descends. Though her eyes and ears are keen, her senses wander as does her mind.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 13

Active Effects: Virtue, Guidance, Ioun Torch, Guidance on Third Brother

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Monday October 8th, 2012 11:17:44 PM
Gerox will scoop anything cool he sees under the bed and then scurry over to the stairs that his comrades are heading down. "Wait for me!" he calls after them.

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom) 
Tuesday October 9th, 2012 12:37:06 PM
Harvest Moon does a little hop, and replaces the polearm upon her back, and notes that size often draws much attention.

Lemick grabs the books (both magical and none magical) and the scrolls, plus the fake book. He then gathers those wounded around Barratore and calls forth positive energies to heal those which are wounded. Nothing bad happens to Lemick, and he'll be able to flip through some of the books without titles. Many are scribblings of some strange columns of numbers and symbols that don't make much sense. A couple are more books along the "horrible monsters are our friends" theme written in a neat cramped style. The final book opens up to reveal it to be a Diary. The first entry reads: "I and my bretheren have arrived at a large and apparently uninhabited island. This will be the perfect place to perfect our techniques in providing animals and beasts the abilities to survive this post-Cataclysmistic Wold. The gods may have abandoned the Wold, but the BeastLords never will! -Eriko"

A quick flip through the Diary shows that the writing becomes less neat and the words more manic as the months and years go by. The end of the Diary shows a couple blank pages so it is evident the book was not filled in complete. It will take a minute or so to read the last couple of entries...

Peza suggested that they should search the room .... "maybe find a few more clues?"

Barratore roars his victory as he is healed by the cleric. The minotaur seems most interested in the scrolls handed to Gerox.

Gerox flips through the scrolls, and sees that each of the four scrolls has a magical spell formulae. To see the actual spell, the gnome or one of the other spellcasters is going to have to think about their skills in spellcraft. ( Highlight to display spoiler: { Learn a spell from a spellbook or scroll 15 + spell level } ) The gnome then looks under the bed, discovering another, smaller chest.

Arno hears the battle sounds fade as he cautiously makes his way down the steps. He strains with all his senses to hear, see, smell, feel, taste anything to no avail. He is 20 feet further down the stair than the companions, and is now out of sight of the others.

Bralin closes his eyes and breathes deeply. In. Out. In. Out.

Peza nods approvingly as the Arno moves quietly forward, and swivels her weapon forward in support of him, keeping the dwarf in sight.

Harvest Moon also leaves the room, following after the dwarf Arno. She holds the polearm high. But her attention is elsewhere as she descends. Though her eyes and ears are keen, her senses wander as does her mind.

Gerox will scoops the small chest out from under the bed and heads back towards the stairs.

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet  d20+2=12 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2012 5:33:24 PM
Barratore moves down the stairs, the others will catch up and nothing is happening or going to happen in that room that will require his presence. Weapon drawn the minotaur moves along the staircase until he catches up to the lead element. When he does so, he will simply keep pace with Anro as the dwarf heads further

[perception 12]

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Tuesday October 9th, 2012 8:10:11 PM
Lemick stares at the last pages of the diary, reading them aloud to the group. "It seems this place housed more than the one we seek forgiveness from. "

"Third Brother, why don't you join Barratore on the stairs, we will join you momentarily as we know time is of the essence."

Hoping Third Brother complies, he continues to the rest of the group quietly. "The thought also crosses my mind if they, the beastloards are the same as the he, Hrreicko we are looking for. This may not be as much of a forgiveness mission as we originally have thought, nor as the catfolk remember. What if they were created by the beastlords, but not found to be violent enough, so they were cast out?"

Hoping he has provided some food for thought, Lemick urges the group to store the chest and move on as time continues to dwindle.



Peza  d20+6=14 ; d20+11=25 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:09:11 PM
Listening to Lemick .... she takes in his words .... " but they seem normal ... not blended like the owlbear and vulture/snake ...i wonder if they predate the beastlords arrival here ..."

Afterwards Peza keeps pace with Arno .... keeping her distance ...but within firing range ... her eyes peering around as she goes .... [d20+6=14 perception check] ..... her feet quiet on the stone steps [d20+11=25 stealth check ] ....

" we won't be quiet ... too much armor clanking ....and the battle surely alerted whatever might e downstairs " muses Peza to herself " at least minimize what i can "

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Tuesday October 9th, 2012 11:17:33 PM
Gerox decides to hold off trying to read the scrolls and carries the chest to the stairs and puts it down, "Lets not forget to take this too but I think I want my hands free in case we see something else."

He then heads down the stairs after the others.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday October 9th, 2012 11:24:04 PM
Brom leaves the room and its violent furnishing and continues down the stair with the others.

Perception DC14

Temp Dex 11; AC 14

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=31 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 8:40:56 AM

It is with some relief that Harvest Moon senses the other League Adventurers begin to follow behind herself and the dwarf Arno. The Room of Living Furnishings must indeed be an interesting place full of wondrous things. But they must hold firm to their task. Third Brother must find his forgiveness.

With the peace of mind that comes in knowing that the others follow, Harvest Moon finds her concentration much improved. Her eyes and ears are sharp, and she readies to warn the others at the first sounds of a presence from below.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 31

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Co-DM SteveK (The Bedroom) 
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:53:56 AM
Lemick gives the others something to think about, but most of the group is too interested in moving down the stair. The cleric puts the diary away for later reading.

Gerox also leaves the small chest and only glances at the scrolls before he tucks them away for later as he follows the others down the stair.

Back in thier descending order, the WLAers and Third Brother walk the spiral stone staircase as it continues going down into the darkness, only their light to see by. After another 30 feet beyond where Arno had crept, the staircase opens up with no walls to hold someone on the stair, only the central pillar to the right and black emptiness to the left. Through torchlight or the Light spell, the floor of a large chamber can be dimly seen 20 feet below.

The open stair ends in 20 more feet at the floor of a large chamber. The chamber is too big to see the walls just using a Torch or Light spell from the central pillar. There are wooden tables full of papers, glass beakers, ceramic jars and the like. Other tables hold small cages with the remains of animals in them; rat, bird, rabbit, fox, lizard, snake, and turtls. Larger cages can barely be seen at the very edge of sight.

Any PC with darkvision Highlight to display spoiler: {At the very edge of sight (ie 60 feet) there are more tables and larger cages lining the walls of this large room. For all the larger cages, the doors are ... open. }

.........................

Large Room

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=23 ; d20+10=17 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 1:57:57 PM

Whatever happens, they must not be trapped into the same situation in which Barratore Steelwind becomes the only one open to attack. Harvest Moon looks back up at the open staircase. It is good that Peza is there, higher than the ground. And Gerox too. They will be able to attack downwards without being attacked in return. Unless, of course, there are creatures in here that can fly.

But what is in the darkness? Harvest Moon spares a moment for a few blessings. On herself she renews Virtue. To Third Brother she confers both Virtue and Guidance. He will need such things to gain forgiveness.

Quickly, then, with her polearm held high, she scuttles to the edge of one of the nearby tables. From there, her elfborn eyes see clearly into the outer fringes of the light cast by her Ioun Torch, an outer fringe that would be dim to a human. "I see open cages against the wall," Harvest Moon warns the other League Adventurers. "These cages are larger," she adds. She spares a moment to observe the floors of these cages, noting the accretion of dung. In addition to indicating how long the occupants of the cages might have been there, the type of dung might reveal the animals that had been within. Then Harvest Moon goes quiet, listening for the movement of what might have been within these cages.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 23
Knowledge Nature 17 (To ID the dung?)

Position: R16

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=18 ; d20+4=24 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 6:53:27 PM
From the bit that Lemick can see from his vantage, he worries. Either something big chased the owners away from their valuable pets, or the owners were still here but need the remains for something that could only be sinister. Still, he wished he could determine if the cages were open or closed, but apparently the doors face outward as he cannot determine their state. Surely a giant room of small undead creatures would dangerous to the group.

Lemick looks to see if anyone has a portable light -- wishing he hadn't cast his Barratores sword. If he spots one, "Throw the light, then we can see how big this room really is."

Percpetion: 18 (human): Anything been moved recently, or is everything covered in a layer of dust. Footprints?

Knowledge (dungeoneering) - 24 (nat 20) is this room (assuming a wall is seen) the complete size of the pyramid see outside, or are we deeper and it's bigger?

OOC: That's my nat. 20, so I must be saving the natural 1 for the upcoming combat. :-(

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action
Positive Energies (5/6) standard action


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 6:59:12 PM

OoC to Lemick: Cantrips (Zero Level spells) are now inexhaustible. You can cast as many as you want. The one restriction with the Light spell, however, is that you can only have one going at a time. If you cast another, the one on Barratore's sword goes out.

Peza  d20+6=10 ; d20+11=14 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:27:24 PM
Peza stays in formation ..... slowly moving in step with the gnome.... the darkness hinders her ability to see deeper into the room ... but she focus's on listening for soounds [d20+6=10 perception chck]

quietly [stealth check d20+11=14] taking the steps one by one .... her crossbow loaded and ready

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet  d20+2=19 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:08:40 PM
Barratore moves into the room and steps to the left, weapon held straight in front of him, elbows locked straight, giving the glowing blade the greatest reach that he can. The blade pans from left to right and then back to center.

[move to Q16]
[perception 19]

Tmp Dex 7
Tmp AC 14

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=19 ;
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:46:55 PM
Brom steps just inside the large room. He again has torch in one hand and sword in other (don't know how long torches last). He watches into the darkness looking for the faintest sign of trouble.

Perception DC19

Temp Dex 11; AC16

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Wednesday October 10th, 2012 11:30:18 PM
Gerox hears Lemick and draws upon his gnomish heritage and casts his dancing lights spell sending four balls of light down into the room. The balls will start at N17, M20 O17 and N22. "This should help us see what we are up against." Gerox says to no one in particular.

Arno  d20=4 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:29:19 AM
As Arno first thinks about the open cages and everything that has happened, and is happening now; from spells going off to people immediately moving into the room, Obviously stealth is not something they are that familiar with .

Sigh.

His ability and training makes him the obvious choice for checking and seeing what was in any room along with traps. And while he didn't think they'd be traps here, there could always be the occupants of those cages. Or worse, what was left of the occupants of those cages.

Perception: 11 + 4 = 15 (too much internal dialogue and the dancing lights spell I guess :)

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab) 
Thursday October 11th, 2012 11:00:27 AM
Harvest Moon spares a moment for a few blessings. Then, with her polearm held high, she scuttles to the edge of one of the nearby tables. From there, her elfborn eyes and Iuon Stone enable her to see clearly into the larger open cages against the wall. She listens, looking for what might have been within these cages.

From the bit that Lemick can see from his vantage, he worries. He notices that there is only a little dust, but none seems disturbed except by the WLAers movement. In a moment of inspiration, Lemick realizes that this room is larger than the pyramid above... it must be underground!

Peza stays in formation ..... slowly moving in step with the gnome.... the darkness hinders her ability to see deeper into the room ... but she focus' on listening for sounds, not hearing anything above the clank and thump of the WLAers own armor and footsteps.

Barratore moves into the room and steps to the left, using his blade to see the room.

Brom steps just inside the large room. He again has torch in one hand and sword in other (don't know how long torches last). He watches into the darkness looking for the faintest sign of trouble.

Gerox hears Lemick and draws upon his gnomish heritage and casts his dancing lights spell sending four balls of light down into the room. Two move more than 10 feet beyond the other two and wink out, the remaining two casting light like a torch.

Arno first thinks that stealth is not something they are that familiar with, and sighs, wondering if they are going to confront what were in the cages, or their remains...

Third Brother also steps into the room, his eyes round and wondering. "This, this is not in any of ourr storries", he says reverently but with a worry in his voice. "This looks like a hunterr's camp and witch doctorr's hut at the same time. But wherre is Hrrerricko?"

.........................

In the greater light brought by spell and torch and heroes stepping further into the room, many of the WLAers can see the tables, small cages, and larger cages. The closer tables are empty, only the evidence of gouges, claw marks, burns, spills, and stains on them to determine what they were used for. Likewise, the small cages with their piles of bones look undisturbed for a long, long time.

The tables further away have occasional scraps of paper as well as tubes, containers and other tools of various shapes and sizes. The materials are also wildly different, including grass-woven baskets, clay plates, stone jars, glass beakers, wooden mortars; and all scattered in very neat but indecipherable pattern.

