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The Platinum Dragons Archives

Jerry says: Experience. Please list in order of preference the top three characters as far as roleplaying and effectiveness was concerned during the last module. This will help me dish out experience. Everyone receives 5,000 xp. This survey is to help me determine bonus xp for roleplaying and effectiveness as I said redundantly above. Please send this privately to me. Do not send this to Woldian@usa.net, thanks.

Jerry says: Please bombard me with requests for hero points. Each character may have several now as per the House Rules which you should now all have access to. You may nominate yourself and/or others as many times as you see fit. These may be sent publicly with your turns.

Jerry says: Several of you have already approached me with what your character wants to do during the month off. I've answered these individually. All players have until the end of the week to let me know what you want to do. Otherwise I'll just assume you hung around the Giggling Ghost with Daphne......hehe.

Jerry says: OK, it's basic expenses time as per the House Rules. Everyone who eats and lives in an "ordinary" fashion needs to deduct 50gp per level for basic expenses. This covers things like fixing your armor, buying spell components etc. that would be boring to role-play. If your character lives in an opulent manner, by choice, or an ascetic one, double or half it. Ascetic status must be announced ahead of time and properly role-played to keep. Both Ascetic status and Opulent must be noted on the character sheet.

Jerry says: If you have gone up a level, consult the House Rules for the obtaining of new spells. I need for mages entire collection of spellbooks to be listed on their character sheets with current spells memorized noted with an asterisk or something. check your DMG for how to create a spellbook. I assume and all spellbooks weigh 20 pounds and take up 2/3rds of a backpack. I firmly suggest that you create a traveling spellbook or a series of them (say one for different settings). I also suggest that you inquire via one-one-one roleplaying with me into various spellbook protections that are available. You may of course shop for spells at anytime or arrange for trade with another mage.

Jerry says: The "care package" from Osto needs to be divided up or not. [evil grin]

Jerry says: Hold off on sending your updated character sheets until you receive your bonus xp from me, probably on Monday.

Jerry says: I'll be running the turns by myself until John returns from his vacation. Then he'll be teaming with me.

Jerry says: The next turn is due Monday by 7:00pm.

David says: On XP's:

Gareth was documented as killing the following monsters: 5 skeletons, 2 ghouls, 2 zombies; fighter #2 (1/2); Som, 1 unidentified undead Additionally ath the end there were a number of "non specific" battles in which he probably killed more.

Jerry says: Fine. You are responsible for doing your own individual xp points. Individual xp is found on p.48 of the DMG2 or by looking up Individual xp in the Core Rules CDRom. For your convience, I'm sending these rules cut and pasted from that source in another email. SAVE THIS for future reference. If you don't know the HD of each creature you deserve individual xp for, ask. The onus is on you.

Jerry says: As for the above, Skeletons are 1HD, Ghouls are 2HD, Zombies are 2HD, Som's warriors were 4HD, Som I'm not sure about. Keith would you look up his HD. If Keith doesn't remember, ask me again in a few days and I'll make an official guess. Keith? "Non-specific" battles that were role-played by Keith are assumed to be included in the "story" experience that I've already given.

Jerry says: I included the monster experience (for the group) as a part of the "story" award. I also included a survival award as per the DMG2 p.47.

David continues: Also, do we get more XPs for the rubies and the gems?

Jerry says: I did this for the last few modules, however, now that we're far enough along that I understand better how much xp is needed per level, it's not necessary. It is an optional rule that I'm choosing not to include this time. My usual response to this questions is, "Money and magic are their own rewards."

Jerry continues: Excellent questions David.

David says: Why were we asked for actions and to continue the story line if all our turns were ignored. I'm opposed to broad strokes that exclude the players from doing anything. I would have liked to go back to the tower the following day. I seriously doubt anyone would bother the place and it is not unreasonable to think there was stuff to be had and more undead to kill. Furthermore, if we are going to try and get new stuff, wouldn't more money be a good thing to have? Anyway, I'll get over it - maybe yesterday.

Jerry says: JK did the Actions thing. I didn't see anything wrong with it. Everyone else seemed to understand that there would be a new beginning the next turn. As far as going back is concerned, I DID NOT want to go back to the tower to conduct a boring search of the place. That would be boring and anticlimactic. We're "storytelling" here. Creating our own piece of "fiction" so to speak. That's why I had the care package arrive from Osto of your share of what was found there. Did you not think that the people who had suffered in the town also deserved a share of what was found there?

David says: On experience: Are you giving experience based on monsters killed in addition to a story line base? Or is everyone getting the same?

Jerry says: There is a difference between individual experience for monsters and group experience for monsters. Look it up in the DMG pp.46-47. I hope I answered this above in today's turn.

David Hill says: I was a little confused about obtaining spell books for the priest -- was that part for mages only? I'll draw up my character sheet tonight, listing all possible spells available, and notate the ones requested.

Jerry says: Spell books are only necessary for Mages...look it up...:) I don't do anything that weird....just play by the rules :)

Keith says: I nominate Gareth for a Hero Point because he was always willing ( sometimes foolishly ) to place his body between the foes and the party.

Jerry says: I agree that Gareth probably deserves a Hero Point. I need a specific instance of when he was heroic and placed his body between the foes and the party. Check the website for former turns if it has all become fuzzy to you. I'll try to get the final turns posted in a few days. It may be the weekend, though, cause I'm running all the turn for the next few days, plus all this "month off" stuff.

Jerry says: Please send all "month off" stuff separate from your turn, please. Use the Subject line of "Gareth's Month Off: Turn 1" with your character's name and the proper turn number interposed, unless you're Gareth and it's your first turn.. :)

Jerry says: I included all discussion about treasure dividing with this turn because it fit ok. It won't fit tomorrow, so here's what we'll do. You guys can email each other and discuss it in character....That's right, Email each other. I suggest that you send your comments to everyone so everyone can enjoy it. If it gets to be too much mail, let me know. We can designate a player that is not the current DM to compile these and send them out separately. (Too much work for me and besides it's your money. Want it? Do the work! It can stay in the group kitty for all I care. :) Include both my school address and home in all correspondence in character so I can keep up. Thanks. Questions?

John says: I REALLY hate doing this. Silly as it may seem, I don't like nominating my own character (if he even has something to be nominated for). But, here are a couple of nominations:

Flaust: For sneaking into the tower by herself and scoping things out.

Jerry says: Granted. Flaust add the hero point and the 200xp. There was risk involved, although I'm not so sure of the selflessness of the act. :)

Nonam: For being a true friend, putting his own stubbornness aside, and apologizing to Onrad. This should be given a hero point since JK altered his character's persona to keep the party together.

Jerry says: There was no physical risk involved here. I will award a xp bonus of 500xp for his actions, however.

Jerry says: John, Ifn ya want the points do the nominating.....or sneak it to David and have him nominate you if you're shy....hehe. Guys there's lots more hero points out there. But it's not me that wants them. Ifn ya want 'em, ask for 'em. [grin]

John says: Is the Common Expenses Fee a per-week, per-month, or one-time-between-modules deduction?

Jerry says: Hmm....normally we've said it was a per-month fee. However, it works out easier to just do it by the module. :) Good question. I'll check with the local group about changing the House Rule there.

Jerry says: Received no turn from Anthony as of 1157pm. Anthony are you out there?

Jerry says: The turn tonight along with the 20 odd other emails that had to be answered took me about 3 hours. Whew. If it takes me a few days to get back to you on your individual stuff, please understand.

Jerry says: I didn't receive turns from JK, Keith, Anthony, or John. However I did hear from some of these people concerning what they wanted to do during their month off and other issues, but no turn actions were sent. Hey guys! The regular game comes first! We need to hear from you every day. I couldn't legitimately move forward from this point until everyone, or at least nearly everyone chimed in with a yes or no.

Jerry says: I haven't received bonus experience from everyone yet. If I don't hear from you tomorrow, consider any bonus experience you would have earned to have been lost. I'm not going to spend over an hour a night on this stuff if I don't get feedback on stuff when I ask for it. [slightly miffed smile]

David Hott says: First, was Kat mentioned in a turn so far? I didn't see her.

Jerry says: I didn't receive a turn from her. I emailed Anthony at work today about his turns. Hopefully things will smooth out here pretty quick.

David says: Second, here are my hero point nominations for Gareth:

Gareth specifics:

1) Pressing the attack on the undead in Osto as they retreated to the swamp when some of the others wanted to let them go.

(That's a choice, not something heroic. No special risk involved. No selflessness.)

2) Attacking Som when he went invisible and risking several back attacks to prevent him from casting spells on the party.

(granted)

3) Correctly assessing the use of his bow to prevent Som from casting in the room with the four fighters instead of closing with sword. (at least additional XP. Yeah, I guess I'm now an XP-grubbing fighter as opposed to an XP-grubbing MU...)

(300 xp)

4) In Osto undead attack, focused attack on Ghouls at great risk instead of allowing other party members to take their attacks.

(granted)

5) Several times rushing to engage the undead army to prevent them from getting through doors or successfully advancing on the parties position. (The door of the castle [when party entered AND left], the front of Thrasher's (spit!) house, etc.)

(Personally I thought everyone was being pretty selfish about that time. Doing their own thing with no concern for each other in the group. In fact Keith commented on that about that time to me. No one acting as a group.)

Gareth has slots for two additional hero points. I think he deserves both.

(I do too.)

Good thoughts on several other characters already noted. I'll continue to look for others...

(ok)

Just a thought on hero point nominations: I think the person most qualified to nominate a character - other than the DM - for hero points is the person running the character. They made the turn decisions, they worked the character, and therefore they have the best recollection of the actions their character took. DM, of course, did too. This comes as no surprise I'm sure but if you have nominations for your own character a person should not be bashful in nominating them. This is really for the best I think because the adventures we play go back months and it is simply hard to remember every valid situation - even for your OWN character. And consequently to give every character equal consideration would require a review of all the turns which takes a lot of time. Time which could be used to move the adventures forward. This is MHO, of course and not intended to discourage the nomination of characters other than your own. In fact, by nominating your character you may give others the information they were looking for in reference to your character so they can second a nomination if appropriate.

(Thanks for your opinion and sermon, David.) [evil grin]

David continues and continues: Some crossing in the mail. Some of the questions were repeats. Sorry for the extra 'chatter'. Actually my comment about the abrupt ending of the turn was made prior to the care package turn. Not a bad way to handle it. Like I said, I'll get over it, maybe 2 days ago now...

David Hill says: What are the house rules for carrying excess experience over when raising a level? The experience gained from the previous adventure goes well beyond the 3000 xp needed for Flaust to raise to 4th level. Is it lost?

Jerry says: No. Again check the AD&D rules for this. They say you can go up one level, not two. So anything up to, but not including what it would take to go up two levels is allowed.

David Hill says: Regarding the Hero Point: I'd like to convert it to a Role-playing Point, to be used to provide influence in a critical situation.

Jerry says: No, I don't think so.

Jerry says: Again I reiterate. I will not handle treasure period. Write each other. Deal with each other. New rule. No treasure can be taken unless the group has been notified...unless you're stealing it. If you choose to do that, let me know privately. Otherwise is stays in the kitty. Remember the group may not be too happy to just say, I'm taking this. I wouldn't be. Onrad won't be. There I said it.

Jerry says: Well as you can see I finished getting ready for Friday night with the help of JK last night. I know that this is an awkward place to end the turn. I wanted to continue, however, as I looked ahead I realized that I was just about to open another grand discussion between the characters and felt we should finish the treasure discussion before beginning another. We're in no hurry, guys. Remember this is a game and we're not on a schedule. Continue to roleplay the treasure thing to your hearts content. We won't run the next turn until then to avoid that kind of confusion. Two discussions at once while also doing things during our month off would confuse you and it would kill me. I had 45 emails in my box tonight counting duplicities concerning the game....whew. Go ahead and send in any responses to this turn that you want to. If you have no response, just send me an email saying, "No response." I'll keep these and wait until we're finished with the treasure thing before proceeding.

