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The trail of the Drow


Leaving Angel Springs - DM Marcin 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 1:05:12 AM
The party gathers up its gear and announces to its host the intent to leave. Folko tries to hide it, but seems to be relieved. The fact that the Watch came looking for the Hamleteers didn't sit too well with him, and he slowly started to realize that some people in town might view the Hamleteers and all who associate with them as political opponents.

The rain is still falling from the sky and there are few people out on the streets. Boots and hooves splashing in small puddles of water the party reaches West Gate. A small group of guards that found shelter from rain under the stone arc of the gate tower lets the heroes out and takes a note of their departure in a large logbook. Then the party leaves it all behind: sweet smell of pipe weed, good hot meals, decent beds, and the safety of civilization, and is on the road again.

This road hasn't seen much traffic recently. Initially every now and then there is a road leading off to a nearby farm, and the heroes overtake an occasional cart or a soaked through traveler. But after two hours or so the countryside becomes more wild - the meadows and forests on both sides of the road look untouched by farmer's plow or woodsman's axe. By the time the sun sets the party has made good progress.

The temperature drops and gusts of wind start to throw droplets of water under the hoods of the Hamleteers. It would be a good idea to think about making a camp.

[Camping: a chance to change spell selection. Watches? Any special precautions?]

Arien 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 6:12:43 AM
Arien spends a time looking through his spell book and makes some changes in the spells he has prepared.

0 Level: Detect Magic x2, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2, Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x2, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic x2, Haste, Lightning Bolt
4th Level: Dimension Door x2, Evard's Black Tentacles, Ice Storm, Solid Fog
5th Level: Summon Monster V x2, Cone of Cold, Wall of Force

Gaxx 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 6:15:40 AM
Gaxx waddles along beside Renik, chattering away as he points out the magical trail he followed, until he reaches the point where the trail ends. Once the trail ends, Gaxx becomes a bit more distracted by the things the party is passing as well as collecting up some nice crunchy bugs for dinner later that night. Once camp is made and Gaxx has eaten, he will flop over asleep, until someone wakes him for a watch. If it is the early morning watch, he will also pray to Mister Wardd to see if Mister Wardd wants to change any of his spells.

Renik 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 6:42:00 AM
As the party make their way down the road Renik asks if the magical trail can still be followed beyond the point where Gaxx reached before.

As the weather turns and the sky darkens Renik calls camp. "I'll take first watch, Rond then Draax next. Let's give the spellcasters a chance to work on their spells and rest. If we can gain any magical protection against surprises in the night that wouldn't hurt either. Hopefully our enemies are unaware that they have been rumbled, but caution never hurts."

The rogue chats with Sarigar, trying to determine how the physical trail is bearing up.

Setanos [Mage Armor] 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 10:17:06 AM
Setanos travels with a spring in his step, clearly happy to be out of the murky bog of political machinations. He whistles a marching tune as the group travels on, watching about for signs of ambush.

"So what do ya all think so far?" he says on the trail.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: Alarm, Shield, Mage Armor, Feather Fall, Mount
2: Extended Mage Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow x3
3: Hastex2, Flyx2
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Roger/Rond 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 4:08:59 PM
Once the party has passed well beyond Angel Springs. Roger checks behind him to make sure that no one else is following. When he feels certain the coast is clear, he'll let his Roger disguise fall away, by taking of his hat of disguise. He will then root around in his pack, to make sure any winter gear is readily available.

"Let us hope this is easier than the last time"

Feng 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 5:40:37 PM
For the first time since his trip into the moutains, Feng is glad he picked up magical boots that shield him from the cold. He brushes his warhorse before he sends him back to the higher plane that he calls home. Feng didn't have to do it but Degg liked it and it helped him to relax.

Draax 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 10:47:54 PM
Draax sets up his tent and gets some rest until it is his turn on watch.

Tratain 
Wednesday September 8th, 2004 11:37:48 PM
Tratain says "We will have to continue our conversation with Benny when we get back, I really don't think its a good Idea to take him. We can spar with him when we get back to assess his skills, but hes just a commoner really. All of us together would be hard pressed in the scab mountains, if he is not nearly our equil then he will be a liability. Also don't forget that we all gave our word that we would be at the festival to Gargul in a few days time, if after I have communed with Domi to determine if the girl is alive after all this time, we won't be able to leave until after the festival."

Tratain then takes his rest early, and then keeps watch the rest of the night.

------------------------
Condensed List of Spells Memorized:
0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic
1st Level: Bless; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From Evilx2;Comprehend

Language(Sanctuary)
2nd Level: Endurance; Align Weapon; Bull's Strength; Delay Poison; Locate Object(Spiritual

Weapon)
3rd Level: Invisibility Purge; Prayer; Dispel Magicx2;Searing Light; (Protection from Energy)
4th Level: Freedom of Movement; Divine Power;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchor(Spell Immunity)
5th Level: True Seeing; Righteous Might;Quickened Divine Favor(Flame Strike)
6th Level: Heal; (Blade Barrier)



Day three, morning. Wilderness, Crescent Valley. Four days before the festival of Gargul - DM Marcin 
Thursday September 9th, 2004 1:26:51 AM
The night comes and goes leaving chill in the bones of those who neglected to break out their winter equipment. Thankfully, the Hamleters are awoken by rising sun. The sky is clear and this special shade of blue you get only when close to the mountains. Hopefully it won't rain today.

Renik suggests using magic to check if the party is still on the right trail, but even without spells Sarigar can now see tracks of three horses that have passed through here a few days ago. One of them was wearing horseshoes of unusual shape - thinner than normal and apparently not affixed to the hooves with nails.

The journey resumes. The drow (?) were making haste and the party has found only one place where they made a cold camp. Traveling on mounts they managed to cover much more ground in one day than the Hamleters did.

Walking in the dense wood is relaxing for an adventurer frustrated with busy chaos of Angel Springs. Peaceful, serene even, the forests of Crescent Valley will probably rank high on the lists of most beautiful places ever seen of many an adventurer. For over a generation neither bandit nor giant had access to these lands.

The road starts to slowly climb up and mountains start to loom on the horizon. Once again, the party makes good progress, and just before noon arrives at the northern border of the halfling land. Emerging from the forest the heroes suddenly spot a tall, thick wall, extending as far as the eye can see to both east and west. With crenellations and multiple catwalks for defenders to stand on, the fortification seems to be a great achievement of engineering, possibly rivalling even dwarven work. One can't help but wonder where did all that stone come from. The Hamleters are looking at it from the rear. The structure is intended to protect the Valley against hostile forces of the Scab and its fortified side is facing north.

A tall, round tower - a small keep, really - stands nearby and the road the party has been following leads to a massive door set in its wall. The road then splits and goes both east and west along the fortifications. A thin line of smoke rises from the chimney on the side of the tower. A few guards - halflings, the Hamleters guess by their size - stroll along the topmost walkway of the wall.

Can this be one of the famous Giant Towers?

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+19=39
Thursday September 9th, 2004 12:16:34 PM
With the trail growing cold as their prey outdistances the party due to their mounts, the brothers struggle valiantly to keep on their trail (Tracking 39, nat 20). Although not the particular drow he wants, he fervor in finding them is not diminished as he may find the ones he wants with the ones he is following.

The brothers tend to "keep watch" during the evenings and early mornings. Although he can't see in the dark, Sarigar is becomming more and more nocturnal by the day, catching naps during the day every chance he can get. Rarely do they stay in the camp, preferring to stay just outside of it, keeping as much of an eye on the surroundings as on the others.

ooc: Sorry about the no-posts, I was assigned to a different school fro a few days and had no computer access.

Gaxx 
Thursday September 9th, 2004 2:52:32 PM
Gaxx continues forward in the hopes of finding someone to sell him a blanket. He got awfully cold last night and plans to do his best to rememdy that. The Tower should be just the place. to find an extra blanket.

Draax 
Thursday September 9th, 2004 5:08:49 PM
Draax packs up his tent and joins the others in follow the horses' tracks down the road. He lets out a soft whistle when he sees the wall. He takes a moment to look around before heading towards the tower. "The guards should be able to give us an idea how far our prey is ahead of us."

Renik 
Thursday September 9th, 2004 5:56:09 PM
"Agreed. Let's see what they have to say." He heads for the guards, hoping to learn how far behind the drow they are, and in which direction they headed.

Feng 
Thursday September 9th, 2004 7:09:54 PM
Feng looks rather impressive sitting upon his huge black warhorse, armor gleaming, and double axe across his back.

"Perhaps we should consider purchasing mounts if they have some for sale. Otherwise we may never catch them."

At the Giant Tower - DM Marcin 
Friday September 10th, 2004 1:41:00 AM
The keen eyes of Sarigar have no problem picking up the tracks left by the three horses. Their quarry followed the road to the very door of the small keep ahead of the Hamleters. The wild man and his wolf circle this side of the fortification just to make sure the trail doesn't continue along the wall, but no horses have passed to the left or right of the tower for nearly a week. The suspicious trio must have gone inside.

As the party approaches the gate the guards on the wall announce their arrival to someone inside. When the Hamleters reach the massive door a small window nearby swings open and, after a few seconds, closes. Then there is a sound of keys being turned in locks, and the door cracks open.

A halfling in chain emerges from the inside of the keep. The fellow is rather old and, judging by his muscles and first hints of silver on his curly hair, has seen his share of the Wold. There is a crossbow on his back and a shortsword at this side. In his hand he holds a steaming mug. His eyes pass from the half-orc paladin on his black horse through the elves, half-elves, and humans in the party, to the purple dwarf. He brings the mug to his nose and sniffs suspiciously. Then he pours the stuff out on the ground.

"Who goes there?" - he finally asks. "My, aren't you a varied bunch."

Gaxx 
Friday September 10th, 2004 5:39:45 AM
Gaxx waddles forward, purple hand stuck out in greeting. "Hi dere, I be Gaxx OgreSlayer and dese be my friends. I was just awonderin iffin I could buy me a blanket cause it do get mighty cold round here and iffin we gots ta sleep outside some more chasing dem elves, I gonna need a nice tick blanket ta keep me warm in da night."

Renik  d20+11=15
Friday September 10th, 2004 10:10:39 AM
The rogue raises both hands in greting, showing he is holding no weapon. "Good day to you sir. We are a band of adventurers heading out after a stop in Angel Springs. It's been a pleasant journey, but we could certainly use a bit of warm refreshment if such a thing is possible. As my friend here says, we are on the trail of three elves at the behest of Chief Thomas Thimble of the Watch. Have you seen any such fellows recently?"

He peers about, looking for any sign of their quarry or for evidence of their passing (Spot 15).

Rond 
Friday September 10th, 2004 11:20:04 AM
Letting Renik do all the talking, Rond decides to do all the sight seeing.

Rond looks around and checks out the construction of the towers.

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Friday September 10th, 2004 12:04:39 PM
The brothers sniff around the halfling, in part to determine if he's had contact with his quarry and also as a greetings of sorts. Then almost as if they've forgotten the halfling is even there, they non-chalantly try to just walk in the now open door, following the hoofprints.

Feng 
Friday September 10th, 2004 6:53:11 PM
Feng eases his steed to a halt. The powerful horses stomps a front hoof, wanting to continue. Feng rubs the horses neck to calm his friend.

"Has anybody passed through here recently into the Scab?"

Draax 
Saturday September 11th, 2004 1:08:55 PM
Having nothing to contribute to the conversation Draax waits patiently while the others ask questions.

Arien 
Saturday September 11th, 2004 2:24:46 PM
Arien listens to the conversation a moment before casting Detect Magic. As the conversation continues to concentrate, hoping to find that magic aura he first found in the Inn.

At the Giant Tower - DM Marcin  d6=6 [DM roll] d20+6=12 [Guard's Sense Motive] d20+13=18 [Renik's Bluff]
Monday September 13th, 2004 2:28:53 AM
The halfling soldier looks a bit taken aback with all the questions flying his way. When Sarigar tries to push past him he blocks the way with his own body. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Where do you thing you are going, fellow?" Sarigar and his wolf do not detect any familiar smells on the halfling, but the tracks seem to continue into the keep.

The soldier is somewhat put at ease when Renik mentions the name of Officer Thimble. "The Watch sent you then? All right. I probably shouldn't be surprised. The fellows at the city are good lads, but they don't have what it takes to travel in Scab and live to tell the tale."

"Yes sir, we have seen the fellows you are talking about. Three days ago, in the afternoon, three elves on horses approached the gate and asked to be let out into the Scab. Mind you, it is not all that common for someone to ask to be let to the other side. They told me they wanted to visit a grave of one of their ancestors which is in the mountains. We let them through because they seemed to know what they were doing and looked like people who know how to take care of themselves."

Arien checks for the lingering effects of magic. The soldier watches him warily, unable to understand what is going on.

And there it is: faint, blurred residual radiation. The sages around the Wold are still arguing on what factors can make the auras dissipate faster, but here it has not yet faded away. For one sensitive to arcane phenomena walking through it feels like strolling through thin fog.

Renik and Rond look around. The first one, not being as proficient in tracking as Sarigar, doesn't see anything that might be a sign of passage of the dark elves. Rond concludes that the fortifications, although impressive in size by human standards, shouldn't prove to be a major obstacle to a determined giant. Strange.

The guard asks the party to wait outside for a moment, and, halfling hospitality being what it is, five minutes later a few younger soldiers bring out a small cauldron of hot, thick vegetable soup for the heroes to fill their stomachs with. The soldiers however seem reluctant to allow a large group of well-armed men to enter the keep entrusted to their care and the party is not invited to dine inside.

"Yes, we do have a blanket we can spare. Last time we were getting supplies we got sent one too many. Lucky for you, isn't it? Here you go." Gaxx is handed a thick woolen winter blanket. It has seen some use and smells faintly of tar, but is clean.

"Well, if you people are ready now I will let you through."

[Dear players, allow your DM to nudge you ever so gently and point out that so far only three character sheets have been fully approved: Draax's, Renik's, and Tratain's. To everyone else I still have some questions that need to be answered.]

[Carl, when your character is stretching the truth it might be a good idea to roll Bluff.]

Gaxx 
Monday September 13th, 2004 5:30:53 AM
Gaxx gratefully takes the blanket, hugging it tightly to himself to feel its warmth. He starts to put it in his backpack when he realizes he doesn't have a backpack so he loosens his belt enough that he can loop the blanket through his belt, repositioning his rod so it doesn't fall. He is more than happy to sit outside and eat the wonderful meal provided by the halflings.

Draax 
Monday September 13th, 2004 5:34:48 PM
Draax is normally wary about taking food from strangers nevertheless he eats a portion of the meal and thanks the guards for their hospitality. He then waits for the guard to open the gate.

Renik 
Monday September 13th, 2004 5:37:18 PM
"Wardd smiles on you as ever, Gaxx," grins the rogue. He thanks the halflings heartily for the soup and tucks in.

