Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; Telepathic Link; False Life; Fly] Wednesday February 20th, 2013 12:59:03 PM
Once outside, Keela climbs into Daisy's saddle, wondering what mount is "more usual" than a horse.
As the group sets out, she thinks she sees two large creatures approaching over the horizon. She blinks, and they are gone.
"Maybe I should get my eyes checked," she mutters.
Tanner Wednesday February 20th, 2013 1:19:30 PM
ooc: Sorry, guys! I had a rules issue pointed out with my character and it will need further tweaking before it is ready. :)
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Wednesday February 20th, 2013 6:26:19 PM
Skimming several feet off the ground, Sesha adjusts herself on her broom and tries to forget her earlier mis-step As she flies along behind the others, a small tingle registers in the back of her mind. She huffs as Pot-Pot tries to help soothe her troubled spirit.
Pot: "Sesha." Sesha: "...." Pot: "Sesha!" Sesha: "What!" Pot: "What do you think of our new companions?"
The first she considers is Garret Goodbarrel. The half-man was the first to show her kindness and she was sure that his attitude would be agreeable.
Next came Anrete. Now that she wasn't potentially in the way of his axe, Sesha imaged she would act easiest around the surly warrior. He wasn't much different from the Ga'alin warriors she had known, and so there was no mystery behind his actions, so far as she could tell.
She was neutral on Keela so far. The two had said very few words to each other, an experience she had felt her way through before, when she traveled with a reclusive half drow sorcerer when she was still a Shadow Guardian. She and Gilin had hardly spoke.
She was not quite ready to tackle her feelings about Cyniq. The stories the Drow told about the first age and the aggression of the other elven tribes were harrowing. Ultimately, she feared finding herself in a one-sided rivalry with the elven wizard that she wasn't sure she could win even if she were the only one playing.
Alexi, she had decided, was content to lead and she was therefore content to follow. He had the demeanor of a Ga'alin Chief without the constant demand for pride stroking and ego soothing. She liked this man, and hoped she could trust the others as much as she did him.
Frowning, Sesha realized Pot-Pot knew her musings on her new allies would tease her out of her funk. She hated when the Pot exerted such influence over her, so she told it so.
Sesha: "Pot-Pot?" Pot-Pot: "Yes Sesha?" Sesha: "I hate you." Pot-Pot: "I couldn't live without you either, Sesha."
DM Jon Wednesday February 20th, 2013 10:05:19 PM
The trail heading out from the corral is easy to follow as it leads the party away from the farm and up hill towards a large pasture likely used by Raevel and his family to graze their livestock. From the number of hoof prints there must have been two to three dozen horses that came this way. In the distance the entrance to valley can be seen with a faint trail of dust rising into the air...
Perception Checks Please!
Ezra Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 d20+18=22 ; d20+4=12 ; Wednesday February 20th, 2013 11:57:58 PM "They went that way." Cyniq smiles at a private joke, the trail was quite obvious at this point. Though she was looking for concealed trails leading from the obvious one they were following.
Perc=22; Survival:Track=12
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] d20+16=22 ; d20+10=27 ; Thursday February 21st, 2013 1:47:14 AM
Anrete frowns as he observes the drow's broom, ever suspicious of magic-users. At least she wears a skirt. But there are too many stinking lady mages for my liking.
Riding easily on Copper, the heavily armored barbarian continues onto the trail as he ponders on the coven of witches that seems to have sprung around him recently.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] Thursday February 21st, 2013 1:51:45 AM
Anrete bares his teeth at the elven justicar. "Ye concur!"
Elves!, Anrete thinks silently.
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] d20+2=9 ; Thursday February 21st, 2013 10:56:35 AM
Keela concentrates on keeping up with the group, stealing glances now and then at the intimidating Cyniq and the mysterious Sesha.
As usual, she notices nothing [Spot 9].
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] d20+7=9 ; Thursday February 21st, 2013 11:04:49 AM
Fixated on the clouds of dust in the distance, Sesha notices little else.[1] She is slightly concerned about the large number of tracks. She yells into the wind and over the sound of hooves, aloud to any bothering to listen.
"Is the bandit population in this area very large? I'm really hoping the large number of tracks are because of stolen livestock! My last mass battle ended very badly!"
Sesha pulls up on her broom and stays higher up off the ground now, ascending up to about 30 feet. [2]
[1] Perception 9 [2] Flying Broom travels at 60ft per round. She can ascend at half speed.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=39 ; Thursday February 21st, 2013 11:25:14 AM
Garret moves quickly along the ground, leading the easy path up the hill and across the grasslands. He starts to point out the various tracks, but then realizes that anyone can see them. He continues and spots the cloud of dust in the distance (Perception: 39).
Ezra Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Thursday February 21st, 2013 4:02:18 PM "Define badly... And by all means, please continue to point out to anyone looking where we are!" Cyniq rolls her eyes at the target Sesha is presenting of herself to any sniper. "Kids..."
Nudging her mount closer to Anrete she smiles coquettishly, "So what's your story?"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Thursday February 21st, 2013 5:42:27 PM
Frowning, she shouts back down to Cyniq.