Jerry continues: Tell you what, we'll finish dividing it up Monday night, then see if what we decide is ok with David Hill and Keith.

Jerry says: Be sure to bring your character sheets with you for Monday. If you forget, I can print out your latest one to play. Erin of the local group has to go out of town Monday. She owes me 10 cookies for backing out...she set the price. I asked for one...hehe. I should try that more often....[evil grin].

Jerry says: Yes is playing Starplex July 30th. I am now a Yes VIP through the internet and can get up to 6 tickets up close for about $50 each. Anyone interested? I need to know asap to get some before they are gone. This is getting ticket vouchers for seats in a certain area, usually the VIP rows, before they go on sale. They are supposed to be playing in surround sound this tour. Very exciting. Until then Yes has two new albums out this month. One is called Beyond and Before and has the first stuff they ever recorded for the BBC in 1969 remixed and in some cases replayed. The other is a special edition of their latest release from last fall in quadraphonic called "Open Your Eyes." Other news. Tommy Shaw one of the three singers in Styx has a new solo album coming out in June. Styx goes into the studio in June and is supposed to tour with a brand new "theme" album like Kilroy and Paradise Theatre in the fall. They have a new record deal for 5 albums in the next 4 years. Dennis De Young the main singer of the group also has a new album out of his new broadway musical "Hunchback" featuring the song "Paradise." Go fig. It gets high ratings for that kind of song. If you haven't picked up their live album of their recent tour called "Return to Paradise", your missing some great remixes and a couple of new songs as well.

David Hott says: Jerry, I'm not sure I asked the question properly in my turn 3 email: What exactly are you referring to when you say 'bonus experience'? I looked back and could only see references to 'role play and effectiveness'. Is this what you meant or is there more? Sorry if I just missed it. I really did look.

Jerry says: Ok, I've answered this for some and not for others so here it is a final time [grin]. There are two kinds of experience group and individual. The bonus experience I was refering to was individual experience. To help me decide how much bonus experience to give each character for "role-playing and effectiveness" I asked each of you to rate each player character in these areas and send me your top three rated characters. I would use this survey to help me determine how much bonus experience to give each character in this area. I didn't hear from 3 of you. John abstained not wanting to rate himself. John I didn't want you to rate yourself. Just the others. They will rate you. If you haven't and don't object to this on moral grounds...[grin], please do so and send your top three players according to how they were "role-played" and how "effective" they were to help me be fair. I'll send out this bonus experience privately and no one, not even the other DMs will know who has received what. :) Does that clear it up? Questions?

David says: [David Hott] I'm kind of surprised to hear your assessment that 'everyone was being pretty selfish about that time'. I'm assuming your referring to the way the battle with Som went. There were several instances that people wanted to slow up and regroup. There were times that Gareth in particular ignored suggestions of fellow party members that involved not pressing the attack on Som. This was my best attempt to role play his attitude as follows: [Gareth saw that some of the party members had little if any offensive effectiveness against the undead and Som (and they were making the suggestions on how Gareth should fight!). He was also a bit intimidated and angered by Aventine who pushed the assault and 'goaded' Gareth into action at times (being young, impressionable, and having his leadership unexpectedly threatened by an outsider). Add to that Som had the audacity to not die real easy and Gareth concluded it best to press the attack against him at all costs not allowing him to reset and get an edge. Also, there was no way he was letting Aventine get a leadership edge and he was angry that his attacks were not killing Som even with major damage.]

Jerry says: No that was not the combat to which I was referring. I was referring to the combat in Osto by Thrasher's house. No one seemed to be working together leading up to that battle.

David says: I thought the fighters worked well together in that situation. During this time there were also several 'edits' to my submitted turns. Words put into Gareth's mouth and actions that were not put there by me. Even so I would say that Gareth was pretty true to character as represented by me. It may be accurate to say 'Gareth was being selfish' or 'the party members were being selfish' but I'm not sure I agree that the players were being overly so.

Jerry says: It seemed to me that the start of this module up through about the time that combat's tide turned, that the group was acting as individuals. Onrad was probably the worst, only concerned that he be listened to. Nonam was next enjoying his torture of Onrad to the exclusion of group unity. Gareth was so focused on the discussion with the priest of Wardd in the bar that he (and he said this) purposefully ignored the situation until the business with the "outsider" was taken care of. People were running off and doing this and that without even seeing if that was what the group wanted to do. True, such things are open to interpretation, so I guess that's my interpretation of things.

David continues: Just a couple of related notes about the game if your interested: As we have discussed before people's turns were modified on a number of occasions which resulted in more forceful language being used in their subsequent turn submissions. We also had instances where people's intent was misinterpreted (i.e. Kat). Add to this a number of character 'insertions' which were not totally agreed upon in advance by DMs and differences in the handling of the story line between DMs and I'm not extremely surprised that the turns became more 'inward looking' as perhaps there was some discouragement or frustration. I want to emphasize that I never really became aggravated but I got the impression that others may not have been as passive.

Jerry says: I totally agree. We, meaning Keith and I honestly (I'm sure I can speak for Keith here) did our best. I hope you still had fun. That and using this as a means for keeping old friendships active daily is the reason for doing this. If those goals are not being met, then we need to something less competitive....which is an odd thing to say about a role-playing game. But then we were always competitive and have always gotten over it. I remember many a Risk game where differing ones of us got upset at times. That's the by-product of competing with your friends. I even remember Karl Lillie turning the table over when he lost a few times. [big grin]

David continues: I think the game is going great but I imagine, being the perfectionist you are, you would want honest feedback to make it as good as possible. I really don't have a lot of suggestions about how it could be better except that the DM(s) more carefully consider edits to peoples turns. Being 'guided' through a story line is like reading a book. Not playing a game. The end or beginning of an adventure obviously requires it but if the group totally messes up on what the DM(s) had in mind is see that as no reason to edit. The other issues on story line handling I believe will improve over time as you guys get used to working with each other and the players get used to each other. Even though it's been a while everyone has never really met and there have been additions and deletions of characters and players as well. I think this Monday will do great things to improve this area as I'm sure you well know. Probably preaching to the choir but I figured you'd like to have my thoughts since you seem to be indirectly expressing concern over the groups overall performance. Thanks for your hard work. Hope my notes are a help not a burden.

Jerry says: You're welcome. Not many take the time to say they are enjoying or appreciate the time the DMs spend running the turns. Be honest at all times. Dishonestly breeds miscommunication.

David says: Good news. I had lunch with Joey Chapa yesterday and told him about Monday. He is considering coming to the Monday festivities with me. This I think would be a good time for him to be introduced to the group (as if we've all met...) and bring in his new character.'

Jerry says: Great! Looking forward to seeing him after all these years.

JK says: I'm going to have to take a couple of weeks off the game. We're making plans to move in a couple of weeks as well as planning the trip to Mich.

Jerry says: We'll miss you in the local group alot JK. Hopefully you can make friends with David and his wife Kim.

Anthony says: Sorry about no turn yesterday, I was at home. I had surgery on my foot tues.

Jerry says: Ouch! You should have said something.

Jerry says: Joey, I apologize for taking so long to get your macro added. I just kept forgetting. Someone should have reminded me. It's added now as you can tell.

Jerry says: No turn again received from Keith. Hey Keith, don't forget. I'll send Flaust over to your house to kiss you!

Jerry says: I did not receive a turn from Tiburon.

David Hill says: I take it that David Hott doesn't care to have his turn submissions edited :) Here's my (re-expressed) feeling on the matter: I don't have loads of time to lay out twenty possible areas of action each round. We want to retain some semblance of round-by-round D&D action, but I want don't want it to move at a crawl, either. That's why I like for some 'words to be put' in my character's mouth -- I want some movement to occur in the story line.

Jerry says: Uh, oh...here we go. ::ducking::

David says: In reference to your response to my comments: I have indeed greatly enjoyed the game. Both playing and dialogue with friends.

David says: Not to belabor the point. I just want to get it right. Are you looking for specifics such as what I put down for Gareth for all the other characters/players from me or is what I gave you already in the form of nominations cover it? Also, it seems to me you want the following: character nominations for good role play, hero point nominations, and individual experience to be defined as monster killed. You also gave Gareth some XP for a specific combat event nominated as a hero point. I'm not sure if you want a list of those or not. Sounds like you do not by you answer below. Is that all or am I still missing something?

Jerry says: Ok, let's see if I can answer this without confusing things further. JK, Anthony, Keith, feel free to jump in here and help. When I send you experience, write it down. Add your 10% bonus if your character gets it. Keep a running total. I don't want a breakdown of what you earned for what. Everyone is honorable or they wouldn't be asked to play in this game.

Jerry continues: You do individual experience yourself. When you accomplish something (like a solo kill for a fighter, or a pick pockets for a thief) , anything on that chart that I sent last week from the DMG, that had "significant risk" involved in it give yourself the experience and email me the information. You get to decide this honorably for yourself. Just inform me of what you have earned with a quick note.

Jerry elaborates: When you gain a level, or something significant, other than experience points (like a new spell in your spellbook, or a new hero point, or buy something, or get a new magic item) send me an updated character sheet.

Jerry extemporizes: As far as what I asked you to send me. I asked for you to do two things. First, I asked for you to nominate yourself and others for hero points. When you send these in, I evaluate the nominations and grant the hero point, grant just some extra xp for that person to write down, or deny it altogether. Second, I asked everyone to rate the other player characters in the areas of "role-playing and effectiveness" listing the top three in order and sending that to me privately to help me determine a bonus individual experience award that I wished to hand out.

David Says concerning David's comments: All right! A fight!! A fight!!! Hey, did you hear about the gang fight that broke out into a hockey game? They REALLY decided to get serious...- Came to mind as the Dallas Stars advance to the third round of Stanley Cup play tonight.

David continues: In response to Mr. Hill (heh heh)... This issue will obviously be different for everybody. Thus requiring flexibility with all involved. In this case, my modus operandi is to send one, maybe two scenarios with Gareth's turn. Then I add a note to specify intent just in case my scenarios don't work. I could never imagine spending the time to do 20 turns (10 or even 5 - unless an extremely important scenario - maybe 5). This enables the DM to add words or modify actions to add flair as desired. My comment really was not intended to imply that this was not acceptable or desirable. I 'm talking about having entire turns completely ignored, having the character do something directly in conflict with stated intent, or even do something totally different just because the requested action did not 'fit' nicely. Such as not attacking and running instead or saying something a certain way when the intent was clearly the opposite (these are 'hypothetical' examples and do NOT reflect on specific instances of our game FYI - just examples). Sometimes, as for example at the beginning or end of an adventure, this is necessary. Other times it is not so necessary. I was merely reflecting on what I could see becoming a big deal if it were to proliferate and become 'common practice' as opposed to being a very 'special' event.

David extemporizes: This also brings up a good point for character turns. The street runs both ways. The less thoughtful our turns with the characters the more bland the game and the more likely DM intervention is needed. There is also a much higher possibility of misinterpretation by DM due to lack of turn content. I am very surprised that this group has had so little in the way of problems. This speaks very highly of all involved. Again probably preaching to the choir but that should at least clarify my position on the issue. It is indeed no big deal. In fact, my 'quip' about the ignoring of the turn I think was taken entirely too seriously. I DID state I would be over it 'yesterday'...

David Theorizes: So! Perhaps not too scathing of a rebuttal argument ... Feisty after seeing the Stars...Looking forward to pummeling a half-orc again with plenty of tripping. hooking, slashing and just general overall head bashing! He did get DM help last time to keep from being totally humiliated you know.

David sends accolades: Had a great time last night. I think the night was a big success. Especially when Mr. Hill decided to make an appearance. I enjoyed meeting everyone. I think the online game is really going well as I encountered no surprises in role play. This speaks well of all involved. Wish I could have stayed longer. BTW how was your Friday event? As successful I hope? I also enjoyed meeting Erin and Tony. They seem like good folks. Hope your school year ends up well.

Jerry says: I agree David. Thanks to everyone that came. It was a highlight of my year. Keith, you really missed out...and we missed you!