As they eat he talks with Arien. "Do you have any clues to what might have produced the aura you see? What do you think we might be following, and do you have any idea how long the trail will remain warm?"

Arien 
Monday September 13th, 2004 10:32:01 PM
"I'm not sure exactly what we are dealing with here. The magic comes from several, if not all the schools of magic. To produce an aura that lasts this long it must be something powerful indeed. I fear that this has something to do with the Drow we met before and let go. They were tied to the machine, I hope that they didn't manage to procure some piece of it and bring it here."

Feng 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 12:04:20 AM
Feng enjoyed the unexpected meal. Even going so far as to tipping the halflings a few silver for their hospitality. Still it feels good to mount up. A part of Feng enjoys traveling because of its simplicity, and Degg hasn't gotten a good workout in quite some time.

Into the wilderness - DM Marcin 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 3:18:11 AM
The party enjoys the hearty meal while conversation turns to the dark elves being pursued and the trail of magic they continue to leave behind.

After the party announces its readiness to depart the soldiers open the door for them, revealing a short corridor with murder holes in the ceiling. At its other end is a gate leading outside. It has been constructed below the level of the ground; the party has to walk down a slope to reach it. The strong door reinforced with iron bars is just large enough to allow a horse to squeeze through. Once past the door one needs to walk up another slope, this time constructed along the wall. The purpose of the design is probably to protect the door from rams and giant's boulders.

The land on the other side of the wall is bare. Every tree within a few hundred feet of the fortifications has been removed. The mountains of Scab stand clearly visible in the distance. This is the realm of the giants, wild, savage, and dangerous. A gust of cold wind suddenly sweeps around the party, as if even the land itself objected to visitors from other places.

There are no roads on this side of the wall. With no other travelers to mess up the tracks Sarigar is able to immediately pick up the hoofprints. As the party continues its pursuit the heroes notice that they are slowly but steadily climbing up. The mountains get closer and closer and the air gets colder.

The trail leads into forests. The trees do not grow very densely here and Feng doesn't even have to dismount. These woods are very different from the bright, green forests of Crescent Valley. Everything here seems to struggle to stay alive, every tree competes fiercely with its brothers for water, sunlight, and space. Every now and then the party passes by a small pool of crystal clear water or crosses a small stream. Only once have they seen a small deer. No birds can be heard singing, but there are magpies and crows that rise agitated whenever they catch sight of people moving underneath their nests.

And then there are footprints, both old and new, of incredibly large feet. The tracks of the dark elves start to take sudden turns every now and then as if the drow maneuvered to avoid unwanted company.

The shadows grow longer and longer, and, finally, when the sun sets and it is time to make camp yet again, the Hamleters find themselves deep in the wilderness.

[Watches and/or extra precautions please. Do you want to light a fire? Do you sleep with armor on (no answer = no)?]

Gaxx 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 5:34:53 AM
Gaxx trudges along, his shorter legs making this trip seem much longer. Fortunately, as a dwarf, he is used to such hardships and waddles along, occasionally whistling a tuneless ditty to himself. Sometimes, when they come upon a set of giant footprints, he pauses a moment to compare the size of the footprint with his own feet only to shake his head and continue along.

When camp is made for the evening, Gaxx finds a nice rock to rest against, and pulls his blanket from his belt. As he wears no armor, he does not find it necessary to remove it in order to fall over face first on the ground and sleep. He hopes Renik will awaken him for the early morning watch as he has much to thank Mister Wardd for, particularly the nice warm blanket he is rolled up in and the wonderful friends he is traveling with now.

Setanos [Mage Armor] 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 9:31:54 AM
Setanos follows along, the mood of the place getting to even him. He chuckles softly watching Gaxx compare footprints, and this raises his spirits somewhat.

Onward he pushes, further in and further up. When it comes time to make camp, Setanos offers to take the first watch.

Renik  d20+21=35 d20+11=20 d20+11=29
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 12:37:04 PM
"Very well, Setanos you're on first. Then Draax, then Rond, then me, then Gaxx. We look to be deep in dangerous territory here, so no sense calling attention to ourselves. We'll make do without a campfire tonight. If you have warm clothing or bedding I suggest you use it. We really must buy or learn some warding or protection spells for camping like this. Perhaps a hidden space, or mass invisibility. We are too vulnerable at night."

When it is Renik's turn for watch he floats silently into the branches overhead, hoping this will help him avoid getting spotted by any marauding nasties, and give him early warning of an attack. (Hide 35, Spot 20, Listen 29)

For the periods that he does sleep, Renik sleeps in his armour.

OOC: Alarm 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 2:04:09 PM
Forgot to post, Setanos wanted to cast Alarm on the center of camp. 20' Radius, 20 Hours, Audible Alarm, Password: Courage, and explain to everyone how it works.

If I can't get it in that's fine.

Feng 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 4:20:12 PM
"I can take a watch if somebody wants to sleep." Feng offers. He spends his evening cleaning his axe and his armor. Even though they are magical, Feng prefers to always look his best.

OOC: Feng will not sleep in his armor. The fatigue right now wouldn't be worth it.

Draax 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 5:56:25 PM
Draax listens to Setanos as he instructs everyone about the alarm that is surrounding the camp. He ensures that his cold weather outfit is fastened up tight and gets some rest before his watch.

Rond 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 11:06:01 PM
"Remember that giants can attack from a far distance with boulders, so we want to keep our camp spread out somewhat, at least I would think."

With that in mind, Rond will make sure he's on the outer perimeter of the camp, so he can have his limited night vision, and not become an accidental target, should a boulder land on the campfire.

Tratain 
Tuesday September 14th, 2004 11:55:42 PM
Tratain takes his rest early like always, and then stands watch the rest of the night. Tratain does not wear his armor when sleeping, but puts it on while standing watch.

In the dead of night - DM Marcin 
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 2:00:44 AM
The party finds a little depression in the ground suitable to make a cold camp in. After setting up watches and an Alarm spell the Hamleteers wrap with their blankets and try to go to sleep.

Sun sets and there is a period of darkness, but soon full moon emerges from behind the mountains. The forest looks very different in the pale white light - very peaceful and deeply asleep. The stillness even brings to mind the word "petrified". If there are any forests on the moon, one might think, they might look like this. The moon seems to be somehow larger than the one commonly seen in Plateau City or in Crescent Valley. Even those who lack night vision would have no problem walking around the forest when it is basking in its soft, white light.

The watches change as the moon sails through the sky.

The watch of Rond is almost over when, suddenly, a strange commotion can be heard somewhere in the forest. A distant sound of running feet and breaking branches - a bass scream - and then clash of steel against steel! A flock of crows rudely woken up by the noise rises croaking into the black sky. A fight is going on somewhere nearby!

[Listen check DC20 will allow you to estimate the distance to the spot where the noises are coming from: Highlight to display spoiler: {The noises carry well in the forest at night. It seems that the fight is taking place at least half a mile away from the party's camp.}]

Gaxx  d20+8=19
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 5:44:28 AM
Gaxx continues to snore quietly, unaware of any disturbance in the night. (listen-19)

Setanos [Mage Armor]  d20+8=27
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 8:37:38 AM
Setanos jumps awake in an instant, but soon relaxes as he realizes the danger is not immediate.

Still, his hand holds his greatsword at the ready. Looking around at the party, he tries to judge their reactions. "I'd be a bit o a walk, but I think we need ta be checkin this out."

Rond  d20+11=23
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 9:50:51 AM
Noticing the disturbance and wanting to help. Rond will go over and nudge Renik awake, if he's not already and fill him in (let him listen) in order to get his opinion.

If the word is given, Rond will make sure everyone is woken up in order to help with the situation.

Sarigar and Black Paws  d20+14=32 d20+30=36 d20+25=36
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 12:27:27 PM
Springing awake from the sounds in the distance, the brothers are almost instantly alert and ready. Sarigar drops into a crouching position, every muscle in his body tensed and ready to jump in an instant. For the first time, the others might notice that Sarigars fingers seem to end in short talons and his teeth seem to be sharper than they should be.

If the others begin to move toward the noise, the brothers will slip into a flanking postion to them, moving as still as the night around them (Hide 36, Move Silently 36).

ooc: Sorry again, was in meetings and away from a computer the last two days. As far as I know, I'm done with that kind of stuff for a while.

Renik  d20+11=21 d20+11=24 d20+11=28
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 12:55:50 PM
(Listen 21)

The sounds of battle wake the rogue from his slumbers. Though the combat is some way off Renik is instantly alert. "Let's move out, I want to see what's going on over there. Steel on steel doesn't sound like giants. If someone can make me invisible I'll fly up above the tree line and see if I can get an advance preview of what's up ahead."

Once they are all up Renik heads through the forest at speed, flying up above the trees if someone casts invisibility on him (spot 24, Listen 28).

Arien  d20+7=27
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 1:05:19 PM
The noises bring Arien out of trance, with a lithe hop he comes to his feet and looks off in the direction that the noises are coming from. Arien will wake any that he sees are still asleep and help them up.

Draax  d20+3=19
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 6:22:51 PM
As soon as he hears the others stirring Draax rolls to his feet alert and ready for danger. He quickly assesses the immediate area and relaxes when he does not find a threat. He can hear the sounds of battle in the distance and can discern the general direction, but cannot tell how far away the fight is.

Draax's concerns have already been stated by the other members of the team so he grabs his gear and follows those that seem to know where they are going.


Tratain  d20+9=17
Wednesday September 15th, 2004 10:56:07 PM
Tratain can't quite hear the sounds of battle until Rond points it out to him. Tratain puts on his goggles of night and moves with the party towords the sounds of the battle.

Wake up call at midninght - DM Marcin 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 2:02:53 AM
Once everyone is woken up the camp becomes a site of quick and silent activity. The Hamleteers, aware that some armed force might be in the forest nearby, decide it would be prudent to investigate. In fact, Sarigar and Black Paws are already circling the group and Renik offers to do aerial scouting (though nobody cast an Invisibility on him yet).

The sounds of fighting are reaching a rapid crescendo, and there is no doubt that the battle will be over soon. A clash of metal weapons can be heard all the time, but the shouts are deep and loud, too loud to come from a human throat.

[Since nobody wrote anything about donning armor I take it it is left behind? If not it will take 4 minutes to put it on.]

[I need to know in what order the group will move, what spells are active, what you have in your hands, and at what speed you travel. If the party Moves Silently I will need rolls from everyone. It is full moon and visibility is excellent as far as nights go (no concealment in well lit areas, concealment in shadows).]

Gaxx (ac 5, hp 62, invisibility)  d20+4=5 d20+13=33 d20+9=17
Thursday September 16th, 2004 5:47:36 AM
Gaxx wakes up groggy and out of sorts. He rolls to his feet, wondering what all of the commontion is about, then follows the party towards the sounds. Just before they reach whoever is fighting, Gaxx casts invisibility on himself and begins to creep forward, moving from tree to tree until he can see what is going on. (ac-5, move silent-33 nat 20, spot-17)

Setanos (Mage Armor) 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 8:35:09 AM
Having no armor to don, Setanos takes the lead, greatsword in hand. He moves at whatever pace the party decides is prudent, and keeps a wary eye out.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV121)  d20+30=37 d20+25=29 d20+17=28 d20+17=35
Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:01:40 AM
Seeing that the others are stirring and at the very least, preparing to move toward the sounds, the brothers continue on, edging ahead, but as they are prowling, will likely get there about the same time as the others (Hide 37/28, Move Silently 29/35, second numbers are Black Paws).

ooc: Since it is possible to sleep in leather armor without penalty, Sarigar does that always, it is in his Adventurer's Repose character description that he rarely, if ever removes it.

OK. M.

Renik (Flying) 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 5:11:10 PM
Glad that he decided to keep his armour on, Renik draws both shortswords as he glides silently through the forest, not yet rising above the trees. (OOC: Not sure if he should make a move silent roll for flying: that'd be pretty much silent, right?). He moves fast (60ft), trusting that he will be able to conceal himself before he comes into range of the combatants.

"Move as quietly as you can" he calls, "We need to see what we're up against before we decide to get involved."

Draax 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 5:35:53 PM
Draax remains in his cold weather outfit, but grabs his armor along with the rest of his gear. Seeing that the group is deciding on stealth instead of urgency Draax remains about 30 to 40 feet behind the leaders. He is ready to start running if it becomes necessary. Draax puts his sword in the scabbard around his waist, his shield across his back and carries his bow in his hand.

Arien (AC 21, Mage Armor) 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 7:26:42 PM
Arien takes a moment to cast mage armor upon himself then follows the rest of the group.

Feng 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 8:36:36 PM
Feng stirs slowly, coming round as some of the other are already alert and active. The half orc begins to put on his armor hoping he has the prescious few minutes he needs.

Rond 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:15:09 PM
Having no need to don armor, and seeing that Renik is in agreement. Rond readies his bow and moves out as best he can. Noting how long the battle has been, and sounding as if it might be nearing an end. Rond doesn't hold back and makes all haste to come to the aid of whichever party is in need. Rond prays that they choose the right party, and that they are in time.

Tratain 
Thursday September 16th, 2004 11:36:04 PM
Tratain moves along with the others ready for battle.

OOC: Tratain should already have his armor on, with a ring of sustinence sleeping early then standing watch for the rest of the night should make him awake already when the battle is heard.

A giant headache - DM Marcin  d20+3=14 d20+1=18 d20+10=14 d20+10=26 [Listen checks]
Friday September 17th, 2004 3:50:11 AM
With some heroes running at full speed in the direction of the noises, some flying, and others sneaking or staying behind to put armor on, the party spreads. While the Hamleteers are heading in the direction of the combatants the battle noises die down and there is silence again. However, soon after, a loud argument breaks out. Several deep, guttural voices are shouting in anger, spooking even more crows. Whoever is causing all this ruckus is apparently not afraid of anyone or anything else in the forest.

Renik, flying as quietly as an owl, is the first one to arrive at the scene. Rond, running with his bow in hand, arrives soon after, followed by Arien, Draax with bow, Tratain, and Setanos with his greatsword. Gaxx appears next and makes himself invisible. Sarigar and Black Paws cannot be seen, but are somewhere around, too. Finally the paladin joins the group.

Carefully peeking from behind some bushes the Hamleteers see a wide opening in the forest. The meadow is perhaps two hundred feet wide. A stream runs through the middle of it. The moonlight illuminates the whole scene in shades of white and gray. Right in the center of the opening a group of four most unusual creatures is crouching over a prone fifth.

They are all giants; there is no doubt about it. All of them are twice as large as a human could ever grow. But this is probably the only common trait they share, because between them no two are alike.

The first one is round like a boulder, with massive, short legs and long arms as thick as tree trunks. His head topped with a mane of dark hair sits right on his round body as if he had no neck. Reflections of moonlight dance on scales of the armor he is wearing. A huge two-handed blade is slung on his back. A large sack hangs on his shoulder.