"I believe the word bad accurately describes being overwhelmed by a pack of apes constructed of plant matter which was magically enchanted against flames. Then again, the bad part could have been when the green dragon which controlled them bathed us all in acid .. and well.. I found out first hand what Gargul thinks of witches. "
A moment later, she adds.
"Unless you have more magical power than I initially thought, we won't take them by surprise anyway. And I doubt that Anrete would care much for that approach anyhow!"
DM Jon Thursday February 21st, 2013 9:07:58 PM
Oh... surprises! Speaking of surprises.... Those mounted aren't able to notice it, but to the short monk and his sensitive little halfling feet he can feel the vibrations on the ground. It was similar to the approach of the elemental in that the ground was shaking, but different... definitely different.. and growing stronger.
Despite his small stature Garrett is able to peer ahead at the cloud and see small, dark shapes moving about in it growing closer.. but then again, at this distance those small shapes are likely large. And there are dozens of them all heading towards the party and in the general direction of the ravaged ranch. A squint of the eyes and perhaps a small leap to get a better vantage point and the wee monk can identify a herd of stampeding buffalo heading their way.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 d20+8=24 ; Thursday February 21st, 2013 9:43:06 PM
Perc +8 = 24
"Please, no need to shout," Alexi emphasises. "We are all right here. And do be careful up there," he adds.
Confident that better eyes, those of Anrete and Garret, can track, he keeps watch for surprises that have a tendency to jump out of the tall grass, such as those Ambush Drakes which claws he now wears.
To answer Sesha's question, he casually says, "Not that bad, really. There's no where to hide out on the Plains and the Ahote have a very gruesome way of handling interlopers, right Keela, Anrete? Hehe."
Alexi goes into describing the skinned half-orc bandit nailed to a post they found on the trail from Floating City only a day away from the Great Plains.
"On the other hand, the Al Mathir killed a lot of Ahote during their brief reign of terror, so it could be that bandit groups are filling in where the Ahote can not patrol anymore," he finshes, in a subdued manner.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] d20+16=23 ; Friday February 22nd, 2013 8:24:36 AM "Story? Elf-girl, Anrete is no storyteller in funny clothes with a harp!", Anrete snarls back at Cyniq.
"Anrete used to have a lovely mountain pony! But lost it in a great battle. Escape into the hills and ate lizards for a very long time before finding way back. Alexi-knight help find Copper back. ", the savage-looking youth slaps at the rump of his steed.
------------------------------ Perception: 23
DM OOC: edited ever-so-slightly because Anrete only sees Cyniq the PC and not Ezra the player...
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 d20+18=31 ; Friday February 22nd, 2013 10:43:31 AM "Anrete, the harpers may tell stories that make one laugh or cry, but every person has a story to tell. Your story would include a devotion to your steed, an admirable quality. You have much life ahead of you, even for a human. What do you want to do with it?" Even while riding, the antics of the halfling draws her attention.
"Witch, if you are going to be up there, be of use, what's got the halfling jumping about?"
Perc=31
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] Friday February 22nd, 2013 11:43:10 AM
"We have not, traditionally, had trouble with bandits," Keela tells Sesha. "This land has only recently been settled; nobody's had time to turn to banditry. Though I suppose they may have come in from elsewhere."
She sighs. "Last time, the 'bandits' turned out to be demons. That wasn't fun."
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] Friday February 22nd, 2013 3:36:06 PM
Garret stops rather suddenly and squints at the approaching cloud. He tilts his head and then his eyes widen. He starts stepping to the side as he calls out, "Good people, I do believe we're about to be crushed by a stampeding herd of buffalo." He starts to move quickly to the side, trying to gauge if he can get out of the way in time.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Friday February 22nd, 2013 8:22:40 PM
When Garret stops and gives his warning, Sesha slows her broom and circles back, descending to about 10 feet.
She calls down to the scrambling half-man.
"Garret! You may join me if you wish! The broom can support us both!" [1]
[1] Per the Flying Broom spell, adding a smaller passenger drops mobility to average and speed to 40ft per round.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Friday February 22nd, 2013 10:26:55 PM "Garret, get up there and tell us which is the quickest way out of the way," Alexi says hastily.
"Keela, know any spells that makes noise or lots of vibrant colors?
As soon as it is determined which way to get out of the path, he urges all to head that way at a gallop.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] d20+13=24 ; Saturday February 23rd, 2013 9:58:50 AM "Beef stew!", Anrete replies Cyniq and drew his massive greatsword.
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] Saturday February 23rd, 2013 1:08:15 PM
"I don't know about sound or color," Keela says. "But if we all get together, I can protect us with a Wall of Ice. I can angle it, like the prow of a ship, so the buffalo will go around it."
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Saturday February 23rd, 2013 9:06:32 PM
Alexi grins, "Just don't cast it too soon or it will be melted before the stampede get here."
Then, more to himself than to anyone else, he says, "I'll need to send word to the Ahote that there is new game on the plains. Perhaps they are sent by Catory to help the Ahote rebuild their strength after the Al Mathir invasion."
