Strangers [DM Jerry] Wednesday November 29th, 2006 4:40:23 PM
What simply has to be an adventurer's group enters The Blue Fish.
As soon as they are recognized, patrons begin scurrying for the door.
This group stinks. Literally....of fish. The smell is so strong, it permeates not only your sense of smell, but your sight as you tear up immediately.
[Fortitude save of 10 or spend one post gagging and tossing chunks]
Their shields, well the part not covered by seaweed and worse things, shows a barbed trident embedded in the head of a sahuagin.
By looks alone, the group appears to have one mage or caster, three tanks, though one carries lighter weapons and a very intricate bow, a priest or paladin of Jancassis with full plate, a low life drunk, which might be a rogue, and a young Sea-elf on a golden chain being led by the mage.
"We're back!" says the mage with a crackling voice.
One of the tanks, infested with acne, spits in your general direction.
Tratain d20+18=21 d20+1=7 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 5:01:58 PM
Tratain eyes the new group as the enter the inn, while their stench is strong it does not overpower the Protector.
Tratain stands up and moves over towords the Barkeep, taking all of his belongings with him, and sits at or near the bar. He motions for the Barkeep, and when he comes over Tratain orders a Drink and inquires about those who just entered, specifically about the Sea-Elf they have on the Chain.
Monthor d20+10=17 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 9:22:43 PM
{ Oh, it on now!!! }
:: Monthor gets up from his stool. He had been enjoying his beer, but the fish smell has given his drink a bad tast. [fort save 17] And if there's one thing that dwarves hate, it's fish smelling beer. ::
:: Monthor, still holding his drink walks up to the acned tank and taps him on the arm to get his attention. Monthor looks the tank up and down... ::
ooc> Can I get more of a description on this (assumed) guy please. What race? Height? gear worn? Etc....
" That there wasn't too polite me friend. Spitting on the floor. Does ye have a problem with us? "
Izen d20+7=12 d20+19=34 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 9:42:49 PM
Izen marked the entrance of the stinking adventurers with the slightest downward curve at the corners of his mouth (FORT save 12). He shifted his pack on his back, surreptitiously slipping a small iron ball from the left pouch to his hand. (Handy Haversack & Sleight of Hand to take Iron Bands of Binding into hand unnoticed: Sleight of Hand check, +4 for small object and +2 for baggy cloak, net roll 34!)
Nonchalantly seeming to return his attention to his drink, Izen kept an effortless yet keen eye on the newcomers' actions (Skill Mastery at Listen, 30! Skill Mastery at Spot, 27!).
Horvis d20+14=33 Wednesday November 29th, 2006 10:19:53 PM
A very large, unkempt looking centaur looks up from the counter near the entrance where he had been standing. Horvis is getting accustomed to the problems of being back among civilized peoples, chief among them the difficulty in getting his large frame into buildings used by two-legs. So here he is, again, eating a late meal leaning against the front wall of the Blue Fish.
He eyes and smells the group as they approach, savouring the aroma of the sea upon them. It's been some time since he was down to the sea. Maybe he should go back there. But this group seems to be looking for trouble. And keeping one of their company on a chain. That really goes against everything that Horvis believes in.
When the fighter hawks a load of phlegm in his direction, Horvis moves his hoof out of the way. Territory-marking. Base animal behaviour, really. This might get interesting.
Juliander Thursday November 30th, 2006 2:19:10 AM
Not quick enough to dissuade Monthor from his trek across the room, Juliander simply sits still. He considers the challenge of keeping things civil in the bar a daunting prospect at the moment, and then decides it is time to speak... loudly, "INNKEEPER... get these fine adventurers a round of ale on me. I for one would very much like to hear the story behind their current state!"
Draax d20+15=23 Thursday November 30th, 2006 9:20:21 AM
Draax covers his nose with his cloak and follows Tratain's example by moving with his gear to the bar. He is not surprised by Monthor's action, but wonders how the dwarf could stand it being so close to smell. He calmly waits to see what happens, but hopes whatever happens takes the group outside into some fresh air.
Arien d20+9=14 Thursday November 30th, 2006 1:11:09 PM
Arien manages to block out the worst of the smell with a sleeve, covering the lower part of his face while never taking his eyes off the newcomers. As they pass by Arien catches a glimpse of the symbol on their shields and tries to remember is he'd seen it before.
Jova d20+7=23 Thursday November 30th, 2006 1:18:13 PM
Jova had ordred his meal, given the choices by his newest comrades. The awful waft of sea air caught his nose, and he winced. Hopefully the smell would not ruin his meal. As the group of what could only ge called slavers came in, he tensed. One never knew what was in the hearts of such beings.
And then Monthor made his presence known. At that very moment he knew this was going to be a recurring theme with the feisty dwarf. Time to watch and learn.
Marked [DM Jerry] Friday December 1st, 2006 11:46:58 AM
Monthor moves toward the one looking like a fighter. His eyes clear for a moment and he sees before him another dwarf, standing about seven feet tall--muscles on his muscles. His sneer seems frozen on his blue face due to a scar that runs from the corner of his mouth up towards his ear.
He is covered in chainmail, but the style is very antiquated as is his doubled bladed axe. His eyes are slightly glazed over and he doesn't appear to be looking at anyone in particular.
Then Mondor touches him. [Will save of 21 please.] His touch is very cold. A feeling of electricity passes through to Mondor and there is a feeling of....magic.
Izen watches as Mondor's hand touches the large dwarf. Mondor's hand doesn't stop at the surface of the dwarf's chain mail. It goes THROUGH the mail about a blade's width!
Tratain's question to the barkeep goes unanswered as the keep ignores his order and quickly makes his way into the kitchen barring the door with a popping sound.
Likewise the barkeep ignores the other various requests of the party as he hastens into the kitchen.
Arien is very sure that he does not recognize the shield specifically. However, the import of the design is unmistakable.
The adventurer dressed as a mage, pulls a beautiful mithril ring to his face and stares into it. He whispers, "Contact has been made. They are marked. Yes master. Physical contact. Yes, initiated by them. Yes master. You honor us. Yes, we will report in full when we return. Thank you sir."
The voice is raspy and he speaks in a strange, possibly old dialect. He looks at Monthor over his slightly hooked nose, sniffs, and barks an order. "Mission accomplished."
He turns to Monthor. "Please pardon the behavior of my comrade here. He is uncivilized and knows not your ways. We mean no harm. Enjoy your evening."
Tratain d20+11=16 Friday December 1st, 2006 1:15:55 PM
Tratain's bad feeling about the group is only reinforced watching the Barkeep run for the kitchen and bar the door. When the adventurer dressed like a mage barks his "Mission accomplished Order" Tratain activates his Bead of Karma surreptitiously if possible, waiting for one of his companions to draw the other party's attention if need be.
He turns to face the new comers and says "Exactly what mission was just accomplished, my name is Tratain by the way, who might You Be? Also, why is that Sea Elf on a chain? Is he a criminal? What has he done?"
------------------------------------------- Rolled 16 for a listen Check
ALL SPELLS CAST AT CASTER LEVEL 16
Condensed List of Spells Memorized: 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove Fear(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Delay Poison; Remove Paralysis; Align Weaponx2; Resist Energy, Lesser Restorationx2 (Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge;Magic Circle; Dispel Magic ;Magic Vestmentx3* ;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2: Magic Weapon*(Divine Power) 5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor; Righteous Might;True Seeing;Quickened Shield of Faith (Spell Resistence) 6th Level: Healx2; Mass Bears Endurence; Greater Dispel Magic (Blade Barrier)
Izen d20+15=33 Friday December 1st, 2006 1:48:32 PM
Izen pulled on his tankard as if all of this made all the sense in the world, and as if he were just another disinterested patron. (Bluff 33!) He sniffed quietly, scratched at his stubble, and peered idly at the scratches in the tabletop.
Behind it all, he maintained his quiet observations (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30!: Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!).
Monthor d20+4=9 d20+4=23 Friday December 1st, 2006 7:29:09 PM
Monthor's jaw drops as he is taken aback from what just happened. He didn't expect his hand to do what it just did and he certainly didn't expect to see a 7 foot tall dwarf. Surpressing his immediate desire to bash all of these so called "adventurers" heads in, he tries to figure out the dwarve's actions [sense motive 9 ] [Will save 23] He then turns towards the voice addressing him..
Mage: "Please pardon the behavior of my comrade here. He is uncivilized and knows not your ways. We mean no harm. Enjoy your evening."
:: Monthor steps away from the ghostly, frozenny, tall as a small tree, dwarf, plasters a huge smile on his face and makes his way towards the mage with an outstretched hand and a sur step. ::
" No harm done me friend. No harm done. Let's shake hands and me will be buying your boys a round of drinks. "
Horvis d20+5=9 d20+7=17 d20+7=17 d20+11=30 Friday December 1st, 2006 9:33:33 PM
The centaur observes the unusual actions of the one dressed as a mage, then when the belligerent dwarf tries to clasp hands. But it's a mystery to Horvis, beyond his limited knowledge of the magic practiced by others. But he had no problem hearing the words spoken into the strange device. Spellcraft = 9, Listen = 17, Spot = 17
Worrying that he might involved in whatever is beginning to occur, Horvis calls out some words in Centaur, "Vaash! Dramth!". He has the sneaking suspicion that things might get moving quickly soon and he doesn't want to become separated from his companion. A golden eagle flies down from a nearby tall pine and crouches on a leather pad on Horvis' barrel. Handle Animal = 30
Horvis then settles his pack on his pack and ensures that his quarterstaff and other gear are within reach.
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(2), Guidance, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Goodberry, Jump, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Quench, Snare, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph(2), Transmute Mud to Rock 6 - DC 22 - Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth, Repel Wood 7 - DC 23 - Wind Walk * = cast
Draax Saturday December 2nd, 2006 12:46:34 AM
Still holding his cloak over his mouth, Draax hides his reaction to the mage's "Mission accomplished" statement by coughing into his cloak. Seeing that the others are already reacting, he waits to see what happens. "Wow! We just started and we already have fans."
Arien Saturday December 2nd, 2006 2:27:04 AM
Arien's eyes narrow as the mage speaks into the mithril ring. Arien stands up and grabs his pack, placing it on the table. He randomly shuffles through his belongings as if searching for something while keeping an eye on the other group, specifically the mage and the chained elf.
Juliander d20+15=26 d20+15=30 d20+22=42 Sunday December 3rd, 2006 11:43:09 PM
Juliander is not reassured by the facade that Monthor puts forth, and Arien's actions cause some alarm to him. So much that he reaches down to his haversack and quickly releases the strap that secures his light crossbow. Holding the weapon under the table, Juliander loads it with deft, practiced ease, all the while smiling reassuringly, "Come now... we must drink." (OOC: Sense Motive on Monthor DC 26, Sense Motive on Arien DC 30. Bluff to hide the fact that he is loading a weapon DC 42.)
Picking a fight - DM Marcin Monday December 4th, 2006 4:41:44 AM
Tratain, standing near the bar next to Draax, feels his Bead of Karma stir and go warm. His questions hang in the air for a moment without being answered, and then the mage, an apparent leader of the group, answers with studied, cold politeness:
"Do forgive me if I exclaimed something in excitement. Our mission, good sir, is, I'm afraid, our private business, and so is our identity. As for the elf here, she is on chain due to her mental state, on which I shall not elaborate."
The elf doesn't seem to react to his words. There is certain glassy quality to her stare.
"Now we shall bid you a nice evening. Come, time to go."
Izen, pretending to be disinterested, glances over the strange adventuring group, Iron Bounds of Binding in his hand. [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Izen notices that part of the cloak worn by one of the tanks passes through the nearby chair. This lasts but a second, but Izen is sure his eyes didn't deceive him. He also notes that the full plate worn by the paladin/cleric(?) does not give off any metallic sounds when he moves.}]
The strange group is about to leave when Monthor walks up to the mage and offers his hand and drinks. This is met with a raised eyebrow, but the man absent-mindedly offers his hand in return.
Big mistake.
There is a sickening crunching sound as Monthor's fist closes over delicate fingers of the man. The mage screams in pain. Totally surprised by this sudden attack, he is unable to react as Monthor's other fist closes over his throat.
[Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {Monthor is unable to discern the motives of the party. He did notice, hovever, that when his hand passed through dwarf's armor it felt as if he touched a cloak or some other cloth. It felt as if he was not wearing any armor at all.}]
Horvis, standing next to the entrance, calls his eagle and the bird obediently comes and rests on his shoulder.
Arien takes off his pack and prepares to retrieve it's contents if needed.
Juliander readies and loads his crossbow. The fact seems to go unnoticed by anyone.
[...]
Monthor's Crushing Hand - DM Marcin Monday December 4th, 2006 5:29:20 AM
"Hnnnh! Ghhhh!" - the mage gasps for air, tears of pain flowing down his face. With his good hand he tries to loosen Monthor's grasp on his throat, but his feeble strength is not enough to counter dwarf's muscules.
The rest of the adventurers just stand there for a few seconds, shaking off the shock. Then, one by one, they approach the pair and gather in tight circle around them. Even the elf is among them. Only the low-life rogue stays near the bar, pouring himself a mug of beer. Monthor can feel their breaths on his back. Not a pleasant sensation.
It is the apparent paladin/cleric of Jancassis that speaks first. His voice seems to be emotionless, but one can sense the man makes effort to control himself.
"My, my, what do we have here? Assault and bodily harm, so far? You are looking at three months in dungeon. Or maybe you should just kill one of us, so that paladins of Pantheon can drag you to the gallows and hang you in the name of the law?"
"Come on, Pinestick, that's not funny!" - snaps the elf on chain (now dragging loose on the floor). Her voice seems genuinely worried.
The huge dwarf takes a step forward, but the archer standing next to him stops him by putting hand on his shoulder. Then he tells Monthor matter-of-factly:
"You're drunk. Go sleep it off. Or are you taking this somewhere?"
The eyes of the mage start to bulge out.
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {The name of Pinestick rings a bell. Horvis recalls a performance by a wandering troupe of actors called "The Sahuagin" in Floating City. They liked to support their act with illusionary magic.}]
[Situation (gathered from posts over previous rounds, please correct if needed): - Monthor effectively has the mage pinned. - the rest of the party (dwarf, warrior, archer, paladin, and elf) is gathered within 5 ft around him. - the rogue is at the bar, having a mug of ale. - Draax, Arien and Tratain are also at the bar, some 20-30 ft from the group around Monthor and 15 ft from the rogue. - Juliander, Izen, and Jova are sitting at tables, 30 ft from the group around Monthor and 30 ft from the rogue. Juliander has a crossbow under his table. Izen has Iron Bounds in his hand. - Horvis and his eagle are standing near the entrance to the inn, 20 ft from the group around Monthor and 35 ft from the rogue.]
[I still don't have character sheets for Tratain, Juliander and Izen.]
Tratain d20+7=24 d20+3=4 d20+1=19 Monday December 4th, 2006 11:03:45 AM
Tratain stands up and walks closer to the the Group standing around Monthor. His shield is now on his arm and he carries his warhammer in his hand, though it rests at his side for the moment.
He says "Yes Pinestick, this is very serious now, I asked questions and I want answers. I think you just attacked us, or did something that will allow you or whoever you work for to attack us in the future. Did you think we would stand for that, just let you do what you want, say have a nice evening and walk away just to attack us at another time and place of your choosing? As I follow Domi as one his Protectors I'll give you a chance to explain what just happened, or we could carry on in the way of your God Pinestick, you have attacked us we will reciprocate. Which will it be?"
--------------------------------- 24 Sense Motive to try and see what the other group is feeling 4 Diplomacy :) 19 Bluff but Tratain really isn't bluffing, he's willing to let them talk, but if they make a move on Monthor or any of the others he's more than willing to smite them.
Jova Monday December 4th, 2006 12:53:44 PM
Jova continued to play with his food. Not hungry, he did sip at the local ale he had be brought. The group was quite a formidable one. The sea elf intrigued him most. As sheslipped from her chains he had to smile. The ruse. The ruse was so much a part of his own life, he admired others when they used it properly. Although they did end it much to early.
The one at the bar worried him most. Protectors the others were, the loner at the bar was comfortsable being so. Jova watched him with the majority of his scan.
Monthor Monday December 4th, 2006 1:46:51 PM
Monthor tries to position himself so that the mage is between him and the most obvious threats.
" As me clerical friend stated... we feel threatened. And when we feels threatened we threaten back! Now, on me word, me will not harm your mage friend as long as no one makes a move towards us."
:: Monthor releases his grip on the mage's throat enough to allow breathing. ::
" Back off, keep yer hands away from yer weapons and all will be well. All of ye make oath that no actions will be taken against us and me will spill no blood. Me may even convince me friend there to heal your mage. "
:: Monthor addresses the "paladin" directly... ::
" Know this Pinestick... me have died before for me friends and the gods have brought me back from the grey lands . Me do not fear death. And me will gladely die again to protect me Angels. If me dying means taking out your spell slinger and giving me boys a chance to finish the rest of you off... "
:: Monthor smiles .::
" Then me will die clutching yer magic user's torned throat in me hand. "
" Now... who are ye? What do you want with us? Who do you work for?... now. "
Izen (AC 25, HP 82/82) d20+16=25 Monday December 4th, 2006 2:20:38 PM
Izen stayed where he was but kept a careful watch on the scene, particularly on the "rogue" at the bar. He readied himself for trouble--if anyone made a hostile move toward any of his new companions, Izen would throw the Iron Bands of Binding at the rogue at the counter (readied ranged touch attack hits touch AC 25--only attack if hostile move toward PCs. Iron Bands of Binding immobilize Large or smaller creature unless target succeeds at DC 30 STR or Escape Artist check). If that happened, Izen would then duck under the table (5' move), draw his rapier (Quick Draw), and activate his Ring of Invisibility (move action).
But he waited, maintaining his cool and distantly disinterested observations for the present (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot--particularly focused on the rogue at the bar, then the other 'adventurers'--Skill Mastery, 27!). And, if no other action was required of him, he would silently activate his Boots of Flying while remaining seated.
Arien Monday December 4th, 2006 3:48:45 PM
Suspecting magical trickery, Arien casts detect magic and concentrates on the group of "adventurers".
Horvis - Barkskin d20+16=25 Monday December 4th, 2006 9:05:58 PM
The centaur looks through the doorway of the inn to where this conflict is occurring. While he has tried to keep himself separate from such things, he as much as any other resident of the Wold. And the followers of Jancassis don't have the best of reputations.
Muttering and gesturing, the centaur casts a spell to toughen his skin in case battle is required. Then Horvis settles Aquila on his back then, holding his quarterstaff in front of him, he ducks and squeezes through the doorway. The centaur is now a very large and imposing threat within the inn - the top of his head is just below the beams supporting the ceiling and he is over 10 feet long. His hair, both the long queue on top and on his barrel are what is normally called chestnut, deepening on his legs until his fetlocks are nearly black. With the large quarterstaff held in front of him, exit through the front door of the inn is clearly blocked.
"Pinestick?," Horvis booms out.
"Aren't you a little far from Floating City? Didn't like what the Fae King brought there and decided to bring your trickery act here?"
The others get the impression that Horvis doesn't normally say this much. As he speaks, Horvis is concentrating on the group of what he thinks are players. Will save 25, to disbelieve
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(2), Guidance, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Goodberry, Jump, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Quench, Snare, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph(2), Transmute Mud to Rock 6 - DC 22 - Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth, Repel Wood 7 - DC 23 - Wind Walk * = cast
Draax Monday December 4th, 2006 11:31:41 PM
Draax moves a step away from the bar and casually takes his bow from his back, but instead of readying it, he uses it as something to lean on. ::He thinks:: *I wonder how fast I can pull an arrow and put it through the mage's eye.*
While waiting with the other to hear the mysterious group's answers to the questions, Draax turns his attention to the centaur in the doorway. "Now this should be interesting."
Juliander Tuesday December 5th, 2006 1:20:57 AM
Not liking the seemingly extreme presence of magic amongst the newly arrived group, Juliander decides to see if he can't bring it to a halt. A resonating note starts in the back of his throat as he reaches for magic of his own, and builds quickly into a crecendo, until it erupts with a furrious gesture from the one hand not holding the crossbow beneath the table. (OOC: Juliander cast an area dispel, via greater dispel magic, only on the adventurers that are not his friends. I'll let you make the checks. Juliander's caster level is 13.)
Confrontation - DM Marcin [Dispel checks:] d20+13=27 d20+13=22 d20+13=26 d20+13=20 d20+13=24 d20+13=26 d20+13=32 Tuesday December 5th, 2006 5:46:23 AM
Tratain moves forward and, after explaining that he considers past actions an attack, demands answers [Tratain Highlight to display spoiler: {Tratain senses that the members of the group surrounding Monthor lack confidence and, with every second, are more and more nervous and afraid}].
Monthor loosens his grip on the throat of the mage and, after stating questions of his own, demands an oath. The mage opens his mouth and hungrily gasps for air.
Izen calmly watches the unfolding situation and, given that no hostilities break out immediately, activates his boots [BTW, isn't activating a Ring of Invisibility a standard action? Or is that a special ring?].
Arien openly casts a Detect Magic and aims it at the group [Arien Highlight to display spoiler: {The area of the spell washes over Tratain and Monthor - they stand too close to the rest of the group to cast it otherwise. Arien detects the presence of magic, and, a moment later, counts 64 magical auras. The strongest of them is overwhelming.}].
At this moment Horvis, a large centaur who, up to this point, stood patiently by the door, casts a spell on himself and enters the inn. His booming voice draws an immediate attention of the strangers. Seven faces turn to him, similar expression of shock on each one.
Draax steps away from the bar and readies his bow.
Juliander decides the time is right to treat the strangers to a dispelling effect. His power washes over the group gathered around Monthor (and Monthor as well, since he is standing in the middle of it). Tratain's Magic Vestment that has been active on Monthor's armor is removed.
Then the magic washes over strangers and the effect is truly wondrous.
[...]
The magic is gone - DM Marcin Tuesday December 5th, 2006 7:02:55 AM
The silhouettes of the adventurers waver for a moment like flames over a campfire, and then, in an instant, are gone, together with the foul, fishy smell.
In place of six seasoned warriors stands a group of six rather plain looking, nervous people: the giant dwarf becomes slightly less tall, bald human, the archer turns out to be an aging, fat fellow, the warrior becomes a lean youth. The sea elf turns into an unremarkable lass with freckles on her face. The mage currently grasped by Monthor becomes a blonde half elf, right now very red on his face. All of them wear common, if colorful clothes, the kind one most often sees on minstrels and bards, and neither seems to carry a weapon.
The rogue sitting at the bar sighs and, with a small gesture, dispels the illusion on himself. He turns out to be an elderly human wrapped in a brown cloak. He stands up and coughs.
"Excuse me, let's disarm this situation before it deteriorates any further. I assure you we mean you no harm and, in fact, are probably very incapable of hurting you. I am Great Anthone, and these people are 'The Sahuagin', my troupe of fellow thespians. I must say this is the first time a performance backfires on us this badly. Could you please let Orven go, mister dwarf? You seem to have a detrimental effect on his complexion."
He turns to Horvis: "Now, may I ask how in the name of Flower did you recognize us?"
Monthor Tuesday December 5th, 2006 8:08:15 AM
Monthor is still visibly annoyed. The threats were bad. The disception.. troubling. But the fact that he can't even have a good brawl now really upsets him. Monthor lets go of man's hand and brings him closer to him using the graps he has on his neck. Face to face, Monthor puts on his most menacing look and growls at the man....
" It not be nice to taunt a dwarf. Especially a mean, bad tempered, ill mannered killer like me! "
:: Monthor check's the half elf's hands to see if he ring he had been talking into was still there. If so, Monthor, not so gentily, takes it. ::
:: With a light shove, Monthor releases the 1/2 elf from his grip. ::
" Me strongly suggests that if any one of you is carrying weapons or items of magic that ye place them on the bar now. Cause after me count to 10, and yes Draax, me can count all the way to 10, after me count to 10 me will tear the arms off any of you carrying so much as a knitting needle. After me be sur that none of ye can accidentaly scracth us, ye will be buying us all....
:: Monthor points a thumb at the centaur by the entrance. ::
" including our new friend there.... drinks. Then, ye will answer all of our questions. Then, if we feel like it, we will answer yours. Savy?"
" 1....2....3.... "
Izen Tuesday December 5th, 2006 9:45:40 AM
Izen sighed and his level of tension relaxed, but only slightly. There were still too many variables in the scenario--including this centaur who had now entered the fray. He kept his grip on the Iron Bands of Binding and watched as before.
Ooc: Shoot! You're right, DM, the Ring of Invisibility does require a standard action to activate! Rats, I hadn't counted on that! I may have to exchange for a Ring of Blinking at the next Catacombs visit.
Tratain Tuesday December 5th, 2006 1:05:43 PM
Tratain relaxes a little and says "I would very much like an explanation. I'd like to know who sent you here. Did they tell you who we were? It was very dangerous of you to do this, we could have killed you."
Horvis Tuesday December 5th, 2006 2:11:14 PM
The centaur looks across at the rogue. After considering Anthone's question for a moment, he flicks his tail as if chasing away a fly.
"Pinestick. Unusual name. Especially for a human."
With that, the centaur seems to feel that he has said enough. As Horvis speaks, the eagle peers over his shoulder to study both groups. The great bird seems uncomfortable being inside a building.
Horvis sets one end of his quarterstaff on the floor, resting the other end on his shoulder. As he shifts his weight, the floorboards creak and groan.
Draax Tuesday December 5th, 2006 2:39:02 PM
Draax is as surprised as the others in the room to find themselves facing actors. He remains silent until Monthor begins to count. "Sure you can, but can you count without using fingers or toes?" He waits with the others to see how long it will take the acting troupe to answer the questions.
Arien Tuesday December 5th, 2006 6:57:10 PM
Arien watches as the illusion fades without surprise, he had suspected something similar himself but had wanted to make sure before acting. Arien looks at the Great Anthone and says, "I see that you are quite skilled in illusionary magic sir. Please join us at our table, I have a proposition for you that may prove mutually beneficial for both our groups."
Spoils of battle (well, of sorts) - DM Marcin Wednesday December 6th, 2006 3:11:24 AM
Monthor takes the ring from the half-elf, who responds with a <yowl> since it's on his bad hand. Then he releases him. The actor immediately drops to his knees and starts coughing. "Too true." - he croaks. "I forgot your, <cough>, sense of humor is rivalred only by your, <wheeze>, wit and charm." [Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {The ring seems to be silver. There are a few words in what looks like an elven script engraved on the inside.}]
The demand for weapons is met with obedience. Three plain looking daggers are placed on the table in front of the dwarf, as well as one theatrical dagger (the kind with moveable blade). The request of magic items meets with less cooperation. The actors hesitate, but Anthone sighs and says: "Come on people, hand them over."
"Father!" - protests the lass.
"Shh kid, might makes right in these parts. Besides, that's not the end of the world, it's not the first time we have been shaken down. We'll manage somehow."
The group produces a sack that, when opened, reveals five metal spheres, each shining with a light of different color. It feels a bit as if a rainbow appeared in the middle of the room and the interior of the simple inn suddenly takes on an otherworldly quality. The spheres are joined by three potion bottles.
Then comes a demand for drinks.
"Uh, it's a common misconception that acting is a profitable profession. I mean spiritually, sure, but... Uh, never mind."
"Pinestick?" "Yes?" "Here's the two silver I owe you."
The stash of loot in front of Monthor is increased by a small pile of copper, intermixed sparsely with silver.
Izen impassively watches on, the rusty iron ball of the Bounds still resting in his hand.
The inquiries of Tratain are answered by Anthone.
"I assure you nobody <sent us> to you, our meeting was purely coincidential. In fact, I am not sure who you are, though I admit I don't keep up with the news in the adventuring world anymore. You see, acting can put bread on your table in large cities, but in the countryside it's much less common to find a willing and interested audience, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much the bloody innkeepers charge per night these days. We have taken to, ah, other means of earning copper. Since adventuring companies are rather abundant in the area, when we spot one we sometimes enter their inn disguised as a group that is as intriguing as we can only think of. We mingle a bit - gives lads a good opportunity to practice their art, and then all but me leave. After this kind of show adventurers usually are all too eager to buy me drinks and press gold in my hand in order to learn more about us. I thought we were doing a fine show today - the elf on chain was a particularily nice idea - until Orven here went overboard."
"Hey, it's a well known line from Valdor in the Lands of Dread" - croaks the half-elf, still on his knees. "It's not my fault the battleaxe here doesn't know his classics."
"Well, yes. In the past it has never been too dangerous, you see. Sure, some take their gold back when they learn who we are, and sometimes some of us get a few bruises, but most just laugh it up. It's the first time we are being actually robbed as a result."
Pinestick looks at Horvis. "Yes, I think I remember you... About eight months ago, a show in a small town near the Float... You didn't like Anthony's impression on a wyvern, I have seen that on your face even though you said nothing.
Draax patiently watches the situation unfold. And then Arien invites Anthone to his table.
"What's that?" The actor looks at Arien and then at Monthor. "You are playing bad hero, good hero with us now?"
"I guess I can listen if you let the rest of my folks go. Orven's hand probably needs some attention."
Jova Wednesday December 6th, 2006 5:54:32 AM
Jovastands and makes his way over to the table, that had been proffered to Anthone. Ignoring the rest or the so-called troupe, Jova watches intently, as the man weaves his tale. Jova had done so himself many times, and he saw this man, was very good. First with the magic he had all up in arms. Now they are all eating out of his hand. Except the dwarf of course. But his self centered life left little time for subterfuge.
Jova sits down right beside the man called Anthone. He slips his dagger out, and places it to the side of the mans belly. "Sir," he smiles broadly as the man looks at him, feeling the blade close to his skin. "This dagger is of magic decent. Although pain would be natural, in its current position, slow death is imminent. So, as you continue with your tasle, please remember your life is in my hands. One other thing, place both hands in front of you on the table, and do not move them in any way. If you do, you will have one extra hole in your body, you dont have now. Nod if you understand. I know you, or your kind, so be cautious."
Monthor Wednesday December 6th, 2006 7:20:40 AM
Monthor breaks into a wide grin.
" Shaken down... funny. "
:: Monthor picks up the daggers and returns the real ones to their owner. After playing with the prop for a few seconds he returns that one as well. He then takes the magic items and hands them to Arien. ::
" Could you identify these for us Arien? And check our friend Anty there for any other magic items? "
:: He then takes the bag of coins and walks up to where Anthone is sitting with the others. Monthor takes a chair, places it backwards towards near the leader of the troup. And sits himself down. ::
[ Sound of coins dropping on the table. ]
:: Monthor looks at Jova and winks at him knowingly. ::
" There is no need for the blade Jova. See, me don't believe that Anty here is going to tell us the truth. That ring me took off the fake mage is magical. Me have no doubts about that. Arien... "
:: Looking at Antone ::
"our very powerfull mage... will soon tell us exactly what it is. And Tratain... our very powerfull cleric... will be able to use his powers to tell us if Anty and his bunch of ragamuffins are lying. If they are lying... well, me will be very unpleasant towards them. Very unpleasant. If they tell us the truth... me will be nice. "
:: Monthor gets up and places a hand on Anthon's shoulder. ::
" Regardless, we not be thieves. The coins and your daggers are yours. The magic items... we'll see. Me thinks that the ring will remain with us. It intringues me. We'll see about the rest. "
Izen Wednesday December 6th, 2006 8:17:13 AM
Izen hopped down from his chair and moved away from the table. Interrogation was not his thing. He slipped the Iron Bands of Binding back into his pack, grabbed his mug, and moved over to the bar. Slowly--his eyes on the thespians--he moved toward Horvis.
"Interesting little scene," the halfling commented when close to the centaur. He paused and sipped from his pint. "Thanks for the help."
His eyes slid sideways and upward, to meet the towering centaur's own. The corners of his mouth slid slowly upward to a knowing smile. "I understand that centaurs are fond of wine. Care for a glass? I'm buying."
CDM Jerry Wednesday December 6th, 2006 12:34:39 PM
I know we've kinda been in limbo lately, but I need the ADM of this game to start making the weekly reports. Who is our ADM? Someone email me and tell me please.
We do need a report from last week posted please. Even it if looks bad. We need to get in the habit again.
Get 'er Done!
Horvis - Barkskin Wednesday December 6th, 2006 2:03:25 PM
The centaur looks across at the human named Pinestick. Shrugging, Horvis seems to suggest that the human can't be expected to know what wyvern looks like.
"No matter. Study nature if you want to ape it."
When Izen suggests a glass of wine, a smile briefly moves across Horvis' face. He towards the halfling's table, moving as carefully as his size allows. He towers over the small fellow, then lowers himself to an awkward kneeling position that means he is no taller than a human or elf. Still, it allows him to more easily converse with Izen. The motion causes Aquila to open his wings to balance as Horvis heaves his bulk about.
"Thanks. I do like wine."
When the glass is provided, Horvis lifts it and mutters some words before taking a small sip.
"Well met. You do not know these actors?"
Active Effects Barkskin - 130 minutes
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic(2), Guidance, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try(2) 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Goodberry, Jump, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bear's Endurance, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Quench, Snare, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph(2), Transmute Mud to Rock 6 - DC 22 - Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth, Repel Wood 7 - DC 23 - Wind Walk * = cast
Izen (illegal second) Wednesday December 6th, 2006 4:25:58 PM
The halfling shook his head in response to the centaur's question. "Never saw them before. Cheers." He lifted his mug in toast, then drank.
He wiped his mouth thoughtfully. "You know ... we could use someone like you. You seem to have smarts as well as strength. We could use both right now--and I've a feeling that this is just a taste of what's ahead of us. You ... interested?"