Jerry says: Remember, I'm playing a part. No email letter-bombs please.

Jerry says: No turn from Keith.

Jerry says: Keith, please check with Tony to see if he still wants to receive the turns. If so, have him contact me before the end of the week please.

John says: I have to strongly agree. Monday night was a great time. In some ways, I really enjoyed the time at the parkway grill more. It was great getting together and catching up on what everyone is doing. And the surprise showing of Mr. Hill was great.

John says: The gaming was great. It was hard to get back into it in just one session. I wish we had more opportunity to play (next time I won't make the mistake with phantasmal force -- the things one forgets!)

John says: In regards to the editing of turns: Usually I prefer having my turns without edits. However, I think the DMs have done a great job putting words into my character's mouth to tie an otherwise stuttering pace together. So, I guess I like editing to allow continuity in conversations, but not editing to change the actions of the characters. When Jerry started, the conversations flowed seamlessly due to his small tweaks of the character's words. I prefer that to the cut-and-paste turns (although I'm sure it takes MUCH less time).

David to David: I liked your response. And I'm glad to hear about the Stars progress -- I've been a fan of theirs, but haven't had the chance to keep up with the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Keith says: sorry about the lack of turns, I would have sworn I sent one yesterday but I guess I was dreaming about it.

Jerry says: Wonderful roleplaying fellows. I'm enjoying this.

Jerry says: Will be in Koffman tomorrow. We're visiting a school that has a similar setup to what we want to have next year, except we want it on a larger scale. Leaving about 6AM. Will be home by suppertime. Sorry guys, but I'll be with 4 other teachers and can't like arrange to have lunch or something. Perhaps soon. I want in on one of those legendary Hott-Chapa lunches this summer....:)

Jerry says: I have a dream. Just like Martin Luther. The dream is a beaut. I have a dream of a road trip. A road trip across the country with a carload of friends to ride all the best rollercoasters of the country. The dream always ends with my Grand Prix on the Texas Giant. Sometimes dreams come true.

Jerry says: Add the following to The House Rules: All PC characters that go inactive for any reason immediately fall under the pervue of the Campaign DM and may be used by him as NPCs in any way he sees fit.

Jerry says: This issue has come up now both in the local game and the online game. No big deal. I just want everyone to understand that you can't leave your character, go to another and still maintain control of what your original character does in any way. There are three reasons for this. First, it is more, especially in the online game, than I want to handle. Dealing with one set of characters is enough for one group. The Second reason is that no two people can play a character the same way. I could try to play Jus and did for awhile when John was out of pocket for a month or so last year. However, I think everyone would agree that I didn't play him like John did. I simply don't want to be held responsible for what I do with a character under my control. This leads to the third reason: I don't want any arguments over who IS in control of non-active Player Characters. You're not currently playing it, therefore I am.

Jerry says: FYI, David Hill and I have not had a chance to discuss all of this yet. David, email me with a time we can discuss things online. How about tomorrow evening? I can be free from 4:30pm till 9:00pm Texas time. Name your time. I'll see you on my buddy list and we can go to a private room to chat.

Jerry says: Tony (Keith's roommate) has been removed from the macros. Keith, have him contact me if he should want to remain on the mailing list.

Jerry says: Don't panic and feel you have to rush through this part of the module. Take your time and do it right. Just enjoy yourselves and don't worry about the pace. I'll control it. Comments about pace are always welcome. Feel free to email me and yell and scream about things. I can yell back or ignore real good. Jerry says: FYI, I only get 5 weeks for summer this year. Therefore I may not be able to get done all the things I wanted to this summer. I hope to send out a revamped player's folder. It will include a Table of Contents, upgraded maps (if JK finishes the labeling of them and gets them back to me), new legends, and the latest version of the House Rules. I also hope to get the Message Boards up and running. Anthony and I hope to do some major campaign brainstorming getting the Southern Continent down in permanent legend form with maps, etc. Finally, I will plan out the next year's campaigning ideas both for online and offline. I'd like to start a second group online this summer as well. I "think" that I have two local players all ready to play in it. A couple of weeks advertising and and contacting those who have visited the site and it should be set. The idea of course is that It should be a strong enough group that they can run themselves inside of 6 months for the most part.

David Hill says: I guess I was confused between the timelines of the 'Treasure/Warehouse conversation' the independent rounds during the month' and 'the standard adventure after the month of respite.' My intent was that, between active adventures, Flaust go off to work on the orphanage. So, my interpretation of the timelines was that the Treasure/Warehouse discussion was occurring roughly simultaneously with the independent rounds (during the month off). Flaust opted out of the warehouse, feeling that it was, at this point in the group's career, extravagant - and that her faith demanded that her monies be used to help the orphans. In the first Turn or so of Plans within Plans, I saw that the group had gone, retrieved Flaust from the now-supposedly-established orphanage for the next great adventure.

David Hill Says: Sorry I didn't get with you earlier for clarification. I had the first truly relaxing vacation this weekend, and never got on-line to check my mail.

Jerry says: Great! Heartfelt relief. I'll include what you wrote above in the turn to straighten everyone up and get things going again. Hmm....in the local game where an adventure lasts three weeks avg. it is much easier to let each group of characters contain two from each player. Online as you can see with things running much slower, I'd rather not do that. When we start alternate groups, if you wish you can play in a second group to help me get them started and play one that way.....if that's ok with you. Personally, not speaking as Onrad, I think you've succeeded in playing a character that no one else I've seen as ever made work....and perhaps in the only medium that it could have worked....and that's high praise from me. A non-violent AD&D character that works. I'm extremely curious as to whether she can continue to be viable at high levels or not.

Jerry says: Then to clear things up, Flaust will not be living in the warehouse but with the kids wherever they end up.

JK says between trips: Jerry, you wrote: << , upgraded maps (if JK finishes the labeling of them and gets them back to me >>

I'll finish these before I do the message board. I've been way too busy lately. I figure there may be some time next week after we get settled in to our place in Ft. Worth. If I don't finish then, I'll have to do it after I get back from Georgia too.

Jerry says: JK, I understand totally. No pressure. I'll just bug ya incessantly until it's done once school's out. heh....heh (laughing like Keith laughs at me when he had a particularly nasty idea to spring on the party heh...heh)

Jerry says: Roscoe talks that way, not me.

Jerry says: TAAS scores came in today. Holding your breath to see if Jerry's school and grade will be plastered all over the papers? No way bub! You're looking at a master teacher! We went up 30 POINTS in average over one month to have 72% of all 6th graders pass the math part of the TAAS. This is in a class where 20% of the students couldn't qualify for special ed because their IQ was too low. So you are all required to brag on my success. All required get it! Or I'll start including math problems with each turn! I'll do it!

Jerry says: No turns from John, who is on vacation, or Keith, who is out of town, or JK, who is moving and taking two weeks off which now sounds like a month....:), or Anthony, who has finals this week. I dutifully ran the turn anyway. I hope to see turn from Anthony tomorrow. I take that back, I got Keith's late around 9:40pm....

David Hott says: In case anyone didn't know, Jonathan, my youngest son, had surgery yesterday to repair a hernia yesterday. It went well. He's climbing stairs today.

Jerry says: I didn't know. I'm glad he's doing well.

David Hill says: Jerry, thanks for the handling of that last turn.

Jerry says: Sure. You're welcome.

Anthony says: Here is my summer E-mail address. It will be my only e-mail address after June 1 until next year.

Use it or lose it! ; )

Jerry says: Add Anthony's summer address to your macros. Remove his school address June 1st. We don't want his email address full of AD&D stuff during the summer. Trust me. We DO NOT want that.

Jerry says: I heard no bragging on my TAAS scores. Getting out the math book.

Jerry says: John is on vacation. JK is on hiatus and moving to Ft. Worth.

David Hott says: Congrats on the TOSS test success! I always knew you were excellent at teaching. You should go somewhere where they not only use your talents but recognize them in a tangible way as well (IMHO, as always...). Have you ever watched the movie "Stand and Deliver"? You should rent it tonight - Seriously.

David Hott says: Matthew did well on his Standardized test. It was from Stanford I think. He did Excellent in Science and History (The things I talk about most..) as well as critical listening; Above Average in Math (Big surprise there, heh heh..) and vocabulary; Average in reading, grammar and spelling. He had NO below average scores. I'm very proud of him. We'll work on his reading this summer. We read to him too much and did not require him to read to us enough. Shame on us for taking the easy way out (i.e. Less time to read it to him when your tired at night...). It cost him. We'll fix it though. Amazing how taking the easy way out ALWAYS causes problems regardless the area of life applied.

Jerry says: David if you need some help here, let me know. Remember that mom is a Reading Specialist and she could give you some pointers. Do get that game they always advertise on the radio. The Phonics Game or something like that. I've heard great things about it as far as basic skills are concerned.

David says: We get our blueprints Sunday! Then we can go to the next phase of the project. Finally!

-----------------

David says to David: I was surprised to hear that Jonathan was already running around. Usually hernias keep you down a few days.

David says to Jerry: Told Shannon (wife) about your TAAS results, and she was very impressed. The question raised was, "How can IQ scores be too low to be in special ed?"

Jerry says: "I've asked that questions myself. The answer I always get from the CM (Content Mastery) teacher, which is our version of Special Ed (the terminology always changes) is that CM is for those students with designated learning disabilities who have IQs from (I think) 85-100 IQ. There is a second program called "Resource" which is used as a collective for three different kinds of students. These types are BA (those who need Behavior Adjustment), Resource (I think) those whose IQ are between 70-85 (I think). These things because of the lawsuits always involved in them which try to interpret what the congress of Texas meant when they set these things up. So there are some that do, believe it or not, slip through the cracks because their IQs are too low.

Now there are two reasons for their IQs rating that low. 1) They are really that low, due usually to something happening during mom's pregnancy such as drug use etc. 2) They have a SEVERE learning disability causing them to test below their normal IQ level because it's impossible to "standard" test someone with so severe a disability. These students can be (I think) tested with oral designed tests to determine their proper IQ without their disability, but it's expensive and difficult.

Notice that I don't know alot of the particulars here. Sorry. It's not my area of expertise, so to speak and these things get very complicated. I've had it explained to me time and time again, as have the rest of us teachers, but they always do so in such a convoluted manner that it's hard to make generalizations. The above is my current understanding of things.

We have 7 CM students our of our 40 and 4 resource students. The CM students take the test but their scores don't count towards the school's total. However, those students who slip through the cracks, of which we had 10, do count. Four of these passed either the Math or the Reading test....just barely for most of them. We tutored them daily with accredited teachers, worked with them after school on a rotating basis. We assigned each of them a mentor from Sheppard Air Force Base to work on their "environment" issues such as home situation, school frustrations etc. Then each was designated as a 504 student, named after the state law section, which allowed for PEPS, Personal Education Plans for each students success. We defined success as passing the TAAS test which is equivalent to having them on level to graduate. Professional councilors were brought in for 3 of these student by-weekly or even daily in one. All were sent to doctors if the parents agreed to have them tested for specific medical disabilities such as ADD or hyperactivity and in some cases medication was prescribed. There's more, but you begin to see the "extra" amount of time and planning necessary to get these kids even ready to begin learning. WE used the PALS program where upper minority students attending WFHS came over twice a week to work one on one with a student of the same minority as a second social mentor or to work in a simple specific skill such as multiplication facts. The hardest part is to work them to the bone without wearing them out or discouraging them. The relationship with these kids is always very special. When I showed actual scores to some kids today who passed by say 2 points, many tears were shed. They were actually hugging each other. Same tears for those who missed passing by 1 or 2 questions. I had one, the worst, in tears from missing academic recognition by one problem. My comment to the principal was that something is wrong when something, anything, caused such stress to 12 year old children, not to mention their teachers. He said that he wished he was a teacher and could comment on that question.

Well, kids that's my monologue for the day.

Jerry says: No turns received from Anthony, or Keith. Guys with John and JK both out right now, we've only four players and 5 characters. We need everyone daily if possible, to make a stab at this.

