DM Kathy Sunday January 6th, 2013 7:48:31 PM
You survey the area, and do what you can to set the waystation to rights. You take the time to bury the poor, chewed-on elf corpse, and clear away the worst of the debris.
You also have time to cast healing spells on one another, if those are needed.
You do not see any rafts at the waystation. It is possible there were some there at one time, and the missing people used them to escape. It's possible they had their own boat, and used that to escape. At this point, you're not really sure.
As Yngvar points out, some of the damage to the waystation is beyond your ability to fix just at the moment. You may need to come back here. Or, perhaps you could accompany some workers back here and stand guard while they fix the place up. Either way, you've done about all you can.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Monday January 7th, 2013 11:41:23 AM
Toregan makes sure to tuck the Gargul marked pouch away in his haversack when the rubble is being cleared. "We need to press on. Anyone who survived could've only escaped by the river, and its likely they were pursued." Toregan begins to prepare the raft for departure, and waits there for everyone to get ready to leave.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday January 7th, 2013 3:10:53 PM
Ragnarök nods to Toregan's advice and also moves towards the raft. He greets the grave of the departed once again, glances at the tree with it's weird fungi and waits for the others at the raft...
(ooc - updated char sheet to lvl 4 - little low on wealth atm : ±4000 vs 6000 average for lvl 4) (Welcome DM Kathy!! - good luck)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Monday January 7th, 2013 4:43:32 PM
Asteron keeps himself out of everybody's way, helping if and when he can. Resting after combat has helped him feel much better.
"Maybe we should collect the fungi here too, just in case", he says to no one in particular, as he does not remember who it was that harvested the others, "We might as well, since we already have done so at the previous camp." He will not insist on it, though, it is just a thought that occurred to him.
As the others start moving towards the raft, he does the same. All these fungus, giant lizards, and other strange things have befuddled the minotaur. - - - - - The char sheet needed lots of work, but I have done the best I could. Cayzle will still take a look, as I may overlooked something, or made a mistake. DM Kathy, please do the same :)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Monday January 7th, 2013 4:48:08 PM
OOC: updated link to char sheet. Sorry about that :)
DM Kathy Monday January 7th, 2013 8:13:00 PM Toregan tucks the pouch away with his own belongings, and prepares the raft for departure. Ragnarök boards the raft, taking a final look at the still-shattered campsite as he does so. At the last minute, Asteron thinks to carefully retrieve a sample of the fungus for future study.
You all pile onto the raft and cast off. Navigating the river is tricky, and demands much of your attention. Still, you do have time to appreciate the lush greenery going by on either side of you; the occasional taller tree thrusting above the jungle canopy; the sounds of the river.
Strange birds call from the treetops. At least, you hope they are birds.
[OOC: This wasn't clear from the materials, and I apologize for my confusion. Floating City is downstream from where you are now, correct?]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 13{17}/13{17}/10{14} -- CMD 12 -- HP 16/16 Tuesday January 8th, 2013 12:15:03 AM
[ooc]No idea which way the river is going, though from what has happened so far, it would make sense that it is down river to float city. 'Course it doesn't make much sense to have a bunch of way stations if the primary travel route is by boat. Just finishing up equipment.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=18 ; d20+9=10 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 3:24:35 PM
Using one of the poles on the raft Ragnarök aids to steer the raft gently downstream. Keeping a wary eye out on the river banks and potential threats in the water. (Perception: 18) He also hopes to detect potential changes to the river's behaviour - perhaps an increased speed or a bumpier ride... (survival: 10) yet even so... for the Monk the river is perfectly safe atm. Sigh... not long ago Rag figured the Dimetrodons to be perfectly safe also :-)
(ooc: last changes to char sheet made - upgraded to 4th level and added gold to match 6000 - removed one or two errors also from the sheet math - I think all is correct now...)
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 22/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 18/18 -- Bombs 8/9 d20+9=26 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 4:12:51 PM
Faust also keeps a wary eye out for trouble, with crossbow in hand, ready for the go, hoping for the best but expecting the worse.
Perception to look out for trouble (+4): 21 (darkvision)
(OOC: Almost done with the sheet, updating it to level 4 and double-checking my math.)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 d20=7 ; d20=1 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 4:36:29 PM
Asteron might not be the most insightful of the company, nor the brightest mind, but paddling is something he can do. So he takes one of the free paddles, making sure that his bow is close at hand.
As he paddles, he concentrates on the river, looking for submerged rocks, water monsters, and other dangers. - - - - - Perception [d20+7]: 14 Survival [d20+5]: 6
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+9=24 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 8:16:58 PM
Toregan keeps his bow drawn and scans the riverbanks as the raft floats down the river. He also periodically checks the river itself for any hazards it may hide beneath its waters.
Perception (+9): 24 Survival (+9): 29
DM Kathy Tuesday January 8th, 2013 8:21:19 PM
You are on alert as you guide the raft down the river, but nothing tries to eat you, and the birds turn out to be just birds.
After several hours' travel, you reach the site of the next waystation. Traveling by river can be treacherous by night, so most boatmen prefer to tie up to shore. The waystations provide a place to tie up, cook a quick meal, and perhaps even sleep on something that isn't moving. Of course, at the moment, most of them are pretty primitive. And, as you've seen, some seem to have gone from "primitive" to "wrecked."
This waystation, however, appears to be intact. A small quay provides a place to tie up and disembark. There is a cleared camping area, a stone fire ring, and some logs to sit on. A sturdy wooden box stands on one side of the clearing. All of this is as it should be.
However, there is something more, which you did not expect. A stake has been pounded into the center of the clearing, with a wooden sign affixed. The sign says, in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Danger! Do not camp here! This location is not safe."} Underneath, someone has written in Common: "No camp heer. Bad place!"
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+7=9 ; d20+11=16 ; Tuesday January 8th, 2013 9:17:46 PM
Griffin will also take a guard position and scan the riverbanks for trouble. another set of eye can't hurt she thinks to herself When they land the raft Griffin will survey the area be can't seem to get the sight of the last way station from her head and pay attention ... to the group she says I don't like this place, I have a bad feeling about this
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 13{17}/13{17}/10{14} -- CMD 12 -- HP 16/16 d20+6=18 Tuesday January 8th, 2013 11:40:35 PM "Well guys, the sign says this is not a good place to be camping. Sounds like we need to camp out and find out why." Yngvar takes a walk around the camp, looking for anything out of place. "Though I might camp out on the raft, off shore..."
perception: 18
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Wednesday January 9th, 2013 12:45:47 AM "So... we need to camp. And the sign says no camping?" Asteron's brow furrows. Staying on the raft might not be a good idea, though... I suggest we camp on dry land, although we may want to start a fire burning, but camp near the raft, just in case. And we should stand guard at all time, probably in pairs, not singly. Thoughts?"
Asteron's gut tells him that the night is not going to pass without incident.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 20/20 d6=5 ; d20+9=13 ; d3=3 ; d20+9=26 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 3:18:53 AM
(OOC: Forgot to roll one HD dice)
Faust runs his fingers through the sign and ponders, "Hmmm...wonder why it's in draconic. Sure, nice of whoever did this to warn people, but draconic isn't exactly an universal language. And what's with this really bad grammar underneath?"
He ponders some more and adds "Taking a wild guess, I'd say this was written by kobolds or some other type of reptilian folk. Or a dragon with a sense of humor. But hopefully kobolds...even more wishful, the ones we were actually looking for."
Faust takes a walk around the camp, looking around for anything suspicious looking, paying attention to Wolfgang (Faust's familiar owl), perched on his shoulder, to see if it shows any sign of discomfort. Specifically, Faust will peak outside the boundaries of the way station, to see if anything is hiding in the immediate shadows, taking advantage of his underground heritage.
"I agree that camping on a raft doesn't sound like the best idea ever...but really, don't think I want to discovery why this isn't a good place for camping..."
"...seriously, I don't want to wake up screaming, drenched in my own blood and in extreme maddening pain because a walking tree dropped the way stat...", he pauses, "...e-everyone, let's search around for those purple mushrooms, take special attention to monkeypods, which were the last culprits of wrecking havoc."
Perception to look into the shadows for anything remarkable (+9): 13, if it's still bright light, it's 10 instead (darkvision 60'). Second Perception to specifically look for the purple mushrooms if needed (+9): 26, if it's bright light, then it's 23 (darkvision 60') . Ignore the d3 roll, it was an accident.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+6=20 ; d20+6=20 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 2:12:40 PM "That sounds like a good idea." Yngvar paces alongside Faust, his own familiar sticking her head out of a pocket. "We really need to sit down at some point and compare notes, I am sure we could teach each other something about our own views on the arcane arts."
While walking he idly pulls a bit of bread out of another pocket and holds it up for Nipper to munch on during their review of the way station.
Yngvar's Perception - 20, Nipper's Perception - 20 Need an answer on partial wand purchasing then I can complete the equipment.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=16 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=11 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 3:33:42 PM
Ragnarök like the others checks out the camp site. He can't read the Draconic words yet the common ones beneath leave little to his imagination. There's bound to be trouble...
"I can get a fire burning here if we find enough dry wood around... this pipe will get it burning" he says while digging up the carved ivory smoke pipe he won earlier, "Question is if a fire will keep away trouble or just draw it towards us... what you guys think?" he finishes as he moves around the camp to see if he can find enough firewood to keep a pleasant fire burning all through the night.
As he searches for firewood he also checks if no one is around, he checks for tracks in the dirt or signs of the purple fungi they found before...
perception: 16 survival: 11
If desired Rag lights the fire and is willing to take first watch. (perception checks during the night : 21, 17, 25, 11 (nat 1 - DUH) )
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+9=14 ; d20+9=16 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 7:48:15 PM "We may wish to heed the warning and move on. The natives would have a much better understanding of what dangers are here than us." Toregan does decide to investigate the waystation, checking for tracks, signs of battle, or the strange mushrooms that were found at the first site. He keeps his bow out at all times, unsure of the safety of the surrounding area.
Perception (+9): 14 Survival (+9): 16
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+11=28 ; d20+8=22 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 9:08:16 PM
Griffin says this place has my hairs standing up I don't like the idea of staying here, I thinks that the better idea would be to stage the camp with fake us and hide to see what shows up, I am going to look around some more with that said she will start scouting the area again Ina spiral pattern from the camp sight
if the group is staying here she is going to use her Hammock up a tall tree to get a higher vantage point Sneak 28 perception 22
DM Kathy Wednesday January 9th, 2013 9:44:12 PM Griffin is unnerved by the sign, and expresses doubt about camping at the waystation. Asteron, too, finds the situation suspicious, and recommends keeping watch.
Faust speculates about the odd two-language sign. It would appear to be made by somebody whose first language is Draconic, and whose Common isn't quite as good. That might mean kobolds--possibly the very kobolds you'd been hoping to encounter.
Yngvar looks around the camp, looking for anything unusual. You do see some tracks, which seem to belong to Small creatures.
Ragnarök looks for signs of the telltale fungus, but sees none. He also looks for dry firewood. There's plenty of wood about, and the area isn't especially wet, but everything you find is green; it'll be harder to get it to burn. You do think to look inside the wooden box over on one side of the clearing. The box holds a couple of shovels, a length of rope, a healer's kit, and a quantity of dry kindling.
Toregan, too, is looking at the tracks, and can confirm that they are kobold tracks. Some are quite recent, probably less than a day old.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+2=5 ; Wednesday January 9th, 2013 10:50:18 PM
As Yngvar walks with him, Faust replies, "Indeed we should, mr. Hefnd. I propose we do this once we get back, studying with a nice mug of home brewed ale is way better than out here while fauna and flora both plot our demise."
"I have to warn you, however, that I didn't actually go to any academy, instead learning from my dad and couple of his friends, so while I have confidence in my evocation skills, I'm rather lacking in other more academic areas...", he adds, scratching his chin.
Once Ragnarök and Toregan report their findings Faust says, "So...it's settled? Doesn't look like we have much choice other than camp here and stay alert...I'll go ahead and sketch a map of the area so we can look for the kobolds once we find our missing colleagues.", he says with impressive confidence, however, anyone curious enough to take a look at his map can tell that the drow both got lost and is too tired as the map makes little sense in its location relative to the settlement and is inaccurate enough that trying to follow it might be a greater challenge than randomly wander back here while blindfolded.
Survival to sketch a map of his current location (+4): 7...yeah. Forgot to take into account the +2 from using the map maker kit
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Thursday January 10th, 2013 8:53:25 AM "It is getting late, and we are all getting tired. I volunteer to take the watch that usually no one cares about... the third and last watch. In my experience, it is the one most surprises tend to occur in" Not that Asteron is looking forward to any "surprises", but he feels it is his duty to take the most dangerous watch.
"So let's use the dry kindling to start a fire. Do not cut any live branches. Use only what is found scattered about. That should be less of an insult to any living trees nearby. And if the wood is not totally dry, it will take more time to start burning, but it will also make smoke, which will help conceal the light of the fire from those that may want to do us harm."Or at least, I hope so...
Asteron is hungry. He is ready to eat, and willing to share one of his wine bottles with the others.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+9=18 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+12=28 ; Thursday January 10th, 2013 12:24:07 PM "ok time to light the fire then... " Ragnarök says concluding all decisions from the group. He takes some of the dry kindling from the crate and with help of his ivory pipe he lights a spark to one of them and tries to get the fire going by adding some more dry wood slowly and blowing at the little spark. Soon the wood will catch fire and surround the place with a cosy warmth and pleasant ... illumination... (survival 18)
Frowning and looking around the camp and the tree line beyond Ragnarök voices his concerns...
"The fire makes us excellent targets for archers or anything out there that can attack us at range... with the light in our eyes we won't even see anything beyond that tree line... keeping the light in front of us will blind us... Perhaps the ones that keep watch ought to sit near the tree line and hide in darkness instead? Anyhow... just a thought..."
When it's his turn to take watch Ragnarök checks the fire to see if there's enough wood on top of it and then moves out towards the tree line and hides in the dark hoping to be able to see danger... (perception 14, 18 / stealth 18, 28)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday January 10th, 2013 1:54:14 PM "What about setting up a couple of additional fires near the tree line for quick lighting if needed?"
Yngvar leads his mule onto dry land and sets out some feed and a bucket of river water, "good girl, I bet you like having some solid ground under you for a change." Yngvar continues in a calm voice while brushing her down. After getting the mule settled down again, he digs through their supplies for their own meal. "Who's turn to cook today?"
OOC: Character ready for review
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+9=28 ; d20+9=26 ; Thursday January 10th, 2013 8:26:46 PM "I doubt I'll be sleeping easily tonight. I'll take first watch. Hopefully I'll be tired enough afterwards to actually get some sleep." Toregan then searches the area for any food. "I wouldn't use our food stores just yet. there may be some food I can gather from our surroundings. Also," Toregan continues, "If our the person on watch gets attacked, its possible that they could knock them out before an alarm is raised. It's much safer to stay near our group. A word of advice as well. Don't forget to watch the water as often as the treeline."
Survival (For food) (+9): 28 Perception (+9): 26
DM Kathy Thursday January 10th, 2013 9:41:00 PM
You discuss your options, and decide to camp. It is late afternoon, definitely time to start thinking about supper, but there are still a couple of hours of daylight left.
You use the dry kindling from the box, and are able to find enough fallen wood to make a decent fire. Soon, you have a fire going in the fire ring.
You discuss the watches, and the merits of building additional fires. You begin the process of setting up camp.
About 30 minutes after you first tied up on shore, you hear some rustling in the bushes. You are immediately alert, hands on weapons and spell components, as something approaches the camp. They do not appear to be trying to sneak up on you.
The noises stop several feet short of the clearing. It's difficult to tell, through the undergrowth, exactly who they are, but they appear to be Small. You would estimate there are about five of them.
"No camp here!" a reptilian voice calls. "Bad place!"
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 Friday January 11th, 2013 12:04:53 AM
Griffin waits to do anything she does not want to spook the what she thinks are the kobalds
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+1=18 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 2:04:59 AM
Faust was preparing himself to give it a stab at cooking when the visitors arrive, hearing the reptilian voice he immediately makes the connection that it was them who put the sign and replies, in draconic, <"I believe this will be more comfortable to maintain a communication, correct? But yes, we read the sign...was it you people who put it there?">, he says, with quite an amount of confidence.
<"But could you guys please get close to the light? We cannot quite see you folks where you stand. Also, if you happen to have any suggestions as to where to camp, I'm all long ears...heheh...">, he chuckles slightly while demonstrating once again his refined sense of humor.
Diplomacy to not appear hostile in any way (+1): 18
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Friday January 11th, 2013 11:47:12 AM
As the possible kobolds and Faust begin a conversation, Asteron stays on the alert, but makes it a point to move slowly, without any movements that can be construed as threatening. He does make sure his weapons are where he can grab them, though, just in case.
"Master Faust, if it is indeed the kobolds we were told we may encounter, and if it helps in any way, I carry semi precious stones worth some 100 gold with me. Whether for trade or tribute, feel free to count on them".
The minotaur is not willing to become a pin cushion if it can be avoided.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+5=13 ; d20+1=8 ; d20+1=4 ; d20+1=13 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 12:09:55 PM Were these the K'tthhykk, the kobold tribe they were told about? Yngvar ponders as he peers into the tree line trying to catch a glimpse of their coloration, while taking note of their stance.
<Please excuse the light, kin of dragons. Many of us soft skins are blind without the sun or moon to guide our feet. Please, come and be at peace.> Yngvar keeps his hands empty and gestures welcome to the camp. <"Are you the K'tthhykk?>"
Aside to the others, "I can't make out their coloration, but let's be at ease and see what they can do to help us out."
Perception: 13 Sense Motive: 8 Diplomacy: 4>13 1 Hero Pt what horrible rolls!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=21 ; Friday January 11th, 2013 3:10:08 PM
At alert at the sudden appearance of the Kobolds Ragnarök awaits the conversation that is going on and where he understands nothing of... observing the reactions of his friends and the Kobolds he is however slightly relieved when Faust seems to smile... should the Kobolds make hostile movement or his friends prepare wands or spells Ragnarök will spring to action...
Perception 21
DM Kathy Sunday January 13th, 2013 9:22:57 PM
Upon hearing the strange voice, Griffin is still and quiet, waiting to see what will happen. Ragnarök, too, is cautious at first.
Asteron reminds his friends of the trade goods he is carrying.
Faust and Yngvar reply in Draconic.
There seems to be releif in the reptilian voice when it answers in the same language Highlight to display spoiler: {"Yes, we would prefer to speak the language of the dragons."}
And then the kobolds come into the clearing. There are six of them, and they do match the description you've heard of the K'tthhykk tribe: mostly brown and yellow in coloration, without the crests of the fiercer kobolds you met earlier.
One of them says, in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Yes, we put the sign there. This is not a safe place to camp, because the River God comes here sometimes. Also, we were curious about those who made the campsites, and about those who try to destroy them. Did you make the campsites?"} It seems to be the same voice that spoke before, but it's difficult to tell for sure.
[Reminder: although the shadows are stretching long, it is still late afternoon, and full daylight. Though you don't have much daylight left.]
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=12 ; Sunday January 13th, 2013 10:54:30 PM
At the sight of the kobolds and verbal confirmation, Faust sights in relief, "Well, looks like these ARE the kolbolds we're looking for. They said that something known ad the 'River God' visits here sometimes and that's why we can't stay here, they also want to know if we're the ones who made the way stations.", he says to make sure the non-draconic speaking members know what is going on.
<"Answering your question...well, it wasn't us specifically who made these campsites, but we are somewhat related to them I supose...is there anything specific you wish to know?">, he says, looking around for a bit just to make sure nothing else is lurking around.
Perception to see if there's anything odd around (+6): 12 (darkvision)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=21 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 12:42:04 AM
As the discussion goes on in this foreign language, Ragnarök shifts nervously from one feet to the other. Despite the fact that his friends seem to be at ease and the Kobolds appear to move into the clearing with no evidence of hostilities yet, the monk can't help but dislike the sounds of this Draconic speach... the hard consonants and sibilants... it sounds more like hissing or snake-like noise... the sj, ss, and sv. Sometimes it just sounds similar to a creature clearing its throat!
Hoping someone will translate all this at some point Ragnarök scans the surroundings but keeps a wary eye out on the Kobolds...
(perception 21)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+9=17 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 1:22:01 PM
Toregan eyes the river warily as Faust translates the kobolds. "Well that is definitely a good enough reason to move on. We could probably reach the next station before nightfall. Could you ask them if another group of people came here a few days ago? They might've seen Ellie and the others."
Perception (Focusing on the river)(+9): 17
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 d20=15 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 4:00:04 PM
Asteron thinks about their next step. "Maybe we should ask if we could camp with them, somewhere else. After all, contacting them is part of our mission, no?"
To Asteron, the kobolds seem to be possible allies in their fight against whoever, or whatever, wants to dispose of the trading post. "Maybe we could even ask to be allowed to present gifts to their leader. Not that I carry much, but the leader may like the concept of a taur offering him gifts..."
The minotaur is not an able diplomat, so he will let his shorter companions handle things. Still, he will give the best advice he can. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 21 -> is there anything unusual about the kobolds?
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday January 14th, 2013 4:17:10 PM
While Faust continues to talk with the kobolds, Yngvar translates for the others. "Be at ease Rag, had these kobolds meant harm, they would not have posted a warning, from the looks of the other stations, we would probably have camped here tonight anyway."
<"We would like to talk and trade with you and your tribe. However, we do need a place where we can rest for the night, can you offer an alternative location?">
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+8=22 ; Monday January 14th, 2013 6:27:23 PM
The normally chatty Griffin remains silent. She is studying the situation, and taking stock of there new found "friends" Perception 22
DM Kathy Monday January 14th, 2013 9:55:29 PM Ragnarök and Griffin remain quiet and alert, scanning the area. You both see some unusual-looking tracks over on one side of the waystation, near the river. Without closer inspection, you aren't sure what kind of tracks they may be.
Toregan speaks of heading further downriver. It probably would be full dark by the time you got to the next waystation, but it wouldn't be unreasonably late. It's a possibility, although making camp in the dark is never much fun. And, there's no guarantee that the next waystation hasn't been destroyed as well.
Asteron encourages his friends to befriend these new kobolds. He does not notice anything unusual about them.
Faust says your group is related to those who made the waystations, and asks if there is anything the kobolds want to know. The same kobold answers in Draconic: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Yes. What are the camps for? Why did you make them? And why do the others destroy them?"}
Yngvar asks if there is another place you could camp. The kobold hesitates, then replies in Draconic Highlight to display spoiler: {"Yes. We have a small campsite nearby; you can join us there. I am K'thyyryyk Ka of the K'tthhykk."}
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday January 15th, 2013 10:19:24 AM
Faust smiles at how well the whole thing is going and when asked the question he replies: < "We build these campsites so anyone traveling through these woods have a decent place for rest ready for them. This is especially necessary if said traveler does not have decent enough wood striding skills, which is often the case with 'our' kind. Ergo, as we want others to come for various reasons, such as trade or supplies, we need those campsites to help them arrive.">
<"As to why someone might destroy them...to be honest, that is something we also would like to know, we're investigating it, you see, but my best guess is that whoever or whatever is doing that wants to isolate 'our' kind and/or scare us away from the jungle.">, he adds, scratching his chin.
<"That also leads me to another question: have any of you seen another group camped here or in the vicinity? Especially if there was a member that looks roughly like her...">, he says pointing to Griffin, <"...but with longer ears, though not as long as mine. Either that or have you seen anything unusual around these parts?">
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+9=16 ; d20+9=23 ; Tuesday January 15th, 2013 12:37:58 PM
Thankful Yngvar translated part of the conversation or at least clarified the intentions of the Kobolds, Ragnarök calms down a little. As he spots the unusual-looking tracks over to the side of the station he intends to go investigate. Yet not without paying his respect to the Kobolds. He makes a little bow as a sign of gratitude and goes to check the tracks...
As he does he tries to follow the conversation hoping to understand words here and there yet without success... When Faust scratches his chin and then points to Griffin the Monk chuckles and whispers to Griffin only for her to hear: "Dunno what they are saying but I think the Kobolds are interested in you lass... "
Next he turns his attention to the tracks... Perception 17 (needed to be a +10 instead) / Survival 23
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 d100=15 ; d100=8 ; d20=20 ; d20=15 ; d20=3 ; Tuesday January 15th, 2013 4:00:07 PM
Leaving Faust to do the diplomatic work, Asteron decides to join Ragnarök in looking at the tracks. At least that he should have a better chance at than trying to decipher what the kobolds are saying. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 26 Survival [d20+5]: 20 Knowledge(nature) [d20+7]: 10
Please forgive the d100's... got distracted for a bit :/
DM Kathy Tuesday January 15th, 2013 10:44:44 PM Ragnarök and Asteron examine the tracks. You can tell they came from a very large creature. The feet appear reptilian, and there is a distinctive tail drag. There are other drag marks, too, which are less clear.
Faust asks about other travelers. K'thyyryyk Ka answers in Draconic Highlight to display spoiler: {"No. You are the first we have seen since we started watching this camp."}
One of the other kobolds speaks up: Highlight to display spoiler: {"I did see a group, Ka. They went by the camp, on the river, but they did not stop. One of them did have the pointed ears."}
Ka nods. Highlight to display spoiler: {"So, if your friends came this way, they did not stop. Or, they camped before we arrived here. But come, we can discuss all of this at our camp."} In Common, he adds, "Come to our camp. Fire. Safe place. Come."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday January 16th, 2013 3:09:04 AM
Yngvar smiles and nods to the kobolds before turning to lead his mule from the raft. "Need to secure the raft for tomorrow."
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 Wednesday January 16th, 2013 8:57:08 AM
Not sure what is being said Griffin waits
Griffin Smiles when Ragnarok talks to him about liking her, and whispers back that works for me, it might work in our favour.
She then goes to give Yngvar a hand secure the raft
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+9=14 ; d20+10=13 ; Wednesday January 16th, 2013 3:06:11 PM "Whatever this was, it was big... ", Ragnarök says after inspecting the tracks.
He helps Yngvar securing the raft, double checks he hasn't left anything behind and then trails the group. Following behind he attempts to remember his way to find back the camp site. Yet darkness will soon make it difficult for the human monk to see where he's going...
Survival 14 / perception 13
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Wednesday January 16th, 2013 4:25:45 PM "Agreed, master Ragnarök, agreed. And I would not like to be hit in the chest by such a tail... it must be massive to be dragged like that".
After checking the tracks, and wondering at what animal or monster could have made them, Asteron waits patiently until Faust finishes speaking to the kobolds. Then, as Ka the kobold invites the party to join them at their camp, he stretches lazily, shoulders his backpack, and waits until the raft is secured. He would have helped, were it not that Yngvar and Griffin are already at it.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday January 16th, 2013 7:04:43 PM
Faust follows suit of Yngvar and joyfully nods in agreement, turning to the others to fill them in as they start to walk: "Ok, it looks like one of them has seen another group passing by through the river, they did not stop, judging from the other camp's state, I bet they were in a hurry, possibly being chased by something. Oh yeah, and said group had someone with pointy ears, it could be Ellie."
"...well...don't want to create false expectations, it could be just some other elf or half-elf...either way, said group might have some clues on what happened to the last way station.", he adds, getting ready to leave.
DM Kathy Wednesday January 16th, 2013 10:48:57 PM
The kobolds wait patiently as you gather your things, secure your raft, and bank your fire. Then they lead the way out of the clearing and through the jungle.
You realize that you are following a track of sorts. A game trail, perhaps. Or perhaps, if the kobolds are to be believed, they have worn this trail checking the waystation for visitors.
After about a quarter-mile, you reach the kobolds' encampment. Several bedrolls are spread around a small campfire. A tarp of sorts, made of some kind of skins, is strung up nearby, offering a rather cramped shelter in case of rain.
All in all, as could be expected for a group of Small creatures, the campsite feels small and a little cramped. But the fire is going nicely, they appear to have ample firewood on hand, and apparently you are safe here from the "River God." Whatever that is.