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Saturday February 23rd, 2013 10:31:23 PM
Sesha casts a worried glance behind her in the direction of the ranch.
(DM, does it look like the buffalo might stampede into the ranch, or are we too far away to tell?)
DM Jon Sunday February 24th, 2013 4:32:46 PM
Does it look like the stampede might be heading towards the ranch? Why yes, yes it does. Straight towards it as a matter of fact.
Quick plans are made to get the heroes out the way of the stampede; a feat that could be accomplished easy enough with a swift gallop that the horses would more than likely love to provide given the increasing noise of pounding hooves as the herd approaches. A couple in the front seem get catch scent of Anrete as he stops and draws his sword while making dinner plans, but while they slow they are quickly trampled and sent stumbling by the maddened tons of beef behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Close to 100 buffalo fast approaching. 3 rounds away from the heroes current position. The pasture is open enough so that the group can get to the side of the oncoming stampede, but given its current trajectory it will run right into the ranch.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Monday February 25th, 2013 10:32:37 AM
Cyniq stops and, taking a note from Keela's idea, she casts Silent Image (DC 18) to create a 20' high, 75' long wall of stone set at an angle to direct the buffalo to one side of the group, and the ranch. She casts the spell 100' in front of the group, with the furthest point 20' to one side of herself. The wall leans out towards the oncoming buffalo 5' at the top.
"It's just an illusion, but the animals should turn to avoid it before they get to it."
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] Monday February 25th, 2013 11:36:26 AM
"Oh, how clever!" Keela says, looking at Cyniq's wall.
She watches the herd, ready to back up the illusion with a real wall, should it become necessary.
[Ready an action to cast a Wall of Ice in front of the stampede if they come through the illusory wall.]
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] Monday February 25th, 2013 1:58:38 PM
When Sesha offers the broom, Garret pauses only a moment before he climbs aboard. He grabs onto Sesha tightly, as he's never ridden a broom before.
As Cyniq creates the large wall, Garret nods and yells back, "Keela, you might want to go ahead and put that wall of ice up now -- some of those in the stampede might not even look up to see the illusion, and the ranch is right behind us!"
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] d20+19=38 ; d100+18=55 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 2:54:39 PM
Sesha's hands twitch on her broomstick as she considers the rarity of the occasion. A herd of stampeding buffalo...one didn't see this every day...they looked so powerful..so driven.. and those that fell before the others.. Perhaps they still cling to life?
"Garret Goodbarrel. I am going to the herd. Keela and Cyniq seem to have your safety well in hand if you choose not to come with me."
Sesha begins an arcane spell, chanting excitedly. She removes one hand from the broom and bends the nearest leyline, leaving the other for guidance.[1] Once more glowing blue creatures begin to seep out from under her skin.[2] Snakes, spiders, centipedes and more.
She holds the charge and moves forward towards the herd, still high enough to be relatively safe.[3]
[1] Bend Ley Line 38 vs DC 20 [2] Immediate Action, Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog [3] Move Action, move towards herd at 40/60 ft (Depending if Garret comes with her)
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Monday February 25th, 2013 3:46:27 PM
Alexi is uncomfortable with the illusory wall. "We should make some noise or flashy lights in front of the wall to catch their attention. Would a Cantrip of clanging bells or colorful lights make a loud enough noise or flashy enough light?" he asks Keela.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] Monday February 25th, 2013 11:08:14 PM
Anrete prepares to wrestle any buffalo that strays, in anticipation for tonight's dinner.
"Maybe someone should warn the coward and his son? Better hide in the cellar, just in case."
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Monday February 25th, 2013 11:37:21 PM
(Haha, or the well.)
Where the Buffalo Roam (DM Donna) d20+1=11 d20+1=18 d20+1=11 d20+1=6 d20+1=3 d20+1=3 d20+1=13 d20+1=19 d20+1=13 d20+1=11 Monday February 25th, 2013 11:55:50 PM
Cyniq quickly follows through on her idea to magick up an illusionary wall.
Keela holds herself ready to cast her wall of real ice if the Elven spellcaster's wall isn't enough to divert the stampede.
Garret takes advantage of Sesha's offer to give him a ride on her broom. He also recommends that Keela simply cast her Wall of Ice spell.
Sesha uses her mystic ability to harvest a possible spell ingredient from the oncoming stampede--and she finds herself in possession of a bit of horn from one of the buffalo. The bit immediately turns into a palmful of dust...so now the witch is in possession of powdered horn of panicked bison.
Alexi is worried that just having a visual illusion of a wall may not be enough, suggesting that some noise or flashing lights may make the magic more effective.
Anrete questions whether or not Raevel and his too-ill-to-survive-the-ride-back-to-town should be apprised of the oncoming land tsunami of bison.
Even as the various heroes take their various courses of action (and/or debate), the thundering herd of animals continues its mindless race across the floor of the canyon, the steep walls acting like a perfect funnel and leaving no doubt that, if left to their fear-fueled flight, the buffalo will flatten all in their path. However, a large, very solid-looking wall of native rock shimmers into place just as Cyniq intends.