The large cages have no lurking bulk nor is there any evidence of living. No nest, scat, dung, or spore.

And, in the light of Brom's torch and the shadows of the light of Gerox' Dancing Lights and Barratore's sword, a being like a dark and opaque outline of a humanoid moves from around the corner of a table where none of the heroes noticed before.

"I am not to be disturbed!", the figure angrily whispers, gliding closer to Third Brother. "You are to guard the Valley from the idiots without vision, not bring them into my Lab!" His voice turns welcoming, though never rises above the whisper. He looks at Brom. "Come in, Come in, Faram, you were always my favorite. You will see that I have been able to further our research without the conservative morons. Come see!"

Lab

Arno  d20=1 ; d20=11 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2012 2:24:12 PM
Okkkkay thinks Arno. This guy seems 11 short of a dozen.

Even so, Arno slides around the walls trying to get all around the room for a recon on the off chance there is something he isn't seeing. Also, being able to strike this...person, from behind would also be handy.

Stealth: 9 + 1 = 10. (yeah guess everyone's looking everywhere)
Perception: 11 + 11 = 22 (so maybe I can pick up something)

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=21 ; d20+10=27 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2012 2:32:15 PM

The eyes of Harvest Moon go wide when the human ... no, the man ... no, for even that cannot be determined for certain, only the darkness and the shape ... when the stranger separates itself from the darkness of the room to address them in unusual terms. Her surprise propels her toward the back of the stairs where the curving structure interposes itself between she and this new being. Quickly, Harvest Moon scuttles under a table and around to the far side of the stairs where she crouches with her polearm.

Her nose twitches at a stench that is like madness. At the very least, there is a gulf here between what one party understands as real and true and what is understood by the other. After a quick look at the north of the room, Harvest Moon turns her attention to the Dark One, observing his thoughts through his mannerisms. Could this be the Hrrerrickko of Third Brother and his people? If so, thinks Harvest Moon, there seems little likelihood of forgiveness here.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 21
Sense Motive 27 (Madness? DC20 for a Hunch.)

Position: L10

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Peza  d20+6=14 ; d20+11=23 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2012 9:20:10 PM
Keeping her weapon on the shadow ... staying on the stairs .... high ground for a better shooting position .... Peza peeks at the cages [d20+6=14 perception check] ... hoping to pick up any clues ....

Covering her friends in the open room .... the ranger stays silent ... [d20+11= 23 stealth check]

" this must e where the twisted combination of creatures were created " mouths Peza to her self



Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+7=15 ; d20+4=10 ;
Thursday October 11th, 2012 10:46:38 PM
Lemick looks to Third Brother to see if Faram registers a familiar name to him. "Faram sound familiar?" he whispers.

percpetion: 15

Seeing others stand ready, and commenting about the man, Lemick notices none actually reply to him. Cryptic answers at this point would be beneficial, surely if we are underground, time is going to be an issue to get Third Brother his forgiveness.

Asking for Guidance (cast Guidance on himself) and hoping for some natural luck, Lemick plays along by responding. "You gest with me, but do show, show me what you have."

Bluff: 10

(Lemick has his shield attached and ready to be used. The javelin in his hand is pointed as a walking staff at the moment. His mace stored on his hip, handy if needed.)



Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Thursday October 11th, 2012 11:25:51 PM
Barratore sweeps back and trains his weapon in the direction of the threat, for now in his mind, that is all this place holds. It is nothing more than an ancient ruin of best forgotten things. Barratore keeps his weapon at the ready

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Friday October 12th, 2012 9:20:47 AM
Gerox will slip down the stairs to make room for the others, ducking around the corner to Q15. He whispers, "Brom, talk to him. He thinks he knows you."

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=19 ;
Friday October 12th, 2012 9:32:43 AM
Brom becomes very uneasy with the shadow-man talking to him. Brom's instinct is to fight or flee, in this case he is tending to flee. He looks uneasily at the others. Gerox's words calm his, a bit.

Brom follows still gripping his sword tightly, but keeping the blade down. "That's interesting." He says. "Let me see your progress." He says looking back over his shoulder and shrugging to the others.

Perception DC19

Temp Dex 11; AC 16

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab) 
Friday October 12th, 2012 10:33:02 AM
Arno thinks this guy is crazy, and slides around the central stair column to get out of sight. Nearly everyone sees him do it, but from his vantage point, his darkvision is able to pick up what is in the north side of the room. A huge contraption made of wires, tubes, and crystals stands there with a silvery spire rising out of the top. In the center is a single space inside that would be big enough for a small cottage to fit within.

Harvest's surprise at the Dark One's appearance propels her toward the back of the stairs where the curving structure interposes itself between she and this new being. Crouching with her polearm and her Ioun Torch, her elven eyes can also see the large contraption. And the half-elf maid has a very good hunch that the Dark One is a certifiable lunatic, and probably because there is something he hasn't done and doesn't think he can ever do.

Peza stays on the stairs for a good shooting position. The young woman peeks at the cages but can't find any more clues.

Lemick looks to Third Brother, but the Catfolk shakes his head: he doesn't recognize the name of Faram. Lemick tries bluffing the man to get him to keep talking.

Barratore sweeps back and trains his weapon in the direction of the threat, certain that the pyramid is nothing more than an ancient ruin of best forgotten things.

Gerox will slip down the stairs to make room for the others, ducking around the corner and whispering to Brom.

Brom is a fight or flee guy, and doesn't like this dark shadow walking up to him, but allows Gerox's words to calm him a bit while he encourages the figure and shrugs over his shoulder at the others.

Bralin is characteristically silent and watches the back-stair for a trap.

Third Brother nearly flees at the sudden appearance of the Dark One, but there is steel in his mien, and his tribe and all his ancestors are counting on him. Pacing up beside Brom, he does a short bow. "I am Thirrd Brrotherr of the People. Forr long generrations we have guarrded the Valley at the command of ourr Makerr, Hrrerricko. We arre faithful and beg forrgiveness frrom Hrrerricko."

.......

The opaque humanoid never talks above a whisper, but seems to hear a great deal as it speaks.

Proudly: "This is where I have created the greatest beasts who can survive the Cataclysm."
Angrily: "I will never show you. You called me crazy, you called me apostate. Only I and Faram saw the glory of using Alchemy and Arcana together to build beautiful beasts!"
Perplexed: "I used to know a Brom, a sausage seller in Tirrilee before the Cataclysm. How did you survive? Do you have a hot pepper sausage with you? I really missed those."
Comradely: "Yes, Faram. I will show you, but you already have seen it, eh, eh? You still went with the others, but stayed above ground by the Landing Beach."
Proudly: "My best creations. Blended. Thinking. Able to be above themselves. Yes, I am Eriko. None of the other BeastLords were able to do as I did! Come, my good and faithful servant. You are forgiven."

The opaque humanoid moves forward, placing a hand in blessing on Third Brother's head. TB moans and pulls away. "Ssso, so cold! Like I have no strength left!"

"Do not flinch!", commands Eriko in his whispery voice, "I must bless all of you!"

..........COMBAT ROUNDS.............

Eriko AC 17

Third Brother 6 Strength Damage

The Lab


Arno  d20=10 ; d20=10 ;
Friday October 12th, 2012 1:35:34 PM
I hate it when I'm right! Arno thinks about this bat crazy person. The only thing to do now is attack... but then he had a thought. Attack what?

In a heartbeat Arno reached a decision; he knows this group can handle themselves, unless there are surprises, like living furniture. Sparing a glance at Belfry Bob as Arno is calling him that, he makes a decision. Turning slightly he twirls his grapple and heaves it at...

the huge contraption made of wires, tubes, and crystals which stands there with a silvery spire rising out of the top.

His hope is that he can snag it and topple it to the ground. He also know full well that by doing this he will get Belfry's attention and probably his wrath. But then that will leave him open for his companions attacks. Arno doesn't plan on just standing still and letting him touch him either. Sometimes you just gotta do the unexpected. Besides, Bob has already given his forgiveness to Third Brother.

Initiative: 7 + 10 = 17
To hit : 3 + 10 = 13

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+6=22 ;
Friday October 12th, 2012 6:54:09 PM

And so, The Hrrerricko is, after all, one named Ericko. And this form, this dark shape. It tweaks at the memories of Harvest Moon. She knows this. Something that Thelonius once spoke of, a thing of undead.

Harvest Moon moves before the memory reaches its full bloom. Polearm raised high she comes around the stairs to approach the one named Ericko from behind. From her left comes a clatter. A glance reveals that it is the dwarf Arno who has cast his grapnel, this time at a metal structure. Harvest Moon uses the pause to release one hand from the polearm and use it to cast a blessing upon herself. She feels a magical hardness come to foot and hand, to knee and elbow.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Knowledge Religion 22 (To identify Eriko and at least one weakness.)
Move / Cast Magic Fang

Position: J14

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 30/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6

Peza  d20+9=20 ; d8=2 ; d20+6=21 ;
Friday October 12th, 2012 10:14:33 PM
Watching as Eriko touches 3rd brother .... Peza snaps off a shot .... to defend her new friend

the bolt nicks its target d20+9=20 damage d8=2

" Get away 3rd brother "

Quickly reloading ..... her eyes sweep the room behind Eriko .... [d20=6=21 perception check]



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Friday October 12th, 2012 10:40:24 PM
Gerox yells, "It is some kind of undead! One of your clerics turn the thing!" Gerox takes a page from Harvest but goes the other way to get around. He starts circling the cages to come from the other side ending his double movement at N22 (60 of movement due to elemental choice)

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab) 
Saturday October 13th, 2012 6:56:11 PM
Harvest realizes that Ericko is a Shadow, an incorporal undead creature. Normal weapons will have no effect and even magical weapons will only be half as damaging as against flesh-and-bone. The Shadow can also move twice as fast as the slower WLAers. Its only weakness is magic and magic weapons!

Harvest's hunch proves correct as Peza's bolt passed entirely through Ericko like passing through smoke.

Gerox scrambles under a table as the scrolls from the bedroom rattle in his pouch.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+5=15 ; d6+2=4 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2012 8:41:56 AM

"It is a called a Shadow," warns Harvest Moon. "It can only be defeated by magic or weapons blessed with magic." It is fortunate that this day's blessing has granted her just such a thing. Quickly she completes the circuit of the stairway, coming in behind the Shadow that is Ericko.

She strikes with an elbow, feeling the odd give of the Shadow's material as her blow lands. "Even with magic we cannot harm it well."

"I am sorry, Third Brother. Your Hrrerricko has passed. This thing is all that remains. You must fight. You must fight or we will all be slain."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hit Ericko AC15 (+2 Flanking from 3rd Brother?)
Damage 4hp or 2hp vs Incorporeal (w/Wooden Fist)

Position: K18

Touch AC17

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 30/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 6/7

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d6=1 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2012 10:01:42 AM
Lemick hears the calls of his comrads, it's identification. Knowing his javelin is now useless -- he's compelled to follow Arno's suggestion, though he's never attempted it before.

He had only saved one energy burst, so he hopes it will help. Moving closer, just within 30' he focuses his energies to destroy this undead.
Turn Undead: 1 damage or DC: 14

OOC: Just confirming I understand the rule for Turn Undead in pathfinder. Using my channelling this way will cause it to flee, but no damage. Or I could radiate positive energy that will heal my party and hurt the shadow 1d6? If this is an OR, I'd rather cause damage -- if it's both -- GREAT!
Bah, there's my 1.

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action
Positive Energies (6/6) standard action -- none left

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet  d20+3=10 ;
Sunday October 14th, 2012 10:22:46 AM
Barratore begins to step forward, ut stops as the method to combat this Shadow are called out. He had no such weapon and no way to create one. Perhaps something within the room, but how to find it? The fighter had no way of doing that either. Barratore decides to start looking though he's not sure for what. Hopefully a sword with a sign that says use in case of undead attack

move to x/17
perception 10

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Sunday October 14th, 2012 12:17:33 PM

OoC: Gerox, any way to identify those scrolls quickly?

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Sunday October 14th, 2012 7:58:02 PM
(taking the hint) Gerox pulls out the scrolls and quickly scans through them hoping for something helpful versus this nasty undead. He will keep circling while doing so trying to get to the other side. (Not sure where I am so please place me on the map)

Arno  d20=10 ;
Monday October 15th, 2012 12:40:21 PM
Hearing that Bob is Shadow doesn't do anything to Arno as he swings his grapple to pull down that thing. It may not grab that things attention, it might; but he knows he doesn't have anything that can touch something that needs magical weapons. He only hopes that what he is doing will be of some assistance.