Arien Wednesday December 6th, 2006 4:43:06 PM
The elven mage sighs and rolls his eyes in exasperation at the continued threats. Arien looks at Monthor a moment before saying, "What I'm about to discuss with our new friend there I don't want anyone else over hearing, could you make sure that no one accidentally over hears us? Tratain could you make sure that the fellow's hand is alright, I'm sure that he's not too bad off."
Arien waits until Anthone takes a seat at the table and then says, "First as a gesture of trust, here are your belongings that were taken from you," Arien hands the magical items to Anthone. The Arien lowers his voice and leans in close, "We are planning an expedition into some hostile lands here shortly and are looking to disguise ourselves. It seems you and your troupe are quite skilled in illusionary magic, I have some skill in that area myself by it is not my focus. I propose that the most skilled members of your troupe, or the entire troupe if you prefer accompany us and use their skill to disguise us all. In return we will make sure you are amply rewarded and of course we will protect you should the need arise. Any of your troupe that elects to stay behind we will make sure that they are able to stay here for as long as needs be. What say you?"
Juliander d20+15=33 d20+26=29 Wednesday December 6th, 2006 8:45:54 PM
After hearing quite enough blather, "It seems as though your illusions have got Monthor all hot and bothered, though I don't know what the silly dwarf would want with your trinkets. I don't think your particular ruse was wisely executed on this group," Juliander gestures to his comrades dismissively. "We've a need for intelligence however, and would be very interested in any stories you may have heard about the surrounding area... or any other such travelers you might have seen of late." (OOC: Sense Motive DC 33, Diplomacy DC 29)
Horvis (Illegal Second) Wednesday December 6th, 2006 8:48:40 PM
Horvis nods his head at the halfling.
"I am seeking someone. A elf, called Tassarill. I learned that he was in the Dreadlands. My elders divined that I should come to this tavern. Not shortest path, but perhaps quick."
"What do you and your fellows do?"
Draax Wednesday December 6th, 2006 9:38:34 PM
As things begin to become clearer, Draax becomes more confused. He watches everyone and has no idea what is going on. Some members of the team are threatening the actors and some are offering a lifetime of friendship. ::He thinks:: *Wow! My only concern a few moments ago was whether to order the ham or the roast goose. Now we are interrogating actors or at least I think we are interrogating them. I am not sure what Arien is doing. Maybe it is the bad cop, good cop routine? I guess the rest of us will eventually be let in on what is going on.*
Draax decides to stop trying to keep up with the ever changing turns of this situation and just wait until things are decided. He leans on the bar and asks the bartender for another ale.
Izen (illegal third) Wednesday December 6th, 2006 10:45:03 PM
"The Dreadlands, you say? Hmmm. Perhaps we can be more use to each other than I realized. Our group is heading that way as well."
The halfling nodded knowingly at the centaur, then pointed at himself. "Name's Izen. What's yours?"
Tratain Thursday December 7th, 2006 12:13:13 AM
Tratain stands back and lets Arien and Monthor handle things for now.
Threats and gestures of goodwill - DM Marcin [Jova's Intimidation check] d20+5=13 [DM roll] d20=19 Thursday December 7th, 2006 5:56:17 AM
Izen and Horvis converse by the bar. The pair is joined by Draax. The trio soon finds to their annoyance that no wine is on tap - maybe the barkeep didn't bother to bring a bottle from the cellar tonight? The innkeeper, having barricaded himself in the kitchen, is not here to serve drinks, so the adventurers have to help themselves. The ale is a bit stale and watered down. This definitely isn't the classiest inn they have ever seen.
Tratain stands alone and probably only Domi knows what passes through his head.
Jova sits next to Anthone and introduces him to his dagger. The man immediately tenses and does as he is told, placing his hands on the table and nodding. Two beads of sweat on his neck betray that he takes the situation very seriously. [This definitely calls for an Intimidation check, please roll your own skill checks! This time the result was 13.]
"I have told you all there is to it. What else do you want me to do?"
Monthor gives back weapons and coins to the actors. The shining globes are soon returned by Arien. The troupe packs their belongings in silence. Then the dwarf joins the group at the table. He is not sure if his words to Anthone fully register, though, Jova seems to have most of the man's attention.
Arien makes his proposal, but the man shakes his head. "Look" - he says - "We are peaceful people and lack skills that you assume we have. I have never studied magic, I have just some natural talent to my work. My illusions seldom last longer than a single play. Besides, I'm responsible for my folks and would not take them into dangerous lands."
Juliander observes the man, and then asks about news from the road [Juliander Highlight to display spoiler: {Sense Motive: the man is afraid for his life. Since he has been just promised an "imminent death" I can't see how a Diplomacy check could work here. Sorry.}].
"What? Uh, I don't think we have seen or heard anything interesting recently."
The rest of the troupe gathers and starts to leave, though the bald man has to forcibly drag the lass away, as she is pale on her face and mesmerized by Jova's dagger.
CDM Jerry Thursday December 7th, 2006 8:57:49 AM
Ok, this is the not quite so friendly as yesterday friendly reminder to the ADM that I need the report done for last week. Email me when done please.
Can you dare to imagine what I might do if the report is not done today? Yep, I know. You don't want to find out.
Horvis - Barkskin Thursday December 7th, 2006 10:57:37 AM
The centaur looks over at Izen and Draax with s sour look on his face. He holds the mug of ale away from his face as he speaks.
"Tastes like ape piss! Smells worse. Maybe one of you should fetch the barkeep back. I'd probably just scare him worse."
"I'm Horvis. This is Aquila. We've seen a lot of the Wold but haven't been in the Dreadlands lately. I'm not certain what dangers lurk there. Have you been there lately?"
Horvis is pointedly ignoring the discussion with the actors. None of them have bothered him and he has no argument with them.
Izen d20+25=37 Thursday December 7th, 2006 11:07:52 AM
Izen noticed the theatrical troupe readying to leave, and his brow furrowed. "Excuse me, fellows," he said to Horvis and Draax. "There's something I need to attend to. Draax, this fine centaur here is traveling the same direction that we are. We ought to travel together--you should introduce him to the others. Excuse me."
With that, the halfling, who had already gone behind the bar in search of wine, ducked down, hiding himself from view of the common room (Hide 37!). It would take the keenest eye to locate him.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { A moment later, no amount of looking would succeed--hidden from view, Izen activated his Cape of the Mountebank and used its Dimension Door capability to transport himself twenty feet outside the door of the inn ... and fifty feet up in the air! The Boots of Flying that he had previously activated kept him suspended in mid-air and prevented him from an ignominious fall. Ideally, his sudden appearance high up in a night-time sky, well above rooftops or the glow of streetlights, would also go unnoticed for the instant that he was visible. As soon as he could, he would activate his Ring of Invisibility.
He glanced around the area and listened for signs of trouble (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!). When the members of the acting troupe emerged from the inn, he would swoop down, silently, to listen to their conversation.
(Move Silently, Skill Mastery, 33!)
Ooc: this spoiler form make sense to communicate stuff like this, that's truly out of the view of the others? Just let me know what format you'd like me to use.}
Jova Thursday December 7th, 2006 2:56:16 PM
OOC-No intimidate roll was required. I fully inteneded on sticking him, still might.
"Anthone, forgive me if i do not trust one such as yourself, who, might I add, has voluntarily told us he often misleads people for money. As an actor you live of misleading people." Jova wiggles the daggr a bit, to remind the man it is still there. "Some of the group i travel with seem to now believe your tale. I am not one of them. Sir, I have some practice in the art of deception, so don't try and deceiver a deceiver. Understand?
"Now, no matter what question i ask, or anyone else, i can only believe the answer to be a lie. Therefore, the answers you give to these others had best sdatidgy their curiosity. No reason to die now is there?"
Juliander Thursday December 7th, 2006 8:40:49 PM
Frustrated at the hostility, Juliander takes a step back, proverbially speaking, from the situation, and remains silent, allowing those who've already begun down one particular path of questioning to continue. He is keenly interested to see if Monthor's scare tactics get the dwarf anywhere in this mess.
Monthor Thursday December 7th, 2006 9:34:00 PM
Monthor gets a little frustrated at the lack of continuaty between the party members. Monthor picks up the ring, pats Anthone on the back and asks him some more questions.
" Tell me about this ring.... and while your at it, tell me about those orbs too. "
Draax d20+5=15 Friday December 8th, 2006 12:36:07 AM
Draax smiles at Horvis' assessment of the ale. He looks at Horvis with a surprised look on his face when Izen tell him of the centaur's destination. ::Shrugging his shoulders:: "Well met Horvis. My friends call me Draax, I have never been to the Dreadlands, but what I have heard has me surprised that you and your little friend was willing to travel there alone.
It is not just Izen and my call, but I think the others will be willing for us to travel together. When this thing with the actors has run its course, I will introduce the two of you and get their say on the matter. While we wait, we might as well see if this place has anything better to drink."
::Draax jumps over the counter and begins looking under the counter for any beverages that the barkeep keeps out of sight of the customers. (search 15) If he finds anything, he will leave a few silver in its place.::
Wrapping up the night? - DM Marcin Friday December 8th, 2006 2:50:40 AM
The party splits into two groups. Horvis, Draax and Juliander distance themselves from the group doing questioning. After a moment Draax finds a clay bottle that, when uncorked, starts to emanate a promising aroma of honey brew.
Jova makes his point. The actor manages "Understood" through his teeth.
[I have no doubt you will stick him if you have a mind to, the Intimidate roll is to see whether you scare him into being talkative or into freezing with fear.]
Monthor asks his questions.
"The lights we use when on stage." <gulp> "To set the ambience. The ring? Is it Orven's?" <wheeze> "Family heirloom, maybe. Never bothered to ask about it."
[Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {Arien declared that he returns the magic items to the actors. Since he did not exclude potions these have been returned, too. Montor still has the ring in his hand, of course.}]
Izen disappears from view and is nowhere to be seen. [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {The plan appears to work and Izen finds himself invisible flying outside before the actors exit the inn. The Wellogy is a small village and there are no street lights aside from the moon. There is not a living soul to be seen outside. When the actors exit the inn they gather together just twenty paces away from it. They sound badly frightened and desperate. There is some quiet, pointless chatter, mostly on the lines of <what now?> and <whose fault was that>. Some want to leave, but the girl insists on waiting for Anthone. Eventually they settle for waiting at some distance from the inn, where they remain standing like a small herd of scared rabbits. (Yes, the spoiler tag is perfect for this situation. You can also use the "Post Private to DMs option. If you continue checking on the actors make a Move Silently check).}]
Monthor Friday December 8th, 2006 7:57:30 AM
" Orven's ring? "
:: Monthor takes a seat next to Anthone. ::
" Relax. We're almost done. "
" Tell me everything ye know about this Orven fella. Has he been with ye long? "
" The piece about us being 'tagged' and Orven talking into his ring, was that part of your game? "
" You say that you have never studied magic.. just 'natural talents'? Me not know much if anything about magic. But them spells seemed pretty powerfull to me. Maybe ye can explain to me buddy Arien here what if was ye did. "
ooc> The rest of you want Monthor to just stop the questioning or to carry on a bit? If you want me to stop, just tap Monthor on the shoulder and tell him to have a beer. Arien, can you check the ring please? That would speed things along. If there's nothing to it, Monthor'll drop the whole thing right now. Juliander, feel free to jump back in on the questioning. That ring bugs the heck out of me guys. Marcin could just be trying to drive us crazy (short trip in my case) or this could be the hook for the next module.
Izen Friday December 8th, 2006 9:22:24 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { ooc: Because Izen has taken Skill Mastery for Move Silently, he can choose to automatically 'Take 10' on the skill check any time, regardless of circumstances. When he does so, his skill check result is (Total skill ranks 23 + 10 =) 33, absent any other modifier, such as flying invisibly at night! Likewise, he has Skill Mastery for Listen and Spot, and so his check, absent other modifiers, for Listen is 30 and for Spot is 27. It's an odd little benefit of being a high-level rogue! (IDHTBIFOM, but see, I think, PHB 3.5 p.51--in the section on Rogue class Special Abilities. Izen's Skill Mastery skills are Move Silently, Listen, Spot, Disable Device, Open Lock, Search, and Tumble.)
BIC: Floating some twenty feet above the actors' heads, invisible and silent as a midnight zephyr, Izen waited patiently, watched ... and listened. }
Horvis - Barkskin Friday December 8th, 2006 12:49:17 PM
The centaur looks up when Draax uncorks the small bottle of honey brew. His nostrils flare, scenting the unmistakeable smell of the liquid.
"That smells better. Probably not enough for use three ... where'd the little fellow go?"
Horvis looks back over his shoulder, mainly at Aquila. The eagle is preening and not paying to attention to Horvis' silent question.
"What's so dangerous about these Dreadlands? Travelling there is easy. Well, easy enough for Aquila and I. Most things we can outrun. Others we can stay away from. Some things insist on fighting though."
Horvis rolls his shoulders and looks at the people in the bar. He seems to be measuring them, guessing how well they would fare in the wilds.
When anyone looks at him, they now notice that there are four smalls stones hovering around his head. Those objects tend to draw attention away from the various objects that the centuar has woven into his braided queue.
"Still, we may be able to help one another if we travel together."
Draax Friday December 8th, 2006 6:13:15 PM
Draax smiles as he brings the clay bottle up to his nose; he puts a gold piece in the place where the bottle used to be.
Draax shrugs his shoulders at Horvis' question about Izen's whereabouts. "Your guess is as good as mine. More brew for us.
I do not know about the dangers in the Dreadland, I can only go on the reputation of the place. I guess most that enter are not as swift as you and your friend or they are not smart enough to avoid the things they cannot out run. Hopefully if we do travel together we will not slow you down."
Draax grabs a couple of clean glasses and fills them with the brew before handing one to the centaur.
Juliander Sunday December 10th, 2006 11:35:48 PM
As Juliander finally begins to see the direction of Monthor's questions, he understands why the dwarf is so apprehensive about these 'performers' though he admonishes himself silently that he didn't pick up on that as well.
Juliander's eyes narrow as he steps forward to assist Monthor, "Yes good sir. What precisely did you mean when you said tagged? A fair question that deserves a truthful answer. To be sure, I'll know if you're lying regardless."
An evening in the tavern - DM Marcin Monday December 11th, 2006 3:23:37 AM
Monthor and Jova continue to question Anthone.
"Orven? He has been with me from the start. More than twenty years, in fact. I do not know what he meant by <tagged> and <master>, but with the Emerald Kingdom and that bloody lizard just a few days of travel away I would guess he thought the words would fit the setting of the stage."
"Spells? I don't know how to explain. I just wish things be and it happens." [Anybody who has watched the performance of the group can make a Spellcraft check DC23: Highlight to display spoiler: {The man seems to be a sorcerer and appears to have used a watered down, bastardized version of the Veil spell. With time and practice he might some day learn to cast the normal variant. Right now, hovever, it is obvious that he doesn't yet have a full control of the magic he channels.}]
[Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Not much changes outside. After a moment faces of villagers start to appear here and there, in the tiny windows of the huts and peeking cautiously from behind corners. Apparently curiosity has brought back people scared away from the inn just a moment ago. (No problem with Skill Mastery, but since you have an option to roll it normally I still have to ask you to make checks. Unless, of course, you want me to assume that you always Take10 on these skills?)}]
Horvis and Draax continue their conversation at the bar. After a moment the kitchen door is unbarred and, with a nervous smile on his face, the tavernkeeper enters the room. He is visibly relieved to find his locale undamaged and soon resumes his job.
"The goose is just about ready to be served, my lords, and there is, of course, the ham. Would your lordships care to stay the night at my humble inn? I think I can persuade some of my guests to vacate enough private rooms for all of you to sleep in. And that would be ten gold for lodgings, dinner, and breakfast tomorrow for all of you."
Horvis - Barkskin Monday December 11th, 2006 8:27:28 AM
The centaur turns his head when the innkeeper makes his offer of lodgings.
"Would that include me, good human? Or do you have rooms for such as me?"
In fact, Horvis really doesn't care how the innkeeper responds. The centaur has slept in far worse places than this inn and, unlike some of his new companions, he has numerous methods for ridding himself of the biting insects and other vermin that are sure to want to share his bed. The honey brew that this Draax fellow has found is actually quite good - made from good honey, fermented to having a slight tang. Horvis rolls a sip over his tongue, trying to identify all of the fruit and floral essences present in the beverage. His centaur tongue is limited in that regard but he doesn't think that his companions are quite ready for the alernative.
"Do you know if any of your companions have been to the Dreadlands? All I know are the rumors that I have heard," Horvis asks Draax.
"You should not slow me much, if at all. And sometimes a large group can scare off that which would attack a lone traveller. I am not averse to a fight, of course. How else would we learn and grow?"
Izen Monday December 11th, 2006 10:24:05 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: {Invisible, Izen floated silently above the actors' heads, waiting for their leader to rejoin them or for them to move off. His Winged Boots could keep him aloft for up to 15 minutes--if nothing changed after 10 minutes, Izen would find an out-of-the-way place to drift down to maintain his observations from the ground.
Ooc: In many instances, I'll be taking 10 on the 'skill mastery' skills, because the take 10 results are pretty darn good! In those instances, as here and above, I'll put 'Skill Mastery' in the skill check line and simply post the result. That notation 'Skill Mastery' will be my signal that I'm taking 10. If I decide it's worth a roll on some check, however, I'll roll and post that (if it's helpful, I can add 'rolling' to the skill check line). Sound good?}
Monthor Monday December 11th, 2006 9:27:54 PM
:: Monthor has had enough and decides that he is done with this human. ::
" Unless Jova has any more questions Anthone, ye may go. Me be keeping the ring as a reminder to yer troup not to mess with me kind in the future. Me be to forgiving sometimes. It's me kind nature ye see. Others... like Draax over there by the bar... not so much.
:: Monthor stands and goes to the bar for another drink. ::
Return to your people Anthone. And be thankfull that ye didn't lose more then your man's ring. "
" Tavernkeeper. Me be ready for me meal now. "
Tratain Monday December 11th, 2006 10:50:06 PM
Tratain echoes Monthors statements to the Actor "If you insist on takeing on the guise of adventurers in the future, i'd advise you to be more careful how you act, we came very close to killing you because we thought you threatened us. Keep that in mind in the future, many will strike back before you'll have any chance to stop them."
Posting Report Monday December 11th, 2006 10:57:10 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday December 8th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X X X O O Jova X O X X O Monthor X X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien X X X O O Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X O X X X
Sorry about last week, I got really busy towords the end of the week, but still no excuse for me not posting it on Monday like I should have.
Draax Tuesday December 12th, 2006 12:29:31 AM
Horvis asks Draax: "Do you know if any of your companions have been to the Dreadlands? All I know are the rumors that I have heard,"
Draax responds to the centaur's question. "I do not think so, but to be honest with you, I do not know for sure. I have been with 3 of the group for a while now, but I just met the other members within the last week and do not know much about where they have been."
He nods his head in agreement with the centaur about the comments of traveling in a large group.
Draax smiles as the tavernkeeper shows his face again. "We will take the rooms. I apologize for the commotion caused by the actors looking to con people out of a few coins. It was all handled in a somewhat non-violent manner."
Jova Tuesday December 12th, 2006 1:19:12 AM
Looking towards the one they call Arien, he says, "I am a bit of an actor myself. I sympathize with Anthone here, and understand his ruse. If it gives him and his a free meal from time to time, then so be it."
Sticking the man just a bit harder, he says to Anthome, "But sir, dont start off so strong. Save tue strong illusion for more meaningful times. Start off small, and save the warrior illusion until you need it for escape maybe. I usually start off playing an innocent dancing girl, then move off to something more sinister, like that four legged creature at the door, if needed. Good luck to ye, learn man." He takes his knife from the mans ribs and goes to where the centaur is standing. He examines the eagle.
Night at the Blue Fish - DM Marcin Tuesday December 12th, 2006 7:12:57 AM
Monthor decides to let Anthone go. The actor picks himself up and limps out of the door, taking with him Tratain's warning and Jova's bit of advice.
The dinner is served for all. The meat is supplemented with a lot of bread and dried fruit (obviously the inn wasn't prepared to host such a large group this evening, especially one including a centaur), but the meal everyone can get is nourishing and not half bad. The ale could do with less water, though.
Half through the evening the party becomes aware of many pairs of eyes watching them through the windows and from the door. Curiosity brought back tavern patrons previously scared away by the prospect of a fight.
[Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Anthone joins his troupe. There are exclamations of relief and the group, after a moment of deliberation, leaves in the direction of the cheapest of the three inns in Wellogy. (Re rules mastery: sounds good. M.)}]
Draax orders rooms for everyone and the innkeeper sends off his help to make arrangements. Horvis's questions are met with a baffled expression on the man's face. "Truth be told, m'lord, I don't know how yer kin lodges? Me was kinda thinking ye sleep standing up, like horseys do? But me can put together some matresses on the floor for ye. Mind ye, on the ground floor, m'lord. Me stairs remember me granddad."
Unless there is some unfinished business for tonight the party spends an uneventful night at the inn.
The morning is cloudy, but it seems the day will turn warm later on. The group is served a breakfast of fresh bread, cheese, milk, and some smoked beef. There is, of course, the ten gold bill to be picked up.
It looks like a good time to decide the route of the journey. The party has access to several maps presented to them by Arrak [in fact, to most maps of the Elennian Peninsula you can find in the Duncan's Travel Agency]. The heroes are right now in Wellogy. Their destination are the Dreadlands. There is no map of that accursed land, but the map of Cinnamon Valley points the way for those foolhardy enough to venture into the desolation of the Land of Dread [see NE part of the map].
[Thanks for the report, Joe!]
Horvis - Barkskin d20+17=33 Tuesday December 12th, 2006 8:42:16 AM
The centaur looks down at the innkeeper and a smile flits across his face. Horvis responds to the man's offer with a sweeping gesture towards his hooves.
"A ground floor room would be best, good human. These hooves and legs are poorly suited for stairs, even if they would hold me. One or two mattresses, or even soem straw, would be fine."
As he speaks, Aquila hops up and down on the centaur's back. Horvis reaches over his shoulder to soothe the bird that has accompanied him for many years.
"And an old chair, or something else, for Aquila to roost on."
During the meal, Horvis will provide his opinions of a proposed route of travel. He has been through some wild area before, although he steered clear of the southern Culverwood and it's claimant. He points to the maps as he speaks, usually making an effort not to lose food as he does. Clearly, Horvis has spent more time in the wild than in polite company.
"We're here in Wellogy, on the shore of the lake on the Second Plateau. The roads here are all safe so we should probably stick to the river road until we reach the edge of the plateau."
"Once we descend, we'll make good time on the roads until we leave the First Plateau."
"Now, I'm not sure but I think that we should strike west until we reach Edenmoor. Then head north along the Peasblossom River, going by the east edge of the Culverwood. We've got a choice, then. If we walk or stay on land, we have to choose between the Red Hills or the Culverwood. The Red Hills are full of giants and other monsters, not to mention halflings. The Culverwood ... well, isn't the friendliest place to outsiders. Or you can get boats and go upstream on the river."
Horvis takes his hands and measures the map.
"Hmmm ... considering the road magic on the First Plateau, we might be further ahead to go to Windhorn Hamlet and then along Dragon Bay to t he New Traders Road across the Red Hills, south of Crescent Valley."
"Either way, the Peasblossom River would be our path across the top of the Culverwood." Survival = 33
"What do you think of that?"
Izen Tuesday December 12th, 2006 9:34:14 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Satisfied that the acting troupe appeared no more outside the inn than inside, Izen found a discreet corner to land and reappear, and made his way back to the Blue Fish.}
A few minutes after Anthone left, Izen walked back in the front door of the inn, made his way back over to the others, and shared the meal and ale. Although he might have preferred switching inns following the evening's disturbance, he said nothing and accepted a bed in one of the private rooms without comment.
in the morning, Izen craned his head around the large centaur's barrel to see the locations that Horvis was indicating on the maps. He nodded his head. "Your proposals sound good to me. I've not traveled in those areas before."
Arien Tuesday December 12th, 2006 6:30:55 PM
Arien watches as Horvis plans a route for them to follow and after a moment of consideration says, "Its been some time since I've been back to Windhorn Hamlet, it is where our group originally hailed from. I for one would not mind stopping there on the way."
Jova Tuesday December 12th, 2006 7:19:35 PM
Jova simply watches, obseving what ths others in the party are doing. The centaur seemed to know alot of the lands, which was good.
He calls for Z his trusted hak, to come. Talking with the cetaur he introduces the two birds. It would be helpful to have so many eyes in the air scouting for them. Z was sure to be happy, more time to talk to his mastdr.
Tratain Wednesday December 13th, 2006 12:24:21 AM
Tratain sits with the others listening to thier conversation, he says "I sounds like our new friend has a route planned out already, It sounds good to me, I suggest we take his advice."
Juliander Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:06:02 AM
While he is interested in viewing the maps and listening to the route being planned, Juliander is smart enough to leave such planning to the experts.
Draax Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:27:25 AM
Draax nods his head in agreement as everyone gives their opinions of Horvis' traveling plan. "Sounds good to me."
Making plans - DM Marcin Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:33:09 AM
Once the breakfast is cleaned from the table the maps are unrolled and Horvis takes initiative.
Two routes are suggested: one would take the party west to Edenmoor and then north along the shore of Peasblossom River. The other one would involve a visit in Windhorn Hamlet and a trek along Dragon Bay. Either way it would seem that the first leg of the journey would take the heroes along the Safe Road to Goodlamond and the second waterfall on Brinkwater.
The innkeeper stands in the door of the kitchen, politely waiting for the tab to be settled.
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {Horvis recalls that travel through Culverwood is always unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. John, was there something specific you wanted to check for with Survival skill?}]
The party listens quietly to Horvis's plans. There seem to be no objections, at least not right now. The road beckons.
Monthor Wednesday December 13th, 2006 2:42:46 PM
Monthor listens to Horvis as the two travel options are described.
" Me can do without seeing the Hamlet again for a while. How about... Edenmoor... then along the shore of Peasblosssom River. That sounds good to me.
Monthor finishes off his third morning " beverage " and lets out a loud burp...
" Better out then in me always says."
:: Monthor takes the opertunity this morning to look over Orven's ring again. He passes it around to the other party members to see if they can can identify it. ::
" Arien, does this thing look magical to ye? "
ooc> Sorry about me posting yesterday. I was out for my Bday.
Izen d2=2 d20+15=22 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 3:49:32 PM
Izen listened, fished out his copper coin, and flipped it in the air. (Result; tails.)
He nodded at Monthor. "Edenmoor."
He tilted his head toward the innkeep. "Someone should settle up for us." He looked at Juliander innocently but clearly (Bluff to send secret message, 22).
Arien d20+26=28 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 4:48:42 PM
Arien takes the ring from Monthor and casts detect magic. Arien then concentrates on the ring should it prove magical, trying to discern the auras that might be about the ring.
(Spellcraft check: 28)
Juliander d20+15=29 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 6:43:10 PM
Juliander's eyes narrow at Izen, though the bard steps up to the innkeeper, "I'll pay for this one guys. I expect we'll all get to take a turn." Hands over the required gold. (OOC: Sense Motive DC 29)
Izen (Kup ooc) Wednesday December 13th, 2006 8:44:32 PM
ooc: LOL! Izen's "hidden message" was for Juliander to pay because Juliander is the group's spokesperson, not because he was trying to stiff Juliander for the bill! Guess I need to work on my bluff!
Draax Wednesday December 13th, 2006 9:36:46 PM
"I am fine with either route. Lets go and get the horses that was promised to us and then be on our way."
Draax makes sure that he has all of his gear before heading toward the stables. Once at the stables he takes a look at the available horses.
Horvis d20+7=17 d20+7=27 d20+17=32 Wednesday December 13th, 2006 10:09:03 PM
The route doesn't matter to the centaur, so he waits patiently while the others decide. And Horvis doesn't need to bother with the stable, either. Although he will check over the animals to ensure that they are well-suited for the coming journey. Handle Animal = 17
Once they take to the road, Horvis will range ahead with Aquila flying above him. He allows the eagle to hunt if he chooses, realizing that Aquila will return when he is sated. Horvis easily outpaces the horses. As he does, he is alert for anything that strikes him as unusual or unnatural. What Horvis does if he does spot something depends on what the unusual thing is. He also keeps an eye on the weather even though, again, it's not really something that bothers him. His new companions, though, may not appreciate rain or snow. Spot = 27, natural 20 Survival = 32 (for weather prediction, should be good for the next 4 days)
When he periodically returns to the others, he will listen and sometimes join the conversation that they are having.
The road to Goodlamond - DM Marcin Thursday December 14th, 2006 6:36:52 AM
Monthor passes around the ring taken from Orven. [Anybody who examines it and can read Elven Highlight to display spoiler: {A flowing line of Elven script runs around the inner side of the silver ring: "My thoughts and prayers go with you always. Love, mom.}]
Arien examines the item for magic. [Arien Highlight to display spoiler: {The ring does not radiate magic of any kind.}]
The tab is settled and then the party turns in Arrak's voucher for mounts. They are led to a small stable housing a group of horses and ponies. Horvis's competent examination reveals that the animals seem to have been adequately taken care of. Each party member who needs a mount can select either a light horse or a pony.
The heroes decide that, after descending to the First Plateau, they shall turn West to Edenmoor. This means that their first destination is Goodlamond.
Horvis looks at the sky and sniffs the air. His instincts tell him that the next four days in the Plateaus are going to be clear but a bit cold. The weather might be different in Culverwood, of course. And then the heroes depart Wellogy and are on their way once again.
The ancient Safe Road goes through Blackheart Wood straight like an arrow with Brinkwater gurgling and glittering alongside it all the time. Horvis scouts ahead and soon discovers that the Monster Preserve is full of unusual noises and sounds. Strange creaking sounds, as if trees groaning under heavy weight; unusual bird calls; faint echoes of roars of some mysterious beasts. No large creature appears anywhere within sight, though.
The travel aided by magic is fast and pleasant. It is well before noon that the party starts to feel first faint gusts of wind making it under the canopy of trees and hear a distant roar of a waterfall - a sure sign that the cliffs of the Second Plateau are drawing close. Moments later the heroes spot the towers of a small fort overlooking what is one of the few ascents to the Second Plateau. The town of Goodlamond rests under the cliffs on the First Plateau, right now hidden from view.
There, on the crossroads near the open gate to the fort, a large group of travellers, soldiers, and locals stands looking down the cliff. Remnants of a shattered wooden lift-like construction can be seen nearby. As the party nears the group the heroes start to pick up excited chatter.
Draax Thursday December 14th, 2006 6:49:57 PM
Draax picks a light horse from the stable. As they get near the group and hear the excitement in their voices, he hopes that the excitement comes from looking at a replacement lift. He gets off of his horse and then goes over to the cliff to looks down and see what the others are looking at.
Horvis Thursday December 14th, 2006 11:01:24 PM
The centaur is ranging ahead of the group when they come close to the escarpment's edge. The crowd is obviously gawking at something but Horvis cannot tell exactly what. There's some sort of construction, but he can't really tell what it is.
He will approach closer, trying to determine how the locals feel about centaurs before getting too close.
Arien Friday December 15th, 2006 12:24:36 AM
Arien rolls the ring across the table back to Monthor and says, "As far as I can tell, its not magical. Its possible that the whole thing was simply part of the show."
The following day Arien also picks a light mount and places himself somewhere near the middle of the group. As the party nears the group of people Arien dismounts and also approaches the edge to see what is of such interest.
Jova Friday December 15th, 2006 1:12:42 AM
ova picks a light horse from the proffered gifts. He choses one that looks speedy and nimble.
On the trail, he instructs Z to stay close to Aquila, to learn more of the eagle and its fourlegged master.
Upon reaching the crowd of people, he simply stands his horse to the side, to observe.
Trouble at Goodlamond - DM Marcin Friday December 15th, 2006 2:18:01 AM
The party approaches the crowd. Their arrival goes largely unnoticed - the people's attention is concentrated on what transpires below. The centaur though does get a few raised eyebrows - as usual.
Looking down the face of the cliff is not a pleasant experience, even if one does not suffer from fear of heights. There is something unsettling about a prospect of a drop more than one hundred feet long.
The small fort sits right on the edge of the cliff. The view of the First Plateau is spectacular; the town of Goodlamond can be seen below, its houses, barns and cottages looking from this height like little more than toys. The tower of the town hall stands as a testimony to the fact that even if a higher vantage point is readily available nearby some things are traditional and will be built anyway. The view of the settlement is partially obstructed by the watery mist coming from the nearby waterfall. One can't help but wonder how do these people sleep with its constant roar in the background. If the sun was in a different position on the sky there probably would be a rainbow.
Two wooden constructions - one larger, one smaller - have been erected here to allow ascent and descent between the plateaus. Both seemed to have been some kind of staircases, with the larger one possibly also serving as a frame for some kind of lift. Only the smaller one remains right now, however. The large one has collapsed in a huge pile of wooden planks and logs. The crowd about the party seems to be watching this pile. There is a similar gathering below, on the First Plateau, though they seem to keep a healthy distance away from the debris.
The reason for this becomes apparent once one takes a closer look at the wreckage. There are three large shapes slowly moving about among the logs. Dark green with an oily sheen, they resemble insects of some sort, although each is larger than a horse and seems to have only four limbs. Multiple pairs of powerful mandibles and antennae on their heads further attest to their claim to insect origin. Chitinous plates and carapaces protect their massive bodies, and each plate is covered with spikes. They move about on their hind legs, with their long fore limbs dragging on the ground. It feels a bit disturbing to see an insect-like creature that resembles a humanoid this much. One of them seems to be feeding on a carcass of a horse. The other two shift through the wreckage, moving away logs that must weigh more than three hundred pounds with no apparent effort at all.
The crowd about the heroes watches them with grim fascination. The spectacle below somehow brings to mind a dug-up anthill.