The second one is taller and leaner than the first. Standing well over 12 feet and having a body similar in anatomical proportions to a human he looks a bit like a statue of a great king from some city square that decided to go for a walk. This impression is further strengthened by his facial features that look as if they have been carved out of a block of granite. His head is bald and his eyes are large and black. His chest is protected by a dark breastplate with spikes attached to it. A huge greatsword is still in his hand and a bag is slung over his shoulder.

The third giant is somewhat smaller that the previous two, measuring maybe a little over 10 feet. His skin is dark and his body is roughly human shaped, but two white horns protrude from his square head. His ears are large and pointy, giving it some resemblance to an overgrown goblin. When he grins he displays two rows of black teeth. His torso is clad in chainmail. A huge sword is sheathed on his back, rivaling in size the weapon of the second giant. Ends of some shafted weaponry can be seen over his shoulder.

The fourth one would look like a large ogre, but he has two heads. His body is wrapped with hides of some unfortunate forest creatures forming a crude armor of a sort. A small collection of weapons is tucked behind his belt, most notably two large morningstars.

The fifth giant is lying still on the grass, one of its legs in the stream. A huge, black mace is still in his hand.

These four are browsing through a small pile of items spread on the ground. An empty sack is lying nearby. The argument seems to be about a large, shiny necklace that is right now in hands of the first giant.

Suddenly, one of the heads of the fourth one hisses and starts to look around. The other three immediately go silent and start to warily listen to the noises of the night.

Gaxx (ac 12, hp 62, invisibility)  d20+4=11 d20+13=22
Friday September 17th, 2004 5:41:05 AM
Gaxx stares at the giants, thinking it would probably be pruda......pruda......pruda......smart if they just left these giants alone but he is not so sure that the others in the party will agree, so while he is invisible, Gaxx moves quietly into a position behind the 12 foot giant, thinking that this one might be the leader. If they end up attacking these giants, he can get a good shot off on this one.

(ac 11+1 because they are giants for an ac12, move silent-22)

Sarigar and Black Paws 
Friday September 17th, 2004 11:31:23 AM
Somewhere in the underbrush, Sarigar grins. Giants, mmmm, tough prey, but fun to play with. Knowing that should he run in now, he would not last long, he just watches in a wicked sort of enjoyment.

Renik (Blinking, Flying)  d20+11=30 d20+13=27 d20+19=30
Sunday September 19th, 2004 6:51:03 PM
As one of the Ettin's heads turns towards them (Renik recognizes the species from a duet-singing fellow called Nik & Nak once of the Red Wyrm Inn) Renik hears Gaxx move invisibly into place (Listen 30) and figures that the giants have made them. At this point they need to put the enemy on the wrong foot, then strike, otherwise they will be hunted down. Time to change the rules.

He hopes his companions will hold back for a moment. The rogue whispers "blink", slips on his shades, then steps boldly into the clearing, a broad smile on his face. He hovers a fraction of an inch above the ground. "Boys, boys, it's a fine thing to meet you on such a fine night as this. I see you are a mighty powerful bunch of fellows, and that comes in rather handy to me right about now. See, I'm a man of some wealth, and a man accustomed to keeping it, if you see what I'm saying. Well, point being, there's these damned stinkin' elves see, and they robbed me. It's not the money mind, you boys would be welcome to that, plus a hefty fee: it's the damnable effrontery of those pointy-eared scum. If you can catch these elven swine and get 'em alive so I can see 'em die in pain, well, there'd be a pot of gold for you boys that'd make yer head spin. You interested?"

He stands smiling, hands on hips. He looks as cool as a cucumber, but inside he is sweating blood. Can this work? Do they even understand a word he is saying? He does his best to not think about it, to keep himself in the moment (Bluff 27).

He is not entirely insane however. He is more than prepared for his gambit to fail horribly (Readied action: Tumble out of range 30).

Draax 
Sunday September 19th, 2004 9:04:30 PM
When he peeks through the bushes and notices that giants are not hurting or fighting anyone Draax thinks that it would be best to just leave them to their argument. As he watches the giants become alert Draax realizes that bypassing these guys might not be an option.

Believing that a fight is inevitable Draax mentally prepares himself for the fight ahead. He is very surprised to see Renik step out into the open and greet the huge beings. He waits to see what transpires while listening to Renik and watching the giants for their reactions.

Tratain AC 24 HP 82 
Sunday September 19th, 2004 11:15:14 PM
Tratain stops and stays where he is waiting to see if the giants attack. If they do Tratain will defensively cast Shield of Faith and move towards them for the battle.

Elves, you say? - DM Marcin  d20+10=27 d20+3=10 d20+1=17 d20+10=23 [Listen checks] d20+11=21 d20+12=32 [Sense Motive]
Monday September 20th, 2004 4:32:44 AM
Gaxx, invisible, slowly approaches the four hulking giants and soon becomes painfully aware of the smell surrounding them. All stink, and the odor of the two headed one is especially foul. His fur is covered with slimy filth and there are quite a few insects circling his heads.

As he draws closer and closer to the group the giants start to nervously look around and stand up. The round one quickly hides the necklace in his bag. "WAARGH!" - says Two Heads. The one with horns replies in some strange language [if you speak Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"Yup, something's definitely moving about."}]

[Jim only Highlight to display spoiler: {Gaxx is in I9.}]

Renik, blinking, steps out into the clearing and delivers his speech. The round one and the ettin jump up and reach for their weapons, but Horns calms them down with a "tsk" and a move of his hand.

There is a prolonged moment of silence. Finally, the Tall One says something [if you speak Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"Wuts efrontery, Og? Wut does the small one want?"}]

The Horns narows his eyes and stares directly at Renik. Then his gaze shifts from the rogue to the dark line of the forest.

"That's what you get for dealing with the elves, small one. You show them gold and it's as good as gone." - he replies in heavily accented Common. "Crag, do the honors, will you?"

Having said that the horned giant suddenly fades out can not be seen any longer [Spellcraft DC17 to Highlight to display spoiler: {He used Invisibility}].

The tallest one gestures invitingly to the pile of trash the giants have been crouching around. "Come, manling, you sit with we." - he says in Common. "We have you for supper." And he bares his round teeth in a wide grin.

[Map]

Setanos [AC 19, HP 98] (Mage Armor)  d20+13=33
Monday September 20th, 2004 12:00:58 PM
Setanos easily guesses the spell cast, and with a grin thinks to himself Oh no ya don't. Holding out his left hand, Setanos activates his tattoo, sending a burst of faint fire where the giant was standing. After that he steps forward from the bushes, sword in hand and a grin on his face. "Ya dinna want ta be eating us boys. Wer kinda tough an gamey."

OOC:
Faire Fire from Tattoo on where the Horned one is marked on the Map (its a 5' radius burst)
Step forward to square Q14
Speaking in Common.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: (Alarm), Shield, (Mage Armor), Feather Fall, Mount
2: (Extended Mage Armor), Melf's Acid Arrow x3
3: Hastex2, Flyx2
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) 
Monday September 20th, 2004 12:52:28 PM
The brothers stay put for the moment, preferring to have the giants move to them where the trees will slow them down.

Tratain AC 27 HP 82 (Shield of Faith) 
Monday September 20th, 2004 10:38:20 PM
Tratain casts shield of faith upon himself and moves towords Setanos into square T13

Rond 
Monday September 20th, 2004 11:11:49 PM
Skidding to a halt, Rond peeks at the scene of carnage. When he's just about ready to make a decision to fight or flee. Renik steps out and makes his offer. Not sure how Renik wants to handle the new development, Rond holds from firing utill he sees Renik attack.

(Character sheet not on me)

Feng AC 23 HP 105/ Warhorse AC 24 HP 82  d20+17=24
Monday September 20th, 2004 11:41:25 PM
Feng moved his massive warhorse out of the brush. He pulled back on the reigns bringing the solid black steed rearing up on it's hind legs. Feng's double axe held above his head, crackling with fire. He glares at the giant and kicks his horse into gear charging the tall giant.

ooc: ride check 24

Renik (Flying, Blinking) 
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 2:33:49 AM
"Not fans of gold then? Well, I've always said you good ol' boys hanging out here in the hills are thicker than dinosaur dung. Must be all the inbreeding. Sucks for uncle fatboy over there to be your daddy and your brother, don't it? Any of you redneck boys play the banjo, by any chance?"

He signals to his companions to hold their line and await the giants' approach. He knows Gaxx is out there somewhere, and it certainly won't hurt to get these giants surrounded, and use the treeline as cover. As he does so Feng goes galloping past on his steed, and the rogues' shoulders slump. Paladins! His life's bane is paladins! Well, paladins and giants.

"Attack! he cries, knowing that their tactical advantage is shot. He flies forward and upward, so that he ends up in a position as close to the giants as possible, and around 25 feet above them. As he does so he draws his bow and cocks an arrow.

"Heavy hitters form the line, spellcasters and bowmen remain in the treeline." he cries to his companions. Arien, hit them while they're all bunched up!"

Arien  10d6(1+6+1+6+6+4+6+5+2+4)=41
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 3:07:24 AM
Arien adjusts to the side (X11) and cast a lightning bolt straight ahead, catching the tall giant and the one with two heads in its path.

(41 damage, Ref DC 20)

Gaxx (ac6, hp 62, invisible)  d20+4=6
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 4:16:33 AM
Gaxx waits for the giants to move past him

Against the giants, round 1 - DM Marcin  d20+6=8 d20+2=3 [Ref saves vs lighthing] d4=4 [which item is affected] d20+8=9 [Round One boulder at Arien] d20+5=20 [Two Heads javelin at Renik] d20+11=24 d100=47 2d8(1+5)+12=18 [Tall one boulder at Arien, concealment, damage] 9d6(6+5+2+3+5+2+2+5+2)=32 [Horns]
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 5:04:40 AM
Setanos steps forward, drawing his greatsword, and outlines the horned giant with Faerie Fire. The whole body of the foe is now nicely illuminated with a white glow, totally negating his invisibility and giving him a ghastly look.

Sarigar, Black Paws, Draax, and Gaxx stay where they are, while Tratain advances forward, strengthening himself first with one of his spells.

Rond waits, arrow nocked.

Feng summons his paladin's steed [which is a full round action] and mounts it [Ride check good enough to mount as a free action], but he does not have enough time to start a charge.

Renik zooms over the heads of the giants, out of reach of their hands, and, mocking the enemies, draws his bow.

Arien, concealed by the bushes, launches a lightning bolt at two of the foes. Both scream in pain as electric energy zaps through their bodies. The ettin is particularily badly burnt - maybe because he was standing close to water. Sparks and small arcs of electricity dance on him for quite some time and one of his morningstars falls to the ground with a clink, its wooden handle burned into fine ash [the dreaded natural one on save].

The band, suddenly finding itself attacked, roars in anger. The ettin grabs a javelin and throws it at Renik, missing by an inch, but then the Horns shouts something in Giant [if you speak Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"No! No! The mage first!"}] and the other two grab rocks from their bags and throw them at the mage who has hit them with the Lighting Bolt. The Round One misses very badly; his rock disappears somewhere in the bushes. The Tall One, however, is a better marksman, and manages to send his boulder right to the spot where Arien is standing despite the concealment of the bushes and shadows [hits AC24 for 18 damage].

The Horns, seeing that his invisibility doesn't work, moves towards the party, and suddenly starts rising! It looks strange, just as if he was ascending an invisible stairway or his feet were capable of walking on the air itself.

Once he is well above the heads of the Hamleteers he makes a gesture with his hand and suddenly a gust of deathly cold wind washes over more than half of the heroes. In an instant the grass is covered with frost, the bushes become brittle, and green leaves shrink on the trees [32 cold damage, Ref 18 for half; the only PCs not affected are Renik, Gaxx, Sarigar, and BP].

"You must be either drunk or mad if you dare to raise your hands against someone who is so obviously superior to you in every way!" - says the Horns. The pupils of his eyes are now tiny sparks of white.

[Map]

Gaxx (ac 8, hp 62)  d20+4=8 d20+9=11
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 5:50:42 AM
Gaxx moves forward 20 feet, putting himself a little behind the Round one and Two heads. He turns to face the floating giant and calls to Mister Wardd to grace his spell and takes away the magic of the floating giant. Casting Dispel Magic on the floating giant, Gaxx channels some of his God granted luck into the spell.

(adding 2 points of luck to the Dispel Magic test for a result of 11)

Draax AC 13/17 HP 94  d20+9=23 d20+17=21 d20+12=17 d8+3=5 d8+3=11
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 5:51:04 AM
Draax dodges away from the full blast, but still feels some of the effects (made save 23). He hurriedly shoots two arrows at Horns, but moving away from the blast prevented him from aiming before firing (Hit AC 21 for 5 and AC 17 for 11).

(OOC: sorry about the missed post)

Setanos [AC 19, HP 82/98] (Mage Armor)  d20+4=23 d20+13=18 d20+10=29 2d4(4+1)=5
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 8:33:26 AM
Setanos winces from the blast of numbing cold, but manages to shrug off most of the blast. Unfortunately, the pain keeps him from recognizing what just hit him. Still, one thing is clear...the flying magic throwing giant is a problem. Shifting the sword to one hand, he quickly incants a spell, sending an arrow of acid at the giant.

OOC:
Reflex Save Vrs DC 18: Passed, 16 damage
Spellcraft to recognize spell: 18 (think that was cone of cold, so no recognition)
Ranged Touch Attack: AC 29 (hits I hope :) )
5 Acid Damage if it hits, will take damage for 2 more rounds.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+30=47 d20+25=44 d20+14=24 d20+14=22
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 12:23:39 PM
Trying to move quickly, but stealthily into a better position, the brothers skirt the battle area. Sarigar gestures to his brother to move ahead of him and tak advantage of his natural speed. (Sarigar: Hide 47, Move Silent 44, Full Move to N2 - Black Paws: Hide 24, Move Silent 24, Full Move to L2)

Renik (Flying, Blinking)  d20+18=24 d20+13=30 d8+4=12 d8+4=9 4d6(4+6+6+3)=19 4d6(3+5+5+5)=18
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 2:56:19 PM
Hovering above the giants the rogue notices that the ettin looks pretty badly banged up. Renik sends two quick arrows down towards him, aiming for the fleshy necks (Sneak attack (within 30ft & blinking), +2 blink, +1 higher ground hits AC 24 for 31 HP, AC 30 for 27 HP).

"You're quite right of course" grins the rogue to Horns. "Drunk AND mad, actually. But let's face it sunshine, you're about as superior as my late aunt Doris. You both fight like girls, and you're both dead."