Throwing grapple 3 + 10 = 13.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Monday October 15th, 2012 12:50:44 PM

OoC to All: If we can't get Magic Weapon on someone else's weapon, that will leave Harvest as the only character who can do damage to the Shadow. If such is the case, I'd like to request as many Aid Another attempts as possible. With only half damage it's important that Harvest Hit as often as possible. Some Aid Anothers to boost Harvest's AC would also be welcome.

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab)  d20+6=21 ; d20+6=10 ; d6=3 ; d20+6=23
Monday October 15th, 2012 2:17:28 PM
Arno hates it when he is right, and comes to a quick decision; perhaps he can hurt Ericko by destroying the large contraption. He twirls his grapple and heaves it at the silvery spire rising out of the top. The Grappling easily catches the spire and the dwarf tightens the rope. Highlight to display spoiler: {(ooc: the hook is a thrown weapon with a range increment of 10 feet. Objects with ample places to catch the hook are AC 5. 30' away = -6 to hit; 13-6=7 hit!)}

Harvest Moon moves to surround the shadow of Ericko as she makes her hands magically hard. She tells the others that Ericko is a Shadow, an incorporal undead creature. Normal weapons will have no effect and even magical weapons will only be half as damaging as against flesh-and-bone. The Shadow can also move twice as fast as the slower WLAers. Its only weakness is magic and magic weapons! (ooc: Harvest can take her attack next round)

Harvest's hunch proves correct as Peza's bolt passed entirely through Ericko like passing through smoke.

Gerox yells, "It is some kind of undead! One of your clerics turn the thing!" and clambers under the tables holding up the small cages. As he moves, he pulls out one of the scrolls, and, amazingly enough, is able to read the scroll: it is an arcane magic weapon spell! (ooc: DM rolled Spellcraft Check:21) Gerox also realizes that he will be able to read the scrolls much better if he or some other spellcaster had a Read Magic cantrip! Highlight to display spoiler: {(ooc: A read magic spell automatically deciphers magical writing without a skill check.)}

Lemick has only one positive energy burst left, and he hopes it will help. The cleric runs to the base of the open stair and focuses his energies to destroy undead. Ericko the Shadow flinches as if struck, but not by much. (2d6 damage channel vs Will 23; Ericko gets 1/2 damage) Highlight to display spoiler: { (ooc: each channel energy is either/or heal living/ damage undead, cleric choice at time of channelling. Lemick tried to damge undead, so no effect on living. Lemick is 3rd level and so gets 2d6 for damage. Roll another d6 please.)}

Barratore is stymied at a creature that won't get hurt by normal weapons, and looks about for a sign that says "use in case of undead attack".

Brom and Bralin seemed momentarily stunned at the rapid turn of events.

Third Brother stumbles away and Withdraws up the stair and behind Lemick. He shivers and nods. "What is left of Hrrerricko." It seems that the Catfolk is trying to come to terms with how his whole belief system has been turned on its ear.

....................................................

Ericko the Shadow continues to whisper. Yes, I remember now. The Catfolk servant came to this room while I was experimenting; completely against orders! I killed him and drove the others out of my Laboratory before coming back down to finish... but the beast had escaped while my attention was on the servants. It killed me, and now I will kill all of you!"

Ericko takes a swipe at Brom, its hand gently touching the barbarian already slow from the snake's poison and drains the strength from his body! (Touch AC 10 Brom takes 3 Strength Damage)

..........COMBAT ROUNDS.............

Eriko AC 17 Dam 1

Third Brother -6 Str

Brom -5 Dex, -3 Str

The Lab



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+11=23 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=19 ; d6+2=4 ; d6+2=4 ;
Monday October 15th, 2012 3:28:58 PM

Harvest Moon quickly completes the circuit of the stairway. She leaps nimbly to the top of the table to place the Shadow that is Ericko between herself and Brom.

So, this is the story, thinks Harvest Moon as she aims a kick at the dark translucent head of the figure. It is a tale of madness and evil. Yes. This is evil. There will be no true forgiveness here. There is only history. There is no more than a recognition of what has gone before.

The kick strikes well. Harvest Moon feels the tug of the shadowy stuff even as she contemplates the tragedy and the lesson that can be learned here. It is a tragedy of lives lost. How many Third Brothers attempted this quest? And it is a lesson in the importance of knowing things. If only the Cat Peoples had known the things that they have learned today, so many Third Brothers might still be alive.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Acrobatics to hop up on table 11
Hit Ericko AC25/Crit (Threat AC19) (+2 Flanking from Brom?)
Damage 4hp or 2hp vs Incorporeal (w/Wooden Fist)
Dang. Incorporeal are immune to critical hits.

Position: K19

Touch AC17

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 30/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 6/7

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=26 ; d3=3 ; 2d6+10=21 ; d100=93 ;
Monday October 15th, 2012 4:09:30 PM
Brom is snapped out of his confusion by the cold touch of the shadow. Brom rages as he drops his torch and brings his sword to bear against his for.

Attack (PA, rage, -3 STR = +7): AC 26; damage 21; % 93 (incorporeal)

Rage: 1

Temp: STR 17, DEX 11

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d6=4 ;
Monday October 15th, 2012 4:22:08 PM
OOC: Lemick is a 3 level PC -- that's a level 2 Cleric and level 1 Ranger. Does that make him a level 3 caster? Or is this based upon him just being 3rd level now?

If Lemick gets a 2d6 per channel, I messed up the first 5, rolling 1d6 for each totalling 20 earlier in the game. Oh-well.

Just in case the extra d6 still applies, I rolled a 4.

co-DM SteveK: Anthony, you are correct, only 1d6. :-)

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Monday October 15th, 2012 4:28:40 PM
Finding himself ineffective at the moment, Lemick sees he can provides bonuses to Harvest, but that crazy girl is out of reach for the moment. So instead of aiding Harvest, he hopes to lessing Eriko's effect.

Casting "CareBear Care" (OOC: Okay, it's really a Doom spell, but against undead CareBear Care seems more appropriate).
DC 16 (Wisdom) or This spell fills a single subject with a feeling of horrible dread that causes it to become shaken. (-2 to all attacks)

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom - Used
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action
Positive Energies (6/6) standard action -- none left

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet  d20+4=15 ; d20+3=21 ;
Monday October 15th, 2012 9:09:32 PM
Barratore moves towards Gerox and some other tables. The minotaur slams one of the tables towards the back wall Strength Check 15 to push table RS/21
"Anyone find anything?"

perception 21

Peza  d20+5=19 ;
Monday October 15th, 2012 9:43:08 PM
With the realization that her weapons are ineffective versus the shadow .... Peza lets 3rd brother pass her on the stairs ... interposing herself between the catfolk the shadow

But remebering her tactics even thou againsist her will in the battle with thekobolds she decides to engage Eriko in verbal banter ...

" you were killed ?? and by your own experiment ? what were you working on ? i bet it was an amazing creation " as Peza tries to massage the shadows ego " please tell us about your greatest creation " as she hopes he will take the time to orate instead of attacking ..... buying valuable time for the group

d20+5=19 diplomacy check

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 9:16:40 AM
Gerox yells out as he keeps moving around the cages to G19, "Does anyone have the cantrip read magic? I have a scroll which might help if they do!"

Double move to get to G19

Arno 
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 10:45:47 AM
Pulling with all his might Arno heaves the rope; trying to make sure he doesn't pull this thing down on him and also to make sure he's not some wacko undead thing's target! He wants to pull thing down and hopefully get that thing's attention while the others can finish him off.



Co-DM SteveK (The Lab)  d20+6=7 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 4:26:22 PM
Harvest Moon quickly completes the circuit of the stairway and nimbly leaps to the top of a table and kicks Ericko. The Shadow flinches from the contact like it was hurt.

Brom snaps out of his confusion and goes into a full battlerage as he drops his torch and brings his sword to bear against his foe. The martial steel passes harmlessly through the Shadow since it is not imbued with any magic.

Lemick tries to Doom Ericko and cause him to be less effective, but the spell has no mind to affect and it is cast without effect.

Barratore moves towards Gerox and slams a table towards the back wall. The sharp eyes of the minotaur see that the only moving things in this room are the heroes and Ericko's Shadow. In the corner near Barratore is a skeleton of some huge, but long dead animal. All the beakers and other items have nothing in them except some colored dust.

Peza tries to engage in some distracting banter with Ericko to buy valuable time for the group

Gerox yells out he has a scroll which might help. He keeps scrambling about to stay away from not only Ericko, but all the other spellcasters and warriors in the WLA group. (ooc: Gerox, now that he has successfully passed a Spellcraft check, can read the one scroll and cast the Magic Weapon spell. In order to read any of the other scrolls, he will need to make a Spellcraft DC21 or cast Detect Magic)

Pulling with all his might Arno heaves the rope, trying to pull this thing down without bringing it on top of himself. The contraption is stronger than it looks and resists the dwarf's efforts. (ooc: Strength Check please)

Bralin continues to stay on top of the stair.

Third Brother moves further back until he is behind Bralin.
..........................................................

Ericko's Shadow seems to preen at Peza's implied praise. "It was glorious! Everyone knows that humans are the most adaptable of the Noble Races, so why not mix the beast with humans to survive the Cataclysm? I did it with the Catfolk just as an experiment, and then I was to take Lion, human, and mixed in the hardy scorpion." He raises a backhand swipe at Brom, but is too distracted and misses. (AC Nat 1)

..........COMBAT ROUNDS.............

Eriko AC 17 Dam 3

Third Brother -6 Str

Brom -5 Dex, -3 Str

The Lab


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+4=10 ; d20+4=24 ; d6+2=5 ; d6+2=8 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 5:14:25 PM

Harvest Moon begins to attack more quickly, striking with a combination of elbow and kick. The elbow strike misses, but the kick once again lands with what would normally cause a critical injury. With the aid of others it would be easier to land blows upon this Shadow that is Ericko. But it is not in the nature of Harvest Moon to ask. She had never paired with others in the Contested Kingdoms, always remaining alone, only she and her mother. It does not occur to her to ask.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Flurry AC10, AC24
Damage 5hp or 2hp vs Incorporeal (w/Wooden Fist)

An additional 8hp or 4hp vs Incorporeal if the AC10 should somehow increase.

Position: K19

Touch AC17

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 28/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 5/7

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 5:20:59 PM
Lemick has few options, just as many as most of the others. Seeing Harvest, he figures he can aid her in a moment. Running down the last steps, pushing some of the cages out of the way, sliding over the table or just flip it, Lemick makes his way to behind Harvest. (south to O21, then west to L21 -- double move).

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom - Used
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (3/5) - standard action
Positive Energies (6/6) standard action -- none left

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  2d4+2=4 ; 2d4+2=9 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 8:14:10 PM
Gerox realizes that he can read the scroll and yells to Barratore, "Get over here you giant lump! If you just let me ride on your back we wouldn't be in this pickle!"

He then casts a magic missile spell at the shadow hoping it works. (ooc rolled 4 points of damage but have decided to reroll damage using a hero point doing 9 points

Peza  d20+5=17 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 8:47:02 PM
Continuing her banter with Eriko .... " wow thats soooo creative .... i mean humans are adaptable like you said ... and the Lion ... so majestic ..... but Scorpion ..... thats a stroke of genius !!! .... how did you come up with that ?? ... it must of been difficult .... i bet all the other beastlords were jealous .... yeah .... which ones were the most jealous ??? please tell us "

diplomacy check d20+5=17

Peza hopes she can glean some infomation from the shadow .... about the others ... the society of beastlords .....all the while distracting him

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet  d20+8=13 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 9:54:52 PM
Barratore growls towards Gerox. "If you hadn't run the other direction I'd be saving their lives right now!" the minotaur bellows back

Barratore heads towards Harvest. Moving into the through the table, after a fashion, in order to get close enough to help her and or hinder the creature. The wizard would have to come the rest of the way.

[Bull Rush Table CMB 13 to move 30'west]

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal)  d20+7=13 ;
Tuesday October 16th, 2012 11:01:40 PM
Brom roars as his sword seemed to strike solidly but merely passes through without any solid contact. "How do ya beat this thing?" He says daftly avoiding the back swing.