"...out of nowhere, burrowed straight out of the ground; didn't have no warning whatsoever..." "...at least one more, but I think it has burrowed itself into the ground..." "...the whole staircase went down like a bad scaffolding in a hurricane..." "...the guards keep away, they lost two men to them already..." "...nah, can't dump tar on them and light it, there might still be someone alive under the debris..."
Two people seem to stand a bit away from the rest of the crowd. One is an older, dark skinned woman wearing a chainmail and a helmet, who looks like an officer. The other one is a stocky dwarf dressed in plain clothes. The two seem to be engaged in a heated argument.
Izen d20+17=36 Friday December 15th, 2006 8:30:07 AM Ooc: rats! Missed a post! That's what comes from waiting for others to post first!
Izen dismounted his pony with visible relief--the pony's whinny and shake of its bridle made the halfling jump involuntarily at its side--and studied the creatures on the level below. He looked at the crowd, and the arguing woman and dwarf. Scratching his stubble with apparent disinterest, he casually placed himself where he could listen inobtrusively.
(Bluff to appear casually disinterested and not listening, 36! Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!)
Horvis d20+7=16 d20+12=31 d20+7=11 d20+7=23 d20+7=10 Friday December 15th, 2006 8:09:35 PM
The centaur waits for his new companions to catch up with him before he approaches the crowd. People - regardless of their race - aren't really his strong suit. But monsters, that's a different thing.
Once Izen has moved into place, Horvis will move to the cliff edge and look over.
"Let's take a look and see what these things are," says Horvis to his companions. Spot = 16, Knowledge Nature = 31, Knowledge Arcana = 11, Knowledge Dungeoneering = 23, Knowledge Local = 10
Arien Friday December 15th, 2006 11:41:22 PM
Arien eyes the beasties a bit and wonders if a spell might drive them off for now, at least to find if there were any survivors in the rubble. Arien looks at the others and says, "Well I think that we should help these people, the situation looks tough but I think with some work we should be able to drive these things off. Perhaps by helping them they may have some information about yon waterfall. This one may be the waterfall that we are looking for."
Izen (illegal second) Saturday December 16th, 2006 10:23:08 PM
Izen looked for a moment at Arien like he was speaking gibberish, then shook his head with bemusement and went back to his detached, seemingly disinterested observations.
(Repeating above: Bluff to appear casually disinterested and not listening, 36! Listen, Skill Mastery, 30! Spot, Skill Mastery, 27!)
Draax Sunday December 17th, 2006 12:28:43 AM
Draax looks over at Arien, "I think we should help because stopping those things seems to be the only way that we will be able to use the lift. Before we do anything, I would like to know what those two ::points at the dark skinned woman and dwarf:: are arguing about."
Monthor Sunday December 17th, 2006 8:49:09 PM
Riding a pony is not one of Monthor's favorite things. As the constant whinning and complaining can attest. All the same, the ill mannered Dirt City dward makes due... and makes certain that everyone is as annoyed as he is but the time they are 1/2 way to their destination.
But I digress....
Monthor gladly dismounts and passes Draax on his way towards the arguing twosome...
" Must be the woman's fault. "
:: In dwarven :: "What's all this talking about when there's some obvious killin that needs doing?!?!?!"
Pests from below - DM Marcin Monday December 18th, 2006 5:05:17 AM
The group pushes themselves through the crowd and takes stock of the situation below.
Arien notices that, if there are people trapped in the debris, any spellwork will indeed require a careful judgement of distances and areas of effect for spells.
Draax estimates the possiblilities of descending to the First Plateau. While the main elevator and stairway have been ruined there is still the smaller one, standing some few hundred feet away on the other side of the fort. The creatures below seem disinterested in it. The wooden construction faciliates a series of slopes that could probably be used to safely lead horses down to Goodlamond if one covered their eyes and was careful and patient enough. In fact, it would probably be possible for the party to ignore this whole trouble and continue on.
Horvis takes a closer look at the beasts below and something about them indeed strikes him as familiar. [Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {Umber hulks. They don't look any tougher than your standard variety of the beast.}]
Izen finds a nice spot for eavesdropping. [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {The woman is referred to as Captain Gardner, the dwarf as the Mayor. The dwarf is trying to persuade the soldier to lead her troops against the beasts. The captain coldly refuses based on her orders and the fact that she doesn't stand a chance against this kind of foe. She suggests just waiting it out.}]
Then Monthor cuts into their conversation. The pair looks surprised. It is the dwarf who regains his composure first.
[Dwarven:] Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hammers high, brother! Indeed, them humans are all talk but no steel behind their words. This one here is afraid to take on them beasties below. How about showing her how a real soldier should cope with this little problem we are having?"}
[Monthor Highlight to display spoiler: {The dwarf is dressed in human clothes. There are no braids on his beard and his dwarvish has a strange accent - unmistakeable signs that he has been raised outside of a proper dwarven community.}]
Izen d2=1 Monday December 18th, 2006 12:48:17 PM
Izen listened both to the woman's conversation with the dwarf, as well as Monthor's (Dwarven is one of Izen's languages).
When the opportunity presented itself, he spoke with his companions where a private discussion could be held.
"The human soldier over there is apparently a captain of the guard, and refuses to attack the creatures based on her orders. What those orders are isn't clear, but it seems prudent to me. She's advising that the dwarf fellow, whom she addresses as mayor, wait the attack out."
"As for us, there's the other staircase there--but it would seem vulnerable if the creatures chose to attack. I could get down on my own, but that would involve leaving the pony behind." He did not elaborate on how he proposed his own descent, but grimaced in the direction of the mount as if leaving the animal behind were not, in the end, so unappealing.
"We could wait it out, or risk the stairs. There's no reason to engage the creatures." He flipped his coin. (Result: heads) "I say we wait it out. The creatures will soon move on."
Horvis Monday December 18th, 2006 1:21:42 PM
The centaur grins in anticipation as he speaks to his companions.
"Umber hulks. Tough fighters but intelligent. We might be able to communicate with them to see what they want. If someone speaks the right language, of course."
Horvis lifts his hooves in turn as he decides what to do. Then he still as he decides, he turns back to his companions.
"I can get myself and maybe some others down there quickly. If you want. And know how to hold on. Do you want to get down that way? Or take the other stairs?"
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants
Draax d20-1=6 Monday December 18th, 2006 10:00:31 PM
To the group Draax says, "I would say let's wait also, but we do not know if anyone is trapped under debris. We also do not know what the guards' orders are and if there is any reasoning behind them. Let's find out what really happened here, but especially if there are people trapped in there. We need a few of you guys that have a way with people, to talk to this gathering to see what they know and the captain of the guard to see if she is willing to tell what her orders are and why. I am going to ask a few of the bystanders what they know, but people have never really opened up to me."
Draax goes to a group of people that are standing at the ledge looking down. To no one in particular he says, "Can anyone tell me what has happened here and did anyone get hurt or needs help? (Gather Information check 6)"
Monthor Monday December 18th, 2006 10:10:50 PM
Monthor switches to common as he continues to speak with the dwarf.
" Yeah brother, but this one wears armor and a weapon. And she looks like she knows how to use it. With all due respecy cousin me will want to here what she has to say... "
:: Monthor doesn't wait for an answer and turnes ::
" Hail warrior me be Monthor the Ill Mannered. Formally for the Hamleteers, currently of Monthor's Angels, and soon of... well we haven't decided on our new name yet. The things down there look to be needing of some killin'. By the looks of things, there may be some survivors down there with them in the debrits. If ye be needing for sword arms, me and me crew will pitch in. Me be wondering however why ye just don't get some archers up here to puncture the beasties? Or maybe some wizards to lobe some spells down there?"
Juliander Tuesday December 19th, 2006 1:25:36 AM
Juliander surveys the scene with a less then amused gaze. "I think Monthor is right. We need to exterminate the bugs." The man shudders.
OOC: Sorry for my absence. A big wind storm knocked us out of electricity until this evening.
Tratain Tuesday December 19th, 2006 1:40:22 AM
Tratain walks over with Monthor towords the Dwarf and the Woman. He says "Do you know if anyone is trapped down there still? Like my comrade says, If you need our blades we would be more than happy to help. I won't just walk on by while people could be in danger of being killed by those things."
Discussing options - DM Marcin Tuesday December 19th, 2006 5:14:01 AM
The group quietly exchanges information and examines possible courses of action.
Draax asks around a bit, but the people are mostly preoccupied with the unusual spectacle going on below. Most have arrived only after the disaster took place. The general consensus is that the "beetles" must have tunneled under the foundations of the lift and the resulting collapse must have driven them out of the ground. The staircase used to be quite busy, and most are in agreement that somebody could have been on it at the time. There have been casualties - some people initially rushed to the scene to pull out survivors, and the beasts mauled two of the would-be rescuers before the rest retreated. They even point to where the remains of the bodies rest. Nothing much is left there but an odd shoe, a bit of a cloak and stains of blood - the umber hulks have been hungry. A closer look reveals about ten human bodies still trapped within the wreckage, as well as two badly mangled and very dead horses. At this distance it's next to impossible to tell if the people are dead, incapaciated, stunned, trapped, or merely frozen with fear.
Tratain and Monthor approach the soldier and the dwarf.
"My boys, with all due respect to their enthusiasm, could barely take on an orc, much less such things." - says the woman. "Archers? The things burrow through ground like a knife through butter. Archers would fire off one volley and find themselves attacked from below a moment later. And we have no wizards."
"Bloody hells, so you are just going to stand by and do nothing!?" - yells the dwarf.
"Precisely, mayor." - answers the woman calmly. "I would send some horsemen to try to draw them away without a fight, but I'm afraid the things could go berserk and rampage through town."
"People have been killed! Some might still be in there, alive, waiting for their turn to be torn apart! These things need to be killed off before they decide to start a bloody colony! And you just want to stand by and watch!?"
"Mayor, unless I see a plan that has a chance of accomplishing anything aside from mounting casualties, this is exactly what I'm going to do. Don't take my calm for indifference. I have seen enough to know sometimes there is nothing you can do."
Tratain and Monthor offer aid.
"Now that's more like it!" - booms the dwarf. "People after my own heart that won't let deaths of good men go unpunished! You are a godsend and no two words about it! That vermin below needs to be exterminated! Do it, and the prayers of the fine folk of Goodlamond will go with you forever!"
"Now wait just one damn second, if you think you can send in a band of adventurers to stir up trouble and leave picking up pieces to me-"
"Stow it, Gardner. You have said your piece. Besides, your authority does not reach below. Go see about those orders you've been caring so much about."
Tratain d20+3=18 Tuesday December 19th, 2006 4:50:59 PM
Tratain says "I'm sure my comrades and myself are more than a match for those beasts down there, they look tough, but thier far from the toughest adversaries we've ever faced. Also captain our little band here, well most of us anyways, used to work for the Plataue City government doing this and that, still do from time to time when they com calling. We can Handle This."
Tratain looks over the area to get a sense of the place that will become the battle field. He says "Is there still a safe way down to the bottom past those things? We'll need a place to prepare, we can do it up here if we have to and then travel down, or go down past the first and prepare there if you'll let us, any suggestions Captain?"
Windhorn Posting Report Tuesday December 19th, 2006 4:57:17 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday December 15th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X X O O O Jova X X O X O Monthor X O X O X Izen X X X O X Arien O X X X X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander O X X O O
3 Missed Posts, Bad ADM Joe. Keep up the good work everyone else. We're back on Track.
Izen Tuesday December 19th, 2006 5:34:51 PM
Izen looked at Tratain like he was crazy. His long, slow gaze said all that needed to be said about his feelings at being volunteered by others to exceed his mission parameters.
Crossing his arms and standing back, he waited to see what brilliant idea the "volunteers" came up with.
Jova d100=82 Tuesday December 19th, 2006 8:07:43 PM
Jova moves his horse cose to the edge, looking dsown. With his link to Z, he can see the beasts for what they are. Moving back from the ledge, he calls for Z t return to his side.
The 2 chatter for a moment in some foreign bird squaking, common anguage. Then Z lands on the ground next to Jova.
Saying a few words, and motioning with his hands, he points at the bird.(ASF 10% beat with an 82)
Z begins to grow as the polymorph spell takes hold. Grow, grow, and grow some more. Then at a total of 9 fet tall, and weighing an enormous weight the new Z is a sight.
OOC- cast polymorph-Z is now a Roc. total time is 13 minutes.
Draax Tuesday December 19th, 2006 9:19:07 PM
Draax shrugs his shoulder at his teammates' volunteer statements, "I guess it has been decided."
Draax goes over to the soldier and asks her a question, "If we can get those things away for that pile of rumble, can you and your men get in there and see if any of those people survived?" No matter what her response is, Draax moves over to the others.
"I heard that there might be another one lurking around somewhere, so we need to be careful about what is under us. I also like Horvis' talk-to-them suggestion, if that is possible. The sooner we can get them away from the bodies, the better chance of someone under there surviving."
Draax looks over at Jova and Z as the bird begins to change. "Impressive."
Horvis - Barkskin d20+7=22 Tuesday December 19th, 2006 9:57:38 PM
The centaur watches his companion's bird change into a roc with a bemused expression on his face.
"Well, I think that I will not have to carry anyone. Maybe I should simply protect myself, instead."
Horvis casts Barkskin on himself, then stands ready to descend below the escarpment.
"How do you wish to do this? Go down and kill them all? Or try to talk to them? I think these things speak the tongue of earth elementals, if any of you can. I cannot, so it is up to you."
"I'll get myself down. I might need someone to help me prepare, though."
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 130 minutes
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Monthor Tuesday December 19th, 2006 10:22:11 PM
" First, me not want to step on anyone's toes Captain, but if there be wounded ones down there, me and me boys can deal with the creatures. Have no fear of that. And you have me word that we will find out where they came from and make sur that that they don't come back. Second, This IS a volunteer mission. Me, Draax, Tratain, Horvis, and apparently Z and his keeper J are on board as well. ARIEN! You in on this? How about the rest of ye? Third, what's the rush with going down? Draax, lobe a few arrows down there to see how the creatures react to them. Tratain and Arien, don't ye have any spells we can use to fry those buggies without going down there? Z can probably drop some rocks on them and me can chuck down a boulder or two to soften them up. Yes, we need to be carefull for survivors, but we should be able to soften them up a bit without much risk to anyone else. Fourth, what in Draax's mother bloomers name are them things anywho? Does anyone know? 'Cause if all they are is big and dumb me will fly down now and shop them down without as so much as a 'by yer leave'. "
Juliander Wednesday December 20th, 2006 1:45:52 AM
Juliander pulls and loads his light crossbow, "We could attempt to gun them down from up here... or I could dimension door a bunch of us down to fight them face to face Monthor. Which would you prefer. I'm happy either way."
Getting ready for a bug hunt - DM Marcin Wednesday December 20th, 2006 3:31:16 AM
Tratain looks down and examines what is soon to be a battlefield. Aside from three beasts he can now see that at least three of the people trapped by the logs show weak signs of being alive. [Each square is 5ft. Red dots are umber hulks. Grey dots represent survivors. The umber hulks slowly move about the wreckage. The party could approach from any side but the cliff face. Squares with logs in them would count for you as two for the purpose of movement. The umber hulks don't seem hindered by them at all, though.]
"You could get to the First Plateau by going down the Narrow Stairs" - the soldier points to the other, smaller staircase. "In fact, that's how the Mayor came here just a moment before. I'll have someone watch your horses if you like."
"Hmph. I sincerely pray to all the Powers that you know what you are doing. The hard part is not the killing itself, but saving whoever survived their attack. I know little of these beasts, but I've heard that they are cunning and have an evil twist. If you start pelting them with arrows and spells they might go against the closest living thing they can sense, either in rage or just to spite us."
The dwarf dusts his pants and says: "I'll have a few strong men standing by. When you manage to to draw them away from the wreckage I'll have them pull out survivors immediately. Let me go see to it, we should be ready in a few minutes. Just do me a favor - when you kill them try to leave their heads intact. I want to mount the bloody things on pikes and put them on top of the new staircase when we have it rebuilt!"
Jova consults with Z and considers using a Polymorph spell to change it to a Roc, but comes to a conclusion that this would greatly exceed the capacity of the spell [Dave, I see at least two problems with this maneuver: one, Roc is 18HD, and Polymorph has a built in limit of 15HD. Two, Polymorph is based on Alter Self and has all its limitations, including the one that you can't bump up the size of creature by more than one category. Hawks are tiny. Rocs are gargantuan].
[I'll start a timer since short-duration spells are in effect. Time elapsed: 0 min 0 rounds]
Jova Wednesday December 20th, 2006 5:19:46 AM
OOC_Yep read the Roc has 18 hd, figured Z would be a younger version with 15hd. In polymorph spell it says nothing about size differences. It notes all the other limitations, and bonuses.
[It's description says it functions like Alter Self, and then lists differences. It doesn't say the size limit restriction is lifted. As for polymorphing into younger versions of creatures I admit it is a very interesting idea. If you can get it approved on the Rules Center board it will be available for use in the future - M.]
Horvis - Barkskin, Greater Magic Fang Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:18:36 AM
The centaur casts another preparatory spell before venturing over the cliff. His hooves seem to gleam a little more sharply than before, as if enhanced for battle. Horvis then squawks something at Aquila and the eagle takes to the air, climbing above the party until it can circle overhead.
"Don't be scared. I will carry two, maybe three, of you down below and then engage the monsters. If none of you speak Terran, that is."
Horvis concentrates for a moment and his form blurs. His hooves shift into claws, wings grow from his sides and his human torso shrinks into his body. Finally, a griffon stands where the centaur once did. All of Horvis' equipment is gone except for the stones circling his head and the strange items once braided into his hair. Those things now cling to the feathers on the griffon's head. The griffon then crouches to allow one or more of his companions to mount.
"Thith ith whath I can thooo," the bird beak lisps. "Whoo wantth thoo rithe thown wittth me?"
Wildshape 1/9 per day, 13 hours duration
Griffon - Size L; Walk 30, Fly 80 (Average); AC 23 (touch 12, flat 20); Attack - Bite; Full Attack - Bite, claw, claw; Special Attacks - Pounce, Rake; Specials - Darkvision, Scent Includes current active spells & items
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 130 minutes Greater Magic Fang - +1 to all natural weapons, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Izen d20+25=34 Wednesday December 20th, 2006 11:31:35 AM
Izen's eyes widened in surprise at his companions' shape-changing ability. He shook his head at the Horvis-griffon's offer.
"No thanks. I can make my way down myself. I'll be down there if you need me, even if you don't see me--just hanging around."
He allowed the soldiers to take his pony. Finding his way to an out-of-sight place, he hid himself from sight (Hide 34!) before activating his Ring of Invisibility and his Winged Boots.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Using the Boots, Izen swooped up and over the cliff face, keeping a fair distance from the umber hulks until his companions were ready. Once they seemed ready to engage, he would close to within 30' of the head of one of Umber Hulk #1--call it square D7, approximately 45' up--and held position, his enchanted javelin and his rapier readied.)}
Winged Boots, charge 1/3: 5 minutes
Jova Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:11:02 PM
OOC-The spell polymorph any object starts off refering to the same effect as the polymorph spell. But it does allow a pewbble to become human, a shrew to become a manticore. If you apply the same reasoning then the alter self parameter does not comply. 2] The druid wildshaping ability funtions exactly like polymorph. A druid at higher levels can wildshape into huge sizes. Again this condradicts the alter self reasoning. Since I am not a rules lawyer so be it.
Jova notices that his magic that he had used before was not working. Z is still just a hawk. He tells the bird maybe it could fly dwn there and get a scouting report.
[Hmm, the Polymorph any Object argument is a good point. Looks like another ambiguity in the rules. For now, let's assume Polymorph has no size restriction, but no younger variants of creatures until this is approved by PTB. I'll check with Powers That Be how they want this spell to work and let you know once they give an interpretation. You can take part in the discussion if you bring this up in the Rules Center - M.]
Monthor Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:29:21 PM
Before Izen goes...
" Iz, want me cloak of the Mountbank? If you can get to one of the wounded ye can dimension door him back to safety... "
"Well, this has been going to the birds... birds, get it? Birds.... oh never mind...."
:: Monthor readies his axe and starts walking down towards the stairs. ::
"Me, Tratain and Horvis with a frontal assault, Izen has stealth attacks and rescue. Jova? You want long range support with Draax and Arien? Let's get them away from the wreckage as much as possible to let the rescue team pull the injured away. If we can, let's get our bodies between the critters and the injured. Any objections or questions? "
" Good. Okay Angels, let's go get us some! "
ooc> This work for everyone?
Monthor - Ooops.. Wednesday December 20th, 2006 10:32:00 PM
" Julie, you on frontal or long range? I'd prefer ye try to help get the injured out and provide us with battle support as needed. But the injured come first."
ooc> Sorry about that.
Draax Thursday December 21st, 2006 1:04:17 AM
Draax rolls his eyes at Monthor, with a grin on his face he says, "I guess the rest of us can join Monthor and his fictional angels." Turning to the newly formed Horvis, Draax says, "I will take a ride."
Addressing everyone he says, "The ground is an ally to these things, so as long as we are on the ground we are fighting on their terms. Also, we need to be wary of their gaze attacks turning us against each others."
Assembling for the attack - DM Marcin Thursday December 21st, 2006 5:39:59 AM
Horvis shifts into a griffon and gives Draax a ride down to the first plateau [mind you, the griffon can't carry more than 300 lbs while flying, so Draax check your total weight].
Izen disappears and gods only know where he's gone to [Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {In position where you wanted to be. Watch the timer and flying time as it takes others several minutes to descend and prepare}].
Jova sends his hawk downward to take another look at the site. The bird reports that out of the three visible survivors only #3 looks aware and conscious, but he is trapped under a log. The other two are breathing, but out cold. Number one has her leg broken in a nasty way.
Monthor descends down the stairs. It takes him several minutes. The wooden construction creaks under combined weight of the dwarf and his armor, but he manages to get down safely.
[Situation: 1. Up on the cliff: Arien, Jova, Juliander, Tratain. 2. Down on the ground: Draax, Monthor. 3. Not visible: Izen. 4. Flying: Horvis, Z, Aquila.
The beasts seem unaware of your preparations. People on the ground and flyers can enter map from W, E, or S. Those still on the Second Plateau can appear at any square in row 1, but keep in mind that there is a 120 ft drop from the top of the cliff to the ground. Once anyone enters map I start counting time in rounds.]
Horvis - Barkskin, Greater Magic Fang (AC 21; HP 126/126) & Aquila (AC 20; HP 28/28) Handle Animal d20+11=13 Bite d20+16=34 3d6(5+3+4)+6=18 d6=4 Claw 1 d20+16=30 d4+3=6 d6=5 Claw 2 d20+16=25 d4+3=7 d6=2 Rake 1 d20+16=33 d6+3=6 Rake 2 d20+16=32 d6+3=9 Thursday December 21st, 2006 8:57:29 AM
The griffon lands on the ground to allow Draax to dismount. Once his new companion is on the ground, Horvis lisps his intentions to Draax.
"I thall atthackth the backth one, clotheth to the clith. Withh Athuila."
Then Horvis takes to the air, squawking another command to Aquila that causes the eagle to circle away from the transformed druid. Handle Animal = 13
After gaining a little height above the ground, enough to clear the obstructions from the collapsed stairs, Horvis charges at his intended target. He barrels into the umber hulk, lashing at him with all four claws and his beak.
Aquila circles tightly overhead, alert for signs of other creatures joining the fight.
Position N6-O7
Actions Free - Handle Animal (Seek) Full - Charge (using Pounce exceptional attack, allowing full attack plus two rakes)
Bite - hit AC 34, 18 points (pierce/slash/bludgeon) + 4 points magical fire Front Claw #1 - hit AC 30, 6 points (p/s) + 5 points magical frost Front Claw #2 - hit AC 25, 7 points (p/s) + 2 points electricity Rake #1 - hit AC 33, 6 points (p/s) Rake #2 - hit AC 32, 9 points (p/s)
Wildshape 1/9 per day, 13 hours duration
Griffon - Size L; Walk 30, Fly 80 (Average); AC 23 (touch 12, flat 20); Attack - Bite; Full Attack - Bite, claw, claw; Special Attacks - Pounce, Rake; Specials - Darkvision, Scent Includes current active spells & items
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 126 minutes Greater Magic Fang - +1 to all natural weapons, 13 hours
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Arien - Fly (AC 17 HP: 60/60) Thursday December 21st, 2006 1:06:39 PM
Arien casts Fly upon himself and then flies down the cliff 50 feet and away from the cliff 10 to get closer to the combat but still out of range of the creatures.
Juliander Thursday December 21st, 2006 6:50:25 PM
Standing with his light crossbow ready, Juliander peers over the cliff, judging the distance between himself and potential targets before things start getting hectic. At the same time, he is looking for victims to be rescued.
Jova Kon d100=29 d20+11=24 d20+17=24 Thursday December 21st, 2006 7:39:26 PM
Jova walks over to the edge, just above one of the beasts. Aiming his left hand, he incants a spell waving his right hand in odd fashion. The beast in question is at E7.
Cast Flesh to Ston on Beast E7 ASF-10%-29 is good Hit AC24 1-230 ft,, DC21 Fort save, 24 to beat Spell Resistance
Spells 0--6-DC15--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC16--Shield +4AC-1 min lvl, Mage Armor +4AC-1hr lvl, True Strike +20 ATT, Expedious Retreat +30ftt 1 min level, Protection from Evil 2--7-DC17--Glitterdust 1-230ft/10ftradius 1 round level- Will save, Hideous Laughter 50 ft-Will Save-1 round- level-SRyes, Blind/Deaf 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Darkvision 1hr level-60ft, Knock 1-230/130sqft 3--7-DC18--Dispel Magic +10, Phantom Stedd 1hr level, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch- 1d6/2level--Gain temp hp from damage-1 hr, SRyes, Hold Person 1-230ft- 1round level- Will Save round-SRyes 4--7-DC19--Charm Monster 1day level-50ft-Will SaveSRyes, Grtr Invis 1 round level, Fear 30ft-Cone Shape Burst-1 round level-Will Save-SRyes, Polymorph 1 min level 5--7-DC20--Summon Mon 5- 1 round level, Animal Growth 1-230ft-1 per 2 levels- 1 min level-+8str+4Con- Double Size-+2AC-+4 Save Throws-DR 10/magic-Fort Save-SRyes, Telekinesis 1-900ft- 1 round level-1-325lbs round-Hurl-Will Save-SRyes 6--4-DC21--Flesh to Stone 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Bulls Str Mass 1min level-1 per level+4str-50ft(-1spell)
Monthor AC 30 (31 vs U2), HP 124/124 d20+20=28 d10+32=35 d6=4 Thursday December 21st, 2006 9:43:13 PM
Active Effects Magic Vestment (+4) Magic Weapon (+4) Dodge bonus to U2 -------------------------
:: Monthor enters the frey (T3) then advances 30' (to O3) and power attacks the Umber Hulk (U2) with his axe. Monthor pays head to Draax's warning and tries to avoid the Hulk's gaze at all times.::
(Two handed power attack at -7 to hit, +14 damage. Total attack bonus +20, damage bonus +32)
Attack 1: Hits AC 28 for 35 physical and 4 fire damage/ total damage 39
Tratain AC 32 HP 113/113 (Magic Vestment, Shield of Faith) Thursday December 21st, 2006 11:44:10 PM
Tratain casts Shield of Faith upon himself and rushes down the steps after Monthor, hopeing he isn't too far behind the Dwarf when he engages the Beasts in Combat.
Draax (AC 25, HP 143/143 ) d20+21=39 d20+16=21 d8+2=7 d8+2=5 Friday December 22nd, 2006 12:08:06 AM
As soon as he dismounts from Horvis, Draax readies his bow, but does not activate its flaming ability because he is cautious about sending flaming arrows into the debris. He fires a couple of arrows at #3, more to get the thing's attention than to cause it any damage.
Attacks: Hit AC 39 for 7dmg, Hit AC 21 for 5 dmg.
Draax OOC Friday December 22nd, 2006 12:11:56 AM
(OOC: Draax's total weight including himself and his equipment is 297lbs.)
Izen (AC 25 +5 Combat Expertise, HP 82/82) (Invisible) Friday December 22nd, 2006 1:00:31 AM
Izen accepted Monthor's cloak with a shrug and a nod. "Makes sense."
Monthor's directions caused Izen to make a few changes. He took the cloak and donned it, carefully folding his own cloak and draping it over one arm, before disappearing.
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Once in position near the umber hulks, Izen reactivated his boots as he saw the others approaching (counting that as an action within those 4 minutes). When the others launched their attack, Izen flew above and past Umber Hulk #1 to reach Survivor #1 (Fly movement of 60', double for descending, appears to be more than enough to move past the umber hulk without risk of provoking AoO). He touched the unconscious person and activated Monthor's cloak, instantaneously transporting the two of them back to the clifftop near the soldiers.}
The unconscious and prone body of the survivor appeared on the clifftop near the soldiers, and Izen's disembodied voice called from nearby, "Over here! This one needs help!"
Winged Boots: charge 2/3, 5 minutes remaining.
Ambushing umber hulks - DM Marcin Save vs petrification: d20+8=22 Concealment on Monthor's attack d100=82 Friday December 22nd, 2006 7:45:00 AM
Horvis, in his griffon form, is the first one to reach the enemy. His diving charge places him right on target. The bug under him staggers as it is mauled by mulitple claw attacks. [Shouldn't secondary attacks be at -2 with respect to the primary? Am I missing something here?]
Arien appears flying over the battlefield a good distance above the ground.
Juliander calmly studies the situation, his crossbow in hand.
Jova appears on the cliff and attacks one of the bugs with powerful petrifying magic. There is a roar of pain as the spell fights the creature for control of its body. The bug barely manages to survive the attack.
Monthor charges one of the beasts while averting his eyes. This makes striking a blow somewhat difficult, but he manages to land a powerful slash [the target has concealment if you attack it while averting your eyes]. This, combined with the efforts of Horvis, is enough to bring down #2, who falls to the ground oozing green ichor from its fatal wounds.
Tratain tries to catch up with Monthor stopping briefly to cast a spell of his own.
Draax, standing off at distance, sinks two arrows into the neck of the closest of the enemies.
Izen is still nowhere to be seen, unlike the effects of his work: the woman with a broken leg vanishes from the battlefield and appears among the startled soldiers watching the battle from safe distance. There are shouts and some confusion, but then she is quickly taken care of.
[No AoOs or gaze attacks from the enemies so far because of surprise.]
[...]
There's more of them! - DM MarcinAttack vs survivor #2: d20+11=20 2d4(1+2)+6=9 Attacks on Horvis: d20+11=30 2d4(3+4)+6=13 d20+9=11 Friday December 22nd, 2006 8:01:28 AM
The slumbering beasts wake up from their stupor. Their moves become quick and efficient. With an insect-like chatter #3 turns around and slides over to the griffon/Horvis, crushing wooden beams under itself as it goes. Without as much as a sidelong glance, with a single graceful swipe of its long arm it guts the man that has been trapped under the logs nearby. Then it turns its attention to Horvis, against whom it fares not so well [one attack hits AC30 for 13 damage].
The other bug (#1), alerted by its companion, turns around and approaches the griffon and the dwarf. Monthor can feel the gaze of its amber eyes fixed right on his face [Monthor is a subject of a focused gaze attack. As he is averting his eyes he has a 50% chance of avoiding it. If he doesn't, he needs to make a DC15 Will save or be Confused as per spell].
Then the ground starts to shake and TWO more beasts burst out of the grass like giant sharks from water! There are screams from the crowd watching the battle. The last remaining survivor screams out in fear, too, drawing the attention of the creatures to himself. It becomes obvious that unless something is done very very soon he is going to share the fate of #2.
[1. Juliander is off map and can appear on any square on top of the cliff. 2. Tratain and Draax are off map and can appear on any square on the E, W or S side. 3. Izen can place himself on any square on the W side if he spends his whole round moving. 4. Z and Aquila are flying overhead, off map.]
[At the beginning of their round Monthor and Horvis are in the area of effect of four gazes. Each forces a Will save DC15 vs Confusion as per spell at the beginning of their round. Standard gaze attack rules apply, see PHB. If they don't engage #4 and #5 this round they can keep their backs turned on them and avoid these two gaze attacks, having only the stares of #1 and #3 to worry about.]
[Polymorph is being discussed right now on the Lynn's Cafe board. If you want to use this spell or similar abilities in the future it might be worth following/taking part in.]
Izen (AC 25 +5 Combat Expertise, HP 82/82) (Invisible) Friday December 22nd, 2006 10:28:15 AM
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { The halfling Izen could feel the palpable tension of the battlefield below--but he had a problem! He needed to switch equipment!
Floating upward slightly to remove himself from the path of the soldiers attending to the unconscious survivor (5' step straight up), Izen doffed Monthor's cloak and stowed it in his magical haversack. Just as quickly, he donned his own version of the same cloak.
(Assuming that these two equipment changes are a move and a move. If not, feel free to move Izen as far as allowed back toward the battlefield.)
His invisible lips were drawn into a thin line as he tried to ignore the possible ramifications of his delay. }
Horvis - Barkskin, Greater Magic Fang (AC 23; HP 113/126) & Aquila (AC 20; HP 28/28) d20+16=28 d20+16=21 d20+16=35 d20+16=35 d20+14=30 3d6(1+5+4)+6=16 d6=5 d20+14=23 d4+3=4 d6=4 d20+14=17 d4+3=7 d6=3 Friday December 22nd, 2006 1:03:26 PM
The griffon is not affected by the gaze of the two umber hulks ahead of, not when he turns to face the new arrivals. Will saves = 28, 21, 35, 35
Horvis moves five feet to stand astride the fallen, helpless man in an attempt to shelter him from the umber hulks' attacks. His beak swings forward at umber hulk [#5], hitting the insectoid monster.