Arien (AC 21, 25 vs Ranged, Mage Armor) HP: 10  d20+13=20
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 7:38:15 PM
Arien gets knocked partially out of the way of the cold spell (Ref save = 20) by the boulder that crashes into him. Seeing where the spell came from Arien acts to remove the horned creature as a threat. He casts Solid Fog, centered directly where the creature is flying. After his spell is cast Arien goes prone, another one of those boulders could kill him.

Tratain AC 27 HP 66/82 (Shield of Faith)  d20+9=21 d20+9=22 4d8(4+1+2+7)+11=25 d8=8
Tuesday September 21st, 2004 7:58:42 PM
Tratain manages to avoid some of the damage cast at him by the giant. (Reflex 21) Seeing Arien apparently collapse, Tratain moves over to him and draws his Warhammer and Shield in a smooth motion along the way. (Move to W11 and Draw Weapons as a Free action.)

Once in front of Arien, Tratain casts a healing spell on him (heals Arien for 32) and uses his protector ability to interpose himself between Arien and the next attack aimed at him.

Against the giants: round 2 - DM Marcin  d100=21 d100=7 [Renik miss risk from Blink]
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 3:47:12 AM
[Party actions]

Gaxx moves ahead and targets the flying giant with Dispel Magic. As soon as he launches his spell the invisibility on him fizzles. Unfortunately, the Dispel seems to have no effect on the foe.

Draax shoots two arrows. The first one enters the body of the target with a "schlink". The second one whizzes past his ear.

Setanos targets the same foe with an Acid Arrow. The sound of fizzling acid and burning flesh can be heard even from the distance of fifty feet. The giant roars in pain and his hand jumps to his chest, but the insidious fluid has already soaked through his chain and there is nothing he can do but suffer [keep track of damage in next rounds please. The cold effect didn't look like classic spellcasting].

Sarigar and Black Paws advance into the open. Nobody seems to be paying any attention to them for a moment, but they should be aware they are visible [can't Hide when there is nothing to hide behind].

Renik launches two arrows at the ettin. Only the first one strikes its mark [forgetting Blink miss risk, aren't we, Carl?], but this is enough to bring the giant to its knees. The two headed beast grabs its neck with an arrow sticking out of it and falls to the ground with a thud, bleeding to death.

Arien casts Solid Fog centered at the flying foe. The cylinder of vapors starts about 15 ft above the ground, so it does not obscure the vision of those standing on the ground. Then the mage goes prone.

Tratain arrives soon after and, after lending some healing to him, takes out his warhammer and prepares to intercept any further attacks that might be headed Arien's way [it is a move action to ready a shield, so there was no time for it this round].

Feng and Rond wait for the right moment to act.

[...]

[Enemy actions] - DM Marcin  d20+10=20 d20+10=25 [DM rolls] d20+16=24 [touch attack] d20+16=26 [grapple check] d4+7=8 [unarmed damage] d20+11=28 [grapple check to pin] d20+8=27 [sword attack to hit] d20+8=11 [critical hit] 3d6(2+1+1)+32=36 3d6(1+5+5)+32=43 [Damage from sword]
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 4:22:15 AM
The round giant, visibly surprised at the sudden appearance of Gaxx near his feet, spins around. His massive hands reach out for Gaxx and the dwarf feels an iron grip closing around his waist [Round One starts Grapple with Gaxx: success: Gaxx takes 8 subdual damage]. A second later Gaxx is pushed into the ground and feels the knee of the giant on his neck. A huge, hairy hand covers his mouth preventing him from speaking [Gaxx is pinned, giant prevents him from speaking. Grapple check to beat to escape is 30].

The tall giant moves right next to the grappling pair and draws his large greatsword. Swinging with little regard to accuracy and with all his strength, he brings the blade down on Gaxx's back. The cruel blow almost cuts Gaxx in half [critical hit - bad luck, Jim. Sorry. Attack does 79 damage plus Fort DC15 or die from massive damage].

Then, oblivious to the fact that Gaxx is most probably dead already, he points to the prone dwarf and shouts in Common: "You back off or we kill it!"

Horns is nowhere to be seen.

[Map]

Gaxx (ac 11, hp 79/62)  d20+4=11 d20+14=19 d20=9
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 6:08:23 AM
With a muffled "eek!" Gaxx finds himself shoved down into the ground face first. Then he feels a slight stinging for a brief moment then nothing else as he dies.

(ac 11, escape artist-19, strength- 9))

Setanos [AC 17, HP 82/98] (Mage Armor, Charging)  d20+8=11 d20+8=28 d20+12=31 2d6(6+3)+26=35 2d6(3+4)+26=33 2d4(2+4)=6
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 8:05:11 AM
Seeing Gaxx cut down with a mighty blow, Setanos's face clouds with anger. Raising his greatsword high, he charges the tall giant, a cry of "DOMI!" escaping from his lips as he attacks.

OOC:
Charge to square F12
Charge attack +2 -8 Power attack
Hero Point Reroll
Charge Attack +2 -8 Power Attack
2 Hero points to add to the confirmation roll.
Hit Ac 28 for 35, 68 if the crit goes through.
Acid Damage : 6
3 Hero Points used.

Renik (Flying, Blinking) 1 Hero Point used  d20+18=24 d20+13=15 d20+13=23 d8+4=9 d8+4=5 4d6(2+6+1+4)=13 4d6(5+6+4+2)=17 d100=77 d100=53
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 8:55:05 AM
"GAAAAXX!!" Yells the rogue in horror as he sees his companion near ripped in two. Roaring in fury he unleashes a further two arrows towards the fat giant.

AC 24 for 22HP,
AC 23 for 22HP (used one Hero point to reroll attack)

(I figured once arrows left a bow they would no longer be affected by the Blink ring. If that's wrong he hits both times (77 & 53)

"What are you waiting for??" He yells at his companions, beside himself with rage. "Your inaction has cost Gaxx his life! For the love of Domi, Attack!!"

Feng AC 23 HP 105/ Warhorse AC 24 HP 82 
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 9:18:10 AM
Feng kicks his steed and gallops toward the giants.

Tratain AC 27 HP 66/82 (Shield of Faith)  11d6(2+5+2+6+5+5+1+6+6+3+4)=45
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 11:14:02 AM
Tratain casts Flamestrike placed behind the tall giant (Centered on the other side of the small stream should hit the dead giant and the tall one and avoid hitting Dead Gaax, will try and miss the dead giant too but if I can't oh well) (45 Damage Reflex Save DC 20 for half).

Tratain then moves forward 4 squares drawing his shield as he goes.

OOC: Readying a shield is a Free action as well if you combine it with a move, not sure if I could do both last round. Does Gaax get an AoO when the giant starts the grapple? Or does it have a feat to negate that? Or do we not use those AoO's in the Wold, I can't remember offhand. I think I read that somewhere but can't remember.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+17=36 d20+15=29 d6+4=10 d6+3=4
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 11:53:19 AM
Seeing the little purple one cut down so visciously and without the slightest amount of play involved, Sarigar's "fun" is cut short as he lets out a surprisingly feral growl and dashes straight at the "round" giant GGGGRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!.

In like fashion, Black Paws follows quickly on his brother's heels.

They both charge in at full speed, Sarigar half leaping at the giant, obviously targeting the throat (AC36, 10HP). Black Paws rips in to the giants calf (AC19, HP4, . Although not thinking completely clearly at the moment, the thought, somewhere in the back of his mind, is hopefully the speed and visciousness of their attack will stagger this one back if not knock him over completely.

Black Paws  d20+3=5
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 11:54:58 AM
With a twist of his neck, while his teeth are buried firmly in the giant's calf, Black paws attempts to trip the giant (Trip 5), but to no avail.

ooc: Oops, hit submit, but wasn't watching where the mouse was and hit submit.

Draax AC 17 HP 94 (AC15 during the charge)  d20+21=28 d8+9=17
Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 1:18:35 PM
As he watches Gaxx go down Draax forgets two important things. The first is the floating giant that he can no longer see and the second and most important thing is that Draax forgets that he is still wearing his cold weather outfit and not his armor. A rage builds up in Draax as he watches the others direct their revenge at the giant.

Afraid that the others might kill the giant before he gets a chance to at least take out a little of his frustration, Draax drops his bow and charges the round giant leading with his shield and holding his thundersword high (Hit AC 28 for 17 dmg).

Arien (AC 21, Mage Armor) HP: 42 
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 4:12:33 AM
Out of range for most of his spells Arien stands up and casts dimension door, taking him to where the first fallen giant is.

And then there was silence again - DM Marcin  d20+8=16 [AoO against Setanos] d20+13=26 [giant saves vs massive damage] d20+6=19 [Tall One vs Flamestrike] d20+3=19 [Round One vs Flamestrike] d20+7=18 d4+7=9 [Attack on Sarigar]
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 4:46:44 AM
As Setanos charges the giant the huge sword of his foe whizzes dangerously close to his ear, but he manages to avoid it - barely! [AoO misses]. His own greatsword, on the other hand, strikes a mighty blow against the enemy - there is a crash and a fountain of sparks rises up as the dark blade shatters the armor of the giant and buries itself deeply in his shoulder. The foe shakes from the mighty blow, almost toppled, but somehow manages to withstand the massive damage and remain on his feet!

Renik puts two arrows in the back of the foe that holds the remains of Gaxx - one at the height of lungs, the other at the height of kidney. The enemy grunts, lets go of Gaxx, and looks up. His hands are covered with blood. [Blinking makes you phase between Prime Material and Ethereal. If you accidentally shoot the bow while in Ehtereal the arrow won't snap back to Material by itself.]

Feng reins his horse and gallops forward [it would be a good idea to mention where to].

Then a column of roaring white fire engulfs the giants - Tratain unleashes a Flame Strike. Both giants are hit, as well as the body in the stream and the remains of Gaxx [not sure how you could have hit both and missed him]. Renik and Setanos feel the heat on their faces and barely escape the flames themselves. The tall giant slumps to the ground, his body consumed by the fire; his shorter companion gives out a terrible wail and raises hands to his face. Both are on fire. The water in the stream evaporates and rises as a cloud of steam. The echoes of the roaring fire are carried far through the forest spooking flocks of crows.

The pile of items on the ground catches fire.

[Snapping on a shield is a move action: PH123. Where can I find the rule that you can combine it with a normal move?]
[The giant doesn't have Improved Grapple, but Gaxx still doesn't get an AoO. The AoOs to special attacks have been removed by house rules. To balance that the grapple check of the giant is reduced by four from +20 to +16.]

Sarigar and Black Paws launch themselves at the last standing foe. Sarigar's claw rips the throat of the giant open. Black Paws, however, has harder time biting through the armor of the enemy and doesn't manage to reach the flesh.

Draax runs out of the bushes with his sword drawn, but is way too far to reach the enemy in time.

Arien Dimension Doors into the middle of the carnage.

The round giant, madness in his eyes, slowly spins around, and then his fist flies forward and slams into Sarigar's shoulder [hits AC18 for 9 damage. Philip, don't forget about -2 to AC when you charge]. Then the giant collapses to the ground like a felled tree. His blood starts to mix with the waters of the stream.

A second passes, then another. All eyes turn to the banks of fog hanging in the air, but Horns is still nowhere to be seen. What he might be up to?

[Unless you want to do something with the Solid Fog please submit actions for the next 10 minutes, i.e. until that spell ends.]

Setanos [AC 19, HP 82/98] (Mage Armor)  2d4(4+3)=7 2d4(4+1)=5
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 8:02:49 AM
Setanos pauses for a second, soaked in the blood of the giant. He only falters when he looks up and sees the body of his fallen friend. Walking over to him, he calls out "Tratain, yer needed here.", even though he knows in his rational mind that there's not much to be done. He collapses to his knees, and remains there, quiet. He looks toward the solid fog from time to time.

OOC:
Checked Melfs, it lasts 1+1rnd/3 levels. With the cloak, that's 4 rounds total (9th level). So two more rounds of acid damage.

Tratain/Joe OOC: 
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 8:49:33 AM
OOC: Was only trying to hit the giant with the sword really but its done now so no worries. The rule to ready a shield as a free action is on page 141 of the PHB. Theres a chart there.

You are right! Still, the small script says you can combine one of these actions with a move action, so for future reference it will be either ready weapon or shield with a single move action. M.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+4=13
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 11:54:40 AM
Having seen another packmate fall, Sarigar is completely lost in his frenzy. Latched on to the giant's throat, he rides the behemoth to the ground (Balance 13) and continues slashing at it. Growls and roars issue forth from him that sound like an animal guarding a meal from other hungry animals.

Although a bit more subdued that the completely irrational Sarigar, Black Paws continues biting at the giant as well.

By the time they stop, Sarigar is all but drenched in the giants blood as he stands up on its chest, throws back his head and lets loose a roaring howl that is surprisingly loud for a human to make.

He scans the area, raw fury and bloodlust still in his eyes. He almost seems to be seeing through the other party members as he snarls out "Grrrraaahhh MORE!"

Renik (Flying, Blinking)  d20+11=20
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 2:06:43 PM
Renik turns and points at the fog cloud. "Cancel that spell, if Horns is still in there we need to take him down. Though if he is a spellcaster of any ability I suspect he will be long gone by now."

That said the rogue listens carefully for any signs of life within the fog (Listen 20)

Should the fog bank prove empty...

He watches Sarigar's mutilation with cold, empty eyes, his face haggard and grey. Their good luck charm, his friend, the purple dwarf is gone. Their mission has taken yet another sour turn, and he has nothing left in him. He cannot even bring himself to feel rage at the appalling lack of teamwork that led to this tragedy. He slumps to the grouond, swords dangling from limp hands, and stares into the middle distance, oblivious to the actions around him.

Arien (AC 21, Mage Armor) HP: 42 
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 3:21:07 PM
Arien makes sure that everyone is prepared then dispels the Solid Fog.

Draax AC 17 HP 94 
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 8:44:53 PM
A little frustrated at not being able to getting a lick in on the giant Draax gives it a kick in the head, but makes sure he stays clear of Sarigar and his wolf.

Feeling a little bit better Draax turns his attention to the floating fog as Arien begins to dispel it.

Tratain AC 27 HP 66/82 (Shield of Faith) 
Thursday September 23rd, 2004 9:08:57 PM
Tratain casts Locate object looking for a Set of Giant Sized Chainmail to try and pinpoint the location of the last giant.

Horns - DM Marcin  d20+4=20 [Init]
Friday September 24th, 2004 4:43:48 AM
The heroes gather in silence around what remains of Gaxx. In less than a minute the moonlit glade lost all its charm. The grass all around is black from the blood that has been spilled here.

Some mourn. Some take out their rage on the fallen opponents. Others still are concerned with the last foe that hasn't been accounted for.

Renik approaches the banks of fog and strains his ears. Nothing. Either the fourth enemy is already gone or he is keeping quiet.

Tratain uses Locate Object to check for a giant sized set of chainmail, and, sure enough, the spell points in the direction of the fog!...