The stampede is now two rounds away from the heroes' location...and it has one more round before the herd reaches the Illusion Wall.
The PCs need to make two different rolls--both of them Perception checks.
Roll 1 DC to beat is 18. Sesha and Garret get a +2 bonus to their roll, as they are in the air. If you beat DC18, Highlight to display spoiler: {then your PC can see that the stampede seems to be changing course to avoid the wall.}
Roll 2 DC to beat is 22. Everyone else except Sesha and Garret must suffer a -2 circumstance penalty on the roll. (Again, Sesha and Garret get a bit of an advantage because they have a better overall view of the situation.)
Beat the second Perception DC and I'll email you the results.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 d20+18=32 ; d20+18=27 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 1:29:48 AM "I think it may work after all! If you want byson steak, go for a straggler!" Cyniq remains mounted and ready to dodge if needed.
Perc=32, 27-2=25
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] d20+16=29 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 9:17:47 AM
Seeing that no one is warning the rancher, Anrete turns and dash off to kick both men into the cellar before slamming the trapdoor shut.
---------------------------- Perception: 29-2=27
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 d20+8=10 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=14 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 10:33:41 AM
Per +8 Roll 1 = 10; Roll 2 = 25 -2 = 23 (OOC: ignore the 3rd roll. )
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] d20+2=16 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 12:15:50 PM
[Keela's idiot player is having trouble visualizing all this. Is the ranch just a house, by itself, in the middle of a cleared area? No fences, or barn, or pens, or paddock, or outbuildings? Or does it have all those things, but the bison are coming from a direction where there don't happen to be any? Or does it have all those things, and the bison are just going to stomp them to the ground?]
I think if we're going to go chasing after bandits, we might want this later, is all, Keela sends. But, since everybody seems to think the bison will stop for nothing until they hit the house, Keela puts up the Wall of Ice between the stampeding bison and the house. She stretches the wall to its full extent--110 feet long, 10 feet high--with the house right in the center.
Then she gets Daisy and herself out of the way of the stampede.
[Spot 16. She doesn't have a mathematical chance at the second one.]
DM Donna OOC: A few things to help clarify the situation--
1. As the group has been tracking the hoof-tracks away from the ranch, you are presently a good ten-to-fifteen minute ride away from the ranch now. (That means Anrete's mission to go warn the family left at the ranch is going to take him away from the Heroes' activities for at least twenty to thirty minutes.) 2. Everyone in the group realizes that--if the stampede isn't diverted--the panicked beasties will continue on a path that WILL result in a lot more damage to the already-considerably-weakened outbuildings and anything planted for food there. (Remember as well that a Huge Blighted Earth Elemental only just got finished wrecking the grounds even more than the raiders had...further destruction of the property is Bad Juju.) 3. The party's tracking has led them in a north-westerly direction (towards the Badlands proper), towards a canyon that not only acts as a sort of funnel that unfortunately directs the stampede in a straight shot towards the ranch. 4. The illusion wall that Cyniq created SHOULD work--however, members of the group would have to correctly perceive whether or not it has done so. Keela technically still has one round before she absolutely has to cast her Wall of Ice. 5. The Telepathic Link spell expired minutes ago...before the party started tracking the hoof-prints towards the canyon.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=41 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 1:28:11 PM
Garret holds on to the broom as it flies towards the herd. As he watches the herd (perception: 41, nat 20), he notices them beginning to turn. He calls out, "I think it is working, the herd is starting to turn!"
Sesha is so excited about the new addition to her collection of magical components she is giddy for just a moment. Eye closed, she grins wide and laughs to herself ..
"Tee hee hee"!
The downside to this of course, is that she misses anything else outstanding that she should have paid attention to. [1] [2]
Wheeling about, she and Garret fly back over the herd. She does keep a special eye out for any buffalo that may have been wounded and left unconscious on the ground by it's fellows in panic. [3] She is confident that the wizards below can handle the mass of beasts with their large walls of magic.
[1]&[2]: Failed Perception rolls
[3]: Perception 19 to observe unconscious buffalo for the purposes of save/slay.
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] d20+6=18 ; d20+18=22 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 5:29:01 PM
[OOC: Thanks, Donna! And I took the Telepathic Link out of my header; you'd think I'd remember to stop using it! D'oh!]
Keela does not cast her Wall of Ice just yet.
She knows that herds do not stampede forever, and tries to calculate how likely it is that the bison will just stop on their own before they reach the farmstead. [Profession: Farmer 18; Knowledge: Nature 22]
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Tuesday February 26th, 2013 8:49:19 PM
Alexi calls out to Anrete, "Leave the ranch as is, you don't have time to reach it! If they've left, they'll be well on their way to Bryn. If not, they will hear the herd (we hope). We can always rebuild later!"
Alexi catches a glimps of a group of people(?) atop the ridge but has not time to take more notice, but he does point them out to his friends.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] d20+16=30 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 12:05:55 AM
Recognizing that the illusion will probably work, Anrete nods as he prepares to kidnap his dinner.