If time permits, Horvis then lashes out with both front claws.
Position O5-P6
Actions Free - 5' shift -OR- Move action to same position, if 5' shift not possible due to logs Full - Full attack -OR- Standard - Attack
Bite - hit AC 30, 16 points (pierce/slash/bludgeon) + 5 points magical fire
Front Claw #1 - hit AC 23, 4 points (p/s) + 4 points magical frost Front Claw #2 - hit AC 17, 7 points (p/s) + 3 points electricity
Wildshape 1/9 per day, 13 hours duration
Griffon - Size L; Walk 30, Fly 80 (Average); AC 23 (touch 12, flat 20); Attack - Bite; Full Attack - Bite, claw, claw; Special Attacks - Pounce, Rake; Specials - Darkvision, Scent Includes current active spells & items
Active Spells Barkskin - +5 natural armor, 126 minutes Greater Magic Fang - +1 to all natural weapons, 12 hours, 56 minutes
Spells 0 - DC 16 - Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance(2), Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try, 1 - DC 17 - Entangle(2), Jump, Longstrider, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals(2) 2 - DC 18 - Barkskin*, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Warp Wood 3 - DC 19 - Greater Magic Fang*, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth, Water Breathing 4 - DC 20 - Air Walk, Control Water, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Spike Stones 5 - DC 21 - Animal Growth, Baleful Polymorph, transmute Mud to Rock, Transmute Rock to Mud 6 - DC 22 - Find the Path, Mass Bear's Endurance, Move Earth 7 - DC 23 - Animate Plants * = cast
Tratain AC 32 HP 113/113 (Magic Vestment, Shield of Faith) 15d6(4+6+6+3+6+2+2+2+3+6+5+2+4+4+4)=59 Friday December 22nd, 2006 5:10:00 PM
Tratain stops not far from the Umber Hulks and casts Blade Barrier, In a Ringed Wall with a radius just big enough for Horvis to fit around him and the last survivor.
-------------------------------------------- The Blade Barrier should be big enough for Horvis to fit in but not much bigger, with Horvis in the Center it should also hit Umber Hulks 4 and 5. 59 Damage Reflex save DC 22 to Negate.
Tratain is in Square T 10
Arien - Fly (AC 17 HP: 60/60) 14d6(3+3+6+6+1+4+6+2+2+5+3+2+4+6)=53 Friday December 22nd, 2006 11:03:40 PM
Arien casts Chain Lightning at the Umber Hulk nearest Horivis. The stream of electricity arcs off of the beast and strikes the two nearest it.
(Chain Lightning, 53 damage to Umber Hulk 5, Ref half DC 24; 26 damage to #4 and #3 ref half, DC 24)
Draax (AC 25, HP 143/143 ) d20+21=25 d8+2=8 d6=3 d20+16=33 d8+2=10 d6=1 d20+11=14 Saturday December 23rd, 2006 1:33:46 AM
Draax takes a step and moves to T16; he activates the flaming ability of his bow before firing three arrows at #3.
Hit AC 25 for 8 dmg and 3 fire damage Hit AC 33 for 10 dmg and 1 fire damage
Monthor AC 30 (31 vs U2), HP 124/124 d100=90 d20+8=24 d20+8=13 d20+8=25 d20+8=13 d100=34 d20+20=24 d10+32=42 d6=1 Saturday December 23rd, 2006 6:39:24 AM
" OH ORC POOP! "
:: Monthor can feel the gaze of its amber eyes fixed right on his face but is able to avoids U1's gaze attack (90%) ::
[ I'm counting Monthor's Dwarven +4 vs spell like effects. Couldn't find the gaze attack rule so please add other bonuses (for trying to avoid gaze???) as needed. A nice +2,+3 would be nice :-) ] Please correct if needed) Gaze 1 24 Gaze 2 13 Gaze 3 25 Gaze 4 13
Gaze effect %34 (babbles, does nothing)
Active Effects Magic Vestment (+4) Magic Weapon (+4) Dodge bonus to U1
If the gazes don't work, Monthor advance to K3 and attacks U1
Monthor tries to avoid the Hulk's gaze at all times.::
(Two handed power attack at -7 to hit, +14 damage. Total attack bonus +20, damage bonus +32)
Attack 1: Hits AC 24 for 42 physical and 1 fire damage/ total damage 43
The battle is concluded - DM MarcinRef save vs Blade Barrier: d20+3=22 Ref save vs Chain Lightning: d20+3=22 Monthor avoiding gaze attacks: d100=95 d100=51 d100=23 Tripping Monthor: touch: d20+11=30 opposed: d20+6=17 ref save: d20+3=7 Miss chance on Monthor's attack d100=9 Monday December 25th, 2006 5:23:04 AM
Izen is somewhere out of sight. [Changing cloaks: I would say taking off a cloak = 1 move action, stowing it in haversack = 1 move action, getting out the other cloak = 1 move action, putting it on = 1 move action.]
Horvis steps over the last survivor and defiantly lashes out at the nearest beast, scoring a solid hit with a claw and a beak. A second later he realizes that an umber hulk aftertaste is going to haunt him for the rest of the day.
A second later a barrier of whirring blades arises all round him, slashing umber hulk #5 into two roughly equal parts. Vertically. [There was 5ft between Horvis and #4, so, since the wall was supposed to be close around Horvis, #4 was not affected. If he was Monthor would be affected by the spell, too. (Joe, I assume from the description of the spell that the width of the barrier is negligible, but that is open to other interpretations if you want it to function otherwise). BTW, shouldn't the difficulty of the save be 23?]
Arien sends down a bolt of lightning at the enemy nearest to Horvis, which is now #4. The bug lights up like a glowworm on a warm July night. The rest of its companions are just out of range of the secondary bolts. [Shouldn't the difficulty of the save be one higher here, too?]
Draax's arrows find their mark. Their target slows down a bit, but doesn't fall dead yet.
Monthor shakes off the effect of the gaze [if you are averting eyes you get a 50% chance to avoid all gazes, rolled separately for each. BTW, the dwarven bonus is +2 and it doesn't apply against supernatural abilities.] Then the dwarf charges #1. This puts him within reach of the long arms of the creature [AoO]. The bug reaches out and tries to trip the warrior, but is unable to contain his momentum and instead falls prone itself. The dwarf's axe, however, strikes only the ground next to the umber hulk's head [missed due to concealment].
With two of their number already gone, and the rest badly wounded, the beasts lose their will to fight. One by one, the remaining three umber hulks dive down and grind into the ground, leaving behind what looks like giant molehills [double move - no AoOs from party]. About a minute passes without them coming back and finally one can start to suspect that this was indeed a full retreat, not a tactical maneuver.
The crowd nearby starts to cheer and applaud and a group of men armed with shovels and picks starts to run towards the debris. Some of them carry litters. Soon the last survivor is carried away and the townsfolk begin the grim task of removing bodies from the piles of shattered planks of wood.
Once the spell effects die down the party (well, those of you who are standing on the battlefield, anyway) is approached by the mayor.
"Excellent work! I wish those buffons up in the fort were capable of such prowress and efficiency! Pity about the last man killed by them, but I suppose even Valdor himself couldn't have saved everyone. There will be funerals today, but it appears none of the local folk have been killed. Allow me to extend to you the full hospitality of Goodlamond!"
Draax Tuesday December 26th, 2006 6:01:05 AM
Draax smiles at the applauds, but keeps his bow out until all victims and/or survivors are moved out of the rumble. Once he is assured that everyone is safe, he puts his bow away and heads back up the lift to retrieve his horse.
Once he is back on the ground level, he remounts his horse and waits to see if the others want to take the mayor up on his offer of hospitality.
Monthor Tuesday December 26th, 2006 8:55:15 AM
Monthor kneels next to the last killed man. A small tear runs down his cheek. Yes, they managed to save a few but even the lost of one is a lost. And Monthor takes all loses personaly. These umber hulks have made a powerfull ennemie today. And they will soon learn to regret it. Monthor stands and turns towards the mayor....
" Why are ye rejoycing!!! This may not be over yet! What is to stop them from coming back?!? Gardner was right! Had we planned this better, this poor man would still be alive! "
Monthor advances towards Gardner and walks up to her. On his way there he pats Tratain on the arm and nods to Horvis in recognition of their part in the battle on the field.
" Ye need to plan in case they come back Gardner. Me would offer me help if ye are good enough to take it? The rest of the lads are, as always, free to do as they wish. "
Izen d20=7 Tuesday December 26th, 2006 9:28:26 AM
Izen floated down near the battlefield, found an out-of-sight location behind a tree (Hide 23 +40 for being invisible, net 70!), then reappeared before strolling out to join his companions.
"Thanks for the cloak," he said to Monthor as he extended the cape back to its owner. "Helped one of them."
He looked around at the battlefield and at the cheering people. He scowled and snorted with disgust. "Peasants. Pathetic weaklings." He shrugged off any congratulations with a snarl.
Tratain Wednesday December 27th, 2006 12:44:30 AM
Tratain surveys the battlefield. He is upset that one of the people he was trying to save died, but he had no way to prevent it, such a malicious act.
He asks the Captain "Have those Umberhulks ever come here before? I'd like to know what drew them here, so perhapse we can prevent them from attacking this place again."
He says to the Mayor "I'm not sure if my friend wish to stay, perhapse we could take you up on your offer on our way home? We have pressing matters that we need to attend too."
Cleaning up - DM Marcin Wednesday December 27th, 2006 10:12:52 AM
Monthor and Tratain head up to the fort, but find that it's commander is coming down the stairs herself. They meet at the base of the Lesser Stairs.
"Nice performance, given the circumstances." - her face is unreadable. "You probably saved a few lives today, but what this whole mess spells for the town in the long run nobody can tell for sure."
"Some of the beasts occasionally try to cross over from the Preserve to the First Plateau - that is one of the reasons why I keep my watch here - but that's the first time some actually burrowed under. I'll need to write a report on this and let wiser heads than mine ponder on it. On that note, exactly who are you? I believe you haven't given us the name of your group?"
"I have absolutely no idea what drove them here. Might be something going on in the Monster Preserve. Have you noticed how everything up there seems to be more vibrant and alive these days? Some of my men say that it's almost as if the whole forest was awakening. Pretty scary thought when you sit right on the edge of it. Not sure where you are heading, but something tells me there will be work here a'plenty in a short time. If you work for the City we might be seeing each other again soon."
"As for the plan, since you can't exactly drag the beasts from under the ground, there is little left but to remain vigilant. I'll have my men patrol Goodlamond at night for the next two weeks. If you could stay here for a week or two I'm sure everybody would feel much safer. I don't see how we could do anything more. Unless... some of your companions seem to be spellslingers of no small skill. There was enough magic being thrown around down here just a moment ago to lay low a whole regiment. I hear magic can see the future, maybe it could tell you if we should expect a return visit."
Nearby the Mayor is busy directing workers cleaning up the field. His booming voice can be probably heard even up on the walls of the fort. "That's trash, throw that out and burn it! We need new logs and new planks! Tear down the barn near the pond and bring it all here! Move it, move it, that's our lifeblood that's right now not going up and down these stairs! What? Uh, but of course. You are welcome to stay with us when you have more time. We don't forget those who did us kindness."
The rebuilding effort has already started. It seems that half of the town is working on it; not surprising given the amount of income that travellers bring to local inns. The head of the umber hulk that has been slain in the less messier way (by Horvis and Monthor) has been mounted on a pike as promised. It's dead amber eyes, now dim and harmless, look sadly at the horizon. Nearby wounded people are being tended to by local healers. Dead bodies, eleven in total, have been respectfully laid down near the cliffs and covered with cloth.
The crowd on the Second Plateau has slowly dispersed. The horses and ponies of the party have been led down the stairs by the soldiers. It's still an hour before noon. The sun choses this moment to appear from behind a small cloud and suddenly there is a rainbow over the waterfall.
Izen Wednesday December 27th, 2006 11:13:57 PM
The halfling looked back up to the cliff. With a clear look of misgiving, he said, "I suppose that someone should go back up and retrieve the mounts. After that--" he glanced meaningfully at his compatriots. "We should be moving on. We draw far too much attention to ourselves."
Draax Wednesday December 27th, 2006 11:37:52 PM
Draax takes his horse from the soldier and waits for the others to complete anything they are doing. "Yea, I agree with Izen; time to get going."
Arien Thursday December 28th, 2006 1:23:55 AM
"I say that we take a look at this waterfall before we go. That is the reason we left the city in the first place after all. Since we are nearby we might as well head there now." Arien flies a little in the direction of the waterfall, an inquisitive look on his face.
Juliander Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:21:18 AM
Feeling less then useful at the moment, Juliander takes his cue from Izen and retrieves the mounts, bringing them down to join the rest of the group.
The waterfall - DM Marcin Thursday December 28th, 2006 3:42:15 AM
The waterfall does not, unfortunately, look anything like the one on the painting. There is a small orchard of trees growing on the banks of its pool, but no particular tree stands out as special. After a moment of observation from his vantage point high above it Arien concludes that this is not the place the party has been trying to locate. Three is the charm then - what is left is the fall between Trojemaret and Golpherand.
Some voice the opinion that the party should waste no more time and move on. The day is still young and the group could still travel a long way today. The map shows that there are two roads to choose from now: West towards Edenmoor and North towards Windhorn Hamlet.
Izen Thursday December 28th, 2006 5:55:05 PM
"West road, right?" Izen looked at Horvis. He straightened his pack on his back and reflexively tied a slip knot in the pony's bridle as he waited.
Jova Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:02:49 PM
Jova walked down with the soldiers and the mounts. The village, if it could be called that, was uneventful. He follows the others, no desire to stay here.
Monthor Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:48:24 PM
Previously...
"On that note, exactly who are you? I believe you haven't given us the name of your group?"
Monthor: " We were formally the Windhorn Hamleteers. We were also known briefly as Monthor's Angels. Now... we wish to be called the company of the Grey Knights. "
" I'll have my men patrol Goodlamond at night for the next two weeks. If you could stay here for a week or two I'm sure everybody would feel much safer. "
Monthor: " Unfortunately, we are already on another mission. We cannot stay. "
"I hear magic can see the future, maybe it could tell you if we should expect a return visit."
Monthor: " Tratain? "
Monthor: " We need to get back to the rest of our company. Me thinks that you'll need to deal with that mayor of yours before he gets more people killed. Me don't like his style. A dwarf needs to have his hands bloody before he can lead. Me doubt that that one ever held an axe in his hand for more then cutting wood. Good luck. "
Draax Friday December 29th, 2006 2:25:08 AM
"Yea Izen, I believe you are right about the west road. ::Looks over at Hovis for confirmation.::
"I guess that narrows down the available waterfalls left to investigate. The question is, do we want to check it out now since we are so close or wait until we return? Either option is OK with me."
On the road - DM Marcin Friday December 29th, 2006 3:39:39 AM
The party gives some final words of warning to the captain of the fort, mounts their horses, and then leaves Goodlamond behind.
The western road leads in the direction of Edenmoor and, very conveniently, near the third waterfall, so the Grey Knights won't have to make a detour to examine the place depicted on the painting. The old Saferoad is very busy - with the traffic up and down the Plateaus blocked at Goodlamond a lot of travellers had to turn back and seek ascent to the Second Plateau elsewhere. Even though the road is wide and generally well maintained it's impossible to take full advantage of the speed offered by the horses, at least not for the first twenty miles.
The sun reaches its zenith and then begins its slow descent to the horizon. The day is a bit chilly, just as predicted. The Brinkwater is a constant companion of your journey, always to your right. The lands around the road show some signs of cultivation, but it would be enough to enter the forest on the other bank of the river to find yourself in the wild. Game can be seen grazing peacefully on the edge of the woods.
By the late afternoon the party reaches the outskirts of Trojemaret. The settlement sits on the very edge of the cliffs of the First Plateau. The houses and cottages are huddled together in a chaotic fasihon, creating a small maze of zig-zagging passages and narrow alleys - not a town yet, but well on its way to becoming one. Columns of white smoke rise from many chimneys instantly bringing to mind the smell of freshly baked bread. The village peacefully goes about its business. The only unusual feature is a queue of travellers waiting for their turn to descend from the First Plateau to the Lands Beyond. It is, I'm afraid, more than half a mile long.
Arien Friday December 29th, 2006 5:54:33 AM
"Well I don't know about you but I vote that we stay the night here and resume the journey in the morning, I certainly don't feel like waiting in that." The elven mage indicates the long line with a nod of his head. "Also the last waterfall is here, perhaps we can find out some information regarding it, see if there has been some unusual activity and such in the past."
Arien knees the horse to a canter and heads into town looking for an inn and a stable.
Izen Friday December 29th, 2006 8:47:16 AM
Izen shook his head slightly. "What does a waterfall have to with our mission?" he asked, only partly rhetorically.
He eyed the descent. "Many of us made it down the previous cliff without a lift. Perhaps we could again."
Draax Friday December 29th, 2006 10:14:47 AM
Draax narrows his eyes at Izen until he remembers that Izen did not know about the oak tree. He smiles as he says, "The waterfall has nothing to do with our mission; it is a personal curiosity for a few of us. A few of us are part owners of an estate in Plateau City. We did a favor for Queen Maab and when we returned to our home we found an eighty-foot tall oak tree that magically appeared on our estate. Shortly after the discovery, a gnome appeared selling paintings and one of the paintings had a waterfall with an oak tree that was a twin to the one that appeared on our estate. The gnome did not remember painting the tree and did not know how it appeared in his painting. So we decided to see if we could find the waterfall with the tree and see if it was connected to us in some way. During our search and a couple of side trips, we became acquainted with Lord Arrak which led to us being here. We put the search for the tree on hold for now, but we still plan to find it."
To the comments about whether to stay or try to make it down without using the lifts, Draax says, "I am gamed for staying a night here, unless we can somehow get our horses down too."
Horvis Friday December 29th, 2006 9:31:29 PM
The centaur (for Horvis returned to this form for the journey) looks curiously at the long line of travellers ahead of them.
"This story of the oak tree and painting is interesting. Maybe we should seek out one more knowledgeable of the fey?"
As he listens to the debate about descending tonight or on the morrow, Horvis shrugs.
"As Izen said, it is no matter to me. I can descend quite easily on my own and take one of you with me when I do."
Apologies. I neglected to get a sub for the Christmas week, thinking that I had more time to do so.
Jova Friday December 29th, 2006 10:00:24 PM
Jova remains silent, but attentive. Not used to travelling with these people, he keeps to himsaelf.
Izen (illegal second) Saturday December 30th, 2006 11:56:31 PM
"Ah," Izen nodded at Draax's explanation. He shrugged, pursed his lips, and inclined his head toward the line to descend, as if to say, If you want to go chasing waterfalls, I won't stop you.
Tratain Sunday December 31st, 2006 1:18:59 PM
Tratain says "Arien is Probably Right in his suggestion we should spend the night here. Who knows what time we will actually get down the plataeu and find somewhere to stay the night on the bottom. I think I will go find out what's causing the backup though."
Finding an inn - DM Marcin Monday January 1st, 2007 3:53:40 AM
As the Grey Knights enter Trojemaret the village welcomes them with a bouquet of smells commonly associated with civilization. In this particular case the most prominent motives are pumpkins and potatoes with a hint of goat.
It's not hard to guess that Trojemaret makes most of its gold by catering to travellers. There are more than ten inns ranging from posh ("Plateau Palace") to downright seedy ("Ffarr's Room and Board"). There are stables too, of course. In fact, it seems one could trade in his horse in exchange for a beast from the stables of Golpherand. The same service is being offered for oxen, donkeys, and even carts. Kids tug at the coats of heroes offering to hold a place for them in the line.
The cliff of the First Plateau is by far the highest of the three. It would be the most difficult to scale were it not for the fact that here, between the two towns, its slope is much gentler than anywhere else. There is no single lifting contraption; instead Trojemaret and Golpherand are connected by several winding, zig-zagging paths, some of them hewn in the cliff face itself, some leading over wooden platforms and bridges. The travel through most involves going up or down many stairways. One of the paths seems to be wide enough to be used to move horses down to the Lands Beyond. This is the one that is most crowded. A part of the cliff face nearby has been reinforced with wooden logs creating a crude slope that is being used to haul cargo up and down the cliff. The overall impression one gets when looking down on this feat of engineering is that of a handful of threads hopelessly tangled up together. People are moving up and down the paths all the time. The backup seems to have been caused by the capacity of the horse path being exceeded.
The Brinkwater crashes down the cliff face not far to the right. Its waters start their journey down as rapids of a kind only to accelerate and end their descent in Golpherand as a magnificient waterfall.
The prices are a bit high, but it seems one can pay for the stables, queue holders, stay at inn, meals, and the going downward tariff with 5 gold per person - or up to 10 if one wants to stay in a finer inn.
[If the party agrees to spend the night in Trojemaret please decide what quality of accomodations you prefer and what each of you would like to do in the evening.]
Monthor Monday January 1st, 2007 9:17:35 PM
Monthor doesn't really care about the quality of the inn. As long as the beer is good and the food passable that's all that really manners. The dwarf's bruised back side could use a bit of comfort however ( DARN PONIES!!) and he suggests a middle of the road tavern. Too poor of a place and the flees may well eat them alive. Too rich, and they will all likely be kicked out. After all, Monthor isn't exactly know for his manners and quiet demeanor.
Izen d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=2 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=2 d2=1 d2=1 d2=1 d2=2 Monday January 1st, 2007 10:04:07 PM
Izen followed the wishes of the group, indifferent as to waterfalls, inns, and anything else that was not of their mission. It was fairly clear that was how he felt, as well, although the flipping coin was the same as ever. (Results above)
Tratain Monday January 1st, 2007 11:40:05 PM
Tratain agree's with Monthor and Follows the Dwarf to the inn he chooses.
Night in Trojemaret - DM Marcin Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 4:10:46 AM
The party spends an uneventful evening and a quiet night (well, relatively quiet - the gnome next door has been snoring like a dragon) [overall cost: 7 gp each]. Getting up early in the morning the Grey Knights find that their mounts have been already led down the slopes by the hired help. The queue for those not burdened by horses is much shorter and shortly after dawn the heroes find themselves standing in the long shadow of the cliffs of the First Plateau. The morning is brisk and cold; the breath of everyone can be seen in the air. Morning mist is slowly rising, lingering only near the pool of the waterfall. The voices coming from the people working on the cliffs are muffled by it to some degree, but it's not hard to guess that Golpherand and its sister Trojemaret seldom sleep in late.
Horvis Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 8:39:14 AM
The centaur rouses early, ready to meet a new day. After looking out at the frost on the grass, Horvis wraps a cloak around his human torso. The morning suggests that it will be warmer once the sun is up so he doesn't dress in anything more. Besides, more clothing would simply get in his way if he had to fight. Fortunately, Aquila seems to feel the same way about the day. For the eagle cool clear weather is a good time to hunt for rabbits or other small game.
The descent down the cliffs is a nice warmup for the day even though Horvis is forced to join the line of people leading animals down. Since Horvis tends to relate better to animals than many people, he doesn't mind over much. Once he arrives at the bottom of the cliff, he mvoes to find his companions.
Draax Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 12:13:24 PM
Draax gets up in the morning and gets a quick breakfast before getting in the line to head down. Once he is down and reunited with his horse, Draax looks towards the waterfall before turning his attention to his companions. "We will most likely return this way if we survive our current adventure, so it does not make any difference to me if we checkout this waterfall now or on our way back when we will have more time to concentrate of the mystery of the tree. If you guys want to us to at least look and see if this is the right waterfall; I have no objections."
Draax looks to the others for their decision, but looks mostly at the members formerly known as Hameleers.
Izen d2=2 Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 2:36:57 PM
Izen flipped his coin once more (result:tails), then nodded in the direction of the waterfall. "Come on, let's get this mystery of yours solved and over with," the halfling said. "There's no sense continuing on our mission with half of the group distracted."
Jova Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 6:50:51 PM
Jova is preoccupied still. He follow the others around. Follows, ehen did he become a follower? Odd.
Juliander Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 8:59:20 PM
Silent up to this point, so as not to attempt to sway the established group one way or the other, Juliander is happy nonetheless that they have decided to proceed onward come morning. It is clear however, that the bard has an interest in the waterfall, as well as their current mission.
Monthor Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 11:04:38 PM
:: With a mug of beer in hand (likely taken without the inn owner's knowledge) Monthor offers up his 2 cents. ::
"Let's go to the falls then. Me need to have a pee anyway. The flowing water always inspires me. "
Tratain Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 11:15:58 PM
Tratain says "Aye, Lets follow the river to the waterfall. Its not that far out of the way, and we are here now anyways. Lets go take a look."
Windhorn Posting Report Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 11:20:48 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday December 29th
M T W R F DM O X X X X Tratain O X O O X Jova O O O X X Monthor O X O X O Izen O X X X X Arien O O X O X Horvis O O O O X Draax O X X X X Juliander O O X O O
Good Job from Marcin, Draax, and Izen on thier perfect posting over the holidays, the rest of us need to match that now that the holidays are over :)
Arien Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 3:24:21 AM
The elven mage looks at Monthor for a moment following the dwarf's comment about bodily functions and replies, "Might I suggest that you refrain from doing so near the waterfall? If this area has any link to Queen Mab I highly doubt she would appreciate dwarf urine in her water. I also doubt you'd want to spend the rest of your life as a cabbage should you anger her." Arien chuckles a bit at the last part and digging a bit of carrot out of his pack, gives his horse a snack.
The waterfall - DM Marcin Thursday January 4th, 2007 5:12:21 AM
The party recovers their horses and ponies and, once Horvis manages to get down (which takes him a bit longer than the rest, but doesn't have to involve using the horse trail, as he, not being so easily spooked as the horses, is quite capable of using the pedestrian path) goes to investigate the waterfall.
The roaring of the falling water grows louder and louder with every step. The air is filled with tiny droplets that cling to hair and beards and dampen clothes. The mist hangs densely over the small lake that has been hewn from raw stone by the weight of falling water. Its surface is emerald green with white foam, constantly rolling and boiling like a cauldron of an insane witch. For some reason a smell of marsh vegetation hangs in the air. This particular spot does not seem to be too frequently visited by people, probably due to the deafening roar of Brinkwater.
Those who previously took a closer look at the painting get a strange feeling - the spot seems both very much alike the one painted by the crazy gnome and, at the same time, quite unlike it.
And then the difference becomes manifest - a huge gaping hole in the ground where a massive tree must have stood not long ago. It is entirely gone, not a single broken branch or severed root has been left behind. The overgrowth nearby is fresh and unmoved, so it couldn't have been dragged away. Tiny blades of grass already started growning in the upturned earth.
It would seem that what the Grey Knights got in their couryard is the real thing.
At the edge of the pit is what looks like a small altar built out of a few stones [Druids or Knowledge:Religion DC10 Highlight to display spoiler: {A place of nature worship that hasn't been used by druids for a while. It seems that the villagers have taken to leaving small offerings of food at the spot.}].
A fox is sitting nearby on the edge of the pit, watching the approaching party without fear. It scratches itself in a very dog-like fashion and then yawns.
Izen Thursday January 4th, 2007 8:50:13 AM
Izen wiped the spray from his face and looked at the spot. "Why, it's a hole," he said, his voice dripping as much as he was.
Horvis d20+17=22 d20+12=14 d20+7=8 d20+11=23 Thursday January 4th, 2007 10:03:17 AM
The centaur looks around as he and his companions approach the waterfall. He debates, for a moment anyway, shifting form to something more suited for this wet and slippery environment. Whatever the benefits of hooves, they aren't well suited for clambering on wet, moss-covered rocks. Horvis has learned that the more capable forms are sometimes frowned upon by people in settled areas.
When the group reaches the gaping hole, Horvis' attention is drawn to the altar. After looking at it for a moment, the centaur looks at the nearby ground to get an idea of who has been leaving offerings at this shrine to nature. Or coming for the food left here, besides that fox. Survival = 22, Knowledge Nature = 14, Knowledge Local = 8 (natural 1) to spot and recognize tracks.
Which also tweaks his attention. Acting on a hunch, Horvis motions to his companions to keep back as he moves slowly towards the animal. Then he speaks to the fox in Druidic using the form reserved for addressing another of unknown power. Wild Empathy = 23, to influence animals reaction. Treat as Diplomacy
"Hakk-hok blekk, brppp. Gabble-gabble blrpp?" For most of his companions, the sounds don't seem too much different from what Horvis sounds like when eating or digesting a meal. Some others might speak Druidic and they would understand him to have said: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Well met, sir fox. Do you understand me?"}
If there is no reaction to this, Horvis will cast Speak with Animals and repeat the above greeting and question. Then he will continue, "What can you tell me about this spot?"
Draax Thursday January 4th, 2007 12:17:25 PM
Draax walks over a looks at the hole, "Well, that explains where our tree came from, but it just adds more to the mystery." He shrugs his shoulders. "I guess it back to a lot of speculation about the tree, the painter, and if it actually was sent by the queen."
Before he can say anything else, Draax watches Horvis goes over to the fox and begin making sounds. Not knowing much about Horvis or centaurs, Draax wonders if centaurs eat foxes.
Juliander Thursday January 4th, 2007 8:10:43 PM
Though puzzled by the extreme lack of tree, Juliander remains silent. Nature is not his forte... or even his cup of tea as it were.
Monthor Thursday January 4th, 2007 9:26:13 PM
Monthor crosses his legs ( he does need to pee after all ) and waits to see what happens next.
Tratain Thursday January 4th, 2007 11:36:51 PM
Tratain examines the Hole where the Tree once stood. When Izen speaks Tratain ignores him, the Halflings chaotic and mercinary attitude is starting to rub the Protector the wrong way.
Tratain sits back and waits for the outcome of Horvis's attempt to speak with the Fox. He says to the others, "perhapse on the way back we should bring a sapling here and plant it where the big tree used to be, I have no idea how the tree could have been moved, but I think we should replace it when we have the time."
Arien Friday January 5th, 2007 12:40:14 AM
"I wonder if there isn't something special about the tree itself. Maybe if we have a chance to stop for a day or two, I could teleport at least some of us back to our house and take a look at the tree." Arien looks about as he talks trying to see if something catches his eye.
The fox - DM Marcin Friday January 5th, 2007 3:34:14 AM
The absence of the tree only adds more elements to the puzzle. The party looks around a bit, but no more relevant details are revealed. The tracks around the altar are mostly human. All come from the direction of the nearby village. There are several pawprints indicating that small animals have taken interest in the offerings left on this spot.
Horvis addresses the fox. The animal tilts its head and blinks. The centaur has to resort to his magic to get a reaction.
The fox stands up, opens his mouth and starts to cough. For a moment it looks as if it was desperately trying to throw up. What comes out instead are badly misarticulated words of the Common speech.
"Was tree. Big. Old. Alive. Was good. Feed bones. Kill fear. Safe. Fox rest. Deer rest. Bird rest."
"Come old. Take tree. Is not."
"Come dark. Hunt tree. Find not."
"Food?"
Monthor Friday January 5th, 2007 7:30:38 AM
:: Monthor excuses himself and goes to find a nice secluded place to do what dwarves that have to cross their legs do. ::
Horvis - Speak with Animals d20+11=24 Friday January 5th, 2007 12:45:22 PM
The centaur looks over at the fox then pats his haversack. Horvis is searching for something suitable for a fox, maybe some dried meat.
"I suppose that I could find something for you in here."
After finding a portion of a trail ration, Horvis will kneel and extend a hand to the fox. If it won't come, the scrap will get tossed to the animal.
"Did you see the 'old' that took the tree? Or did you mean something else?"
"My companions say they they know where the tree is now. They would be interested in who took it."
As the fox eats, Horvis will try to get it to elaborate on it's earlier statement. He is particularly interested in whether the fox fed the tree bones, or if the fox simply found bones there. The mention of the tree being a safe place to rest is also interesting. Wild Empathy = 24
OOC - Is the fox actually speaking Common so that everyone can understand it, or is it only Horvis that can understand it?
[The fox is actually speaking Common and everyone can understand it - M.]
Izen d20+8=26 d20+9=23 d20+1=6 Friday January 5th, 2007 1:06:14 PM
Izen watched the centaur and fox converse for a few moments, then moved across the slippery rocks (Balance check 26!) effortlessly until he found a comfortable perch near the pool's edge. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a fishhook, a flexible stick, and some twine. He quickly and nimbly assembled a workable fishing pole from the lot. (Craft-Trapmaking, to create fishing rod from hook, line, and trapmaking materials, 23!)
Placing a bit of jerky on the hook for bait, he cast the line into the water, held the pole, and slowly drew the line back to shore.
(Fishing check--don't know what skill applies, so using a WIS check--6. Not very good!)
Draax Friday January 5th, 2007 6:45:12 PM
Realizing that the centaur and the fox are communicating, Draax becomes fascinated by the exchange and continues to watch the two.
He looks over at Tain as he hears the protector's suggestion of planting a sapling in the hole. "Actually that sounds like a good idea. I wonder if we could grow one from the tree at our place."
He thinks a moment about Arien's suggestion, "If we get a chance to stop for a day or two, that might not be a bad idea. We only had a short time to look at the tree before we left, I wonder if anything about it changed since we have been gone."
Draax turns his attention by to Horvis and the fox to see if the centaur is making any progress.
Arien Saturday January 6th, 2007 8:01:49 PM
Arien waits at the edge of the pool as the centaur and the fox talk. For a moment Arien considers diving into the pool for a good swim but sits down on a nearby rock instead to wait.
Juliander Sunday January 7th, 2007 11:49:10 PM
Seeing that Horvis is speaking with the fox, Juliander waits patiently for the outcome of the odd conversation.
Fox news - DM Marcin Monday January 8th, 2007 7:34:43 AM
"Old. Old mans. Forest old." - the fox has visible difficulty communicating complex concepts with its limited vocabulary. "Tree good. Feed bones. Feed flesh. Make good."