David Hill says: Got a question: Is it currently evening? Looking back at Turn 1, I think it is. Roscoe confused me with that last comment <If we can locate them (Bloody Claws), we go for them now or this evening depending on how ready this party is to leave.>

Jerry says: Turn 1 says, "One night late, the party is awakened by a knock at the door." Late night to me meant middle of the night which in my mind was around 3:00AM or so. Therefore by now it is early morning. When Roscoe says this evening, then he is referring to the next evening to come.

David says to Jerry: What advice would you give on handling elementary school students with an attitude, when you receive no support from other teachers or the principal at your school? Shannon has three students who have been repeatedly suspended, and brought back in. They are easier to handle apart, but all three are kept together in the same class. There is no chance of splitting them into other classes, and they are disruptive to the rest of the class.

Jerry says: I'm sure Shannon is a great teacher and knows her options are limited when her principal and other teachers will not help. I'm sure she's already contacted the parents as well. It's a tough thing that all teachers go through. School's almost out. It's one of those things that you can't judge without seeing the environment of the problem.....the class, the principal, the teacher, parents, etc. If this is a one year situation, stick it out. If it's an every year situation, perhaps a transfer is in order. If the "faculty personality" is such that they do not work together, consider transferring. The principal once punishment is administered has to put the kids back in the classroom, there is no other answer. Changing their homerooms might be a good move, but I doubt it would be considered this late in the school year. If I was the principal, I'd be trying to put the onus on the parents. As the teacher, perhaps you can do some of that. Basic discipline techniques call for NEVER showing the kids the worst punishment you have ever come up with. Do things that are inconvenient for the parents. If the principal has been willing to suspend them then the onus can also be put on him. Use the "stupid" strategy and go to him and say, "You're our instructional leader, I'm at a loss. Here's all the things I've tried. Tell me what do to." Then no matter what that is....DO IT. Then you can with good heart go back to him again and again saying here's what I did. Here's what happened. What do I try next? You must be very consistent for this to work. Keep a daily log of every warning by these students not in tally form but sentence form. Then have those kids sign it at the end of each day. Allow no disagreements. That way when they go to the office or you (Shannon) are questioned by parents, kids, or principal, or anyone else about what you've done, at least there is nothing to pin upon the teacher. The discipline came from the principal, he behavior from the students who have signed their behavior log agreeing that they did each thing as set down. If it gets to the point that they are disagreeing with what they did, knowing that admitting what they did will get them in trouble, record their behavior with a tape player or video camera. You can even use that as a discipline technique, although only if there is no chance of building a relationship with this student.

That's another important key. NEVER let them see that they have got your goat. You must WIN each battle. You do this by acting/pretending to be in control even if you're not. You know their tendencies, plan a response for when they do their "usual" stuff ahead of time. Tell them you will not allow a certain thing anymore and when they step over the line, this is what will happen, this will happen after that, and that you have other things ready for them if they choose to misbehave after that.

I could help more, if asked, if I knew some specific episodes. I don't wish to imply that I know all or that Shannon doesn't. [grin] I hope this didn't come of as condescending. [slap self]

New Charisma scores: Gareth stays at 6. Jus lowers to 8. Kat lowers to 8. Onrad lowers to 7. Tiburon lowers to 7. Nonam lowers to 8. Flaust improves to 7.

David says to Jerry: Thanks for the advice. FYI, Shannon does do most of what you suggested. She is very good at 'Never Losing.' And she frequently utilizes contracts. Unfortunately, there is no parent support -- they are actually at the root of the problem. I will pass along the suggestion of repeatedly going back to the principal and 'playing dumb'. Thanks again for the response.

Jerry says: Sure.

To DM: I'm submitting a new character sheet with different spells selected.

Jerry says: Thanks for sending it already on a character sheet.

Jerry says: Here is an email between JK and me recently about the message boards I thought you'd enjoy reading.

<< Will we be able to easily duplicate more of these from a template form of this for expansion, other games, and to use when the first ones fill up or get too long?

yes

Assuming we can do the above, could we start with say, 5 boards?

yes

Can we put passwords on them?

no, but I have a way to keep outsiders from using it

Can we test how difficult it is to edit them?

we can, but I already know it isn't difficult

Can we test how difficult it is to turn a completed adventure in to a text form to post under the adventures of The Three or whatever group it is?

it will be much, much easier than what we are doing now - because it will be created in the needed html format

JK says: the computer is hooked up, and as soon as I get some more boxes unpacked I'll get busy

I'll send an address and phone number later - I can't remember them right now.

-jk

Jerry says: Will see ya'll tomorrow.

John says: Back from Canada! What a blast! We got a digital camera before we left... I'll send one or two small pictures when I get it a computer. Gotta go.

Dinner ready. Thought I'd quick respond to the turn.

Anthony says: Jerry I think I lost a turn somewhere. I am WAY lost. PS please send the woldian address seeing as how I have lost it as well.

Jerry says: woldian@usa.net Be sure to send to it and me both. Also if I were you, I'd be archiving your turns so you know which ones you are missing if any. Tell me the turn numbers and I'll send them.

Jerry says: Heard from JK. He is back in Ft. Worth, his new home, until Sunday. He'll be coming up to Wichita Saturday. They head to Georgia to his parents house on Sunday. I think after that he'll be back with us. He said he will barring unfortunate things happening have the message boards up and running before the end of June.

Jerry says: Erin, will you have a computer at college? If so I'd like to have you in the second online group. Tony, are you interested in the second group? Steve is online now, but is as usual having computer troubles getting things to work. Perhaps he can join this second group. I also have a 15 year old Magic player who has impressed me who may join this group. We don't want him in the local group because he goes to the same school that Anthony teaches at. Kevin Wemberly (in and out again Wemberly) for those of you who date back to the first adventure will play in it as well. So it looks like a second group of exes forming plus a few to be added later. I'd like to start them in July.

Jerry says: I need a new character sheet from David Hott.

Jerry says: I did not do actions for those who did not send in a turn.

Jerry says: I'm sure you're wondering why the turn looks so different. I'm experimenting with what I think things will be like on the message boards. Let me give you a run down and some choices to discuss and decide upon.

1) Initiative amongst the party will be done in the order in which they are posted.

2) Both the party and the monsters will use group initiative. If you have a weapon that attacks first in a round, send in your character sheet....[grin] and remind me the first round of every combat.

3) This makes for initiative being a severe advantage or disadvantage as you can see from the above. One whole side gets to go before the other. To mix it up takes time and that's what I'm trying to save here.

4) There are two ways to do spells and initiative. One is like we did things this turn. The other is to say that all melee happens first then the spells. That limits the power of the spellcaster. This combat for the most part eliminates attacking the spellcaster while he or she is casting. We can discuss holding until after the other team goes, but I think it's a bit much to allow holding until a certain caster casts. That then puts the ball in the attacker's court totally leaving the spellcaster at the whim of anyone who holds.

5) It limits everyone to one action and only one action during combat. No if thens. Out of combat, we'll have to experiment. JK will do a short one week thing with pregenerated characters later when we kick off the actual message boards.

6) The DM will not run characters besides his own in this system. This reverts back to the live game way of doing things. Check your House Rules. Anyone may volunteer to play the character of someone who is out of town and receive 1/2 xp for it. The player who arranges for someone to play his character when unavailable or leaves it for someone to play, also gets 1/2 xp.

Criticism is welcome. Just remember that I'm trying to keep the fun and eliminate the DM's time in running the turn to under 30 minutes. This time I had to print out the 4th level character sheets I had received, deal with new THACOS, and use the new method which had only been seen before this in my mind. It took less than an hour including the below the line stuff. Nice from my end. It seemed to still have a game flow that could be enjoyed, but then I'm feeding you propaganda. Be honest and yet fair.

Here's hoping I'm not to be lynched.

Here's hoping the Bloody Claws get initiative next round...hehe.

John says: I guess my last response was too late. If Jus is here, ignore the last turn and include this one. Otherwise do as you will, but let me know. Sorry about that.

John says: My first impression on the first-come, first-initiative was not positive. But thinking about it, it would be even nicer if when someone logs in to post their turn they are able to read what the other characters have already done that turn (since their earlier submittals would mean their character's turns would have already been performed). This view would help prevent the common occurrence of duplicate or nullified actions (the later is especially frustrating as Jus' experience in the Tavern Brawl demonstrated to me). This would also give the spell casters more flexibility in "complementing" the fighters rather than getting in their way. Then again, it also effectively gives all spells immediate casting times. I guess I have to hold me final opinion until it is tried a few times.

Jerry says: Yes, I agree that seeing the other's turns will help.

John says: In regards to the test site: I suggest a text block for "below the line" comments should be added to aid in the automatic response generation. Maybe we should do a requirements analysis and see what the interface requirements are. ;)

Jerry says: I'm not JK, but I would think that the simpler the message board the better it will work. Just draw your line after your move and write what you want to below the line.

David says: If people do not send in turns, and the result is going to be no action is taken by that character in a combat situation, then IMO that character should get a smaller experience point value and the ones who do should get more.



Jerry says: Not sending in turns during a combat can be deadly as is shown by this turn.

David Hill says: On my attack with the net, does the orc lose all armor-related AC (only having dexterity plus magic)?

Jerry says: What attack? You were entangled last turn. :) Hmm...how big is your net David? JK can you help me here? Anthony? No time to look it up tonight.

Jerry says: FYI, the Entangle Spell says and I quote: "....holding them fast for the duration of the spell."

David Hott says: Hey! Gareth ALWAYS get first attack with his sword (Sword of Speed). i.e. Initiative or no he gets an attack on #3 BEFORE the Blindness spell.

Your rule not mine.

Jerry says: Yes, but I said below the line a few days back that anyone with automatic initiative would have to be responsible for telling me so the first round of EACH and EVERY combat. The onus is on you and you were told. I gave it to you this round since you FINALLY got around to doing as I asked and informed me of Gareth's situation. (Responding tone for tone....Nice is nicer Daave [grin])

David Continues: Also, are you saying that in the segment where #7 is 'unheld' he is then able to cast a multiple segment spell and have it go off the SAME segment he gets UNHELD? I don't think so. If everyone on one side goes before the other side then #7 should be able to do nothing at all but get unheld. IMO, of course. Also, did Gareth fail his save for the Entangle also?

Jerry says: Ok you have a point here. I was looking ahead and making a call. Since when the message boards are up, and as John deftly put the other day, you will be responding to the posts that are ahead of you, it makes sense to allow characters affected by previous posts to act with that knowledge. Initiative within the party is in the order posted. If this is so, then the monsters may act in their order of posting as well, which in this case is 1-8.

However, where David, although he doesn't realize it, is correct is that we are not yet on the message board and therefore should not be allowed to act on previous posts until the party can do so.

Now if you guys want to go with things as David has put them above once we get on the message board that's fine with me, but I think that it does away with a very interesting new set of strategies that I'd like to see explored.

I do NOT apologize for this mistake. We are as I said when I began this adapting. You guys know me well enough to understand that I make things right when they need to be made right. You DO NOT have to YELL at me or take a TONE to get your way. Common knowledge has always said that using all caps online is considered shouting. The only thing ELSE I have to say about this is that it is very interesting to me that I have been able to once again get David interested enough in a role-playing game that it elicits such a response. One DM point for Jerry the Master DM of the Universe.

Since we were using "group" initiative his actions did not happen in the same segment but the same round. For the last two rounds, we've been having spells go off the same segment as the fighters blades. Why complain now?

Ok until we hit the message boards all of one side's initiative will be considered to happen at the same time preventing anyone from reacting to another of the same side. I'll undo the spell that #7 cast last round. Therefore Gareth is not blinded and that spell has not yet been cast. We will continue to ignore the "after the fact" rule until we are comfortable with the changes. Gareth however did, by his own choice, enter the entangle zone and yes, he did miss his save. So he is Entangled for the duration of the spell.

David says: Gareth will use hero points to resave against any spell attack.