"Our camp," says Ka in Common. "You stay here. Stay safe. We talk." In Draconic, he adds, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Be welcome in our camp.}"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Thursday January 17th, 2013 12:42:43 AM
Toregan, noting that the raft is being secured, continues to keep watch on the river. "I agree with you Faust. No matter what else, we should not let this place take more victims if we can help it." Toregan pauses for a moment bfore directing his speech towards Yngvar. "Do you think that the kobold who saved us is a member of this tribe? I would appreciate the opportunity to thank him for what he did."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+1=21 ; d20-1=13 ; d20+6=9 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 1:05:47 PM
Once the lot arrives to the camp and Ka makes his welcome, <"We are grateful for your hospitality, mr. Ka.">
<"As I believe we've mentioned before, we actually had the intention of contacting your tribe and, as such, we have come prepared with some gifts to show our good will, hopefully your tribe will enjoy them.">, he says, trying to appear as friendly as drowly possible, while eyeing the campsite and trying to determine whether the Kobolds are as trustworthy as they claim to be.
He also tries to determine the overall technological level of the campsite, but this level of multi-tasking proves to be too much for the drow, as he can barely read Ka's expressions due to his complete lack of experience in interacting with kobolds.
To avoid an awkward pause, he quickly signs to Asteron to come close and says, <"Worl..."> "Ahem, Worldtraveler, bring in the gifts you're carrying, I'll retrieving the ones I have here.", he says shuffling through his bag, retrieving one of each item Gazzy gave him (Alchemical Grease, Sneezing Powder, Liquid Ice, Thunderstone, Tanglefoot Bag, Tindertwig and Smokestick), <"Not sure if you guys already know alchemy, but even so, these items are always useful!">
Diplomacy to be very friendly (+1): 21 (natural 20!) Sense Motive to read Ka's mood/reactions (-1): 13 Perception to check the camp and determine overall condition, technological level, etc (+6): 9
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+7=22 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 3:04:37 PM
Oblivious to what is being said Ragnarök remains in the rear of the group observing the Kobold Camp mainly keeping an eye on the rest of the Kobold tribe rather than the ones his friends are interacting with. Not speaking their language does not keep the Monk from understanding some of their behaviour...
(sense motive 22)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d100=80 ; Thursday January 17th, 2013 3:06:30 PM
Cold wave washing over Belgium atm! 4 days -0°C in a row day and night. Not that common over here :-) Looks like it ain't over yet. This morning a -12°C. Can't remember the last time we had such low temperatures! FUN!!
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Thursday January 17th, 2013 5:01:03 PM
At Faust's prodding, Asteron rummages through his backpack, getting two polished agates and three shiny pieces of blue quartz. He then moves closer slowly, and ceremoniously kneels and extends his right hand, palm upturned, with the five stones on it. The kneeling is more to be on the same level with the kobold than anything else, but it is also a bodily pose that is very difficult to construe as threatening. - - - - - @StevenVdB: Yikes! And here I was complaining that here it has been around 15, windy and drizzly...
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday January 17th, 2013 9:27:23 PM
Once they get to the kobolds camp, Yngvar gets his mule settled down with some feed and water before pulling the saddle bags off.
<I too have some gifts and trade offers for you, in the interests of peace, fellowship, and friendship.">
DM Kathy Thursday January 17th, 2013 11:19:00 PM Toregan watches the river until the group leaves with the kobolds, but sees nothing out of the ordinary.
Ragnarök watches the kobolds. They seem somewhat relieved to be back at their camp, curious about you, and--happy?--that the were able to speak with you. You see nothing to cause you concern.
Faust offers words of friendship to the kobolds, then he, Asteron, and Yngvar bring out various trade goods to offer as gifts.
Ka looks at what you offer, but does not reach out for anything. "Thank you," he says in his halting Common. "The K'tthhykk want....friends. We--" he gestures to the small group of kobolds. "We are--young kobolds. We do as old kobolds say. Old kobolds say--" He gives up, shakes his head, and continues in Draconic: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Our tribe's elders are interested in those who made the camps, and those who use them. They are interested in trade. These things--"} he gestures toward the offered goods, Highlight to display spoiler: {"--are very fine, but those who destroy the camps offer us things as well. The elders say, shiny things are not proof of friendship."} He looks around at all of you. "You help us," he says in Common. "You help us kill the River God."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Friday January 18th, 2013 10:21:06 AM I apoligize for my poor posting, had to move in to my campus on sunday and i'm still getting used to my schedule at the moment. My posting should improve by next week.
Toregan keep a quiet watch on the area as the kobolds lead them to their camp. When Ka begins to speak, he listens quitely, at least until he switches over to his native tongue. However, his eyes widen when Ka announces that they were to kill the so called River God. "While I don't doubt the River God needs to die, if not only to protect the waystation, but to also protect our new friends, how will we hunt it? At night, many of us cannot see without light, and that seems to be its favored time to hunt. I cannot track it to its lair since its tracks disappear into the river."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Friday January 18th, 2013 12:08:40 PM
Faust answers to Toregan, "Well...I suppose slaying this 'River God' is part of our duty...as you said, if not for something else, for the safety of the waystations and potential travelers...and I do have a rough plan on how to deal with this so called 'god'"
Then back to Ka, <"We accept the mission, can any of you fill us in with any information about this 'River God'? Such as if it's an intelligent being, how big it is and overall habits? Anything will be much better than nothing, and will help us immensely in developing a plan to get rid of it...just hope it's not a dragon.">
<"I will, however, throw in a clause of our own: once it is slain, your tribe will aid us in tracking whoever or whatever it is that destroyed our camp sites, deal?">, he says with a smug, not really considering that Ka will reject the deal.
He remains near Ka, but mostly turns to Toregan to mention his plan: "As you know, I can see in the dark...sure, I'm not as great at that as those born underground, but I can see a bit over 50ft in the darkness just fine, ergo, I can see the 'god' approaching and once it's in range, we light the area with couple of these...", he says, taking a ring from his pocket with an odd flickering flame that seems to float less than an inch above the ring but produces no heat.
"They're a bit expensive to make as they require some ruby dust, but seem to fit our situation nicely: we make another one or two of them and keep them away from view inside our bags, once I give the signal, you guys take them out for automatic lighting."
"What you think? Not a full plan, but should address the lighting issue. And if we cannot make extras, we'll have to make-do with this one ring, will be trickier, but I think it can be pulled off."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Friday January 18th, 2013 3:45:20 PM
On the one hand Ragnarök is pleased to sense the Kobolds don't appear to have any bad intentions... Happy to finally understand what they are saying he listens intently... then he looses track as some more gibberish is being added... yet the final sentence gives the monk goosebumps... "Kill the River God"
Crap...
First Rag refuses to believe in something that is named a River God... there's no such thing. Just probably a bad tempered lizard that grew too fat and that needs to be thought some manners.
Second going out in the dark with aid of a few tiny flames doesn't appeal to the Monk either... but he figures the thing only comes out at night.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Saturday January 19th, 2013 10:44:03 PM
Yngvar nods, <"What he said."> to the others Yngvar translates the conversation between Rag and the kobold. "I'm guessing this 'River God' is going to be a thorn in our sides as well as theirs.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Sunday January 20th, 2013 10:20:19 PM "Well, if this god has been destroying the encampments, we will have to face it at some point... might as well do it on our terms and not in his/hers/its, no?"
Asteron things for a moment and then adds, slowly talking to Ka in common: "you said help you kill the river god. Does that mean that you will face it at our side then?" And then, with a glint in his eye, he added: "that would impress the old kobolds, no?"
The answer to his question should give the party a measure of the Kobolds' trustworthiness.
DM Kathy Sunday January 20th, 2013 11:52:49 PM Toregan and Ragnarök have some understandable concerns about taking on this thing--whatever it is--at night.
Faust asks about the River God. Ka answers in Draconic: Highlight to display spoiler: {"It's not really a god."} His voice is a little uncertain.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Anyway, it's not one of our gods,"} another kobold pipes up.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"It's not a god at all. We're pretty sure. Probably."} says a third.
Ka switches to Common. He seems to be trying to include the whole party in the information he's sharing. "The River God is a--sskuthssyrrh?" He looks to the Draconic-speaking members of the party, one of whom (presumably) supplies him with the right word. "A croc-o-dile," Ka says carefully. "The River God is a croc-o-dile, but not normal croc-o-dile. Not slow and stupid. And very big."
Faust asks about the creature's intelligence. "Not smart," Ka says. "Not dumb like normal croc-o-dile, but not smart like kobold. Smart like wolf, maybe?"
Faust and Toregan express doubts about hunting in the dark. "No need for dark. We go at dawn. River God still slow from night, and humans can see good."
Asteron speculates that the River God is responsible for destroying the camps. "No," says Ka. "That is other humans. And trees. But we talk about that later."
Asteron also asks if the kobolds will be coming along. "Yes," says Ka. "We come with spears. We all destroy River God together. Then we all go to village, talk to old kobolds. Yes?"
[OOC: I think I got everybody's question, but if I missed anything, please accept my apologies and ask again. :) ]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday January 21st, 2013 2:00:15 PM
Wondering if they will go out on the croc-hunt at night Rag keeps aside knowing his more clever friends will ensure everything needed for a good and successful hunt. Meanwhile the Monk's considering if they would manage to tame the beast rather than kill it...
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday January 21st, 2013 2:47:50 PM "So, how do you take out a giant crocodile that is smarter than the average?" Settling down with his back to a tree, Yngvar fixes himself dinner while thinking about possible approaches.
"Personally, unless the kobold's know where it lairs, we may need to spend some time stacking out the river. Preferably from the trees or anywhere else out of its reach."
Yngvar also offers to take first watch for the evenings.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Monday January 21st, 2013 2:54:12 PM "Hmmm...sure is better than some sort of water dragon."
"Let's draft an attack plan, eat something and head to bed, I believe mr. Hefnd here will agree with me, but we both are that much more useful with a full and customized list of prepared spells, otherwise we're not much more than bad archers and for that we need our little beauty sleep.", he says as he takes his spell book out of his bag and starts to read the spells in it.
He remains silent for couple minutes, then something apparently occurs to him and he asks the kobolds: <"There's only one River God, correct? No chance of it having a companion, right? Also, does it hunt solo or is some sort of 'crocodile king'?">
"Regardless...here is what I can do to it...I can attempt to bind it in place while we damage it from afar...be warned though that the spell also makes it harder to see the target. Then, even though it preys at night, it hides in bright light, so it's likely that it relies, at least partially, on sight, so I can attempt to blind it, should give us an edge."
"Other than that, I can repeatedly try to kill it with fire and arcane energy. And that is it.", he says while pouting and thinking on how to conduct everything.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Monday January 21st, 2013 5:58:31 PM
Toregan also makes a small area for his bedroll before helping with the food. "A croc that is smart is like dealing with one of those raptors we've been attacked by. We just need to be careful about attacking it up close. In any event, preventing it from getting into the water is very important. If it gets into the river. it could run away and return later." Toregan offers to take the second shift of the watch for the night.
DM Kathy Monday January 21st, 2013 11:06:07 PM
The group considers strategy.
Ragnarök wonders if the beast could be tamed rather than destroyed. It's an interesting question, but it seems unlikely the kobolds would agree to try.
Yngvar recommends ranged attacks, although Toregan points out that the group somehow needs to keep the creature from going into the water.
Faust suggests a good night's sleep and a review of spells. He also has a few questions for Ka.
"There is one River God," Ka confirms in Common. "He hunts alone." After a couple of false starts, he gives up and explains in Draconic: Highlight to display spoiler: { "We know, in general, where his lair is. It is not far from here. It shouldn't take too long for the trackers to find him."}
You set watches for the night. The kobolds will assist with keeping watch, though they make sure you all understand that only Ka speaks Common.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Monday January 21st, 2013 11:49:05 PM
Asteron takes his assigned watch, finding it amusing that he stands guard at the side of a kobold who weighs less than a tenth of what he weighs. If he were to inadvertently fall on the kobold, the taur might squish the poor creature to death.
His thoughts well concealed, he allows himself the briefest of smiles. The kobold is his ally, at least for the time being, so he will do his utmost to protect the draconic speaker.
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 9:43:19 AM
OOC Still sick and looking for a sub sorry about missing posts
Griffin adds i have a few traps that we can use ? if we find a well know trail for this thing we can lay them out to ensnare the beast ....
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 12:33:23 PM "He hunts alone... what if the 'she' croc and her offspring are hiding in their lair?! Are these creatures the family type?!! Why then would we break this family?? If it's food they require I'm sure there are other ways to come by some food for them no? Anyhow, I know you won't agree in trying to capture the poor creature... just considering...
But a mama croc protecting her offspring is likely to be as threatening as this one hunter."
Ragnarök agrees to take whatever watch is appointed to him.
During the night he watches the night sky... how clear the stars are... listening to the rustling and animal noises in the dangerous jungle somehow works calming to the Monk. How he would enjoy being able to see as clear at night as well as at daytime...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 4:01:32 PM
Faust begins to make preparations for a good night's sleep, volunteering for last watch before dawn if needed. As he does this, he answers to Griffin, "Traps are useful...how long does it take for you to set them up? We can use them either to prevent the croc from going back into the water or attempt to lure it on a trapfield, that plus the spell I mentioned earlier and we can snipe it from absolute safety."
When Ragnarök voices his concern, he answers, "Won't lie...sure would be interesting to capture this 'River God', might be an unknown species, or maybe an unique magical beast. Though my reasons for doing so are considerably less noble and more pragmatical. Still, even if it is just a female crocodile providing for her offspring, doesn't make it any less dangerous or mean that it is not an issue."
"I can see where you are coming from, but I doubt we have the manpower needed to move a large crocodile without injures on our end, let alone have a proper place to place it so both parties are happy. Don't take this the wrong way but...it's either us or it. Can't argue with animals...and sometimes not even with sentient beings."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 4:38:18 PM "Aye, master Faust. Sometimes even the noblest of races show what stubbornness is. I side with you on this one. With all due reluctance, I see no other way but to kill the creature." The taur's voice is calm, but it is tinged with sadness. "I wish there was another way but, unless one of us can control beasts like our mysterious opponents, we will have to make do with what we had and, from what I have seen, what we have is plenty of destructive power of one sort or another."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 7:49:24 PM
Toregan nods in agreement. "This River God has left us no other option. He has obviously proven himself a danger to any who stay at that station. Also, there is the potential that the same force that had the hyenas attack the post manipulates this crocodile." TOregan goes about his watch as normal, more or less content with their new allies.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 22nd, 2013 11:17:45 PM Griffin offers her services as trapmaker, which Faust expresses an interest in.
Ragnarök is still reluctant to kill unnecessarily, but Asteron and Toregan are reluctantly forced to agree with the kobolds. A predator like this "River God," so close to human and kobold habitation, can only spell trouble.
You watch throughout the night. The sounds of the jungle are all around you, including several that are difficult to identify. Your new kobold friends show no signs of alarm at any of the noises, however, and the night does pass without incident.
As the eastern sky begins to lighten, the kobolds prepare some kind of breakfast stew for themselves. You can't be sure, but you think one of the ingredients is bugs. They offer to share, but take no offense if you instead decide to cook your own breakfast.
It is not quite dawn when the kobolds douse their fire and begin leading you back toward the river.
[OOC: As a reminder, your characters have to be approved before you can participate in combat. So far, Yngvar, Ragnarök, and Faust have been approved. I haven't received a "done!" message from anybody else yet. If your character is ready to be reviewed, please let me know. Y'know, just in case there's a combat coming up or something. :) ]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 2:24:23 PM
Refreshed and well rested Ragnarök prepares to follow the Kobolds back to the river. But what's the plan??
"Should we not talk tactics before we leave?" he asks his friends hoping that the Draconic speaking ones will talk to the Kobolds to find out more about the plan.
Before leaving Rag digs up a Mage Armor potion and tucks it between his belt... given up the fact they are about to dance with some overgrown croc it might come in handy...
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 5:30:56 PM
As Ragnarök mentions tactics, Asteron thinks a moment before answering. "Well, whatever form our combat with this 'god' takes, I guess I should take point. Not because I may or may not be better at combat than any of you, but because I will be a tad more difficult to be swept off my feet by that gigantic tail the creature seems to have." Asteron is stating the obvious, but he does not want to sound patronizing. "As for those of you who are better with missiles than at close combat, I suggest you fan out so as not to present a concentrated target to the beast"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 8:54:29 PM (Sorry, I thought i did say my character was complete. Well, in any case i'll formally submit it for checking now.)
Toregan nods in agreement. "Wise words Asteron. I'll keep to a distance, preferably with you between me and it."
DM Kathy Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 10:45:06 PM
You spend some time discussing strategy. It won't do to let this "River God" get the best of you.
The kobolds, alas, contribute little to the conversation. They have spears, and they are willing to jab the River God with them, but that's about as far as they've gotten.
[OOC: Go ahead and take some time to discuss strategy. You might want to take it to email so you are not limited by the "one post per day" rule.
Asteron is approved, and Toregan just needs a minor fix.]
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday January 23rd, 2013 11:06:21 PM
Faust tries to be friendly and accepts some of the bug stew, but failing miserably to disguise his distaste for the flavor, though it at least didn't look poisonous. Still, the drow decides that leaving swiftly takes precedence over much else, so he casts prestidigitation at the stew to make it taste like beef stew and down it goes, doing his best to ignore the chunky bits.
He then grabs his spellbook and goes over his mind-notes to decide his spell allotment for the day, exchanging info on tactics, "While I agree that Worldtraveller has the best chance of wrestling that croc with relative safety. Still, you are not to engage it until we damage it enough from afar or if we fail to bind it in place to begin with. Regardless, I'll throw a spell your way to increase your size and make the fight more even."
He then turns to Ka, <"Does your tribe have good snipers? Otherwise you can engage it once Wordtraveller does.">
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday January 24th, 2013 2:12:48 AM "I believe that I am ready with my own spells for an engagement, though I would prefer to do so from a distance myself."
Yngvar declines the offer of stew, sticking to his own rations. "This is one time I wish I had reconsidered learning that growth spell, it would be of benefit to Asteron, were he twice his current size."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday January 24th, 2013 3:41:32 PM "When the Woldtraveller goes in, so will I... hoping to be nimble enough to avoid most of his tail swings...with any luck I can knock it unconscious before... Yet compared to last screw-up ... I won't just rush headlong into the poor thing... "
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 Thursday January 24th, 2013 8:53:14 PM
ASteron accepts the bug stew, and gulps it down quickly. Not the tastiest of meals, but beggars can't be choosers. He even accepts a second serving if offered to him.
"Master Ragnarök, I am glad someone will be able to join me. Yet, I hold little hope that we will not have to kill the creature. May not be what we would prefer, but it may be what we need to do."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Friday January 25th, 2013 12:07:39 AM "It might be beneficial for Rag to get that growth spell as well. After all, he's been trained to fight in close with his foes. Enlarged, he might be a match for the croc."
DM Kathy Friday January 25th, 2013 12:30:01 AM Faust asks Ka whether the tribe has any good snipers. Ka replies in Draconic Highlight to display spoiler: {"Oh, yes, the tribe has some excellent snipers."} He looks a little abashed. Highlight to display spoiler: {"But we aren't them. That is, we're not snipers."}
You continue to discuss strategy as you break camp. The kobolds begin leading you back toward the river. The sky is light, but the sun not yet up, when they reach a spot on the river bank about 300 yards from the waystation. You see that they have some canoes tied up here, somewhat hidden under an overhanging bank.
"You get your boat," Ka says in Common. "Cross river; tie boat. We go on from there."
The river is quiet and calm. A light mist hovers just above the surface. You cross without incident, then Ka and the kobolds lead you a short way downriver. "We close," Ka whispers. "River God close to here. You find?"
Indeed, the trackers in your party can see the marks of the great croc--it's easier now that they know what they're looking for. You move cautiously now, following the tracks, as the sun comes up somewhere behind the jungle canopy. There is enough light to see--but will you see the River God before it sees you?
[OOC: I'd like some kind of marching order, including whether you want the kobolds in front, or in back, or scattered among you. Also, Perception and Stealth checks wouldn't go amiss. :) ]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=8 ; d20+5=14 ; Friday January 25th, 2013 2:55:13 AM
Yngvar finds himself spending more time looking at the tracks then looking for the cause of the tracks, though he does manage to avoid stepping on any dry branches. As a squishy, he prefers the middle of the group.
He also decides this is a good time to light up his mage armor.
Perc=8, Stealth=14
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=17 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+12=30 ; Friday January 25th, 2013 8:27:42 AM
As they walk Ragnarök answers Toregan's thinking: "While it might be beneficial indeed to be of Master Asteron's size I fear the enlarged me will be even less effective than I allready am... I will hit harder but less accurate and on top of that I will be more squishy. This bone structure does not come with the pack of muscle on Master Asteron..."
As they approach the site Ragnarök observes the tracks and the surroundings... as of here the Monk intends to dissapear and goes as stealthy as possible. He just hopes the armor wearing companions will attempt to do the same. He sniffs the air... does it float towards the lair?
Perception 17, Survival 18, Stealth 30
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=14 ; d20+3=23 ; Friday January 25th, 2013 9:54:40 AM
Faust looks around, trying to make anything out of the lightened jungle, with its strong morning shadows, while feeling a slight pain on his nocturnal eyes whenever he ends up looking directly at the sun. He remains pretty much immobile, without making any unnecessary and uncharacteristic noise.
Noticing Yngvar casting his mage armor, he decides to follow suit and be ready, just in the unfortunate case the crocodile gets the jump on the group.
Perception (+6): 14 (darkvision) Stealth (+3): 23 (natural 20) Casting mage armor on self when Yngvar does, lasts for 4 hours.
[OOC: I vote for the kobolds to either be all over the place or hang on the back as if they're all killed or otherwise incapacitated we'll essentially fail the mission. My preference goes for all over the place as I believe that will grant more security for everyone involved as the croc is only one.]
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 d20=10 ; d20=15 ; d20=6 ; Friday January 25th, 2013 12:02:38 PM
Asteron decides to take the right wing, either alone, or with a kobold or two if they volunteer to join him. Furthermore, he keeps his sword at the ready, knowing a split second might make the difference between life and death, most probably his own. He also tries to keep some distance between himself and the others, as his size and armor will make it very difficult for him to be stealthy. Better, he thinks, that the river god focuses on him, and then the others might be able to surprise it from a flank. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 16 Survival [d20+5]: 20 Stealth: [d20-5]: 1
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 Friday January 25th, 2013 1:18:08 PM
OOC Still sick working on a post but i think my PC is good to go as well
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC20/19/15 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Saturday January 26th, 2013 12:47:54 PM
Seeing how Asteron takes one flank and hearing how much noise he makes Ragnarök nods at him and takes the other flank... if at any chance the croc charges the Half-Orc Rag will be on top of the croc right away...
He takes the mage armor potion in his hands that he will quaff the moment the croc is within range or attacks.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=27 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+11=17 ; d8+5=7 ; Saturday January 26th, 2013 2:48:43 PM
Toregan makes note of the surrounding jungle and keeps wary for the River God as he aids in tracking the beast. He tries to make himself as imperceptible as possible and stays closer to the rear of the group, longbow drawn and ready.
Perception (+8 or +10 for animals): 27 or 29 Survival (+10 for tracks): 28 Stealth (+11): 22
Readied action to fire at the River God or any other enormous crocodile we come across if it notices anyone in our group.
Attack w/Longbow (+11): 17 Damage (1d8+5): 7
(I agree with Pedro. The kobolds should be spread out so they can't all be targeted at the same time.)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Saturday January 26th, 2013 2:49:24 PM
[/i](Forgot to mention, fixed that little error on my sheet Kathy. I'm good to go.)[/i]
DM Kathy Sunday January 27th, 2013 10:31:35 PM
You sort yourself into a marching order and begin heading downriver. You try to spread out, but the terrain makes this a challenge. Only a few feet from the river, the jungle undergrowth becomes very dense and difficult to get through. Sticking to the more passable terrain close to the river puts you a bit closer together.
Ragnarök checks the wind direction, but there is almost no wind at this hour of the morning.
You do your best at moving stealthily; some of you succeed better than others. Still, no River God leaps out to attack you. Yet.
Here is the map. The blue is the river. The light green is passable jungle. The dark green is denser jungle; each square costs 10 feet of movement instead of 5. Each PC is identified with their initial. (Asteron is the only Large PC, yes?) The kobolds are "K", except for Ka, who is "Ka." I just noticed I had one too many kobolds, but I'd already made the PDF, so I'll fix that next time. If you don't like where your character is, let me know because there's time to move. :)
Holy Cow, are all of DM Kathy's maps this bad? Oh, no. No. Some are much worse.
Hey, maps aren't my strong suit.
Finally, Toregon and Ragnarök Highlight to display spoiler: { notice that there is an overhang at F-4 and F-5. Something very large is in underneath, and you can see slight movement.}
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=13 ; d20+12=17 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 1:58:26 AM
(Posting from BB so can't get a look at the map - trusting DM Kathy to have picked a good spot )
As the are approaching the lair Rag takes in the surroundings... Whispering he says : "The creature knows we are here and has spotted us I believe... See? There... (Rag points the place where he sees sething very large moving)... It could have snapped at us allready yet it does not... "
With that being said the Monk quaffs the mage armor potion he had between his belt.
Perception 13 - stealth 17
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+5=25 ; d20+4=16 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 11:52:56 AM
Quietly mumbling Yngvar rubs a piece of wool between his fingers while directing his attention to some reeds near where Ragnarok pointed.
The sounds of a thrashing fish slowly grow louder, and though the reeds are not moving, the distress is evident.
Ghost Sound: DC 15 will to disbelieve
Stealth 25, Perception 16
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+3=22 ; d20+6=16 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 2:48:08 PM
Faust remains as silent as possible, staying close to Asteron, ready to enlarge Asteron if the need for such presents itself before the group enters the thickness of the jungle, but will move with the others if it doesn't.
Stealth (+3): 22 Perception (+6): 16
Couldn't find in the rules (my fault tho, didn't have the time to make a full search), but is it possible to ready a full-round action and, if the condition isn't met still take a move action?
If yes, readying to cast Enlarge Person on Asteron if the river god shows up, moving with the group otherwise.
Similarly, acting on the assumption that the jungle is thick but still sparse enough for an enlarged Asteron can still move as freely as the unenlarged Asteron. If it is too thick or the readying is impossible, then Faust will just follow the group.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 d20=5 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 3:44:37 PM
Asteron frowns. There is not enough space between the water and the jungle for him to pass without entering one of them, even if he is not enlarge. Water or jungle? His instincts, even though he was born in an island, are to enter the denser patch of jungle. So, he moves as carefully as possible, knowing that it will be impossible not to make noise. - - - - - Stealth [d20-5] = 0 Asteron, moving 30 ft (due to armor) should be able to advance all the way to H9/10-I9/10
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+11=12 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 10:12:44 PM
Toregan keeps his eyes on the creature he's spotted and moves to the thick forest, hoping the added foliage will provide him with enough cover to hide. "Be wary. As Rag said, it has probably detected us."
Move to I16 Continue readying attack. Stealth if needed (+11): 12
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+12=16 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+1=9 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 10:36:12 PM
Griffin hearing sounds of a thrashing fish looks, She reaches to the quiver on her back and nocks a arrow t in her bow as the walk, ready for the attack that is coming
Holding attack Slealth 16 Perception 16 Will 9
Occ last last dice roll was mistake
DM Kathy Monday January 28th, 2013 10:44:48 PM Ragnarök tries to point out the lair to his companions, but it's difficult to spot. And it's difficult to describe. Rag's whispers of "that tussock of grass...no, that one...over....cross...toward the...." are not as helpful as he would like.
Yngvar casts a Ghost Sound and creates the sound of a yummy fish splashing in the river. Sadly, he cannot create the vibrations that usually accompany splashing fish, which may or may not be the reason the River God does not seem to respond.
Faust readies an action. [You cannot ready a full-round action, but you can ready to start casting.]
Asteron notes that your DM has created a map that is difficult for Large creatures. Bwa-ha-ha! I am an evil DM! He moves forward, cautiously, but not all that quietly.
Toregan moves and readies an attack.
Griffin, momentarily distracted by the splashing, holds her position.
The kobolds move cautiously forward.