The animal snatches the morsel offered to it and, distracted by something, turns around and vanishes in the overgrowth.
The party is left none too wiser. It appears that whatever mystery the tree holds it won't be discovered at this time.
The morning is still very very young. The birds only start to wake up. The waterfall drowns out most background sounds, including the occasional snort of a horse and splashing of Izen's sinker.
Horvis - Speak with Animals d20+12=24 Monday January 8th, 2007 11:32:40 AM
The centaur turns to his companions and rumbles a comment.
"Well. That was enlightening."
Those looking closely will notice that Horvis' mouth is in a tight grin. Then the shifter shrugs and moves to leave.
"Interesting, at least. Right? How often do you get a fox speaking in the human tongue? It could have talked to me in it's own tongue but chose not too. Did you want to stay and investigate this mystery or continue with your journey?"
Horvis will follow along with whatever his companions have suggested. But he is trying to remember, as best he can, the unusual nature of this encounter for he is certain that this is somehow connected to the changes in the Wold that occurred during his wandering. Knowledge Nature = 24
Draax Monday January 8th, 2007 1:48:13 PM
Draax looks and listens as Horvis finishes the conversation with the fox. "I say let's continue on for now. The sooner we find out what the dreads are up to, the sooner we can continue this busy with the tree." ::Draax looks directly at Izen.:: "Since the tree is only of interest to a few of us, let's lets continue the mission and the journey that has brought all of us together."
Draax waits to hear what the others have to say.
Izen Monday January 8th, 2007 2:01:21 PM
Izen nodded his agreement to the notion of continuing on. Whether he recognized any sarcasm in Draax's comment was not clear from his usual, distant expression.
He scratched at his facial stubble and made his way back to his pony. There, at least, his distaste for the animal was apparent.
Juliander Monday January 8th, 2007 8:04:27 PM
Disappointed that they have to put off the tree investigation, but recognizing the need to move on with the more pressing concern, Juliander shoulder's his pack, and silently stands, ready to press on.
Monthor Monday January 8th, 2007 10:29:12 PM
The illmanered dwarf comes back from his constitutional and joins the others...
" What did me miss? "
:: Monthor's ready to go too. ::
Welcome to Edenmoor - DM Marcin Tuesday January 9th, 2007 7:53:45 AM
And so the journey continues.
The old Saferoad goes on and on, winding its way through the fields and meadows of the country that is sometimes called the Lands Below. The sleepy village of Vandiset passes by, and then the party moves by the high walls of Idol City, its towers glistening coldly in the sun. The heroes pass by many a man and beast on the road, most of them peasants and their beasts of burden. The sun slowly moves on the sky; the Saferoad seems to somehow dilute the passage of time, as if it stood outside of its influence. After a while a nagging feeling of deja vu comes, growing stronger with every passing tree and hill. And then there comes the shore of the Lotiphagi Ocean and an opportunity to let its waves wash over weary feet. The shore accompanies the Knights for a while, as the Saferoad picks its way alongside it. The day winds to an end and an uneventful night is spent camping in a small grove of trees. The morning of the next day finds the group on the move once again, until the heroes finally reach the ferry at the mouth of Peasblossom. The emerald green waters of the river mix with lead waves of the ocean. Turning North the group advances along the shore of the river. Shortly after noon the party reaches the outskirts of the town of Edenmoor.
The settlement sits mostly on the eastern side of the river. Thatched cottages make up most of the houses, but there are several inns that have been erected from more sturdy materials, all of them built with defense in mind. The party passes a patrol of mounted guards, armes as if for war and alert. There is a stockade surrounding the main part of the settlement and several watchtowers keeping guard over the area. This is a frontier town, a town sitting right on the verge of Red Hills. A dozen or so of ogre skulls mounted on pikes alongside the trail allows one to guess that this is not a very friendly neighborhood.
There are no more Saferoads leading in the direction where the Knights decided to go. This is where the rough part of the journey begins...
Draax Tuesday January 9th, 2007 4:24:19 PM
Seeing that the group is going to start traveling into very dangerous territory; Draax pulls up and raises his hand as he bids the others to stop also. "I suggest we ride in a marching order that best suites our little band. I am only familiar with half of this party, so my only suggestion is to have Arien ride in the middle with two people that are used to melee combat flanking him. I am as good with my bow as I am with my sword, so I can ride in the front, back, or at the sides.
Let's hear everyone's preferences and suggestions of where they would serve best and/or of a suggested marching order."
Draax waits to what the group decides.
Izen Tuesday January 9th, 2007 8:58:16 PM
The halfling sniffed and scratched at his stubble. "Shouldn't we ask in the village about boats heading upriver?" He inclined his head in the direction past the ogre skulls.
Juliander Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:06:07 PM
"I am far more proficient in ranged combat then in a hand to hand fight, so I do mind taking up the rear. Perhaps we should employ one of the local inns for a night's rest before proceeding further?"
Monthor Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:46:50 PM
" Me got point. Izen, why don't ye go find out about a boat if ye want to. Good idea by der way. Let's find some guards and ask them about this area. Like what do we need to be looking out for. "
Tratain Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:59:59 PM
Tratain Nods "A Boat would certainly be a good idea if any are heading in our direction, it could save us a great deal of time. Juliander also has a point, it would probably be best to rest here tonight and go out refreshed, its not safe beyond these roads."
Posting Report Tuesday January 9th, 2007 11:05:08 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday January 5th
M T W R F DM X X O X X Tratain X X - X O Jova O X - O O Monthor X O - X X Izen X X - X X Arien O X - X X Horvis O X - X X Draax O X - X X Juliander O X - X X
Entering Edenmoor - DM Marcin Wednesday January 10th, 2007 4:06:53 AM
As the group nears the outermost cottages the intensity of the characteristic smell of gutted fish reveals that Peasblossom provides Edenmoor not only with food, but also with its primary export good. There are lots of small boats tied to piers running along the shore, but hardly any could comfortably accomodate a centaur, let alone a mounted party of eight. The only one that seems to be capable of this feat is used as a ferry to carry travellers between shores of the river and doesn't seem like it could move upstream with any reasonable speed.
The locals shoot an occasional glance in the direction of the party, but the arrival of the Knights doesn't stir up much interest. This is, after all, a crossroads of two busy merchant trails.
There are several inns available, none of them too crowded at this time or too posh. Other notable buildings that catch the attention of the party is a small temple dedicated to the Wold Gods and a trading outpost of the Catacombs, as well as some walled-off residences, probably belonging to the wealthiest memebers of the community.
[Asking about: Gather Info rolls, please. Specify what questions exactly you would like to have answered.]
Horvis Wednesday January 10th, 2007 10:16:06 AM
Teh centaur looks at his companions before tossing his tail about.
"Hmm, looks like we'll have problems finding boats. If you want to keep your horses, that is. Don't worry about finding space for me, though. I can change into something smaller."
Before they enter town, Horvis wants to make arrangements to meet.
"I have some shopping to do before we enter the wilds. Where should I meet you? Or are some of you also coming to the Catacombs? Someone else should ask about conditions and dangers upriver, too. I'm not the best with people."
Horvis then pauses for a moment.
"Maybe we should find a place to stay before scatter across town."
Izen d20=18 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 11:18:52 AM
Izen nodded at Monthor and Horvis. "I'll go ask down by the docks. I'll come find you at one of the inns or in the store."
The halfling made his way down to the docks to ask around. Were there any boats going upriver that could accommodate seven or eight passengers, no cargo? And, assuming that there were--would there be a place upriver to purchase new mounts?
Surely, the halfling reasoned, in a trading outpost and fishing village, there would be someone willing to make a profit on such a trip.
Gather Information, untrained, 18.
Draax Wednesday January 10th, 2007 12:53:50 PM
Draax agree with the others, "Sounds good to me, let's find an inn closest to the docks while we wait for Izen, Horvis and anyone else that has something they need to take care of." Draax waits for confirmation from the others before heading towards an inn.
Juliander d20+7=20 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 7:52:52 PM
"Meet us there Horvis," Juliander points out a homey looking inn, and heads that direction, with the intention of scouting out accomodations for the group, and asking a question or two of his own. (OOC: Juliander is interested in finding out if any groups similar to theirs have been in town of late and where they have gotten off to. He is also interested in knowning more about the flora and fauna surrounding the area, both natural and otherwise. Gather Information DC 20)
Tratain Wednesday January 10th, 2007 8:50:38 PM
Tratain walks with the others towords the Inn Juliander has pointed too. After Getting something to eat and his needed rest he wanders about town observing the readyness of the guards and the towns fortifications. If there is a Temple of Domi in the town he stops in to greet the Priests there.
Monthor d20+1=2 d20+1=12 Wednesday January 10th, 2007 10:15:18 PM
Monthor, being the thirsty ill-manered dwarf that he is, follows Tratain and the others to the inn and orders a round of drinks (of course, he drinks them all himself. You didn't think he'd share did you? )
After a few brewskies, Monthor tries, unsuccessfully so ( matural 1) to ask some of the locals about the local skuttlebutt, then he tries to engage some of the local guardsmen into conversation. He tells them what general direction the party will be going in and asks what dangers they should be looking out for (GI role 12).
Arien Wednesday January 10th, 2007 11:02:25 PM
Arien follows to the inn and asks if they have baths, if so the elven mage will soak for a good while before ordering a light dinner.
Exploring Edenmoor - DM Marcin Thursday January 11th, 2007 5:34:34 AM
The party quickly finds a decent inn, the Silver Trout. The horses and ponies are stabled, meal is ordered, and those who value personal hygiene can even take a bath. The cost of the lodgings and meal comes down to 2 gp per person. Now that the group is sure they won't have to look for each other all over the town they can wander off to take care of their business.
The Catacombs outpost is here for those who wish to make any transactions. It seems that this is the last chance to do so for a long while. [If you purchase something let me know you are taking a Catacombs parcel with you. Its contents will be available once you complete the transaction.]
As Tratain strolls over to the town's temple he takes a closer look at the guards. The men go about their business in a no-nonsense kind of way. While they wouldn't be a match to a seasoned adventurer they do look tougher than your average town halberd holder. Some in fact carry themselves in a manner suggesting a mercenary past. The temple itself is a small and rather dusty building, dedicated collectively to all of the Wold Gods, with each one having a separate altar. The largest belongs to Flower. The resident priest is a small, elder fellow, who, once he recognizes Tratain's status and his standing with his god immediately gets very impressed and shy.
Juliander is told that there are usually several groups of adventurers passing through Edenmoor each week, but most of them consist of hero wannabees and are usually not heard about ever again. No groups of renown have passed through the town in the previous two weeks. Practically all of those who leave do so by one of the Saferoads. The questions about inhabitants of the nearby lands are usually answered with a curse directed at the beasts of the Red Hills. Right now the city has problems with several tribes of ogres who settled to the North and simply don't understand such concepts as private property. There are goblins and trolls further North, too. The Red Hills in general have a reputation of a harsh and unforgiving land, and many a monster calls it home. Wyverns are occasionally seen from the watchtowers of Edenmoor, and rangers tell tales of all kinds of predators and vermin. The Culverwood is another story. There aren't many who can offer a reliable account of the flora and fauna there, because hardly anyone has the courage to venture that far North. The locals believe that the wood itself is a sentient being, resenting intrusions and defending itself with a host of creatures and strange magic. Most of what is told sounds like typical folk stories, with men getting lost in the wood only to find that a hundred years have passed when they finally get back to their homes.
Monthor gets the same information from those patrons who feel crazy enough to talk to a dwarf while he's drinking. General message is that of "when you enter Culverwood you're as good as gone". The conversation later turns to dryads and nymphs who supposedly make the forest their home.
Izen finds that practically no fisherman ever goes as far North as to reach the border of Culverwood. The forest is treated by the locals with respect and mostly left alone. There would be no place to get new mounts between here and the Cinnamon Valley.
Eventually someone says: "Well, there is one fellow crazy enough to go into the Haunted Wood. His name is Jhae, the Godless Jhae. Trouble is, he's been in a fight and right now he's locked up in jail."
Izen Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:10:22 AM
Izen found the others at the Silver Trout and reported his findings. "No one sails the river north to the Culverwood. They consider it too dangerous. If we wished to take advantage of the river, rather than travel by path through the Wood, we would need to purchase a keelboat, either from a fisherman or from the store. Either way, it's not inexpensive--probably 3,000 gold. Otherwise, it's overland through the Culverwood from here." He looked at Horvis curiously.
"Maybe we should find this Jhae and talk with him."
Horvis Thursday January 11th, 2007 11:16:27 AM
The centaur waits patiently at the Catacombs as he purchases armor. After some time, he returns to the street and makes his way to the Silver Trout. He isn't much interested in Edenmoor, or any other city. He's been in cities before and studied the few varieties of living beings to be found there. As he walks, he summons Aquila to perch on his pack, not wanting the bird to get in trouble with the humanoid inhabitants of Edenmoor for catching and eating one of the small animals that they keep as companions.
Horvis ducks to enter the common room of the Silver Trout and carefully makes his way to the table where Izen is sitting. Fortunately, none of the patrons are so drunk as to fall beneath his hooves. Standing beside the table, Horvis gestures for a pot of ale.
"Doesn't matter to me, either way. Hills and giantkin might be interesting. River might be interesting. Culverwood might be very interesting."
Draax Thursday January 11th, 2007 4:34:57 PM
Draax sits down with the others, "I do not know enough about the land to have a desired means of travel, but as long as we are able to take the horse, I am for whatever is decided. Like Izen suggested, it might be a good idea to talk to this Jhae character before we decide."
Tratain Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:16:56 PM
Tratain sits with the others and listens to the suggestions. He says "I agree, talking with Jhae might yield so usefull information at the worste, possibly a guide at best. It sounds like the boat really isn't an option. If we bought one we'd probably only use it this once. Lets just talk with Jhae and see what we can learn, and head out by horse after."
Monthor Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:26:18 PM
Monthor sits next to Draax and takes the opertunity to have another drink or three.
" Won't be so easy to talk to Jhae if he's in jail. We'll need to find out what he's in for. If it's something petty, we should clear up his debts or pay his fine. Then, he owes us. "
" Let's split up again. Half go look for a boat and half go look for Jhae. Me going on the Jhae team. Who's with me? "
Juliander Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:49:16 PM
"I'll accompany you to find the godless Jhae, Monthor. Perhaps a tale or two from his experiences might enlighten us."
Boats and dungeons - DM Marcin Friday January 12th, 2007 4:17:44 AM
Those who go to inspect the docks and look for a large boat soon find that Edenmoor does not even have an anchorage for such a large ship as a keelboat. With Maduow being the only other large settlement that is reachable by the navigable part of Peasblossom there simply isn't that much river traffic going on. Besides, the fishermen are quick to mention that there are rapids not far to the North that a 20 meter ship couldn't hope to navigate. The best vessels the party could hope to acquire here would be large rowboats, capable of holding about four humans each.
The quarters of the town watch are easy to be found: a square, ugly building complex, surrounded by thick walls and hosting a small round keep inside. Those who go in search of the guide are directed to the acting captain of the guard residing in that keep. The middle aged man is a foreigner, something that can be easily told by the golden shade of his skin and his strange accent.
"Godless Jhae? Aye, I had him locked up. Don't like him one bit, never did. A troublemaker, and cunning one at that. Up to no good all the time. Has a nasty habit of picking fights with drunks and then crippling them for good. This time he shattered the knee of our blacksmith; the man will be walking with a limp for the rest of his life. Self defense, he claims, but I've seen Jhae's work before and know he's got a nasty tongue and picks the fights himself. Enough's enough; I've planted him in the dungeon. If he keeps at it that's where he'll be spending most of his life. If you Lords have business with him I'll show you to his cell."
The prison block under the keep is not very large. The characteristic smell of unwashed bodies fills the low, damp, and dark passageway the heroes are led through. There are cells to both sides, all with a tiny window. Through iron bars one can see that about one third of them is occupied. Finally the guard points out one of the prisoners.
"Here's your man, Lords."
On a bench by the wall of the small cell sits a small, frail looking human. He must be very old, in his eighties maybe; with a slight hunch, poxy marks on his face, completely bald head, and a toothless grin he looks harmless and quite incapable of walking away from a fight of any kind, much less crippling a man in his prime. As the party approaches he eyes the heroes with a calm stare. There is something in his features that suggests a distant elven heritage. Mischevious fires start to dance in his eyes - or maybe it's just the reflection of the torchlight.
Draax Friday January 12th, 2007 12:09:07 PM
As the group looks at the prisoner, Draax moves over to Tain and whispers in his ear. "Do you think that your healing magic might be able to help the blacksmith if we need to use it as a bargaining tool to get what we want from Jhae?" No matter what Tain's answer, Draax will let one of the more charismatic members speak to man behind the bars.
Arien Friday January 12th, 2007 12:38:52 PM
"There might be a spell that can help us cross through the Culverwood much faster," Arien says as an idea occurs to him. "There is a spell known as Shadow Walk, I do not know the spell but I can cast it if we can purchase scrolls of the spell from the Catacombs. The spell creates a path along the edge of the Material Plane and the Plane of Shadow. On the path travel is much faster, we could in eight hours travel four hundred miles. When the spell ends we would be scattered a bit which could potentially cause an issue but not one that I think we can't overcome. If anyone is interested in this option I can head to the Catacombs to see if they have any scrolls of the spell in stock."
CDM Jerry Friday January 12th, 2007 2:16:44 PM
Dave T. (madjack):
Check your emails daily please.
Horvis Friday January 12th, 2007 9:02:04 PM
The centaur ears perk up when he hears Arien's suggestion.
"I can also cast a spell that would allow us to travel very quickly, quicker than that even. But I could bring four people with me, not all of us."
The centaur does not want to bother descending the stairs into the dungeon of the jail. Nor does he want to bother with turning into a form that is more able. So he waits on the street, outside the Watch's quarters.
Tratain d20+7=20 d20+1=13 d20+1=11 d20+1=13 d20+7=13 d20+7=12 d20+7=8 Saturday January 13th, 2007 9:02:37 PM
Tratain tells Draax "I should be able repare any damage he has done to the blacksmith's knee, its a very powerfull healing, but I can do it, If we are here tomorrow morning I think I will do it regardless if it will help this man out or not."
He says to everyone present, "Lets hear what he has to say, and then I intend to ask around town about him. The Captain says this Man has crippled people before, and I have no reason to doubt him. If, when I talk to the rest of the guard and some townsfolk after hearing what this man has to say I find that this behavior is indeed common for him, I will not be a party to helping him in any way, nor will I travel with him."
When the guard lets the group speak to Jhae Tratain says "My companions and I are going to be traveling to the North, possibly through the Culverwood, we have been told that you may be able to provide us with information regarding what we may expect there. It is possible that we could help you out, speak with the captain and see if we can help repair the damage you have done in the fight that got you thrown in here, but I would know about what happened in the fight you were in before deciding on any aid we give to you. The Captain has told us that you crippled the Blacksmith, and that he is not the first person you have done that to, is this True?"
After listening to what Jhae has to say Tratain will head out around town and ask the guards, the blacksmith and other inhabitants about Jhae. If what Tratain learns confirms that this man just likes to fight and hurt people for fun Tratain will not help him. If the stories are not true or there is some reason behind his actions and there is a possibility of rehabilitating him Tratain will help then.
--------------------------------------------- Sense Motive Check for listening to Jhae's Story - 20 Gather Information Checks to find about about Him in town - 13, 11, 13 Sense Motive for those Gather Information Checks 13, 12, 8
Izen Saturday January 13th, 2007 10:11:03 PM
Izen sized up the old man. A sly smile crept to the corners of his mouth, and he nodded silently to himself.
He remained silent ... for the time being.
Monthor Sunday January 14th, 2007 10:22:32 PM
"Gee Weez... me went from being 'illmanered' to being a 'Lord'. Must be me lucky day, right boys?"
:: Monthor leans up against a wall and waits for the others to interogate Jhae. ::
The Godless - DM Marcin Monday January 15th, 2007 6:05:56 AM
The party considers using travel magic to cross the vastness of Culverwood. That would certainly simplify the next leg of the journey a lot. What needs to be taken into consideration, however, is that counting mounts, familiars, and animal companions, the number of beings in the group approaches twenty.
Tratain's remark about healing the blacksmith brings out a huge smile on the face of the guard. "Bless you, m'Lord! I can have the man report to you tomorrow morning if you like. That would be a noble gesture for sure, as he'd never be able to afford such healing himself!"
Back in the dungeon, Jhae answers the questions:
"What's that, sonny? You're going into Culver? Written up your will already, have you? You think maybe <we are young, we are strong, we can take on anything these woods can throw at us>? Well think again. You know nothing of the Haunted Wood, sonny, if you ask me what to expect from it."
"The Culver is unpredictable. To some men sweet and caring, to others indifferent and cold, and yet others it leads to an unmarked grave. Pretty much like the dear wife of our jailer here."
"That's it, it's bread and water for you only this week."
Jhae ignores him. "There is no rhytm or reason to it, either. For me, one time it was a stroll through sunny glades and meadows, and another time I had barely made it out with my life. Only one thing is sure: the greater you are, the more ripples you make in the Wood. A simple hunter might get away with prowling its outskirts every day. But you kids, pushing into the Forest with your flashy swords and spells and magic... Oooh, the Culver is going to push back good."
"Still, some things can be predicted. You are going up the Peasblossom, right? At this time of the year that's the realm of the Star Queen. You run into fae folk in there, you take nothing from them, hear? No food, no drink, no shelter, no advice, nothing."
"As for me, I'm bad to the bone." - the old man cackles. "True, I have crippled many a man in this town. Serves them right, all of them. Each one struck the first blow. In my days kids knew to respect their elders. Good thing old Jhae's still around to serve some poetic justice, eh?"
Monthor: "Gee Weez... me went from being 'illmanered' to being a 'Lord'. Must be me lucky day, right boys?"
"Don't be surprised, junior. Around these parts the two more often than not go together."
Tratain does not sense any obvious lies in the words of the prisoner. Later, after questioning the citizens of Edenmoor a bit about him, he learns that he appeared in the town for the first time about six years ago. He would stay for a few months and then be gone for half a year or so. The man has an opinion of a nasty troublemaker who often will go out of his way just to spite someone. He has no friends or relatives anyone would know of. Regarding his fights, his victims were usually rough-around-the-edges bully types, as well as quite a few adventurers. Most claim that it was Jhae's caustic tongue that started trouble every time. The nickname of "Godless" stuck to him as he was never shy to express his disdain for all divines.
Izen Monday January 15th, 2007 2:29:07 PM
Izen nodded at Jhae's words. "Get yourself out of here, old man," he said quietly. "This is no place for someone ... like you."
He waited to discuss with the others until they were back in the Silver Trout.
"Which way?"
Juliander Monday January 15th, 2007 7:46:45 PM
Speaking to his friends, but to be heard plain as day, "He offers nothing of use, and his crimes are plain. I say we are likely done here, unless Jhae can prove his value in some other manner."
Horvis Monday January 15th, 2007 9:21:07 PM
The centaur continues to loiter outside the Watch's quarters. Towns and cities depress Horvis, with how a few forms of life far outnumber all others. Woods or meadows, the sea or the jungle, all are more interesting to Horvis.
Draax Monday January 15th, 2007 9:40:57 PM
Draax agrees with Juliander, "The advice about the fairies might come in handy, but everything else was nice to know information. I do not think he will be able to help us unless he is willing to guide us or have a map. I doubt that either of those are the case and I am not sure that I would want him with us if he was willing." Draax listens to what the others have to say.
Tratain Monday January 15th, 2007 10:01:10 PM
Tratain says "Lets leave in the Morning through the Culverwood, we've had some dealing with the Fey before. They also shouldn't be outright hostile like the clans of Ogres and Orcs and other Creatures that live in the Red hills."
In the Morning Tratain will Cast Regenerate on the Blacksmith, with a little admonishment for getting in brawls, And then head out with the others.
Arien Tuesday January 16th, 2007 1:31:19 AM
"Perhaps not violently hostile, no. That said I'd be far more cautious with the fey than I would be with an Ogre or an Orc, they won't try to trick you; just bash in your head and take what you have. I'd almost rather that we skirted their domain if possible."
Preparing to leave - DM Marcin Tuesday January 16th, 2007 3:51:21 AM
Morning comes and Tratain fixes the blacksmith's knee. The man, thoroughly grateful and praising him to high heavens, leaves in tears of joy.
Not surprisingly, less than an hour later a crowd of more than a hundred people is gathered under party's windows.
"Help me, in the name of Domi! I can barely walk and have a family to feed!" "My baby's been sick for two years now!" "Please, have mercy! I lost my arm and have to beg for food!"
A hundred faces, all of them hopeful, all of them desperate; a hundred voices, most crying out the name of Domi.
The Knights get ready to depart. The mounts are taken out from stables and saddled, the provisions packed up, the tabs settled.
[The party decided to cross the Culverwood by land while going along the shore of Peasblossom, is that correct? Which bank would you prefer, eastern or western? If you are making a transaction in the Catacombs please post that you are taking a parcel along with you.]
Horvis Tuesday January 16th, 2007 2:58:20 PM
The centaur joins with his companions at the Silver Trout. When Horvis hears of their plans to travel through the Culverwood, he shrugs. As he mentioned before, either route would be new ground for the druid and allow him to see new creatures. The stories of the fey concern him a little, but not over much.
The crowd of people outside the inn is more bothersome than a threat. Unfortunately, Horvis has not prepared any healing spells so eh cannot give the crowd what they want. From the looks of it, Tratain would be busy for weeks if he tried to heal everyone here.
Izen Tuesday January 16th, 2007 3:45:49 PM
Izen sniffed with disdain at those begging for aid. "Peasants," he muttered quietly. He was visibly relieved to be past them.
"So, along the river, then?" he asked of the others.
Arien Tuesday January 16th, 2007 6:11:59 PM
Arien shakes his head sadly at the cries for aid but knowing that they can't help everyone Arien readies to leave and suggests that the follow the Eastern shore for no particular reason.
Draax Tuesday January 16th, 2007 7:57:27 PM
Draax looks at Tain's new fan club standing outside of their inn. He feels bad that so many people's hope were raised only to be let down, but he is sure that every small town in the area is bringing people hoping to get any illness healed. He gets on his horse and heads out with the others.
Monthor Tuesday January 16th, 2007 9:00:02 PM
Monthor stands next to Arien and Tratain observing the masses pleading for help. He's seen this kind of thing before. A cleric shows up to a poor town and the locals come beging for healing. It saddens him to see this and he wonders why none of the clerical orders haven't set up shop down here.
Knowing the answer before he even asks... Monthor wonders out loud... " Could we stay a few days? Between Tratain and Horvis, we could help some of these people. "
" The Eastern shore works for me. "
Juliander Wednesday January 17th, 2007 1:32:25 AM
Juliander remains silent, as they move through town in preparation to leave. He follows whichever path the knights choose to travel.
Borders of Culverwood - DM Marcin Wednesday January 17th, 2007 7:38:49 AM
The general consensus seems to be that the party should leave. And so, on a grey morning, the Knights pack up and leave the town of Edenmoor heading off along the eastern bank of Peasblossom in the northernly direction.
The countryside is farmland at first, though most buildings are grouped together and have at least some basic defensive qualities. The cultivated stretches of land soon end, however, and the party finds itself travelling through what can be described as an overgrown steppe. The land is quiet and somehow a feeling of sadness and deep, longing sorrow hangs in the air. So much blood has sunk into the earth here that the very hills have become grim and dark.
The Peasblossom is the only patch of vivid color within eyesight, its emerald waters flowing tirelessly down to the ocean. The horses constantly slow down by themselves and need to be giddied up.
At noon the Knights can already see a thin black line at the horizon. It widens with every hour, until late in the afternoon it finally reveals itself to be the borders of the Culverwood.
The trees stand dark, silent, and motionless, like ranks of some ancient army frozen just before battle. The air here smells different - a strange fresh aroma hangs in the air, resembling that of pine sap. The sun glistens on the leaves of the trees.
[Travelling into Culverwood: I'll need a marching order, any spells in effect on the party while it travels, any special precautions taken while moving, position of familiars/animal companions/etc, and any other relevant details.]
Izen Wednesday January 17th, 2007 8:54:39 PM
"I can ride 'point,'" Izen offered. "Although the woods are not my specialty."
Izen retained his usual, deceptively casual habits of observing his surroundings as they went (Listen, Skill Mastery, 30; Spot, Skill Mastery, 27).
Monthor Wednesday January 17th, 2007 10:01:20 PM
Active effect - Magical vestment (+4) from Tratain. - Magical Weapon (+4) from Tratain.
===================
" Me next behind Izen then. "
Juliander Thursday January 18th, 2007 1:12:19 AM
Juliander takes up a post at the rear of the party. Silently wary of his surroundings, he carries his crossbow ready and loaded in his hands.
Arien (Mage Armor) Thursday January 18th, 2007 1:25:05 AM
Arien takes a moment to cast Mage Armor upon himself then finds a spot towards the middle of the party.
The Culverwood - DM Marcin Thursday January 18th, 2007 5:08:36 AM
The trees of Culver are huge. Ten men holding hands would not be enough to surround some of them. The forest is still and full of shadows. It's easy to get a feeling that one is walking in a giant temple.
The party follows a game trail along the Peasblossom. The ground is generally firm, but every now and then there is a stream joining the river. It usually takes a better part of an hour to cross one of these and quite a few of the Knights are forced to ride with their boots completely soaked through.
Initially the only animals that can be seen are small spiders waiting in their webs high among the branches of the trees. Later, though, the party starts to notice birds: sparrows, magpies, robins, and many other.
Every now and then a large bird of paradise, glittering with all the colors of the rainbow can be seen perched high on a tree, watching the Knights impassively with its dark, beady eyes, it's ridiculously long tail hanging like a cloak of an emperor.
A few hours later the party gets the feeling that there are actually only two birds that watch their progress: one with a green and red head, the other with a blue one speckled with dots of yellow.
Night comes and the party makes camp. Sleep overtakes everyone quickly. Those standing watch can hear, when they strain their ears, a sad, haunting tune being played on pipes just on the verge of their hearing.
The morning comes and pours green light into the forest. The journey resumes.
Soon after departing the campsite the trail the party has been following leads them to two mighty trees. A huge boulder rests between them, placed horizontally on their branches, forming a giant gate. The birds of paradise are here, waiting for the Knights, one sitting on a low branch of each tree.
As the group comes closer to the spot a mouth of stone forms on the boulder and speaks out a verse in some strange tongue. The voice is feminine and pleasant to hear; the words it says sound almost like music. Somehow, as they echo in the ears of the Knights, they become a phrase in the language native to those who hear them:
"Culverwood has always been The domain of blessed Star Queen. Pay her toll to pass this way: Memories of your next day."
Draax d20+7=15 Thursday January 18th, 2007 7:19:41 AM
Draax will ride flanking Arien. He looks at and listens to the magical mouth on the boulder before scanning the local area for signs of the ones that he knows are watching them (spot check 15). While he continues to scan their surrounding, he speaks to the rock. "And what is the price of passage?"
Izen Thursday January 18th, 2007 9:33:09 AM
"'Memories of your next day,'" Izen echoed. He squinted at the stone. "And so we are to forget what happens to us the rest of the day, until this time tomorrow? Eh." He scratched at his stubble, then shrugged. "I suppose I trust myself enough. All right, I'll pay the price--I hope that price includes safe passage through the borders of the Queen's realm."
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+11=27 Thursday January 18th, 2007 10:26:28 AM Please accept my apologies - I intended to post last night from home and couldn't connect.
As the group prepares to leave Edenmoor following the Peasblossom River, the centaur makes ready to travel. He intends to send a letter of complaint to the Catacombs management over the tardy service he didn't receive while in Edenmoor. He is still waiting for a delivery from the magical shop.
"I will fly overhead to keep watch on our trail, both ahead and behind." While some members of the party worry about a flying centaur hovering overhead, Horvis shifts into the form of a giant eagle. Once settled in his new form, the shifter casts some spells. His talons and beak gleam brightly after the first spell but the second spell seems to have little effect on the great bird.
"Would you like to be able to move without leaving a trail? I can do that if you like." Pass without Trace offered to companions, good for 13 PC's, companions, mounts, etc.. If you want it, include in next post.
Horvis takes to the air to fly over the party, watching for threats both airborne and on the ground. Aquila is flying somewhere close by, both hunting for food and scouting. When the party comes to the fey gate, Horvis will spiral down to land near them in order to hear the words. As he does so, he scans the surrounding area for threats. Spot = 27, including giant eagle's +4 racial bonus
Horvis had hoped to learn more about the fey creatures of the Culverwood but if that is the price of safe passage, he is willing to pay. The fey may simply confound the party or they may place dangers in their path if the party attempts to travel without paying the toll.
Monthor Thursday January 18th, 2007 11:35:23 AM
:: Monthor shakes his head and sighs deeply. ::
" Are ye all daft? We are to take nothing from the feys. Remember what the old man said? 'No food, no drink, no shelter, no advice, nothing.' We can make our own way without their help. If danger there be, then danger we face, and danger we defeat. "
Juliander Thursday January 18th, 2007 8:56:05 PM
"Dear Monthor... we do not plan to take anything... but leave something. The price of passage, if reasonable, should be paid out of respect. Here birds... what is the price you speak of?"
The Toll - DM Marcin Friday January 19th, 2007 3:21:38 AM
[Previously:]
Seen from above, the Culverwood is just a sea of deep green. The presence of such a splendid cover allows most smaller birds to spend their entire lives below the canopy of the trees. This, in turn, has forced the predators below, too, so Horvis and Aquila are quite alone up there. There is, of course, the potential risk of losing the rest of the party, too.