Arien decides to bring the white cloud of vapors down [with a Dispel Magic, since Solid Fog is not dismissible]. He cast his spell, and, lo and behold! The fog winks out, revealing the Horns still hanging in the air in the middle of it, like a worm in a rotten apple. The giant blinks, surprised.

[Make a Dex check. If you beat 20 you can take an extra standard action before the giant acts.]

There is a <poof> and Horns disappears in a small cloud of dark smoke. A black raven appears in his place, croaks, and starts flying towards the woods.

[At this point everyone can act. The raven is 80 ft away from the party and 20 ft in the air. It will disappear in the forest in the next round. Note that those who posted that they put away their ranged weapons need to re-equip them if they want to shoot.]

Setanos [AC 19, HP 82/98] (Mage Armor)  d20+2=3
Friday September 24th, 2004 8:27:47 AM
Setanos growls and incants a spell. Although he is too quick to act before the giant changes form, he's not to slow to let him get totally away. He rises up off the ground, moving directly at the raven.

OOC:
The Fairy fire is still active right? Its 10 rounds duration.
Cast Fly, Move 60 feet towards the hopefully well illuminated Raven.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: (Alarm), Shield, (Mage Armor), Feather Fall, Mount
2: (Extended Mage Armor), Melf's Acid Arrow x3(2)
3: Hastex2, Flyx2(1)
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+4=21 d20+13=32 d6+3=6
Friday September 24th, 2004 11:10:42 AM
Seeing the giant appear from the now dropped fog bank, Sarigar snatches the spear from his back (Dex Check 21, drawing the spear on that action). Taken aback for a moment when the giant transforms, he hurls the spear with all his might at the crow that has taken the giants place (AC32, 6HP).

He then takes off after the crow a few of his leaps are actually on all fours (30ft move after the attack).

Feng AC 23 HP 105/ Warhorse AC 24 HP 82 
Friday September 24th, 2004 6:12:48 PM
Feng dismounts and walks over to Gaxx, or what remained of him. He says a prayer to Gargul and hopes his friend has found peace.

"We will find that giant that got away and kill him. We owe Gaxx that much."

Tratain AC 27 HP 66/82 (Shield of Faith)  d20+1=15 d20+10=25 d20+10=25 d20+10=16 d20+10=17 d20+10=28
Sunday September 26th, 2004 3:32:28 PM
Tratain Casts Dispel Magic Targeted on the Raven and then moves following after it.

Dispel Checks Starting with Highest level spell and Descending.
1st and 2nd checks cancel spells cast at 15th level or lower.
3rd Check cancels spells at 6th level or lower
4th Check cancels spells at 7th level or lower
5th Check cancels spells at 18th level or lower.

Renik (Flying, Blinking)  d20+5=6 d20+17=30 d100=1 d20+11=13
Sunday September 26th, 2004 5:14:32 PM
The fog comes down and Renik prepares to act. However the rogue is so astonished at Feng's reaction (or lack thereof) that he completely misses his opening (Dex 6). Cursing himself he flies after the raven at top speed, firing an arrow after it. "Get after it everyone, we don't want it reaching any more giants!" calls out the rogue, trying to keep track of the bird (Spot 13).

(Att AC 30, misses due to blinking (1)).

Draax AC 17 HP 94 
Monday September 27th, 2004 1:59:06 AM
Draax runs over to his bow and snatches it up before aiming it towards the crow. He knew before he aimed it that he would not be in time, but he had to try.

He watches as the others fly after the crow and hopes that they will be able to bring the transformed giant down. Draax keeps his eyes on the flying members of the group and not willing to run blindly into the unfamiliar area he will cautiously move in their direction.

Farewell to the giant - DM Marcin 
Monday September 27th, 2004 2:16:31 AM
The raven is indeed still well illuminated by Faerie Fire. Setanos, who takes to the air, has no problems locating the creature against the dark outline of the trees.

Sarigar grabs a spear and throws it at the bird, piercing its wing - a remarkable feat, given how small the target is! It is not enough, however, to stop the creature. The spear falls to the ground followed by some black feathers that change into bloody lumps of flesh the moment they separate from the raven.

Tratain targets the foe with a Dispel Magic easily removing both the polymorph effect and Setanos' Faerie Fire. The Horns becomes himself again. Amazingly, he does not, as one would expect, fall to the ground. Instead he continues hovering in the air.

Renik launches an arrow at him, but, unfortunately, the blink snatches him away from Prime Material at the very moment he releases the missile. The arrow passes right through where giant's heart would have been, but on the Ethereal, not doing him any harm.

Draax runs back to where his bow is resting on the ground and picks it up.

[Yes Todd, Rond can shoot now. Please roll the attacks.]

[- Action held for one day until we know if Rond's arrows hit -]

[If Rond's arrows are not enough to bring him down the giant will turn invisible again and probably make good his escape - unless anyone comes up with an idea how to stop him (remember that, should Rond miss, your next action will happen when the giant will be invisible). If anyone has such idea post it now.]

Rond  d20+12=24 d20+7=23 d8+5=10 d8+5=10 d6=3 d6=2 d20+2=7
Monday September 27th, 2004 9:44:03 AM
Lighting up the sky with his flaming arrows, Rond lets two arrows loose on the departing Giant. (AC 24 and 23 for 10+3(flame) and 10+2(flame) for total of 25 points of damage.) (dex check 7, no extra shots, if there are please roll).

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 121/132) 
Monday September 27th, 2004 10:38:11 AM
The brothers continue sprinting off after the giant, trying to stay roughly below it in hopes that he'll come down low enough for them to sink their claws and fangs in him.

Tratain AC 27 HP 66/82 (Shield of Faith) 
Monday September 27th, 2004 11:40:19 AM
If the Giant Turns itself invisible again Tratain Casts True Seeing on Arien and says "Kill it Arien now!"

Renik (Flying, Blinking)  d20+17=35 d100=36 d100=72 d8+4=8 4d6(6+1+5+6)=18
Monday September 27th, 2004 5:33:00 PM
The rogue continues to fly after the giant, following the path of Rond's flaming arrows. He unleashes an arrow of his own, attempting to judge where the giant will be by the time his arrow arrives (AC 35 vs a square ahead of the giant his movement beyond his current position, made blink and total concealment rolls. 26HP damage). He hopes it doesn't occur to the giant to change direction.

Draax AC 17 HP 94 
Monday September 27th, 2004 7:16:05 PM
Moving on the ground Draax will follow the others.

Killing Horns - DM Marcin 
Tuesday September 28th, 2004 2:58:09 AM
Horns rises his hand to vanish from sight when he is hit by two arrows launched by Rond. Both missiles hit the foe squarely in the chest. Horns' scream is cut short by the second fiery arrow and, finally, his body drops to the ground head first, right into the lap of waiting Sarigar.

Silence returns. The rush of adrenaline slowly subsides. Breathing and the pulse return slowly to normal.

The crows settle for the night.

The trash left behind by the giants has burned out.

Four bodies rest motionless on the soft, green grass near the stream.

Three giants and one small, sad, purple dwarf, who used to call himself Ogre Slayer...

His face still bears an expression of this wide-eyed amazement he used to approach the life with.

His eyes, however, are empty and cold. Gaxx is dead.

[Plans for the rest of the night, please.]

Setanos [AC 19, HP 82/98] (Mage Armor) 
Tuesday September 28th, 2004 7:58:10 AM
Setanos slumps his shoulders as the last foe falls. Returning to the bodies, he begins the somber task of searching them.

"We... we need ta be takin care o Gaxx. An we need ta not lose our quest. Tratain, can ya be speaking with him now, find out what he is wantin?"

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 121/132) 
Tuesday September 28th, 2004 12:10:28 PM
With the giant falling practically right at his feet, he makes sure it's good and dead by ripping it's throat out. Then, takes a hold of one of it's horns in one hand, then kicks at the base of it near the skull to snap it off. Once done, the brothers let out a howl of victory on the wind.

They return to the giant camp to see what the other are doing and see if there's anything that can be done with the little purple one. He pokes at it the body of Gaxx a few times, hoping he'll move on his own and when he doesn't, he lets out a mournful wail. Another of his pack has fallen, at least this time the killers didn't get away.

He turns his attention to the giant they party did not dispatch to see if it's still alive. He actually sits on the lummox's chest (or back if it's on its face) and begins poking it to try to rouse it.

If it truly is dead, he jumps into the stream to clean off the gore he's covered with. With the giant's blood sufficiently cleaned off him, it's now noticable that he did get slightly hurt and oddly enough, Black Paws shows an almost exact wound in precisely the same place.

Feng AC 23 HP 105/ Warhorse AC 24 HP 82 
Tuesday September 28th, 2004 1:00:47 PM
Feng takes a deep breath and tried to deal with yet another death. Gaxx didn't deserve that. Feng took another deep breath and began to dig a grave for Gaxx. It was difficult but he would finish the grave even if it took all night.

Renik 
Tuesday September 28th, 2004 4:54:36 PM
The rogue lands and joins the rest of the party. Looking down at the fallen body of his comrade he feels tears of grief and anger begin to well up. With an effort of will he masks his anguish as best he he can, and turns to Feng.

"Feng, what happened? You are supposed to be our front line, our heavy hitter. It was you that began that battle by breaking into a charge when I wished to draw the enemy on to us. And yet depite the fact that you broke ranks first, on horseback no less, you somehow managed to fail to land a single blow. As a result Gaxx was left isolated, our forces split and ineffectual. With no enemy to engage those giants were free to turn on Gaxx and kill him. I don't deny that his actions were risky, even foolhardy, but he should have had support, your support. Despite my wishes you initiated the battle, Gaxx was following your lead. That you didn't follow through, and that he died as you did nothing...

Gods, Feng, even when the last giant made his bid for freedom you made no move to stop him!You simply vowed you would pursue him, even as he fled from your turned back. I need you to explain to me how this could have happened, Feng. I need to understand why."

The rogue struggles to keep his voice steady and free of the grief-driven rage that fills his soul.

Tratain 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 12:27:25 AM
Tratain says to the others, "I don't want to bury Gaxx here. Tomorrow I would like Arien to teleport Gaxx's body back to the temple, and they can try and contact any of Gaxx's order or care for the body until we return. I will cast a spell on his body to keep his body whole until we return hopefully."

Tratain wraps Gaxx's body in his winter blanket.

After seeing to Gaxx and listening to what everyone has to say Tratain casts Detect Magic and goes about searching the dead giants for anything useful.

Draax 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 1:01:19 AM
Draax takes a moment to put on his armor. He has no opinion as he listens to Renik berate Feng, he was not aware of Feng's actions during the fight does not know if the rogue's words are true. Once all his armor is on Draax joins Tratain in looting the giants.

"I agree, let's take whatever these giants have on them and move to another location. Who knows if these guys will be missed or what scavengers will be drawn to this place because of all this blood..."

Searching the giants - DM Marcin 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 3:59:26 AM
Sarigar tears open the throat of the horned giant, but soon realizes that the wounds he inflicted start to seal up. It is only after he rips off the creature's head that it finally dies for good. He finds the fifth giant - a stocky, massive fellow, with braided hair and beard - quite dead. His body and leather armor he is wearing bear multiple wounds. There is also soot and stench of smoke from the burns inflicted by Tratain's Flame Strike. Then the wild man is off to wash up.

Feng starts to dig a grave for Gaxx. Tratain, however, suggests that the body of the purple dwarf should be taken back to Plateau City.

With help of Tratain's detect magic Draax and Setanos go about searching the bodies of the fallen giants. Some of the items have been destroyed in combat, some have little or no value whatsoever to the adventurers - like throwing rocks, a few large chunks of meat of dubious origin, large bone combs, huge wooden drinking cups, wineskins filled with some sort of reeking fermented liquid, and other assorted trash. Other items, like the spiked armor of the Tall One, have been destroyed in combat. There is, however, quite a handful of interesting items that are salvageable.

- two large swords, both very much alike as if they were crafted by the same hands. There is no ornamentation whatsoever on their black blades, but it is obvious that lots of skill went into their creation [two large masterwork greatswords],
- a huge, jagged, two-handed blade. Intricate leafy patterns running along its whole length allow a guess that it must have been crafted by hands of a race more skilled in metalwork than the giants [a large masterwork falchion],
- a large heavy mace,
- eight large javelins,
- a black, giant sized chainshirt [large chainshirt],
- a giant sized scale mail; the scales have been fitted together with remarkable precision [a large masterwork scale mail],
- two sets of large manacles,
- three large daggers,
- a copper statuette of some kind of six-handed creature; even though it is made of common metal it might be of some value as a piece of art,
- an elegant, soft belt made of some kind of green, scaly skin, sized for a large creature,
- a plain ring made probably out of electrum,
- two silver necklaces. This is hack-jewelry, a form of currency used in less civilized lands. When you need to pay for something you just cut a bit of it off,
- a beautiful, giant sized golden necklace set with bloodstones. A rune of the dwarven forge it has been created in is still visible just below the largest stone,
- three large pouches full of coins from different lands. After an hour of counting it will amount to 31 platinum, 211 gold, 441 silver and 703 copper.

The armors of the Tall One, the giant in the stream, and the ettin don't look salvageable. The first two are too damaged by the battle, the third one is just too filthy to even consider removing it.

None of the giants' possessions mentioned above radiate magic. Tratain is able, however, to single out three other items that turn out to be magical:

- a plain, black ring that has been worn by Horns. It shrinks to human size as soon as Tratain takes it off giant's finger. It radiates a faint conjuration aura,
- a large ivory flute that radiates faint illusion magic. It used to be carried by the Tall One,
- a petrified hand of some small humanoid. It used to hang around the neck of Horns on a loop of string. It radiates a faint transmutation aura.

[Note that, due to an interruption in eight hours of sleep, the spellcasters will either have to sleep until late morning or do without memorizing new spells for the next day]

[My post tomorrow will be later than usual.]

Setanos [AC 19, HP 82/98] (Mage Armor) 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 8:04:43 AM
Setanos helps with the arrangement of Gaxx, looking toward Feng to help carry the body on his warhorse.

Watching Feng being berated, he cant help but agree, though he remains silent.

"Arien, do you be having two teleport spells ready? We're not gonna be able ta be stoping ta wait a day for ya ta return. We gotta press on, we canna let em give us da slip."

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: (Alarm), Shield, (Mage Armor), Feather Fall, Mount
2: (Extended Mage Armor), Melf's Acid Arrow x3(2)
3: Hastex2, Flyx2(1)
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 121/132) 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 10:57:52 AM
Stepping out of the water, most of the blood and gore left to the stream, what little remains on him slowly drains off onto the ground in tiny rivulets. Sarigar drops to all fours and begins to shake off the remaining water.

Snatching up his rusty hand axe, he lops off a horn from the last giant's head then holds it up. "Umm, this was healin' fast until I took this off." he says as he gives the head a bit of a kick.