Maybe it was Asteron's movement, or maybe it's just breakfast time. For whatever reason, the River God emerges.
And when the kobolds said it was big, they were not kidding!
Toregan looses an arrow, which flies and strikes true. It does damage, but it seems little more than a mosquito bite to the massive beast!
Faust begins casting.
The River God lets out a bellow. Its mighty tail lashes behind it.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 16/17 d20=12 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; Monday January 28th, 2013 11:31:07 PM
Asteron reacts without thinking. He moves diagonally to the right, entering the denser jungle fully, allowing the others the freedom of the narrow strip of lighter jungle even as he closes in on the monster. As he does, he lets the rage overtake him, knowing the battle will not be an easy one, and that dying is a very real possibility.
Then, with a roar, he attacks the river god with all his might. - - - - - Move to I8/9-J8/9 Attack [d20+11]: 23 (assuming monster is larger than large; otherwise 22) Damage [3d6+7]: 15
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 2d4+2=7 ; Tuesday January 29th, 2013 12:33:51 PM "Well that's certainly a pair of boots or two..." with some small amount of trepidition, Yngvar realizes that a creature that size can probably trample the lot of them fairly quickly, seeing as they have all lined themselves up rather nicely along the bank of the river.
"Eat magic!" and with a quick flick of a wrist a pair of balls of pure magical essence fly from his hand spinning around each other as they fly unerringly to slam into the hide of the croc.
After which Yngvar heads into the thicker jungle, looking for a large tree to climb, and hoping the thicker foilage looks less inviting to the 'river god.'
magic missile, dam: 7
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Tuesday January 29th, 2013 2:54:07 PM
Faust finishes chanting the arcane words and stops with his hand signs, the last of which is a direct point at Asteron, a tiny ball of light emits from his finger and instantly flies to Asteron, making the big minotaur become even bigger, the sight is a bit diminished by the fact that he now just looks in proper scale with the river god, but still, it's a huge minotaur.
"Hope its meat tastes good...!", he taunts before following suit of Yngvar and entering the thick of the jungle, hoping to get out of a possible path of painful trampling as well as not look like a threat to the crocodile once he starts bombing.
Standard Action to finish casting Enlarge Person on Asteron, making his size grow to huge (duration 4 mins) Move Action to go to K14
[OOC: Sorry if I misunderstood how the casting of 1 round with a readied start casting works, thought of it as readying a standard and then requiring an extra move to finish casting]
---------------------- Spells in effect: Mage Armor on self (4 hours) Enlarge Person on Asteron (4 minutes)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+12=27 ; d3=1 ; d20+12=25 ; Tuesday January 29th, 2013 3:51:01 PM
Checking his options Ragnarök realises his best options are to aid Asteron... the Half-Orc is tough and holds a great punch yet he's slightly easier to get hit... if there's one thing Rag can do... it's to try and divert the Croc's attention...
Digging deep into his Ki the Monk's feet move even faster than they allready do (spending 1 Ki point to move 20ft further - total move 60ft for a single move action)
Following the skirts of the water and the grass Ragnarök should be able to reach something like F7 - right in front of the 'River God'! That should get his attention and might avert a stampede over all the Kobolds in the back...
During his movement (through the AoO field of the Cro his AC is raised to 29)
In front of the Croc Rag has one action left... instead he makes a Full Defence stance raising his AC by 6 while doing so to AC31.
Waving his hands the Monk tries to avert the attention allowing Asteron to make mighty swings later...
(acrobatic rolls 27, 25 to avoid AoO's besides the increased AC)
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+7=14 ; d20+7=17 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday January 29th, 2013 9:53:50 PM
Griffin Looses the nocked arrow as grabs another arrow firing it as well at the river god hit ac 14/17 6/5 damage
DM Kathy d20+18=27 ; d20+4=20 ; d20+4=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=29 ; Tuesday January 29th, 2013 11:16:52 PM Asteron steps forward and attacks! His blow hits the mighty croc, and does damage.
Yngvar sends a pair of Magic Missiles flying at the beast, and it takes more damage. [You said you moved, but you didn't say where, so I left you where you were.]
Faust finishes his spell, and Asteron is now huge! Faust re-locates. [You did that exactly right. :)]
Ragnarök digs deep and moves up. He does draw an attack from the River God, whose teeth close just behind the nimble monk. Once in position, Ragnarök turns all his attention to defense. [F7 is in the river, and there's a current, and I didn't want to do the math. :) If you want to be in the river, though, we'll think of something.]
Griffin fires two shots; the second one hits.
The kobolds surge forward. Most have to spend the round getting into position, but Ka and one other kobold are able to stab at the River God with their spears. Ka scores a hit.
The River God takes another bite at Ragnarök--another near miss! Ragnarök can actually smell the creature's fetid breath as its jaws close inches away. Enraged, the croc swings its tail at one of the kobolds, who goes down like a ton of bricks.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+12=25 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=13 ; Wednesday January 30th, 2013 2:14:25 PM "Domi protect us... Ka get back!!" Ragnarök grits between his teeth... twice the Monk barely escapes the deadly fangs of the 'River God'. As the jaws snap right next to him he understands that if he or anyone else gets caught between them... Diverting the Croc's attention to himself and thus allowing his friends to take careful aim still seems to be the best thing (besides getting the crap out of there) he can do.
Again, Ragnarök takes a full defensive stance (raise AC by 6 to 31) and on top of that he centers his Ki to provide an extra dodge bonus (another +4 to his AC to 35)... (3 Ki points left)
Currently dancing in front of the Croc at AC35...
"Here!! Hey!! I'm right here you big dummy!!"
As the Monk taunts the 'River God' he tumbles, turns and jumps in front of it... (Acrobatics 25, 17, 25, 13), waving his arms while hoping to dodge the deadly fangs and tail...
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE d20=10 ; Wednesday January 30th, 2013 8:10:44 PM
Asteron feels himself growing even bigger. He flexes his muscles, now seeing only blood red. Still, he forces himself to think, and moves deeper into the thick jungle, so that others can attack the giant crocodile too. - - - - - Move to J7/9-L7/9 Attack [d20+10]: 20 Damage: <do not know what the HUGE equivalent of LARGE 3d6+5 is>
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+11=30 ; d8+5=11 ; Wednesday January 30th, 2013 8:20:55 PM
Coming to his senses after being thoroughly surprised at the sheer size of the crocodile, he nocks another arrow as he move closer to the behemoth. He fires an arrow at the creature, hopefully penetrating its thick hide.
Move to I14 Attack w/Longbow (+11): 30 Damage (1d8+5): 11
(I believe that your damage goes to 4d6 Jorge)
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+7=23 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday January 30th, 2013 8:59:13 PM
Contines grabig another arrow nocks and fires at the croc hit ac 23 damage 2
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=6 ; Wednesday January 30th, 2013 10:29:38 PM
Faust shuffles through the jungle to get in a position where the huge bovine won't block his view, once there, he moves his hands in patterns and chants some more of his arcane incantations.
"Fire come to my bidding and scorch my enemies until none is left...Scorching Ray!!", proudly says the drow while pointing at the river god as a ray of flaming red energy leaves the tip of his fingers and onto the direction of the monster, however the thick jungle messes badly with his aim and the ray fails to hit its designated target, causing the drow to blush and get embarrassed from all his pompous set-up.
Move action to go to M12 Standard to cast Scorching Ray (+5), hitting touch AC 6 (natural 1 - miss)
DM Kathy d20+4=7 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=22 ; d4=3 ; 4d6+6=18 ; d20+18=20 ; d20+13=26 ; 4d8+6=23 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 12:23:59 AM Ragnarök continues to concentrate on his defense, while trying to be as annoying as possible to the River God.
Newly-huge Asteron lays the smack down on the River God. [I believe your new damage is 4d6+6. I rolled it this time, but I would prefer it if everybody rolled their own damage.]
Toregan and Griffin fire successful shots.
Faust is somewhat less successful with his Scorching Ray.
Ka and the other kobold jab with their spears, but neither can penetrate the crocodile's thick hide.
The three remaining kobolds stop where they are, and use their slings instead. One of them hits, but doesn't seem to do much damage.
Ragnarök seems to have gotten his wish--the River God bites at him again. This one isn't even close.
The tail swipes at Asteron, and hits! Asteron takes 23 points of damage
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20=17 ; 4d6=14 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 12:29:34 AM moved into the jungle, say to j14
"Well that worked out, lets try fire!" Yngvar curls his middle and ring finger into his palm while extending his pinky and forefinger, firing a ray of fire at the croc.
Yngvar then moves further into the jungle to get around the croc (to k11).
scorching ray: hit ranged touch AC 17, dam 14
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+8=20 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d8+2=3 ; d8+2=8 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 10:04:37 AM
As the Croc tail slams down hard on Asteron Ragnarök gets seriously worried... one more hit and the tank is down... basically this creature can crush most of the group in one well placed hit.
"Time to get this over with! All or nothing!!"
While still centring his Ki to provide a larger dodge bonus (AC25 + 4) Ragnarök lowers his defensive stance to release a Flurry of Blows. He jabs hard twice against the scaly head... Thanks to his Ki the Monk attacks act like Magic Weapons... (hits AC20 - dam 3 / hits AC17 dam 8 - didn't see attack roll appearing in the list so tapped too often hence the third roll - Total of 11 NON-LETHAL damage)
Currently standing in front of the Croc with AC29 but with only 2 Ki points left. This fight has got to be over soon!
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 38/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE d20=9 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 2:24:15 PM
Asteron feels the crunch of the massive tail against his chest. One more like that, and I will go down, he thinks, while concentrating in finding an opening so he can push his blade between the armored scales of the creature's skin. Let's see if I can hurt it more than it is hurting me... - - - - - To hit [d20+10]: 19 Damage [4d6+6]: 23
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20=17 ; 2d4=4 ; 2d4=5 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 4:48:25 PM <"Don't be dead heroes, watch for others and let us handle the 'River God'!"> Yngvar shouts out in draconic after seeing one of the kobolds smeared like paste by the croc's tail.
With the jungle offering some slight protection, Yngvar continues towards the croc (J10) and swings another hand palm up cupping the air while whispering another incantation. As he completes the spell a ball of green fluid forms over his hand, hovering above his palm with whisps of smoke curling off it. Flicking his palm out to the croc the ball of acid speeds forward morphing into a green amorphous dart that flies off.
Acid dart, hit touch AC 17, damage 4, next round damage 5
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Thursday January 31st, 2013 5:36:50 PM
Faust feels the pain the taur goes through and thinks of healing him...however the healing is neither guaranteed nor will it be potent enough to save him from even half another attack...he needs to layer defenses first.
He runs back through the jungle so he can see the monster through Asteron's arms, aiming his spell as he retrieves a small amount of spiderweb from his component pouch and smashes it with his fingers, chanting and making hand movements. "No one approach the RIver God too much nor touch the web, else you want to become entangled...!", he says in a commanding and serious tone, "Asteron, disengage for healing, Ragnarök, be at the ready to stop its movement may it not be entangled this very moment. The rest, take at it from afar."
Move action to J12 Standard to cast Web with the central point at H4 (using the jungle as anchor points), causing a 20ft radius spread of entangling magical web with edges at H2, J4, H6 and E4. If that's not a valid target, make it I4 instead (using the thick jungle).
The River God shall roll Reflex vs. a DC 17 or become grappled; even if it succeeds, the area is difficult terrain and requires an Escape Artist DC 17 per tile of movement or become grappled once again.
---------------------- Spells in effect: Mage Armor on self (4 hours) Enlarge Person on Asteron (4 minutes) Web centered at H4 (40 minutes)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+12=29 ; d8+6=11 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 6:37:40 PM
Toregan moves up to the kobolds and fires again. "Keep that beast distracted for Asteron to get out!"
Move to I11 Attack w/Longbow (+12): 29 Damage (1d8+6): 11
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 d20+7=9 ; Thursday January 31st, 2013 9:42:13 PM
Griffin cringes as her friend get pounded with the tail but other the kill this thing she can help so she fires her bow again Hit AC 9
DM Kathy d20+4=11 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=21 ; Friday February 1st, 2013 12:45:13 AM
[Last round] Yngvar moves up and casts a Scorching Ray, which hits and singes the mighty croc.
[This round] Yngvar steps up a little further and sends a glob of magical acid at the beast. It hits, and sizzles a little.
Ragnarök realizes that he needs to become a little more aggressive, or the River God will be the end of them! He hits it twice, doing non-lethal damage.
Asteron absolutely clobbers the croc, which is now starting to look very hurt.
Faust, concerned for his teammates and the kobolds, casts a Web to hold the River God in place.
Toregan fires again, and by now the blood is pouring out of the crocodile.
Griffin fires, but misses.
Ka and the other kobold jab at the River God with their spears, but their attacks are ineffective.
The other kobolds fire their slings again. Miraculously, two of them hit. Even more miraculously, the massive croc stops thrashing.
The River God has been slain.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Friday February 1st, 2013 11:26:33 AM
Seeing the crocodile going down causes Ragnarok to sink onto his knees as well... This was not needed. There should have been a way to avoid slaying this creature. Rag attempts to verify if the monster is indeed dead or if the Non-Lethal damage he did was enough to keep it alive yet unconscious... Quickly he also scans the surroundings to see if there could be any other crocs great or small lurking in the jungle or the water.
The Monk's head hurts... He' been digging deep into his inner self to avoid getting smashed to pieces. Next to him Rag spots the mutilated remains of the Kobolds that died. On he knees he crawls over to the nearest Kobold body and cradles the little thing. Blood drips from the poor fellow and drenches Rag's clothes while he whispers...
"You died bravely - now sleep well and dream pleasant dreams for all eternity." Expecting the other Kobolds to come and claim their dead kin Ragnarok just sits and waits eyes closed trying to find his inner peace.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 15/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Friday February 1st, 2013 11:31:06 AM
Asteron lets the rage subside. He is spent, and seriously hurt, but he is miraculously alive. Even more astonishingly, the huge crocodile is now dead.
"Master Ka, who would have thought? You and your troop may now call yourselves the Killers of the Rived God. No elder of your tribe will look down upon you now... or ever! My condolences on your slain comrade, though. A real shame to lose a friend."
The huge minotaur uses his enormous sword for support. One more hit from that tail, or one bite from that huge maw, and he would have been gone too.
"Does anyone care to see if the skin of that beast can be salvaged? I think that it would make a great decoration for the meeting place of the kobold tribe. And if there are no objections, I want to slit its belly open, just to make sure one of your friends was not eaten my the monster." Gruesome words, but the thought seemed valid to the minotaur.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday February 1st, 2013 12:06:47 PM
Yngvar smiles with the demise of this super predator, now maybe the water ways would be a little safer. Though it was unfortunate that such an extreme act was necessary. <"I agree Master Ka, without you and your fellows, this creature would have continued to be a detriment to travel along the river. Let us now make sure it's body is not wasted.">
Looking at the large body Yngvar can't help exclaiming to his comrades, "I'm thinking of some boots myself, maybe a hat. Those teeth will make some nice decorative daggers... Should be enough meat to keep us going for a while too."
"I can certainly help with making something from the parts, but my butchering skills are a bit lacking. Who wants to get started on dismantling this?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+7=25 ; d8+1=2 ; Friday February 1st, 2013 1:26:54 PM
Faust gets out of the thick jungle so he can stop being mosquito feed and ends his web spell so everyone can take a proper look at the crocodile, but keeping the hugefication of Asteron as it might be of use to dismantle that montrous creature.
Seeing Ragnarök feel sorry for the beast, he approaches to comfort his comrade, at least to the best of the ability of the drow, "Fret not mr. Scarecrow...it was a dangerous creature and we didn't have much choice. Still, now that it is slain we have to ensure that the ultimate sacrifices made today were not in vain and make good use of the ingredients this victory has blessed us with."
"Ergo, I say we feast a champion's feast with the god's meat, make useful items out of its skin and bones and study whatever else if of no use. Although sorrowful, this was a victory, make no mistake and calls for celebration!", he says in a proud joyful tone, quickly adding in his normal tone and pattern, "As a side note, I'd like a tooth or claw as a personal trophy...but I prefer if someone else does the honors, I'm as good with a knife as I'd be with Worldtraveler's gigantic sword of impending doom.", he says, taking out his CLW wand to heal Asteron's injuries.
Use Magic Device to activate the wand (DC 20) (+7): 25, healign Asteron for an astonishing 2 HP.
---------------------- Spells in effect: Mage Armor on self (4 hours) Enlarge Person on Asteron (4 minutes)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Friday February 1st, 2013 4:00:32 PM
Rag looks up at Faust and nods... :"We did what we were supposed to do... I had hoped differently but this was the inevitable."
He looks at Asteron who towers high above, "Well fought master Asteron Worldtraveller... It's an honour to fight along side... well fought all of you" he says looking around.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=11 ; Sunday February 3rd, 2013 8:08:32 PM
Toregan puts away the arrow he had nocked once he was sure of the demise of the River God. He move up to the creature, taking out a black dagger and marveling at the size of the creature. "Indeed. Well fought everyone. Felling a dangerous beast like this will make for a fine tale. As for preparing it...." Toregan looks over the carcass, seemingly deep in thought. "I have no idea where to start. I've never prepared anything this large before. I will do my best, but it may take awhile." Looking to Ragnarok, he speaks quietly, "It is regrettable that this creature died, but without the aid of druids I doubt it we would've been able to spare it, should we have taken it alive." With that, Toregan begins the process of sectioning the hide, meat, and any other valuable parts of the croc.
Survival to prepare the River God's carcass (+8): 11
DM Kathy Sunday February 3rd, 2013 8:10:46 PM Ragnarök feels sorrow as the battle ends: sorrow for the slain kobold, and sorrow, too for the River God.
Looking closer, however, he can see that the massive croc is still breathing. It is not--quite--dead. But, as Faust points out, there's very little to be done with the creature. It cannot be allowed to stay on the river, snacking on kobolds and travelers at will. And with such a large creature, there are few alternatives.
Asteron and Yngvar are generous with their congratulations to the kobolds. Ka nods his appreciation, but says little. It is difficult to read kobolds' expressions, but they do not seem to be rejoicing. They gather around the still form of their fallen comrade, and begin gathering materials for a makeshift litter.
Do you finish off the River God and begin skinning it, or does anyone have an alternative solution?
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 15/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE d20=10 ; d20=16 ; Monday February 4th, 2013 12:41:32 PM
Asteron decides to take matters into his own hands, and uses his massive sword to deliver a coup de grace to the massive reptilian. "I am sorry, beast, but there is no other way. It is you or us, and Imod chose us over you today." That did not make the task any more appealing. It was just... necessary.
The minotaur then unsheathes his dagger, and begins dressing the carcass. A task for more than one of the group, he thinks, as he begins looking for where to make the first cut. - - - - - Knowledge(nature) [d20+7]: 17 Survival [d20+5]: 21
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday February 4th, 2013 3:32:21 PM
Upon seeing Asteron's intentions Ragnarök gasps...
"NOOOOO!!!"
Ragnarök hopes to stop Asteron from slaying the unconscious creature. The Monk considers such an act... Evil... There could have been other ways to ensure the creature would not harm others later. Ragnarök could have made a Mark of Justice so that the Croc would loose it's power should it ever again attempt to harm travellers... but it would have stayed alive.
Disgusted by Asteron's act and cruel dissection of the creature Ragnarök turns around and begins following the trail back to the Kobold camp.
(OoC : role playing the Walker theme here guys. I perfectly understand Asteron's actions. Just do be careful with Coup the Grace acts. By some DM's these are considered Evil and may cause you to get reprimanded but that depends from DM to DM. There have been frequent discussions on this theme on the Rules board - last one when I started questioning the Walker theme.)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20-1=16 ; Monday February 4th, 2013 4:28:58 PM
Yngvar looks up as Ragnorak shouts out. "Rag, it is not an unjust death, the creature has been put out of its misery, and the creature will now be able to benefit many people instead of terrorizing them."
Watching the kobolds Yngvar addresses Ka, "<I do not know your traditions, where I come from we would honor the death of the River God by using the body beyond death. Are there any gifts of his body we may make to you?>"
Yngvar pulls his own dagger and joins Asteron, "Where do we start first? I'll follow your lead."
Survival, aid other:16, +2 to Asteron.
Griffin AC 18 CMD 17 HP 20/27 Monday February 4th, 2013 8:11:26 PM
With unease Griffin returns to the group after the battle, That was close, It did not look fun to be up close with this beast, is everyone ok ?? I am sorry for the lost of your warriors Master Ka" When the groups find that the creature is still alive and there is a debate at to what to do, she adds Why not relocate this creature ????
DM Kathy Monday February 4th, 2013 9:35:23 PM Asteron puts an end to the debate by putting an end to the River God.
Ragnarök is upset by this action, and Griffin, too, questions the wisdom of slaying the beast. But really, there was nothing else to do.
[OOC: I do not consider this an Evil act, and I would be very surprised if any DM would. A dire crocodile (which is what this was) has an Int score of 1. There's no way you could talk to this thing, or get it to agree not to eat people, or persuade it to go elsewhere; it wouldn't understand. Its size category is Gargantuan, meaning it weighs thousands of pounds, so relocating it would be problematic at best.]
Yngvar asks about the kobolds' customs for the crocodile. Ka replies in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"We should all divide the claws and teeth among us. It might be good to bring part of the hide back to the tribe as a gift. For the rest, you would honor us by making what use you can from it."}
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+7=20 ; d8+1=5 ; d20+1=4 ; Monday February 4th, 2013 9:49:51 PM
Seeing the controversy of deciding the destiny of the beast, "Not that I'm against the idea, but how to move this massive beast? Even if Worldtraveller, as big as he currently is, were able to drag it, my spell lasts for a mere 4 minutes, even if both me and master Hefnd take turns into keeping Worldtraveller this big, it would still take days to cover a small amount of ground."
"Even if that was somehow taken care of...where to relocate it to...? I know I'm fairly new to the place, but seeing how closed off and inhospitable this whole jungle is, I seriously doubt even our contractor knows of a body of water big enough for the monster that is not currently being used in some fashion.", he says, activating the wand again for a second healing on Asteron.
Some of the taur's wounds close, but enough for the Drow's taste, so he fiddles and looks at the wand, as if it were a malfunctioning technological device before adding, "Also...last point I have in favor of slaying the river god...we are in this not only for ourselves, but also for the sake of the kobolds here. I don't know about their specific tribe, but I've read about many barbarian tribes where a hunt only has meaning if the target is actually slain, otherwise it spiritually or just traditionally means a failure as it's often a test of primal strength, spiritual meaning, hunt for resources or any mix of the previous."
He turns once again to Ragnarök as he walks away, trying to alleviate how heavy the monk feels about the outcome, "I do not know anything about your personal view of the world or the path you follow, Scarecrow, but kindness and mercy are concepts only sentient beings have and, while sparring a fleeing beast or a parent which is only providing for its offspring is indeed a commendable act, neglecting to get rid of an actual danger is not an act of mercy, as any of its future victims' families will tell you."
"Don't take it personally, I am not contesting your view, only asking for you to understand that the path of peace is quite possibly the hardest and cruelest road to follow, not only it is by default harder than violence, it will also constantly put you between a rock and a hard place, where no solution sounds or feels right. I envy your resolution to go forth with this, but I don't envy one bit the hardships you constantly go and will keep going through."
Use Magic Device to use CLW Wand (+7): 20, healing Asteron for 5 HP. Something (+1): 4...I really don't know why I rolled this for; was tired and it made sense when I clicked, but not anymore.
---------------------- Spells in effect: Mage Armor on self (4 hours) Enlarge Person on Asteron (4 minutes)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Monday February 4th, 2013 10:52:21 PM Damn, thought I had more time to post. Sorry about that. I'll try to post earlier now.
Toregan assists Asteron in preparing the creature. Once that is done, he goes to the kobold camp and sits/stands next to Ragnarok. "Ragnarok, I won't pretend to try to understand how you feel about this. It's obvious that we have different thoughts on this matter." His eyes soften as he continues talking. "However, just as you, I lament the loss of this creature. At the same time, it was going to die eventually, either from age, or an even more powerful predator, as all things in the wilds do. By dying now, and by our hand, it provides us with supplies, removes the danger of us becoming its prey, and even guarantees a quicker and cleaner death than it would have received at the jaws of another beast. It would have been impossible to relocate it, seeing as it was far larger than any of us here, even Asteron with the growth spell on him! I hope you understand that while we do not regret our actions, we regret that we were forced to make them." With that, if the crestfallen monk has no response to this, Toregan will return to the group, and await the trek to the kobold's tribe. He also quietly points out, "While one of our purposes in coming out here was to make peace with the kobolds, we mustn't forget that our friend still may need our aid. Should the tribe elder not need anything of us, I suggest that we continue on quickly, before the trail goes cold."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Tuesday February 5th, 2013 7:47:36 AM
Asteron silently focuses on the task at hand. Not that he enjoys it, as killing is not something he likes, only something that he does well. Using his dagger, he removes the beast's teeth and claws, setting all undamaged ones aside, for the kobolds and his companions to each take a share. He then goes on to remove the best pieces of hide trying to be as neat as possible, cutting the topside tough, scaled hide differently than the softer underbelly. Then he removes sections of the base of the tail, also piling them up to one side, as he has heard that is the best for eating.
Finally, and this with distaste, he opens the beast's digestive tract, looking for remains of his companions' friends, or any lead that could help them in their search. - - - - - OOC: - Rolls for nature and survival already made in previous post. - Added 7 HP for the two uses of Faust's CLW wand.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Tuesday February 5th, 2013 1:38:50 PM
With the grisly task before him, Yngvar tries to keep out from under Asteron's prodigious feet while continuing to assist with the dismantling of the croc. "The kobolds want some of the teeth and claws, and some of the hide for the tribe, the rest is for us to make what we can with it. I'm thinking some boots and a nice waterproof cover for my spell book."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday February 5th, 2013 4:43:06 PM
Ragnarök listens to his friends talking into him. Even though he does not share their sentiment he does understand their reasoning... Later that day, when all are back in the camp the Walker tries to explain some of his beliefs. He does not want to impose his way yet takes pride in explaining.
"Can you defeat Evil without dealing Death?
Us Walkers are a nomadic folk... we have no such motives as wealth or prestige. According to the secret Lore of the Walkers, which has been passed down by word of mouth from one Walker to another over many centuries, the first Walkers were a group of six disciples of great Alemi himself while he was still mortal. The tradition has been passed on to this day.
We share the belief that one can grow closer to divine purity through the practice of peace, love and the mental discipline of the Path of Nonviolence. This however does not mean that we will not stand and fight! There's nothing we enjoy more than a good hand to hand combat or wrestling match... However we believe fighting is a way to prove the other that violence is not the way to righteousness... as such we only divert to non-lethal damage to living creatures.
Can a Demon be converted? Can an ignorant being be taught compassion? We believe every living creature... be it the foulest creature from the deepest darkness... the most vile murderer... the fiercest beast from this jungle... all have a reason to live and all have a chance to life.
Can one forgive the murderer of his brother... the one who killed his wife and kid... It takes pain and discipline to do so my friends... but through that endurance we seek enlightenment.
Forgive me should you feel I'm unfit for being with this group. This in essence is the reason why we usually travel alone. The Path of the Walker is a lonely road that goes on till the day we find our end... "
(OoC - Greatly enjoying this role-playing sequence friends!! Superb interaction with one another!!)
DM Kathy Tuesday February 5th, 2013 11:35:45 PM
You continue to discuss the moral implications of killing the croc, even as you cut it up.
Ka and his warriors each claim a claw and a few teeth, claiming a share for the slain warrior as well.
The River God was so massive that each of you can easily have as much of the hide as you want.
Ka advises that crocodile meat isn't very good, and advises you to leave it for the scavengers. Of course, it is up to you what you want to do.
Asteron opens up the creature's digestive tract. The smell is unbelievable. You see that the croc has been snacking on fish, and a few smallish mammals. Fortunately, you see no signs of your friends, or any kobolds.
Once you are ready, the kobolds put their fallen companion onto their litter and head back to their boat.