He takes another swing because he doesn't know what else to do.

Attack (PA, rage, -3 str): AC13

Temp damage: -3 dex, -3 str
Temp AC14 (raged)
Rage: 2

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab)  d20+6=7 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 11:03:23 AM
Harvest Moon begins to attack more quickly, striking with a combination that gets one strike on Ericko.

Lemick runs down the last steps, pushing some of the cages out of the way, and makes his way to behind Harvest. Needing to get over the tables makes him a little slower than Gerox who was able to just run under the tables, and he doesn't make it all the way to his intended spot.

Gerox has scroll and yells to Barratore before casting a magic missile that heroically strikes deep into the Shadow!

Peza keeps up her banter with Eriko. Her words are not doing much with the battle, but the WLAers are learning more about the BeastLords!


Barratore roars back at Gerox and takes his frustration out on an innocent table, causing it to skitter across the stone floor.

Brom roars as his sword seemed to strike solidly but merely passes through without any solid contact.
He takes another swing because he doesn't know what else to do which also passes by Ericko the Shadow.

Bralin and Third Brother hover near the top of the stair, watching the battle below.

Arno continues to pull and test the rope on the strong contraption.

..............

Ericko the Shadow whispers. "Yes, very jealous, and stubborn! Insisting that the noble races will one day expand again, they took to wresting the caverns and tunnels into laboratories. set them back centuries! Faram was able to sell them transmogrified animals and keep me updated. Faram, my only friend..."

The shadow attacks Brom again, and again was too distracted (ooc: what? 2 Nat 1s in a row??? Arghh!!! Maybe Peza's irritating banter is affecting the dice!)

..........COMBAT ROUNDS.............

Eriko AC 17 Dam 14

Third Brother -6 Str

Brom -3 Dex, -3 Str

The Lab

Arno 
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 2:18:20 PM
All Arno can do is watch and pull and pray. This thing has to do or did something! Come on, crash down! Get that thing distracted so his companions can rip him a new one!

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23  2d4+2=7 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:25:18 PM
Seeing the magic missiles have some effect, Gerox pulls out his wand of missiles and uses up one of the last 3 charges it has. Again 2 missile leap out and strike the shadow doing 7 points of damage to the spooky undead.

He looks over at the table abusing minotaur and says, "Easy big fellow. If you trample me, I won't be able to cast anything!"

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 4:33:04 PM
OOC: The map wouldn't load for me. (HTTP 404 Not found)

Closing in the last of the distance, Lemick offers the casual pat on the back shoulder as if thanking her for a job well done. Dice appear above her head and roll around following the ioun stone for just a second before fading away.

OOC: Cast Bit of Luck on Harvest: For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result

Spells
4 -0th level
Light -- used
Mending
Resistance
Create Water

2 - 1st level
Doom - Used
Cure Light Wounds -- Used

Granted Powers (used/max)
CopyCat (0/5) - move action
Bit of Luck (4/5) - standard action
Positive Energies (6/6) standard action -- none left

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+4=14 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=22 ; d6+2=8 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 6:06:14 PM

She nearly ducks as the dice appear above her head. But she has seen this before. It is the magic of Lemick 4-Leaf Sted, and it is startling in its effect. It is as though her hands move even more quickly, striking four times where she only strikes twice. One blow, the last, that is near to seeming unreal, strikes quite hard.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Flurry AC14, AC22
Damage 8hp or 4hp vs Incorporeal (w/Wooden Fist)

Position: K19

Touch AC17

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 28/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Peza  d20+5=15 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 9:01:50 PM
"Your friend Faram sounds like an intresting person .... did he work here with you or did he have his own research lab ?? ..... he must of at least been nearby ?? .... did he assit you with the catfolk ??"

The ranger tries to keep the shadow distracteded [ the distraction is working !! lol ]

" one question i do have for you .... you came he before the great cataclysm ... where did you travel from ... the beginning of your great ideas and creations "

d20+5=15 diplomacy check

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet  d20+7=23 ;
Wednesday October 17th, 2012 10:25:19 PM
Having closed to the Shadow Barratore flashes the glowing blade by where the creatures head should be to get its attention and assist Harvest. The wizard had a magic wand that was hurting it as well, and so Barratore would do his part without directly trying to destroy the thing.
[Aid Another 23 success to grant +2 Harvest AC next round]

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Thursday October 18th, 2012 12:37:46 PM
Brom again swings at the shadow not knowing what else to do.

Temp damage: -3 DEX, -3 STR.
Temp AC 16/14 (raged)
Rage: 3

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab) 
Thursday October 18th, 2012 12:44:22 PM
With another strike from Harvest and the magic missle from Gerox, the shadow that was Ericko howls and begins to fade. "So long, so long I have been stuck here. My presense kept my lab destruction spells at bay. Go quickly! I forgiiiiiv..." And the Shadow is no more.

Arno has tried in vain to move the large contraption, but it has resisted to even sway an inch. Apparently, it will take much more than one little grappling hook and dwarf to do it any damage.

Silence has descended upon the lab. For a second. And then a bottle breaks with a *pop*! That bottle causes six more on the same table to also burst a moment before the table ignites in flames!

.....................

1 Hero Point for Barratore in the fight with the furniture for holding the line and beating up a table.

1 Hero Point for Brom who stood his ground and used himself as living bait. Again.

1 Hero Point for Harvest who learned the weak spot and closed to fight the Shadow.

Honorable Mention for Peza who, by only using words, was able to make the die roller give the Shadow two natural 1s thus saving Brom from becoming a Shadow himself!

Arno 
Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:34:42 PM
Looking at the rope and grapple and then at the rest of his companions, he feels, again, like he did nothing. Retrieving the grapple from the thing, he approaches the rest to stand and stare at the spot where the shadow was.

Peza 
Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:51:45 PM
Eriko's last words resonate through the chamber .....

"My presense has kept my lab destruction spells at bay " then the bottles pop

"Harvest ... run .... we must escape .... lets go "

As Peza's gaze sweeps the room [/i] all that valuable history and infomation .... gone "[/i]

Turning she sprints up the stairs " Eriko's last were forgiveness .... you must tell that to your people ... so run .... " as she reaches third brother ... nudging him upward



Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday October 18th, 2012 10:44:03 PM

Defeating the Shadow that is Ericko comes with no triumph. Rather, it is with great relief that Harvest Moon watches the long dead thing fade away.

Then comes the fire. Fire can be a terrible thing. She had seen mounted raiders sweep through small villages, and they would always bring with them fire.

"Yes!" she calls up the stairs to Peza. Harvest Moon leaps to the first step on the snail-screwed stairs, but then runs back to tug at the arm of Arno the dwarf, who stands thinking curious and inexplicable dwarfish thoughts. "Come, we must go," she says, and only then, she turns and flees.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 28/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 
Thursday October 18th, 2012 11:10:31 PM
Gerox smiles as his spells help banish the shade and maybe even bring it some peace. Then things start quickly going downhill. He quickly casts the cantrip detect magic and does a quick scan of the area to see if anything glows while moving towards the stairs

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Friday October 19th, 2012 12:20:38 AM
Barratore spins as the bottles pop and the fire starts, Destructive spells at aby no more. Nothing needed to be said but the taur is compelled by some deep need to point it out, "Time to leave then"
They had accomplished what they came to do. Barratore takes a position near the bottom of the stairs to assure everyone else makes it out.

Tmp Dex 7

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Friday October 19th, 2012 9:25:11 AM
Brom sighs as the shadow is no more. His relief is short-lived as bottles of flammable liquid break and burst into flames. He backs out making sure none are still in the room. Once he is sure he makes quick haste back up the stairs. "Let's finish this outside."

Temp: -3 DEX, -3 STR, fatigued 6 rounds.


Co-DM SteveK (The Lab in Flames)  4d6=10 ; d4=1 ; d6=3 ; d4=4 ;
Friday October 19th, 2012 10:10:12 AM
There is little celebration among the WLAers, quite unlike thier victory over the Snake-Vulture. Down here in the pyramid, the fights have been against strange inanimate objects and the undead shadow of a BeastLord that seems to have only brought on a feeling of relief that the fight was over. Now, too, there is little time for a victory dance as Ericko's last words echo in the room, " My presense kept my lab destruction spells at bay. Go quickly!"

And it doesn't look like he was lying.

In only seconds, every container has shattered, causing flying shards to pelt the room. Every table is on fire and each cage is now a cage of pure flames, making the air hot and sweat pouring from every pore. And it is getting hotter by the second.

Harvest makes the stairs, and even Brom and Barratore backs out of the room to stand on the last stair until everyone else is out. These four discover another part of Ericko's magic; it is very localized. While the laboratory is quickly becoming a flaming furnace, the stairs are cool as when they descended!

Peza and Third Brother move up the stairs quickly and come to the Bedroom. It is untouched from when the heroes left it only minutes before. Third Brother seems a little stunned and is still trying to wrap his head around the Wold-altering information that the group has discovered inside the pyramid.

Gerox, pausing to look for magic, can't quite make the stair before the rest of the containers explode and tables on fire. He is close to one table and glass covers him and fire burns his skin. Gerox take 3 damage Reflex DC15 for half, and 4 fire damage, no save. His Detect Magic tells him that magic is present, all around, and if he pauses and looks for 12 more seconds (ie 2 rounds), he will be able to find the location of some of the auras.

Arno, not initially on the stair, is assaulted by the flying shards that pelt every area of the room except for the stairs. His position where he is coiling up his rope is close to 4 tables as thier contents explode and cover him with sharp, flying shards! Arno takes 10 points damage Reflex DC15 for half. The fire is also heating up. In only the first seconds, he begins to blister. Arno takes 1 fire damage, no save.

........COMBAT ROUNDS...........


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Friday October 19th, 2012 1:16:35 PM

"YOU MUST COME!" Squatting so that she might thrust her head out between the stairs and the ceiling of the room, Harvest Moon calls down to those left below in the flame filled workroom of the one once named Ericko. The urge is there to rush back down to provide rescue. But common sense says that this might only cause others to rush down as well to rescue her. This in turn might spell the doom of all.

The rising smoke draws an involuntary cough and her eyes begin to sting and water. "COME!" she calls one last time, and then flees as her cry is cut short by a paroxysm of of choking coughs.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Active Effects: Virtue, Ioun Torch, Virtue on Third Brother, Guidance on Third Brother, Magic Fang 28/30 rounds.

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 20/23  d20+3=6 ;
Friday October 19th, 2012 4:24:47 PM
Gerox winces as the exploding glass cut into him but doesn't feel the flames thanks to his affinity with fire (10 damage reduction elemental power) He holds up a finger ands says, "The fire isn't bothering me yet. I think I see something. Give me a second!"

He squats down to be a smaller target from the exploding tables and duckwalks towards the magical aura's if he can make them out.

DM SteveK: To avoid confusion, the reason that Gerox did not make the stair in one 20' move is because at the end of the battle he was 50' from the stair because he swept around behind Harvest. He is now 30' from the stair and requires 2 more moves or one double move to make the stair.

Peza 
Friday October 19th, 2012 9:13:16 PM
With a peek down the stairs ... Peza gives a sigh of relief as Harvest makes it to the stairs ... she turns her attention to third brother ....

Understanding he is overwhelmed with the flood of information from Eriko's confession ... " i know this is mind bending for you ...... but Eriko did forgive you ..... now you can have a new beginning .... all your people can make your own future .... make your own choices ..... " as she tries to comfort the catfolk

Glancing around the room ... Peza stays focused ...

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18  d20+5=12 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+7=18 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2012 3:19:11 PM
Lemick is caught in the first blast -- having worked so hard to aid Harvest, he finds himself between tables of flames.

OOC: There are 2 reflex saves since I'm behind.

As the flames burst, and empty cages become engulfed with new life of heat, Lemick was looking away from the stairs. Such a large room underground -- surely full of history, information. The flames prevent him from seeking any of the information out -- seconds have already passed and he's lost track of his comrads and his newly untrimmed facial hair is sending the smell of charred hair to his nostrils.

Patting a hot spot out, Lemick makes for the lowest, shortest distance to the stairs -- potentially following a fellow dwarf's lead by going under the burning table.

Assuming he makes it to the stairs and feels the sudden coolness, he take his last seconds to see if anyone else was as slow as he. (perception: 18)

Arno  d20=9 ;
Saturday October 20th, 2012 6:07:54 PM
OOC: I must have missed the fire somehow...