DM OOC: Anrete notices the same thing that Alexi draws everyone's attention to: there are riders up on the canyon's escarpment watching the results of this stampede.
DM Jon Wednesday February 27th, 2013 7:18:42 AM
The figment wall seems to do the trick and the herd veers to a new course that will skirt the ranch. Keela's thoughts on a stampede are correct, but whatever caused th panic in the herd in the first place could continue and drive the onwards. A few buffalo ignore the fake wall and barrel right through to head towards the group to provide Anrete with some dinner. In the wake of the herd are three still forms of trampled buffalo.
Alexi points out the silhouettes of several mounted figures high up on the canyon cliff watching. They are too far away to be threaten or be threatened, but they are noticeable.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Wednesday February 27th, 2013 10:43:32 AM ninja'd by the DM
"Bet those are the bandits, and they probably started the stampede." Cyniq directs her mount to stay clear of any buffalo that come through the wall, while she continues to maintain her concentration.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Wednesday February 27th, 2013 11:27:45 AM
Sesha follows Alexi's signal and calls back to her small passenger.
"Garret. There are either innocent witnesses or guilty associates on that ridge. I choose to be prepared, and nature has offered me a third great boon this day. I do not fear for the others in combat with herd beasts. I will go to those injured beasts below and add their strength to our own."
She smiles and looks back at him.
"Besides, if your place right now is with the others, then you can likely sprint there faster than my broom could fly with both of us riding."
[1][2]Sesha will move to the closest fallen beast and dismount. Her flying broom will hover near her for a minute, and this should not take that long.
[3]She drop to her knees and place her hands over the heart of the dying beast and will it to stop, drawing its energy to her. She speaks softly to the spirit of the creature.
"Your time on this land has been well I hope. You have raised this body strong and agile. May your next life be more fulfilling than all others you have lived."
[1] Move-Action to Buffalo [2] Swift Action Dismount per spell [3] Move-Action Save/Slay
[DM] I do not know the HD of these creatures. If you would please be so kind as to roll a d4 per HD of the creature affected, I would be greatly appreciative. Thank you.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] d20+23=25 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 1:46:15 PM
Garret nods as Sesha drops him off and starts working on the dead beast. He looks at Sesha does her magical thing with the animal, but then looks back up to the newcomers. He calls out, "Shall we go and greet the visitors?"
Where the Buffalo Will be Roaming..? (DM Donna) Wednesday February 27th, 2013 4:31:54 PM
Keela's keen mind does a few mental calculations. Taking into account the factors of how far the stampede is likely to travel before finally slowing down as well as the angle that Cyniq's wall has caused the bison to divert from their original course, Keela is satisfied that the ranch is no longer in danger of getting plowed into by the beasts.
DM Jon 5d4=10 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 8:44:34 PM
Sesha kneels beside the trampled buffalo, its eyes moving towards her and it snorts, but is unable to move otherwise. As the witch slays it, she gains 10 hp
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Wednesday February 27th, 2013 8:48:38 PM
Alexi's worries prove unfounded and chuckles at Anrete's insatiable desire to experiment with new Stew Ingredients. Satisfied that the ranch will survive, he once more brings his attention to the figures upon the escarpment. He remembers the first time they saw the Ahote. It was in this same manner, horsed figures upon the escarpment.
But the Ahote, even the Green People, were their friends and would not cause a stampede on purpose. Nor would they hold themselves off, but would give some sign. At least that is what Alexi deduces. Just in case, Alexi pulls out his Ahote Totem Bag and puts the leather strap around his neck, the little bag dangling in front of his chest.
Each of their original group had been given one by Istaqa as a sign of friendship to the other Ahote tribes. It kinda made them 'One of the Family', so to speak. "Keela, do you still have your Ahote Medicine bag? If you do, keep it handy, y'a never know" He suggest the same to Anrete.
Once the danger is past, Alexi moves Lobo on, following the direction the tracks had led, hopping they can be picked up again despite the stampede.
"If those are the bandits, I would guess that the stampede was to destroy their tracks. They didn't count on one of us being able to fly up there and pick up their tracks again. Pffft! Let's try to keep them from knowing we know they are there." Alexi says in a rather humorous tone.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] Thursday February 28th, 2013 10:01:51 AM
Anrete snorts and gave the distant figures the finger before returning to observe how the rest would proceed.
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] 5d4=11 ; d4+5=7 ; d4+5=8 ; Thursday February 28th, 2013 10:30:47 AM
[If the other two buffalo are in the same condition as the first]
Sesha stands and goes to the next wounded beast. Kneeling in front of it, she wishes its spirit well and sends it off by slaying the beast. She approaches the third wounded beast. Large brown eyes study the creature for a moment..[1]
"Listen well, plains runner. Two of your brothers have joined me on this day...but you shall not. You shall be restored. This is a boon I have gained from Little Spirit. Because of her, I can pay back to the Wold with life that which I gain from death." [2]
Save/Slay: 11 HP Gain Healing Domain Power: 1 or 2 uses, depending on necessity.