Jerry says: Kudos to David who roleplays for real trying to do what most of you would not have knowing that they were caught. New rule: you may use a hero point to reroll a roll you failed the following round. You will still be subject to the situation (in this case Entangled) for one round until the reroll is made, assuming that it succeeds.

Jerry: rerolling Gareth's save using his hero point.......sorry still caught. :(

David Hill says: Don't know what I was thinking -- forgot about the Entangle spell when I submitted that last turn.

Jerry: Everyone please be patient as we enter into this time of transition, voice your opinions, but be nice about it if you wish the same in return.

Jerry: I have seen the message board and it looks nice and works well. I've asked JK to put 5 of them up and select ours. Then we can just chat and practice on it for a week or so until everyone is comfortable. JK is in Georgia visiting his parents so it may be a week or two until he gets it up for you to experiment on.

Jerry says: I hope everyone is having fun. That's the important thing.

Tiburon
Tiburon walks towards Orc #7, watching for writhing grass as he goes and taking special care not to walk into the Entangle. As he gets within 10 yards of Orc #7, he casts Command and tells Orc #7 to "Die."

Jus
Jus takes a quick look around and gauges if any of the orcs are within 10 feet of each other, taking special note of the spellcasters. He then casts Grease under as many of the Orcs as possible, or one of the spellcasters if only one can be "caught."

Flaust
Flaust commands Orc #7 to "Faint."

Gareth
Gareth continues to struggle to break free of the spell and attack Orc #3. He yells, "Get those casters!"

Kat
Kat recovers and casts Pit under any orcs groups together. If there are no Orcs grouped together, she engages in battle using her staff or casting Magic Missile on a spell caster from cover.

Jus
Jus dismisses the Grease spell and throws a small, fuzzy object at the feet of Orc #5. This small, insignificant object suddenly turns into a large, very unhappy bear. Jus yells to the bear -- loud enough for the Orc to hear -- to attack until the Orc lays on its belly and puts its hands on its rear, or until the Orc is dead. Jus then turns his attention back to Orc #1 and prepares to cast another spell. He occasionally glances back to the bear, awaiting to tell the bear to sit on the Orc's hands and legs when he prostrates himself. "Hopefully we'll get at least one live prisoner this day." Jus thinks to himself.

Flaust
If possible, Flaust will call upon her laying upon hands ability to cure herself. She shouts to Kat and Jus, "Got a Dispel Magic handy?"

Nonam
Another orc walks into the clearing near #5 and yells, "ENOUGH OF THIS!!! BLOODY CLAWS, YOU WILL DIE FOR YOUR TREACHERY AGAINST THE DARK LORD. EITHER FALL ON YOUR BLADES NOW OR FACE HIS VENGEANCE WHEN WE RETURN YOUR MISERABLE HIDES TO HIM!!" Then he begins to toss a rock back and forth between his hands menacingly. As he does so, the stone begins to glow with power.

Tiburon
Tiburon attacks Orc # 2.

Gareth
Gareth continues to struggle to get free of the vines. He tries to move back away from the spell. If he can't move he just waits in position to attack #3 when the spell disappears.

Onrad
Onrad, finding himself rolling on the ground for his life struggles to his knees and crawls a step or two and playing hurt while listening for the upcoming stroke from Orc #1 and the writhing plants he knows is back there somewhere behind the web. He uses these sounds to try and orient himself. If he gets initiative he will hold and spring forward to overbear Orc #1 into the webbed area. If the Orc gets the initiative, he will attempt this maneuver when his opportunity comes. (Onrad will use a hero point to reroll if he misses.)

Kat
Kat drops her clothing and walks out of the sparse tree area. She then casts Seduction II and grunts a word of submission in Orcish directed towards Orc #5.

Jus
"Ouch!", Jus winces seeing the Fireball go off. He shudders for a moment realizing what probably would have happened to him. Jus then quickly pulls out his bow and takes aim across the stream at Orc #2, being extra careful not to hit any of his own party (5HP). The bear lets out a roar of frustration and attacks Orc #5 again. (Claw 6HP/Bite 8HP).

Flaust
Flaust waits to see the outcome of the fire.

Nonam
Nonam calmly steps out of the fire so as to make himself look more formidable (while hoping that he doesn't burn to death) and says, "You dare to ask me for a password. Have you no idea who I am. You have been warned!!! PREPARE TO FACE THE DARKLORD'S JUDGMENT!!!" He then casts lightning bolt at #5. Suddenly lightning appears from nowhere and strikes #5 full in the chest (23pts). The massive electrical charge causes all the orc's hair to stand on end before it passes through his body. Nonam then says a quiet forboding voice, "You were warned."

Gareth
Gareth attempts to grab his bow for a shot. If he can't he continues to wait for the spell to dissipate focusing on Orc #3.

Kat
Kat recovers her clothing and grumbles under her breath about what she was thinking casting a chr based spell with a chr of 8. She then prepares to defend herself with her staff.

Onrad
Onrad tries desperately to just hold still and keep the Orc beneath him using the strength of the webs that hold him still to helps him hold the Orc in place. He listens carefully to try to keep some idea of his bearing.

Tiburon
Tiburon remains in combat with Orc #2. Hi sword suddenly whistles thru the air at the Orc , who manages to duck out of the way ( a 3 ) . Tiburon tries the return backhand stroke and slashes Orc #2 ( a 19 to hit and a 6 for damage) across his chest.

DM
(Round 7- The Bloody Claws get the initiative) Orc #1 crawls another two feet and is 1 foot from the edge of the Web. Orc #2 takes 3 points of damage from the spreading flames burning him through his leather shoes and he withdraws from Tiburon back to the far edge of the creek to escape those flames. (His position at the edge of the creek will give him a +1 advantage if anyone closes with him.) Orc #3 waits as the flames get closer and closer. He growls in frustration as he realizes that Gareth will be the first to be freed by the flames. Orc #4 is still held. Orcs #6 and #8 scream at Orc #7 to light the grass on their side. Orc #7 rushes to the edge of the web, pulls out a flask of Greek Fire and tosses it on the web. The flames continue to spread reaching the edge of the Entangled area and eventually reaching Gareth's position. He grimaces as the flames burn his skin as they pass over him dishing out 4 points of damage as the plants that held him fast are deep fried.

Jus
Seeing Orc#5 turn to ashes, Jus sends the bear to kill Orc#7; with everyone being freed, the odds are too dicey to try and take prisoners. The bear runs at Orc#7 screaming along the way. The Orc's eyes grow big as the bear rears up on his hind legs and sends a flurry of attacks at him. Luckily, the Orc avoids all but one paw (rolled 4/15/10) which catches him fully across the chest for 6 points of damage. Jus eyes Orc#1 and decides he can wait a bit more before interceding for Onrad; although he does start moving slowly that direction (avoiding what is left of the web). Jus again takes careful aim on Orc #2 (-1 to hit to avoid Tiburon) using his +1 Flight arrows this time. The first arrow just catches the Orcs side (rolled a 15) causing 3 points of damage. Just before he lets his second arrow fly, Jus takes another glance at Orc#1 and loses his concentration (rolled the dreaded 1). He fumbles, but luckily neither the bow nor the arrow broke (rolled a 14 and a 3).

Flaust
Flaust breathes. Oh, and she blinks her eyes every once in a while. Did I say she breathes?

Nonam
Nonam, now saying nothing but wearing a look of intense hate and a mane of fiery red hair (which looks very out of place on an orc) casts magic missle. The air in the clearing becomes charged with magical energies as three glowing bolts appear and scream toward their victims. The first bolt streaks toward #1 and strikes for 4 pts of damage. Another bolt flashes toward #2 and hits him for 5 points of damage. The third and final missle races toward #7 and strikes him for 3 points of damage.

Tiburon
Tiburon circles to his right until he reaches the creek. He then begins to cast Heat Metal upon Orcs 7 & 2.

Gareth
Gareth moves toward Orc #3 with a glare saying "This is gonna sting a little..." making sure not to get entangled by the vines wating to get in range to hit him before he can break free.

DM
(Round 8-The party gets initiative) The flames on the west side of the creek expand through the rest of the entangled area freeing Flaust and Orc #3. The flames burn out in the original area where the Fireball hit and this ring of "extinguished flame" begins to expand.

Gareth
Gareth attacks Orc #3 with a mighty blow (automatic hit due to entanglement, 14 hp Damage) moving quickyl between Orc #3 and Flaust to prevent a cowardly attack.

Jus
Jus quickly looks over his bow and notices the noc on his bow came loose. He quickly tightens it, recovering from his earlier fumble. Unfortunately this took some time and he is only able to get one shot off at Orc #2 -- cleanly missing (-1 to avoid Tib, rolled 10). The bear screams in a rage, frustrated at missing these fat lazy targets. He tries again, terrifying Orc #7. He strikes with both paws, but is unable to take advantage of a critical hit (rolled a 20 then a 2 for paw 1, and a 17 for paw 2; 4 and 1 for damage). Everyone within earshot can hear the Orcs ribs cracking as the bear lifts the Orc off the ground in a massive bear hug (dam 7) . Not yet finished, the bear's bite catches the Orcs shoulder, tearing it open and letting the blood flow free (hit 18 / dam 4). He then drops the Orc to the ground, daring him to retaliate.

Nonam
Nonam begins to wade across the creek. His ultimate goal is a position above orc #6 (AB5). As he moves, he tries to get an idea of how badly each of the orcs is hurt.

Flaust
With regret, Flaust dodges out of the flames and away from the combatants, laying hands upon herself for 8 points of healing. She then begins scanning the area, looking for downed orcs that might be saved.

Onrad
Onrad tries to be patient being held and blind. He continues to listen to the battle around him to try and keep abreast of what is happening.

DM
(Round 8-Bloody Claws initiative) Orc #1, who is slightly wounded, escapes the webbed area and heads for Flaust. The orc reaches Flaust, but doesn't get there in time to attack him so he stands over him on the eastern bank. Orc #2, who is severly hurt, leaves his vigil on the eastern bank and races over to Orc #5 and grabs the wand from his unmoving hands. He points it at the entangled area where his two compatriots are and mumbles. A fireball makes its dull explosion amongst them. Orcs #6 and #8 both miraculously save and takes 9 points of damage each (saves of 15 and 17). The entangled grasses do not save and burst into flame. Both Orcs are freed. Orc #3, who is moderately wounded, rises and strikes at Gareth rolling a 16 and hitting him for 4 points of damage. Orc #4, uninjured, remains held. Orc #6, slightly injured from the fireball, casts Hold Person on Gareth and Flaust. Gareth saves mightily rolling an 18. Flaust rolls an 11 and also saves. Orc #6 curses saying some truly awful things about Alemi. Orc #7, severely injured, seeing no need to light the web now draws a flail and moves to attack Tiburon. The bear rolls an even for the break of closure in combat and the result is even. It growls his frustration as #7 gets beyond his read for the moment. He rolls an 11 missing him dropping the flail as he realizes that someone has heated his metal possessions. He screams, smoke coming out of his armor as it blisters the orc for four points of damage. Orc #8, slightly burned, casts and a beam of light shoots out towards Gareth. Gareth once again saves with a 16 avoiding the Light spell aimed at his eyes. Orc #8 also curses and spits.

DM
(Round 9: The Bloody Claws get the initiative) Gareth strikes #3 twice rolling a 4 and a 7 missing both times. Orc #1 attacks Flaust hitting with a 15 for 5 points of damage. Orc #2 fires the wand at Kat, she being the only one not engaged by a Bloody Claw. As the wand fires, it lets loose a small plume of smoke. Kat makes her save rolling an 18 and takes 10 points of damage. Kat falls to the ground charred and unmoving. Orc #3 strikes twice at Gareth rolling a 7 and a 4 missing both attacks. Orc #4 is still held. Orc #6 casts Command at Gareth saying, "Die!" Gareth fails his save rolling a 6. Using a hero point, Gareth rerolls his save and rolls a 9 again failing. His eyes roll up in his head and he falls to the ground unconscious. Orc #7 makes a morale check with his armor searing him and rolls a 6 succeeding. He attacks Tiburon attempting to overbear him and burn him with his own armor. He rolls a 7 and Tiburon easily steps aside. Orc #7 takes 6 points from his searing armor and falls unconscious into the stream where a huge "Hsssssssssss" and a burst of steam hit the are where his armor touches the cold water. Orc #8 casts and fires a Lightning Bolt at Tiburon. Tiburon saves with a 16 and takes 9 points of damage. His body is driven back with the bolt like a rag doll landing awkwardly. He doesn't move. Orc #8 yells to The Three, "And now you die!"