Reflex: 6 + 9 = 15 (just made it for 1/2)

And Arno makes for the stairs behind everyone.



Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Sunday October 21st, 2012 6:38:26 PM
Barratore maintains his position a the bottom of the stair sweeping any that are trying into its safety. The gnome pauses to cast a spell? Crazy creatures, perhaps related to the cat.

Hopefully the fire does not bother him suddenly and lethally. Barratore waits, ready to rush in to try and save Gerox, should the gnome burst into flame

Co-DM SteveK (The Lab in Flames)  2d6=5 ; 4d6=13 ; 2d6=10 ; 6d6=23 ; 2d6(1+6)=7 d4=3
Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:16:02 AM
Lemick was also still in the room, and is pelted by flying shards and singed by the fire before making the stair. (6 damage to Lemick and thank you for correcting my error. :-) )

Arno realizes the room is nearly engulfed in fire and sprints for the stair, just making it behind Brom, flames licking his heels. (Arno takes 5 fire damage)

Gerox, however, is more protected or crazy, perhaps both. The gnome squats down to keep watching and wait until he can identify where the auras are coming from. The fire gets hotter, but Gerox easily withstands the first seconds. As the fire continues to rise, even the gnome's affinity for fire is not enough to keep him completely protected! (round 2 of detect magic = 10 fire damage = 0; round 3 of detect magic = 13 fire damage = Gerox takes 3 damage)

But it IS long enough for the sorcerer to see where the auras are coming from... and it is from all the destructive spells going off on the death of Ericko. Evocations, Transmutations, and .... wait. On a table completely covered in flame, there are three small bottles in a ceramic bowl that have NOT shattered, nor have they succumbed to the fire! They are glowing in a steady Abjuration magic, and Gerox can snatch them and make the stair in only a few more seconds.

(To George/Gerox: Highlight to display spoiler: { Gerox is going to take damage whether he grabs the bowl or not, and so I chose not to waste a post and keep the ball rolling. George, if you want Gerox to do something else, post it and I'll change the actions.)}

The gnome makes the stair, singed, blistered, and triumphant as he holds in his hands a very hot ceramic bowl and three flasks. (round to grab bowl and run to the stair = 23 fire damage = 13 damage to Gerox) The items must cool down for anyone else to touch them, but Gerox can hold them easily without harm (d6 heat/fire damage for anyone to touch)

Other than the occasional wisp of smoke coming up the stair, the entire fire is contained only in the Laboratory, and the WLAers with Third Brother can take thier time consolidating and thinking of thier next steps in Ericko's Bedroom where they had fought and destroyed the inanimate objects.

.......................END OF COMBAT ROUNDS

WLAers and Third Brother are in the Bedroom.

1 Hero Point for Gerox for the insane and brilliant use of his fire affinity abilities. I did not plan for anything to actually be in the fire, but such a crazy sceme (if it were successful) deserved to be rewarded! :-)

Gerox - 16 damage
Arno - 11 damage
Lemick - 6 damage

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=27 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2012 11:49:50 AM

It is very much a thing of relief to see that all of the League Adventurers are safely away from the fire that burns below. Though, it is something of a mystery as to how the smoke and great heat is kept from the stairs and the floors above. Harvest Moon stands at the top of the stairs sniffing the air and passing her hands about to feel the temperature before giving up and consigning this to one of the mysteries that she is unequipped to solve at this time. This defeat makes even more poignant the lesson that it is the knowing of things that can be the difference between success and failure - possibly even life and death.

Kindled by a new resolve, the small half-elven girl strides to the shelf holding the books found by Lemick 4-Leaf Sted. Each she collects with a reverence reserved for her own book of maps. From there, Harvest Moon searches the room in a methodical fashion, seeking more books and papers with which to increase her knowing of things.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Perception 27 (searching for books and papers specifically, but other things of interest relating to knowledge as well.)

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 7/23 
Monday October 22nd, 2012 2:49:22 PM
Gerox carries his prizes up the stairs and out of the inferno. Once they reach the last battlefield, he slumps down in pain and says, "Wow, that was really stupid. What was I thinking?" He starts to examine the bottles more closely. "I hope these were worth it."

He calls up his detect magic sight as the others search the room looking for more magic

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+12=22 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=31 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2012 3:39:15 PM

The smell that comes from Gerox Shale, Lemick 4-Leaf Sted and Arno the dwarf is very distracting. The charred flesh of living beings is, in many ways, different than the smell of cooking meat. It turns the stomach. Harvest Moon pauses in her search to aid Gerox Shale in his attempt to identify the potions. There may, perhaps, be a healing drought here. Of each potion she takes a sniff. She eyes the color and consistency of the liquid. Then Harvest Moon takes the smallest dab on the end of her little finger and places it upon her tongue.

++++++++++++++++++

OoC: Using Perception to identify potions. DC is 15+Potions Caster Level.

Potion1 Succeed vs CL7
Potion2 Succeed vs CL17
Potion3 Succeed vs CL16


Peza  d20+6=15 ; d20+7=9 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2012 7:42:24 PM
Knowing third brotehrs head is spinning with the catfolks prophecy is tatters .... Peza tries to him to focus on the present .... " We need your help in looking for clues ... more pieces of the puzzle that is Eriko .... more infomation you can bring back to your people "

Peza starts searching the room [d20+6=15 perception check ] checking the walls for possible secret panels ..... eyeing the carpets/floor for wear marks [d20=7=9 survival check][tracking]

all the while encouraging third brother to join in the search

Arno  d20=10 ;
Monday October 22nd, 2012 8:32:39 PM
Patting off smoldering patches of fire on him, Arno shakes his head. Had he been bewitched? He should have been out pf the room faster than that. Ah well. Now that's he back on the stairs, he shakes to clear his head, looking around at the rest as they take stock. He could use some healing, but he again takes a good long look around to make sure they haven't been targeted by some unseen and unknown attack.

Perception 11 + 10 = 21

Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 20/26, ac 20/12/18 
Monday October 22nd, 2012 8:32:58 PM
Charred, but not badly hurt, Lemick cools himself down by fanning himself and dousing himself with some water.

"Well, with Eriko gone, but forgiveness given as his twisted soul finally reached permanent rest, we must count this as a success. Third Brother, you have succeed where others before you have failed. Like many great triumphs, the victory itself only deepens the mystery of life."

"So we have confirmed Eriko created the catfolk and cast them out. We also now know he was one of the beastlords. I suspect they fueded with themselves and each went their own way -- that may be to our advantage is the assumption is true. Regardless, we have the vaguest of leads, Faram."

"Does Faram mean anything to you Third Brother?"

"While nothing will likely survive the fire, once it extinguishes itself, we might be able to find passages that lead out from the giant lab? Course, resting here might also be an option."

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Monday October 22nd, 2012 9:41:54 PM
Brom looks with disgust at the burnt fellows. "Ain't nothing worth standing in a blazing fire for; specially nothing that comes in a bottle."

"Let's take Third Brother back. He should check in with his tribe and let them know he got the forgiveness they were looking for. From there we can come back and go deeper into this place."

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 6:04:01 AM
Barratore shakes his head as Gerox emerges, "Crazy gnome" he mutters to himself with a smile. Patting Gerox in congratulations and to help extinguish him Barratore says louder "well done". This was the quest of the Catfolk and so by right of the quest, Barratore considered everything here to be theirs

Barratore agrees with Lemick that the beastlords had a falling out and went thier separate ways. "and if so we must also treat them as separate and not all necessarily against us and Rum. We also learned that we should prepare to combat scorpion creatures"

The prospect of such a battle does not sit with him well.

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 7:00:06 AM
[Edit] Brom looks on annoyed (not disgusted). Annoyed he was seconds from getting burned saving a charred body from an inferno. "Glad you made it...you smell like BBQ."

Co-DM SteveK (The bedroom Revisited) 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 10:06:48 AM
The fire in the Lab below quickly burns out and there is another hour before it is cool enough for anyone other than Gerox to look about. When the WLAers do, it is certain that there is nothing left of worth in the Lab; every note, elixir, and apparatus is dust.

Bralin moves about rumbling in Terran and does discover a passage behind a wall. "It is blocked by rubble and can't be dug out", is the assessment. Suddenly, the holy symbol of a stone around his neck glows and begins to glow. The stone snaps off his neck and grows until it looks like a portal fit for a dwarf. Dark and the feeling of caverns come from the other side. That and a voice. Terran Language Highlight to display spoiler: { "Bralin, our Oracle, you are called from your island exile. Obey, and return."} Bralin looks back at Barratore and Brom, Gerox and Peza, Harvest and Lemick. "Thank you for being my companions since finding me in the middle of the ocean. Stone never forgets." And with that, the Oracle of Stone walks through the portal. In the blink of an eye, Bralin and the portal is gone, and his holy symbol lays on the floor.

Harvest looks interestingly at Gerox' flasks and is able to successfully identify their contents: Potion of Resist Energy (Fire), Elixir of Fire Breath, and a Potion of Burning Gaze. She also thinks that all the stuff should be the Catfolk's by right.

Peza encourages Third Brother to some action, and slowly at first, but with greater vigor, he begins to help. And think. The other WLAers have helped calm his mind as well.

Lemick asks about Faram again, but again, Third Brother doesn't know. The cleric also speculates about the ramifications of what the party has found and that the BeastLords may be isolated from one another and not necessarily all against Rum.

Barratore concurs and adds one more observation; they gotta be on the lookout for giant scorpion monsters. Oh joy.

Arno resumes a watch on the stair to give early warning to the others while they discuss things and shake down the room.

Brom is annoyed at the trio of fire, but has to admire thier courage.

Third Brother takes some time looking and thinking. "Hrrerricko did give his forgiveness. I am able to bring this back to my people. It will be joyous. I also know that Hrrerricko is at rest and this Valley is ours, not to only guard, but to grow and build. And the People would never have succeeded without you. All in this pyramid that you can carry is yours; a gift of friendship. Please take it all, the knowledge I have gained is better than anything in the Wold." And then he says wonderingly, "And it is a wide Wold, isn't it?"

After some more reflection, a glint of humor and curiosity comes back into Third Brother's eyes. "I wish to learn more. I have learned that knowing is as important as believing, and this is something I can bring my People. But I am no longer Third Brother, the offered sacrifice, I have grown. Call me TB."

....................

All heroes gain 1000xp

All heroes should have at least 9000xp and advance to 4th level

The heroes have found the following items in the Bedroom...

Tomes on Animals, Magical Beasts, and Aberrations worth 500gp

Blessed Book, 12,000gp

Diary - The diary is full of half-crazed ramblings, incomprehensible formulae, and an apostalic vision of creating intelligent monsters that will have a fighting chance against the encroaching Noble Races. The last pages of the Diary describe how his fellow BeastLords have laughed at Eriko for his ideas. Only his good friend Faramenth continues to talk with him from his enclave at Landing Beach, but he will show the rest. They can wither in their caves below the island, but Eriko will bring a new dawn to all monster-kind!"

Lesser Metamagic Rod of Lingering = 3,000gp

Bracers of Armor +1 = 1,000gp

Cloak of Resistance +2 = 4,000gp

5 Screaming Bolts - 1,000gp

20 Arrows +1 - 1,000gp

Plus the Three Flasks (identified)

Plus the Chainshirt+1 from the Snake-Vulture nest

Arno 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 3:56:07 PM
"OK, I know I'm still the new kid on the block, but what does this all mean? Also, we seem to be short a companion; may haps we should return and let the powers to be know what we have found here and what happened to our companion? And we can get TB back to his people. I for one would like a good meal, a bath, some healing salves and a bed-not necessary in that order." Arno wearily lets out.

OOC: So we just fix our own character sheets on leveling? Also, what about the treasure? Request? Dice? Who needs/uses it?
co-DM SteveK; Use the Loot&Booty Inn Board to roll your Hit Points for next level. Other level changes, you fix your own character sheet and one of the co-DMs will approve it. For the treasure, distribute that in-character here and out-of-character via email. Al has already started a Rum Treasure email thread.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 7/23 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 4:52:43 PM
Gerox agrees with Arno, "Yes it is time to return our new friend and let the catfolk know that they have been forgiving. We also need to find a way to keep these folks safe. Others will try to exploit them once they learn of them. It is a conversation we need to have with the Fixers at least. Are we done with our mapping? It might make sense to head back to Rum, show our results and see if they want us to keep going. How long have we been at it anyway?"