[Now:]
The group does not spot any hidden onlookers. The only prominent beings around are the two birds of paradise. Both are sitting calmly on the branches. There is nothing unusual in their behavior, but something in their eyes just hints at someone watching the Knights through them.
The party asks about the toll. There is a short pause, and then the stone mouth recites in the same manner as before:
"Memories of their next day Is the toll that mortals pay. All must pass through gate to seal Your agreement to the deal."
Monthor Friday January 19th, 2007 7:58:36 AM
" Me still say that taking anything from the faes, even in trade for safe passage, be dangerous. Plus, If we learn anything during this "next day" that's crucial to our mission, we won't get to remember it. Memory is a previous thing and me be concern that even a day's worth is to high and dangerous a price to pay.... Hey, that rhymed!!"
Horvis Friday January 19th, 2007 9:30:00 AM
The giant eagle settles his wings and cocks his head while listening to his companions. Horvis voice is recognizable but lisps from his beak.
"I don'th threally know whath thath Jhae fellow thold you. Gifts from the fae often twist in the hand. But the fae do keep bargains that they make though sometimes the price is greater than suspected."
"I will follow the group's decision. Without knowing what will occur in the next day, we do not know the true price of this toll. Perhaps someone can negotiate with whoever speaks through these birds?"
Arien (Mage Armor) Friday January 19th, 2007 10:40:25 AM
"I'm hesitant to pay this toll, our memories are what make us who we are and to trade them away we lessen ourselves. It may take us deeper into the wood but I would suggest simply going around the domain of the Star Queen if we can." Arien eyes the stone mouth and the birds warily.
Izen Friday January 19th, 2007 2:24:02 PM
Izen pursed his lips and crossed his arms, waiting the group's decision. His expression clearly said, we're damned either way, so make your choice.
Draax Friday January 19th, 2007 5:49:13 PM
Draax sighs, "I do not like this either. It is too cryptic and could mean what we are guessing it means or it could mean something else. Agreeing to any term without an explanation is not something I want to do. It says what we have to pay, but not how we will be required to pay it. It could be asking us to give up our memories or to tell them about everything that happens. They can take them by magic or my some physical means. If it is possible to go around, I vote we go around."
Juliander Sunday January 21st, 2007 7:31:35 PM
"There may be a way... assuming that we happen upon some critical information, that we can remind ourselves. However, we'll never have that opportunity if we don't go. I for one, am willing to take the risk."
Tratain Sunday January 21st, 2007 11:02:28 PM
Tratain says "If we have to make this deal to pass though the forest, then the solution will be quite simple. If we're going to lose our next days memories, we just sit somewhere for the day and do nothing, that way theres no chance that we learn something we might need later and then have those memories taken away. I for one will accept, how about the rest of you?"
The gate - DM Marcin Monday January 22nd, 2007 4:06:42 AM
The cryptic words and an offer of a deal that the party does not fully understand stops the progress of the Knights. While most wish to bypass the realm of the Star Queen some are quite willing to agree to the offer and risk the passage.
The birds look on impassively. Some kind of decision needs to be made if the group is to continue on its way.
[Feel free to mulitpost if needed to make a decision.]
Horvis Monday January 22nd, 2007 11:34:31 AM
The centaur stands by while his companions discuss the price of passage.
"What do we know of the extent of the domain of the Star Queen? If we chose to detour around, how much extra distance must we travel? I suspect that we would need to leave the Culverwood and travel through the Red Hills."
Horvis abstains from any vote, allowing his companions to decide.
Draax Monday January 22nd, 2007 12:01:17 PM
Draax says. "I have no problem with giving up a day's memory. The problem I have is that we are only guessing at what we will be required to give up or how it will be taken. It might only mean that we will not remember anything that happens while we are in their land. The whole point is that we do not know what it means. Truthfully, I do not believe anything harmful will happen to us, but I do not like agreeing to blind contracts. I will go along with the consensuses of the group, but I vote to go around no matter how long it takes us."
Monthor Monday January 22nd, 2007 12:03:09 PM
" Me stand by my previous vote. We take nothing from the faye. Even if we have to give something first in return. If we have to travel further then so be it. "
Izen Monday January 22nd, 2007 1:40:49 PM
Izen shrugged. "Fine," he commented, then adjusted his pack on his shoulders. "Let's go. It's a long ride to the Red Hills."
He looked back at birds and gate for a moment, and, with a knowing half-smile, tipped his head slightly in a salute before wheeling his mount around.
Juliander Monday January 22nd, 2007 8:21:24 PM
"Whatever happened to heroic deeds done... and outwitting your opponent... and all of that good stuff? I still say we take the fey at their word and stick it to them in the end. However, if the whole of the group is against me, I'll not be foolish enough to go it alone."
Jova Kon Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 3:11:09 AM
OOC- I apologize to the group, the telephone line has been down in my area due to the cold weather. Hopefully they are fixed now.
Jova speaks from the rear of the group. "Since we are in no real rush to get where we are going, lets go around. Cryptic messages never seem to work out for the best, for the adventurer. And as Monthor says, dont take anything from the fey. So we wont get any loot for our troubles, if they come, in there."
Going around - DM Marcin Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 7:22:14 AM
With most of the party either abstaining or voting for a detour, Juliander is the only one willing to go on, but remarks that he is willing to accept the decision of the rest of the Knights.
A detour, then.
Some mention the Red Hills. If the party is to head in that direction the first leg of the journey will be easy to plot - just head East until the group exits Culverwood. But then the Knights will have to traverse the territories of the Goblin Lords.
[Right now the party is halfway between the southern edge of Culver and the settlement known as Troll. The group will need a new plan of travel. Glad to see you back, Dave!]
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:10:38 AM
Nodding to the group's decision, the shifter rasps out a comment after a moment's thought. "Would it not be better to return and take the road to the north coast, rather than trying the Red Hills? It does not matter to me, since a mile by air is the same in any direction, but it may to you."
After that, the giant eagle takes to the air and circles until he is once more flying over the party. Aquila joins Horvis to scout around the party as they head towards the edge of the Culverwood.
Izen Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:19:27 AM
Izen allowed one of the more knowledgeable members of the group lead him and his mount eastward, while he maintained his usual vigil (Listen, skill mastery, 30; Spot, skill mastery, 27). His fingers knotted and unknotted a piece of twine as they went.
"Who knows about the Red Hills?" He asked.
Arien (Mage Armor) Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 3:23:48 PM
"I'd rather not have to go the long way if at all possible, perhaps we can get more information on this deal that way we can make a more informed decision."
Arien looks at the birds and speaks directly to them, testing to see if something is truly watching through them. "As I'm sure you have heard most of us are reluctant to make this deal. Perhaps with more information we might be more inclined to accept such a bargain. I ask, how are these memories to be collected? Will we keep our memories as well or will we forget about the days worth of memories you wish? What will be done with the memories once they have been collected?"
Arien glances back at the others, hoping for an answer to his questions.
Draax Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 6:39:06 PM
Draax begins to turn his horse around when Arien begins to talk to the birds. He stop in mid turn and turn his attention to the birds; wondering if anyone is going to answer or at least make their intentions more clear. He figured since they can actually see that the group is not willing to play by their initial rules, maybe they will be willing to refine them.
Jova Kon Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 8:05:22 PM
"As Our test, i think we can gather more intel amongst the Goblin hordes, than with the fey. Seems to me a short cut is no choice at all. Jova moves his horse to leave.
Juliander Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:02:22 PM
Frustrated at the apparent caution of the rest of the group, which is spoiling his sense of adventure, Juliander remains silent while Arien converses further with the birds.
Monthor Tuesday January 23rd, 2007 10:18:35 PM
" Me vote for goblins too. They're less filling AND they taste great. "
" At least with the goblins it's gonna be a straight up fight. Me don't trust faes. They're worst then elves. "
One more question - DM Marcin Wednesday January 24th, 2007 4:16:37 AM
The answer to Arien's question comes from the stone mouth on the boulder.
"This deal's purpose: to defend Those who abide in this land. You shan't go to lands of Dread With Queen's secrets in your head. Pass through here today you may, But remember not next day. It's the gates that watch your mind And keep memories behind."
[Looks like there are still divided opinions on what to do next.]
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Wednesday January 24th, 2007 9:02:18 AM
The giant eagle circles overhead when he sees that his companions haven't left. Fortunately, it's a nice day for flying so Horvis doesn't mind lingering.
OOC - Horivs has no way of hearing what the Magic Mouth said, so he is simply waiting for his companions.
Izen Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:01:19 AM
Izen continued on with the others toward the Red Hills. He nodded and smiled at Monthor's words. "Perhaps we can trust ourselves enough to forget a day, but I agree that there's a risk of fey mischief whose significance we might realize later, at an inopportune time. Doesn't seem secure."
"Goblins, giants, and ogres, then."
CampaignDM Jerry Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:21:42 AM
I need the ADM to post the report from last week please. Email me when this is done. I will be checking this off my to do list.
Tratain Wednesday January 24th, 2007 4:56:21 PM
Tratain listens to Ariens question and the answer it gives. He says "we have had dealings with the Fey Queen Maab in the past, it doesn't sound like the fey here mean us any harm. I'd like to know how they know that we are heading into the Lands of the Dread though. It really sounds like they are offering us safe passage through thier lands, but we won't remember what happens there. Its probably safer that way also, if we don't know they passageways through the Fey lands there's no way we could relate that information to the Dread if things go Poorly."
Tratain finishes talking to his companions and the birds watching "As long as they promise to only take the memories we have of the Fey lands as we travel through the woods tomorrow I have no problem with that and say we take them up on the offer. Thats how I feel, but will stick with what the group decides."
ADM Joe Wednesday January 24th, 2007 5:02:23 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday January 19th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X O O O X Jova O O O O O Monthor O X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien X X X O X Horvis X X O X X Draax X X O X X Juliander X X X X X
Sorry for being late again. No posts from Jova all week, my posting wasn't great either. Everyone else did really well, keep it up.
Arien (Mage Armor) Wednesday January 24th, 2007 7:28:10 PM
"Should we return from the lands of Dread safely and pass this way again might we have our memories returned to us?" Arien looks at the others and says, "It sounds like they are more interested in protecting their lands from the Son's of Dread rather than just taking our memories, if so I would not mind paying the price as it would save us quite a bit of time."
Monthor Wednesday January 24th, 2007 8:53:37 PM
" No. "
" But as usual, Me'll go with the majority. "
Draax Wednesday January 24th, 2007 10:28:46 PM
Draax is surprised that they actually answered Arien; he does not know if that is a good or bad thing. "Hmm, it goes against my better judgment, but since they somewhat explained the reasoning behind this mind wipe. I doubt if a lost day will really hurt me much. I just wonder what it will do to you guys that have spells in you head? Ok, if you guys are willing to taking the shorter route through their land, I guess I will too. The only good thing about of this is that no one will probably remember enough to say I told you so."
Juliander Thursday January 25th, 2007 12:58:20 AM
Juliander's mood immediately brightens at this renewed interest. However, not wanting to jinx his chances to see the fey lands, he remains silent, allowing the more experienced members of the group to make up their minds.
Indecision, part II - DM Marcin Thursday January 25th, 2007 4:57:01 AM
Once again the stone mouth speaks:
"Future, past - both have been seen By the mystic sight of Queen. Dragon that is known to us Left his pawprints in your past. Future is a thousand gates Yet there his enemy waits. Memories are lost for good Offers to the sentient Wood."
[Folks, may I suggest that over weekend you work out some kind of decision making process? I can't take you either way right now without overriding the will of part of the group.]
Jova Thursday January 25th, 2007 6:05:42 AM
"I figure they know more than they say. I do not wish to enter. I joined you as a group decision and there fore will abide by the decision of the majority. One more question all should ask of themselves, what arethese creatures getting for our passage? Why do they even give the offer? Seems to me they could rob us blind of our possessions, and we wont remeber a thing. Worse yet, since we would agree to this, we would have no recourse.
"I vote no."
Monthor Thursday January 25th, 2007 8:26:37 AM
" And again, no. Let's take our chances with the goblins. "
ooc> Really guys. A week to make a decision? What are we? Civil servants? Oh wait, I am one.....
Izen Thursday January 25th, 2007 9:03:55 AM
"I agree with Monthor," the halfling added. "Even though I trust myself, I don't like not knowing what happened. I ... have some experience with that. It's not good." The halfling frowned and rubbed the engraved initials on the side of his pack, but did not elaborate.
"I say we go around."
Draax Thursday January 25th, 2007 12:19:28 PM
Draax looks at the others, "Well I guess that decides it. I think letting someone take from your mind is not something you should let happen because you were willing to go along with everyone else. If everyone does not agree to go in, then we have to go around. Everyone needs to be willing to take the risk and obviously that is not the case here." Draax turns his horse around and begin heading in the direction to take the other route. "OK, no need to stand here arguing anymore, lets go around before we burn what daylight is left."
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider Thursday January 25th, 2007 3:43:52 PM
The giant eagle continues to circle over his companions. Horvis is beginning to wonder whether he needs to fly down to inquire about the delay.
Juliander Thursday January 25th, 2007 8:27:52 PM
"Around it is... I suggest we be off then, and disallow further temptation through the faerie portal."
Into the Red Hills - DM Marcin Friday January 26th, 2007 3:40:25 AM
Not willing to agree to the demands of the fae, the Knights decide to take another route and move North through the Red Hills. The party turns East.
The Culverwood is a maze of trees, all of them looking just the same. Without Peasblossom to outline the trail even the adept trackers in the party soon find that they have to stay focused all the time in order not to get lost. Fortunately, Horvis is able to see a reference point - a distant line of brownish gray on the horizon - the Red Hills.
The trees of Culver grow progressively shorter and smaller, a sure sign that the party is nearing the border of the magic wood. Soon the Knights can spy patches of open sky among the canopy of the trees.
It is still an hour before the sunset when the group exits the eastern border of the woods. A vast, open steppe spreads itself before the Knights, its grasses grey and half-dead. The somber, sad mood the party has experienced before comes back and seems to affect even the horses, as the animals slow down by themselves.
There are no trails in this land; no landmarks to be seen, no columns of smoke to point way to welcoming hearths. This is a desolated land and its inhabitants - the giant and goblin kin - had their characters influenced by the unforgiving and cruel soil they tread.
Now that the original route of travel has been scrapped the party needs to plot a new one.
[The map of Red Hills. The party is around the letter "d" in the word "Culverwood".]
Monthor Friday January 26th, 2007 8:01:25 AM
" Well me boyo's, me suggests that we stick to the tree line and head north. "
ooc> Walking the "red line" seperating the forest and the hills.
" At least until we get... here. "
:: Monthor points at the "m" in East Pleablossom. ::
" We can then reassess our route from there. Anyone know anything about this "Ogre" on the map? "
" We'll have to be carefull for goblins. If we're lucky, we may even find some to play with. "
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+11=21 Friday January 26th, 2007 2:21:11 PM
The giant eagle circles and then flies off to the east. Once Horvis recognizes that his companions may need help navigating, he will try to maintain a steady eastward course. As the party nears the edge of the Culverwood, he flies higher in order to see a wider field. The stories of giants, ogres and goblins living in the hills are foremost in his mind. If he sees anything threatening, Horvis will descend to inform his companions. Spot = 21
Arien (Mage Armor) Saturday January 27th, 2007 3:59:37 AM
"I'd prefer to actually make it through with no altercations but I doubt that will happen, and where you find one goblin there is always a hundred more to take his spot anyway." Arien glances about as they ride, taking in the sights of the Culverwood.
Tratain Saturday January 27th, 2007 4:37:19 PM
Tratain follows the others, he says "Arien, can you cast your Veil Spell on us, that should allow us to travel through these lands without too much trouble."
Izen Saturday January 27th, 2007 9:17:20 PM
"Right," Izen agreed. "Didn't someone say something about 'passing without a trace' a day or so ago?"
Monthor not so legal add on.... Sunday January 28th, 2007 7:26:33 AM
" But... but... but.... what's wrong with killing goblins? It's not like they can hurt us much."
Draax Monday January 29th, 2007 5:36:41 AM
Draax nods his head in agreement to the other's idea, "I am willing to go with whatever idea you magic types come up with that would help us avoid and unnecessary conflicts."
Following the tree line - DM Marcin Monday January 29th, 2007 5:40:08 AM
The party turns North and starts to traverse the steppe hidden in the shadows of the frontier of Culverwood.
The journey is monotonous and soon many get the feeling it has been going on for ages. Trees to the left, endless emptiness to the horizon to the right - it feels a bit like walking on a shore of a gray ocean. All Horvis can see from his height are remnants of old camps and an occasional yellow skull.
Night comes and a full moon rises on the sky. Small creatures of the steppe leave their lairs and scurry about spooking horses every now and then, but nothing more can be heard or seen aside from thousands of crickets. Traversing on the verge of wood and hill the party seems to manage to pass unnoticed by both.
The second day of travel is a twin of the first. It is hard to judge the distances, but in the evening the sharp eyes of Horvis can eventually spot, far in front of the party, a thin brown line of the road traversing the steppe in the westernly direction. He also notices multiple columns of black smoke rising into the air from where the road enters Culverwood.
Horvis - Greater Magic Fang, Longstrider d20+15=17 Monday January 29th, 2007 8:11:23 AM
The giant eagle circles down to the ground to inform his companions of what he has seen. Horvis will provide an estimate of how long he thinks it will take the party to reach the road but his estimate is probably off the mark. Survival = 17
Horivs lisps at his companions, "Do you wish me to scout ahead and determine what is going on?"
If his companions agree that this is a good plan, the giant eagle springs into the air and flies steadily northwards. Once night comes, Horvis will shift into the form of a giant owl to better scout silently around the fires, then return to where his companions wait.
Can't access SRD right now to get flight speeds and racial modifiers to skills, will roll them tonight - JohnP
Izen Monday January 29th, 2007 6:03:26 PM
Izen clucked his tongue at Horvis's suggestion. "You know best," he said amiably. "But there's no telling what's up ahead there. Might be best to keep your distance until we can deal with it as a group. Whatever it is might even be tougher than you are."
He smiled, as if to suggest such a thing were inconceivable.
Jova kon Monday January 29th, 2007 6:27:34 PM
As Horvis lands to report the first time, Jova takes the oppurtunity to dismount and stretch his legs. He does several stretching moves as well, to limber his back. He shows the others, if they are interested. After Horvis's report, Jova speaks.
"I have one issue, before you go off scouting again. All of us are used to fighting alone. Some of us know the fighting styles of others. When we last fought the beasts in the valley, I for one, had no idea what to expect from any one. Even back at the Stone head, when asked to what decision do we chose, none of us knew anything of each others ewaponse.
"I am sure with time we will work as a team, know each others strengths and weaknesses. I also know we dont want to spend time talking this tiff out. So i would like to propose something.
"Maybe we could pair up. Have someone to look after, and them to look after you. It diesnt really matter who is with who, we can always switch partners after any battle. Even if we wemt 3, 3, 2. It would allow better offense, and noone would be left by themselves unprotected. Think on it. As we ride, we can figure things out."
Horvis (Addendum) d20+12=21 d20+11=28 Monday January 29th, 2007 8:39:57 PM
Overland Movement - about 8 mph for eagle, 7 mph for an owl when moving equivalent to walking. Double that for Hustle
Spot = 28
As an Owl: Move Silent = 21
Monthor Monday January 29th, 2007 10:33:10 PM
" Goody, goody, goody!!!... Maybe we have some goblins to go play with?
All Kidding aside, while it's likely that the smoke is coming from camp fires, it may be that someone's in trouble. Me like Jova's idea. Of you non- fighter types can be with me. "
:: Monthor kicks his pony to a gallop. ::
" Come on girls, lets go. "
Tratain Tuesday January 30th, 2007 12:05:07 AM
Tratain says "I like Jova's Idea also, Its probably best we match people who have the same fighting styles."
Tratain continues "I think Horvis should go check out whats causing that and return to us, we can start heading that way, but we shouldn't get to close until we know what we are facing."
Draax Tuesday January 30th, 2007 12:08:27 AM
Draax gives his horse a little feed while they discuss what's ahead. "Both, the scouting and the teams within the team suggestions sound good to me."
He gets back on his horse shaking his head as he watches the blood-thirsty dwarf ride off.
Jova Kon-Second post Tuesday January 30th, 2007 3:09:46 AM
Jova is reassured as the others appreciate his idea. Then the raucus dwarf is off to battle, no surprise there.
"Any volunteers for that one?" He points over his shoulder at the dwarf, hanging on for dear life as the pony gallops off.
Scouting run - DM Marcin Tuesday January 30th, 2007 4:43:05 AM
The best estimate the party can make is that if they continue to ride through the night they will reach the road a few hours before dawn. Monthor expresses a desire to carry on, but no one else seems to be equally eager to investigate.
Horvis flies off to take a closer look at what lies ahead. It gets dark while he is gone, and it takes him several hours to get back to the group and report what he's seen.
A small, walled settlement sits on the road at the verge of Culverwood. Horvis didn't have much time to take a closer look at it, but it seemed to him that it could have been built on the ruins of an old fort, the old walls and ruined towers being incorporated into the defensive structures of the hamlet. Either way, these walls are being put to a test right now, for a large force has launched an attack on it.
Horvis counts about forty large sized humanoids scurrying about the farms outside the walls. Most are about 10 ft high, are dressed in furs, and carry huge clubs. The rough and savage features of their dark brown faces leave little doubt that these are giantkin of some sort. The night eyes of the owl spy some two-headed ones among them, as well as an occasional troll and ogre.
The attack seems to be more a raid than an assault, for the marauders are mostly busy looting the farmland and gathering whatever livestock they can put their hands on. Many of the homesteads have been set aflame - the source of pillars of black smoke the party has seen. The giants seldom approach the walls themselves, and are content only to throw an occasional boulder at them. Whenever one of them ventures too close the the fort it responds with a hail of arrows, bolts, and magic fire. The defenders standing on the walls are a varied bunch, some human sized, some smaller, with a sizeable share of giant sized creatures among them, too.
It is now two hours before midninght.
Izen Tuesday January 30th, 2007 8:31:24 AM
Izen nodded at Horvis's report. "Good," he said. "If we camp here, we're likely to go unnoticed, and we can slip by the battlefield tomorrow unchallenged. There's less chance of roving marauders bothering us if the local thugs already have their prey. All the better for us to get to the Dreadlands faster."
Monthor Tuesday January 30th, 2007 9:59:08 AM
Monthor looks at Izen and 'sighs.
" Camp? What do you mean 'camp'? There's a battle going on down there and we have the man power up here to make a difference. Me say we counter attack them from the rear and allow the defenders in the fort to make a 'sorti'and whipe out the lot of them! Arien and anyone else with long range fire power is first wave. Tratain, meself, Horvis and whoever else wants in on the one on one are second wave on a frontal attack. We concentrate on the biggest targets first. Me and me flaming axe get dibs on the Trolls. Are ye with me or are ye gonna let me go at them alone? "
Horvis d20+12=26 Tuesday January 30th, 2007 11:03:33 AM
The giant owl reports what he saw to his companions.As much as he can, he will identify what types of giantkin he saw in the raiding party and in the hamlet. Knowledge Nature = 26
"Fighting these monsters would be interesting. But it is the middle of the night and those of us who cast spells may not be ready for combat."
The owl preens a loose feather on his breast before continuing to speak.
"If we do not interfer, we should be careful on tomorrow's travels. The raiding party maybe from close by. If they are willing to attack a hamlet, they would probably consider a party such as ours to be easy pickings."
Then, the owl looks around at his companions.
"If we go, would it not be better to infiltrate the enemy and strike from within? I can assume the form of some of the giants that I saw."
"I would hate to see the short bearded one fight these things by himself."
Arien (Mage Armor) Tuesday January 30th, 2007 3:38:29 PM
"I would like to help the settlement if possible however I don't know if we can make that much of a difference against forty various types of giants." Arien rubs on shoulder absently where he had been hit by a giant previously.
"Still I would like to help if at all possible, we know what Izen feels best, what does everyone else think?"
Juliander Tuesday January 30th, 2007 9:01:55 PM
"I say we help out the settlement as best we can. Perhaps we can lure a sizeable force away from the settlement to deal with ourselves... divide and conquer, so to speak."
Jova d100=27 Wednesday January 31st, 2007 12:11:11 AM
Jova dismounts and pulls from his jacket a slender iron rod of about 1 foot in length. He begins to chant a few words, and motions very slowly with his arms outstretched.
"This speell I am casting is for a faster horse. One which will help me in battle. I suggest we attack the beasts in 2 groups, as Juliander suggests. Maybe run a decoy at them, to draw them out. I can summon other beasts to help in the fight as well. This spell will take about ten minutes, I can raise another, if someone else would like the faster mount."
ASF10% 27 good Cast Phantom Steed w/extend rod 26 hour duration
Draax Wednesday January 31st, 2007 1:23:46 AM
Listening as some of the others talks about their desire to help the defenders; Draax is neutral about the situation. He has no idea if the defenders deserve the group's help or even want it. Although he does not agree with the group decision to help; he also does not disagree with it either, so he remains silent and listens to what the others have to say.
To camp, or not to camp? - DM Marcin Wednesday January 31st, 2007 2:10:28 AM
The party is, once again, of divided opinions on what to do next. Some wish to ride off to challenge the small army of giants. Others would see it more fitting to cautiously move on. For now the party is at the border of Culverwood, some three hours of overland travel South from the settlement of Ogre [map of Red Hills]. It is two hours to midnight and the Wold, illuminated only by the moon, is full of shadows.
Looking at the maps the Knights should be aware that the crossing of Culverwood has been only postponed, not avoided entirely. Once past the battlefield the party will have to negotiate the enchanted wood in order to get to the Western Scab [the Lands of Dread are past the NW corner of the map of Red Hills].
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {Horvis noticed that most of the giants were of the hill variety, with occasional ettins, ogres, and trolls. Most carried themselves with the confidence of seasoned warriors.}]
Horvis d20+11=13 Wednesday January 31st, 2007 8:49:07 AM
The giant owl listens to his companions as they debate going to help the settlement.
"Sounds like most of you wish to help. They were mainly hill giants with some ettins, trolls and ogres mixed in. I will stay close as we approach to scout for trouble. Do you agree that I should infiltrate the giants before the rest of you attack?
Horvis will remain in the form of a giant owl to lead his companions through the dark hills towards the settlement. He will remain close enough that he is within sight while scouting for giant patrols. Unfortunately, he is distracted. Spot = 13
The shifter leads his companions to a spot that he deems close enough to the battle to spy upon the giants without being spotted. Once there, he turns to Izen and the others.
"Does anyone spot spellcasters among the giants? Or leaders of some kind?"
If the party agrees to his plan of infiltration, Horvis shifts to his natural form to remove his scimitar from his scabbard. After placing the sword on the ground, he shifts into the form of an ettin and picks up the sword.
Izen Wednesday January 31st, 2007 8:56:48 AM
The halfling looked at those advocating attack. His expression was passive and professional."How does attacking these creatures serve our mission? Does it get us closer to the Dreadlands? Does it help us conceal our presence or our approach? What does this accomplish? I'm curious as to your thinking."
He gestured at the deep black of the sky. "And how does attacking at night fit into your plans? Most of us need light to see anyway--that may not be the case of your adversaries."
Monthor Wednesday January 31st, 2007 10:49:51 AM
Monthor approches Izen and places a gentle hand on the halfling's shoulder
" Our point little buddy.. is that they are giants. We are not. And that fort is being attacked. If one defender dies because we didn't do anything then we be responsible for it. If ye want to stay back and watch. So be it. Me, me be tasting some giant blood this night. Giants kind see no differently at night then the rest of ye do. Those fires will provide us all the light we will need.
Now, There's two ways of doing this."
:: Monthor holds up a finger. ::
" One, we use stealth. The hand to hand groups spit up in two's, dimension door or otherwise make our way over to the most suitable spots and start hacking. We hit, kill, run, hit, kill, run... "
:: Monthor holds up a second finger. ::
" Two, we cause a lot of noise and draw them to us. We then pelt them with spells and arrows before engaging hand to hand. Arien is our main spell dude. And should be able to cause some significant damage from afar... right? Tell me ye got some fireballs or lightning bolts or other such spells memorized? Tratain's got his blade barriers. Either way, we take out the rock throwers first. Then we don't have to worry about rock showers catching us by surprise."
Monthor pauses...
" Horvis, can ye get to the fort? Maybe we can consult with their leader and coordinate our attack with them. If we can attack from here, and the defenders make a sorti and help us out, we can catch them in a pincer. They should also know if there be any mages with the giant party. If they tell us to go to the 9 Hells then so be it. We move on. If they want our help then we skin us some giants. Agreed? "
Juliander Wednesday January 31st, 2007 8:07:34 PM
In complete agreement with Monthor on how giants are to be handled, Juliander readys and loads his crossbow. Speaking directly to Monthor, "Ready to hunt giant when you are big guy."
Horvis - 2nd Illegal Post Wednesday January 31st, 2007 8:41:44 PM
The giant owl looks over at Monthor when he asks about getting into the fort.
"Of course I can. I simply shift into something less noticeable and fly in."
"Did you want me to do that?"
Monthor Wednesday January 31st, 2007 8:58:20 PM
" Make it so Horvis. "
Tratain Wednesday January 31st, 2007 10:37:55 PM
Tratain agree's with Monthor and says "I like that Idea Horvis, fly in and see whats going on. If you judge its a conflict we should join in let us know, if its just one bandit Tribe Raiding another we should just leave. If you think we should get involved ask what the defenders would like us to do."
He says to the others "I have some spells I can cast on us to enhance us a little and summon some allies to our aid. When we get close enough I need enough time to cast them before we start the fight. When we get close enough we need to hunker down while we prepare and go in when ready"
ADM Joe Wednesday January 31st, 2007 10:43:06 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday January 26th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain O O X O X Jova X X O X O Monthor X X X X X Izen X X X X O Arien O X X O X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X X X X O
Draax Wednesday January 31st, 2007 11:08:32 PM
Draax half listens to everything until they mention Horvis flying inside and making sure that the defender are worthy of the group's attention. Draax head lefts at and he smiles at Tratain's words. "Finally; someone is actually talking sense. I hate to say it, but I actually agree with Izen. But if Horvis comes back with news that we should help the ones behind the wall then I am gamed."
Arien (Mage Armor) Thursday February 1st, 2007 3:10:36 AM
Arien looks at Monthor for a moment before saying, "Trust me Monthor, the spells I have prepared will work just fine if we do indeed wind up fighting these giants. I suggest that we actually start moving now since its still fairly far away and then Horvis can meet us on the way there with some updated information."
Monthor illegal 3rd Thursday February 1st, 2007 7:55:01 AM
"What Arien says works for me. Let's move down. And should we find a straggling ogre or two on the way... "
:: Monthor shrugs ::
" What happens, happens. "
Horvis - Illegal 3rd d20+14=26 d20+10=21 d20+2=14 d20+5=16 d20+10=17 Thursday February 1st, 2007 8:14:58 AM
Once the party reaches the location near the fighting, Horvis changes back into a centaur to store his Ioun stones. Then he shifts into the form of a bat and flies into the walled settlement. After circling away from the combat, since it wouldn't do to be hit by an errant arrow or spell, the shifter will find a good eave or building to hide on so that he can listen to the defenders. Per the instructions of his companions, Horvis will try to determine whether the inhabitants of the settlement are good or evil. He will do that listening to which Gods they call upon and the nature of the spells being cast. Then he will look for a commander of the defenders.
Relevant Skills, Etc. as a Bat Fly 40 ft. Hide +14 (includes +12 due to size) Listen +10 (includes +4 racial bonus) Move Silent +2 Spellcraft +5 Spot +10 (includes +4 racial bonus)
Approaching the battlefield - DM Marcin Thursday February 1st, 2007 8:39:31 AM
The party moves out and Horvis flies away to do some more recon work.
With every passing hour the glow of the fires grows brighter. Some two hours after the departure the nostrils of the horses open when gust of wind brings the smell of smoke.
The top of the ruined tower of the fort appears over the line of the trees. The party slows down, not sure if some lookout isn't watching them, but the march progresses unhindered and no giant patrols are discovered wandering about. Maybe the attackers didn't want to split their forces, or maybe simply their tacticals are lacking.
Soon after that the party arrives at the scene and can take in the whole situation.
The moon is full and the visibility is good. The dark contour of the fort stands defiant against the sky, its defenders black shadows on its walls. Four bonfires are all that remains of the farmsteads around it. The giants seem to be wrapping up their attack. Their force is right now divided into three groups, with two smaller sorting through the debris of nearby farms and one larger, near the road, guarding a herd of captured livestock which consists of eight cows, several sows, and a two horses.
Horvis' flying during the time of party's approach allowed him to identify probable leader of the group - a huge monster of a giant, dressed in crude ring mail and wearing a horned helmet. The commander is right now staying with the largest group. Horvis didn't see anyone who would look even remotely like a spellcaster.
The Kinghts themselves, dismounted, are right now at what they believe is the least safe distance that still allows them to pass unseen.
The moon is full and that, combined with the fires, makes the visibility pretty good [no Spot penalties for those with low-light vision]. Flocks of crows have already gathered on the trees of Culverwood. Two dark birds circle in the sky high over the group.
Then Horvis, as a bat, flies off to take a closer look at the defenders, leaving the rest of the Knights to watch the unfolding situation and argue on what to do next.
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {The defenders are a mixed bunch of humans, half-orcs, half-giants, and ogres, with an occasional member of other race thrown in for good measure. Right now what they shout are mostly profanities directed at the looters. None bear any religious symbols Horvis can see. Judging by what they shout they will do to any giant caught, they are a pretty mean bunch. The apparent leader of the group is a particularily well-musculed ogre.}]
[Regarding multiposting: in general I don't mind if you make one or two extra second posts during the week, especially if it helps to make decisions. HOWEVER, if you do, please try to put all actions of your character in one post, leaving the other one for conversation. Also, please try to restrict yourself to one post per day when time is measured in combat rounds. Everything else should go by e-mail.]