He slips off his backpack and stuffs the horn in his pack then puts the pack back on. He and his brother then step over to a nearby tree, sit down and try to doze off while the other deal with their particular endeavors.

As bad as he feels for Gaxx, he feels he's been avenged and thus there's nothing left for him to do about it. A packmate has fallen, but sometimes that happens, but the rest of the pack must live on.

Draax 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 1:37:59 PM
Draax begins to separate the non-magical item and arrange them by their size and bulk. He rolls up the giant size chain shirt and spreads the weapons on the ground.

"I suggest we send the majority of these non-magical items back with Arien and Gaxx. Trying to lug this loot around as we chase the elves will only slow us down. Our magical experts can study the magical items during the chase. I still suggest everyone pick out what they can carry and we move from this area and find a spot that is safe for Arien to teleport and return."

Draax takes six of the javelins and places them in the larger portion of his Efficient Quiver. He then picks up the set of the giant size scale mail. He only waits now to see whether they will return to their camp or find a new one.

Renik 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 4:34:46 PM
The rogue nods at Setanos and Draax, though he does not speak.

Feng 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 8:38:13 PM
"It was you who was fooled. Do you believe that the lies were working? They didn't believe a word of what was said. They played on your belief that they were stupid. You wanted to split our forces. Well this is what happens when you come up with a bad plan. Oh and for chasing a bird, well did you really expect me to run down a bird?"

Rond 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 9:43:43 PM
While Renik has it out with Feng, Rond does some scouting out of the area in order to try to make some more sense of what was going on. Was this just a party scuffle between one Giant and the rest? Or was there more going on?

Rond is glad that he's no longer in Renik's shoes, because the tongue lashing that he's going to deliver, was never easy for Rond to come up with. People come into the group, some help, some don't. It is always hard to deal with the cohesiveness of the group.

Tratain 
Wednesday September 29th, 2004 11:57:00 PM
Tratain says, "Something needs to change. We need to take the battle to our enemies faster. I know you many of you prefer the bow and to sneak around but we need more people to step up and take the battle to the enemy at closer ranges. With so many of us so far away from the enemy it lets them choose who to concentrate attacks on, usually Arien, or in this case Gaxx, but generally the people who are least able to take some punishment. There are times when stealth is needed, but there are times, like this last battle, where we need to just hit our enemies as hard and as fast as we can, that battle would have lasted maybe ten seconds and we would have come away with nothing more than a few bruises had we been more aggressive."

Arien 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 4:23:59 AM
Arien sighs as much of the party starts to bicker among themselves. He wanders a moment before finding a rock to sit upon. Gaxx hadn't been with them long Arien reflected, but his cheerful attitude had definetly made an impression. Arien shakes his head slowly and with a sigh enters Trance to think on happier times.

Day four, morning. Wilderness, the Scab. Three days before the festival of Gargul - DM Marcin 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 5:37:57 AM
Rond circles the site of battle looking for tracks. The light is adequate and it doesn't take much skill to see what transpired here before the party arrived. Four giants have been hiding among the trees and ambushed the fifth one. Horns didn't leave many tracks, but he was probably aiding his comrades from the air. After fierce but short battle the single giant has been overcome and thrown in the stream. Judging by his torn bag and his pockets sliced open he has been looted soon after. The party arrived to witness an argument over the spoils.

Taking valuables with them and leaving the bloody carnage behind, the party makes it back to the camp. The rest of the night in the silent forest is uneventful. The morning brings dense fog, which is gone only an hour after the sun has appeared on the sky. The air is numbingly cold and crisp. The breaths of the heroes can be seen in the air.

The trail of the drow heads even deeper into the Scab.

Setanos [AC 15, HP 82/98] 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 9:02:36 AM
Setanos sleeps the rest of the night fitfully, and awakens early and prepares to go. It's going to be a long day, and it's best to get it over with. He makes sure everyone is up and ready to go, and urges the party deeper into the Scab.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 121/132) 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 11:13:35 AM
Sarigar gathers up his Bear Skin (blanket) like a cloak around his shoulders to fight off the nip in the air and begins to edge his way after the Elves' trail.

Hearing the words being exchanged by Renik, Feng and Tratain he remembers back when he first started travelling with this pack. The stealth of others was broken and another pack member fell at that time as well.

Renik 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 3:01:28 PM
"Feng, you miss my point completely" replies the rogue coldly. "I was well aware that the giants had not fallen for the plan. One of them as good as said he was going to eat me, whilst another turned invisible. I blind man could have spotted their intentions. But at that point we had cover, and we were all together. They had no idea how many of us there were. We had the tactical advantage. I wanted to draw them to us, to use the advantage of the tree cover, and to keep our vulnerable party members well hidden amonst the brush, whilst our heavy hitters could step up to them and engage in melee. If that had happened Gaxx would have been well behind the enemy, and they would have been too busy fighting you to worry about him.

But all that is irrelevant: my true issue is not that you took leadership of the party into your own hands. If you want to be elected leader though, I suggest you find a more appropriate time to raise the motion.

No, what really infuriates me, Feng, is that you took matters into your own hands, forced everyone else follow your lead, and then FAILED TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL! You climbed onto your horse, sat around for a bit, waited for others to fight and die in your place, and then got back off your horse again! You never even landed a single blow! I ask you again: WHAT WERE YOU DOING?"

The rogue bellows his question, his normally cheerful features contorted with fury, his entire frame shaking with anger.

Feng 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 9:10:06 PM
"Let me get this straight, your plan was to draw the giants across the clearing to the bushes. First it was a stupid idea to begin with but that doesn't matter right now. You just admited that you knew they didn't fall for your ruse. So please enlighten me how you plan on drawing four giants across a clearing to get ambushed when they were ready for battle? You obviously know that Giants are faster than any of us. So I wonder how could you or Gaxx gotten across the clearing before you got cut down? Don't try and pass off your faults onto me. Let me clear up something. I DO NOT WORK FOR YOU! I would never work for someone who does things in the way you do them. We share a common goal and desire. However your methods greatly differ from mine. I never even got to ask, Renik why did we even approach the giants? They had no idea we were here. We could have packed up and left without them being the wiser."

Rond 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 11:52:23 PM
As the volume level around the party rise, Rond clears his throat. "We should keep this discussion at a level to which we are the only ones party to it. We do not want to let the rest of the Scab in on what we're doing, or where we are.

We want to be able to pick and choose our fights. Not have them pick us."

Hoping that the two take the hint, Rond motions to Sarigar to join him in continuing the tracking of the Drow.

After they travel a couple of hundred feet, Rond will turn around and see whether anyone is following. If not, he'll let Sarigar know to hold up for a sec.

Tratain 
Thursday September 30th, 2004 11:56:07 PM
Tratain just stares and shakes his head at Feng, not believing what he is saying. He says, "I don't understand you Feng, you're supposed to be a paladin, fighting to rid the world of evil, but you only seem to do it when it suits you and ignore your calling the rest of the time."

Draax 
Friday October 1st, 2004 12:25:59 AM
Draax listens to the argument and see that it is going nowhere. He shakes his head in disgust and moves to follow Rond as he wondered why the others bother to argue. He has met a few paladins in his life and he has never seen one admit that he was wrong. To Draax all paladins believe that they can do no wrong and he does not expect Feng to be any different.

Arien 
Friday October 1st, 2004 1:34:02 AM
The yelling brings Arien out of trance and with a growl he stands up and stalks over to where the arguing is. Quietly but vehemently Arien speaks, "Renik you talk about leadership? Right now you are being anything but a leader. You are blaming Feng for Gaxx's death and that is not right. Feng didn't force that giant to attack Gaxx, I'm surprised they even worked together that much. That's not the point though, the point is that a leader to act as you are now is a disservice to us all and to Gaxx most of all. Do you really think that he would want you to act like this over him? Perhaps the battle did not go as planned but let me ask you this, was there a need to actually talk to them at all when we could have hit hard without them knowing we were there at all? Perhaps your actions in alerting the giants are what resulted in Gaxx's death? Regardless, he is gone and it is up to us to carry on his memory, I for one will not stain it with this pointless bickering."

Arien turns to Tratain, still furious with the situation. "And you," Arien says, jabbing a finger at the cleric, "Have no right to criticize Feng at all. While I appreciate the thought of drawing the fire away from myself do you really think that criticizing Feng is the way to do it? Do you think that this is a constructive way to help the party? I think not, you are simply attacking another party member because you are unhappy with the results of the battle. Perhaps you should think of a way to make these things happen instead of attacking a friend."

Lastly Arien whirls on Feng and speaks, "I understand your code more than you might think Paladin. But let me ask you, does your code prevent prudence? You saw what happened here when you charged blindly in, I will not accuse you of causing Gaxx's death but I do ask you, would things have turned out differently had you stayed your charge but a little time to allow our spellcasters to unleash a volley of distruction upon those giants? Does your code to fight evil prevent you from that? Does it call you to go blindly charging ahead? Fight evil, by all means Feng and fight hard, but I say you need to fight it smarter." Waving his hands in disgust Arien stalks out of the clearing and back to the camp.

Good Mourning - DM Marcin 
Friday October 1st, 2004 7:04:01 AM
Bitter words fly all around. Some get ready to move on, some return to the camp. It is obvious that the last battle has left the party divided and there will have to be a serious discussion about teamwork and combat tactics before the heroes are ready to leave this incident behind them.

[Folks, I think it would be best if the matter was also discussed calmly and out of character. How about accompanying this splendid roleplaying with a constructive e-mail discussion OOC?]

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 121/132)  d20+19=31 d20+30=40 d20+25=41
Friday October 1st, 2004 11:34:50 AM
Noting Rond's signal to hold up and wait on the others, Sarigar begins searching the nearby area for something for the brothers to nibble on, be it a few bugs, some plants or even a tiny animal (Survival 31).

He makes it a point not to go far and also to stay well hidden. All the loud talking may be drawing predators to the group and he'll try to stay hidden for just such an occurrance (Hide 40, Move Silent 41). Also, he might be able to find some small animals to eat if he stays hidden.

Feng 
Sunday October 3rd, 2004 2:47:33 PM
Feng says nothing more as he slides back into the saddle. Of course things would have turned out differently. But he's only a man. To believe anything more would be an insult to the gods he served. As Feng rode forward to 'scout ahead' and let Renik and Tratain yell to their hearts content. As his horse walked away, Feng couldn't help but wonder if this was where he truly belonged.

Draax 
Sunday October 3rd, 2004 5:44:31 PM
Draax stops when Rond stops and waits for the others. He hopes that the trackers are able to pick up Drow's trail again.

Deeper into the Scab - DM Marcin 
Monday October 4th, 2004 6:11:25 AM
The party breaks camp. There is no friendly chatter and the spirit of camaraderie is gone. Gaxx's body is packed up for transportation, a task made easier by the fact that is has been conveniently cut in two parts. The Hamleteers depart in silence and find the trail of the drow once again.

[Or did you want to bury him? If he is transported, how do you want to preserve him from going bad?]

After several hours of travel the party hits a narrow trail traveling approximately north west. The drow seem to have been looking for it, for from that point on the hoofprints of their horses never depart from it. There is another site where the dark elves have made a cold camp. It looks that they left that spot over a day ago.

The composition of the forest slowly changes. There are more and more pines and other trees of mounainous regions and the terrain becomes rugged. The party is now climbing uphill almost all the time.

It is around noon when the track leads the party to a huge white stone standing right next to the trail. Three skulls - one of a human, one of a dwarf, and one of an elf have been nailed to it with iron spikes. Crude runes carved into the surface of the obelisk pronounce the same phrase in Giant and Common: "Land of the Flamehorn Clan".

Soon after passing the omnious warning the party enters a land of vertical cliffs, deep valleys, and dark canyons. The trail starts to take sudden turns. Occasionally, the Hamleteers have to cross a small stream or climb a set of stairs not made for human legs. Once every now and then a large bird of prey can be seen circling in the sky at great height. Only once has the party seen an animal: a small llama that has appeared briefly on the top of a nearby stone spire, bleated, and disappeared a moment later.

It is behind one of sharp bends in the road that the party finds the first sign of civilization in this harsh land: a crude wooden bridge thrown over a wide and deep chasm.

[Spot check DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {One of the moss-covered stones on the other side of the chasm looks exactly like a sitting troll. The resemblance is striking - you can even make out facial features.}]

Setanos [AC 15, HP 82/98]  d20+8=19
Monday October 4th, 2004 7:29:08 AM
Setanos follows the tracker, trying to keep his mind focused on the trail ahead and ambushes, but he cant help but be distracted by the friction in the group.

His calm exterior hides many thoughts. Without a good nights sleep, he's denied the magic protections of his spells. His wounds still ache a bit, not enough to stop him, but enough.

He presses on stoicly though, eyes wary.



Renik  d20+11=21
Monday October 4th, 2004 7:39:33 AM
Renik opens his mouth to retort when Arien speaks, but the validity of much of what he says draws him up short. He stands there, clenching and unclenching his fists, trying to think of a response. In the end he turns on his heel and stalks away, still furious.

He travels for some time in silence, working through his anger and sorrow. After some considerable time he approaches Feng, the red mist passed.

"Feng, Arien was correct. To lay the blame for Gaxx's death at your door was unfair, and I apologise. My actions may equally have led to his end. But if anyone is truly culpable it must be Gaxx himself. In my sorrow I gave in to anger and lashed out at you, and for that I beg your forgiveness. You were quite correct when you said you do not work for me. But I am coming to realise that if we don't all work for each other, it will not be long before we share poor Gaxx's fate. We need to improve our teamwork."

He asks the others to draw closer as they walk.

"We need to know how to respond in a battle, and how our companions will respond. I propose that Feng and should be the prime front hitters. We should try to work together as much as possible. I should be able to work myself into positions where we can try to flank opponents together.

Obviously Arien stays back, as well protected as possible. It might be an idea to consider using party funds to better protect him. A ring of Improved Invibility perhaps?

I'd suggest we need at least two more to form a front line. Then perhaps a bowman to hang back with Arien. How do the rest of you see their roles? What is the optimum use of your talents, to your minds?

One last thing: when we get into battle it is imperative that we all act immediately. We need to strike fiirst, with instant, overwheming force. Prevent our enemies from striking back as far as is possible. To that end we need to improve our response times. No more hanging back waiting for an opening. We go in, hard and fast."

He waits to see if the others participate, and if his apology to Feng eases the tension any.

Coming to the bridge he looks at carefully, and spots something rather interesting. Raising his hand he hisses "Hold!" and appraises his companions of what he has spotted.

"You never know, it might be a carving, but let's take no chances. Now is as good a time as any to take up our assigned positions. Who wants to join Feng and I? The rest of you, ready missile weapons."

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 121/132)  d20+15=22 d20+30=50 d20+25=27 d20+3=15 d20+3=14
Monday October 4th, 2004 10:59:53 AM
Back on the trail, Sarigar answer's Renik's question with "I hunt things and kill them. That's what these are for. he says as he flashes his recently grown claws. "I sneak too" he adds before focusing his full attention back on the trail.