Jus
Seeing the spells go off, Jus takes a quick look around the battlefield. His eyes go wide for a moment, then he recovers and quickly sends the bear to kill the orcs on the other side of the web. "Nonam!", Jus yells as he takes a bead on an Orc, "Tend our fallen, NOW!". Jus then takes two shots at Orc#2 and hits once solidly (19/2) for 5 points of damage.

Bear
The bear goes after Orc#8, barely missing the Web due to Jus' haste in his instructions (gave 50/50 chance and rolled out). The bear totally misses the Orc, stumbling over itself at the last moment (rolled claw 4/claw 1/no roll).

Tiburon
Tiburon lies unmoving on the bank of the stream.

Flaust
Flaust flings her combat net at Orc #1 (THAC0 14, rolled an 11, and hits {armor being ignored}), pinning him to the ground. She attempts to make her way to Kat.

Gareth
Gareth lays unconscious dreaming that he is dead and trying to explain to Gargul, God of the Dead that he's not done yet. The God just laughs at him.....echoing laughter....echoing...

Onrad
Onrad screams out in frustration, "Someone light this sucker! I'll kill 'em blind! I"ll kill them all. Come on you spawn of evil! Set me on fire!!!!"

Kat
Kat lays unconscious undreaming.

Tiburon
Tiburon's chest slowly rises and falls as he sees visions of the paradise that Domi ensures for all his faithful.

Nonam
Nonam says in a calm dangerous voice, "Now you've made me mad." Nonam then casts a lightning bolt which hits #6 & #8 for 28 points of damage each (save for 1/2). After the spell, Nonam uses the rest of his movement to get near orc #2.

DM
(The Three get first initiative for Round 10.) Onrad is freed from the webs as they go up in flames from the fireball cast by Orc #2. Kat, Tiburon, Orc #5, and Orc #7 all remain down. Gareth comes to consciousness and fights the cobwebs from his head. Onrad takes 1 point of damage from the flames. Jus takes 3 points of damage from the flames. Orc #6 takes 5 points of damage from the flames and falls fried to a crisp lightly to the burning and writhing grasses. Orc #8 takes 4 points of damage from the flames.

Flaust
Flaust runs over and casts cure light wounds on Kat for 6 points of healing.

Nonam
Nonam advances on orc #2. Once near him he casts 'burning hands.' Flames shoot forth from Nonam's fingers and engulf the orc in flames for 13 points of damage. The orc screams in agony as he attempts to save for half.

Gareth
Gareth reengages Orc #3 and hits him (14) across the chest with a great arc of his sword as he smiles and says "Miss me?!" (15 dmg)

Jus
Jus drops his bow and runs over to Orc #1, attempting to engage it while Flaust takes care of our fallen companions. Pulling out his swords, he swings and misses (2h/6h).

Bear
The bear attacks Orc#8 striking with both paws (16h/19h/7h - 5d/4d). He then picks up the Orc in a much too-tight embrace inflicting an additional 6 points of damage.

Onrad
Onrad screams out in rage, "I'm still here!!! Come on you ugly Orcs! Come kill a blind guy!!"

Tiburon
Tiburon continues dreaming of Godsland and the glorious wars he will fight there with Domi.

DM
(Round 10 Second Initiative: The Bloody Claws) Orc #1 is trapped in the net. Orc #3 attacks Gareth rolling an 18 and doing 5 points of damage. Orc #4 moves as the spell on him wears off toward Jus. He attacks Jus missing him. Orc #6 screams out, "Emergency plan two!" and runs for downed Orc #5. When he arrives there he takes a small satchel and then runs a bit further to the north. Orc #3 breaks immediately from Gareth who rolls odd and takes his attack on the fleeing Orc hitting him with a 15 for 16 points of damage felling the orc into two pieces. Orc #4 breaks from Jus who rolls even and does not get a break attack. Orc #4 runs a short distance before his movement ends. Orc #1 looks at his departing friends and with a mighty effort, he rolls a 15, cuts his own throat.

DM
(The Three get first initiative for Round 11) Everyone on the East side of the creek takes 3 points of damage from the flames.

Jus
Jus casts Phantasmal Force. He creates the illusion of four dark skinned elven bowmen lying in the grass just outside of mid-range bowshot, spread about 10 feet apart in Orc #6's path. They rise when the Orc enters mid-range and each fire two black arrows at him. Jus has the elves drop back into the grasses as the arrows go flying unerringly to the Orc. Jus hopes the Orc doesn't notice the elves dissappear as he concentrates on making the arrows strike their target (this due to area-of-effect).

Bear
Without any commands to the contrary, the Bear continues mauling Orc #8 (auto hit, damage 1/6/4/6).

Flaust
Flaust runs over to Tiburon and binds his wounds. Fearing a wide area negative effect (WANE) spell, Flaust prepares to cast her carcass (Casting Time: 1 seg., Duration: 1 round, Components: S, M) over Tiburon to protect him from damage.

Gareth
Gareth races to engage Orc #4 and #6 and attacks #4 hitting him (12) with a swift down stroke (16 dmg) yelling "Stop them!"

Nonam
Nonam cast magic missle. Three bolts streak in a soundless fury at Orc #6. They strike him for a total of 14 points of damage.

Onrad
"Come on you ugly brutes! Bring it on! Your mother loved elves! Can't you even get up the courage to fight a blind guy! I'll even put down one of my swords! Sissies! You mother was an elf!...uh, no offense Jus."

Kat
Kat looking around at all the devastation and then looking down at herself, collapses upon the ground in a depressed and weary state. "Oh, dear Kat. What have you done? Those burns may not come out with a simple polymorph spell and a healing potion. Girl, what have you done?....sigh" Then she notices Tiburon. "Tib? Hey everyone! Tib is down. She races toward him pulling half-burnt bandages from her backpack and binding his wounds. Then she begins to push on his chest trying to get his lungs to work. Breathe! Come on Tib! Breathe! If you don't open your eyes, you can't see how ugly I've become. Come on man! Breathe! Pantheon please save him, please!" Tears burst from her eyes landing on his parched lips as Kat totally dedicates her final bits of energy towards one goal, Tiburon breathing.

DM
(Round 11 First Initiative: The Bloody Claws) The Orc slows his running and struggles with the satchel for a moment. Suddenly, everyone hears a loud crack like a nearby lightning strike, but nothing is seen. The Orc continues running.

DM
(Round 12: Second Initiative Begins - The Three) Tiburon breaths.

Flaust
Flaust says to Kat, "Help me move Tiburon over to those trees over there..."

Nonam
Nonam takes a quick glance at Tiburon but decides that the fleeing orc should be his primary concern. Thinking quickly he decides that he only has one chance. He reaches down and picks up what he assumes is a wand of fireballs from the fallen orc. Then he tries to remember what the command word was (he makes a perception check by 14 - rolled a 4). Hoping he remembered correctly, he points the wand at #4 and mutters a word under his breath.

Gareth
Gareth gives chase and closes when the orc stops and messes with the satchel and hits him again (18) with a cross stroke (13 dmg)

Flaust
Flaust winces when she sees what Nonam is doing.

Jus
Jus drops his pack and begins sprinting towards the Orc.

Bear
The bear munches contentedly.

Onrad
"Come on you chickens!" ::pant, pant:: "I know you're out there! Come on and fight me! I..." ::pant:: "Dare ya!"

Kat
Kat assists Flaust with Tiburon shedding silent tears at all the violence and it's repercussions.

Tiburon
Tiburon's visions of the eternal peace he would have with Domi begin to fade as one of the minions looks at his clip-board and says," You're name isn't on MY board... go back to where youbelong. It's not your time yet."

DM
(Round 13: First Initiative - The Three)

Flaust
Flaust says to Kat, "We've got to see if any of the fallen orcs are still alive." She then quickly looks to see if any orcs can be tended to -- providing First Aid, if possible.

Tiburon
Tiburon breathes.

Gareth
Gareth with grim determination delivers two crippling blows to the orc with his sword (12,11) severely imparing his ability to do anything (12, 16 = 28 dmg)

Nonam
Nonam hopes that Jus and Gareth can take care of the orc as it's too far away for him to do anything about now. Then he frowns at the wand but moves away from it just the same. Then he begins to seach the orc bodies for spell books, scrolls, and other magic items. While doing so he says, "Hey Tiburon, maybe you should drink one of your healing potions, or wait til we teleport back and maybe they'll heal you up for free. Course, maybe it wouldn't look good for a priest of Domi to look so beat up, or would it?"

Kat
Kat Kisses Tiburon fircely, wispering under her breath, "Thank Pantheon and Domi you are strong!" then seein that the Orc with the pouch is too far awway for her to catch she looks around for a Orc that is alive. If she finds one she will bind their hands and feet and then cast cure light on them for 5 pts of healing.

Tiburon
Tiburon continues to breath in his unconcious , un-healed state.

Jus
Jus runs the remaining 60' to catch up to Gareth and the orc. He attacks with both his swords, scoring a solid hit with his short sword (3h/16h - 6d).

DM
(Round 13: Second Initiative - The Bloody Claws) The orc makes one more attempt at running away. He digs in his heals and puts as much speed as he can in his step. If he can just get away this time, he knows he will make it! Gareth has other ideas. As the orc attempts to breakaway, Gareth's second stroke catches him in his side (rolled odd, Gareth gets break attack; second attack rolls noted in Gareth's turn are used). The orc turns to curse Gareth before he dies, but only has the time to look into his eyes. The last orc falls dead. ------------------------- DM Welcome to the Adventurers of The Three. To read what has gone before, please visit the library. The valiant and very wounded party has taken the first step to foil the plans of the Dark Lord by stealing the last minute plans intended for his army which prepares to attack the frontier towns of New Elenna. The Three now race home to have some substitute plans made which they will deliver taking on the form of the Orc band, the Bloody Claws, that they just defeated. Hopefully these false plans once delivered to the Dark Lord's army will set them up for defeat by the much smaller New Elennian forces.

Flaust
"Guys, I heard something beyond the hill that sounded like an explosion..." She goes back over to check on Tiburon.

Onrad
"Hey! Everything's gone quiet! What's happened! Did someone cast a silence spell on me? No I can hear myself. Hmm....may be some still sneaking around." Onrad lowers himself to the ground and begins striking out in a random direction.

Gareth
Gareth picks up the dead orc and his satchel and takes him back to the battle scene. "We must take the bodies back with us. We don't want anyone or anything to get the idea they are missing. I think in our current state we better get back to headquarters and maybe from there we can figure our what's going on over the hill." And with that he piles up the bodies except the one the bear has. He says "Jus, would you mind calling off your bear so we can get what's left of the orc?"

Kat
Kat tosses the ring of mass telaportation to Flaust and tells her to begin passing it around. She then casts the 5 pts of healing on Tiburon. Kissing him again to make sure he is OK now.

Jus
"Oh yeah, the bear. I forgot." Jus calls the bear back to the bag. The bear suddenly disappears. "Cool!" "I guess we had better get the orcs back as soon as possible for their post-mortum interrogation. We can go through their belongings when we get back." Jus walks over to where the bear was... recycling... the orc. "Ugh, I hope there is a finger left somewhere around here. Do you suppose we have to put the ring on ever piece?" "Oh, Flaust, I think that explosion came from that satchel," Jus says, pointing to Gareth. "I just hope he didn't do anything severe to the orders!"