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Thursday February 28th, 2013 11:44:20 AM "I would hope that we had no problem tracking the buffalo..." Once the threat has passed Cyniq releases the illusion. We just need to watch for where the bandit tracks diverge. "It's interesting that some of the buffalo chose to run into what they would perceive as nothing more than a solid wall. Best to cull them, wouldn't want smart buffalo breeding."
She spurs her horse over to watch Sesha.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] Thursday February 28th, 2013 12:23:10 PM
Garret looks again towards the new arrivals.
(I'm confused -- are they back where the buffalo came from, in other words, in the direction we were already heading?)
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] Thursday February 28th, 2013 6:30:24 PM
Keela nods absently in answer to Alexi's question. "It's in my spell component pouch," she says.
She waits for the others to finish up before heading off (again) in search of the bandits.
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Thursday February 28th, 2013 8:20:25 PM
OOC: Bryn Baraz is at the end of a wide cule-de-sac with steep cliffs for sides. Here and there on the cliffs there are animal trails that lead from the valley bottom to the top of the escarpments that form the 'U' shape valley. The valley gradually widens out as the open end of the 'U' shape opens onto the plains.
The buffalo came from somewhere on the plains and were directed into the Bryn Baraz valley. The mounted figures are upon the escarpment. A long search may reveal one of the animal paths up to the top. The stampede possses no danger to Bryn itself, but each farm in the way would take a serious hit on its crops and other farm animals in the way.
DM, is this pretty much the picture?
DM: Yep, Alexi has it
Visual Aid (DM Donna) Thursday February 28th, 2013 9:31:24 PM This visual aid should help clear up where people and things are in relation to each other...
DM Jon Thursday February 28th, 2013 9:49:49 PM
The majority of the buffalo thunder off to the side of the valley where the stampede should sputter out away from any farms and other livestock. The few that managed to ignore the illusionary wall (some had to roll a natural 20!) suddenly find themselves apart from the herd and while they continue to run in a panic, their gaits starts to slow as they are no longer driven by the force of those around them. At Sesha's feet, the beast she has spared lets out a snort and shifts to slowly comes to its feet. Its eyes stare at Sesha a moment before it catches a whiff of the scent of blood about her and runs off after its herd.
Atop the cliffs one of the figures seems to get a little taller and does something with his arms before a tiny speck flies away from it towards the group. Sailing in a large arch from high above the speck flies far into the air before turning downwards to plummet towards the clearing. As it nears it can be identified as an arrow with some sort of streamer attached to it that flaps behind it in its descent. The arrow buries itself several inches into the ground some twenty feet away from Garrett.
On the escarpment, the figures turn and move away and out of sight.
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] d20+21=29 ; Friday March 1st, 2013 12:36:21 PM
Garret starts to move, but then sees the tiny object fly through the air. As it strikes the ground near him, he looks up to the clifftop to see the figures moving away. He keeps his eyes up there (Perception: 29) as he moves over to the arrow and examines the streamer.
The Streamer (DM Donna) Friday March 1st, 2013 1:16:05 PM
Garret sees this message scrawled across the streamer...
Sesha [AC 25 | HP 120/120 | CMD 14] Friday March 1st, 2013 1:38:23 PM
Sesha re-mounts her broom and glides over near the arrow. Kicking her legs back and forth, she watches Garret read the note.
Smiling big, she inhales the clean air all around her. Today has been a marvelous day. Bryn Baraz was a marvelous assignment after all. Two rare components AND the strength lended to her by the spirit of the buffalo!
"Half-man Garret! Please read it to us! Perhaps they wish us to attend a party with wine and sweets?"
She guides her broom over near Anrete and reveals to anyone within earshot.
"I have only had wine one time. The drow matrons think I am still too young. They always say I am too young! Anyways, after sneaking it I fell off my broom and sprained an ankle. They made me wait for it to heal naturally to learn my lesson.
She looks up at Anrete and winks.
"All I learned is that next time I should hold the broom tighter."
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] Friday March 1st, 2013 2:20:16 PM
Keela begins to wonder whether Sesha is quite sane.
"What does it say, Garret?" she asks.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 141/80 | CMD 14] Friday March 1st, 2013 3:05:38 PM
[Header Update]
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 d20+8=25 ; Friday March 1st, 2013 9:54:41 PM
Alexi's hopes that they were some Ahote who were following the bison seemed far fetched and proved to be just a hope. After Garret reads the note Alexi mutters "We got ourselves some genuwine bandits on our hands. They've not heard what happened to the other kidnappers we dealt with. Too bad."
"Let's get back to business and keep sharp eyes out. We don't have Avis, but we have a one-seater Broom that does more than sweep."
Alexi takes up the trail again and encourages everyone to look for horse tracks that veer off from the buffalo traks.
Per +8 = 25
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Saturday March 2nd, 2013 12:03:31 AM "I'm partial to spiking heads, found it to be a good deterrent."
The current crisis past, she guides her mount to follow a few paces behind which ever party member takes point.