Izen Thursday February 1st, 2007 12:43:20 PM
Izen shook his head as he gazed upon the scene. "Typical peasants, letting the strong have their way with them." His face twisted in disgust.
He pointed out the two birds circling overhead. "Don't think our presence here goes unnoticed. We're being watched--by the Fey, or someone else."
He sighed and straightened his equipment. "If we're going to do this, might as well do it right. I work best when invisible or when working with someone else to flank an opponent. Can anyone here cast an invisibility spell that stays in effect when attacking? I could use something like that. We could also stand to use a simple Message spell to allow us to communicate when separated or operating covertly. One way or the other, you might not see much of me out there."
He looked at the others, then pointed out the giant leader. "Head of the snake. Cut it off, the snake dies. I can move in invisibly while others target some artillery and the ground troops close in with infantry. Sound good?"
Once the group had agreed on a plan, Izen would find a dark spot and vanish (Activate Ring of Invisibility: DM--Highlight to display spoiler: {If someone else casts Greater Invisibility on Izen, then he will activate his Boots of Flying instead}).
Horvis d20+2=16 Thursday February 1st, 2007 3:20:41 PM
The bat has listened enough to know that he won't learn much more simply from eavesdropping. Despite his instincts, Horivs will follow the instructions of his companions and make contact with one of the settlement defenders.
To do that, he drops from the building eave where he is hiding and flutters into a dark corner of the waleld settlement. For lack of a better model, Horvis shifts into a rather generic halfling dressed in green leather armor but bearing no weapons.
Horvis then jogs in what he wants to be a confident, natural manner to the ogre leader of the settlement. WHen he is close, but not too close, he will hail the ogre.
"Hello! I was flying over and saw the fight. Who are you fighting?" Bluff = 16
Horvis' next actions depend on how the ogre and his guards react. Hopefully, Horvis will continue with an offer of aid from his companions. If, unfortunately, he is attached the shifter will try to evade as quickly as possible.
Juliander Thursday February 1st, 2007 7:50:51 PM
Juliander is somewhat dismayed at their apparent lateness to the conflict, hoping that they might rectify the situation quickly, should the giants prove to be of the evil variety indeed.
Monthor Thursday February 1st, 2007 10:14:41 PM
Monthor sits back and waits for Horvis to come back.
Monthor - oops Thursday February 1st, 2007 10:18:30 PM
" Go ahead Izen. Take my cap of the Mountbank if you need a quick getaway. "
Tratain Thursday February 1st, 2007 10:34:13 PM
Tratain waits with the others and Puts on his Goggles of Night.
He says quietly "When Horvis returns and says we should engage the enemy I'll begin preparing, everyone sit tight and remain quiet until we get a signal from him."
Draax Friday February 2nd, 2007 2:29:05 AM
Draax moves a little away from the others and ties his horse to a tree; he put down a little feed to keep it occupied. As soon as he gets back to the group, he readies his bow and arrows. While waiting for Horvis, Draax reminisces about his last dealing with giants and how easy they are to hit with arrows.
Striking up a conversation - DM Marcin d20=8 Friday February 2nd, 2007 4:31:44 AM
The party watches the giants continue with their activities. Judging by the orderly fashion in which the looting is being done this group has seen a lot of practice. One could even easily call them professionals at marauding. Various preparations among the Knights start to take place and the horses, their empathic sensibility apparently awakened by their stay in Culverwood, start to grow nervous predicting the possibility of bloodshed [note that the horses you took from Wellogy are not combat trained].
Horvis is gone. [John, feel free to post over the weekend if you can - I can reply every day. Hopefully we can be done with your recon work and have you back with the party by Monday.]
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {"WHAT!" - the ogre is not too pleased to see an uninvited guest in his fort. "Flown in, have you? Gutbark!!! Hellsdamnyou, go slap your flunkies on the western wall out of sleep'fore I lop your head off!!! Malhor! I want the whole damn fort combed RIGHT NOW!"
"Now, little one" - the ogre's eyes narrow as he focuses his stare at Horvis and signals his two bodyguards to stand at Horvis' sides - "you better talk fast and talk sense. Who are you, who do you work for, and what are you doing in my fort!?" [Diplomacy check, please. Given the situation he is in the ogre is suspicious=unfriendly]}]
Izen Friday February 2nd, 2007 10:01:19 AM
Izen shook his head at Monthor's offer. "Not necessary," he said. "A spell of Greater Invisibility and a Message spell might be nice, but if not, I'll make do."
If one of the group's spellcasters can cast Message and Greater Invisibility on Izen, he would wait for it. Otherwise, he would slip off into the darkness.
Horvis (DM Only) d20+3=4 d20+5=14 Friday February 2nd, 2007 9:25:37 PM
For DM Marcin only: Highlight to display spoiler: {The halfling nods and smiles at the ogre leader of the defenders. Without having planned this, Horvis figures that the truth will have to do. Or, the essential elements of the truth. Unfortunately, Horvis isn't the best one for this type of thing.
"My companions and I were travelling and ... ahhh ... saw the fires. I flew up to see who was fighting who. Seems like you need our help. My companions will move against your attackers and retrieve the loot for you."
Diplomacy = 4, natural 1 Sense Motive (untrained) = 14}
Arien (Mage Armor) Saturday February 3rd, 2007 3:17:02 AM
Arien keeps an eye out to make sure that they don't get stumbled upon by any of the giants. As he waits for Horvis to return he mulls over possible strategies they might use if they should go to fight these giants. "I have the veil spell prepared, I could if we needed to make us appear as another group of giants, perhaps the mere appearance of a group of giants to fight them might scare off these raiders."
Horvis' expedition, part 2 - DM Marcin d20-1=5 Saturday February 3rd, 2007 7:31:25 AM
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {[Dipl.4 result: Unfriendly => Hostile]"Oh yeah!!?" - bellows the ogre - "Who, you and the tooth fairy? Pull the other one, it's got bells on! Get'im!"
The hands of the two ogres on both sides of Horvis reach out for the halfling. [Make a Dex check. If you get 5 or more you get to act before the ogre guards.]}]
Horvis - DM Only d20+1=2 Saturday February 3rd, 2007 11:21:30 AM
DM Only
Highlight to display spoiler: {Horvis tries to escape the grasp of the two ogres but this frail little halfling body isn't up to the task. Dex check = 2, natural 1
"Hey! Let go of me before I hurt you! It's the truth, you big oafs!"}
Jova Kon Saturday February 3rd, 2007 8:09:53 PM
"Izen, I can cast that spell, it will allow you about 1 1/2 minutes free reign. Also I can give everyone extra strngth if you desire[Bulls str mass]. But let us wait."
Jova is very comfortable on his Phantom Steed. He had called forth the beast many times, and cherished each. The horse was like the wind, it's so called hooves never made landfall.
"So Izen expresses the need to go in alone. Anyone want to group together? I have the ability, on this steed to cover alot of territory. I could act as a messenger to each group or something like that." Z appears out of the night sky, and lands on his shoulder.
"Z reports Horvis made comtact without problem. He is talking to the settlement now." Jova removes his metal rod, from his pack incase Izen needs the spell.
Izen to Jova Kon Saturday February 3rd, 2007 11:38:29 PM
"So short a time? I hadn't realized." The halfling frowned in thought. "And do you cast it from that rod? Hm. Perhaps I should borrow the rod, then, and cast it myself when needed."
Jova kon--2nd bonus post Sunday February 4th, 2007 2:13:20 AM
"This rod will double the duration of the spell. The spell i will cast allows you to attack while invisible. I have another rod that allows one to be simply invisible for a time without attacking. Understand?" He smiles at the man.
Horvis' expedition, part 3 - DM Marcin Sunday February 4th, 2007 7:55:48 AM
[Horvis Highlight to display spoiler: {[Normally I would play out the attempt to capture Horvis by the grapple rules, but given his abilities to change shape I think I might get away with moving the action forward a bit without you feeling your character is unfairly penalized.]
Looks like around these parts an offer of unconditional and free help is something as common as a troll loremaster. The locals have proven to be unreceptive to Horvis' inquires. The halfling-Horvis is grabbed, patted down, and, once his hands and feet are tied up, thrown into a small cottage.
The inside is dark and smells of rotten cabbage and potatoes. There is no one else inside. There is no window and a guard stands by the door, but a wide chimney of a bread stove in the corner opens into the night sky and an unhindered route of return to the party.}]
Horvis Sunday February 4th, 2007 11:00:37 AM
Dm Only
Highlight to display spoiler: {Grumbling to himself about the ingratitude of the locals, Horvis changes shape back to the bat. Once free of the bonds, he flutters out the chimney and seeks out his companions. Should be easy to do, what with the fireworks that are about to start.
Up in the night air, Horvis flies to his companions and shifts back to centaur form.}
Izen to Jova Kon Sunday February 4th, 2007 12:13:59 PM
"Ah," Izen nodded in comprehension. "No need for the rod, then. And it may not make sense for you to cast the spell upon me, either--it wouldn't last long enough past the trip from here to there."
"Can anyone here cast a Message spell?" Izen repeated. "Or have some other way to communicate at a distance without being overheard?"
Juliander Sunday February 4th, 2007 2:51:59 PM
Snapping out of his brief reverie, "Indeed Izen. A message spell is a great idea." Juliander moves among the group, a light airy tune on his lips as he touches each of them briefly, allowing the message spell to take hold.
Horvis Sunday February 4th, 2007 3:30:32 PM
A small bat flaps back to where his companions await and lands upon the ground. Once he is certain that he has enough space, Horvis changes back to centaur form.
"The locals aren't very friendly. Or I said something. I'm not the best one to deal with people."
Horvis stretches and twists his human torso, making sure that all of his gear is in place. Then he releases the ioun stones to circle his head.
"The leader is an ogre. Surly, too. No spellcasters that I could see."
Izen Sunday February 4th, 2007 4:31:42 PM
Izen arched an eyebrow at Horvis's news.
"An ogre?" he repeated. "And not very friendly, either. Hm."
He shot a quick look at Monthor and some of the others. "Horvis, some here thought it necessary to get involved in all of this because the attackers were giant-kin. But if the defenders are giant-kin, too--and not very friendly, at that ...."
"Well, it gets a little harder to see how this fits into our mission, doesn't it?" Izen's smug expression would surely merit a slap in even the most genteel settings.
The halfling adjusted his equipment and sat down, waiting to see what the group would decide next.
Draax Sunday February 4th, 2007 4:55:45 PM
Draax listens to Horvis, "This does not really help us enough to get a sense of the defenders, I am not sure if I would have not given you a similar welcome if I you came uninvited and I did not know you. I wish the leader would have at least taken time to talk to you. He could have found out what you came to offer and you could have gotten a better idea of who the defenders are."
Looking over at Izen, Draax says, "This has nothing to do with our mission. If I was sure that the people behind the walls and owners of the small farms were good or innocent, I would be yelling for us to help them also. I...we just do not know."
Looking at everyone, "If you guys still want to attack the giants, you can count me in, but I say no matter what we do or no matter what the outcome, we avoid the fort. We have no idea if they want our help or will welcome us after we are done. So if you guys want stop rampaging giants from burning farms I am all for it, but lets do it with no delusions about helping those behind those walls."
Monthor Sunday February 4th, 2007 9:14:14 PM
:: The dwarf rubs his hands together. ::
" A giant is a giant is a giant. Let's take the raiders out. "
What to do with the giants? - DM Marcin Monday February 5th, 2007 10:12:12 AM
Juliander targets all party members with a Message spell. [Note that, unlike the Telepathic Bond, the Message does not bind every affected person with everyone else - it just allows communication between the caster and targets. So, as long as there is enough time, the party can converse freely with Juliander acting as a relay between them. Should we start counting time by rounds, you wouldn't know what others whispered until Juliander had a chance to repeat it.]
The razing and pillaging that has been taking place on the farmland ahead of the party has wound down. The giants have gathered together and the whole band gets ready to depart and haul their loot away in the easternly direction.
The fires are dying down. The pillars of smoke have been taken away by the wind. It will be dawn soon.
To the west looms the dark line of Culverwood.
Juliander d20+18=30 d8+3=9 2d6(6+1)=7 Monday February 5th, 2007 8:03:16 PM
"What will it be? Slay the giants... or proceed into yonder Culverwood. I'm game, either way, I'm sure that danger awaits." Thinking about it a moment longer, it is clear that Juliander is quickly growing impatient with the current decision making process, "Well enough then." Peering down at the departing giants, Juliander pulls his crossbow into sighting position, and quickly launches a bolt at the posterior of the nearest giant. (OOC: Feel free to apply whatever range modifiers are necessary. Otherwise, Juliander hit AC 30 for 16 damage, assuming the target is evil. 9 damage otherwise.)
Jova Monday February 5th, 2007 8:40:36 PM
Jova sits his horse watching as the Giants gather to leave. He relaxes. Although the dwarf wanted battle, it would be near impossible for the little man to run them down. They were grouping as well, no battle today.
Twang
The unmistakable sound of a bowstring, crossbow. Jova tenses and looks towards where the Giants are congregating, hoping the missle falls short.
Monthor Monday February 5th, 2007 9:00:31 PM
A quick look of surprise crosses Monthor's face as both hands go up to his face. He then shakes his head a few times. Did Julie really just shoot a giant in the arse to start a frey?
Monthor then chuckles loudly.
" Julie, I love you..... a frey it is then!!!"
Izen (AC 30, HP 82/82, DR 5/magic, Invisible 50% miss chance) Monday February 5th, 2007 9:55:14 PM
If anyone wanted to see Izen's reaction to Juliander's rash action, they would be disappointed.
He had vanished.
Combat Expertise +5 to AC
DM Highlight to display spoiler: { Activate Ring of Invisibility, Activate Winged Boots, Quick Draw javelin, Move 5' straight upward.}
Tratain Monday February 5th, 2007 10:10:51 PM
Tratain waits to see if the Bolt Juliander shoots hits the giants and draws thier attention. If it does Tratain will Begin Casting Summon Monster VII calling an Earth Elemental.
Horvis Monday February 5th, 2007 10:36:29 PM
The centaur looks with surprise at Juliander after he fires a bow at the retreating giants. If his giants want a fight, Horvis is still rankled from his treatment by the ogres.
"If it's a fight that you want, I should get into something more fearsome."
With that, Horvis turns into a dire bear and prepares to meet any charge from the giants.
Arien (Mage Armor) Monday February 5th, 2007 11:50:54 PM
Arien is stunned a moment when Juliander fires the crossbow and then shrugs and waits to see if the Giant's attention is drawn.
Draax Tuesday February 6th, 2007 1:04:07 AM
Draax narrows his eyes at Juliander and stares at the man as if he was trying to look through him. "Are you sure you are not a dwarf. I thought we only had one bloody-thirsty member among us. I guess I have to adjust my assessment."
Turning away to hide the smile on his face, Draax readies his bow and activates its flaming ability.
Charge of the heavy brigade - DM Marcin Tuesday February 6th, 2007 9:54:31 AM
With a loud "twhack" the bolt from Juliander's crossbow lands in a giant's arse.
It has to be said to their credit that the giants react to that sudden attack quite quickly. They must have been on the watch, being so close to the fort; they might have thought perhaps that it was a lucky shot from there, but at that moment the looming presence of Horvis as a dire bear and fire from Draax's flaming sword betray the party's presence.
Tratain conjures an earth elemental.
Izen vanishes from sight. [Note that activating a magic item is a standard action, so it's not possible to activate two regular issue magic items in one turn. Also, you can use Combat Expertise only in a round in which you are making melee attacks.]
Some 400 feet separates the group of giants from the party. From this excellent viewpoint the Knights can witness the whole tribe as it rises its greatclubs, shouts a battlecry like one man, and charges the group. Even from this distance one can already hear the shaking of the ground under their heavy boots.
[Party can take the 1st round of actions. Giants are at the distance of 400 ft.]
[Party can take the 2nd round of actions. Giants are at the distance of 280 ft.]
[Party can take the 3rd round of actions. Giants are at the distance of 160 ft.]
A guttural battlecry rises from the throats of the giants! [If you know Giant Highlight to display spoiler: {"Murderers! Fiends! The chief will be avenged!"}]
[Party can take the 4th round of actions: everyone needs to pick the square on the map where he would like to begin the fourth round - pick between rows 25 and 35, inclusive. Then take your 4th round.]
[Note that there are many more giants coming your way, what you see on the map is less than half of them. 1 denotes a giant, 2 an ogre, 3 a troll.]
[Your horses can be either with you or off the map. If you decide to keep your on the map start making appropriate handling checks - they are not combat trained.]
[IMPORTANT: Everyone needs to post AC and HP of himself and all familiars/companions/summoned creatures. Also, post what your character holds in each hand, and a list of all active magical effects.]
[Time elapsed: 4 rounds.]
Tratain AC 33; DR 15/Evil; HP 185/169; (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith; Divine Power; Divine Favor; Rightous Might; Bear's Endurance;Summon Monster VII 15d6(6+2+2+1+4+2+2+3+3+6+1+1+2+2+3)=40 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 1:21:04 PM
As the Bolt hits the Giant and the whole pack of them begins to charge, Tratains first thought is. Boy, Thats alot of Giants Then, the parctical side of him takes over and he begins casting spells to prepare for the battle.
Tratain Begins By Casting Mass Bear's Endurence on the Party including all familiars and summoned creatures.(1st Round). Tratain then Casts Divine Power on Himself and quickly follows with (Quickened) Shield of Faith.(2nd Round). He then Casts Rightous Might and Grows Large like the Giants himself.(3rd Round) Finally as the giants Near Tratain casts Blade Barrier as a wall to block some of the Giants from approaching for the moment. (Across Row 7, 320 Feet Long. The center of the wall at Column T. Any Giants attempting to Pass through the Barrier take 40 Damage Reflex DC 22 For Half)
Tratain then holds his Ground with his Elemental(Bob) On his Left, waiting for the Giants to get in range. (Tratain now has 10 Foot Reach, The Elemental has 15 Foot Reach)
(Tratain's Position: S+T-25+26; Bob's Position P+Q+R-25+26+27; Tratains Horse is Off Map)
------------------------------------------------ Mass Bears Endurence - 16 Minutes (+4 Enhancement to Con) Shield of Faith - 16 Minutes (+4 Deflection AC) Magic Vestment - 32 Hours Summon Monster VII - 4 of 16 Round (BoB:AC=18 HP=184 DR5/-) Divine Power - 3 of 16 Rounds (BAB=14, +6 Enhancement to Str, +16 Temp HP) Rightous Might - 2 of 16 Rounds (Large Size, +8 Size Bonus to Str, +4 Size Bonus to Con, DR 15/Evil, +4 Natural AC Bonus) Divine Favor - 1 of 10 Rounds (+5 Luck Bonus to Attack and Damage Rolls)
------------------------------------------------ ALL SPELLS CAST AT CASTER LEVEL 16
Condensed List of Spells Memorized: 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove Fear(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Delay Poison; Remove Paralysis; Align Weaponx2; Resist Energy, Lesser Restorationx2 (Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge;Magic Circle; Dispel Magic ;Magic Vestmentx3*** ;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2: Magic Weapon*(Divine Power*) 5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor*; Righteous Might*;True Seeing;Quickened Shield of Faith* (Spell Resistence) 6th Level: Healx2; Mass Bears Endurence*; Greater Dispel Magic (Blade Barrier*) 7th Level: Holy Word; Summon Monster VIIx2*;(Power Word Blind)
Joe Tuesday February 6th, 2007 1:23:17 PM
Gah, and I didn't post my Quickened Divine Favor as part of the 4th round! Bah, And I reread the post like 6 times and still didn't catch those heh.
Monthor AC 29, HP 137/137 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 3:14:54 PM
AC= 29 (plate mail +3, +5 ring of protection, amulet of natural armor +2, +1 Dex bonus) Then please add, Magic Vestment (+4) from Tratain Regular Dodge bonus +1 to closest oponent +4 dodge bonus vs giant size creatures
Mass Bear's endurance ( HP becomes 137 from 124)
Magic Weapon (+4), from Tratain to flaming war axe +2 --------------------------------------------
Position: Y27. Monthor's pony is off the grid.
Round 1 " Julie, me could kiss you. "
('sniff)
" Me all choked up. What a beautyfull sight... "
Round 2,3,4
Monthor grippes his flaming war axe with both hands and readies an attack against the first oponent that comes within reach. Monthor, knowing how giants fight, also watches for flying rocks.
HORVIS (AC 36, HP 165/126, DR 10/Magic) -- Animal Growth, Barkskin, Mass Bear's Strength, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace & AQUILA (AC 22, HP 55/35, DR/10 Magic) -- Animal Growth, Mass Bear's Strength, Mass Bull's Enduran Tuesday February 6th, 2007 9:42:13 PM
When the dire bear sees that the giants are moving to attack, he begins to further prepare himself for battle. Horvis casts Barkskin to further harden his already tough hide, then casts Mass Cat's Grace to quicken himself and his companions. Then, after quickly conferring with his companions, he casts Animal Growth on himself, Aquila and up to four other animals that wish to share in the spell.
Now that Horvis is larger than any of the giants and well protected from their weapons, he wavers between charging in and further preparations. Preparation wins out, and Horvis casts Mass Bull's Strength on the party. Now, now, he is ready to tear up some giants.
Position Horvis - U+V+W-25+26+27 Aquila - 120' above Horvis
Combat Information Attack Bonus = +9 (BAB) +16 (STR) --2 (size) = +23 Attack = Claw +23 (2d6+16) Full Attack = 2 Claws +23 (2d6+16) and Bite +23 (3d8+16) AC = 36 (touch 10, flat 34) Size = Huge (15') Reach = 10' Held Items = None
Active Spells (Effect) (Targets) Animal Growth (+1 Size category, +8 size bonus to STR, +4 size bonus to CON, -2 size penalty to DEX, DR 10/magic, +4 resistance bonus to saves) (Horvis, Aquila, and 4 other animals), 129 rounds Barkskin (+5 natural armor bonus) (Horvis), 139.7 minutes Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement bonus to STR) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 130 rounds Mass Cat's Grace (+4 enhancement bonus to DEX) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 128 rounds
Active Magical Effects on Horvis (Source) Animal Growth (Horvis) Barkskin (Horvis) Mass Bear's Endurance (Tratain) Mass Bull's Strength (Horvis) Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis)
Spells 0 -- DC 16 -- Detect Magic, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try 1 -- DC 17 -- Entangle, Entangle, Goodberry, Jump, Longstrider*, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals 2 -- DC 18 -- Barkskin*, Heat Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Soften Earth and Stone, Spider Climb, Warp Wood 3 -- DC 19 -- Greater Magic Fang*, Quench, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth 4 -- DC 20 -- Air Walk, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp, Spike Stones 5 -- DC 21 -- Animal Growth*, Baleful Polymorph, Commune with Nature, Transmute Mud to Rock 6 -- DC 22 -- Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Bull's Strength*, Mass Cat's Grace* 7 -- DC 23 -- Wind Walk * = cast
Arien (HP: 88/60, AC 19 Mage Armor, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Bull's Strength, Mass Cat's Grace)Elemental1 AC 18 HP 152/152; Elemental2 AC 18 HP 152/152 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 10:50:39 PM
Arien, following Tratain's example, summons a huge Earth Elemental, then takes a moment to recall the spell from his Pearl of Power and summons a second. Afterwards, Arien, remembering another dwarf friend that fell to a party of giants casts displacement on Monthor and then retreats back saying,
"Try to stay together I'm going to cast Haste soon and I will need people to be close for it to be as effective as possible."
Meanwhile the two huge Earth Elementals move to opposite sides of Monthor and ready an attack should any creatures come within their reach.
Active Spells: Summon Monster VII - 3/15 rounds Summon Monster VII - 1/15 rounds Displacement(Monthor) - 0/15 rounds
Izen (AC 27, HP 108/82, DR 5/magic, Invisible 50% miss chance)--Mass Bull's STR, Mass Bear's END Tuesday February 6th, 2007 11:22:49 PM ooc: oops. Still learning this PC and all the variables. Promise I'll get this right soon!
Round 1: Izen turned invisible. DM Highlight to display spoiler: { He moved 30' perpendicularly eastward to the line between the group and the giants--for ease of reference, let's call it c40--and drew his javelin.
Round 2: Izen activated his Winged Boots and ascended 30' straight up.
Round 3: Izen ascended another 30' (net 60' above battlefield) and withdrew a Shield of Faith +2 potion from his pack.
Round 4: Izen drank the Shield of Faith +2 potion. He drew his rapier.
Location: map coordinate c40 +60' vertical
Right hand: Magic javelin
Left hand: Magic rapier
Active effects:
Message (Juliander)
Mass Bull's STR (Horvis)
Mass Bear's END (Tratain)
Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis)
Winged Boots, 56 rounds remaining
Shield of Faith, 9 rounds remaining}
Post edited by Kup to reflect correct AC. Izen's mithril chain shirt has a max DEX AC bonus of +6, meaning that he gains no AC benefit from Cat's Grace because he already has +6 DEX from magical means and ability scores.
Draax AC32; HP: 161/161 (Mass Bear's Strength/, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace) d20+21=40 d8+2=3 d6=2 d20+16=28 d8+2=7 d6=5 d20+11=27 d8+2=8 d6=2 d20+21=22 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 11:44:07 PM
Seeing the amount of giants charging towards them, Draax says "Holy.." but stops himself because he does not want to offend any of the gods.
He pulls four arrows from his quiver and sticks three of them into the ground. He then takes his shield and lodges it into the ground and stands his sword against it. Draax takes one slow long roll of his neck to loosen the muscles before places the arrows still in his hand on the drawstring of his bow and pulling the string back as he takes aim.
When the giant S19 is within 100ft, Draax fires off 4 arrows in rapid succession, then drops his bow and readies his sword and shield.
His first shot is a near perfect shot AC40 but does not do any meaningful damage (3dmg 2 fire dmg. 5 total).
Second shot hits AC 28 for 7 dmg and 5 fire dmg, 12 total.
Third shot hits AC 27 for 8 dmg and 2 fire dmg, 10 total.
AC= 32; +5 Mithral Shirt , +4 Heavy Mithral shield, +1 Helm and +6 for dex (+1 added to dex bonus from Mass Cat's Grace )
Juliander (AC 24, HP 99, Mass Bear's Endurance, See Invisible, Mislead, Inspire Courage) d20+16=26 d20+16=35 d20+13=29 d8+3=7 d8+3=4 d8+3=10 2d6(6+6)=12 2d6(3+3)=6 2d6(4+2)=6 Tuesday February 6th, 2007 11:53:39 PM
Juliander follows up on the same target with three more shots, his hands are a blur as he rapid reloads his crossbow again and again. Seeing that he has successfully garnered their attention, he casts see invisibility on himself, just in case they have any tricks that he isn't aware of, and follows up with mislead, before moving away from his illusory self under the influence of greater invisibility. Lastly, just as the giants grow close he begins to sing a song of battle and victory, urging Monthor to the attack. (OOC: Hit ACs 26, 35, and 29 for 19, 10, and 16 hit points damage respectively. Moving to a position behind the blade barrier, while his illusory self remains standing in its previous position. Inspire Courage to all in the group for +2 morale bonus to hit and damage, and +2 on saves against fear and charm as well. Position T 28.)
Jova Kon 92/76 HP AC 23 [Mass Con, Str, Inspire Courage, d4+1=4 d100=35 d100=25 d100=62 Wednesday February 7th, 2007 3:34:45 AM
The roar of the giants is all the answer Jova needs. The bolt had hit. He sees the others spreading out, preparing for battle. With his rod of Extending, he begins to encanty a summoning spell. As the hippogriffs arrive he notices others summoning as well.
[Rd1 Sum Mon 5. Summon 1d4+1 lvl 3 = 4 Hippogriffs. for 26 rounds]
As his summons come to the battle field, he casts polymorph spells on 2 of the summoned creatures. 2 pyrohydras begin to form. As they form they also double in size, along with the other 2 hippogriffs. Someone else must have cast animal growth. Very good, one less spell he did not need to use.
[Rd2 cast polymorph 2 times]
He then replaces his rod of extending, just hanging onto his invisibility wand.
[Rd3 secure rod in holding bag]
Jova tells Z to take flight, just as he taps himself with the wand of invisibility vanishing from view.
[Use wand of Invisibility.}
Positions Right flank of Horvis Jova on steed z29 Pyrohydra 1[PH1] Z A B27 PH2 C D E27 Hip1 A28 Hip2 D28
Hip 31 hp, AC 15, 100ft speed fly, claw +10[1d4+8], Space/Reach 10/5
Phan Steed AC 18, 20hp, 240ft Speed, Rider weight +130, Use Water Walk
ASF10% Spells 0--6-DC15--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC16--Shield +4AC-1 min lvl, Mage Armor +4AC-1hr lvl, True Strike +20 ATT, Expedious Retreat +30ftt 1 min level, Protection from Evil 2--7-DC17--Glitterdust 1-230ft/10ftradius 1 round level- Will save, Hideous Laughter 50 ft-Will Save-1 round- level-SRyes, Blind/Deaf 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Darkvision 1hr level-60ft, Knock 1-230/130sqft 3--7-DC18--Dispel Magic +10, Phantom Stedd 1hr level, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch- 1d6/2level--Gain temp hp from damage-1 hr, SRyes, Hold Person 1-230ft- 1round level- Will Save round-SRyes 4--7-DC19--Charm Monster 1day level-50ft-Will SaveSRyes, Grtr Invis 1 round level, Fear 30ft-Cone Shape Burst-1 round level-Will Save-SRyes, Polymorph 1 min level 5--7-DC20--Summon Mon 5- 1 round level, Animal Growth 1-230ft-1 per 2 levels- 1 min level-+8str+4Con- Double Size-+2AC-+4 Save Throws-DR 10/magic-Fort Save-SRyes, Telekinesis 1-900ft- 1 round level-1-325lbs round-Hurl-Will Save-SRyes 6--4-DC21--Flesh to Stone 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Bulls Str Mass 1min level-1 per level+4str-50ft
Total used= 2/7 lvl 4 1/7 lvl 5
Fighting the giants - DM MarcinRef saves vs blade barrier: d20+5=13 d20+5=24 d20+5=24 d20+5=11 d20+5=25 d20+5=10 d20+5=12 d20+5=22 Claw swipe d20+17=23 Wednesday February 7th, 2007 6:17:22 AM
Tratain evokes his blade barrier at a strategically appropriate moment. Several of the giants can't stop the momentum of their charge and plow right through it. The rest [those currently off the map, about 20 of them] deviate from their path to go around it from both sides [and will be able to enter the map next round, unless somehow further delayed].
Draax and Juliander hit the closest of the giants (who is really a troll) with several missiles. Green ichor sprays into the air.
Jova summons four hippogriffs, and then attempts to Polymorph two of them into pyrohydras [which needs to take two rounds, you can't cast two spells in one round unless one is quickened]. The spell fails and is wasted [pyrohydras have more HD than hippogriffs; Jova can keep the second Polymorph for later]. Jova finishes by making Z invisible.
Others entrench the party with various spells.
A horn is blown close by. Three clear notes fill the night air. The charging phalanx of the giants splits smartly into two parts. Instead of ramming blindly into the waiting line of Knights they wheel off to left and right, splitting into two roughly equal groups concentrated loosely at both ends of Tratain's barrier. One can't help but be amazed to find this level of cohesion and discipline among a giant tribe.
Could it be that somebody out there understands the durations of summoning spells?...
The giants seem to be gathering some 200 ft to the left and right of the party, but for now the closest of them are still 140 ft from the group (and off the map).
The only exception is the troll wounded by Draax and Juliander who, blinded by pain and fury, crashes blindly right into the party's defenses [Tratain's elemental can take AoO against him]. His claw merely scratches Tratain's armor [missed].
HORVIS (AC 36, HP 165/126, DR 10/Magic) -- Animal Growth, Barkskin, Inspire Courage, Mass Bear's Strength, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace & AQUILA (AC 22, HP 55/35, DR/10 Magic) -- Animal Growth, Mass Bear's Strength, Mass Bul d20+7=12 d20+7=13 d20+23=35 Wednesday February 7th, 2007 2:02:28 PM
The dire bear attempts to locate where the horn calls originated, thinking that the giants' cohesion and dicipline could be disrupted if their leader was eliminated. But bear senses are not adequate to the task, so Horvis cannot direct his companions. Spot = 12, Listen = 13
Instead, Horvis chooses to slow down the giants on his right. He concentrates to avoid any distraction from the troll and casts Spike Growth under their feet. Concentration (defensive casting) = 35 OOC - Spell range is 230', so the group off-map to the right should be within range. The spell creates 13 20'x20' squares with traps, so concentrate on front of giants. Any squares not needed to trap area with giants, use to create a line extending south from Blade Barrier in columns k-n.