(OOC I think we should use what makes sense for the group and sell the rest. If someone gets more than someone else, they get less of a share of treasure. Their aren't any obvious group items (i.e healing wands) The lesser rod of lingering makes sense for Gerox. Since we don't have any wizards in the group, the bless book seems like a logical choice to sell)

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 5:26:56 PM

Harvest Moon sits amongst the collected books. "Obey, and return," she says, her eyes still upon the spot at which Bralin the Stonesinger had walked into the strange dark door and disappeared. "Stone never forgets," she says, echoing his words, but in the gravel ripped language that the Stonesinger spoke.

There are many things here to learn. Harvest Moon begins gathering up the books She must learn them quickly. From the talk of the others, these books have value, and they would wish to sell them for gold. She must read quickly. She will, however, keep the book of the Ericko for herself.

"I think that we must tell the Fixers of Rum the things that we have learned these past days," she says. From her pack, Harvest Moon retrieves a fist-sized stone of amber, a gift from Sal Theringer and the Fixers, received just before their departure. "We can use the Telestone to speak to them. Captain Sal Theringer said that it may be used once per day and that we many speak for one minute." With a very serious face, the small half-elven girl mounts the first step of the stairs to the top of the pyramid.

"Speaking always best from high places," she says, making her way out. "Be prepared to speak the important things that we know. We will only have one minute."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Peza 
Tuesday October 23rd, 2012 9:00:54 PM
With a wave to Bralin as he leaves through the stone portal .... " better this way then to bury one of us muses the girl

Peza heartily agrees with Gerox's statement about protecting the catfolk ... " YES !! that is exactly the way i feel too ..."

Being a city girl ..... she has actually enjoyed this adventure through the great wilds of the island .... but Arno's suggestions strike a cord " yeah a bath for sure " laughs Peza " and some shopping " as the thought of they captured loot comes to her mind



Return to Sunlight


Co-DM SteveK (Return to the Sunlight) 
Wednesday October 24th, 2012 9:41:18 AM
Many of the heroes are quiet, just resting from the hard exercise of the day, but a couple continue to work thier minds.

The sudden calling of Bralin back to whatever powers he was from leaves several heroes with a sense of loss, though Harvest seems to take some good advice even in the leaving. Peza is also just a little relieved, that the WLAers own memorial park is not going to start with a grave. Bralin's holy symbol of the stone still rests on the floor of the Bedroom...

With so much new information and wealth, Gerox, Arno, and Peza are all voting to get back to Rum to some baths (ah! the WLA bath-tents are such a good memory!), some rest, and some shopping! (hopefully there will be more of a selection than last time, but Rum is still a frontier town and mighty austere...)

Harvest, however, remembers one of the gifts of the Fixers and Captain Sal Theringer, the leader of the Woldian League of Adventurers in Rum. It is the Telestone, the Amber that can call back once per day. And certainly, the group has a LOT to tell the WLA and Rum! She heads to the top of the pyramid with her prize, encouraging everyone else by her actions to follow.

TB is taken up with Harvest's enthusiasm. Leaping up, the Catfolk sprints up the stairs and makes it a race. And he wins, too! It looks like the Catfolk have hidden talents that the heroes don't know about yet.

The top of the pyramid shows the sun still has at least an hour before it will touch the tall peaks to the West. The air is clean, a zephyr of a breeze ruffling hair and fur. TB is beyond happy, finally realizing deep, deep down that it is over and he will be able to return to the People. TB dances about the pyramid top, grinning from ear to ear, then let's out a rising caterwaul of victory. "Kuu! Kuuuuuu!!! FORGIVENESS!!!"

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 7/23 
Wednesday October 24th, 2012 4:24:44 PM
Gerox troops up with Harvest and says, "We need to be careful and plan what we say. We don't know who might be listening on the other end of this thing'

Gerox pauses and then says, "I think it is important for only one person to speak. That person should keep it, quick and to the point." Gerox pauses and thinks some more.

"How about something like this? 'Most of the southern island has been successfully mapped over the past month. Standard localized vegetation and animal life has been seen but the wildlife is skittish and seems used to being hunted. At the end of the month, a valley was found inhabited by an intelligent and peaceful race which was created by a Beastlord. Beastlord's home and lab were found and explored. Beastlord had perished and become an undead shadow. We were successful in destroying him but lab destroyed by boobytrap when shadow was vanquished. Other Beastlords were mentioned in both a diary we found and by the shadow itself. Please give instruction if you would rather us keep mapping or return to Rum with diary.'"

Gerox stops and looks around. "How does that sound?"

Arno 
Wednesday October 24th, 2012 5:38:24 PM
"Sounds good," replies Arno.

"And on the subject of the treasure we have ... recovered. I would like something that helps me, since I need more protection than I currently have." As he gestures to his current condition and appearance and function of some of his equipment. "And money is always good."

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday October 24th, 2012 8:00:23 PM

It is as much the enthusiasm of the newly self christened Teebee as it is returning to the light of the sun that brings the grin to the mouth of Harvest Moon. "That is a good idea, Gerox Shale," she replies to the gnome. "I think ... I think that I will not be the one to speak into the Telestone." The thought of being the lone person to speak on matters of such importance suddenly strikes her with discomfort. "I think that I will not."

Harvest Moon looks about into the hands of the other League Adventures. It is not here. They left it behind! Thrusting the Telestone into the hands of Peza, Harvest Moon hurries back into the pyramid and down the stairs. There, lying upon the floor at the place where Bralin the Stonesinger had entered the portal, is the dark stone. She squats down next to it, observing it for a moment. Then Harvest Moon reaches out and picks it from the floor. He is now with them, no matter where he is. With the stone she ascends again to the sunlight. And should he return, he will know that he once again is here.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday October 24th, 2012 8:19:38 PM
Brom is surprised by Bralin's sudden leaving, but as he vanishes from the pyramid says a small prayer for his short-time companion. "May the strength and courage of Domi be with you Bralin, son of stone, where ever you travel."

Outside, Brom can't help but smile at TB enthusiasm. This must be a great weight off of him for himself and for his tribe.

"Sounds like you have the words for the talking thing. Congratulations, Gerox, you got the job." Brom says with a grin.

Peza 
Wednesday October 24th, 2012 9:20:44 PM
Surprised by being given the telestone but up to the task ....Peza agrees to do the talking ... "thats a good summary of what happened .... i'll use that " adds the girl to Gerox

Moving up the pyramid .... Peza takes a seat on one of the steps .... reciting her summary a few times in her head .... she finally raises the telestone ... and begins to address it ...
'Most of the southern island has been successfully mapped over the past month. Standard localized vegetation and animal life has been seen but the wildlife is skittish and seems used to being hunted. At the end of the month, a valley was found inhabited by an intelligent and peaceful race which was created by a Beastlord. the Beastlord's home and lab were found and explored. Beastlord had perished and become an undead shadow. We were successful in destroying him but lab was destroyed by magical boobytrap when shadow was vanquished. Other Beastlords were mentioned in both a diary we found and by the shadow itself. Please give instruction if you would rather us keep mapping or return to Rum with diary.'" .....

Once done the twilight ranger grins at TB's enthusiam and climbs up to Tb's spot and joins him in a dance of celebration ......

A short part of Gerox's summary lingers in her mind [i] " wildlife is skittish ... used to being hunted .... hmmm hunted by what ?" .....

Turning to TB she poses him that question ....

"

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Thursday October 25th, 2012 7:43:34 AM
Barratore nods to the Oracle as he departs. Suddenly as he arrived. Truly an emissary of the gods and Barratore would remember him of that he had no doubt. The summary sounded overly wordy to him, but that is what the noble races did. They talked, a lot.

They would all return to the tribe, surely a feast awaited and Barratore found himself very much looking forward to that. Thinking upon the almost certain celebration suddenly brings a great swell of homesick to him. There would be no wine and such an occasion as this should have it. Barratore has a seat on top of the pyramid and let's his gaze drift to east

Co-DM SteveK (Message and Feast) 
Thursday October 25th, 2012 10:00:05 AM
After a little bit of scrambling, Peza is the one who activates the Telestone. It pulses with a rapid series of lights. And again. And again. After the fourth series of rapid pulses, the Telestone steadies into an even amber glow and the face of Captain Sal Theringer is seen (slightly distorted by the curve of the 'Stone).

"It's been a while", he comments without preamble. "Report."

And Peza does, providing her rehearsed and succinct outline of what happened for the last month.

"Good Report", responds Sal after a couple seconds, "Can you stay in the Valley for a day or two?" (With a nod from Peza, the ranger continues) "Report same time tomorrow. Tell me more of the peaceful new race then. We will need time to digest the informa-." The Stone ceases to glow, it's time expired for the day.

..................

With the shout and dancing at the top of the pyramid, quite soon, the entire tribe of the Catfolk are in the clearing. They marvel at the huge Snake-Vulture and caper about with the words of Forgiveness. Mother declares a feast, and the group gathers a giant bonfire right in the clearing in front of the pyramid; Snake steaks and Snake ribs being the main course, with a supplement of local plants and drinks to include a weak alcoholic drink made of local fruit. Those who wish to stay with the feast, the food, the dancing and local music, and the very curious Catfolk... well, they have plenty to keep them occupied.

Mother, Young Mother, and Mothers Mate take TB aside to get the whole story (and any heroes who want to come). Understanding dawns most quickly in Young Mother as she goes over all the ramifications, and she looks to any present heroes for confirmation. "The People are free, have always been free, only we did not know until today. Our own ignorance and customs kept us as trapped as if a rabbit in a rope loop. This Valley is the People's now, but there is still danger. Danger from the wide world around us since we have no protector and many things are out there."

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday October 25th, 2012 12:12:53 PM

Harvest Moon mulls Young Mother's question over a mouthful of a doughy envelope filled with sweet cooked banana. "Ah iffinn ... " she says, before halting herself and pausing to swallow her food. "I think that there is always danger," continues Harvest Moon. "There was danger before. It is only that you did not see the danger, just as, in the same way, you did not see that you were free."

"You must not fear the danger of the outside even as you do not fear the danger of tripping over a stone. You must master this fear, and to master it, you must know it." The words come back to Harvest Moon, and she speaks them as though they had just come from the mouth of Thelonious on the day that he sent her on her journey to Plateau City and the group of League Adventurers. "To know this fear, you must go forth and meet it. It is not always an easy thing. But it is not always difficult, and sometimes it will be enjoyable, especially if you find friends."

"Perhaps you can come with us. A small party. To meet Captain Sal Theringer of the Woldian League of Adventurers. And to meet our Fixers. Then you would know the way between us, and knowing this way, you will be able to come to us whenever you wish."

This thought triggers in Harvest Moon yet another. The one named Ericko wrote in his book of a enclave at Landing Beach. If they have not yet encountered such a place and the people who live within it, then it seems likely that it is somewhere on the far side of the island, down the slope from the valley in this saddle pass. As she takes another bite of the sweet banana pie, Harvest Moon wonders at the wisdom of continuing on to the other side of the island on their quest to fill the magic map.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day's Spells
0-Level: Flare, Guidance, Virtue
1-Level: uCure Light Wounds, Magic Fang, Entangle(d)

Wand of CLW 1/6
Wooden Fist: 4/7

Arno 
Thursday October 25th, 2012 2:28:17 PM
Arno politely bows out for now as he heads to get some sleep and start to recover. He wounds still smart as the knowledge that he didn't do much in the way of combat. But, he argues with himself, at least everyone is coming back alive.

He decides to see what the inside of his bed roll looks like while someone else stands guard. But he keeps his weapons and equipment close, as he knows, trouble can happen at any time.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 7/23 
Thursday October 25th, 2012 3:00:29 PM
Gerox winces at the rebuke in Captain's voice at the lack of reports. Frankly Gerox (and George) forgot they had the stone! Still he is happy that his words were used and approved by the Captain. Though he is burned and sore, he decides to join the party. He will join the the leaders of the Catfolk and listen to TB's report adding a detail here and their and talk of TB's bravery in leading the scouting trip.

Gerox listens to Harvest words, nodding he adds his own saying, "Harvest is right in saying you can't be afraid to learn of the outside world but I think she is mainly talking about the individual. I think you need to use some caution as a people. We are members of the WLA which is a group of adventures sworn to fight evil and protect the weak. We and our leaders are trustworthy but not all will be and some might try to take advantage of you.