Upon coming to the bridge he spots (Spot 22) the "troll" and immeditately ducks for deeper cover (Hide 50 nat 20/15 BP, Move Silently 27/ 14BP).

Tratain  2d8(7+2)+11=20 d8+11=19 d8+11=12 d8+11=14 d20+9=29
Monday October 4th, 2004 11:14:51 AM
In the morning, before praying for new spells Tratain uses his Magic to Heal the party from their wounds (Everyone Heal 52 from mass cure spells).

Tratain prays for his new spells and Memorizes Gentle Repose and casts it on Gaax to keep his body from decomposing and Travels along with the rest of the party in silence.

Tratain is studying the area when he sees the Rock that looks very much like a Troll, and points it out to the others.

----------------------
0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic
1st Level: Bless; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor; Prot. From evilx2; Comprehend language (Sanctuary)
2nd Level: Endurance; Gentle Repose<>; Bull's Strength; Delay Poison; Locate Object(Spiritual Weapon)
3rd Level: Invisibility Purge; Prayer; Dispel Magicx2; Searing Light; (Protection from Energy)
4th Level: Freedom of Movement; Divine Power; Death Ward; Dimensional Anchor (Spell Immunity)
5th Level: True Seeing; Righteous Might;Quickened Divine Favor (Flame Strike)
6th Level: Heal; (Blade Barrier)

Rond 
Monday October 4th, 2004 11:46:59 AM
Working with Sarigar during the morning, Rond motions for a quick stop when Renik asks for the party to gather around him.

Rond listens to Renik as he lays out his plans for the group, and asks their opinion.

Talking towards Renik Rond comments, "If you are to be a front line fighter, are you still to direct how the battle goes? I be either a front line fighter, or from range with Arien. Matter fo fact, you might want to put me with any other offensive spell casters for protection. Whoever we have at range, do you want someone to be a spokesman for letting you know things that are going on while you are toe to toe with the enemy?"

Thinking on some of the other ideas that Renik has put forth Rond says, "Since we all have different speeds and abilities, lets use the last battle as an example. I believe no matter, that you (pointing at Renik) would have been the first one on the scene. Are you to try to time things out so that everyone is in place by the time a battle starts? Or do you slow yourself down so that we all arrive at the same time? What kind of differnce does that make in responding to someone? The person that got killed, would he have used our help had we arrived in time, or would he have turned on us? Should we have responded? I thought we should have. But for the consequences of our actions, I'm have second guesses now."

Draax 
Monday October 4th, 2004 4:25:29 PM
Draax stops with the others and joins in the discussion, "I can be on the front line, but I would prefer that we let our magic users hit them with their area-of-effect spells before we go charging in."

The bridge - DM Marcin 
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 3:20:51 AM
Sarigar and Black Paws immediately jump into the bushes and vanish from sight.

The rest of the party stops, though Renik seems to be willing to approach.

The bridge is a crude wooden construction erected out of thick logs of pine. At this particular spot the canyon is about twenty feet wide. Most of the logs rest firmly with both ends dug into the earth on the opposite sides of the chasm. Overall impression is that of sturdiness - the structure seems to be capable of bearing the weight of a few horsemen at the same time.

Now that the curious figure on the other side is pointed out to others everyone can see it - a gray, moss-covered rock that looks so much like a petrified troll that one can't help but wonder if it's a work of a medusa or a mad sculptor.

Then there is just a hint of movement and the creature turns its head ever so slightly. So, he is alive after all!

From the point where he is sitting he would have to be very short sighted not to see the party on the other side, but he does not react to the appearance of the Hamleters in any way.

[Since others have taken time late into morning to sleep 8 hours and prepare spells Setanos can do that too. The party set off from camp around 10am.]

Setanos [AC 19, HP 98/98] (Ex Mage Armor) 
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 7:49:53 AM
Setanos casts Extended Mage Armor after memorizing spells.

When they get to the bridge, and the creature is pointed out, Setanos steps ahead of the party slightly, greatsword ready but not threatening. "Ho there. We not be wantin a fight, just wanna get across an be on our way. Will ya let us pass?"

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: Alarm, Shield, True Strike, True Strike, True Strike
2: Extended Mage Armor, Extended Mage Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Acid Arrow
3: Haste,Haste,Fly,Fly
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Feng [Ac 23, Hp 105] 
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:16:44 AM
Feng takes a deep breath. He's been quiet ever since they left the scene of Gaxx's death. He seriously considered the fact that perhaps this isn't the right place for him.

"Renik there is no need to apologize. Death is a traumatic thing. Gaxx was a good friend and I know I kept thinking what could I have done differently to change the outcome of that battle. Gaxx believed in what we fight for, its what he died for. We should honor him by continuing the fight. Though the thought of removing every giant from the scab has crossed my mind."

When the troll is pointed out, Feng has to look at it for a long moment before seeing the troll and not a rock.

"Well I'll be a... That's a first. Never heard of a troll doing that. I was wondering about the stability of the bridge but this does complicate things."

OOC: Is this a simple wooden brdige for people, or giants? Considering this is Giant land, why they allow a bridge for smaller creatures might be something to consider.

Renik (flying) 
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:39:08 AM
Renik stands a foot or so behind Setanos, an easy smile on his face as the Troll is addressed. He keeps his hnds near his blades, and hovers just a milimetre or so above the ground, ready to move out if the troll makes a break for it (Readied action: move if the troll moves, 60ft Fly).

Rond AC 18/19w dodge HP 111  d20+8=23
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:44:23 AM
Once Renik points out the pecularity, Rond will come to a stop and wait to see what happens next. Since the entity didn't jump right into combat, Rond is curious to see what will happen next. Rond ponders whether he's ever seen this before. (Knowledge Nature=23)

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+15=27 d20+14=31
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 1:16:34 PM
The brothers watch the situation from the bushes to see when or if they'll be needed. They also keep a good look out for anything that might decide to join the troll(Spot 27, Listen 31).

Draax AC25, HP 110 
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 9:22:16 PM
Draax blinks his eyes a few times to make sure he actually saw what he thinks he saw. He knows that his eyes are not playing tricks on him when Setanos addresses the creature. He wonders if the creature requires a toll or a guardian placed there to stop anyone from crossing. Draax stands ready with his sword and shield waiting to see how the creature reacts to Setanos' statement.

Tratain AC 24 HP 82 
Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:29:18 PM
Tratain pulls out his warhammer and shield waiting on the reaction of the Troll.

Arien 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 2:42:29 AM
Arien casts extended mage armor when the troll is pointed out. As the others approach the beast Arien keeps an eye out for anything that might try to sneak up on them.

"Ho there, my good troll!..." - DM Marcin 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 3:08:51 AM
The bridge definitely looks like it is meant to support the weight of a giant.

Some members of the party, wary of potential ambush, look around, but do not see or hear anyone hiding nearby.

Rond takes a good look at the creature. It does resemble an ordinary run-of-the-mill troll, but there are some differences. For one thing, the skin of this one looks like the surface of a stone. Secondly, he allowed moss to grow all over him - perhaps a fashion statement among trolls in these parts? His head looks strange, with mouth wide enough to bear resemblance to that of a toad.

Setanos and Renik step forward and hail the thing. The stony head turns in their direction and the creature lazily stands up and dusts off its bottom. The eyes of the troll open. One is amber, the other one red.

"Ho thehe hyouhelfth." - it says, pronouncing Common with considerable difficulty. "Good thing hyou not want fight. Unhealthy go ahound hethe and want fight, it ith, ehpethially foh wee-folk."

"If hyou wanth to pahth hyou need to pay the toll." The troll looks the party up and down. "That will be one hunthed gold foh all of hyou."

Renik 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 4:24:31 AM
The rogue smiles as the Troll speaks. "You know, I've always wondered, what do you toll-taking trolls do with all the coin you gather? I mean, at 100 gold a time you must be sitting on a pretty pile. And the number of giants passing back and forth in these parts, well this must be a pretty lucrative business for you. I'm assuming the giants pay?

Are you planning to buy a ranch or something? A castle perhaps? A nicely appointed cave filled with fine rocks and saucy serving trolls? What is it that the well-heeled troll-about-town spends his toll takings on these days?"

Aside to his companions he whispers "Well? To pay or not to pay? How about we put it to the vote? What say you?"

Setanos [AC 19, HP 98/98] (Ex Mage Armor) 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 8:04:09 AM
Setanos regards the troll. He calls out "So 100 gold an we ken be passing the bridge. Have ya seen some other wee ones passin by lately?"

At Reniks words, Setanos responds "100 gold aint be a huge price ta get past this one and on with tha ones we really be hunting. An mebbe he saw them. I say give em 150 gold, if he ken tell us when dey passed."

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 11:25:21 AM
Seeing that there seems to be no signs of an ambush, the brothers tension eases slightly. The talk of gold and such does nothing but confuses Sariger as he has no real concept of money. About all he can muster to add to the conversation is "uhh, ya, what he said."

Draax AC25, HP 110 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 11:49:47 AM
Draax agrees with Setanos, "Let's pay the toll. If we were in our lands and someone was trying to coerce money from us to cross a public bridge I would not pay any amount. But, by the looks of him he has been here for awhile and for all we know he owns or works for the owner of the bridge and has the right to set a toll."

Draax smiles and answers Sarigar, "He just wants us to give him some gold and he will let us cross his bridge."

Feng [HP 105, AC 23] 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 8:56:29 PM
"I say we pay the troll. One hundred is steep for a toll but it will avoid unnecessary trouble. I've never seen a troll with skin of stone but the normal ones are tough enough as it is."

Rond 
Wednesday October 6th, 2004 11:31:50 PM
Whispering back to Renik, "Let's just hope he's not the slow troll, here to get us to show the gold. Or to delay us for some reason. I wonder how he gets the Giants to pay, or whether this is the only place to cross."

When the idea of checking for the ones in front of the group Rond comments, " good idea.."

Tratain  d20+3=17
Thursday October 7th, 2004 12:13:11 AM
Tratain says "Aye, lets just pay his Toll, and we can ask him if hes seen the people we are after as well."

Tratain calls over to the Troll "Aye, we'll pay your Toll, 100 Gold coins it is. We'll pay you half again that much if you can tell us if any others have passed through your bridge recently. Some Elves in particular we're looking for." (Diplomacy 17)

Lonely Troll - DM Marcin 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 4:34:01 AM
"Ah, don't be thilly, thmall one." - the troll replies to Renik. "I don't keep gold. Wah Chief Htonekhuheh takeh all of it. I get boohe. What I need a cahtle foh, oh a cave? Unhealthy foh tholl. I could get thehmithes. And the gianth? They pay, oh they gladly pay! Afhaid to khoh the Wah Chief, they ahe. Well, at leaht outhideth pay. Flamehohnehs path foh fhee. It ith theih land, I juht wohk foh them."

The troll sits down and half closes his eyes. He actually seems pleased to have someone to talk to.

"Nah, I need not mohe gold. Chief takeh all anyway. Tell hyou what. Hyou tell me some good stohies - make me laugh, yeth? Then I tell you what I have theen."

[My post tomorrow will be later than usual.]

Renik 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 7:12:51 AM
"Chief Stonecusser, eh? I wonder what he needs all that gold for? Still, if giants are scared of him I guess I'm not going to argue the point."

He takes a seat near the troll and scratches his goattee. "Stories, you say? Well, I do know one or two... how about a rhyming tale? It's about a minotaur. Let's see, how did it go? Ah yes...

One fine day as I lay supping
A fruity red, my thoughts on tupping
The bar door opened with force majeur;
A gruesome sight was standing there.

It missed one eye and half an arm,
No skinly portion free from harm
It's body one great mass of scars
Should such a sight be seen in bars?

I cried out "Sweet Alemi's Grace!
What has happened to your face?
Blessed Gods man, what great fight
left you looking such a sight?"

"Call me not Man!" came the roar
For I am mighty Minotaur!"
And looking closer it proved true,
Though horns he lacked (to the tune of two).

"But of the Battle that I fought
That left me battered and with naught
Save my wounds, and my shame;
Aye, I'll tell you of the same.

"For I am Taur! A mighty race!
A warrior folk, who fear no trace
Of evil's dark and deadly spirit..."
"Yes, yes", I said, "Do get on with it"

"T'is five years past, that fateful fracas,
That left me looking such a jackass,
To this day I still recall
The screams, the blood, that brutal brawl.

"Its name is hallowed in Taur myth,
This tale I tell you of forthwith"
(And his voice fell to a whisper now)
"The Epic Battle of... Rukanow!"

"It started at the Lace-Up Boot,
A bawdy house of ill repute.
Even now it makes me shudder,
a place of fine and shapely udder...

"The things that transpired in that place"
(A wistful smile grew 'pon his face)
"The sauciest heifers, games of stricture..."
"Yes" I scowled, "I get the picture."

Ignoring me the Taur continued
"My thoughts now turned to home and fine food.
And so I bade a fond farewell
To Bova, Trish and Belle as well.

"I made my way back to my house,
There to find my loving spouse,
Who'd born me eight fine healthy calves
(I'm not a bull to live by halves).

"At once I felt something amiss;
No welcome home, no loving kiss?
"You beast!" she cried, and hurled a plate
"I know what's kept you out so late!"

"You'll have the horn no more!" she said
And tore my own two from my head.
Then wielding them with fearsome skill
She moved in closer for the kill.

"Ah, what a woman! What a wife!
I barely escaped with my life!
I miss her still, my darling cow,
my love, my life, my Rukanow!"


The rogue (who has risen to his feet during this recital in order to gesticulate more wildly) sits once again, and grins over at the troll. "Does that tickle your funny-stone, my friend?"


Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 11:16:15 AM
The brothers waiting impatiently in the bushes while, to them, the conversation seems to lag on. "Our prey is getting away.", he reminds the others.

Draax AC25, HP 110 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 4:10:36 PM
Draax waits patiently while Renik tell the troll a story. He has no objection to a story if it can buy them some useful information.

Arien 
Thursday October 7th, 2004 7:28:29 PM
While Renik regales the troll Arien examines the bridge some. If they had to make a fast retreat, taking out this bridge would likely be the best way to shake off any pursuers.

Feng [HP 105, AC 23] 
Friday October 8th, 2004 9:35:18 AM
Feng is actually glad for the pause in their journey. The dark elves are out there somewhere and they will find them but things have been strained with the death of Gaxx. Feng himself has been deep in thought and silent prayer most of the time.

Setanos [AC 19, HP 98/98] (Ex Mage Armor) 
Friday October 8th, 2004 10:24:45 AM
Setanos watches the 'troll', hoping to see some signs of comprehension and amusement. He was certainly amused by the story, a grin on his face and a slight chuckle.