"Follow," says Ka. "We go to Auntie."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Wednesday February 6th, 2013 8:16:42 AM
Asteron finishes his distasteful chore relieved. "No sign of your friends, which is good news." He smirks, "but I would not mind having a lengthy bath at a hot spring... I reek!"
He stands up, after getting his share of the teeth and claws and a largish piece of hide, and walks towards the barge. He does wash his hands and arms in the river before boarding. Then, he speaks again: "Ready whenever you are."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday February 6th, 2013 10:28:10 AM "A shame the meat isn't good...it would've been a...meaningful...meal."
Faust as well collects his share of teeth, claw and hide, planning to use it to make a new coat as well as liking the idea of a spellbook cover.
As the group travel back to the boats, he waves his hands in some signs and instantly Asteron begins to shrink, back to his normal size, upon noticing that indeed it is the taur that is reeking, he mumbles some more arcane incantations followed by some more hand gestures, making his hand glow, which he proceeds to hover around Asteron, cleaning the taur of icky bits, which fall on the ground.
Once the taur is decently cleaned, he does the same with Toregan as he also should have some stinky crocodile guts on him.
Dismissing the Enlarge Person spell (supposing it hadn't expired yet) Casting Prestidigitation and using it to clean Asteron, not a full cleaning, just enough to make the taur not reek of crocodile insides.
---------------------- Spells in effect: Mage Armor on self (4 hours) Prestidigitation (1 hour)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Wednesday February 6th, 2013 3:09:26 PM
Not wearing any armor there isn't much use for Ragnarök to claim some of the croc's hide... that is... if he would even want to wear it. He does however make a request for one tooth. Not even Rag knows what he will do with it eventually... for now he just intends to keep it.
"Auntie?" Ragnarök asks the Draconic translators in the group... "Who's she?"
Auntie
DM Kathy Wednesday February 6th, 2013 11:50:49 PM
Everybody take 2400 XP for the first scene. Good job! I especially liked the role-play elements.
I'm awarding Hero Points to Asteron and Ragnarök for the crocodile fight. They stood up front and absorbed the attacks, and gave the group enough time to take it down. [You are limited to a total of 4 Hero Points at this level, so if you already have 4, you can't add this one.]
Faust returns to the boat and is able to help clean the crocodile gunk off his compaions. Ragnarök asks about Auntie, but the kobolds are getting in their own boat, and conversation is difficult.
The kobolds lead you further down the river. The jungle is awakening all around you; you hear the cries of birds and the occasional splash of something hunting in the river.
When you are about an hour from the waystation where you spent the night, the kobolds begin heading for shore. Presumably, there is some kind of landmark here; certainly you see nothing to distinguish this bit of river-bank from any other.
The kobolds disembark, and tug their boat a short way upstream. Ka pushes back an overhanging branch, and you can now see where several kobold boats are tied to the bank, hidden from view by the branch and a large rock. "Leave boat here," Ka says.
The kobolds lead the way through the jungle. Once you are a short way from the river, you find yourselves on an obvious path. The kobolds, apparently, are concerned about people coming upon them from the river, but not from the jungle. Or perhaps hiding this trail was just too much effort.
As you walk, Ka explains in Draconic Highlight to display spoiler: { "Auntie is a very old kobold, probably the oldest of the kobolds. She has a name, I suppose, but everybody calls her Auntie, because she's related to half the village. We have a chief, a strong and cunning warrior, but even the chief knows it's best to listen to Auntie. She was the one who told us to speak to those who made the camps."}
After a few minutes' walking, you reach the kobold village. It is a rough circle of about 15 huts, all sized for Small creatures. Several fires burn, and there is the smell of cooking. Kobolds, who had been going about their business, look up as you approach and there is a general stir of excitement.
Then, they see the litter with the slain kobold, and the mood becomes more somber. A few kobolds, obviously distraught, come rushing to his side.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday February 7th, 2013 1:24:47 AM
As the group approaches the village Yngvar suggests "sheath thy weapons, and be careful of what you do here, until we know these people offending a taboo or tradition may be unforgivable, and be careful of anyone offering you something, you may find yourself betrothed."
<"Ka, we know not your ways, please forgive us any inadvertent transgressions. Having someone to guide us from offending anyone would be of use to both our peoples. And please convey our most sincere condolences for the loss of your tribe members."> Yngvar translates for his companions.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday February 7th, 2013 3:20:14 PM
Ragnarök silently follows the group into the Kobold camp. As Yngvar gives the advice to sheath their weapons Rag raises an eyebrow... and tucks his hands in his pockets... But then he realises that a) that wasn't what Yngvar intended and b) the Kobolds could take that as an offence... so the Monk just quietly follows.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Thursday February 7th, 2013 5:22:19 PM
Asteron smiles ay Yngvar's directions. He doesn't think it is that complicated, especially since they just killed the river god, but he decides not to say anything. After all, the big taur is not a diplomat.
So, he contently follows the others, being careful not to stare, and not to break anything but, beyond that, he is not too concerned.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Thursday February 7th, 2013 10:34:30 PM "We'll be fine...these kobolds are aces in my book. Totally different from the kobolds you hear about in tales."
"By the way, Ka said that this auntie is the village elder, she's not the chief, just an elder, but apparently a very wise one that even the chief listens to. It was her who told the young'uns to seek us out.", says Faust, following the group and looking all over the place, taking mental notes of every glaring cultural point he can perceive, not really trying but failing nonetheless to hide his overall enthusiasm in getting in touch with a rather unknown civilization.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Friday February 8th, 2013 12:04:22 AM
Toregan shoulders his bow, not wishing to offend any of the tribe. "We should talk to her and the chief then. Preferably at the same time, so as not to offend one if them."
DM Kathy Friday February 8th, 2013 12:05:45 AM Faust translates Ka's explanation as the group enters the village.
Yngvar advises caution, concerned that the group may break some tribal taboo they don't know about, but so far things seem to be going well.
More kobolds are now coming out of their huts. They stare at all of you, particularly Asteron, who looms over them.
Ka and the other kobolds from his party give a brief account (in Draconic) of the fight against the River God. They heap praise on your group, and also praise the bravery of the fallen warrior, whose name seems to be Thyrykkh. His family takes possession of the litter, and bears him off, presumably to prepare him for a funeral.
Meanwhile, a small kobold runs up to Ka. Its voice is high-pitched, even for a child, so you tentatively peg it as female. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Auntie wants to see you,"} she tells Ka in breathless Draconic.
Ka nods, and looks at you. "Come," he says.
He leads the way to one of the huts. It is, perhaps, a bit larger than some of the others, but not ostentatiously so. Ka pulls aside a flap of skin from over the entrance, and leads the way inside. Most of you have to duck down to enter the hut, and poor Asteron practically has to crawl.
The inside of the hut is quite crowded, even before you enter it. Strange knickknacks are everywhere, including hanging from the ceiling. The place smells pungently--but not entirely unpleasantly--of herbs and woodsmoke. The lighting is dim.
Seated in a chair near the center of the hut is a very old kobold. Her markings have faded to a near-uniform gray; her face is a mass of wrinkles. Her hands are folded over a short walking-stick.
"Well," she says, in perfect, unaccented Common. "And who might you be?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Friday February 8th, 2013 1:36:42 PM
Faust can't help but take couple seconds too long to say anything at all due to being surprised by how fluent the elder is, once the initial shock passes he is able to formulate a proper answer, "My name is Faust Havler of the Tavir'e drow house, your kin most probably knows us...as in, our particular group, as the ones who made the camp sites."
"Also...I don't mean to be nosy, but I take from how fluent you are in our language as well as the fact you advised the younger ones to seek us out that you had a previous, apparently fruitful, contact with our kind?"
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Saturday February 9th, 2013 4:55:54 PM
Yngvar respectfully nods to Auntie, "I am called Yngvar Hefnd, greetings." Yngvar goes on to introduce the rest of the party.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Sunday February 10th, 2013 11:03:04 AM "Ragnarök Scarecrow", the Monk says as he lowers his head in a small bow, "At your service."
Once the sign is given for the group to sit down around 'Auntie' Ragnarök does so in the Lotus posture, his hands folded on his lap palms outward. He remains silent... not being the most talkative or the best diplomat he figures he's best to let others do the talking.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Sunday February 10th, 2013 1:31:06 PM
Asteron has a bit of trouble to get into the hut. Yet, he smiles as he has to get down on all fours, knowing that the alternative would be to remove the roof of the hut, and that might offend those inside. Once inside, sits on his haunches, and keeps his head lowered, so as not to break anything with his gold-colored horns.
When Auntie speaks, he simply replies: "I am Asteron, called Worldtraveller. And I seek the meaning of life."
DM Kathy Sunday February 10th, 2013 9:14:20 PM
Auntie looks at each of you as you speak. "And greetings to you, Yngvar Hefnd," she returns.
"You have an interesting name, Ragnarök Scarecrow," she says. "Maybe someday you'll humor an old lady and tell me about it, eh?"
At Asteron's introduction, she gives a dry, cackling laugh. "The meaning of life!" she says. "My boy, there's no such thing. Do your best and try not to get eaten; that's about it."
"Not precisely with your kind, Faust Havler, she replies. "But that is another tale for another time."
She does not ask you to sit, but there are mats everywhere, presumably for such a purpose. Asteron, of course, has not choice but to sit--and if anybody else sits, Auntie does not object.
"Ka, my boy," she says, "run and tell young Sskurhe that I want to see him. There's a good lad." Ka murmurs, "Yes, Auntie," and leaves the tent.
"So," she looks at each of you again. "So, you are, as I understand, the representatives of those who made the waystations. I can only guess as to their purpose, but I imagine it has something to do with trade--is that right?" She allows you to answer, and continues. "Trade--the right kind of trade--could be a benefit to us. The wrong kind of trade could destroy us. So. What kind of trade do you support, youngsters?"
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Monday February 11th, 2013 12:46:47 PM
Asteron does not take as a slight that Auntie laughs at his quest. He's actually used to it, as only another minotaur would know the weight of the prophesy he carries over his shoulders. "I do try my best not to be eaten, turned to stone, or killed in any other way, Auntie. But there must, just MUST, be a meaning to these" He points to his gold-colored horns.
He pauses, as he is changing the subject. "As for trade, I defer the topic to those more learned than I, but I would say that if it does not benefit both parties, then it is no trade at all, but a tax. And taxes are rightfully resented, no?"
The old kobold is as crafty with words as can be, but she seems to have the best interests of her tribe at heart. That means there might be a way to reach a compromise in which both the trade post and the kobolds get some benefit.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday February 11th, 2013 2:23:25 PM
Settling himself down onto one of the mats Yngvar smiles warmly, "I would hope it would be the right kind. We both live in this jungle, and I hope that a friendly relationship can be developed that will benefit your people and our organization.
We may be able to assist you with access to other markets, and if there are supplies that you would like, we may be able to help with getting them for you. We have already witnessed that together we can work towards protecting each other and fostering a mutual aid agreement would be good for you and us as well.
We have a sampling of gifts and trade goods that we brought with us. What would you like to see in a beneficial trade arrangement?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday February 11th, 2013 3:51:39 PM
Quietly Ragnarök listens to the conversations at hand... As Auntie mocks Asteron's life's goal the Monk wonders what the meaning of life actually could be... not speaking up he thinks : "The Meaning of life is... to give life meaning... ?!"
When Auntie than asks what trade they are here for... the right... or the wrong... Ragnarök empties his head and refrains from jumping up saying : "[/b]I know I know!! the RIGHT one!!!"[/b]
Better to shut up and let the diplomats take charge...
While all these thoughts race through the Monk's head there's nothing the others see of all this. Not even a hint of a smile around his mouth. Somehow it appears the Monk is in deep thoughts... what thoughts luckily are hidden for all...
DM Kathy Monday February 11th, 2013 10:46:36 PM
"Hmm. Both parties," Auntie says to Asteron. "There are never only two parties in a trade, boy. Don't forget that."
She snorts softly at Ragnarök's reply. "Well, your heart's in the right place, anyway."
She regards Yngvar thoughtfully. "Mutual aid. Yes, that interests us. But I think...save your samples for another time. The others had samples, too. Ah, there you are."
From all outward appearances, the kobold who just entered the hut has earned a more respectful greeting than "there you are." He is quite tall, for a kobold, and wears elaborately embroidered robes and an impressive bone necklace. There is a prominent scar on his face, and he grips his spear with the air of somebody who knows how to use it. Cautiously, he inclines his head.
"This is Sskurhe," she tells you, "the current chief. A good boy, though he doesn't speak your language." She continues in Draconic Highlight to display spoiler: {"Sskurhe, these people represent the ones who built the camps. They are for trade, like we thought. Stand up straight."}
Sskurhe gives a little huff of annoyance, and draws himself up. Highlight to display spoiler: {"Auntie, before there can be trade, the others must be dealt with. And that is a matter of war, for the chief."}
Auntie fixes him with a stern look Highlight to display spoiler: { "We'll see about that!"} she replies.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Monday February 11th, 2013 11:29:45 PM
Faust follows suit and accepts one of the seating places, he silently listen to what unfolds and pays special attention to the chief kobold as he enters the scene.
Faust decides wonders if the conversation in draconic was meant to be heard by them, and decides to let it clear that some of them do speak draconic: [in draconic] <"We didn't have a reason to mention this before, but not speaking our language doesn't make communication impossible, though not all of us speak the dragons' language.">
<"And I'm sorry for once again being a nosy one, but it wasn't clear whether you expected us to understand these last bits or not but...when you speak of these 'others'...do you mean the ones who destroy our campsites?">
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Tuesday February 12th, 2013 11:24:17 AM I apologize for all of my absences, the snowstorm has been keeping me busy since Saturday, and school was being brutal for the week before. I'll try to do better with my posting from this point on, but I'm hesitant to make any promises.
Toregan remains where he is, letting those who are comfortable talking do so. Turns as the chief is introduced, and notices the exchange between Auntie and the chief with some interest.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Tuesday February 12th, 2013 1:00:44 PM
Yngvar shrugs at the refusal of their gifts and trade offers. He ignores the exchange in draconic, as he expected that Ka would have already mentioned that to 'Auntie'.
Yngvar is content to let Ragnarok lead the conversation at this point.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday February 12th, 2013 3:47:21 PM
[ooc maybe a little mixup but from DM Kathy's post, Rag said nothing out loud so Auntie - unless of she can read minds - did not heard a thing he thought. And Yngvar probably mistakes Faust for Rag... Rag's not talking lizard :-) and if he could... he's definetely not the diplomat around here!)
Ragnarök eyeballs one to the other frowning at the hissing and dreadful noises from the draconic language. Confident Faust will get things to turn out well, the walker just patiently sits and waits.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Tuesday February 12th, 2013 6:10:01 PM "An interesting observation, Auntie, one which I will give a lot of thought to" responded the taur, shifting his weight. Then, as Sskurhe enters the hut, the minotaur bows deeply, as a sign of respect, before straightening his back to listen to what will be said.
DM Kathy Tuesday February 12th, 2013 11:55:23 PM
Both Auntie and Sskurhe turn to look at Faust when he speaks.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"There! What did I tell you?"} Auntie crows in Draconic. Highlight to display spoiler: {"They know about the ones destroying the camps."}
"Yes," she continues in Common. "We have spoken with the others, the ones who destroy the camps. They had many fine things to offer us, but we did not trust them."
She gives you a sharp look. "We did not trust you, either, eh? Perhaps you were kobold hunters! So we sent Ka and his band to ask you to help with the River God. And help you did. And now...." She sighs.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Now there will be a funeral,"} she says. Sskurhe inclines his head. Highlight to display spoiler: { "Tonight," } he says.
"So," she says in Common. There will be a funeral tonight for Thyrykkh. You will meet the rest of the tribe. We will talk. And afterward, if you wish, we will tell you where to find the camp of the others."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday February 13th, 2013 3:17:27 PM <"We fully understand the feeling. Our group was also anxious to meet your tribe. Among us there are many tales of man-eating kobolds, so the notice that there was a friendly tribe was both good news and an enormous surprise for us, we even spend quite some time discussing whether or not it was wise to trust the rumors.">, Faust keeps going in draconic so the chief can understand him as well.
<"We offer our sincere condolences for your fallen warrior. He fought bravely and we made sure his sacrifice wasn't in vain, though that doesn't reverse or necessarily alleviate the fact.">, he adds.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Wednesday February 13th, 2013 4:26:23 PM
Attending a funeral? Rag thinks... then he somehow dares to speak up al be it in common...
"Should you allow me to pay honour to your fallen one I will gladly attend to his funeral. I was standing next to him as he fell in combat... if however you prefer to say goodbye to him without us being present that too I will honour and understand."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Wednesday February 13th, 2013 5:16:29 PM "I'd be honored to attend the funeral and pay my respects. A warrior who died defending his tribe should be honored." Asteron is brief, but his words are heartfelt. Not that he knew the kobold but, to him, he was a fellow warrior, someone who ought to be respected.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday February 13th, 2013 5:35:38 PM
Yngvar nods in agreement. He's been in thought, it seemed like years ago, but was it only a couple of months since he had spent a night in a kobold's lunchbox with a half eaten elf for company? The markings of these kobolds were different...
"I hope that our actions will set us apart from those others you met. Just as your tribe has treated us differently than other tribes would."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday February 13th, 2013 9:12:46 PM "He fought w-well." Toregan says as the information for the funeral is presented. "If i c-can.... I w-would be honored t-to attend and..... to pay my respects."
DM Kathy Wednesday February 13th, 2013 11:36:51 PM
It is difficult to read kobolds' expressions, but Auntie looks moved by your requests. "Of course you will attend," she says softly. "We would have it no other way." More briskly, she adds, "Kobolds from other tribes will be arriving today for the funeral, so after it is done, we will have a meeting of sorts. And Auntie will convince those young rascals of the best course of action. Later."
She waves a hand, "Now, get out and let an old woman rest. Ka will see to you." She waves a hand at Sskurhe. Highlight to display spoiler: {"You, too. Out!"} she says in Draconic.
When you exit the tent, you see the kobolds moving about their village, much as you saw this morning. They still seem inclined to stare at you. Ka gives you a brief tour, then settles down with you near one of the fires. Two kobold women work there, cooking some kind of stew. They stare at you for a while, then go back to their task.
[OOC: You basically have a whole day before the funeral, so you can do what you want. If you need to go back to the boat, you can; if you want to go off into the jungle, you can do that, too, although it may be dangerous.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+11=18 Thursday February 14th, 2013 10:15:38 AM
Yngvar will take a look at the various huts to see how they are built. And if there are any signs of maintenance or repair needed, he will see what he can do to assist.
[ooc]Assuming that the huts are mostly wood/grass, Yngvar should be able to use craft: carpentry rolled 18.[/ooc]
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE d20=15 ; Thursday February 14th, 2013 2:01:13 PM
Asteron decides to take a walk, trying to make himself useful. Being an apprentice weaponsmith, he looks for any kobolds that could be making weapons and, using hand signals, offers his help. At least a bellows or a load of coal he can be useful for. If he does not find any weapon makers, he volunteers to carry the heaviest loads that anyone around needs moved. - - - - - Craft(weaponsmith) aid another: d20+5= 20. Success!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday February 14th, 2013 4:05:13 PM
Ragnarök spends the day observing the Kobold behaviour. He finds it interesting to see how they mourn their dead, how they say thanks to life and how they prey. He himself finds comfort in meditating near the wilderness edge.
Somehow he gets drawn to the shadows cast by the trees... how he would love to dance from one shadow to the other one day...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Thursday February 14th, 2013 9:59:50 PM
Faust uses his time to study the tribe, their apparent customs, technological level, looks for sign of magical advancement...etc, anything that seems worthy of note (especially things that go against books or folk lore of kobolds) he does so and takes notes of such at the end of his spellbook.
He attempts to talk to any kobold curious enough to approach about anything that doesn't seem taboo, such as what they usually eat, if they are mostly hunters or gatherers, tribal customs and the such.
If the situation seems appropriate, he'll also perform some simple magical tricks (through Prestidigitation) to both show something amusing to kobolds that approach (potentially breaking the ice) and to aid in his research whether they know of magic be it arcane or divine.
DM Kathy Friday February 15th, 2013 12:28:03 AM Yngvar examines the kobolds' huts. They are made from tightly-woven grass, framed in lightweight wood. All have some kind of skin or blanket hung at the entrance, and most have some kind of waterproof skin draped over the top, presumably to help keep the rain off. You do not see any huts with fireplaces or fire rings; apparently, the fires are all communal, and outdoors. The huts are in fairly good repair, although you are able to assist with re-waterproofing some of the hides.
Asteron expresses a willingness to do heavy lifting, and he is soon put to work bringing materials to build a bier for Thyrykkh, the fallen kobold. The body is, presumably, still with the kobold's family, but the bier is being constructed in a clearing a few hundred feet from the town. Asteron is able to carry at least four times the wood an average kobold can carry, so his help is appreciated.
Faust studies the tribe, and shows them a little magic. You ask them about what kind of magic they have, and learn that the shaman can do magic. The villagers are a little fuzzy on exactly what kind of magic and how it works, but they seem very impressed with their shaman and the power he wields. You learn that the kobolds are largely meat-eaters, although they supplement their diets with some plants and fruits. Their main sources of meat are fish, birds, and small mammals such as rabbits.
Ragnarök is interested in learning how the kobolds mourn their dead. You find the preparations throughout the day to be depressingly mundane. A party of kobolds goes to the river to fish; other kobolds bring in fruit and begin cutting it up. There does seem to be a lot of food being prepared, and when other kobolds, from other villages, begin arriving, you begin to see why. Still, the event could be any kind of gathering, from the way the kobolds are going about it. That is, until evening.
Evening comes, and the kobolds grow somber. They gather near one of the huts, and one kobold, wearing an elaborate headdress, begins a mournful, singing chant. "That is shaman," Ka whispers to you. The other kobolds pick up the chant.
From out of the hut, a group of kobolds emerges, bearing a litter. Thyrykkh is laid out on it, in what is presumably his finest clothes. Ragnarök realizes that he hasn't seen any of these kobolds today; it seems the family has been in seclusion. Perhaps that is part of the mourning process.
Still chanting, the kobolds make their way to the bier, the litter-bearers in the center of the procession. When they reach the bier, the kobolds fan out into a circle while the litter-bearers place Thyrykkh upon it. Several kobolds come forward, placing a small token or memento on the litter next to Thyrykkh's body. Several kobolds bring flowers. Ka brings teeth and a claw from the River God. Several kobolds speak in remembrance, praising Thyrykkh as a good son, a loyal friend, and a brave warrior.
It is difficult to read kobold expressions, but everyone seems sad. You do not see any tears. You're not sure whether kobolds are physiologically incapable of shedding them, or whether crying is simply not something they do in public.
Then the shaman speaks, calling on the blessings of the gods. Several kobolds come forward to light the bier--you're pretty sure they're the same ones that carried it. The flames begin burning brightly, the smoke spiraling upward--presumably carrying Thyrykkh's soul with it.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday February 15th, 2013 12:43:01 PM
Seeing the memento's, Yngvar reaches around and pulls two crossbow bolts from his quiver. Stepping forward, if allowed, Yngvar approaches the bier and carefully places the two bolts near the warriors body. "<He fought bravely for his people, and he shall be remembered for this.>" Yngvar then bows his head in respect and returns to his seat.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Friday February 15th, 2013 2:38:44 PM
Being of the same mind as Yngvar, Asteron produces two polished hematites, worth 10 gp each. Although the taur does not speak draconic, he does add in common: "An honor to have fought by your side, brave one. Definitely an honor." He then places the semiprecious stones on the bier, and steps back, falling silent.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Friday February 15th, 2013 4:16:20 PM
Watching Asteron and Yngvar pay tribute to the fallen one Ragnarok follows suit.
"It was but a fragment of your life that we had the chance to share but I am proud to have known you and thankful for the chance to fight along side. Why weep when it is just your body that leaves the Wold. Your spirit is set free to fly towards peace... Your bravery shall be remembered in tales to come."
Turning to his family (or at least the ones that were in the tent mourning for him) Ragnarok adds : " Thank you for giving us a chance to get to know him... "
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Sunday February 17th, 2013 6:10:29 PM
[OOC: Totally making an ass-pull here, couldn't find anything about how drow mourn, so I thought of something similar to greeks. If it's something, else, that something else is what Faust will do.]
Faust also walks up to the bier, placing two gold coins on the fallen kobold as per Drow's tradition, <"I barely knew you, but from the little I could see, you were a brave warrior, dedicated to your tribe and cause. Have these coins for the toll, while we remain here and make sure your sacrifice is not forgotten and does not pass in vain.>", after that, he bows and goes back to his place.
DM Kathy Sunday February 17th, 2013 11:00:16 PM
Each of you has a small gift for the fallen kobold, and each of you speaks--some aloud, and some so that only Thyrykkh can hear you.
After the pyre has been burning for a while, some of the kobolds begin walking back to the village. Among the first to go are the older kobolds, Auntie among them, presumably seeking a more comfortable place for stiff joints and aching bones. Bit by bit, the other kobolds begin trickling back to the village. Members of Thyrykkh's family stay, as to a few kobolds armed with long sticks, blankets, and buckets of sand. You realize that these kobolds are probably here to ensure that the pyre doesn't set the whole jungle ablaze, although it seems unlikely at the moment. There doesn't seem to be any rule about when to leave; each person seems to leave when they feel the time is right.
Eventually, the entire tribe is gathered around two of the larger cookfires, and the feast begins. The fare is simple, but good, and there is plenty of it. The kobolds eat sitting on the ground, on mats or blankets, using bowls and plates and cups made of wood or bone. The mood begins somber, but lightens as the meal goes on. People share amusing or touching stories about Thyrykkh, and there is laughter. And probably smiles, but reading kobold faces is difficult.
After the meal, Ka appears by your side. "Now chiefs and shaman and Auntie do--meet," he says in his halting Common. "They want you, too. Come."
He leads the way to another fire, on the other side of the village from where the feast, or wake, continues on. Auntie is here, seated on an upended log, wrapped in many shawls. Sskurhe is seated nearby, looking--well, maybe apprehensive. Hard to say. The impressive-looking shaman sits opposite Auntie, looking across the fire at her. A few other kobolds, looking similar to Sskurhe, are also seated here.
Ka bows and says in Draconic, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Here are the outland warriors, as you requested."} He gives you an encouraging nod and departs.
Auntie speaks next. She repeats everything in Common and Draconic, switching smoothly from one to the other, so that both you and the chiefs will understand. "You have proven you courage by slaying the River God. You have proven your wisdom by approaching our tribe in peace and friendship. And you have proven your loyalty by honoring your fallen comrade." She reaches down, into a small leather bag sitting on the ground next to her. "The elder women and I have made these for you. They show you as a friend to the K'tthhykk, and they have some magic about them as well." She gives each of you a tribal necklace, consisting of bones, beads, teeth, and charms strung on a leather cord. You're pretty sure the teeth came from the River God.
[OOC: Each of you has been given a Kobold necklace. They are Fate items, meaning they cannot be sold in the Catacombs. Each necklace functions as a Lesser Strand of Prayer beads, except that each bead can be used only once. Even after the beads have been used up, the necklace will still identify you as a friend to the K'tthhykk, and will still be a Fate item.]
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Monday February 18th, 2013 1:08:05 PM
Asteron bows to Auntie as he receives the gift. "Your gift is received in the spirit in which it is given" he says ceremoniously, as he puts it on. "I am very honored to be considered a friend to the K'tthhykk"
Asteron knows there is more to it than this, but he decides to let others do the bargaining.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday February 18th, 2013 1:20:05 PM
Ragnarök accepts the necklace with a little bow to Auntie and the others : "I shall wear this with pride." , and with that said, he puts the necklace around his neck in a way that the 'River God' teeth hang over his tanned chest. If only the thing would have had whiter teeth the would certainly look magnificent... now it 'only' looks cool!
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday February 18th, 2013 4:45:44 PM ",the gift of the K'tthhykk will be a reminder to me of your people, and what we have accomplished together, as well as the dreams yet to be brought real.>" Yngvar takes a moment to study each of the charms before placing it over his own head, allowing the charms to hang on his chest.