Our colony of Rum is new and attracting many different types. Some come for a chance to better their lives and the lives of their families. Some come just to see a new place and be part of a new begining. Others will come only trying to improve their own lives even if it means harming or taking advantage of others.

You need to find the balance of being open to new ideas and peoples while keeping your own values and traditions in place. You will need to find your place in this new world past your valley. I believe we and the leaders of the WLA along with the Fixers, who are in charge of building our colony motives can be trusted. Please feel free to seek us out and ask our advice if you feel overwhelmed by the outside world. I know all here would be honored to help you."

Gerox looks around almost embarrassed by his speech. He decided to stuff his mouth with some snake and starts chewing.

Peza 
Thursday October 25th, 2012 9:26:15 PM
Glad that Captain Theringer was satisfied with the report .... Peza nods that they can stay a few days more if needed ...

As the telestone fades she stores the stone carefully in one of her pouches .... then turns her attention to the feast ... and celebration ....since Gerox and Harvest are meeting with the mothers .... no need to everyone being ther e.... so celebtrating is what she does ..... dancing with theit newfound friends ... enjoying the feast

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Friday October 26th, 2012 7:11:34 AM
Brom takes in the festivities. He eats, drinks, and participates in any games the party has to offer. During the party he will ask about Landing Beach, figuring the Catfolk would have a better idea of its location than a wandering guess on the group's part.

Co-DM SteveK (A Week of Rest) 
Friday October 26th, 2012 10:19:01 AM
The report is good, but each day, Captain Sal Theringer asks the group to stay put and prepare more reports over the Telestone. This goes on for a week, which is more than enough time for several things.

The first is the group is healed and overcomes the last of the Snake-Vulture poison and cold touch of Ericko. In body, each of the adventurers are nearly the same shape as the day they left Rum.

Second is the friendship of the People. The Catfolk are able to demonstrate the edible plants and animals in the area and have successfully used the coals of the great bonfire to smoke and dry the huge amount of Snake-Vulture flesh to provision the tribe and the WLAers for a month of meat both! During the day, they share their games and hunting skills, and at night they share their stories and eagerly listen to the stories of the WLAers of their adventures across the ocean and underground. By the time a week has gone by, the WLAers have learned as much from the Catfolk as the other way around!

Mother and Young Mother continue to discuss the ramifications of a changed wold-view, and it seems that Young Mother is making more and more suggestions and decisions. Mother is not objecting either. At the end of the week, another name change has been made and there is a new Mother, and a new name: Grandmother.

So far, only TB has dared to change his name, and Mother allows it. In fact, she decides that TB should be the liaison between the People and Rum and the WLA. "We need to know more, and we will need good friends to help protect our way of life while we learn. We can trust the WLA as our friends." She considers for some days, not yet sure whether to have TB accompany the group or to go to Rum later with a small escort.

For the Telestone, most of the talking is done by Peza or another member of the group, but Theringer does give them some information on his own. "Good work, very good", the Captain applauds the seventh day. "Tomorrow, describe in detail what the Valley looks like from the base of the pyramid. I need to know everything; sights, sounds, smells. Make a unique marker at the base of the pyramid and describe that too. Sending someone to you."

....IT HAS BEEN SEVEN DAYS...

Each WLAer adds a Trait! Of the People. The Catfolk of Rum know their island very well, and have taken you in as a member of their tribe, teaching you one of their skills. Pick one of the following bonus' (this bonus can't change once selected) 1) Catfolk Hunter: you learned local hunting skills and receive +1 racial bonus on survival checks. 2) Catfolk Leaper: you learned agile Catfolk games and receive a +1 racial bonus on Acrobatics checks. 3) Catfolk Father/Mother: you learned the Catfolk mythos and recieve a +2 racial bonus on one Knowledge skills of your choice while on Rum Island. These bonuses do not stack with other racial bonuses.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Friday October 26th, 2012 5:29:58 PM

Life in the Contested Kingdoms is poor for the greater portion of people. Daily living is consumed, almost all, by the need for survival. Gathering food. Finding shelter. Protecting one's body from cold, heat, and the other harshness of weather. This, in addition to defending one's self from the harm that comes from other people, animals, and other living things. These are difficult things in the Contested Kingdoms, and almost all time is occupied with such things. There is little time for much else.

And yet, here, where I am now, with the League Adventurers, even though food is plentiful, defense is easier with such strong friends, and shelter never seems to be a problem, even with such things, there does not seem to be the time for leisure. There are always things that must be done. The Wold is full of so many things to know, and I have vowed to learn them all to the best of my ability. It is a daunting task. It is akin to drinking up the ocean. No matter how much one consumes, there always seems so much more.


Harvest Moon looks up from her book, reviewing the words that she has just written. Truly, there are so many things to learn, so many things to do, so many ways in which she must improve. The words themselves, these words she has put to page, have an awkwardness in many places. She must learn to write better as well.

She has learned much this week. Most of the books of the Beastlord Ericko have been read. And she has learned much from the Cat people. It is impressive to see how much they know of the natural world. From Gerox Shale the gnome too, she has learned things. Things of the arcane world. She has also learned to cast the blessings without asking for them at the first light of the sun. And yet, there is so much more to learn. The thought of such things sets the face of Harvest Moon into firm lines of grim determination.

She rises from the place at which she writes in her book. It is time now to gather at the base of the pyramid and decide upon a mark to make for Captain Sal Theringer. She will suggest that they make the mark in the same shape as the badges of the Woldian League, the same badges that they wear. That would be good, she thinks. It will be fitting.

Peza 
Friday October 26th, 2012 10:14:27 PM
Peza enjoys the week of learning from their new friends .... and in turn teaching them about Rum.... and her own hometown of Plateau City .... upon hearing that TB will be the catfolks liasion she advises him of life in the city ... navigating the urban jungle ....

Before presenting her daily reports for Captain Theringer .... she practices them hoping to sound more professional .... taking her role seriously

"That's a great idea Harvest .... our WLA symbol !! ... too bad Bralin left he could of carved one out of stone ....do we build out of different stone s... maybe some wood too " Helping the little waif ....Peza can't help but notice how she has grown since they met ...a year ago she was a shy girl ... but my how she has blossemed and lets her friend know .... " Theloneious would be very proud of you "

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 20/30Character Sheet 
Sunday October 28th, 2012 10:48:49 AM
Barratore spends the week enjoying himself and if, as seems to be the intent of the WLA, they are to protect The People. Barratore spends an equal amount of time wrestling and assessing the warriors of The People.

Barratore will ask about the group if any are knowledgable in the art of making weapons. If so, from what Barratore has seen, an immediate upgrade for The People would be to learn how to craft and shoot a bow

Barratore agrees that a marker bearing te WLA symbol to be a good idea. "Fitting or no, it will let any who come upon it know that the WLA marks The People as friends and allies. That alone could deter some from violence or actions against them."

Co-DM SteveK (A Week of Rest) 
Monday October 29th, 2012 10:22:06 AM
Making the WLA mark in front of the pyramid, the heroes give another report to Sal Theringer. "Excellent!", he remarks. "Be ready for your visitor."

It is in only another minute when a soft puff of air and a swirl of smoke *pops* in on the WLA sigil. As it clears away, a smiling gnome with an explorers outfit of many, many pockets, a multi-colored cape, and a huge backpack.

"Hellooooo Explorers!" The gnome waves and grins in friendly mein. "You look like some of the WLA heroes Captain Theringer described to me. I'm Babbit Emberson, and I'm an explorer for the new Catacombs outlet in Rum. The WLA told me there were some customers out here, so here I am!"

Dropping the backpack to the ground, the gnome called Babbit pulls a cord and a colossal tent stretches, pops, and erects itself. As a final touch, the tent entrance rolls out a red carpet with the word 'CATACOMBS' in elegant script. "The Catacombs? We are a magical emporium where heroes of the Wold can enter and purchase any common magical item in the known Wold! I'll be here all week, so take your time and come on in!"

..................

ooc: All PCs are able to go to the Catacombs and purchase what they want with the gold they got. Happy shopping!

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al  d20+13=15 ;
Monday October 29th, 2012 1:04:06 PM

Expectation is a natural process of thought and the knowing of things. Harvest Moon had expected many things when Captain Sal Theringer had said he would be sending a visitor. The gnome from this place called Catacombs is not one of the things, not in the most remote of her suppositions, that she would have expected. It is only the fact that the gnome Babbit Emberson must necessarily be the one who Captain Sal Theringer told them to expect that Harvest Moon now approaches the gnome without the requisite suspicion that such abrupt and fantastical things must necessarily be approached. A tent that so easily appears from nowhere, as an example, strikes Harvest Moon as equally likely to vanish into nowhere taking with it all who enter and trapping them within.

And so, it is with great caution that Harvest Moon approaches the tent with its sign and its beautiful red carpeted pathway. She scrutinizes the gnome for ill intent. But, ultimately, the experience is overwhelming, and her attention is almost entirely engrossed by the spectacle. It is a trusting and overawed Harvest Moon that walks into the Tent of the Catacombs. There is the possibility that this may be a trap. But if so, it is a very grand and beautiful trap.

++++++++++

Sense Motive 15 / Likely a failure of some sort.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 7/23  d6=4 ;
Monday October 29th, 2012 7:56:42 PM
Gerox smiles as the tent appears and follows Harvest in. (ooc Are we supposed to do it here or actually go to the catacombs?)

(ooc rolled a 4 for hitpoints in going to 4th level)

Co-DM SteveK (A Second Week of Restoration) 
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 9:32:20 AM
ooc: PCs can go to the Catacombs and make transactions there as normal.

................

Harvest is overcome with wonder and steps inside the tent.

Gerox smiles and follows the half-elf inside as well. They are both transported to the Catacombs!

..............

ooc: due to the terrible storms off the east coast of North America, several of our Players may be without power. No fighting will occur this week. We will continue with role-playing and improving the story/motivations of PCs and updating PC Sheets.

The next Module will start 5 November.

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 10:35:42 AM
Inside, within the grand space of the enormous tent there is ... a shop.

There seems to be a great deal of activity. Queer and mysterious given that there are people here who she knows did not come in through the door of the tent outside. But the number of people within the shop and the various tasks they go about provide her time to stand aside and observe the way in which things are done here. There is even a table laden with delicious food, and, after observing others partake of the bounty of the table, Harvest Moon too reaches up to take a triangular biscuit from a plate and dip the point into a bowl of thick, white, and very sweet cream.

Finally, after having grasped something of the way of this place, the small half elven girl finds a scrap of paper and copies upon it a list of the things that she wants.

"I am Harvest Moon," she says, reaching up to the counter and placing upon it her list of things. "Do you have these goods?" she asks. Some are items of great power, and she had hesitated before placing them upon her list. But even if they are not available, there is no harm in asking. "Thank you for looking," she then adds, and awaits the answer, more anxiously than she had thought at what they might say in reply.

Peza 
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 8:51:13 PM
Having grown up in the metropolis of Plateau City ..... Peza has heard of the lengendary Catcombs ... magics of all kinds bought and sold ..... her hazel eyes light up .... its every girls favorite thing to do ... " shopping " !!! .... with a giggle she grabs TB by the arm .... " i'll show you one of the wonders of the wold beyond this valley ....." she pulls the catfolk into the tent following in her friend Harvest's footsteps

ooc: survived Sandy up here in CT , power is back on !! woot!!

Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 19, CMD: 22; HP: 43/43Character Sheet 
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 9:07:53 PM
Barratore cocks his head in wonder at the appearance of the gnome. Nothing of what he was thinking of happened. He stands there basically dumbfounded as the tent springs up and the others start moving. Eventually as if shaken from a dream, the fighter moves. His head on a swivel and his brain in sensory overload, Barratore moves into the tent and into the Catacombs

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) 
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 9:55:04 PM
Brom heads into the tent without hesitation. After standing his ground against a giant snake-vulture and a strength sapping dead guy, how dangerous could a tent be...

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 21 (23 Raged); HP: 46/46 (54/54 Raged); DR 2/- (4/- vs. non-lethal) 
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 9:57:04 PM
Getting the header right.

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 30/30  d20+6=11 ;
Tuesday October 30th, 2012 11:44:36 PM
Gerox looks around at the catacombs but decides he doesn't really want to purchase anything right now. He stares in wonder for a few more minutes and then steps back through the tent. He will move over to a shady spot and use his week to make some jewerly with some of his gold. He starts melting the gold and forming some links, looking to make a heavy gold necklace.