Tiburon
Tiburon sits up, puts a hand to his head and says , " Who turned on the real bright light ?" He looks around, sees the look of concern on the nearby Kat's face and says with a smile, " Thanks Kat, I didn't know you cared so much ."

Onrad
Onrad, hearing the party discuss things, figures out, no help to anyone else (grrrrr), that the combat is over. He lays his charred and wounded body down in the charred and wounded field, leans on one elbow and waits for the 'seeing folk' to finish 'seeing' about how the OPPONENTS fared. Onrad rapidly grows extremely frustrated with his condition. He HATES being handicapped. The frustration shows in his face as his anger grows to a boiling point.

Jus
Jus takes another look around to see if anything else needs taken care of before they go. "Kat, why don't you start passing the ring around; you still have it, right? I still think we need to hurry; I don't know for sure, but I bet the minds of these orcs have to be read soon after their death." Seeing Nonam searching the orcs, Jus asks, "Find anything worth keeping, Nonam? I sure hope this was worth it!" Jus sees Onrad and goes over to him. "Boy am I glad to see you alive! I mean, sorry to see, err... I mean, its too bad that your sight hasn't returned yet. I'm sure it will pass soon. For a moment there, I thought that orc was going to skewer you. Quick thinking to push him into the web!"

Tiburon
Tiburon says , as he slowly stands," Is everyone else O.K.? What happened after I fell ? Has someone 'seen ' to Onrad ? "

Nonam
Nonam looks intently at Onrad for a moment and says, "Guys if Onrad's sight has not yet returned then it means that the orc who cast the spell is probably still alive. It is generally the nature of spells that their effects dissipate after the caster dies. This spell may not work that way, but I believe there is a good chance that this is the case. It seems to me that it was the seventh orc who cast the spell, so let's check on him again." Nonam walks over to Orc #7 and checks for signs of life once more. He also checks to see if the orc possibly possessed an item which permitted him to cast the spell.

Gareth
"No time to talk about whatifs right now, if he's alive fine but it makes no difference right now. We must complete this phase of the mission now! We can let headquarters clean up the mess when we get there. I have a bad feeling we will be seen. We must hurry. Everybody ready?" And with that he motions for the ring as he stands next to the bodies.

Nonam
"Gareth, if one single orc is still alive and we leave him here, then we have failed our mission. I think that we can spare a minute to ensure our success." With that Nonam continues his investigation.

Onrad
Thanks guys. I'm ok. I've just had my pride wounded. I....hate.....being like this. Jus, promise me something. If I ever become an invalid, helpless beyond repair,...promise you'll do me. Kill me." Onrad takes a death grip on Jus' arm. "Promise me!" Tears stream down his face as he struggles with his pride. He turns and covers his face.

Gareth
"What do you mean not take them back. We're taking ALL of them back right now. They may still be of use and even if they're not we must not leave them to be found. That would be bad - especially if the orc hoard found out before we got there!". With that, Gareth finishes piling the bodies with the party and says "How do we need to put them so we take them back with us?".

Gareth
"Bind that orc with the ring (Orc #7). Flaust pass me the ring when you're ready ad Onrad - I promise you I will help you anyway I can to regain whatever you may lose in our adventures together. I already thought that was part of our vow anyway."

Jus
"If I recall, we're to put the ring onto the dead orcs' fingers to pull them back with us. Since clothes and possessions go with us, I suppose we could put all the orc pieces together to send them back together." Jus goes over to Onrad. "Onrad, I swear I will do you honor if it ever comes to that. Its as close to your wish as I can get."

Jus
Jus takes his turn with the ring, slips it on a finger of each orc, then passes it onward.

Gareth
Gareth puts the ring on and passes it on.

Tiburon
Tiburon waits for his turn and places the ring on his finger. " Hey guys, why don't we take that glowing ring off of the finger of the Orc."

Onrad
Guys, yaknow how I sometimes know things and you never believe me when I do? Well I know from the mage that taught my brothers and I when we were young that rings like that only work on the living. We'll have to carry the dead to teleport them. Honest. It does no good to slip a finger on something that has no life force.

Gareth
Gareth picks up 4 of the bodies and puts them on his back. "Everyone, grap a body. We must not leave them here. If someone needs help maybe you guys can throw another one or two on top. I doubt I can bend down to pick up more."

Flaust
Flaust spends time in prayer.

Jus
"We'd better go through the orcs' possessions, too; see if there is anything we could use." Jus proceeds to help anyone prepare for the next stage, however he can. Jus grabs one of the people helping, "Does Roscoe have any new info we could use?"

Gareth
"I think we should give Roscoe the information we have. Can you guys tell us what that loud crack of lightning(?) was when the orc opened the satchel? I hope it was not a signal to the enemy. And why didn't you guys tell us that orcs could cast spells? These guys were tough. The first one I fought was almost my equal in sword handling and they had spells and weapons we didn't! And then they had 2 emergency plans! I thought orcs were dumb ugly animal type creatures? Guess I was wrong ... and that ring! What's going on here? Somethings not right."

Nonam
Nonam memorizes spells and waits for someone to tell him what's going to happen next.

Tiburon
Tiburon chuckles when Gareth finishes and says," Hey Gareth, Orcs probably think the same thing about us." Tiburon then sits in prayer to rememorize his spells.

Jus
Hoping someone identifies the orcs' belongings while he is busy, Jus goes and memorizes his spells.

Kat
In shock Kat slumps into a corner. She refuses to let the priests wash the gore off her as she finally rises, checks and doubble checks the party making sure everyone is ok. As she fusses over everyone, she begins mumbling about the unpredictability of powerful mages and spell casting orcs, and her own stupidity on the battle field. When she hears Tiburon's question she answers: "Orcs are genrally stupid however when they are touched by a master wizard lord they do tend to gain some smarts and some unexpected powers." i hope now everyone will understand what I was saying before we left about me being scared. I know something of the Dark Lord and we SHOULD NOT BE PLAYING IN HIS GARDEN!!!!" she screams as she colappses in the corner weeping.

Gareth
Gareth checks out the orcs for items and gets a complete list if they have already been searched from the crew. He looks especially at the sword, sheild and armor of Orc #3. "I think we need to make our things look like theirs. These guys were probably well known by the hoard leaders." When the General, Valdor, or Roscoe become available he asks "What's next? Let's review the plan now that you know more... or do you?"

Nonam
"We're not playing in his garden, we're pruning it." Then Nonam says, "I don't think we should have any conversations in front of that ring." Then he puts on some gloves and carefully takes the ring that orc #7 was wearing, and he drops it in a sack which he produced from his backpack for the purpose. Then he finds an errand boy, gives him the sack, and says, "put this somewhere safe for me until our mission is finished."

General Livermore
The General speaks stating the facts as he knows them. "We found the following things on the orcs. Orc #1 had damaged chainmail and a good shield. He carried a blood red sword, nicked with the same strange set of red eyes on it as was on Orc #7's ring. These eyes have not opened. He had 3 days rations, two daggers, and a long bow with 20 arrows. The quiver has a poison well in the bottom. Orc #2 had the same basic items as #1. He had a brooch with the strange eyes, open and blinking. Orcs #3 and #4 had the same item as well. Their set of eyes are on the inside of their shield. Orcs #5 and #6 carry Rings of Protection AC5. Each had a traveling spellbook with a set of glowing red eyes on them. Orc #5 has a set of blood red dice. Orc #6 has a blood red potion. Orc #7 and 8 were equipped with chainmail and shield. Both carried footman's flails as well as slings. They both carry holy symbols of the red eyes configuration. Both of these eyes were blinking and seeming to observe all around them. Orc #7 had a smoking wand. Orc #8 had a nonsmoking one. It is on the table for you to peruse. We feel it can be identified. We know nothing new except for the obvious. It seems likely that the Dark Lord now knows of at least some of our plans. Also, we only have until the middle of the night to affect the actions of an army that is over 5 times bigger than ours! I have cancelled the Black Blades part in the protection of Edenmoor leaving that to the Red Tigers. The Black Blades now move to try and intercept any second delivery group that The Dark Lord might send. They are without magical disguise and it remains to be seen if they can accomplish this. Our spies near their army encampment, report that there is no undue activity. No special envoys have arrived and the general's tent, which they have now identified remains calm."

General Livermore
"I hereby order this office to be vacated and headquarters moved to a new location within the hour. Oh, ahem, I have a message here from the High Lord Mayor that Valdor, Roscoe, and several others of the Gold Dragons had gone to attempt a mission against the Dark Lord."

Messenger Boy
"Once the items were stored away in a safe, the eyes that were open closed. A mage checked and none of them now Detect Magic."

Flaust
Flaust, finished with her preparations, readies herself to be transferred to the next mission location.

Tiburon
Tiburon completes his prayers and prepares himself for the next phase.

Onrad
Onrad still pretty shook up from the previous venture, begins to pace getting himself ready for the action to come. After about five minutes of this he calmly turns to the group and says, "I'm ready. Let's do this thing."

Gareth
"I think you should get you casters to make our stuff look exactly like theirs now that we have the EXACT items. Any luck on forging the orders or breaking the seal on that satchel? I beleive we are ready for the next segment."

Fireball
"Cough, ahem. Very unusual. I've never run across that variety of explosion before. I'll have to study this. Yes, Yes....definitely have to study this."

Kumal Faast
"We got it open. Now it's up to you guys." He bows, turns to leave, and with his back turn says, "Good Luck." Then he leaves pulling the mage with him.

Fireball
"Hold your breakfast, Kumal. I have one more thing to do. I....hereby declare that..." He then says some words that no one understands, waves his hand and blows some soot from his shirt on everyone. "Good day!" He takes Kumal's arm and follows him out. "My breakfast was fine! Burnt toast, burnt eggs, burnt bacon....."

DM
The party now looks exactly like Orcs 1-7 of the Bloody Claws. Equipment, weapons, glowing eyes and all.

Jus
Jus asks the General, "General Livermore, would you be able to spare someone to identify the wand. We have already memorized our spells for tonight, but that wand may be useful." Jus asks Nonam, "I know that normal Ring of Protections don't work together, but do you think this AC5 would work with my +1?"

Kat
Kat sits sill in her corner silently crying, waiting till she and all her new friends can rush off to die.

Nonam
Nonam's hair turns pink as he stares at the door Fireball exited, "Do any of you realize who that was? I'm impressed." His hair quickly turns back to its normal black and he says, "You're reading my mind Jus. I was wondering if a ring of protection AC5 would work with Bracers of Defense. It's an odd rating for a ring. They are, as I'm sure you are aware, generally rated on the plus-minus system. While bracers are generally measured on the AC system. My guess would be that this ring doesn't provide the protection against magic that a normal protection ring would and only offers protection from a physical attack. My guess would be that this ring will work with your other ring and that it will not work with my Bracers AC6, but even if they don't work together the ring is more powerful than my bracers... hmmm seems I'm rambling so onto the point which you may as well learn this from me as anyone. The only way to discover the truth of a hypothesis is through experimentation." Then Nonam looks down at one of the rings to make certain that it has no eyes on it, and then he puts it on. "Well we'll find out soon enough..." Then Nonam gets a bemused look, and, as his hair turns blue, he says, "Kat, don't you worry honey, I shall protect thee from the evil of the night with my undying love for you."

Gareth
"General. What is the next phase? How do we begin?"

Jus
Jus begins to put the second ring on and hesitates. He looks over to Kat for a moment then walks over and crouches down beside her. "Kat," Jus whispers, "we'll do this as a team. We'll make it." "And we need you to dance upon the rubble!", Jus chuckles, "And to help keep Gareth, Onrad, and Tib in line." He takes Kat's hand, holding the ring it in front of her left ring finger, "Would you take this ring." He winks at her then laughes, trying to pull her to her feet. "Well, you're welcome to it if you want. You or Flaust; it won't help me any."

DM
The general gets the attention of one of messengers -- always at hand. He whispers, sending the woman out.