Anrete [HP: 130/130, AC31/Touch18/FF31, CMD 29, DR2] d20+16=32 ; Saturday March 2nd, 2013 12:18:58 PM
Anrete strolls nonchalantly and pluck out the arrow and read the message aloud.
Give us back the White Ranger & you get Ahote woman unharmed!
"Who the hell is the white sissy?"
Anrete gave Sesha a glance over before deciding she is too dark to be a white ranger. The wiry barbarian continues and stared suspiciously at Alexi and Cyniq.
DM Jon Saturday March 2nd, 2013 2:27:58 PM
Knowledge Local DC check for
DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: { Bar Zero is the same name as Raevel's ranch, the Bar Zero Ranch} DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The Bar Zero Gang has been wanted by the few other communities scattered about the Badlands for kidnapping, robbery, extortion, rustling, murder, and cheating at cards. } DC 20 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The leader of the Bar Zero Gang has been masked and goes by the moniker, the White Ranger. }
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 d20+1=10 ; Saturday March 2nd, 2013 8:13:58 PM "It means that 'coward' back there, Anrete. You running low on Brain-food." Alexi laughs.
OOC: we should get a pretty good bonus on Local Knowledge. As a matter of fact, everyone would know if there was an Ahote married to one of Bryn's citiczens, i would think. :}
IC: Knowledge +1 = 10
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] d20+18=27 ; Sunday March 3rd, 2013 11:45:01 AM
[Knowledge Local 27]
"The 'White Ranger' refers to the leader of this Bar Zero Gang," Keela says, trying to puzzle it out. "He always wears a mask, so nobody knows who he is. I don't know why they think we have him."
[OOC: There is always some "world-shifting" when a new DM takes over. Last time, the lizardfolk underwent a drastic change. This time, I guess the badlands are more populated than we thought? Because before, it had always been Bryn Baraz and nothing else except Ahote and wild animals. And everybody at Bryn Baraz arrived on the same wagon train, so we all knew each other. And now, I gather, that's no longer the case. Which is fine; new DMs should be able to do what they want, but understand that it's confusing for us old-timers. So, there are other towns now? And other people (besides the Ahote) that we don't know? But we have some way of exchanging news and hearing about bandit gangs?]
More Clarification...Again (DM Donna) Sunday March 3rd, 2013 10:34:27 PM
OOC: In just about any sort of Wild West movie, the Badlands that would be referred to were largely abandoned by honest folk, but they turned out to be the locale of choice for any organized gangs that wanted an undisturbed place to hide out. (The logic being that everyone from civilization avoids the Badlands.)
In this newly-settled land, Bryn Baraz is your outpost of civilization--a settlement that is developing rather nicely into a small town. The immediate area that surrounds the town but is still within the Sphere's protective influence would be the various farms and ranches that are the homes of people who still come into town on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis (or so)--BB's "suburbs" so to speak. The outermost of these suburbs (the Bar Zero Ranch definitely being classified as one) are the places who know about/complain about any gangs of outlaws hitting their various homes. It is no doubt from these people Keela and any of the other Heroes who have made their successful Local Knowledge checks have heard tales about such gangs.
So--there aren't any other towns yet...you all just recall the grumblings of some of the more far-flung settlers of the region.
RECAP (DM Donna) Monday March 4th, 2013 2:07:37 AM
Our intrepid heroes have just averted what would have been a highly destructive stampede from flattening what was left of the Bar Zero Ranch (and likely have saved the lives of the two people left there.) Unfortunately, the stampede has totally obliterated the trail that had been left by the departing ranch raiders.
On the other hand, there was a group of riders who saw the heroes and launched an arrow in the air, bearing a note demanding an exchange: the "White Ranger" for the Ahote female that had been kidnapped from the ranch. Some of the group--having lived in Bryn Baraz practically since its founding--recall rumors about an infamous masked outlaw called the White Ranger.
Now the group must decide what to do next...
Cyniq al'Lyz AC 16{20}/16{20}/13{17} -- CMD 13 -- HP 63/65 Monday March 4th, 2013 9:58:37 AM Does the white ranger ride a coal black horse and have an ahote sidekick? Favorite war cry hi-o?
"Anyone else wondering why the bandits are called the Bar Zero Gang, and we just left the Bar Zero ranch. I may be new in town, but seriously?"
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Monday March 4th, 2013 11:05:17 AM
OOC: "In just about any sort of Wild West movie, the Badlands that would be referred to were largely abandoned by honest folk, but they turned out to be the locale of choice for any organized gangs that wanted an undisturbed place to hide out. (The logic being that everyone from civilization avoids the Badlands.)
I think that Kathy's point was that before the Dwarves' arrival, the Ahote were it, as they killed off all intruders, including in the badlands (ex: the skinned half-orc we encoutered was in a 'badlands' area.) No 'gang' would move into the badlands as there was no typical 'civilization' within 5 or 6 weeks travel, way to far for bandits, who still depend upon 'civilaztion' to prey upon. If a gang did arrive, it would solely be to prey upon Bryn Baraz.