(ooc Need a ruling on how to do this. Using craft skill. If I need to roll, I didn't make much progress having rolled a 13 once my masterwork tools are included in the roll, but if I can take 10 I automatically get a 18. I am assuming that I am using 200 gps worth a gold. Since I have to use 1/3 in raw components, this should make a 600 gp necklace. How long would this take?"

Gerox when not crafting will use the rest of the time to enjoy the clan and play leaping games with them. He is small but he is spry


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:34:28 AM

Harvest Moon emerges from the Tent of the Catacombs store with her arms loaded with fantastical magic goods. With a face wreathed in smiles she holds up the beautiful cloak and the wondrous bag to show Peza who is just following her in. (This is briefly strange to Harvest Moon in that it is unlike her friend not to investigate such wonders more quickly. And yet, Harvest Moon herself feels she has been within the Tent of the Catacombs for quite a long time. This, however, is something that Harvest Moon only considers briefly.)

Seating herself upon one of the sun-warmed steps of the Pyramid, Harvest Moon proceeds to investigate the Magic Bag. This investigation begins with a simple stone places into the bag. It is then retrieved with eyes closed. Miraculously, the stone comes into her hand without having to search for it. The investigation then proceeds with the insertion of Harvest Moon's arm into the main chamber of the bag. She thrusts her entire arm inside, elbow deep. A giggle nearly escapes her lips as she wiggles her fingers in a space that her mind says must be outside the bottom of the bag, and yet, is not. For the last experiment, Harvest Moon places the bag over her head. She sits with her head within the main compartment like nothing less than a mutant animal swinging its large ungainly head from side to side. This experiment is, if nothing else, anti-climactic. Even with her elf-born sight, the interior of the magic bag is little more than a featureless black. Even with the Ioun Torch whirling about her head, there is nothing to see within the bag.

Co-DM SteveK (A Second Week of Restoration) 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 11:43:10 AM
Gerox uses his Craft Skill in Jewelry to form a golden necklace. He makes a good start in the first week, but look like he has a long ways to go.

ooc: Gerox is trying to make a typical 600gp necklace. Highlight to display spoiler: { He needs 200gp raw materials and the equivalency of 6000sp of work to complete the necklace. His first week's work was DC 10 (Typical item) and rolled a Skill 13 which means he completed 130sp worth of work. Keep on Gerox' post "Typical Gold Necklace DC 10; 130/6000" Each week make another Skill check, multiply by 10 and add to the total. Once Gerox gets 6000sp of work, the necklace will be done!}

Peza, who is familiar with the company, pulls TB into the tent and revels at the wonders of the Catacombs. Likewise, Barratore and Brom enter with various levels of enthusiasm and wonder. Certainly, Captain Theringer has pulled a pleasant surprise out of his bag of tricks!

Harvest giggles and plays with her new-found magic; a way to weightlessly move many hundreds of pounds!

TB is amazed and tells the other Catfolk about the tent. With a little dickering and coaxing, the gnome is able to purchase several indigenous works of art for an exchange of some minor magics that will help the Catfolk defend their Valley.

Mother (the new one) coordinates with the smiling gnome to even have TB return to Rum with Babbit Emberson and have him introduced to the WLA. Captain Theringer also agrees (during the one minute reports) that TB will be able to stay with the WLA compound and under WLA protection for as long as he wants.

Finally, as the WLA Captain asks less and less questions, Sal is able to provide information to the heroes. "The Second Fleet delayed; arriving in about a month. Building going well. Planning a week-long celebration when the Fleet arrives. Scully's Heroes also done well. Move east to the shore from your position and rendevous with thier ship to return to Rum. Fixers are in contact daily with them and me so we can make rendevous."

"Any questions for me?"

Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 6:44:39 PM

Over the past week it has occurred to Harvest Moon that gaining great knowledge is more than simple observation. It is more than simply reading. One must ask questions or one cannot learn much more than what is presented upon the surface. The better the question, the greater the knowledge granted by the answer to the question.

Harvest Moon searches her memory, recalling that the mercenary men had sailed westward around the island in the same direction of the hands of a clock. Meeting them in the east would mean that they have likely completed most of their journey around the shore, but not all of it completely.

"Is there a reason for the delay of the Second Fleet?" asks Harvest Moon. And then, "Did the Mercenary Men speak of a place that might be described as a Landing Beach?"

JonathanT (Co-DM) 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 9:09:56 PM
OOC: just lurking. getting primed for the next module. :)

Peza 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:07:14 PM
After her daily report with captain Theringer using the telestone ....finishing her shopping ... Peza will practice with her new crossbow ... setting up and knocking down targets

Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 21 (23 Raged); HP: 46/46 (54/54 Raged); DR 2/- (4/- vs. non-lethal) 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:21:48 PM
Brom comes out of the tent. He is carrying a new bow and a new shiny BAS.

Over the week, Brom competes with the Catfolk in many games and other contests. He also accompanies them on hunts.

One of the games he show them is hurling small-sized rocks (by small-sized he means slightly smaller than Gerox). (Playing with a new rage power)

Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 30/30 
Wednesday October 31st, 2012 10:54:00 PM
Gerox looks down at his far from complete necklace and says, "I think I need a long sea voyage to get you complete."

Gerox keeps practices his new spell calling it forth and making an area glitter. He is tempted to cast it on Brom but forgoes after watching him throw Gerox sized boulders around. For some reason he just has a bad feeling about that.

Gerox does ask, "What did Sully's heroes do? Any more evidence of other Beastlords?"

Co-DM SteveK (A Second Week of Restoration) 
Thursday November 1st, 2012 10:47:47 AM
Babbit Emberson keeps his tent up and allows the Catfolk as well as the Heroes to go in and out, looking at wares, a book of pictures of equipment that Babbit calls a 'catalog', and provides his own food and drink so as not to be a burden on any indigenous species.

Mother doesn't need to encourage the Catfolk to play or hunt, they love doing that naturally! Brom takes to the life of a tribesman like a... well, like the barbarian he is! The Catfolk applaud his prowess when he picks up huge boulders to throw! They also play at targets with Peza, not only having stationary targets, but shooting at rolling wooden disks, disks thrown into the air, and hoops that spin in the breeze while hanging from a tree.

Captain Sal Theringer keeps to his usual succinct speaking when answering questions. By this time, the WLAers understand that he's not keeping anything intentionally away from them, it is only that he doesn't really like talking a lot! "Second Fleet ran into a couple storms and needed repairs. No word of a Landing Beach from Scully's Heroes. They are about at the northern-most tip of Rum Island. Several sea-monsters. Had a bad time with one BeastLord and his ocean beasts. Had to beach and repair for almost a month. They should be on the east side about the same time you are at the eastern beach."

A second week is almost up. Sal's latest message was pretty sure that if the group left in the morning, they should get to the east coast in the same time as Scully's Heroes. "Great work and keep us posted on your progress."

There seems to be a couple seconds for any last questions.


Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al 
Thursday November 1st, 2012 4:52:56 PM

The most interesting thing is that the mercenaries of Scully Swiftblayde encountered a Beastlord. Captain Sal Theringer spoke of one Beastlord and his ocean beasts. This is interesting when combined with what we know of the Beastlord Ericko who was also alone and likely dead for many, many years time. Perhaps there is a town of Beastlords somewhere. Perhaps the mercenaries of Scully Swiftblayde will find the Landing Beach upon the east side of the island. Perhaps. But, my thoughts are more and more to the idea that the Beastlords more naturally are alone. Or, maybe only one or two.

"If this thought is true, then the questions that come from the thought are very disturbing. How is it that the Beastlord Ericko built the magic pyramid by himself? How long must he have lived in order to finish such a thing and then to fill it with the many startling furnishings and such that we saw? Each one, by themselves, must be very powerful. With their beasts, they must be very dangerous indeed. I now think that we were fortunate that the Beastlord Ericko was already dead. I also think that the mercenaries of Scully Swiftblayde did not defeat the Ocean Beastlord. More likely, they managed to escape and flee.

But these are only thoughts. We will not know until we meet with the mercenaries of Scully Swiftblayde upon the eastern shore. But I do not think that it is too soon to proceed forward with the thought that the Beastlords are very dangerous. They may even be rivals for the power of our Fixers.

Such are the words that Harvest Moon had written the night before. Today, with the call to move on from the Valley of the Cat People on the following morning, Harvest Moon quickly retrieves the magic map from her haversack with a single motion of her arm. She snaps it open and her eyes sweep the expanse of mapped territory. "Do you not wish us to continue to map the north of this island, Captain Sal Theringer?" she asks.

Peza 
Thursday November 1st, 2012 9:34:07 PM
Carefully storing the telestone after any questions.... Peza starts packing ... gathering food supplies.... dried fruit ... smoked meat and fish .... to help add to what they can hunt or catch .



Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 30/30 
Thursday November 1st, 2012 11:32:48 PM
Gerox moves up to the new mother with a strange look on his face. He bows to her and says, "Soon we must leave to rejoin our kind. I have valued our time here and learned much from you. One question I do have is, What do you call your people? What is your name for yourselves? I don't want to call you Cat people when we talk to our leaders. I would like to call you by your proper name."

After Gerox gets his answers, he will say, "The world is opening up for you now. Some of it is fantastic, like the Catacombs, but other parts can be dark. If you ever need help, advice or just friendship, look for us or leave word at the WLA headquarters in Rum and we will try and aid you. I have enjoyed our conversations and value your friendship.

Gerox then reaches into his pouch and pulls out a gold necklace and offers it to the new mother. "This isn't much but I made it myself. I would be honored if you took it as a gift from us thanking you for the knowledge, wisdom and friendship we found here. "(necklace worth 109 gps)

Co-DM SteveK (Go East, Young Team) 
Friday November 2nd, 2012 9:51:59 AM
Captain Sal Theringer ponders shortly, and then responds. "No. Go straight East. Link and return to Rum. Instinct tells me I want you here before Second Fleet. Keep up daily calls to link you and the ship together. Great Job."

The morning dawns crisp, with clouds mounting the peaks in the West. The Valley is very well protected, but weather may be harsher outside of the secret Valley.

Babbitt Emberson packs up his tent, collapsing it as easily as it was set up into the large backpack that hefts easily on his gnomish shoulders. "It was great doing business with you!", he says as he smiles warmly. "I'm back off to RUM where I'll set up a permanent Catacombs location. When you get back, be sure to look us up!"

Going with Babbitt is TB, wearing his own backpack with mementos and articles from the Valley that the Catfolk and the heroes thought would be good gifts in Rum. TB gives enthusiastic hugs to every hero in the WLA. "Thank you for all that you have done for the People and for me. I look forward to seeing you in your own tribal area of Rum soon." Farewells done to the WLAers and his own folk, TB holds Babbitt's hand, and both disappear in a puff of smoke!

Mother comes to give the group her own blessings as they prepare to leave the Valley. The night before, she told Gerox that they had no other name for themselves besides "People", but it was obvious both Gerox and Mother was dissatisfied with that answer. This morning, Mother and all the People are togther to wish good journey on the WLAers. "Thoughts have chased through my mind like sparrows through the branches. Others are also People, and so we must show we are similar yet ourselves at the same time. In the wide Wold outside of our Valley, we shall be known as Hrrerricko, or Hrrerricko's Children. This honors our yesterday, acknowledges today, and dreams of tomorrow."

Arno has been rather silent these past 2 weeks, becoming more and more reclusive to the WLAers and spending time with the Catfolk hunters. On the day of arrival, the dwarf gathers his courage and moves away from the WLAers. "I haven't been much help to you, and nearly got a couple of you killed in the pyramid. I'm going to stay, be the WLA liasion to these people and get my head straightened out. Maybe I'll catch up with you later." No amount of cajoling changes the stubborn dwarf's mind. Arno stays behind.

ooc @ Arno:Highlight to display spoiler: { email from James is RL is going heavy and this is a convienient spot to break for a while. I'm turning Arno into an NPC until he returns.}

Not one WLAer has been killed on the expedition, but their numbers have been cut by a quarter. Eight heroes left Rum, and only Six leave the Valley; Brom and Barratore, Harvest and Peza, Lemick and Gerox. Stonger, wiser, and smaller, the group is prepared and ready to leave the Valley.



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