DM Kathy Monday February 18th, 2013 11:07:28 PM
After your necklaces are given out, the discussions begin in earnest. This part of the meeting is all in Draconic, but I'm going to assume that between Auntie and your companions, everybody at least gets the gist of what is being said.
One of the chiefs, who has been shuffling restlessly through Auntie's short ceremony, says, "This is all very well, and these heroes are brave. But allying ourselves with these outlanders can bring only trouble!"
"Indeed," says the shaman, looking at you with unblinking eyes. "The so-called noble races love nothing more than to hunt kobolds. What will this trading bring, other than more weapons to slaughter us?"
Auntie snorts derisively. "Don't you take that tone with me, Ssthokh! Shaman, indeed! Why, I remember a young kobold who ate so many green gooseberries that he threw up on his naming day, in front of the whole tribe!"
The shaman squirms a little.
"And Ssar!" Auntie continues, turning to the chief who had first spoken. "You've no more sense now than you did back when you took your father's boat without permission. Swept downstream, wasn't it? And you had to be rescued, soaking wet and crying for your mama."
Ssar is apparently made of sterner stuff than the shaman, because he only clears his throat. "Be that as it may--"
"It's no use, Ssar," Sskurhe sounds...amused? "Auntie is determined that we shall participate in the trade. And who can sway Auntie once she has made up her mind?"
"You always were a good boy, Sskurhe," Auntie says approvingly. "Now, listen, all of you. These humans will trade with each other whether we will it or no. That outpost isn't going anywhere, and neither is the town. We can gain the upper hand over the Ss'Hathk by cooperating with the humans, because when have the Ss'Hathk cooperated with anyone? And we can sell things to the traders, to get weapons of our own.
"But we can't do any of these things," she continues, "if the destroyers succeed in destroying the trader-camps. These nice young folks want to stop the destroyers, and I say we should help them."
"Outlanders can be a dangerous influence," says another chief, one who has not spoken yet.
"I suppose you'd know all about that, Kthyss," says Auntie. "I remember the time you and your brother--"
"--but," Kthyss adds hastily, "they are probably not as dangerous as the Ss'Hathk. Or, for that matter, the destroyers. So I do not oppose an alliance, but I advise caution."
"Yes, caution," says the shaman.
Auntie nods. "Very well," she says. "Since our village is the closest to the trader-camp, I suppose it is only fair that we bear the responsibility of contact with the outlanders. Those from other villages can remain hidden, and unknown, if they choose."
The chiefs seem ready to agree to this, although there is more discussion.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Tuesday February 19th, 2013 12:35:27 PM
Asteron knows this is not the time for him to speak. He's done his part, the one he is good at, and now others must do theirs... diplomacy. He sits on his haunches, upright, moving as little as possible. Yet, whenever a kobold loots in his direction, he smiles and nods lightly in response.
So, Auntie is in our favor. Good. And Sskurhe seems not to be against us, also good. The shaman and this... Kthyss... are another story entirely. So we must cultivate Auntie's good graces, and keep them if we are to have any success in our mission.
A mission that will include more killing, no doubt.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday February 19th, 2013 5:04:54 PM
Rag just sits and listens to the Kobolds bickering. Amused as he is though it doesn't show on his face he is.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Tuesday February 19th, 2013 5:23:45 PM
Toregan waits as the discussion continues, not having anything to add to the discussions. He glances at Yngvar and Faust, wondering if they'll point out something he might've missed in the discussion.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+1=11 ; Tuesday February 19th, 2013 6:49:58 PM
Faust repeats the message both in draconic and common so everyone understands, though he starts with draconic for obvious reasons.
"It is very true that there are many from our side who hunt and kill your kin; however, let us not forget now that there are many of your kin who hunts and kill our people. I care not for who started it or what reason either side has for doing such, this opportunity we have here is so rare that if it were up to me I'd dry rivers and level mountains if needed just so we can establish a relationship profitable to both sides."
"And indeed, I'm sure our side will be glad to provide you with weapons, knowledge and perhaps even manpower in trade for tribal items - you'd be surprised by how many people collect these -, guidance in this jungle or the simple knowledge that the path is secured and safe due to friendly kobolds keeping dangerous monsters and...things...away.", he adds, trying to ensure that he doesn't come off too cocky or aggressive.
Diplomacy (+1): 11
DM Kathy Wednesday February 20th, 2013 2:13:40 AM
Most of you remain silent as the kobolds argue, but Faust puts in a good word for your side. It doesn't seem to go over very well; the kobolds all turn and look at you, but don't reply to what you have said.
After a moment, Auntie says, "I think we are in agreement. Ka will show these warriors where the destroying ones can be found. And after that--after that, we will speak again, I think."
She switches exclusively to Common to conclude, "It is getting late. You are welcome to camp in the village for the night, and in the morning Ka will show you how to reach the camp of those who destroy. Agreed?"
Assuming you agree to her terms, there are any number of places you can spend the night. The kobold huts are pretty small for you, and anyway they are all occupied. But there are several fires out in the open, and it is no hardship to spread your bedrolls near them and fall asleep under the stars.
The night is peaceful and uneventful, and you awaken in the morning to the sounds of the kobolds moving about their camp, and the smell of breakfast cooking.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday February 20th, 2013 10:28:39 AM
Yngvar checks that the mule has feed and wataer and settles his bedroll down near one of the smaller fires, allowing the fire to burn down to coals. "Best if one of us is on watch anyway, I'll take the first."
That said, Yngvar pulls out his journal and starts recording the events of the last few days.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 21 -- HP 22/43 -- Rage 15/17 -- ENLARGED TO HUGE Wednesday February 20th, 2013 11:12:11 AM
Asteron takes the second watch. He does not expect anything untoward, but better safe than sorry, he thinks.
When he wakes up, he starts looking for his companions... and for breakfast.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday February 20th, 2013 1:18:32 PM "Last watch before dawn as usual, gotta make my blood feel useful."
"But I was pleasantly impressed by how everything went...even though my words seemed to rub them the wrong way. Just wish I had read more about kobolds, came here expecting only murdering ones, never crossed my mind to meet a friendly variety.", he says, reading over his notes about the tribe one last time and thinking about the following day.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday February 20th, 2013 3:38:16 PM "I'll take the third watch. No reason to break a useful habit after all."[b] Toregan chuckles at Faust's comment as he sets up a place near the fire. [b]"You're telling me. When we first came over here, Yngvar and I were attacked by man-eating kobolds, then saved by a different one. I was hoping that the one who saved us was a part of this tribe, but it doesn't look like he was."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=16 ; Wednesday February 20th, 2013 3:52:50 PM
During the talks Ragnarök intently listens to Faust speaking for the group... "Way to go lad!" the Monk thinks to himself, "You got them there! Hah! 1-0 advantage Faust!! "
As the meeting is disbanded and everyone is looking for a place to sleep Ragnarök seeks a nice spot under the clear night sky. Listening to the soothing rustle of the trees, the occasional night crawler, the howling of distant hunters... he quickly falls into a deep sleep. Rag will team up with one of the magic wielders. (Perception 16)
Marching Orders
DM Kathy Wednesday February 20th, 2013 11:25:37 PM
[Everybody take 250 XP for this last scene.]
Through longstanding habit, you keep watch throughout the night, but encounter nothing more alarming than a kobold who's had too much to drink. [Overnight, everybody regains their level in hit points.]
[Also, the kobold who saved Toregan is almost certainly from this tribe, but since this is the first I'm hearing about that incident, I didn't include him. :) This tribe is broken out among several villages, and only some of the kobolds from the other villages came to the funeral. So let's say that Toregan's kobold is from another village, and decided not to attend.]
In the morning, the tribe gathers for breakfast, and you are included. Breakfast seems to be mostly nuts and fruits, with some kind of hot porridge, served out into bowls entirely too small for you. But there's more where that came from.
After breakfast, Ka comes to find you. "Ready?" he asks. "I show you now where others camp." Once you have gathered your things together and are ready to leave, Ka leads you out of the village and deeper into the jungle. There is no path that you can see, but Ka seems to know where he is going.
You judge you've been walking for almost an hour when Ka stops. "I go no further," he says. "Camp is there--" he points straight ahead. "You keep going, you get there. I wait here for you."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday February 21st, 2013 12:30:18 PM
"Shall we try diplomacy first?" Ragnarök asks worried that his friends will rather kill first and talk later...
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 26/43 -- Rage 17/17 Thursday February 21st, 2013 1:40:51 PM "Diplomacy? They raided the trade outpost without parlay first, so why should we extend a courtesy we were not offered?" Asteron is totally unconvinced, annoyed even. "We show ourselves for a chat, and the only diplomacy they will send our way will be arrows and bolts, and most probably poisoned. The type diplomacy I suggest is the diplomacy of steel and spell, if you know what I mean."
The taur swings his sword for effect. "The one thing I wish is that I was less hurt. I am not definitely in the best of forms right now. Yet, I'll do what I can."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Thursday February 21st, 2013 3:21:23 PM
Faust accepts the meal, hopefully no bugs this time around!
Before leaving he takes a quick moment to discuss with the group the overall plans, "There's no way to tell exactly what will happen, but it's likely that there will be a battle, so everyone prepare for such. I'll have a bunch of offensive spells ready, but will also prepare a single casting of pyrotechnics to attempt to blind anyone who approaches as well as web to trap them if needed. I won't be preparing enlarge person, I fear it will just make Asteron a big target and easy to snare in case they have power over the trees."
He pauses but then adds: "Ah, yes...speaking of which...when I yell kri'sha haren, everyone shut your eyes immediately for a moment. The blinding spell hits in a very large area and I have absolutely zero power over who is affected, the only way to avoid being blinded is to not look at the light."
Supposedly "kri'sha haren" means "cover ears" in drow...using an internet translator.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+7=26 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=15 ; d8+1=4 ; Thursday February 21st, 2013 3:25:50 PM
[OOC: Ammendment to my post, forgot to include rolls for healing Asteron] Use Magic Device (+7): 26, 8 (nat 1), ignore the 15, can't try again for 24 hours. Total: 1 success Healing for: 4 HP...come on roller...you're killing Asteron...!
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Thursday February 21st, 2013 7:44:42 PM (Just a little bit of backstory when we were almost TPK'd early in the campaign. The party was knocked out and captured by a tribe of man-eating kobolds, and were stuck in a bamboo-like cage. We were in the process of breaking our bonds and trying to escape the cage, when a black-scaled kobold cut the bars for us, and later gave us healing potions after we had put a good distance between us and the man-eaters.)[/i]
Toregan shakes his head. [b]"I'd normally agree with you, but we need to consider everything that's been going on. They may have caught Elie and the others by now. If they haven't killed them, then they've been taken prisoner. We need to find out if they're there and alive. If they are, they could be used as hostages." Toregan looks around at the group. "We should split up. Me and Rag can keep ourselves hidden in the forest while the rest of you can try the diplomatic approach. When things break down, we'll attack from the trees and confuse them. I should point out that we need at least on of them alive. If they have an obvious leader, he should be it. We need information on them."
DM Kathy Friday February 22nd, 2013 12:56:02 AM
You discuss the relative merits of the diplomatic approach, and going in guns blazing. Er, so to speak. There are considerations, of course. These people, whoever they are, are demonstrably dangerous. On the other hand, they might have hostages.
Nothing is really resolved at this point, although you discuss spells and strategies.
[Note: You are still quite a ways from the camp. You've got some walking to do before you get there.]
When you're ready to set out, I'm going to need a marching order. Some Perception checks wouldn't go amiss. :)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 34/34 - AC25/24/19 / 24 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+11=13 ; d20+10=21 ; Friday February 22nd, 2013 2:47:26 AM "I get your point master Asteron, yet Toregan is better describing what I also was thinking about. We don't exactly know what we're up against or if they hold prisoners... Do they have guards? Archers? Worse perhaps!? Possibly I'm best suited for the position of Scout... Not that I fancy sneaking into that camp alone but it should provide us with intell... And if they see me well... I run fast! "
There still some ground to cover before they get to the compound. Rag offers to scout ahead (some 30ft or so ahead of the group),
Perception 13 / stealth 21
Well at least they are not near the camp yet so there probably isn't much to see yet...
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=20 ; d20+5=6 ; Friday February 22nd, 2013 3:08:47 AM
Yngvar doesn't like leading, since he's a bit squishy. He does seem to manage to step on nearly every stick in the path.
perc=20, stealth=6
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 26/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=7 ; d20=7 ; Friday February 22nd, 2013 7:34:45 AM
Asteron sighs... he does not think that the diplomatic efforts will prove fruitful. But then, when Ragnarök offers to scout, his mood lightens. "I do believe scouting has merit Master Ragnarok. That I must say I totally agree with. As for diplomacy, I'll agree. Not out of much hope, but out of deference to you."
Hopefully, Rag's scouting will tell them if there are any ambushes, the taur thinks. - - - - - Marching order: third in line, and to the flank, after the scout and someone else better at not making Knowledge(nature) [d20+7]: 14 Perception [d20+6]: 13
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+3=13 ; d20+6=26 ; Sunday February 24th, 2013 8:36:39 PM "Indeed...situations like this change completely depending on the amount of information available to us, I agree with mr. Scarecrow's plan.", he tries to be quiet, and does a decent job at that...until he manages to get his clothing stuck on a branch, causing quite a ruckus to get himself unstuck.
DM Kathy 3d8=21 ; 3d6=6 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 12:08:13 AM
You begin walking through the jungle, and you fall into a marching order. Ragnarök takes the lead, walking about 30 feet ahead of the rest of the party. Yngvar and Asteron follow, with Faust and Toregan bringing up the rear.
The bad news is that Ragnarök's Perception isn't good enough to spot the pit trap before he steps on it. The good news is that, since he is so far ahead of the party, nobody else is caught when the ground under Rag's feet suddenly gives way.
Ragnarök, make a DC 25 Reflex save, or fall into the pit and take 6 points of damage.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+8=20 ; d20+10=15 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 2:04:27 AM
Rag quietly takes position ahead of his friends glad he's more quiet than some... Yet when the ground under his feet give way the usually so nimble monk falls into the trap! (Ref save 22 (was a +10 instead of +8) - unsure if my slow fall 20ft avoids any of the damage? )
"AARGH!!"
So much for the stealth...
Rag quickly checks tthe pit to find a way to get out (perception 15). He's got a rope but possibly the ones who build the trap allready know someone's in the trap... If there's no obvious way to get out quick Rag draws another option.
"why don't I play bait and you stay hidden?!"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+6=21 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 2:11:36 AM
Addendum post
After checking the pit walls Rag attempts to climb out hopefully before anyone gets close. (Climb 21)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=12 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 10:36:32 AM
Yngvar's first thought is to rush forward, but prudence takes primacy and he checks the surrounding foliage for any observers.
"Rag', you okay?" Yngvar looks around and just sees trees and bushes.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=18 ; d20+3=9 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 1:46:07 PM
Faust widens his eyes in surprise, as logical as it is, it hadn't crossed the drow's mind that the place might be booby-trapped.
He starts to look left and right in hopes of seeing anything, but the foliage gets in the way of much detail observation.
Perception (+6): 18 (darkvision) Stealth (+3): 9, unsure if it was needed this time around
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 26/43 -- Rage 17/17 Monday February 25th, 2013 7:15:49 PM
Asteron freezes in place. Then, very, very cautiously, he follows Ragnarök's path, thinking that if the monk did not activate any traps before the one he fell in, Asteron probably would not either.
He does try to make as little noise as possible, so as not to alert those ahead of them about his presence.
DM Kathy d6=6 ; Monday February 25th, 2013 11:26:51 PM
Your efforts at stealth had been somewhat sketchy, but Ragnarök's startled shout pretty much puts an end to any hope of sneaking up on the camp--unless, that is, the camp is still pretty far away.
The rest of the group moves up cautiously, not wanting to make additional noise or set off any more traps. By the time you get to the pit, Ragnarök has successfully climbed out.
Looking around, you see no signs of anyone coming, and no signs of any other traps. Of course, you hadn't seen this trap, either, until somebody stepped on it. Is this all, or are there more traps? And if there are more, do you have a plan for dealing with them?
[I had forgotten about Ragnarök's slow-fall ability, so he should only have taken 1d6 damage instead of 3d6. Since I didn't know what the individual die rolls were, I re-rolled and got....6 points of damage. I'm taking it as a sign. :) ]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=21 ; d20+12=26 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 1:12:42 PM
(ROFL on the damage rolls Kathy! - must be a sign indeed... question is what the sign means... soon to find out I think!)
Turning back to whispering Ragnarök quietly listens if he hears anything drawing near, or if they have roused intrest. Hopefully so far so good.
"Well... that wasn't exactly the plan I guess..." Rag whispers to his friends "Guess we ought to move on? Hopefully now we'll be able to see the next trap coming... whish we had a cunning rogue in our mid. I suggest we do like before and I go ahead of you by 30 ft"
With renewed faith, and at half speed, Ragnarök cautiously moves forward. Checking the ground, using a wooden stick he took from the ground, he pokes the ground in front of him here and there as if he's reading the surface beneath him. However he's worried death can also come from above so he keeps checking in front, his sides and above as well... hence the slower movement.
Perception 21 Stealth 26
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 26/43 -- Rage 17/17 Tuesday February 26th, 2013 6:05:52 PM
Asteron suppresses a smile. You had to love the monk... always wanting things to be peaceful and nice, always looking forward and not back.
"Lead the way. By all means lead the way" - - - - - OOC: Sorry for the short post... it's just that my mind is blank today :)
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=13 ; d20+3=22 ; Tuesday February 26th, 2013 9:42:54 PM "Indeed...we should be more cautious from now on...it seems that no one has noticed us yet and for that we should consider ourselves lucky, but such luck might only strike once...", says the drow, moving some leaves out of the way to see the ground beneath, doesn't seem like the best way to spot traps, at least not the fastest way, but ideas on how to proceed certainly are lacking it seems.
At least this time around he manages to be quieter about it.
Perception (+6): 13 (darkvision) Stealth (+3): 22
DM Kathy Wednesday February 27th, 2013 12:03:00 AM
You recover yourselves, and form back up into your marching order. Again, Ragnarök leads the way, using a stick to help him find potential traps.
Maybe it's the stick, or maybe you're just more alert after that pit. For whatever reason, you do see the next trap before you step on it. It's a fiendish trap, that will send a massive log rolling down onto whoever is unfortunate enough to trigger it. And whoever is unfortunate enough to be standing nearby.
The rest of the group catch up, and you all look at the trap. There is the trigger, there is the log. Unfortunately, there isn't a good way to go around; the trees are very thick just here. And it looks as if it will be difficult to trigger from a safe distance.
This is going to take some thought....
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=27 ; d20+12=23 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 1:59:57 AM "How mind you friends... this one is designed to make us flat as pancakes!... I have no means to disable this thing... can't we just cross not stepping onto that trigger?" he says pointing at the triggering device, "Or would there be a way to keep the logs from falling even if we stepped on it? Blocking them with a nice big stone or so? Asteron could easily carry some big stones to block the trap? "
Ragnarök specifically concentrates on the releasing mechanisn that would allow the logs from coming down... if they can't disable the trigger... would there perhaps be a way to block the release mech?
And all that... needs to happen in utter silence of course ;-)
Perception 27 Stealth 23
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=5 ; d20=13 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 7:50:14 AM
Asteron is more and more certain that there is no hope to parlay. "The only thing that comes to mind is to use the trap on them instead of they using it on us. Is there a way to lure them into triggering it on themselves?"
Asteron tries to look for a way to bypass the trigger, or at least to temporarily prevent the trap from triggering. - - - - - Knowledge(nature) [d20+7]: 10 Perception [d20+6]: 19
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+6=19 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 9:00:12 AM "Considering that we haven't yet seen nor heard anyone, they either haven't caught on our presence yet or are watching quietly. Either way, luring seems to be quite out of the question..."
"Sheesh...I haven't prepared Unseen Servant today, but I think we should try to activate the trap form a safe distance, this one looks noisy, if we spring it they might send a small scouting party to see who or what was squashed, then we could either capture the scout for questioning or attempt to take their place.", he pauses and ponders, "The question does remain though: how to spring it from a safe distance?", says the drow, eyeing all the place in hope of finding some animal carcass or anything heavy enough to do the trick, as well as a way to drop it on top of the trigger safely.
Perception (+6): 19 (darkvision)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=5 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=14 ; d3=2 ; d3=3 ; d3=2 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 10:56:03 AM "let's get everyone back from this. I may be able to trigger it." Yngvar stands back at the range of his spell, thirty five feet from the trigger mechanism, and then checks the sides of the trail where he is to see if there is anything likely to come at him. He angles himself to one side of the trail, and stands next to a large tree to get partial cover from at least one direction.
Once his companions are behind him, and assuming no one objects, he raises one hand, chants a few words to produce a dimly glowing orb of green liquid floating above his palm before pointing to the release mechanism with the intention of launching the acid to splash across the trap. Unfortunately, he manages to drop the first attempt at his feet.
The next two strikes hit AC 11 and 24 (confirmed crit), causing 7 pts of damage to the trigger. He will continue firing if needed.
Acid splash: range 35', ranged touch.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=20 ; Wednesday February 27th, 2013 4:41:39 PM
Toregan follows behind the party, keeping an eye on their rear. When the trap is spotted, Toregan moves up next to Yngvar. he scans the surrounding jungle for any ambushers who may be hiding in wait.
Perception (+8): 20
DM Kathy Wednesday February 27th, 2013 11:35:29 PM Ragnarök thinks it would be a good idea to disable the mechanism some way. And so it would. But none of you have any training in this area, so it will be difficult.
Asteron wonders whether there is some way to turn the trap back on its creators. But without knowing where those creators are, exactly, that will be a challenge.
Faust laments the lack of an Unseen Servant, but Yngvar has a solution he thinks will work. So while Toregan keeps a sharp eye out, Yngvar sends magical acid splashing at the trigger. The acid hits, and sizzles. You begin to smell a sharp, pungent odor as nearby vegetation withers in the acid.
But nothing happens with the trap. You wait a moment, hoping that perhaps the acid may have weakened something.
Nothing continues to happen.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday February 28th, 2013 2:45:06 AM
Yngvar continues to fire acid splashes until it is obvious the wood is unaffected, or fails.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 Thursday February 28th, 2013 12:15:23 PM "What if the trigger is weight?" Asteron muses. He then finds the largest rock he can throw from a safe distance, and throws it at the trigger, hoping to activate it.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday February 28th, 2013 3:01:36 PM
Puzzled on how to get passed the trap without means to disable it Ragnarök remains silent. As he sees Asteron throwing a rock towards the trap he instinctively moves away further from the trap.
"Shall we lay low for a while to see if they come inspect their traps?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Thursday February 28th, 2013 11:07:29 PM
Toregan keeps watching their surroundings. "If we can't trip it safely, we'll have to go around. Waiting would be a good idea, but i doubt they'd check their traps regularly."
DM Kathy Friday March 1st, 2013 12:52:39 AM
You spend a worrisome minute or two, looking at that trap. Ragnarök suggests outwaiting those who set it. Toregan says you may have to go around.
Asteron tries throwing a rock. Maybe it's the rock, or maybe the acid weakened the mechanism. Maybe it's both. At any rate, you hear a sort of whipping sound, as some vines and supports are yanked away from the log. It starts to roll, rapidly gaining speed, then lands on the trigger with a mighty crash.
Startled birds explode out of nearby treetops, calling with all their might, as the echoes of the crashing log fade into the jungle.
You have safely triggered the trap. And boy, was it loud.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+3=23 ; d20+6=16 ; Friday March 1st, 2013 12:54:06 PM "Whoa...that was a loud success, ha ha-...err...hmmm..."
"A-anyway, guess someone will come to either check or reset this trap...I mean, if no one does, why set it, right? We have two options: jump the scout while he's on the way, but we might get caught in other traps on the way or wait here and jump on him, possibly putting a decoy on the trap to lure his attention away."
"It's certain that we have to dispatch this scout in some fashion though, if we just ignore and proceed, in the event we need a retreat said scout can jeopardize our chances.", says the drow, quickly spotting a good hiding place for him if waiting is what the group agrees to do.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday March 1st, 2013 1:55:10 PM "I think setting an ambush would be a grand idea." Yngvar starts checking the surrounding trees, he wants a perch to get him up off the ground.
"I think that tree would make a good perch for me, and someone else in that tree would provide a nice crossfire while allowing us to watch both directions of the trail."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=26 ; d20+12=23 ; Friday March 1st, 2013 3:16:51 PM "I agree setting an ambush would probably be most interesting. If we can capture one of those who come checking the traps he might be able to show us the way... with a little persuading from our side of course..."
As the noise dies down, Ragnarök listens intently and hope to hear or see anything drawing closer...
Perception 26 Stealth 23
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=2 ; d20=13 ; d20=9 ; Saturday March 2nd, 2013 8:33:00 AM "I am not that sure that if we capture one of them he/she will cooperate. But I agree on the ambush because we will probably have to face less of them and, if done right, we will catch them by surprise. If I don't move, I make no noise, while if we have to walk, all surprise is lost. So... let's see where we can best hide ourselves and make best use of missiles and magic."
Asteron starts looking for the best spots for them to hide in, as he readies bow and arrow. - - - - - Survival [d20+5]: 7 Perception [d20+6]: 19 Knowledge Nature [d20+7]: 16
DM Kathy Sunday March 3rd, 2013 8:12:40 PM
Given the ruckus that the trap created, you begin to think your best option lies in setting an ambush for whoever comes to check on the trap. Accordingly, you find hiding places, conceal yourselves, and begin to wait.
An hour passes.
Do you continue to wait?
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday March 4th, 2013 10:02:32 AM
Thankful that he had assistance getting up into the fork of a tree, Yngvar settles his cloak about him, and sticks some twigs and leaves into it to break up his outline. Sitting some 30' up over the trail he can easily see back the way they came and the log trap below him. Every so often he carefully edges his head around the trunk to check the trail towards the direction of the camp.
Yngvar is content to sit here for a while, a trap of this size, after the previous trap, someone should be along at some point, if for no other reason than to make sure some jungle animal hadn't set it off.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=16 ; Monday March 4th, 2013 11:22:28 AM
Asteron keeps still. He's a born hunter, and he knows the value of patience. The fact that no one has appeared yet tells him one thing: that the camp they seek is not close. Still, the ruckus the sprung trap made must have carried far.
One thing he does do. He checks behind them once in a while, making sure they are not ambushed from behind. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 22
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=26 ; d20+12=22 ; Monday March 4th, 2013 1:54:13 PM
Rag observes his friends and notices no one appears to be planning to move towards the camp. The Monk too figures at some point someone will come out and check the traps only to see that two of them have been activated... yet... what if they wait for darkness?!? Ragnarök knows he's of no use in the dark as he won't be able to hit anything...
Perception 26 Stealth 22
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=13 ; d20+3=5 ; Monday March 4th, 2013 3:32:03 PM "Ghh...not liking this...Wolfgang, scout the vicinity from the sky, I want to know if someone's approaching and if there's any visible camp around.", says the drow as he sends his familiar to get a gist of the situation, but his motions cause him to lose balance and make a branch fall on the ground, while the drow himself manages to keep quiet, the falling branch and flying owl are more than enough to denounce and pinpoint his location.
Sending my familiar to do as instructed, I believe the empathic link will be enough to send the message of whether or not someone approaches and if there's a visible camp nearby.
Perception (+5): 13 (darkvision) Stealth (+3): 5
DM Kathy Monday March 4th, 2013 9:42:49 PM Yngvar and Asteron continue to wait patiently. Ragnarök also continues to wait, somewhat less patiently.
Faust is not patient at all, and sends his familiar aloft to see whether anyone is approaching.
Almost immediately, Faust feels Wolfgang's attention being drawn to somebody approaching your position. Oddly, the approach is not accompanied by any feeling of surprise or anger or fear. If anything, the owl seems--bored.
Moments later, Ragnarök and Asteron hear somebody approaching from behind you, doing a reasonably good job of staying quiet.
Wolfgang continues to think that there are far more interesting things than whoever is approaching you. He seems more interested in scanning for field mice.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=20 ; d20+12=13 ; Tuesday March 5th, 2013 3:13:08 PM
As Ragnarök hears someone approaching his muscles tighten... Unaware of what the Owl might have spotted he can only think someone is checking up on the traps... a bit strange perhaps that they are approaching from the rear...