Swapping stories - DM Marcin 
Friday October 8th, 2004 10:39:00 AM
While Renik declames a poem Arien looks over the bridge. It is rather sturdy; it is not certain if a fireball would be enough to bring it down. If one had, on the other hand, some means of applying leverage and fifteen minutes or so...

Renik finishes. There is a long, pregnant pause while the troll takes in the story.

.
.
.

Finally...

"O ho ho ho ho! A ha!" Sounds a tubal laughter. "I get it. I get it. A ha ha ha. Hhukanow, eh? Hhukanow! Gheat!" The troll nudges Renik on the ribs. It feels like a blow from a hammer. "Good, gheal good. I have to shahe it with Malachite next time he comeh hound."

"Neveh heen elveh, no. Juht home dhow pahhing though two nighth ago. Didn't chahge them becauthe, becauthe-" - for a moment the troll is lost for words. "I don't know why I didn't chahge them. Told me they wehe going thaight to the cahtle to thpeak with Wah Chief. Thome hnake-men came in a week ago, too. Ghude bunch. Didn't want to thpeak with me any. Alho headed foh the cahtle."

The troll lowers his voice. "Out hehe I heah thingth. Thouble ith bhewing in the cahtle. Hyoung phinteth, they ahe ath diffehenth ath fihe and wateh."

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+19=29
Friday October 8th, 2004 11:28:53 AM
Hearing, though barely understanding, what the troll says about the drow, Sarigar begins bounding across the bridge on all fours, his brother close behind. Once back onto looser ground, he searches for the drows' tracks once again (Tracking 29).

He signals for the others to follow, then begins trapsing off, following the trail. His mood seems to have shifted to almost playful. He's obviously enjoying the hunt.

Rond  d20=3
Sunday October 10th, 2004 12:28:09 PM
Looking around to others in his group, Rond looks to see if anyone has followed what the Troll has said? Waiting to see if anyone indicates that it is safe to proceed. If it is safe, Rond then joins Sarigar back on the trail. If there is some reason why the party may not progress forward, Rond puts his hand, or motions for Sarigar that it is not time to move.

Draax 
Sunday October 10th, 2004 4:26:01 PM
Draax cannot be sure that he heard exactly what the troll said, but he believes that the troll said the drow was headed to the castle to speak to the chief. Whether it was true or not he believes the group will know once the drow's trail is picked up again.

If no one has already paid the troll, Draax will give it 150 gold as he moves past it while following the others.

Renik 
Sunday October 10th, 2004 6:30:54 PM
"Many thanks, sir, it has been a pleasure to meet you," bows the rogue. "And I appreciate the advice.

"We must press on, but before we do perhaps you might appreciate this little limerick, composed in your honour.
In the mountains there once lived a troll
Who for bridge-crossing levied a toll.
The price was so steep
It caused grown men to weep
But it beat getting swallowed up whole!
"Farewell to you sir, I look forward to meeting you again."

Renik sets off with the rest of the party, and once they are out of earshot says, "OK, did anyone get all that? Something about Snake people arriving at the castle as well as Drow? And that those who are there have an uneasy alliance? Perhaps whoever we go to face are not entirely united in whatever endevour it is they are embarked upon? Feng, I know your dislike of subterfuge, but in this instance we may well be able to play on any distrust that exists between these wary allies. We shall see."

Arien 
Sunday October 10th, 2004 9:24:48 PM
"Well it sounded to me like he said something about them being as different as fire and water. So it definitely sounds like there is some turmoil ahead. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage and set them against one another." Arien occasionally looks behind him as he walks, checking to make sure the troll wasn't following them.

The valley of the giants - DM Marcin 
Monday October 11th, 2004 4:25:41 AM
Draax counts off the gold and puts a sizeable pile of coins in the hand of the troll. The beast nods approvingly and waves his other arm in the direction of the road leading up. "Hyou may path."

After Renik shares one last bit of poetry with the troll the Hamleteers, led by Sarigar, depart and continue their search for the bard. Arien looks back, but it seems that the troll, busy with counting coins, has stayed behind on his post.

The road starts to zig-zag up a steep slope of a mountain. A giant could probably use it without much trouble. Humans, however, find it at times difficult to traverse. The drow had to spend extra time to lead their horses through the more treacherous spots and Sarigar estimates that the party actually starts to gain on them.

Hour after hour passes. The sun slowly makes its way across the sky. Looking back the Hamleteers can see a breathtaking panorama of the warmer lands south of here. A blue ribbon of Crescent River passes through the lush green fields of Crescent Valley. Somewhat closer a gray line of the Giant Wall marks the northern border of the land of the halflings. Ahead of the party peaks of the mountains of the Scab rise their heads crowned with patches of white. The road the party is following seems to make its way towards a pass between the nearest two.

It is an early evening and the shadows of the trees are already long when the party finally reaches the pass. From this point the road continues downward into a small, green mountain valley. Dense, dark forest covers most of it and some kind of white vapor hangs in the lower parts. A sizeable hill rises right from the middle of the valley, and on the very top of that hill stands the home of the masters of this land.

To call it a castle would be an exaggeration. It is really nothing more but a fort: earthen walls reinforced with stones and logs of wood and a single stone hall standing in the middle of it. Even though no further details can be seen from this distance it is obvious that the fortification is giant-sized. Thin wisps of black smoke rise from the chimneys of the houses built inside the walls as well as from the white mist around it, suggesting that the settlement has outgrown the walls.

A sudden gust of ice-cold wind forces the Hamleteers to pull the hoods on their heads and wrap themselves tighter with their cloaks. It brings along a barest hint of a strange and unpleasant smell that brings to mind rotten eggs.

Tratain 
Monday October 11th, 2004 9:46:31 PM
Tratain says, "I think we need to scout the place a little before we go in there. If we just walk in and start a fight the whole town will rise up probably. We need to pinpoint where the items we want are and go in quick and get out again."

Draax 
Monday October 11th, 2004 10:04:58 PM
When the group spots the fort, Draax stops and looks at the trackers to see if the trail still leads in that direction. As he catches a whiff of the rotten egg smell Draax uses his cloak to cover his noses. "I wonder what is generating that smell."

Draax listen Tratain, "I agree with Tratain. At the moment our fight is not with the occupiers of the fort. There is no need for us to start killing anyone until we know their intentions or they try to stop us from achieving our goal."

Rond 
Monday October 11th, 2004 10:36:48 PM
"But what do we know of the people and what they represent? Is there any permanancy to what they are doing here?"

Pulling the hood of his cloak over his head, Rond looks onto the fort with some apprehension as he waits for others in the group to comment.

Renik 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 2:43:15 AM
Renik nods. "All we know is that we do not know enough. Do we have magical means of spying or scrying on the fort? Or pinpointing the items? Failing that we could try sending in a silent, invisible team, but it's awfully risky. I'd like to find out what we're up against before we move in."

Feng 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 3:08:02 AM
This was one of those times he was glad that his mount was mystical. When things got rough he simply sent his friend back home to the higher plane which he hails from.

"Let's just do what we have to do to make sure that we succeed in our mission."

At the pass - DM Marcin 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 3:26:54 AM
The party, hoods drawn and cloaks tightly wrapped around their bodies, gathers to discuss strategy. Dark colors of their clothing make them next to invisible against the mosaic of shadows cast by nearby stones.

The trail of the drow follows a path descending into the valley.

*** MEANWHILE, SOMEWHERE ELSE ***

It was frustrating. So much power, and none of it used for anything but cheap amusement! When you have power you are morally obliged to wield it. But they wouldn't understand that, would they? They wouldn't even listen to him!

This didn't matter anymore. He has reached a resolve and his mind was now set. He will be much more suited to hold this power. All that he needed now was a proper moment to act. It will come soon, and when it comes he will be ready.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 12:03:28 PM
Sarigar stands there, looking at the others confused. Sadly, Sarigar is more like a club than a scalpel. To him, it's simple, go in, find what they're looking for, kill or wound anyone that tries to stop them. Simple.

"ummm, hmmmm, why not just go in and take it,? Oh wait, what are we looking for again?"

Draax 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 6:33:27 PM
Draax cannot help but smile at Sarigar's comments, "We are after the journal and coin that the bard Rhiad's stole and I do not think we should go running in to take it until we have an idea where it is or if it is even here."

Draax waits to see if any of the magic users answer Renik's question.

Arien 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 7:43:01 PM
"I do not posses the means to do what you ask at the moment. I suspect as well that such an attempt would likely be detected and traced back to us. We should move quietly and hope that we are not noticed until we get there."

Feng 
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 9:10:18 PM
Feng looked at the 'castle' before them. Despite its looks he believes it is built to withstand an army let alone their little band.

"May the gods watch over us."

Rond 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 12:35:24 AM
"Do we have time to check out this place on all its sides? To make sure that they haven't already left from their conversation with the chief?"

Renik 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:34:52 AM
"I agree with Draax. I am loath to head in there with no idea of our enemy's strength and fortifications. Particularly when we have no idea where the items themselves lie.

"If we cannot recon by magic we must do so by stealth.

"How many invisibility spells can we arrange? I can recon from the sky, and our trackers could determine if the Drow have left the encampment, as well as getting a feel for the fortifications. Perhaps we can get an idea for a way in. But we will need to be invisible to do it. Even then there may be detection spells in place. Do we have a means of overcoming anything like that?

"Does anyone have any additional suggestions on how to proceed? Who wants to join the recon party?"

Discussing tactics - DM Marcin 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:59:54 AM
The heroes, aware of potential dangers posed by lack of information, carefully consider their options - almost always a prudent thing to do.

Given the distance to the castle and the time of day it seems impossible to reach the settlement before dusk.

The wind up here is very cold. While there is no snow on the pass the temperature in the night could very well drop below freezing point.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 11:44:17 AM
"Brother and I can look around. We not be seen." Sarigar says with a mischeivous grin while scratching Black Paws behind the ears.

Setanos 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:00:31 PM
Setanos nods in agreement to the invisiblity question, indicating that he can make one person invisible and two people fly.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: Alarm, Shield, True Strike, True Strike, True Strike
2: Extended Mage Armor, Extended Mage Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Acid Arrow
3: Haste,Haste,Fly,Fly
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Feng 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 9:02:01 PM
At this point Feng is oblivious to the temperature concerns. Thanks to his boots the wind has no bitter chill to it. Otherwise Feng would probably insist on finding some shelter.

"Considering what happened the last time we met Giants I think we can count on hostilities. I don't even want to know how many Giants are in there. Is it possible that we can wait for the drow to come back out?"

Draax 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 10:26:15 PM
Draax cannot think of anything better that letting the scouts/trackers see if the prey has left the keep so he nods his head in agreement with Renik's suggestion. "I have a potion of invisibility available if it is needed."

Tratain 
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 11:25:30 PM
Tratain says, "It may be best for one or two people to go scout the encampment while the rest of us find some shelter for the night. If there are non-giants there we may be able to walk in and as long as we don't start any trouble pass through without causing concern while we look for the ring."

Arien 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:55:05 AM
"While I have the ability to make someone invisible I did not prepare that spell today. However," Arien says while removing several potions from his pack. "I do have some potions that might help here. First I have a potion that will protect someone from magical detection. Second I have a potion that will speed someone greatly for a time so that they can scout that much quicker. Finally I have a potion that will allow someone to fly for a time. I'm willing to give these to whomever wishes to scout out the castle."

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2, Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x2, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic, Fireball, Haste, Lightning Bolt
4th Level: Dimension Door x2, Evard's Black Tentacles, Ice Storm, Solid Fog
5th Level: Summon Monster V x2, Cone of Cold, Wall of Force

Making plans - DM Marcin 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:04:48 AM
The group, huddled together against a large rock for protection against wind, watches the distant fort while the sun continues to sink lower and lower on the horizon.

How many giants are there in the fort? Are the drow still inside? What about Rhiad? Where are the coded journal and the coin? Will they be recovered in time?...

Renik  d20+21=24 d20+11=18 d20+11=15 d20+11=26
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:11:23 AM
"OK. Here's what I propose. Sarigar, you scout the land around the castle. Search for any tracks suggesting the Drow may have left. Hunt for any telletale tracks of other creatures also. Also look to see how we might gain entrance. I'd prefer it if you were invisible, though. However well you hide it only takes one sharp lookout to blow our cover. Setanos, please cast your spell on Sarigar. Cast Fly as well if he wishes it.

Draax, Arien, I will take the potions of invisibility and non-detection and make a closer sweep of the castle from overhead. I will pay you for these potions the next chance I get, as they are itms I should have bought myself before we set out.

Tratain, please head up the remainder of the group in finding some shelter and cover. Take care to keep well yourselves well hidden, the last thing we need is some hunting party stumbling upon us."

This done the rogue sets out with Sarigar. He takes great care to remain unseen by any other travelers on the road (Hide 24, Move Silent 18, Spot 15, Listen 26), and encourages Sarigar to do the same. When he gets sufficiently close to the castle he nods silently to Sarigar, drains the two potions and flies towards the structure warily.

Setanos 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 7:39:29 AM
Setanos casts Improved Invisiblity and Fly on Sarigar if he wishes. He then sees about finding some shelter, as he's starting to notice the cold.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: Alarm, Shield, True Strike, True Strike, True Strike
2: Extended Mage ArmorX, Extended Mage Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Acid Arrow
3: Haste,Haste,FlyX,Fly
4: Dimension Door, Improved InvisbilityX

Draax 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:08:07 PM
Draax hands Renik the potion of invisibility before the scouts leaves the group. "No need to pay me back. As long as it is used for the good of the group is all I ask for."

Once they find a place to camp Draax will volunteer to take the first watch.


Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)  d20+25=40 d20+30=41 d20+19=39
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:57:38 PM
Looking to Setanos, "Ain't no bird, no flying here. But, use the see through me finger twiddles."

Sarigar makes sure he and his brother are right next to each other, almost out of instinct, as Setanos' invisibility spell goes off and both fade out of sight.

"Oooo, I can't see me. This is fun. Let's go brother. The footsteps of the brothers can be heard for a few moments then suddenly fade to nothing, but not from distance (Move Silently 40 - Still moving at normal speed though).

As the brothers get within about 100 feet of the "castle", they also begin hiding, just in case someone can see what he cannot, himself (Hide 41, moving at half speed now). They circle around the castle first, looking for the tracks (Tracking 39 - Nat 20) of the Drow and any other beings that might be in or around the "castle". They also look for ways into the castle other than the obvious entrances.

Tratain 
Thursday October 14th, 2004 10:59:24 PM
Tratain takes the others and looks for a camp site that is out of the way where they can start a fire that can't be seen if possible.

Feng 
Friday October 15th, 2004 9:36:43 AM
Feng uses his large body as a windbreak for his companions. It's not much but considering their situation there isn't much they can do. Any sort of fire would be spotted by the giants.

"I really don't want to go into that fort. I'd rather head into another dragon cave."

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