General Livermore
"As I was saying, Roscoe informed me you had already discussed your infiltration and escape plans. Use the time you have to review and refine. If any further information is obtained from the orcs' interrogation (such as it is) you will be informed. Suffice it to say, the Bloody Claws were very dedicated and focused on getting the plans to the Dark Lord's General. Beyond that, nothing helpful has yet been found. I am willing to spend the time needed for you to succeed. But time is short, and I have other pressing duties. If you have nothing further..."

DM
The General hesitates before leaving, waiting to see if there are any more questions.

Tiburon
Tiburon sits bsck and quitely prays to Domi for the sucess of their mission and the safe return of all of them.

Flaust
Flaust says to the group, "Once we arrive and locate a sentry, give me a moment to cast a spell that, Alemi willing, should allow us to penetrate the camp more easily. We do not have to have the sentry see us, I just have to be nearby. The spell will give us information on the customs of the camp, so that we may blend in more easily."

Onrad
"Flaust, if there is a possibility of the sentry resisting the spell and thus becoming aware that something dangerous to him is up, I'm against it. Although I'm sure it's a well thought out spell, we must act as the orcs we intend to be. Acting is the key! Not spells. Spells and action we save in case the acting fails."

Jus
"I've memorized a spell that will assist up to 4 people in forgetting the last few minutes. If we slip up, let me know and I'll cast it. Only got one shot, so make sure we need it..."

Nonam
"I've memorized the same spell, Jus. Now it seems to me that we should behave like messengers. That would mean walking right up to the camp and calling out to the sentry that we have a message for the general. Then we show the seal, and he takes us right to the general's tent. We give it to him and leave. If the sentry causes us trouble, then Jus or I cast 'forget' on him, and he forgets the whole little conversation, and then we slip past him. Or another thing that might be handy is if we don't know the password the sentry wants, then we get him to tell us after we've blown it. You know something like, 'well now that we're dead anyway, what was the password?' Then we cast 'forget' on him, and when it takes effect, we say, 'We have a message for the general. The password is blablabla.' Well what do you guys think?"

Gareth
"A couple of things General. As Jus mentioned, there appears to be a password. One of the Orcs asked for it during our combat. If you can get your people to focus on getting it, we would probably have a better chance to succeed. Also, their names would be helpful as well. Another issue is that we have seven in our party, they had 8. Perhaps it would be better to bring another person along to complete the disguise. We need to review what each orc did and make sure we not only look like them, but act like them as well. Other than that, I like Jus's plan. After we get the plans delivered, we can try to leave, or if not possible get some place after the hoard begins to move and make our escape then. What would you recommend, general, if we are ordered to stay? It would seem better to stay although that is extremely dangerous."

Tiburon
"... My Lord Domi, amen, " finishes Tiburon. He stands and says, " Domi has granted me the use of spells to aid us. I will let you know what they are so if there is a time someone thinks we need them they can ask for them. I have two Commands, Entangles, Heat Metals,Hold Persons, and Random Causatilies. I have one Silence 15' radius and one Darkness. Let's hope we don't need to use any of them."

General Livermore
"We will attempt to extract the password. Let one of these messengers know which orc asked. If you are ordered to stay, use your judgement. You have the teleport ring and may use it to leave at your discretion."

Jus
"I agree with Nonam's plans on getting the password. Even if we get the orcs' password, it might not be the same one to get us in the camp. We still need to think of an alternative plan if our spells don't work."

Nonam
Nonam's hair turns white as he calmly says, "There is always one drawback to experimentation and that's when you make a mistake... General, if I can't get this off, will you call someone who can?" Then he attempts to take the ring from his finger and hurl it across the room.

DM
The ring constricts even tighter onto Nonam's finger, while the voice raises in volume, "No! it... IT!".

Tiburon
Tiburon says," Quick General, have someone cast a Dispel Magic on that ring !"

Flaust
Preparing for the emergence of a nine-fingered Nonam, Flaust hurriedly walks over to render aid.

Gareth
"If brute force will help let me know. I could try to tear the ring or cutit with a daggar or sword."

Kat
Kat stands, power crackling from her fingers. " Nonam, DON'T call me honey!. Jus thank you for the ring but I can't wear such an evil abomination, my God would not allow it. I like the thought of using the telaport ring for escape. Sir Roscoe has used one of these before, ask him, can everyone put it on but me and how long can I wait before I complet the circuit and get us all home? Kat then sees Noman in pain, she pulls her skull from her pack and casts dispell magic on the ring staight from her book."

Onrad
Onrad stands ready to assist Nonam if he needs it. He grimaces as he relates to the pain Nonam is experiencing.

Nonam
Hoping Kat's spell works, but not willing to waste any time, Nonam snaps the wrist of his free hand and a dagger falls into his grasp. "If anyone cuts off my finger, it's going to be me. Of course my preference would be to use magaaggh." He grimaces as the ring tightens more.

General Livermore
The General turns to receive a note. "Gentlemen and ladies. One of our scouts watching the movements of the Dark Lord's Northern Army has been instructed to obtain the password. Our Speak With Dead spells are proving uneffective. He is to use his final invisibity potion to infiltrate near the entrance and attempt to overhear the sign and countersign. If successful, he will report back or pass the message on to you upon your arrival.

Kat
As the spell is cast from out of the skull Kat smiles knowing that she has been sucessfull. "I couldn't let you ruin that beautiful hand, now if you all will excuse me I have angered someone and they wish to talk . . ." A loud screem is heard from within the skull, lighting crackles in the eye scockets and rushes out strikeing Kat square in the chest. Kat flys across the room hiting the far wall with a thud and cloapsing in a heap.

Flaust
Looking at Kat, Flaust gets a weird, far-off, look in her eye and mutters. "Bad drugs, dude."

Tiburon
Tiburon quickly moves over to Kat and checks her for any serious injuries. When he finds none he sets out to revive her. " Kat...( patting her... uh.. hand) ..Kat .. are you OK ?" says a concerned Tiburon.

Gareth
"What kind of friends do you have that would do such a thing! General, we will be ready as soon as you direct us to leave."

Jus
While he still has it on his mind, Jus turns to the General, "General, about these wands... Would you please have someone identify them? And yes, please get the control words for both of them; the fireball wand may be useful in extreme circumstances." Jus asks Nonam, "What happened? What caused the ring to tighten? And what was that skull all about, Kat?"

Nonam
"Jus, the ring was probably attuned to evil cretures. Anything which honors goodness would probably have met with the same reaction. From things I have read it could have been much worse. As for the skull, I'm not completely certain as I never studied much witchcraft, but I believe that is how she communicates with her spell-giver, Pantheon... Kat, I appreciate your noble deeds, but in the future never cast a spell directly from your spellbook on my account, and never let me be the one to upset your relationship with your spell-giver... especially when there are so many of the general's priests around that could reattach a finger.

Flaust
Contemplating the thought of the General's staff giving Nonam the finger, Flaust grimaces (not a pretty sight).

Gareth
Gareth helps Kat to her feet - being as gentle as possible.

Tiburon
" Oh sure," Tiburon says under his breath," Gareth always butts in when someone else is helping Kat ". Tiburon steps back watching Kat to see that she's alright.

Gareth
"Sorry Tiberion, just a reaction I guess. With freinds like she apparently has she'll need us both."

Nikar
A regal looking female dressed in a red cloak and robe barges in the room and says, "General, I have your stupid items Identified. I expect payment to my account asap. Whose the mage here?" Some point to Kat and some to Nonam. She ignores Nonam and says to Kat, "The smoking one is a Wand of Fireballs. I think it's had it. Twill take alot of cash and patience to fix it. However, it should be good for one HUGE explosion as it goes out should someone ever get that desperate. The other one is a Wand of Dispel Magic. It has some method of recharging that I haven't the time to figure out. It can tell you by osmosis when it's charged or not. My guess is that it takes a 24 hour period to recharge. It didn't charge in my lab either. But began to do so just as soon as we left. There. Uh, good luck." She turns. "General." She leaves.

Kat
Kat drifts in and out od awareness for awhile before finally coming around to Tiburon and Gareth tring to help. She regains her feet smiling at the two boys and gives each a kiss on the cheek. Looking to Nonam she says "Noman what you have just seen is the skull of my great, grand mother, she grants me my spells just as your book grants you yours. However just as casting a spell out of your book has a price so does my grandmothers spirit ask me for something." Turning to Tiburon she says " Lets not experement with strange objects to offten, OK? " She then sits with the help of the two men. When Nikar enters she pays attention and marks the wands with string.

Onrad
"She uses a skull to keep her spells in??? She..She..." Onrad begins to bang his head into the wall. Hard. Muttering something like "grrrrrahhhhhhhAaaauuurrrrghBrrrreeagggghhhhhNoooowowwwwwayyyy!spewwwwweaaaaaarrrrghhhhh!" He turns around several times, tips over once like he's gonna faint, then marches out into the kitchen and slams the door.

Tiburon
Tiburon blushes and looks down at the toe he's rubbing on the floor, " Uh.. Ok, Kat... ummm... as long as you're alright now .. uhh, maybe you're right about not experimenting with the unknown." Tib looks up with a grin as Onrad starts to leave, " Say Onrad, at least the spells stay in the family ."

Gareth
General, I think we are ready now. Is there a possibilty of an eighth joining us? It would be obe less thing to explain away when we get there."

Jus
"Unless anyone disagrees, I say let's consider these few items party treasure until we have more to split up. And unless Gareth wants to carry the wand of fireballs," Jus looks at Gareth, almost hoping he does, "I'll keep it in my belt for this outing -- and hopefully never use it."

Nonam
"Considering recent events, I think Kat should carry the wand of dispell magic... and Kat, my spells aren't granted by anything save my own desire to learn them." Nonam then sits down to wait for the password, and as he rests, his hair returns to it's normal black color.

Kat
Kat leans back against Tiburon and Gareth support. "Onrad, it is the skull of my dead great grandmother. Every spell she ever knew is imprinted within it's magic. This is the way my people honor their ansestors. You may continue to insult that belief at your own peril. Nonam the way we use magic is the same only the tools are diffrant. NOW if we could please stop squabaling about this and get down to bussiness!"

Flaust
"Please, everyone...if the Black Blades can cooperate with the Red Tigers during this whole mess, we can too. Let's get to cracking before we lose the advantage that we've gained so far. Do you want me to go ahead and try to use that spell I mentioned earlier (giving us the camp customs) and one of you use Forget afterwards...or should I 'forget' the spell?"

Gareth
"Sounds great Flaust. How do you propose we begin. I think we should transport some place a few miles from camp. We need to travel a bit so we look like we have not just stepped out of an inn or something. Then we can hear your idea for the spell, maybe in the mean time this 'agent' will get us the password, and then we can proceed. We can use the spells to make those guys forget (I'm assuming you can do it) and then deliver the orders. Once we have done that we better see what this guy says and then slip out at the most opportune time. Something like that - any ideas?

Kat
Kat asks" Did anyone find out if you can all put the mass teloport ring on now and the I'll wait so we can make a quick getaway? Will that work? How long will it work for? Are there any draw backs? Roscoe has used this artifact with the Gold Dragons before he would know, can we PLEASE ask him?"

Tiburon
Tiburon stands there and admires Kat's .... umm ....desire to get things going. He waits silently contemplating what can go wrong and making personal plans for each contengency.

DM
The General immediately exits the room, along with most of the staff. Two or three attendants wait at the door for a few minutes, before realizing that Onrad is still in the kitchen. One pokes his head thru the door, and timidly says, "Sir, the rest are waiting..."

Flaust
"Ummm...Kat, I think they said Roscoe and the others had to go on another mission...from what little I know, I'd guess that the ring has to be used fairly quickly..."

Onrad
Onrad straightens from where he was leaning his head onto the wall and joins the group. "Kat, this is not over. That there skull is pure evil.....I mean strange. I think we'd better hear it all....later. After this is done." He looks to the group. "Let's do this!" Then purposefully, "For the Gods of Wold and New Elenna!" He reaches for the ring.

Gareth
Gareth reaches for the ring after Onrad and says "Good luck to us all"

Jus
"Let's be goin'!" Jus takes his turn with the ring.