He stretches out to see whoever is coming near... just a little further and he might actually see this person... just a little more... almost!... YIKES The next moment the Monk reached out to far and falls flat on his face into the dirt making it fairly obvious for any attackers where the Monk was hiding!! (Stealth NAT 1)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 Tuesday March 5th, 2013 8:20:55 PM
Asteron freezes for a moment. His instincts seem to have been correct... they are being either scouted, or followed. So, shifting his weight, he turns to where he heard the noise, nocks and arrow, and waits to see who, or what, is approaching them.
You better not be trying to ambush us... or you will get more than you expect... He mutters under his breath.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+11=26 ; Tuesday March 5th, 2013 9:37:31 PM
Toregan keeps still in the brush as the ambush is set. Unaware of Faust's scout, he waits for a target to appear.
Stealth (+11): 26
DM Kathy Tuesday March 5th, 2013 10:01:27 PM
The person approaching you grows closer. You can hear whoever it is, but you cannot see them.
Then Ragnarök, straining for a closer view, tumbles from his perch, landing in the dirt with an ignominious thud!
The approaching person moves more quickly now, and you can all hear them. The bushes rustle, then part, to reveal--Ka.
"Ragnarök Scarecrow! Are you hurt?" he says softly. Then, "Apology. I wait. Time goes. Then big sound! Then more time goes. I start to think you need help. You need help?"
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=8 ; Tuesday March 5th, 2013 10:36:28 PM
Yngvar sighs when he sees that it is Ka. Though he remains quiet and continues to maintain his watch, though a bird on the branch in front of him seems quite interesting.
Perc=8
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=12 ; d20+3=5 ; Wednesday March 6th, 2013 12:26:08 AM "Bloody birdbrain...got me real scared for a moment...wish it could talk.", mutters the drow, now that he sees what the feelings of boredom he felt from the owl meant, as he rustles and steps on more branches due to anxiety.
"Wolfgang stills scouts...it seems...distracted; but doesn't seem to be noticing anyone else approaching us. Hard to say why, maybe the camp is still a long ways from here and they cannot distinguish from where did the noise come and the traps are checked in a timely manner, regardless of being set off or not."
"Perhaps we should...keep forward...?", says Faust, gazing the path to come.
Perception (+5): 12 (darkvision) Stealth (+3): 5
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+9=21 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+12=14 ; Wednesday March 6th, 2013 1:14:44 PM
Rag nods at Faust's idea to move on. He tries to discern how much time there's left before dusk to set. (Survival : 21)
Provided there's still time Rag says: "yes... Let's move on... We did spot one trap out of two and we're still alive."
Not considering letting any of the Kobolds expose to the danger of the traps (they did burry a clan member earlier) Ragnarok falls into his scouting position... Avoiiding the debry of the last trap the wannabee scout moves 30ft ahead of the group at half speed... Again poking the ground with a stick he's not the most quiet though...
(Perception 28) (Stealth 14)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 Wednesday March 6th, 2013 5:42:06 PM
Asteron has a sudden thought. "Your bird has not spotted anything right? Could that be because what we seek is underground?"
The taur then turns towards the kobold. "Master Ka, do you know what type of lair our enemies live in?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday March 6th, 2013 7:10:19 PM
Toregan gets up and stretchs his limbs to prepare himslf for the hike to come. "An excellent question Asteron. An underground lair would prove difficult to find, even without this jungle hiding it. On the other hand, we have spent too much time here, and we should be moving soon. Either they did not hear the trap activate or did not care that it did. If it is the latter, then they will be completely unprepared for us."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday March 6th, 2013 11:33:35 PM
If the others decide to head out, Yngvar will follow along "IT may be slower, but wiser, to stay off the trail?"
DM Kathy Wednesday March 6th, 2013 11:41:48 PM
Seeing that it is Ka approaching, you relax somewhat. Faust belatedly realizes what Wolfgang was conveying: Oh. Him. Boring. Faust suggests you may want to press on, and Ragnarök is inclined to agree, though Yngvar seems to be fine with waiting some more.
Asteron and Toregan bring up the possibility that the bad guys are underground. You ask Ka about it, but his Common isn't up to the task of understanding the question, let alone answering it.
When it is translated into Draconic for him, he answers in the same language Highlight to display spoiler: {"We never got close enough to see their actual camp. But I know of no caves or other underground areas in this region. There are caves farther downriver, but not here."}
Since most of you are in agreement, you move forward, leaving Ka here at the sprung trap. You make your way carefully around the fallen log, then continue on your way. With the help of his long stick, Ragnarök finds the next trap before it is triggered. You aren't sure what it does, exactly, but you can see the tripwire and warn your friends away from it.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=20 ; Thursday March 7th, 2013 3:45:21 PM
Curious why Ka popped up but then chose not to go along Ragnarök examines the surroundings... a new trap was spotted but he has no clue what this is all about... would simply stepping over the trip wire be enough in order not to let the trap spring?!?
"Mind the wire friends... I suggest not touching the darn thing... do remember to no trip over it should we come back the same way... shall I cross the area first? "
Rag awaits answer from his friends but when they all seem to agree to cross the trap by not tripping the wire, Rag crosses first... heart pumping wondering what will happen. He goes very slow and check to see if there's no new wire a bit further. Aware of the details of the trap he hopes to gain some bonus to see possible others (small hint to DM Kathy ;-) )
perception 20
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=20 ; Thursday March 7th, 2013 4:31:48 PM
Asteron folows Ragnarök, making sure he makes no contact with the tripwire. He tries to be silent, although he knows he is not good at it. He also tries to spot anything that seems to be out of place. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 26 natural 20.
DM Kathy Friday March 8th, 2013 12:45:41 AM
[OOC: Ka came, on his own initiative, to see if you guys were okay. The elders had made it pretty plain that the people destroying the camps were your problem, not theirs, and probably gave Ka instructions not to get involved. It's possible that even coming to see if you were alright went a little beyond what he was supposed to be doing.]
You carefully step over the tripwire and avoid triggering the trap. As you continue on, you begin to wonder. Where is this supposed camp, anyway? You have not seen or smelled woodsmoke, which is usually the first sign of a camp. You can see no obvious trail, though you have a clear direction to go. Even Wolfgang, circling overhead, doesn't seem to see anything.
But then Faust feels Wolfgang's sudden surprise and curiosity. The owl has seen....something....and is circling back. All Faust can get, though, is curiosity and puzzlement. Whatever Wolfgang has seen, he's not sure what it is.
At about the same time, Ragnarök finds the next tripwire. Again, you aren't sure what this trap does, or how to disarm it, but again, you think you can simply avoid the tripwire.
And still there is no sign of this supposed camp....unless it's whatever Wolfgang has spotted. But the owl would recognize a camp, wouldn't he? He's seen plenty of them, after all. No, this is something of a mystery....
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=20 ; d20+3=17 ; Friday March 8th, 2013 3:02:29 AM "That's...bluntly odd...Wolfgang has seen...something...not too far from where we stand."
"Could be their camp, but something's amiss...Wolfgang feels confused about whatever it is that he sees, but he's seen many camps before, I'm quite sure he'd recognize one if that's what he sees.", he scratches his head then throws his arms in the air in frustration, "I have no idea on how to proceed...but I'm sure as hell we won't be finding a normal camp as we thought we would...maybe it's a bunch of flesh eating trolls, maybe it's an elven city, maybe it's some bizarre ent meeting place...whatever it is, it is not just an everyday camp...we have to approach with utmost caution."
Perception (+5): 20 (darkvision) Stealth (+3): 17
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=14 ; d20+11=25 ; Friday March 8th, 2013 1:57:53 PM
Toregan begins to move up to the front of the party with Ragnarok, staying close behind him, an arrow nocked in his bow. "I'll support Rag if we get detected. Better chance of surviving, if we get ambushed." Toregan moves up with Rag, being sure to keep his movements as quiet as possible.
Perception (+8): 14 Stealth (+11): 25
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Friday March 8th, 2013 7:32:37 PM
Yngvar nods understanding and moves to place a tree close at hand, protecting his flank while he looks for something to shoot.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=14 ; d20+12=29 ; Sunday March 10th, 2013 10:58:53 AM "What if the camp that we are looking for has been destroyed like the ones we encountered first? Remember the purplish fungi... the odd trees... ?! What if we all share a common threat? There are woods in the Wold that are said to be alive! Like the stories I heard from the Culverwood and the like... "
A bit uneasy the Monk looks around hoping to find answers only to find nothing at the moment.
"I guess the only way to go if forward... no?"
And with that said, in a similar way as the have been going so far Ragnarök slowly advances to where Wolfgang seemed to have seen something... reduced speed... careful...using his stick to poke the ground here and there... only this time he may not be as successful as he has been with the last three traps...
Perception 14 / stealth 29
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=9 ; Sunday March 10th, 2013 12:44:10 PM
Asteron decides to be very careful, now that something had been detected by their flying scout. He keeps his bow at the ready, and falls to the back of the group by some distance, knowing that his metal armor would be a dead giveaway if he walked point.
Yet, his senses dart front and back, left and right, trying to detect an ambush before they walk into it. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 15
Zealots
DM Kathy Sunday March 10th, 2013 8:44:02 PM
You carefully make your way past the fourth tripwire. You keep moving forward, doing your best to move undetected, as you speculate about what kind of "camp" this might be. An elven city? A meeting of treants? Or has this camp been destroyed, too; do you have some kind of common enemy?
Then, you catch a hint of woodsmoke. At the same time, Wolfgang seems to indicate that he has seen...somebody. Not Ka. Anyway, not "boring."
The jungle is pretty thick, so you see the clearing only a few steps before you would walk into it. It is a natural clearing; no trees or brush were cut to create it. There is a very small campfire over to one side; it gives off almost no smoke. You see no tents, bedrolls, or anything else that would indicate a campsite.
Yet there are people here. Two human men, one tall and thin; the other short and muscular. They see you about the same time you see them. "That's far enough," the tall one says.
[Everybody take 1,000 XP for the last scene. I'm awarding a hero point to Ragnarok for being the group's emergency back-up rogue.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+5=20 ; d20+4=16 ; Monday March 11th, 2013 12:51:59 PM
As soon as he smells the wood smoke, Yngvar casts Mage Armor on himself, knowing they can't be far from the camp now.
When Ragnarok moves forward enough to be addressed by the men, Yngvar stops and checks his surroundings.
Stealth=20, Perc=16
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday March 11th, 2013 5:46:12 PM
Ragnarök eyeballs the strangers... being there out in the open with a camp fire (albeit a little one) in a place that is literally surrounded by traps is a bit odd he feels...
"... euhm... you guys lost all those traps back there? ... "
The Monk just stands there and watches both men. Not being the most diplomatic or charismatic one of the group Rag just hopes someone with more words chimes in...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=25 ; Monday March 11th, 2013 7:49:49 PM
Toregan walks into the clearing right behind Ragnarok. His hands twitch as he begins to prepare to fire, but stops himself once he realizes that they aren't obviously hostile. He scans the surrounding area for any hidden observers or more traps.
Perception (+8): 25
DM Kathy Monday March 11th, 2013 10:26:35 PM
You stop at the clearing, but seem to be at a loss for what to say.
Toregan, now that he gets a good look at the place, can see that it is a camp, albeit an unusual one. You see two shelters, created by bending living branches into small cocoon-like shapes. You see where humans--and, from the look of it, a couple of animals--have walked in the clearing. And, of course, there's the tiny fire ring. The camp is, to use a modern term, eco-friendly. These two are leaving nothing behind; once they free the branches and scatter their campfire ashes, it will be difficult to tell that anyone has been here at all.
"Yes, those traps were ours," the taller man says. "We set them because we knew the defilers of the forest would seek to act against us, and undo all our good work. We wanted to be warned when such people approached."
The shorter man does not speak, but gives you all an unpleasant smile as he puts his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
"Yet it is still not too late," the tall man continues. "You can still renounce the evils of so-called civilization, and join us in re-claiming this forest for its rightful owners--the trees, and plants, and animals who make it their home. Come, there is no need for us to be enemies."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+1=20 ; Tuesday March 12th, 2013 12:10:58 PM
Yngvar steps forward into the opening, [b]"Fine words, for one that speaks pretty words but does not live by them. I see fire, the bane of the forest and the animals. I see..."
What do I see on these two people? Their clothes, footwear, weapons? Made of what? I had meant to notice what they had that was not completely natural, pick it up off the ground and hang it around your shoulders, and comment on the unnaturalness of themselves.
Diplomacy=20
People, we have a lot of missed posts, at the least, crack a joke at the character next to you...
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+10=30 ; Tuesday March 12th, 2013 4:35:42 PM
Intrigued by their cocoon like shelters Ragnarok regains his speach.
"I too live by my beliefs and in non-violence that lies. So I to tend to strive for a peaceful chat rather than a welcome that is underlined by threats. I feel there's much to learn from eachother... Your traps were nicely crafted but dispite the sore leg that they gave me we got through fairly intact.... I'd love to learn how to build shelters like those!
I trust you, as protectors of nature, will not endanger more animals and plants by rallying these wonderful woods against us... It is not us who seeks trouble!"
That being said Ragnarok prepares to cross the clearing yet after just one step he halts...
"you would not endanger a peaceful meeting with even more traps now would you?!?"
The monk goes no further yet scans the ground that lies between the adventurers and the two out of place characters... Are there more animals present?
(Perception : 30 - nat 20 !!! )
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=22 ; d20+1=9 ; Tuesday March 12th, 2013 7:37:55 PM "But what is so bad about civilization? We do not seek to turn this entire jungle in a ridiculously-sized city, we seek only to make a secure way so people can cross it fro trade while others can decide to stay and dwell into it for study."
"Complete destruction or anything of the like is not our intention on any level, though yes, some destruction is needed, but such is the way of nature, carnivores eat herbivores to live, travelers make roads to not be killed.", says Faust, trying to argument with the men, but making the expression that he doesn't expect anything fruitful from a word exchange.
He does, however, take the time to eye all of the clearing before he begins, in hopes of finding the missing people they were looking for...or at least their bodies.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 Tuesday March 12th, 2013 9:00:23 PM
Asteron remains silent, but vigilant. As the man's hand goes to his weapon, he merely shifts his weight, but is ready to draw his bow at the slightest signal of attack... or magic being cast. - - - - - OOC: Sorry for not posting yesterday. My only son left today on a 5-10 month trip to Scotland, so my mind was elsewhere... I didn't even remember I had to post!
OOC: Ready action: Asteron will draw his bow and fire at the first of the two opponents who moves to attack them or begins casting.
DM Kathy Tuesday March 12th, 2013 10:20:26 PM
When the tall man speaks, Yngvar scans the camp for signs that the men aren't quite as "all-natural" as they claim. He doesn't find much. There is the small fire, but it is well-contained. True, both men are wearing leather boots, but there aren't many alternatives. Their clothing is simple, and they don't appear to use much metal.
Meanwhile, Ragnarök is looking for animals. He sees two--a wild cat of some kind up in a tree, and a smallish dinosaur in the bushes. Both are watching the group with an intensity that is unusual for wild animals.
Asteron reacts to the implied threat of the shorter man, but doesn't say anything.
"We are not foolish enough to place traps in our campsite," the tall man tells Ragnarök loftily. "And as protectors of nature, we know that encroachment from civilization is a much greater threat than anything we might do in response."
Faust sees no signs of other people. "It doesn't matte what your intent is," the tall man scoffs. "The result will be the same. More will come, and more, and the forest will be forced to make way. Well, not if we have anything to say about it! Come, join us in restoring this forest to its proper pristine glory!"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Wednesday March 13th, 2013 4:56:15 PM "Do you guys know anything about the purple fungi we found near the destroyed campsite? What's that all about?!" Ragnarök asks intrigued even more in these men...
Not waiting for an answer he looks at his friends hoping he's not pulling another one of those stunts he pulled on the raft earlier and says continues... "Well then... we can stand here all day eye balling each other... come... teach me how you make those shelters! They look rather nice and as I understand are not damaging any plants or grasses... "
And with that said, Ragnarök walks over to both men... the injury on his leg not completely healed he hopes those animals won't be tempted by the smell of blood.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 Wednesday March 13th, 2013 5:08:18 PM
Asteron is... appalled... at Ragnarök walking towards the two men. What is he thinking? He's putting himself in danger! Still, he tries not to flinch.
For once, the taur is certain that his might of arms is not going to solve the situation.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday March 13th, 2013 8:03:10 PM "Your traps are as likely to harm the fauna as they are any 'interloper.' Your position is flawed."
Yngvar nods to the fire, "Small, yes. Of little impact, yes. Naturally occurring, not as such. Therefore it may only be assumed that you yourselves are part of the problem, not the solution."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday March 13th, 2013 9:04:16 PM
Toregan levels his gaze on the taller man. "I'd be the first to admit that I prefer the wilds over the cities, but everything has a place. Besides......." Toregan levels a glare at the two men before continuing, "You attacked a group of people who were attempting to leave this place." His voice rises slightly, and anger can be heard in his voice. "You say goal is to drive people away from here but when people left you attacked them, killing one of them and nearly killing another!"
DM Kathy Wednesday March 13th, 2013 10:38:28 PM
"Fungus?" the tall man says at Ragnarök's question. "Ah, yes, the fungus. It is naturally occurring, and common where the trees came from." He smirks. "You understand that, since the trees in the waystation were removed, other trees had to be brought in from elsewhere. It is not harmful, I assure you."
[OOC: that's the best your DM could do with the fungus. I could find no notes on it anywhere; I don't know what, if anything, it was supposed to signify.]
"I would be happy to show you how to make the shelters," he continues. "If you will join with us to rid the forest of the remaining waystations."
Yngvar accuses the men of being part of the problem, and Toregan points out that they have killed already.
"Yes, we have killed!" the tall man says, his eyes alight with fervor. "And we will kill again if need be! No sacrifice is too great for the freedom of the forest!"
Hearing this, the shorter man, who has been quiet throughout, draws his scimitar. "Not yet, Zyk," the tall man says. "I sense they may wish to join us. And, while it is true that we must cause a slight disruption to the forest during our operations, we remove a greater disruption by being here. And in time, we, too, will be gone." He looks hopeful. "You seem to understand the needs of the forest, and the necessity for keeping it pristine. Join us, and together we will fight the encroachment of civilization!"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+1=20 ; Wednesday March 13th, 2013 11:44:00 PM
Faust can't help but flinch at the men's speech, he thinks to himself 'what were they born from? treebark??', when he finally recollects his thoughts, he asks: "I do have one question fine sirs...you claim to understand the needs of the forest, however, is it the forest that speak to you its will or is it your own view of the world and how it shall be that move your feet?"
"Likewise...after you leave, once the forest is secured, where do you plan on going? Are humans...and other races like mine or my bovine friend over here worthy of a place in the world? And about sentient races from within the jungle that end up striving for organized civilization and the inevitable technological advancement that comes with it?", he says, trying to snag some info out of these druids...or whatever they are.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday March 13th, 2013 11:44:50 PM
[OOC: Forgot to include my roll] Diplomacy (+1): 20
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday March 14th, 2013 3:24:05 PM
Yngvar nods, "What he said," and nods his head to Faust.
Yngvar eyes the scimitar, "When a tree falls, a clearing appears. That clearing then slowly refills with the trees that replace the elder that has fallen. When lightning strikes and the forest burns, nature replaces that which has been cleared. Life abounds in jungle, in forest, and in plains. The way points provide a path by which people may move through the jungle with minimal impact to the jungle, just as your scimitar and fire are minimal impact. I do not expect that you are destroying the trails left by rabbits and thunder lizards, and yet they eat the plants, knock them over, and trample paths through them. But you are not removing their influence."
Yngvar crosses his arms and glares at the two, "You have taken it upon yourself to decide what is natural, and what is not. You overstep yourselves! You should be ashamed."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC21/20/15 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday March 14th, 2013 5:05:50 PM
Ragnarök, being a bit closer to both men now, suddenly halts as they make their threat...
In a soft tone the Monk addresses both men... from time to time he even watches the animals that are lurking near the trees as if he expects them to understand what he's saying also...
"The Wold is made of a kaleidoscope of colours yet you, who claim to be protectors of nature, seem to think only in black and white... a pattern not natural. Even the whitest flower contains a myriad of colours... yet only the purest white and the deepest black seems acceptable to you. On that path I cannot tread... "
While he talked his hand withdrew a mage armor potion from his backpack and holds it up...
"You lads wanna dance?!"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Thursday March 14th, 2013 8:21:34 PM
Toregan shakes his head as the man continues to bring the group to his way of thinking. "I believe that you believe your actions are just, and that you gave us a chance to talk things out speaks well of you. But we have chosen a different path from you." Toregan pulls the string of his bow to half length, but doesn't point it at the men, instead leaving it aimed at the ground. "Your actions will determine if this ends in blood, not ours. What will it be?"
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 Thursday March 14th, 2013 11:31:09 PM
Asteron tenses. Toregan's ultimatum sounds like things will come down to blood. Yet, the taur waits, until one of the two men draws a weapon or starts casting. - - - - - OOC: ready action - attack with bow if either draws a weapon or starts casting.
DM Kathy d20+6=19 ; Friday March 15th, 2013 1:25:10 AM
The discussion becomes more heated, and then the negotiations fall apart.
"Very well." The tall man steps back and draws his scimitar. "If that is the way you want it." He casts a spell. Spellcraft DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {Barkskin}.
The short man, who already had his scimitar in hand, attacks Ragnarök, just missing before dancing back out of the way.
A small dinosaur moves into the clearing to stand next to the tall man. You can hear something moving in the treetops.
[OOC: I was out too late tonight, so I'm not going to try to do a map. I'll try to get one done over the weekend. In the meantime, just do the best you can. Asteron's readied action went off, so he can roll for that action, as well as a new action this round.]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 28/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+8=15 ; d20+8=9 ; Friday March 15th, 2013 7:12:51 AM "So it is you who claim to be protectors of nature that chose to wield your blade against us... Us who are children of that very same nature you seek to protect...
Ragnarok dodges the first blow and immediately quaffs the potion in his hand - thus drawing an AoO vs AC25 (21 + 4 vs AoO / not adding the +4 from the potion yet).
Despite their hostilities Rag holds on to his beliefs that everyone deserves a second chance... So rather than turning to violence himself he attempts to grapple his attacker...
Grapple check 15 vs his CMD (clicked twice by accident - writing post on Blackberrie while driving)
If succesful Rag clings onto him and thus taking partial cover against other attacks.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=24 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; Friday March 15th, 2013 1:04:34 PM I think his dancing away removes him from AoO, range. I read that as a 5' step after the swing and miss.
Mage Armor active
Yngvar looks up for the source of the other creature, if he can see it, he can shoot it. Yngvar holds a magic missile ready to let fly if it is the other druid's pet.
Perc=24, 2 magic missiles 3+4 damage
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=25 ; d20+9=22 ; Friday March 15th, 2013 3:00:56 PM
Faust doesn't want to waste time and once the dino steps near the tall man, he grabs a bit of spider web from his component pouch, chants some arcane words, interlacing his fingers in the process and once the chanting is done separating them afterwards, casting web at the man and dinosaur.
Spellcraft (+10): 25 Knowledge (nature) to identify the dinosaur, especially possible threats and weaknesses (+9): 22
Casting web in a position that engulfs both the tall man and the dinosaur, but not the party; web affects a 20ft spread radius from a center point.
All within web must make a Reflex DC 17 or become grappled. Web is considered difficult terrain, any creature moving into or through it must make a CMB or Escape Artist DC 17 check (as part of their move action) or become grappled. It provides partial cover if there's 5ft of web between attacker and target and total if there are 20ft or more it provides total cover.
It takes a standard action CMB or Escape Artist DC 17 check to break free once grappled and single tiles of web can be destroyed with fire, though any creature in such tile takes 2d4 damage.
It lasts for 40 min(D)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 17/17 d20=18 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d20=3 ; Friday March 15th, 2013 3:42:16 PM
As the tall man draws his scimitar, Asteron sighs, makes a silent prayer to Imod, and lets an arrow loose. He then aims again at the tall man, and sends another arrow his way, before droping his bow, drawing his sword, and moving towards the target closest to him.
"And so it begins!" Yells the minotaur, although he does not enter the rage just yet. - - - - - Readied action - ranged attack [d20+6]: 24; damage [2d6+4]: 13 -> Tall man may need to make concentration check for his spell. Standard action - ranged attack [d20+6]: 9 Move action - towards nearest target
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+9=22 ; d20+9=25 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+11=18 ; Sunday March 17th, 2013 12:53:33 PM
Toregan draws his bow to its full length and levels it at the smaller man before moving back into the forest to prepare for his next attack, while keeping his eyes peeled for the hidden creature.
Attack w/ Longbow (+9 or +10 if within 30ft): 25 Damage (1d8+3 or +4): 9 Spellcraft (+9): 22 Move back into the forest and try to hide there Stealth (+11): 18
DM Kathy d20+2=5 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=13 ; 3d6+1=6 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+9=27 ; Sunday March 17th, 2013 10:41:14 PM Ragnarök draws a potion and drinks it, then tries to grapple his opponent. The short man is both nimble and muscular, however, and Rag is unable to hang on.
Yngvar checks the trees for the animal you can all hear up there, but doesn't see it immediately.
Faust tries to catch the tall man and dinosaur in a Web, which will make things interesting in the small clearing. Per the spell description, both man and dinosaur now have cover from the group, so it's hard to say what they're doing exactly. They're not moving around a lot, however.
Faust also knows that the dinosaur is a Deinonychus. They are small, quick, and agile, and attack with teeth and talons.
Asteron hit with his readied attack, but misses with his follow-up. Of course, he can blame the Web. :) He starts to move toward his nearest opponent, which would be the tall man, but (presumably) stops before he is tangled in the Web. (The tall man did have to make a concentration check, but he succeeded.)
Toregan fires a shot that hits the smaller man, then hides in the forest.
A small cat comes leaping out of the treetops to attack Ragnarök. As it leaps down, it is hit by Yngvar's Magic Missiles. Its sharp teeth snap inches from Rag's arm. From its markings, you all can see that the cat is an ocelot.
The short man dodges over, attacks Ragnarök from flank, then dances back out of the way, and somehow Rag doesn't get an Attack of Opportunity (the shorter man has the Spring Attack feat). It's a sharp, painful blow (but fortunately not a critical hit) that does 6 damage.
The tall man and the dinosaur do some stuff you can't see very well. The dinosaur seems to have broken free of the Web.
And there's a map. The green circles are trees. The green squares are thick undergrowth that is difficult terrain (movement costs double). The gray squares are the Web.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=21 ; 2d4=6 ; 2d4=5 ; d20+1=16 ; d4=2 ; Monday March 18th, 2013 1:29:15 PM An ocelot hide will look great on my wall!" Yngvar fires a bolt of acid at the cat, He then draws his dagger while taking a step back and charges the dagger with arcane energy, outlining it in blue. "Not that the hide will be much good after I melt it off the bones."
Standard Action: acid arrow, ranged touch, hit AC 21, damage 6, next round damage 5. Move Action: draw dagger while taking 5' step to E8. Swift Action: Charge with Arcane Focus, +1 dam, magical AoO: Hit AC 16, damage 2
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 22/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+9=26 ; d8+2=9 ; Monday March 18th, 2013 5:46:45 PM
(Can't see the map kathy)
"AARGHH ... nice trick lad!... gotta learn that someday!!" (ooc sjeez 3d6+1 ! What weapon is this guy wielding?!?)
Ragnarök staggers a little and is unsure where to go... he does not like being flanked nor does he like being seperated too much from his friends... (and with no map to go on I'm puzzled what to do best)
In an equal swift strike Ragnarök leaps up to the short guy with the intention to deliver a stunning fist blow....
(Hits AC26 - non lethal damage 9 HP - make FORT save vs DC15 or be stunned for 1 round)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 16/17 d20=4 ; d20=8 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; Monday March 18th, 2013 7:20:22 PM
Without moving from his spot, Asteron firsts looks at the ocelot, trying to discern if it is a natural creature or not. He then bellows a war cry as he invokes the rage, and wields his greatsword in a downward arch attempting to hit the ocelot with as much force as he can.