Aside from that, we are happy to show any gang that there's no room here for them. :)
The true anomaly is a citizen of Bryn being married to an Ahote. As described in our first encounters with them, they are very seclusive of others and an inter-marriage to an outsider would be 'breaking news' across the prairy and would be the #2 best known citizen of Bryn, we PCs being the #1s.
None of this detracts from the story, of course. :) It is just and FYI from what DM Carla and DM Cayzle built in the first phase of the campaign. We are now in the next phase, so things are bound to change some. :}
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 d20+7=8 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=24 ; Monday March 4th, 2013 11:26:34 AM
Alexi answers Cyniq without taking his eyes off the cliff tops, "A gang leader trying to go clean and hide from his old gang comes to Bryn. Makes sense as he would know we are open-minded and would welcome an Ahote as a member of our family. But to name his ranch after his old gang? If I were to gather up enough feathers to make a bird, his choice of names would still not make any sense. If he'd not jumped into the well, I would presume the choice a huge coincidence.
"You are right to be puzzled over it, Cyniq."
Alexi then calls a halt. "There's no telling where this bandit gang's tracks converge, and if they tried to erase those tracks, we're wasting our time here. Sesha, take Garret up to the ridgetop where we saw the bandits and pick up their tracks there. Meanwhile, we'll look for a path up to the top. Keep an eye out for such path too, as the paths are easier seen from above."
Alexi starts looking for the random deer and goat path up the cliffs. Casting Guidance as necessary: +1 to skill check Survival +6 (+1 Guidance) = 8, 24, 23, 9, 24
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:31/29/26 HP:103/103 Ki:11/12 CMD: 30] Monday March 4th, 2013 11:52:02 AM
Garret looks around at the others and listens carefully. He says, "There is no trail here, thanks to those buffalo. But I think perhaps the folks left at the ranch might have more knowledge than they let on. I think we need to get back there and ask a few more serious questions..."
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 141/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] d20+7=13 ; Monday March 4th, 2013 11:53:06 AM
"As you wish, Alexi.
Sesha sighs, the fun bled out of the moment. Making sure Garret is secure, she turns and guides her broom up to the ledge where the bandits were last seen.
Outside in the sunlight(?) she helps Garret by pointing out things she notices, but letting him give her the cues on what and where to observe. Her drow sensitivity to light and her eye patch both would inhibit her own ability to keep a look out. [1][2]
[1] Time of Day please DM? Light Blindness and all that. [2] Aid another: +2 to Garrett's Perception.
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 141/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday March 4th, 2013 12:08:35 PM
[OOC: Ninjad]
"Garrett, I feel that Alexi has the right of it. The Human in Bar Zero has already told us he will reveal nothing more until his wife is returned. He has admitted there is much in his past not explained. If we want more from him, we must have his wife.
Keela [AC 17; HP 87/76] [Mage Armor; False Life] Monday March 4th, 2013 12:59:18 PM
"The Bar Zero Gang may simply have taken their name from the ranch, since this is the area in which they operate," Keela says, trying to think her way through this.
[OOC: With a Knowledge Local check of 27, does Keela know whether the ranch was named first, or the gang?]
DM OOC: good question. As far as Keela can recall, the gang came first...but one could also ask Raeval about it to confirm that--I'm sure that he would reassess his "no wifey, no talky" position if he was shown or informed about that note...
"At any rate, I suppose we need a White Ranger. Do you think the gang is watching us now? I mean, could we just put a mask on Anrete or Alexi?"
Alexi AC 28 Tch 13 Ffted 25 HP 120/120 CMD 26 Monday March 4th, 2013 6:41:29 PM "Hmmm... Good idea, Keela. However, I still have my Hat of Disguise. I could take his looks and pretend I'm in 'custody', so to speak. But for that we would have to go back and get some of his clothes for me to wear also."
Alexi ponders some more, "If indeed he is this White Ranger, it would save us a whole lot of time if the could give us the directions to the gang's hideout, or at least get us close. I say we do go back. Any information he can give that will speed up the rescue of his wife, I'm sure he'll freely give."
Once Sesha returns, Alexi motions to return to the ranch. Unless there are overwhelming objections, we do so.
Is Raevel still there?
Sesha [AC 18 | HP 141/80 | CMD 14] [See Invisibility] Monday March 4th, 2013 8:25:07 PM
Seeing the others are no longer pursuing game paths up the cliffs, Sesha gives Garrett one more circle to notice anything, then returns to the others below.
Wrapping Up the New Developments (DM Donna) Monday March 4th, 2013 8:25:26 PM
In the still-bright light of early afternoon, Sesha and Garret find the escarpment barren of not just the riders but also any sign that they had been there...since the cliffs were made of stone, there are no telltale hoofprints to be seen.
With no trail to follow, returning to the ranch to ask for a few more clues seems to be the best way to go.
Everyone involved in handling the stampede gets to add 5000xp to their character sheets. (Woo hoo!)
If you have nominations for Hero Points, make a Private to DMs post or email the DMs.
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