[i]I think we may be a bit over our heads with these two... err... four... but no turning back now...[i] - - - - - Knowledge-nature [d20+7]: 11 To hit the ocelot, with natural reach [d20+10]: 18 Damage [3d6+6]: 17
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+10=17 ; d8+4=10 ; d6=4 ; d20-9=3 ; Monday March 18th, 2013 8:58:12 PM
Toregan moves though the thick brush of the forest and fires another shot at the shorter man attacking Ragnarok, hopefully catching the man off guard with his reappearance from the brush.
5ft step to H6 and attack O Attack w/Longbow (+10): 17 Damage (1d8+4): 10 Sneak Attack (1d6): 4 Stealth (Sniping -9): 3
DM Kathy d20+5=25 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+6=17 ; Monday March 18th, 2013 11:10:53 PM Yngvar follows up his Magic Missile with an Acid Arrow aimed at the ocelot. The arrow strikes true, and the wild cat yowls in pain.
Asteron looks at the ocelot, and believes it to be a natural creature, although loyal to the short man. Asteron swings his axe, and the ocelot dies.
Toregan slides over (it's 10 feet of movement, remember, not 5 feet because you are in the difficult terrain) and fires a shot at the shorter man. It skips off his armor and does no damage.
Ragnarök, startled by the damage, chases down his opponent and attempts to stun him.
[So, some OOC stuff to answer questions. The short man is "Z" on the map because his name is Zyk. The tall man actually used his name a few posts ago. The "O" was the ocelot. I used Toregan's intent rather than what he actually said, and anyway the ocelot was dead already. As Ragnarök has discovered, Zyk was not always a Druid; he appears to have spent part of his life as a Rogue. Of course, with his animal companion dead, he's lost his flanker, so that 3d6 is probably a thing of the past. I'm not sure what you mean by "not able to see the map." Is the link broken? Did you get a blank page? Or was the image too small? I have attempted to address the "small image" thing, but if it's something else let me know.]
Zyk, the shorter man, is unfazed by Ragnarök's stunning fist (nat 20 on the save), and seems more angered than saddened by the death of his animal companion. "You'll pay for that!" he snarls at Rag--which is hardly fair because Rag never touched the kitty. He slashes with his scimitar, missing the nimble monk, then dances back out of the way again.
In the web, the dinosaur lurches forward, then gets stuck again. It frees itself immediately, but it is out of actions.
The tall man (whose name is Teril, and I'll just start calling him that) seems to escape the hold of the web as well, but he stays where he is for the moment.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+5=25 ; 4d6+2=17 ; Tuesday March 19th, 2013 12:48:44 AM
Faust moves his drow body and draws his rapier in the process, mumbling something about how he never thought he'd actually ever do it. He draws lines with his free hand in front of him, chanting incantations about the flames giving him power and pointing with both his index and middle finger at Zyk, adding "If you hold grudge and anger over the death of an animal, may your body burn to ashes, for my sorrow for the unknown fate of god knows how many sentient beings by the hands of you is much greater.", releasing a ray of scorching fire against the man.
Move action (drawing rapier as a part of it) to H10 Casting Scorching Ray against Zyk (+5), hitting touch AC 25 (nat 20); went to look and quite to my surprise, weapon-like spells actually crit on a nat 20, the damage was 17 (15 + 2 from Intense Spells), I believe only the 15 would be doubled for the critical, so the total damage is 32 (fire).
----------- Spells in effect:
Web (40 mins)
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=15 ; 2d4=7 ; 2d4=4 ; d20+1=3 ; Tuesday March 19th, 2013 12:58:00 PM
Yngvar smiles and holds a spell ready to hit Teril if he shows himself, or anything that comes to attack himself. He likes where he is standing, with the large 'taur next to him.
Acid Arrow, ranged touch, hit AC 15; damage 7, and 4 more next round. AoO roll was 3, miss
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 16/17 d20=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday March 19th, 2013 1:31:26 PM
Asteron slides five feet, so that Zyk is just reachable by his heavy blade, and then swings the massive sword at the short man. His vision has now turned red, and all he sees is someone he'd rather kill, and quickly at that. - - - - - Move to D/E 6/7, making sure he does not get stuck on the web. Attack [d20+10]: 19 Damage [3d6+7]: 15
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 22/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+8=18 ; Tuesday March 19th, 2013 2:29:21 PM
Ragnarok gazes as his friends land wave after wave of deadly attacks on Zyk... Convinced the man is not evil by heart but just ill mannered or fooled by religion Rag hopes the none lethal damage he did last will be sufficient to keep some life in him...
Partially to capture the man and partially to protect him from death the Monk makes another attempt to grapple the Rogue/Druid... If he's not dead yet... (Grapple 18)
If the guy is dead allready Rag turns to find the next villain he thinks he needs to save ;-)
"let's take one alive! They can't operate on their own! There must be some organisation behind..."
(Ooc staying in char friends - I hope you don't mind the peacenik :-D )
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=11 ; d20+10=18 ; d8+4=12 ; Tuesday March 19th, 2013 6:15:29 PM
Toregan trudges through the brush and back into the clearing, his next shot aimed at Teril. "We need at least one of them alive, if not both." Looking directly at Teril, Toregan says to the man, "You should surrender while you can."
Move to F8 Acrobatics check just in case of AoO (+8): 11 Readied action to fire at Teril if he casts another spell, moves or attacks. Attack w/Longbow (+10): 18 Damage (1d8+4): 12
DM Kathy d20+7=23 ; d20+8=16 ; 2d8+6=15 ; Tuesday March 19th, 2013 11:02:19 PM Faust moves and fires a spell at the shorter druid, Zyk. The spell does more damage than Faust could ahve possibly imagined, and Zyk drops like a stone.
Important note for everybody: I run into a lot of misconceptions around critical hits. When you score a critical hit you roll your die or dice twice (or three times if applicable). You do not roll once and double or triple it.
Ragnarök checks quickly, and Zyk is still alive and stable.
Asteron wants to chop something, but his target has fallen, so he pauses.
Yngvar and Toregan ready surprises for Teril, should he show himself.
But it is the dinosaur who shows up first, moving to the edge of the web and taking a swipe at Asteron with one of its talons. It misses.
Then Teril emerges from the Web, and is hit by Yngvar and Toregan's attacks. He doesn't look at all well. He casts a spell, and looks a lot better. Spellcraft 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {Cure Moderate Wounds}
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 16/17 d20=2 ; d20=8 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; Wednesday March 20th, 2013 1:51:32 PM
Asteron bares his teeth and bellows a challenge to the dinosaur. "Is it blood you seek? WELL? Then let's see whose blood is spilled first!"
Asteron also checks the dinosaur to see if the creature is natural or not. Then Asteron swings his blade, aiming at slicing the reptile in the chest. - - - - - Knowledge-nature [d20+7]: 9 Attack [d20+10]: 18 Damage [3d6+7]: 19
OOC: Just a heads up. I will be away for a couple of days starting early tomorrow. I will try to post either late tonight or very early tomorrow before leaving. I will be back for "Fryday's" post before Sunday.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 22/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Wednesday March 20th, 2013 4:23:34 PM
With Zyk down and his companion Teril is serious trouble Ragnarok is convinced the scrapper will be soon over. All the more reasons to believe these two aren't working on their own...
Rag stays with Zyk and strips him of any weapons he can find. Checks his vitals and then thouroughly goes through the man's belongings... Insignias, a tatoo, a religious emblem... Anything.
While he searches Zyk's unconscious body Rag adresses Teril...
"Give up friend and let us try to talk once again... Your friend here is alive... Just battered... You and your animal friend stand no chance against us... Lay down your weapons and surrender!! "
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=24 ; Wednesday March 20th, 2013 5:04:50 PM
Faust moves in position to have firing range to the dinosaur, followed by some more chanting and hand gesturing, but leaves the spell incomplete for the time being. "Scarecrow's spoken, surrender now and your scaly friend will live."
"Also, no one allow him to touch the fallen druid, he knows cure spells, don't want them being smart on us.", he adds.
Spellcraft (+10): 24 Move action to D10 Readying a Magic Missile against the dinosaur, will fire it if the enemies do anything but surrender
----------- Spells in effect:
Web (40 mins)
DM Kathy d20+8=14 ; d20+8=19 ; d6+1=2 ; d20+8=11 ; Wednesday March 20th, 2013 11:46:35 PM Ragnarök does a quick check of the downed rogue/druid. The man is stable, but still unconscious. Rag finds a few coins on him, a potion of some kind, and of course his armor and gear. He calls for the other man to surrender
Asteron takes a swing at the small dinosaur, but the creature is nimble and its hide is thick. He misses.
As far as Asteron can tell, this is a normal dinosaur. Based on what you have seen so far, it is logical to assume that the dino is the druid's animal companion.
Faust also calls for surrender, and readies a Magic Missile in case they don't.
They don't. "Surrender?" the tall druid sneers. "Surrender to defilers of the forest? Destroyers of trees and animals? Never!" He begins casting. Spellcraft DC 18Highlight to display spoiler: {Summon Nature's Ally III}
Faust's ready goes off, and Magic Missiles slam into the dinosaur. [Please roll damage in your next post.]
The dinosaur takes a full attack at Asteron. One of its talons hits, scraping the minotaur for 2 points of damage.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+12=21 ; d20+12=27 ; 2d4+2=6 ; Thursday March 21st, 2013 12:58:00 AM
Yngvar smiled as he recognized the cure spell Zyk used, he was hurting more than expected.
The acid would hit him now for another 4 points.
Yngvar had been fearing this from one of the druids, "Don't let him finish that spell!, and he fires off his last magic missile spell, blasting two bolts into Zyk for 6 pts of damage. causing a concentration check DC 21
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 30/43 -- Rage 16/17 d20=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; Thursday March 21st, 2013 10:51:34 AM
Asteron is scratched, but does not even flinch. The rage has him now. Bellowing a taur war cry, he swings his sword at the dinosaur again. - - - - - Attack [d20+10]: 15 Damage [3d6+7]: 23 Heh... with those to hit rolls, the dinosaur might have taur flesh for dinner soon ;P
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 22/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday March 21st, 2013 5:41:21 PM
(Still can't see map.,. Not on BB not on PC at home - from what I recall from emailed map we were all pretty close to one another so going from that)
Zyk's down and not going anywhere without healing. Stripped from weapons he'll be less of a threat for now also... Hearing Yngvar's warning Rag jumps to his feet and moves between Yngvar and the druid... If his spell succeeds Rag will be ready for whatever will happen...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 2d4+4=6 ; d20+10=20 ; 2d4+4=11 ; Thursday March 21st, 2013 11:48:03 PM
Faust shrugs and finishes casting his spell, if they can't even give a chance to reason, they're a threat much bigger than the River God, which was most probably just following instinct.
He chants and gestures again, but in the middle changes his target to the druid, once he notices just what is being cast, finishing it and sending two missiles of mystic energy against the druid.
First Magic Missile roll was against the raptor, from last round. Spellcraft (+10): 20 Another Magic Missile, this time against the druid for 11 damage, forcing a concentration check DC 24 (is that right? 10 + 11 + 3?)
----------- Spells in effect:
Web (40 mins)
DM Kathy d20+9=18 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=24 ; d6+2=8 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=17 ; d4=3 ; Friday March 22nd, 2013 12:19:30 AM Yngvar attempts to disrupt Teril's casting with a Magic Missile.
Faustlikewise fires off some Magic Missiles, hoping to disrupt the spell.
Ragnarök jumps between the casting druid and his friends.
Asteron takes another swing at the dinosaur, but misses again.
The combined damage makes the druid lose his spell. He snarls with rage, and this time simply goes after Ragnarök with his scimitar. He scores a painful slash (but luckily not a critical hit) that does 8 points of damage.
The dinosaur, meanwhile, continues to attack Asteron with talons and teeth. This time, only the bite hits, and does 4 points of damage.
Okay, this time I allowed Google Docs to convert the map into its native Google Doc format. And all the trees went away. But hopefully Steven can read this one.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+8=22 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=19 ; d8+2=8 ; d8+2=10 ; d8+2=10 ; Wednesday March 27th, 2013 4:25:41 PM
Ragnarök takes another painful hit... blood gushes from the nasty wound making the monk stagger in pain...
"ARGH ... stop it ... I have no intention to kill you! ... "
And with that Ragnarök's right fist lashes out hard at Teril... followed by a left knee in the abdomen... the pain must be excrutiating and possibly even critical!!
Flurry of blows hitting: AC22 - damage 8HP non-lethal AC28 - NAT 20 - Crit check AC19 - damage 10HP non-lethal + 10HP non lethal if critical !!
(that virus must have tweeked the dice roller!! Never had such excellent rolls!!)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+10=29 ; d8+4=10 ; Wednesday March 27th, 2013 5:15:28 PM
Toregan fires another shot at Teril, hoping to bring him down before he can seriously hurt Rag or at least throw off his aim. He glances worriedly at Asteron, noticing the damage the raptor is doing to the taur.
Attack w/Longbow (+10): 29 Damage (1d8+4): 10
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=6 ; Wednesday March 27th, 2013 6:00:15 PM
Hoping to incite wrath and have the druid making mistakes, Yngvar taunts That's the idea Asteron, tenderize the dino! It tastes better when slow roasted over an open flame.
hmm, about out of combat spells, just got one heavy hitter left, better save it for the moment.
Flicking a wrist out, Yngvar sends a splash of acid towards the druid, and nearly taking his own foot off as the acid splatters on the ground at his feet.
oops
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 26/43 -- Rage 15/17 d20=4 ; Wednesday March 27th, 2013 11:25:16 PM
Asteron curses under his breath. Hitting the dinosaur has proven much more difficult than expected. Meanwhile, the reptile scores a minor bite, which saps some of the taur's vitality
The minotaur shifts his weight, puts his whole body behind the swing, and tries to hit the dinosaur once again. - - - - - Attack [d20+10]: 14 ... I won't even roll for damage... my rolls for this combat are truly terrible!
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday March 28th, 2013 4:52:12 PM
Checking in
DM Kathy d20+8=18 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=13 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; Thursday March 28th, 2013 10:16:04 PM Yngvar fires a glob of acid at the druid, but misses.
Ragnarök does not miss, and his one-two combination lays the druid out flat.
Toregan, seeing his target go down, switches to the dinosaur and manages to sink an arrow into it.
Asteron continues struggling with the dino, but comes up empty.
The dinosaur continues its attack on Asteron. Its talons both hit, for a total of 6 damage (2 and 4, if it matters).
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+4=23 ; d3=1 ; Friday March 29th, 2013 2:10:10 AM Redo!
Another splash of acid flies from Yngvar's hand, this time striking the druid squarely on his chest, and singing a few chest hairs.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Friday March 29th, 2013 5:08:00 PM
[OOC: Sorry for not posting, didn't see the email that the site was safe again]
"Mr. unreasonable druid...I seriously suggest you surrender, we already know your companion is alive enough to tell tales, ergo, right now we're more concerned about the well-being of that rock than yours if you insist on stalling us."
"Comes without saying, but we're even less interested in the survival and well being of your reptilian pet and indeed, I've heard that with the correct spices, deinonychus can be quite a treat."
Says Faust, making the motions and chants for a new casting of scorching ray, aimed at the druid, his face is anything but amicable, and if the choice is his to make, this shot is for the kill. He does, however, hold the spell midway, in respect for Ragnarök's beliefs, giving the druid his last chance.
Faust will fire the spell if the druid does not comply.
----------- Spells in effect:
Web (40 mins)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+12=18 ; d8+6=12 ; Friday March 29th, 2013 8:50:01 PM The druid is KO'ed guys. Rag knocked him out with the crit.
Toregan continues his rain of arrows, now targeting the raptor ravaging Asteron. "I really hope he's not dead. We really need what he knows"
Attack w/Longbow (+12): 18 Damage (1d8+6): 12
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 20/43 -- Rage 14/17 d20=20 ; d20=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; Saturday March 30th, 2013 1:57:04 AM
Asteron is growing frustrated at his inability to hit the dinosaur. He should have dispatched the animal already or, at the very least, should have given it a few open wounds to make it think about retreating... if dinosaurs think, that is.
Still, he tries once again, grunting with the effort. - - - - - Attack [d20+10]: 30... natural 20. Critical confirmation [d20+20]: 15... failed. Damage [3d6+7]: 19
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Sunday March 31st, 2013 11:07:37 AM
Convinced the Raptor will soon be overcome too Ragnarök kneels to check the Druid's vitals and strips him of his weapons and gear. They now have both of them alive... this should help them to get more information. The monk wonders how the Kobolds will react to these two... perhaps they have good interrogating skills.
DM Kathy Sunday March 31st, 2013 9:32:56 PM Yngvar, perhaps not realizing that the druid is down, goes to send another glob of acid his way, but the man is no longer standing where he was. He's lying on the ground.
Faust, also not realizing that his opponent is unconscous, tells him to surrender. Which, he sort of has.
Ragnarök checks on the unconscious druid, who should be fine in a little while.
Meanwhile, Toregon fires another arrow at the small dinosaur, but misses.
Asteron does not miss, and hurts the dinosaur pretty badly.
The dinosaur decides it has had enough, and turns to flee into the dense jungle. Asteron can take an Attack of Opportunity if he would like.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 17/09/15 -- CMD 23 -- HP 20/43 -- Rage 13/17 d20=17 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; Sunday March 31st, 2013 9:58:14 PM
Having been hurt by the reptile more than once, and seeing only red due to the rage, Asteron lets a roar of triumph escape his throat as the dinosaur turns to flee and, without even thinking, thrusts his sword towards the dinosaur, looking to finish the job. - - - - - Attack [d20+10]: 27 Damage [3d6+7]: 12
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Monday April 1st, 2013 11:00:32 AM
Faust looks embarrassed for threatening an unconscious man, attempting to hide this, he reaches for his wand and fiddles with it some, chanting, making motions...he takes some time, growing increasingly more frustrated at each new attempt.
Eventually, frustration builds up high enough for the drow to lose composure as he suddenly starts to point and yell at the wand, landing a really vast amount of cursing in drow language, complete with slangs that for outsiders doesn't sound like cursing at all.
After he finally calms down, he turns around, as if nothing happened and says "Fellas...it'll take some time for the needed healing as this piece of shuu blasted wand has decided to oh, so gently, shut its darned magic and disallow me access to its aura, so healing will only be performed when this fa'la zatoast decides to grant me access once again.", he says with an infuriated forced smile as he snaps his finger and ends his web spell, which starts to melt into naught.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Monday April 1st, 2013 11:03:36 AM
[[OOC: I'm assuming the dino fell with that last swing and Faust's actions were made as such, otherwise, just move his action after someone else has finished the dino or add his flinging one Force Missile (Evokers' Magic Missile Lite) to attempt to finish it before the wand part]]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday April 1st, 2013 4:28:01 PM
Yngvar looks around weren't there two druids? and then smiles at Faust I leave the healing to the priests.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday April 1st, 2013 5:03:36 PM "Excellent... time to tie up these two and get them ready for questioning... I'm wondering what they will have to say?! Shall we take'm back to the Kobolds and see if they have means to make'm talk??"
Rag quickly wraps a piece of cloth around the gashes in his side from the biting scimitar and then touroughly seeks through both druid's belonings. Making sure they have nothing harmful still on their person. Then he checks for some ropes and firmly ties their hands behind their backs. (anyone good with ropes??)
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+8=27 ; Monday April 1st, 2013 9:33:39 PM
(the Use Rope skill was removed from the skill list in Pathfinder and doesn't have a replacement skill. I think its assumed that you could manage to do whatever you needed with rope.)
Toregan refrains from firing an arrow at the dinosaur as it flees, either accepting that Asteron brought it down, or accepting that it got away. "I've got this one." he says as he puts his bow away and goes over to Zyk, and checks for a pulse. If he finds one and he's not stable, he'll try to stabilize him. If that doesn't work, he'll pour a potion of cure light wounds down his throat. (The Pot of CLW is from the Yule celebration.)
Heal (+8): 27
DM Kathy Monday April 1st, 2013 10:01:38 PM Asteron takes a cut at the dinosaur as it flees. It staggers, but does not go down. Faust's missile hits it, too, but it is still on its feet. It races into the jungle. You hear a few light crashing noises, then nothing.
Meanwhile, Yngvar, Ragnarok, and Toregan see to the prisoners. You take their weapons, check on their health, and tie them up. Both men have taken enough non-lethal damage, courtesy of Ragnarok's fists, that they are in no danger of dying.
Your own wounds are somewhat more serious, but unfortunately there's little to be done at the moment.
[OOC: the current party is a monk, a barbarian, a ranger/rogue, and two wizards. So no healing spells. Toregan could use a wand or scroll, since the "cure" spells are on the Ranger's spell list.]
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 20/43 -- Rage 13/17 Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 9:38:01 AM
Asteron let the rage subside, and he uses his sword to keep himself from falling. The wounds are varied, some of them deep, but the cause of his exhaustion is the rage, not the gashes. As everyone else moves about, he is content with steadying himself, trying to catch his wind.
"So, now what do we do?" Was all he could say before falling silent, still needing to catch his breath. - - - - - OOC: Even though I am enjoying Asteron most thoroughly, I would be willing to change from barbarian to cleric for the good of the party. Please, DM and players, let me know your thoughts on the matter :)
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+9=12 ; d20+2=3 ; Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 10:53:06 AM "Now...? Hmmm....we tie these druids here and bring them with us for interrogation...and dispose of the animal in some fashion, this is a nice clearing, no reason to attract predators or leave a stinky unsightly carcass about."
"Anyone got some rope for the deed? If not we'll have to look for some suitable vine...", says Faust, thinking and looking around if he saw or sees a vine that could be used. "And worst comes to worst, there are the ropes used for their traps...rather far to go get it but if we can't find anything to use, it's better than carrying unrestrained enemies on our backs.", he adds, whistling for Wolfgang to come back down and perch on his arm.
Knowledge (nature) to think of any suitable vine (+9): 12 Survival to search around for such vine (+2): 3, though the roll only shows how much of a city potato Faust is
[OOC: Indeed, I got 12 Cha and ranks in UMD specifically to use the CLW wand we had found and that was in Faust's possession (he was an Alchemist before and could use the wand natively), however, I rolled a 1 earlier in the current game day...
Also, found this regarding use rope, though it's obviously meant for a combat situation and unwilling awake victim:
Tie Up: If you have your target pinned, otherwise restrained, or unconscious, you can use rope to tie him up. This works like a pin effect, but the DC to escape the bonds is equal to 20 + your Combat Maneuver Bonus (instead of your CMD). The ropes do not need to make a check every round to maintain the pin. If you are grappling the target, you can attempt to tie him up in ropes, but doing so requires a combat maneuver check at a --10 penalty. If the DC to escape from these bindings is higher than 20 + the target's CMB, the target cannot escape from the bonds, even with a natural 20 on the check.
Guess it's just an "I do X" action now, still, Rag should be the one to do it, after all he is the grapple specialist and will know how and where to immobilize someone.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 2:02:51 PM
Yngvar kneels on the ground with his haversack before him, arm stuck shoulder deep while he searches through it. Sorry, no rope here, looks like I left it at camp.
Nipper takes the opportunity to hop out of his pocket and dart around the druid's camp site before sniffing at the druids. Hissing, he snaps his teeth a hare's breath from their noses before scrambling back into Yngvars pocket.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+6=11 ; d20+6=20 ; Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 4:28:16 PM
From his backpack Ragnarok retrieves 10ft of fine silk ropes. Ideal for climbing yet it comes in handy when it comes to restraining crazy druids... WHile they are still unconscious Rag puts their hands behind their backs and one by one he binds their hands firmly together... (Teril: 11 ; Zyk: 20) Rag doesn't notice the bonds on Teril are quite loose yet he's convinced he tied up the former Rogue pretty well.... At least he hopes so!
(Using a rope indeed requires the 20 +binder's CMD as DC for the escape artist)
" we need to wake'm up if we don't wanna carry them the whole way back... When we get back in the camp and prior to their release I need to cast the Mark of Justice on both. That should keep'm from doing the same stunt again!
Also... We may wanna be careful about all those traps we encountered on our way here..."
------- (Ooc : Jorge if you enjoy playing Asteron you should stick with him!! I like the barbarian also and we also need a good tank besides a cleric... Let the group experience the current setup!! If you are not happy with Asteron you should talk to DM Kathy and the PTB.)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 4:30:04 PM
Or did I get the tie up DC wrong and is it for both actually 20 +6 (rag's CMB) = 26 ???
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d20+4=20 ; d20+4=16 ; d8+1=9 ; Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 7:48:36 PM
[i](Unfortunately, because I'm only a level 2 ranger, i can't use magic items like wands yet, unless i'm mistaken. In two levels i'll be able to, but until then, its all spellcraft checks. I do have ranks in spellcraft though, and a single potion of CLW,but I definitely plan on picking up another wand of CLW in the Catacombs. I don't believe that I've tried the wand today, so let me have a go at it.. And besides, in 2 levels, ill be enough of a ranger to cast cure spells, so you don't have to worry about it Jorge.)
[/b]"Let me see if I can get that wand of yours to work Faust. I've got a bit of skill magical items. Not much, but lets see if its enough." Assuming Faust agrees, Toregan will try to use the wand on Asteron, then Ragnarok. If the wand still works after that, then he'll try to heal Teril then Zyk enough for them to wake up. [b]"The traps should't be much of a problem. We know where they are, and if we follow the path back, we'll be able to avoid them just like before."
UMD on the CLW wand (+4): 20, 16 So 1 heal for Asteron. 1d8+1 for the heal right? CLW (1d8+1): 9
DM Kathy Tuesday April 2nd, 2013 11:09:57 PM Asteron drops out of his rage, suddenly feeling every wound the dinosaur inflicted on him. He wonders what's next.
Faust calls for rope, and Yngvar comes up empty. Ragnarök has him covered, though, and soon both druids are tied up.
Meanwhile, Toregan picks up the wand and finds he is able to use it. [Yes, each use of the wand heals 1d8+1.]
[Wands are spell-trigger devices, and here's what the PRD says about that: Spell trigger items can be used by anyone whose class can cast the corresponding spell. This is the case even for a character who can't actually cast spells, such as a 3rd-level paladin. Or a second-level ranger. :) A scroll would be another matter, but Toregan can use a cure wand with no problems.]
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple d20+9=22 ; Wednesday April 3rd, 2013 1:02:16 PM "Good, they are tied up... Let's wake'm up and head back to the Goblin camp shall we?"
Before the group leaves Rag makes a check of the druid camp... How are the shelters made... Any other stuff to be found perhaps? Backpacks? Whatever there is to find Rag will take along to be inspected later. (Perception 22)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 29/43 -- Rage 13/17 d20=15 ; Wednesday April 3rd, 2013 1:15:14 PM
Asteron feels the healing energy directed at him heal many of his cuts. "Thank you! For a moment I thought that reptile would have the best of me!" He is not fully healed, but he does feel much better.
A thought occurs to him. Could the druids, if that is what they are, have a cache hidden nearby? The minotaur makes it a point to pick everything they dropped, and to search the nearby area for any hidden valuables of any kind. - - - - - Perception [d20+6]: 21
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday April 3rd, 2013 3:20:27 PM
Yngvar leaves the clean up to the others, Let's get back, may as well have them help fix the way stations...
DM Kathy Wednesday April 3rd, 2013 10:57:22 PM
With your opponents tied up, Ragnarök and Asteron begin checking the camp.
You find that the shelters the two men had used for sleeping were woven together from the living vines and branches in the area, probably with the help of druidic magic. It is relatively easy to untie them and allow the branches to spring back to their original position.
In the sleeping areas you find simple bedrolls and camp rations. In one sleeping area, you also find a nice-looking dagger, a heavy steel shield, a vial of liquid, and--eww!--a mummified hand on a golden chain.
There is also a letter. There is a seal at the top, with the letters D.A.R.E.
Teril,
Your latest report is most satisfactory. I am pleased to hear that our treant allies proved useful in your mission. We will be contacting them again to forge a new agreement.
In the meantime, it is vital that you continue your work of returning these "waystations" to their natural state. We must prevent further incursions of so-called civilization into the noble beauty of the wild lands. Once the waystations are gone, we can address our attention to the towns and the trading post, and make the lands safe once again for the glorious bounty of life that is the jungle. And after that--but we must not get ahead of ourselves.
Should you have the opportunity to enlist native people to our cause, I have enclosed some trade goods, which I hope will help with negotiations.
Please continue to inform me of your progress. I look forward to the day when we can all gaze in wonder at a free and unsullied wilderness.
--C.
Druids Against Rogue Explorers
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 14/34 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday April 4th, 2013 12:56:12 PM "Wow... Listen to this!" Rag reads the letter that apparently was sent to Teril out loud to his companions. When finished reading he eyeballs his friends with amasement...
"This is a declaration of hostilities! Now we know we're up against this D.A.R.E. group... And they have succesfully used treants for their cause... But the good thing is that we also partially know their plans. First the waystations then the outposts. We need to prepare for these attacks.
We need to know from Teril how he usually contacts his leaders so they don't get worried... Perhaps we can even force Teril to arrange a meeting between him and this 'C' and arrange an ambush ourselves...?
Enough said... Let's go home. Oh anyone knows what this shriveled hand is used for?? We also got their weapons and these things..." rag concludes pointing at the loot.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=15 ; d20+10=27 ; Thursday April 4th, 2013 3:51:46 PM "Indeed...I was hoping these two would be isolated nutjobs and the trees were just some 'animate tree' spell...things are bad..."
"Now, regarding those items...let's see here...", says Faust, casting Detect Magic to see if any item glows and analyzing any that do.
Faust prefers weapons and armor, so if the dagger and/or shield glow, he'll analyze those first and leave the potion/hand for Yngvar or later.
Spellcraft for item 1 [dagger?] (+10): 15 Spellcraft for item 2 [shield?] (+10): 27
[[OOC: Regarding Asteron, I agree with Steven, a Barbarian is quite an asset and, as good as a Cleric may be, unless we're game breaking, it'll be a secondary bruiser, in need of a main brute to soak the damage.]]
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 29/43 -- Rage 13/17 Thursday April 4th, 2013 4:21:36 PM
Feeling more rested now, Asteron's mind is also more clear. "The letter mentions trade goods for negotiations... yet I see none. I wonder if they have already made any deals with local kobold tribes? Maybe Auntie would have information about that. Also...", he pauses for moment, "Do not forget the weapons those two were carrying before! At least one of them is a good slicer." Not that he would use it, but it would probably fetch a handsome price if sold. - - - - - OOC: Ok, I will keep our beloved taur. I am enjoying playing him quite a bit but, after all, it would not be fun playing a barb if at least one character goes down every encounter or two :) Yet, if the consensus is that the tank is also important, then the tank will remain.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+12=20 ; d20+12=15 ; Thursday April 4th, 2013 7:50:37 PM I heard of this technique for getting people to talk, something about broads and water, or maybe it was boards and water. We can try both.
The hand is unusual enough that Yngvar takes a look at it first, followed by the potion Spellcraft 20, 15
Thinking back about the way camps they visited, I think those treants are still there, anyone know how to identify one for sure? Other than lighting a fire...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 d8+1=7 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=9 ; Thursday April 4th, 2013 10:40:44 PM Huh. Well then, I guess I'm the healer. I am very glad that I know this now. Let me at that wand.
Toregan looks over to the two bound druids as the group plans for the future. "We could simply ask them about their organization." he shrugs as he continues, "They'll probably either refuse to answer or toss around rhetoric, but its worth a shot."[/b] Toregan then uses his newfound prowess to use the wand to heal Asteron and Ragnarok.
Healing rolls! Asteron - 7+3 = 10 Ragnarok - 4+6+9 = 19 By my math, Rag now has only 1HP missing and Asteron has 4 missing.
DM Kathy Friday April 5th, 2013 12:59:27 AM Ragnarök reads the letter aloud, and you all agree that it is worrying. Definitely worth querying the druids about. Asteron wonders about the "trade goods" mentioned in the letter. Auntie had mentioned that "the others" had offered goods, but hadn't said that the kobolds had accepted. Indeed, she had made it seem quite the opposite.
Then again, you did find a dagger, a shield, a potion of some kind, and the creepy hand. Perhaps those are the "trade goods" mentioned in the letter.
Toregan continues to heal his companions.
Faust looks at the dagger and shield. The dagger is magical, but Faust can tell no more about it. He has better luck with the shield, which is a +1 heavy steel shield.
Yngvar is more interested in the hand and the vial of liquid. He is able to tell that the hand is a Hand of the Mage, but he isn't sure about the liquid.
[OOC: A couple of you have mentioned going home. The assignment you were given was to check the waystations. You have checked three so far. There are more. You aren't finished yet. :) Although you have eliminated a major threat to the waystations, so that's good. :) ]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 d20+12=23 ; Friday April 5th, 2013 3:36:58 PM Hey Rag, What do you make of this potion? Yngvar hands that over, should Ragnorak mention his problem identifying the dagger, Yngvar will take alook at it. spellcraft: 23
This necklace gives the wearer the ability to move small unattended objects at a distance by concentration. As for the two druids, we have an issue as I guess we have more way stations to look over, but taking them with us will have an ongoing risk.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Friday April 5th, 2013 5:23:00 PM
With Toregan now wielding the healing wand Ragnarok feels a lot better and so he thankfully nods.
Yet Rag raises an eyebrow as Yngvar hands over a funny looking potion to him. Not trying to further puzzle the seemingly distracted wizard Rag turns to Faust... In a whispered voice he says:
"Seems our good friend Yngvar is caught in riddles... I did hear once that wizardlike folks can get lost in spellbooks and so loose all track of reality... Do you think he's loosing it??
Here... He gave me this potion to take a look at but I'm not sure if he wants me to just drink the thing or what... And I guess he was hinting to examine that dagger of yours... Although I'm not sure we should further put stress on his mind..."
Then he gathers the swords and gear he took from the druids for the wizards to have a look at too. (DM Kathy I think we could use a full loot list)
"You're right Yngvar, we have more waystations to inspect yet I don't think it's wise to go further with these two... Isn't it best to go to the Kobold camp, interrogate them and then go to the next waystation? After all they might tell us something more about their organisation..."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 29/43 -- Rage 13/17 Saturday April 6th, 2013 11:06:35 AM
At Ragnarok's last words, the minotaur agrees. "Yes, let's go back to the Kobold camp. One of the advantages to take these two there, is that if they have secret allies among the kobolds, they will probably surface. That is knowledge that will certainly prove useful, don't you think?"
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Saturday April 6th, 2013 11:09:30 AM
As his body feels the effect of the healing magic, Asteron's bruises and cuts almost disappear. He flexes his muscles, and swings his sword, feeling much, much better. "Thank you! I am glad you can use that contraption. I have no mind for such things, but I am really thankful that you do!"
OOC: forgot to add the 10 HP from Toregan's use of the healing wand.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Sunday April 7th, 2013 6:01:10 PM "Sure, I'll take a look at it, you take a stab at the dagger, hehe...erm, I can say it's magical alright, but can't figure the aura out."
"Shield was easy though, it's enchanted to concentrate enemy focus onto it, increasing the wearer's resiliency. It's a heavy piece of steel, anyone wants to use it?"
"Thinking about our newfound...'baggage' here", he says, pointing to both druids on the ground, "Think the kobolds have a nice cage to keep them until we come back and interrogate? I mean, we can't just keep bringing them around until we get back, can we?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 d20+10=11 ; Sunday April 7th, 2013 6:08:34 PM
[OOC: Forgot to make the roll]
Faust takes the potion and sniffs it a bit, analyzes the liquid...but comes out blank...the drow just doesn't seem to be on top of his game today.
pellcraft to identify the potion (+10): 11 (nat 1)
DM Kathy Sunday April 7th, 2013 10:17:09 PM Yngvar is able to identify the dagger as a +1 dagger.
Ragnarök finishes tying up the druids, and recommends taking them back to the kobold camp. Asteron agrees.
Faust tries to identify the liquid, but has no better luck than Yngvar did.
Eventually, however, you will figure it out, so here is a complete list of your loot, as requested:
+1 dagger +1 heavy steel shield 1 vial Silversheen (that was the liquid; it is not a potion, so it's a good thing nobody drank it) Hand of the Mage +1 hide armor (x2) masterwork scimitar (x2) Amulet of Natural Armor masterwork shortbow 6 arrows treated with medium spider venom
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday April 8th, 2013 1:42:09 PM
(nice loot - that's roughly 9912 gp purchasing value or half that if we sell... we I assume it might be interesting to keep a few thingies)
Ragnarök observes the collected items... weapons and armor are useless for him but that amulet might come in handy - yet his AC is allready pretty decent so maybe some magic wielder should take advantage of that?
"So we wake'm up and go for the Kobold camp?"
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Monday April 8th, 2013 2:01:38 PM
Asteron takes a look at the loot. Not much that he can use, due to his size. Except, maybe, for the amulet. "The amulet would help me ask for less healing, I think. So I'd gladly use it. But if anyone needs it more than me, I have no problem with it. But most of the rest I can't use"
Thinking for a moment, Asteron says: "If we let them walk, they might lead us into a trap. I could carry one of them easily, both if need be. That way we don't take any risks... they could even try to kill themselves before we have the opportunity to interrogate them. Thoughts?"
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday April 8th, 2013 2:58:40 PM The mage's hand would be of some minor use, emphasis on minor, I don't see much else there of use to me. The amulet is something anyone can use, but I have no problem using Asteron as a shield.
Yngvar smiles up at him, just watch where you kick.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Monday April 8th, 2013 6:56:18 PM
Asteron snorts at Yngvar's remark. "Why would I kick anyone? I have this", he swings his blade that reaches no less than seven feet from his torso, "and, if needed, I also have these", the minotaur touches the point of one of his horns with a finger. "Kicking is just so... uncivilized!"
There is no way to tell if the taur is serious or jesting, unless you have known him for a long time.
DM Kathy Monday April 8th, 2013 11:12:05 PM Ragnarok and Asteron both express interest in the amulet, so that will warrant further discussion at some point. Yngvar may be able to make some use of the Hand of the Mage.
For now, though, you have prisoners to see to. After ensuring that they are well tied up and gagged, you awaken them. Both men glare at you, and Zyk tries to talk around his gag. You suspect that his language would be pretty strong, if only he could express himself.
You prod both men into movement, and they, eventually comply. Herding them is hard work; it seems to take forever just to get them to the place you left Ka.
"You win." Ka favors you with a kobold grin. "Ka is happy. These are bad ones?"
Ka helps you prod and pull your prisoners to the kobold camp. "What you do with them?" he asks along the way.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday April 9th, 2013 2:32:40 AM "You take that amulet Master Taur. I think we will all be a lot safer with you on the front line. I think together we make a fine pack... The two of us up close and personal and the spellweavers with ranged mayhem!"
Later as they all head back to the Kobold camp Rag explains Ka they need help with interrogating both Druids. He's not sure the Kobold understood all with the Draconic speakers will probably explain it also.
( ADM hat on ; posting isn't consisting enough folks! Last two turns only 3 player posts... Sean, Pedro, we haven't heard you since last Thursday. You guys ok?
Let's try to put posting in a higher gear friends!! Or let me know if something's keeping you from posting.)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Tuesday April 9th, 2013 12:45:34 PM "Well, if no one objects, I will wear it for the time being... at least until someone needs it more than I do" Asteron takes the amulet of natural armor and puts it on. "And I agree. Your skills at combat are impressive, master Ragnarök. Especially your expertise at not being hit. When the rage comes to me, sadly it is easier to hit than to avoid being hit myself."
Asteron wonders if Auntie would be willing to hold the two druids while they investigate the other way stations. He is somewhat afraid that, if allowed to speak at leisure, the druids might be able to pit the different kobold factions against each other, and escape using the chaos.
"Ka, can we get these two to Auntie without others knowing we brought them to camp?" If the kobold does not understand what he means, Asteron asks Yngvar to interpret.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Tuesday April 9th, 2013 12:57:21 PM
Asteron tries a few defensive moves after putting the amulet on but, as far as he can tell, his ability to deflect damage has not changed. With a hint of anger in his voice, but in control of his words and actions, he removes it and hands it to Ragnerök. "Here, master monk. It seems like its magic will do nothing for me. So it may be better that you use it." - - - - - OOC: Bah! Humbug! I just realized that minotaurs have a +1 natural armor bonus! At least it produced a bit of roleplaying, which is always good :)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Tuesday April 9th, 2013 5:01:27 PM "As much as I like the amulet there are other items I was hoping to purchase first at some point. Also, woukd it perhaps not be more interesting now to sell this item and instead by a Wand of Mage Armor? Of such a wand we would both greatly benefit... We only need a wand user..." Rag answers to Asteron and he looks hopefully to the spellweavers who might be willing to use such a wand...
OOC : if we don't keep anything someone should head to the cats and get everything sold.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Tuesday April 9th, 2013 6:48:58 PM No, not the hat! Anything but that!
In all seriousness though, for me its been Internet problems mostly. My campus has the worst internet connection I've ever experienced. Half the time I can't even get google to load. I'm going to try posting from my new phone and see if that works when my internet doesn't.
Also, are good characters allowed to use poison in the Wold? I've been in a few campaigns where poison was only allowed to be used by non-good characters, because.... You know, its poison.
Toregan helps to prod the two druids to action, making sure to keep an eye on their bonds. He also picks up the poisoned arrows and puts them in his quiver. "Why hide these two from the tribe? They'll find out anyways, and I doubt we'd be able to sneak them in in the first place." He also shakes his head as Rag looks around. "I'm afraid I wouldn't be much use there. I don't have the faintest clue how that spell works."
DM Kathy Tuesday April 9th, 2013 11:07:55 PM Asteron realizes that the amulet doesn't afford any more protection than simply being a Minotaur. He gives it back to Ragnarök.
Meanwhile, Ragnarök is wondering whether a wand of Mage Armor would work better. If you had one, either Faust or Yngvar could activate it. But getting one will have to wait until you can access the Catacombs, which will be a while. In the meantime, the amulet is available to whoever wants to use it.
Asteron asks Ka whether you could get your prisoners to Auntie in secret, but Toregan isn't sure that's the way to go.
Ka shakes his head. "Village for kobolds," he says. "No places for big people. You see already, yes? We can make place for big people, but need all kobolds help. Others will know."
"But if Auntie say, we not tell anybody else," he adds hastily. "Even other kobolds."
[OOC: I have never heard of a rule saying good characters aren't allowed to use poison in the Wold. I checked the PRD, and there isn't a Pathfinder rule to that effect, either. I do know that the Catacombs will not buy or sell poison, so you'll either have to use the arrows yourselves or throw them away.
If it helps, I deliberately chose a poison that would not kill. Spider venom does Strength damage; when a creature is reduced to 0 Strength it cannot move and falls unconscious, but it does not die. You can't kill anything with this poison, although you can incapacitate.]
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Tuesday April 9th, 2013 11:47:32 PM Don't we have magic catacomb pins that open portals?
Yngvar nods, yeah, a wand or two would definitely be better.
Yngvar does any translating needed. The arrows will most likely be of use at range before closing in on any enemies. I suggest keeping them.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 11:06:39 AM
[[OOC: Sorry folks, been hospitalized since monday morning. I ate something that really made my stomach upset, to the point of vomiting blood, so the doctors told me to sleep in for observation
Regarding the catacombs, I think the reason is mostly time, we have to get on the move and the portal is not mobile, is it?
About poison, I don't quite remember if it was the rules board or the last DM that answered it, but basically the answer was that nobody will arrest you for using poison (unless you use it against good humanoids, obviously), but no one will sell you poison either, you'll have to make it on your own...or ask Faust or Yngvar.]]
"Indeed. Just give me one for some quick analysis, if they do prove useful, I believe I'll be able to produce more..."
"Hmmm...if hiding them from others is not really an option, do keep them as far away from other tribes as possible, they might be able to sway or disrupt the alliance if their words reach tribes less favorable to us."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 3:05:17 PM "That was my line of thinking... although I fear that the other tribes may have spies inside this one. So word will eventually get out." Asteron does not like the prospect of their newly found allies getting into trouble because of their prisoners. It might have been simpler to just kill them outright, he thinks... but does not voice his thoughts.
"We will need to ask Auntie to keep an eye on these two. We can't just take them along everywhere. Not safe for us, and probably not safe for them either." He adds the last thought so Ragnarök is appeased. [b]"And she may want to ask them a few questions... after I try to pry some information from them. I can look quite menacing sometimes, I suppose". The minotaur chuckles at the thought. He might not be the best browbeater there is, but he will definitely give it a try. - - - - - OOC: Sorry to hear that Pedro! Hope you are better now.
One question for the DM/ADM: Can I take 10 or 20 with Intimidate? Never tried it, so I don't know :)
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Wednesday April 10th, 2013 4:01:49 PM "Before we head out again", Ragnarök chimes in, "I do need 10 minutes alone with Teril... he seemed to be the leader of these two and if we leave them here when we go in search of the other Way Stations I don't want him to turn to his previous endeavours again... or at least not without ending up cursed from doing so... Hold him tight my Taur friend..."
Ragnarök takes time to cast a Mark of Justice on Teril. Should Teril return to his former habbits with the D.A.R.E. group and destroy outposts, way stations or any sign of civilization, or plot against such civilizations, the curse bestowed on him will be activated and as such he will take a -6 on his Wisdom score. Since that is the main ability for a druid it should cripple the man...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 7:50:08 PM
Toregan give Teril a hard glare before noding his head."A good plan. If anything, it'll act as a good message to his group if he is let go or escapes." Toregan then nods in agreement to Yngvar's advice. "I'll keep them with me for the time being. I'd probably be the best at using them."
[i]That sucks. I can only imagine how horrible you must feel right now. Take your time recovering, your health is the most important thing. That said, I hope you'll get better soon![/b]
DM Kathy d20+8=13 ; Wednesday April 10th, 2013 11:12:04 PM
[OOC: Pedro, I hope you get to feeling better soon! I remember having to go to the ER for food poisoning, but it was just a dehydration issue and I was out in hours. I can't imagine being that sick!]
Yngvar asks about your handy-dandy Catacombs pins. This is the first your DM is hearing about this; can somebody point me to the relevant information in the Archives?
Faust expresses an interest in analyzing the poison, and advises caution if the druids are to be turned over to the kobolds.
Asteron also advises caution, and he is looking foward to interrogating the prisoners.
Ragnarök uses a special ability to try to put a Mark of Justice on Teril. Teril resists to the best of his ability [Will save 13; what's the DC?]
Toregan agrees to take custody of the poisoned arrows.
"Not worry," Ka says confidently. "We not talk to other tribes."
[OOC: I will allow you to take 10 on an Intimidate, but not 20.]
When you talk to the druids, you don't get a lot of information. Zyk doesn't seem to know much; Teril was clearly the one in charge of their little team. Teril claims to be part of a larger organization, this D.A.R.E., which he claims has members all over the Wold, working to "liberate the forests from the trespasses of so-called civilization." He is evasive about where they are headquartered, or who "C" is. He does say that he has never met C in person, but that C is highly-placed in the organization and is the one in charge of this particular operation.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Wednesday April 10th, 2013 11:34:23 PM We could always tie them to a log and float them downriver... Other than letting them go, I don't think leaving them with the kobolds is a good choice.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Thursday April 11th, 2013 1:23:12 PM "Go on someone should interrogate them folks! I'm not the most intimidating one nor do I have the capability to do so... Try to get them to tell us where this D.A.R.E group comes from, where they are based, how big they are, who their leaders are and so on... with some fine language and a nudge from Master Asteron we should be able to make'm squeel. And then... I agree with Yngvar to strip'm from their belongings and send them downstream on a raft..."
ooc let's speed up the pacing here friends. Someone should take care of the interrogation presto.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Thursday April 11th, 2013 2:46:37 PM March 28th, 2012. Six days after hearing of Cthonia, and a harrowing signup and trip to the wilds, Pen provided the newly arrived with Attunement Needles that allow access to the catacombs. Unfortunately, the portal is in Pen's office at the outpost. Come to think about it, only Toregan and I are still around since then.
Seeing that the group had started to waver in deciding what needed to be done, Yngvar found a courage that had been hidden, and stepped forward, having remembered why he was way out here in the wilds of Cthonia in the first place. Taking a moment to try and remember the pertinent regs, he pulls back his shoulders and walks to stand before the two druids.
I'm sure that we will get much of use from them with a lengthy and violent interrogation. They have admitted to criminal acts of violence against people, causing traumatic bodily harm and death. That's enough for a death sentence as far as Pantheon is concerned. Toregan and I were hired to take charge of the outpost, and those areas under its protection, which would include the way stations. That one has admitted to killing sentient beings in our jurisdiction. Yngvar points to Teril. By the regulations of the Trade and Merchants Guild, chapter 13, paragraph 1105m subsection A, part 1, I find that both men are guilty of murder, with intent.
Yngvar takes a hard, long look at the two men. The penalty is usually death. Understand me clearly, I have no doubts about your guilt. And I would sleep well tonight knowing I had served justice. I give you one opportunity, and only one. On your oath, and honor, you may accept indentured service to the outpost. In such a role you would be expected to provide for the common defense of the outpost and its visitors. In addition, you will renounce your membership with the terrorist organization DARE. As we are working to develop the outpost in harmony with nature, your council will be considered as our operations expand in Cthonia. Your alternative is a swift sentence of death. You have one minute to choose.
Yngvar remembered that the original group is ostensibly in charge of the outpost. Ezra doesn't recall if any of the current party has also been placed in such a position, other than Toregan who was present at our arrival at the Outpost. Yngvar is also working into the prestige class of Justicar, so his current actions relate this.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 17/13/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 27/27 // Wolfgang AC 17/15/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 13/13 Thursday April 11th, 2013 10:46:27 PM
[[ OOC: Thank you all. To be honest I'm very glad just to be home already, hope I'll never have to spend so much time at a hospital, much less without eating anything.
If I understood anything of what the doctors said, they kept me in in fear of actual poisoning (which could indicate either a crime or some sort of defect in any food company whose food I consumed last week), but since all ill symptoms were pretty much gone after a full 24 hour cycle without anything but...not sure how it's called in English, serum maybe? Anyway, "nutritious medicine water directly in the vein", they released me as it was clear to them that it was all but a strong case of food poisoning (but not actual poison poisoning).
I'm still not 100%, naturally, but am good enough to work and move around; been eating lots and lots of home-made chicken noodles to get my strength back. ]]
Faust just looks at the two men, without his hopes up, after all, they didn't seem reasonable at all, he shakes his head and mutters, "A shame really, a nature caster would be a great asset, not to mention that indeed, someone more in the knows of the forest would be great for minimizing the impact..."
Think Faust was added as a helping hand, in the same oath as you, though don't think it was fully described to him. Still, keep the peace, guarantee security, deal with enemies, simple enough.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Friday April 12th, 2013 12:28:54 AM
Asteron begins his interrogation. He sets the two druids down in front of him, and then towers over them in the most menacing way he can. He unshoulders his pack, but keeps wielding his blade. Then, very, very slowly he starts measuring as if he is to cut Teril's right foot cleanly with one swing of his blade. Then, as if thinking better of it, changes position and starts aiming at the left. "Well, unless you start talking, I start slicing. Your choice. Every lie you say, I chop off a few inches, starting with the foot. Every question that is not answered to my satisfaction, the same. When the left leg is gone, I start with the right one. When the legs are gone, I start with the arms. Just a few inches at a time, so it takes a long time to finish... and gives you lots, and lots of pain!"
Hopefully, Asteron thinks, the man will not know about the proverbial honor that bounds the minotaurs. But even if he does, Asteron will say that a criminal, because that is what the man is, should be treated exactly as he deserves. Boiling alive comes to mind as a fit form of punishment. - - - - - Intimidate [d20+9] = 19. Take 10, no roll.
DM Kathy Friday April 12th, 2013 12:58:26 AM Yngvar expresses doubts about leaving the men with the kobolds, but there are few alternatives.
Ragnarök is interested in further interrogations. I will step in out of character and say as your DM that you've found out all there is to find out at this point in the story. You can keep talking to them for roleplay purposes if you like, but you have all the information you're going to get.
With Faust's help, Yngvar is able to give the men a choice. Zyk accepts right away, with a shrug and a "sure, whatever." He gives his oath, and you are sure he will keep to the letter of it, if not the spirit.
Teril looks at Zyk with disgust, then back to you. "Kill me if you must," he says. "I will never serve the defilers of the wild lands."
Asteron gets inventive in trying to get more information, but runs into the same situation as before: Zyk genuinely doesn't know anything useful, and Teril's not giving it up.
And I repeat, as your DM, you now know everything I know. Everything else is nebulous, unformed ideas and brainstorming notes. :)
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Saturday April 13th, 2013 2:30:43 PM
Asteron gets up, and walks away from the two prisoners. Whether he liked it or not, Teril is not budging, not even a hair's width. "I believe our best course of action is either to take him to the outpost, and then continue with our task, or to ask Auntie to keep him here, and continue on. We are not going to get anything else out of him." There is a tinge of respect in the minotaur's voice. The man had not broken, and that pointed to strength of character, as misguided as the man was.
"So, what will it be?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Sunday April 14th, 2013 3:04:37 PM "I'd say let them go... undo'm of their belongings and put'm on a raft. They'll end up somewhere. Teril bears the Mark of Justice now... he'd better not revert to his former behaviour. With any luck they will inform their leaders not to mess with us or at least to stop doing what they are doing..."
And with that, Ragnarök prepares to go look for the next outpost.They have lost enough time already with these two...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 18/14/14 -- CMD 19 -- HP 29/29 Sunday April 14th, 2013 8:37:43 PM
Toregan looks at their two prisoners before looking at Yngvar. "I'm with Rag on this one Yngvar. We need to send them a message. Zyk agreed to your terms, so we'll release Teril, and if he survives he'll report back to them. With that mark on him, he shouldn't be much of problem down the line."
DM Kathy Sunday April 14th, 2013 10:38:02 PM
Although the decision is a difficult one, you decide to send Zyk to the Trading Post, and release Teril to whatever fate awaits him.
Your first step is to return the prisoners to the kobold village, and tell Auntie--and Sskurhe--all about your recent adventures. Both kobolds look impressed. At least, you think they look impressed; it is still difficult to read kobold expressions.
"We can make a raft for the tall man--this Teril," Auntie says. "No need wasting a perfectly good boat on him, eh?"
With Zyk, you have something of a dilemma. You want to take him back to the Trading Post, so he can begin serving his sentence, but your current mission takes you the other way, to check the rest of the waystations.
Once Auntie understands all that, she proposes a solution. "Ka is a good boy," she says. "Steady, too, which you don't often see in a boy that age. Perhaps he and his warriors could escort this Zyk to the Trading Post for you? They could carry a letter from you, explaining the situation. What say you?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/34 - AC21/20/14 / 25 vs AoO - CMD 24 / 26 vs Grapple Monday April 15th, 2013 10:42:39 AM "Sounds like a plan!"
Then the usually calm Monk becomes restless... the wilderness beyond calls!
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 19/11/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 39/43 -- Rage 13/17 Monday April 15th, 2013 12:31:47 PM "Ka is indeed brave and intelligent. I would trust him to perform such a mission well." Asteron would have preferred to take the man himself, but it was out of the question. "The offer is much appreciated, Auntie. Perhaps the letter should also state that your tribe has been invited to trade at the post."
Then, knowing time is of the essence, Asteron tightens his belts and checks his equipment before saying, "To the next waystation then. There is much to do."
What is there to do, he has no idea. Combat, most probably. Parlaying, maybe. But of one thing Asteron is sure: things were not as they appeared. Thus, many of his thoughts would be shared with the group, but with no one else.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} -- CMD 13 -- HP 25/25 Monday April 15th, 2013 2:27:46 PM
Yngvar asks Toregan, sentence must be passed, if you will witness, I will do what must be done with the murderer. A raft will not be necessary. He desires to protect the land, his corpse will fertilize it.
Yngvar has no qualms about performing the coup de grace with his dagger.
LOG ON