Actions Free - Spot roll Standard - cast Spike Growth, 1d4 for every 5' of movement, DC 20 Reflex or movement rate halved
Position Horvis - U+V+W-25+26+27 Aquila - 120' above Horvis
Combat Information Attack Bonus = +9 (BAB) +16 (STR) --2 (size) = +23 Attack = Claw +23 (2d6+16) Full Attack = 2 Claws +23 (2d6+16) and Bite +23 (3d8+16) AC = 36 (touch 10, flat 34) Size = Huge (15') Reach = 10' Held Items = None
Active Spells (Effect) (Targets) Animal Growth (+1 Size category, +8 size bonus to STR, +4 size bonus to CON, -2 size penalty to DEX, DR 10/magic, +4 resistance bonus to saves) (Horvis, Aquila, and 4 other animals), 128 rounds Barkskin (+5 natural armor bonus) (Horvis), 139.6 minutes Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement bonus to STR) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 129 rounds Mass Cat's Grace (+4 enhancement bonus to DEX) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 127 rounds Spike Growth - 13 hours
Active Magical Effects on Horvis (Source) Animal Growth (Horvis) Barkskin (Horvis) Inspire Courage Mass Bear's Endurance (Tratain) Mass Bull's Strength (Horvis) Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis)
Spells 0 -- DC 16 -- Detect Magic, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try 1 -- DC 17 -- Entangle, Entangle, Goodberry, Jump, Longstrider*, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals 2 -- DC 18 -- Barkskin*, Heat Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Soften Earth and Stone, Spider Climb, Warp Wood 3 -- DC 19 -- Greater Magic Fang*, Quench, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth* 4 -- DC 20 -- Air Walk, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp, Spike Stones 5 -- DC 21 -- Animal Growth*, Baleful Polymorph, Commune with Nature, Transmute Mud to Rock 6 -- DC 22 -- Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Bull's Strength*, Mass Cat's Grace* 7 -- DC 23 -- Wind Walk * = cast
Tratain AC 33; DR 15/Evil; HP 185/169; (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith; Divine Power; Divine Favor; Rightous Might; Bear's Endurance;Summon Monster VII d20+22=39 2d10(2+5)+12=19 d20+22=35 d20+22=23 2d10(10+8)+12=30 d20+30=36 d20+25=29 d20+20=30 2d6(2+5)+16=23 2d6(3+6)+16=25 2d6(5+6)+16=27 2d6(4+4)=8 2d6(4+6)=10 2d6(2+3)=5 d20+11=20 d20+11=16 Wednesday February 7th, 2007 5:04:52 PM
As the Troll Comes Crashing into the Party Bob reaches out with one of his massive arms and swats at the Troll (Bob Hits AC 39 for 19 Damage)
Bob Continues His attacks against the Troll, Making one Good attack but one Off Balanced attack. (Hits AC 35 For 30 Damage, Second attack misses Nat 1)
If the Troll is still Standing after Bob's attacks Tratain attacks it with his Warhammer also three times or until it falls. (Tratain hits AC 36 for 23 Physical Damage 8 Holy, AC 29 for 25 Physical Damage 10 Holy and AC 30 for 27 Physical 5 Holy).
Tratain calls out to his Friends "Light the Troll on Fire quickly! So it can't heal itself. Lets head for the Group on the Left, They're Split up, and We need to find out who is directing them. They are too well organized, we need to kill thier leader and scatter them or this is going to go badly."
As he is talking Tratain is scaning the Giants for the Horn used to Signal the Giants (Spot 20, Listen 16)
(Tratain's Position: S+T-25+26; Bob's Position P+Q+R-25+26+27; Tratains Horse is Off Map)
------------------------------------------------ Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement to Str) Mass Cat's Grace (+4 Enhancement to Dex) Mass Bears Endurence - 16 Minutes (+4 Enhancement to Con) Shield of Faith - 16 Minutes (+4 Deflection AC) Magic Vestment - 32 Hours Summon Monster VII - 4 of 16 Round (BoB:AC=20 HP=184 DR5/-) Divine Power - 3 of 16 Rounds (BAB=14, +6 Enhancement to Str, +16 Temp HP) Rightous Might - 2 of 16 Rounds (Large Size, +8 Size Bonus to Str, +4 Size Bonus to Con, DR 15/Evil, +4 Natural AC Bonus) Divine Favor - 1 of 10 Rounds (+5 Luck Bonus to Attack and Damage Rolls)
------------------------------------------------ ALL SPELLS CAST AT CASTER LEVEL 16
Condensed List of Spells Memorized: 0 level: Cure Minor Woundsx2; Detect Magicx3; Read Magic 1st Level: Endure Elements; Shield of Faithx2; Divine Favor;Prot. From evilx2;Remove Fear(Sanctuary) 2nd Level: Delay Poison; Remove Paralysis; Align Weaponx2; Resist Energy, Lesser Restorationx2 (Spiritual Weapon) 3rd Level: Invisibility Purge;Magic Circle; Dispel Magic ;Magic Vestmentx3*** ;(Protection from Energy) 4th Level: Freedom of Movement;Death Ward;Dimensional Anchorx2: Magic Weapon*(Divine Power*) 5th Level: Quickened Divine Favor*; Righteous Might*;True Seeing;Quickened Shield of Faith* (Spell Resistence) 6th Level: Healx2; Mass Bears Endurence*; Greater Dispel Magic (Blade Barrier*) 7th Level: Holy Word; Summon Monster VIIx2*;(Power Word Blind)
Jova Kon 92/76 HP AC 23 [Mass Con, Str, Inspire Courage Wednesday February 7th, 2007 7:22:46 PM
Jova loses sight of Z immediately. He must have touched the bird and not himself. Therefore he taps himself with the wand disappearing from view.
Dave T Wednesday February 7th, 2007 8:18:31 PM
Marcin, Sorry again this game just has too many rules. I reread the polymorph spell, and it is stupid. Absolutely stupid. Absolutely no real use in my book.
You were right, ignore my ramblings.
Oh and on map my hippogriffs should have been summoned on abcd squares. Didnt notice lower case letters til just now.
Sorry again, I am just not a rules lawyer type player.
That's OK, it's a high level game, so things are complex. I make mistakes, you make mistakes, so we'll take things slowly. The location of hippogriffs can be easily fixed as the next round will be more strategic in scope. M.
Juliander (AC 24, HP 99, Mass Bear's Endurance, See Invisible, Mislead, Inspire Courage) Wednesday February 7th, 2007 8:29:01 PM
Waiting to see what the giants do next, Juliander maintains his song, hoping that it will be adequate support for his friends while he attempts to anticipate the giants' next move.
Izen (AC 27, HP 108/82, DR 5/magic, Invisible 50% miss chance)--Mass Bull's STR, Mass Bear's END Wednesday February 7th, 2007 8:44:35 PM ooc: sorry to say DM that the map is not particularly legible or useful.
[Ok, I'll skip the bells and whistles and keep the maps as simple as possible. M.]
DM and Juliander, who can see invisible if he cares to Highlight to display spoiler: { Izen decided to try to locate the giant chieftain, whom he had noticed previously. If he could tell which group contained the leader--Spot 27 with Skill Mastery--then he would fly in that direction. Otherwise, he would fly 120' toward the group toward the right.
Location: map coordinate c40 +120' east or west, depending, and +60' vertical Right hand: Magic javelin Left hand: Magic rapier
Active effects: Message (Juliander) Mass Bull's STR (Horvis) Mass Bear's END (Tratain) Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis) Winged Boots, 55 rounds remaining Shield of Faith, 8 rounds remaining}
Monthor AC 29, HP 137/137 d20+23=43 d20+23=29 d6=5 d10+32=37 d10+32=35 d10+32=36 Wednesday February 7th, 2007 10:03:55 PM
AC= 29 (plate mail +3, +5 ring of protection, amulet of natural armor +2, +1 Dex bonus) Then please add, Magic Vestment (+4) from Tratain Regular Dodge bonus +1 to closest oponent +4 dodge bonus vs giant size creatures
Mass Bear's endurance ( HP becomes 137 from 124)
Magic Weapon (+4), from Tratain to flaming war axe +2
Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement bonus to STR) 130 rounds
Mass Cat's Grace (+4 enhancement bonus to DEX) 128 rounds
Displacement - 0/15 rounds
----------------------------------- ooc> Is the grid 5' or 10'?
Monthor hears Tratain and obeys. The dwarven killing machine advances towards the troll (U23) and power attacks two handed with his axe (-7 to hit, +14 damage).
Critical threat (43), Hits AC 29 for 5 fire and 118 physical damage.
Draax AC32; HP: 161/161 (Mass Bear's Strength/, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace) Thursday February 8th, 2007 2:54:27 AM
Somewhat disappointed when the oncoming giants deviate from their initial charge, Draax bends down and picks up his bow. In a casual manner he watches Monthor dispatch the troll. He turns in the direction of the giant that Tratain indicated, but waits for Arien to cast the haste spell before making any move.
Arien (HP: 88/60, AC 19 Mage Armor, Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Bull's Strength, Mass Cat's Grace, Inspire Courage)Elemental1 AC 18 HP 152/152; Elemental2 AC 18 HP 152/152 Thursday February 8th, 2007 4:43:43 AM
Frustrated by the giants' actions Arien casts Haste, trying to get as many people in it as possible to help the party be able to catch up with the pesky giants. The 2 huge earth elementals the sink into the earth as they head towards the right group of giants.
(OOC: Having problems with the map being small but I'll center the spell on Horvis. I should be able to catch most of the group that way.)
Active Spells: Summon Monster VII - 4/15 rounds Summon Monster VII - 2/15 rounds Displacement(Monthor) - 1/15 rounds Haste - 0/15 rounds
A standoff - DM MarcinRef saves vs Spikes: d20+6=16 d20+5=14 d20+5=17 d20+5=17 d20+5=10 d20+5=16 d20+5=16 d20+5=15 d20+5=22 d20+5=9 d20+5=9 d20+5=20 d20+5=23 d20+5=21 d20+5=22 d20+5=14 d20+5=12 d20+4=7 d20+5=16 d20+5=19 Spike damage 4d4(1+3+1+3)=8 4d4(2+2+3+2)=9 4d4(2+1+1+4)=8 4d4(4+2+3+1)=10 4d4(4+1+2+4)=11 4d4(3+4+1+1)=9 4d4(2+1+4+3)=10 4d4(1+1+1+3)=6 4d4(3+1+4+3)=11 4d4(3+1+3+4)=11 4d4(4+2+4+3)=13 4d4(4+3+4+4)=15 4d4(1+2+2+3)=8 4d4(4+3+4+3)=14 4d4(1+3+3+4)=11 4d4(1+1+2+3)=7 4d4(4+1+2+3)=10 4d4(4+1+3+1)=9 4d4(1+3+2+2)=8 4d4(2+1+3+3)=9 4d4(4+1+1+4)=10 Thursday February 8th, 2007 5:28:35 AM
[Sorry for the quality of the previous map. The hosting site did some kind of compression on it that I didn't spot until today. Also, I made mistake last round; Jova targeted himself with invisibility, not Z. He could have spent the last round casting other spell, so Dave adjust your actions for last round if you like.]
All that look for the hornblower can see the leader of the giants, his head in horned helmet standing out from the crowd, in the group to the right.
Combined attacks of the party pulverize the troll into a fine pulp. Even without fire to finish him off, it looks like it would take him a better part of the day to pick himself up. It's hard to regenerate when you have to fumble around for your head.
Horvis launches a spell at the group of giants to the right. The magic is powerful enough to encompass all of them. This seems to take them by surprise, and the group to the right is thrown into chaos as the sudden attack leaves most of them with crippled feet.
Arien finishes off the activities of the party with a Haste magic. This can affect all members of the party except for Izen, who is too far away [7 party members + 3 elementals + 4 hippogriffs]. Two of his elementals vanish from sight as they approach the unaware enemy [total distance covered would be 160 ft while running, am I right?].
The left group of the giants seems to be sticking to their commander's order, which was probably to wait the spells out. They lotier, watching the unfolding situation.
The right group, suddenly attacked from below, starts to pick their way through the affected area. Not able to see how far it extends they leave bloody trails as they stumble here and there until the hurting stops [I'll assume each one had to pass through 4 squares of spikes to arrive at an area free of them].
[Map, aerial overview. Hopefully this time more legible. Izen Highlight to display spoiler: {Izen is 80 ft away from the group of giants to the right and 120 ft away from the party.}]
[Those who can cover the distance to the right group of giants with a move/charge (elementals, Izen?) can assume their move takes them to any square on the tactical map of the right group up to column O (elementals) or column Z (Izen). As strange as it sounds, it seems Arien's elementals would be affected by the Spikes as well if travelling above ground.]
[L indicates the leader. OG is ogre, T trolls. Numbers is damage already done to them.]
[Time elapsed: 6 rounds.]
Tratain AC 34; DR 15/Evil; HP 185/169; (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith; Divine Power; Divine Favor; Rightous Might; Bear's Endurance;Summon Monster VII; Haste) Thursday February 8th, 2007 6:50:52 PM
Tratain takes in the battle, seeing as the Giants on the Left are staying put, and the Leader is with the Giants on the Right, Tratain Moves as Far as he can (Full Round Action to Run, 120 Feet) Towords the Leader of the Giants Trying to Avoid Horvis's Spell if Possible. Tratain also Order Bob to Go underground Towords the Giants Leader as well.
As he moves he tells his Companions, "We need to take out thier leadership as soon as possible. The Longer this Battle goes on the Harder it will be for us, there's just too many of them fighting as a cohesive unit."
Juliander (AC 24, HP 99, Mass Bear's Endurance, See Invisible, Mislead, Haste, Inspire Courage) d20+19=38 d20+19=21 d20+19=24 d20+19=29 d20+16=27 d8+5=8 d8+5=6 d8+5=12 d8+5=10 d8+5=9 2d6(5+1)=6 2d6(1+4)=5 2d6(2+4)=6 2d6(4+5)=9 Thursday February 8th, 2007 8:01:03 PM
Juliander keeps singing, even as he keeps his eyes out for their invisible rogue. Noting the position of the giant's leader, Juliander opens fire on the creature, taking advantage of haste and rapid shot to get in some extra shots. (OOC: First shot is a crit threat [crit if AC 17 hits] his last three shots hit ACs 20, 25, and 23 for 20 [14 if not crit], 17, 16, and 18 hit points damage respectively.)
Monthor AC 29, HP 137/137 Thursday February 8th, 2007 9:18:31 PM
AC= 29 (plate mail +3, +5 ring of protection, amulet of natural armor +2, +1 Dex bonus) Then please add, Magic Vestment (+4) from Tratain Regular Dodge bonus +1 to closest oponent +4 dodge bonus vs giant size creatures
Mass Bear's endurance ( HP becomes 137 from 124)
Magic Weapon (+4), from Tratain to flaming war axe +2
Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement bonus to STR) 124 rounds
Mass Cat's Grace (+4 enhancement bonus to DEX) 122 rounds
Displacement - 6/15 rounds
Hast 6/15 ( add one attack/round, +1 to hit, +1 dodge bonus to AC, +1 Ref save)
_____________________________________
Monthor braces himself near Arien and covers the party's left flank. Monthor's main role at this point is to cover Arien and make certain that the party doesn't get caught from behind.
HORVIS (AC 37, HP 165/126, DR 10/Magic) -- Animal Growth, Barkskin, Inspire Courage, Mass Bear's Strength, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace & AQUILA (AC 22, HP 55/35, DR/10 Magic) -- Animal Growth, Haste, Inspire Courage, Mass Bear& d20+39=42 Thursday February 8th, 2007 9:26:49 PM
Seeing his companion take off towards the leader of the giants, Horvis follows in his wake. The deceptively slow gait of a huge bear quickly closes the distance. When Horvis gets close to where he laid down the line of spikes, he jumps up and over the area. Fortunately, with the great strength of this form and the Haste spell, he easily clears a distance of 40 feet. Jump = 42
Instead of moving his entire distance, he pulls up beside Tratain and prepares to receive a charge from the giants.
Actions Double Move (including Jump)
Position Horvis - ? Aquila - 120' above Horvis
Combat Information Attack Bonus = +9 (BAB) +16 (STR) +1 Haste -2 (size) = +24 Attack = Claw +24 (2d6+16) Full Attack = 2 Claws +24 (2d6+16) and 2 Bites +24 (3d8+16) AC = 37 (touch 10, flat 34) Size = Huge (15') Reach = 10' Held Items = None
Active Spells (Effect) (Targets) Animal Growth (+1 Size category, +8 size bonus to STR, +4 size bonus to CON, -2 size penalty to DEX, DR 10/magic, +4 resistance bonus to saves) (Horvis, Aquila, and 4 other animals), 127 rounds Barkskin (+5 natural armor bonus) (Horvis), 139.5 minutes Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement bonus to STR) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 128 rounds Mass Cat's Grace (+4 enhancement bonus to DEX) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 126 rounds Spike Growth - 13 hours
Active Magical Effects on Horvis (Source) Animal Growth (Horvis) Barkskin (Horvis) Haste (Arien) Inspire Courage Mass Bear's Endurance (Tratain) Mass Bull's Strength (Horvis) Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis)
Spells 0 -- DC 16 -- Detect Magic, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try 1 -- DC 17 -- Entangle, Entangle, Goodberry, Jump, Longstrider*, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals 2 -- DC 18 -- Barkskin*, Heat Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Soften Earth and Stone, Spider Climb, Warp Wood 3 -- DC 19 -- Greater Magic Fang*, Quench, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth* 4 -- DC 20 -- Air Walk, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp, Spike Stones 5 -- DC 21 -- Animal Growth*, Baleful Polymorph, Commune with Nature, Transmute Mud to Rock 6 -- DC 22 -- Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Bull's Strength*, Mass Cat's Grace* 7 -- DC 23 -- Wind Walk * = cast
Draax AC33; HP: 161/161 (Mass Bear's Strength/, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace, Haste, Inspire Courage) d20+22=34 d20+22=41 d20+22=37 d20+17=19 d20+11=17 d8+4=10 d6=6 d8+4=10 d6=6 d8+4=8 d6=4 d8+4=11 d6=3 d8+4=6 d6=5 Thursday February 8th, 2007 9:46:09 PM
Locating the giant's leader, Draax takes a step forward and compensates for the addition range while using haste and rapid shot to send five arrows flying towards the leader.
1st hit AC 34 for 10 dmg and 6 fire dmg 16 total 2nd hit AC 41 for 10 dmg and 6 fire dmg 16 total 3rd hit AC 37 for 8 dmg and 4 fire dmg 12 total 4th hit AC 19 for 11 dmg and 3 fire dmg 14 total 5th hit AC 17 for 6 dmg and 5 fire dmg 11 total.
Izen (AC 27, HP 108/82, DR 5/magic, Invisible 50% miss chance)--Mass Bull's STR, Mass Bear's END Thursday February 8th, 2007 10:24:59 PM
DM and Juliander, Highlight to display spoiler: { With the aid of his Winged Boots, Izen closed the distance between him and the giant chieftain (Fly 80' forward, 30' down at x2 speed, net double move to W15). He was directly above the chieftain, close enough to strike with deadly accuracy ... and waited.
"I'm in position," Izen whispered to Juliander through the Message link.
Active effects: Message (Juliander) Mass Bull's STR (Horvis) Mass Bear's END (Tratain) Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis) Winged Boots, 54 rounds remaining Shield of Faith, 7 rounds remaining}
Jova Kon 92/76 HP AC 23 [Mass Con, Str, Inspire Courage, Invisible 28/30rds Friday February 9th, 2007 3:29:28 AM
As the party heads off to the right, Jovais pleased to see that the hippogriffs go in that direction as well. The leader, find the leader.
Jova follows Tratain and Bob to their new position, just behind them. There he waits.
ASF10% Spells 0--6-DC15--Resist +1 Save Throw, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Ghost Sound, Pres 1--8-DC16--Shield +4AC-1 min lvl, Mage Armor +4AC-1hr lvl, True Strike +20 ATT, Expedious Retreat +30ftt 1 min level, Protection from Evil 2--7-DC17--Glitterdust 1-230ft/10ftradius 1 round level- Will save, Hideous Laughter 50 ft-Will Save-1 round- level-SRyes, Blind/Deaf 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Darkvision 1hr level-60ft, Knock 1-230/130sqft 3--7-DC18--Dispel Magic +10, Phantom Stedd 1hr level, Vampiric Touch Melee Touch- 1d6/2level--Gain temp hp from damage-1 hr, SRyes, Hold Person 1-230ft- 1round level- Will Save round-SRyes 4--7-DC19--Charm Monster 1day level-50ft-Will SaveSRyes, Grtr Invis 1 round level, Fear 30ft-Cone Shape Burst-1 round level-Will Save-SRyes, Polymorph 1 min level 5--7-DC20--Summon Mon 5- 1 round level, Animal Growth 1-230ft-1 per 2 levels- 1 min level-+8str+4Con- Double Size-+2AC-+4 Save Throws-DR 10/magic-Fort Save-SRyes, Telekinesis 1-900ft- 1 round level-1-325lbs round-Hurl-Will Save-SRyes 6--4-DC21--Flesh to Stone 1-230ft-Fort Save-SRyes, Bulls Str Mass 1min level-1 per level+4str-50ft
Total used= 2/7 lvl 4 1/7 lvl 5
Hip 31 hp, AC 15, 100ft speed fly, claw +10[1d4+8], Space/Reach 10/5 20/26 rds
Broken - DM Marcin Friday February 9th, 2007 5:09:56 AM
The combined fire from Juliander and Draax is enough to kill the leader of the giants. His massive body falls like a chopped down tree. His battle horn shatters under the weight of his dead chest.
His clansmed cry out in dismay. Attacked by strange magic, with their leader slain and elementals and barriers of blades blocking the way to their enemies, they lose their fighting spirit before such an obviously overpowering force and scatter all around like a flock of sheep. Most of them limp away at half speed, their feet still hurt from the Spikes.
The left group remains cohesive for a moment longer, but, devoid of leadership and shaken by how easily were their brethren routed, they too start to fall back to the North, trying to break off. These still keep some semblance of order, but one can easily guess that it wouldn't take much to turn their escape into a rout.
[Folks, initially I thought you were biting off more than you can chew, but, to my big surprise, I have been proven wrong. With the amount of magic protections you have erected and allies you have summoned there is almost no way for any of the giants to hurt you.
You can continue the slaughter for as long as you can sustain a speed greater than 30 ft, but I don't feel there is a need to play that out round by round. If you wish to pursue the giants just post for how many rounds and what is your damage potential for a single attack in one round. Otherwise the giant tribe is broken and the battle is effectively over.]
HORVIS (AC 37, HP 165/126, DR 10/Magic) -- Animal Growth, Barkskin, Inspire Courage, Mass Bear's Strength, Mass Bull's Endurance, Mass Cat's Grace & AQUILA (AC 22, HP 55/35, DR/10 Magic) -- Animal Growth, Haste, Inspire Courage, Mass Bear& Friday February 9th, 2007 7:43:29 AM
The huge dire bear wants to add some tokens to his Totem Bag, so he pursues the fleeing giantkin. Since Horvis easily outpaces the fleeing giants, he can pick off stragglers that have been previously wounded by his spell.
(OOC - Horvis will pursue until he has killed an ogre, hill giant and troll. An ettin, too, if there is one in the crippled group. Combat Info is below.)
Combat Information Attack Bonus = +9 (BAB) +16 (STR) +1 Haste -2 (size) = +24 Attack = Claw +24 (2d6+16) + Flaming Burst (1d6 Fire, or 1d10 on a critical) Full Attack = 2 Claws +24 (2d6+16) and 2 Bites +24 (3d8+16), each with a Bursting Tear (12d6/1d10 on critical) AC = 37 (touch 10, flat 34) Size = Huge (15') Reach = 10' Held Items = None
Active Spells (Effect) (Targets) Animal Growth (+1 Size category, +8 size bonus to STR, +4 size bonus to CON, -2 size penalty to DEX, DR 10/magic, +4 resistance bonus to saves) (Horvis, Aquila, and 4 other animals), 127 rounds Barkskin (+5 natural armor bonus) (Horvis), 139.5 minutes Mass Bull's Strength (+4 Enhancement bonus to STR) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 128 rounds Mass Cat's Grace (+4 enhancement bonus to DEX) (Party, familiars and companions, summoned creatures), 126 rounds Spike Growth - 13 hours
Active Magical Effects on Horvis (Source) Animal Growth (Horvis) Barkskin (Horvis) Haste (Arien) Inspire Courage Mass Bear's Endurance (Tratain) Mass Bull's Strength (Horvis) Mass Cat's Grace (Horvis)
Spells 0 -- DC 16 -- Detect Magic, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic, Toros' Taur's Try 1 -- DC 17 -- Entangle, Entangle, Goodberry, Jump, Longstrider*, Shillelagh, Speak with Animals 2 -- DC 18 -- Barkskin*, Heat Metal, Owl's Wisdom, Soften Earth and Stone, Soften Earth and Stone, Spider Climb, Warp Wood 3 -- DC 19 -- Greater Magic Fang*, Quench, Snare, Speak with Plants, Spike Growth* 4 -- DC 20 -- Air Walk, Giant Vermin, Myrridan's Blackthorn, Rusting Grasp, Spike Stones 5 -- DC 21 -- Animal Growth*, Baleful Polymorph, Commune with Nature, Transmute Mud to Rock 6 -- DC 22 -- Mass Bear's Endurance, Mass Bull's Strength*, Mass Cat's Grace* 7 -- DC 23 -- Wind Walk * = cast
Monthor Friday February 9th, 2007 8:09:59 AM
Monthor looks at the fleeing giants and stomps his foot on the ground.
" Well that's just PATHETIC!!! What a bunch of pansies! Run back home to your mothers you loooooosers!!!!! "
:: Monthor then sits down, crosses his arms across his chest and pouts. ::
ooc> Someone check the chief's body for loot please.
Izen Friday February 9th, 2007 10:38:40 AM
DM and Juliander Highlight to display spoiler: { The giant leader slain and his forces dispersed, Izen returned to the group and landed before reappearing.}
The halfling reappeared at Monthor's side. "We were fortunate that they weren't better organized, or equipped. That could have become dangerous if they had been stronger than they appeared."
He shot a glance toward Juliander. "We were lucky."
Monthor - illegal 2nd. Friday February 9th, 2007 10:53:18 AM
Monthor stands back and looks at Izen.
" Bull. They were lucky that they decided to break and run. Me is neither foolish or blood hungry Izen. This party could have easily taken those giants on and won. They had nothing better then hill giants and a few Ettins. No problem. It's a moot point. They turned and ran. The Grey Knights won.
Draax Friday February 9th, 2007 2:08:11 PM
Seeing the giants break, Draax casually goes over to retrieve his horse. He rubs the bridge of the horse's nose while listening to the others and watching Horvis wreak havoc among the stragglers. "For the Grey Knights first real battle together, I think that went quite well. Can we go now?"
Arien Friday February 9th, 2007 4:27:51 PM
Arien's eyebrows raise in surprise as the giants scatter and sends the Earth Elementals to harry them but to not actually cause any damamge; just to make sure that the giants kept running. Turning to the others Arien says, "Well I think perhaps the fort defenders may be more inclined to speak with us now. Should we approach and see what they have to say?"
Jova Kon d100=41 d20+10=21 Friday February 9th, 2007 9:20:47 PM
Interesting turn of events. He reappears of his own volition, and motions the hippogriffs to chase the giant kin. Word of the disaster was sure to spread.
Moving his steed to where the leader lie, he dismopunts. He begins to search the giant for any items that might be worth while. To help the process he casts Detect Magic.
Having seperated the items of importance, and the giants weapon, Jova kneels and casts a spell to turn the giant to stone.[ASF 10, 41 good] The giants body turns to stone there on the ground. Gathering the items, he places them in his bag of holding. The giants main weapon he takes out a scroll of shrink item, and casts it in the weapon. Once it is small enough he places it in the bag as well.
"Stone giant now. I figure we have marked our first battle of the The Grey Knights. I am sure Monthors granchildren will want to see where the Giant slayer did battle.."
Search 21
Searching the giant leader - DM Marcin [extra post] Saturday February 10th, 2007 2:38:20 AM
The search of the body of the giant reveals:
- one greatclub, giant sized, - one crude dagger, giant made, - one set of ring mail, giant sized, - one horned helmet, no longer magical but still retaining the tiniest traces of a transmutation aura, - two crude clay vials, both radiating a faint conjuration aura, - a human sized holy symbol depicting crossed swords, wrapped in a clean white scarf, - a total of 113 gold pieces in assorted coinage, crude jewelry, and bars of silver, - an unfinished wooden ducky.
Juliander Saturday February 10th, 2007 4:00:07 PM
Juliander dismisses his mislead spell (and the invisibility that goes along with it), smiling broadly at Izen, "Pshaw good fellow. Look at how yonder dwarf displays his disdain for the giants' apparent lack of courage. I have no doubt..." Juliander makes his way over to Monthor's seated form, "That this mighty warrior could not have taken the entire force himself, should we have chosen to stand back and watch the show." Looking to Monthor, "Despair not Monthor. I am certain that you will have plenty of opportunity to face mightier foes than these in combat before the week is out." Juliander's smile is genuine as he puts out a hand to help the dwarf warrior back up. "I'll be happy to provoke those fights as well... at your behest of course."
Izen Saturday February 10th, 2007 11:57:39 PM
Izen strolled over to where other members of the group were sorting through the giant leader's belongings and took a look.
The holy symbol caught his eye. If the others weren't nearby, he relayed its description to Juliander via Message link. "Odd to see a human-sized religious symbol on a giant. And crossed swords--I don't recognize that icon. Do you, or maybe Tratain or the others?"
Dawn - DM Marcin Monday February 12th, 2007 3:33:19 AM
The giants disperse in all directions. The stragglers are pursued by summoned creatures and Horvis, who can easily hunt down and kill the three kinds of giants whose blood he desires.
The sun rises its head to the east and for a moment the Red Hills, bathed in its light, are indeed red. But shortly after dawn the Wold takes on its usual mantle of colors.
All that remains of the battle now is a lot of trampled shrubs and grass, a few dead giants, and a large stone statue staring with empty, grey globes into the sky. Soon the Red Hills will swallow the bones of the fallen. The statue will endure longer, perhaps, marking the site of one of the countless battles that took place in the region.
To the North the fires of the farms have become nothing more but smoldering embers. The defenders of the fort emerged in large groups from behind their walls and are starting to gather the livestock that has been abandoned by the raiders.
[Examining the religious symbol: if you make a Knowledge(Religion) check DC10 click here.]
Horvis d20+2=19 Monday February 12th, 2007 1:58:56 PM
The dire baear returns to his companions after giving up the chase, shaking his head.
"No honour in killing those that are too afraid to fight. Still, I have learned something of them."
Takign a moment to confirm that no one is too close, Horvis concentrates and flows back into his normal form. He trots over to examine the now petrified body of the giant leader and what was removed. When he sees the holy symbol, the centaurs makes a gesture of reverence.
"Huh! This is a symbol of Domi! Did the giant have it in his sack, or was he wearing it?," Horvis queries. "It makes a difference, doesn't it?"
Th centaur rubs his chin while absently tappign the ground with a rear hoof. "Any of you able to determine good from evil? Or tell when someone isn't telling the truth?"
Draax Monday February 12th, 2007 5:52:16 PM
Draax sits upon his horse waiting for the others. At Arien's suggestion of approaching the fort, Draax says, "I would rather not, but I guess it could not hurt." He is intrigued when Horvis identified the symbol as Domi. "Since he had it wrapped, he probably was not wearing it. I wonder how it came into his possession."
Noticing the defenders coming out to see to their livestock, Draax watches the farmers for any negative reactions to the knights.
Juliander d20+15=28 Monday February 12th, 2007 9:52:36 PM
Passing along the information to the others, he replies, "It is odd, though it might be loot from the fallen. I don't pretend to know a great deal about religion however... beyond the more popular stories that is." (OOC: I made a DC 28 bardic knowledge check, though I don't know that it is even applicable in this situation. I'll leave it up to you to decide.)
Izen Monday February 12th, 2007 10:15:19 PM
The halfling frowned. "Probably loot, one would think," he suggested. "It didn't fit him. Then again, if he were carrying it so carefully wrapped, it might have been precious to him."
Izen shot a dark look toward Juliander, then another toward Monthor. "Yes, Horvis, it might be useful to try to sort out who was good and who was evil in this scenario ... now that we've killed the fellow. Maybe we can figure out which god to consecrate his statue to."
The morning after - DM Marcin Tuesday February 13th, 2007 4:47:14 AM
The defenders of the fort are not too eager to investigate the battlefield. Probably something to do with all that magic firepower that was brought to bear here just a moment ago. In fact, those outside the walls right now are not farmers, but men at arms. They seem to be in a great big hurry to take the livestock into the fort. These are the Red Hills, after all - mistrust and betrayal are a par for course here.
The horses and ponies are huddled together, asleep after the forced march of the last night.
The day is cold - yet another reminder that winter will be coming and that the party is entering the northern lands.
The holy symbol is definitely not giant made and in fact it would be not possible for the giant to wear it - the chain is too short. It is made of silver, though the metal is tarnished. Juliander's examination allows him to guess that it is at least two hundred years old. The fine detail that went into the depiction of the swords allows one to guess that it was crafted by a militant race.
Draax Tuesday February 13th, 2007 1:10:10 PM
"Do we want to find a spot to make camp and rest for awhile? I know the fight was not very taxing, but we can give the horses a chance to rest."
Draax waits to see what the others prefer.
Monthor Tuesday February 13th, 2007 2:09:03 PM
:: Monthor warms up his hands using the heat emminating from his flaming axe. ::
"Me'd say we move on a bit before making camp. Me not trust those ones in the fort. Let's move on a mile or two and then we can stop to camp. We'll want to carefull though. Those left over giants may find some guts and try to attack us as we rest. Me'd hate to be woken up with a boulder on me chest. "
Izen Tuesday February 13th, 2007 9:10:45 PM
If no one else claimed it, Izen offered to carry the crossed swords symbol. It still intrigued him.
He followed the others as they moved on without further comment.
Horvis Tuesday February 13th, 2007 9:26:33 PM
The centaur nods when Draax suggests a rest, then more vigourously when Monthor suggests moving.
"Aye, lets camp some distance away. The people in the settlement didn't really like me. Nor I, them. But we spellcasters do need to recover our energies."
Horvis will volunteer to scout out a good rest location.
Juliander Tuesday February 13th, 2007 9:37:23 PM
"I agree... let us be off a ways before settling in for a rest." Juliander prepares to move on with the rest of the group.
Tratain Tuesday February 13th, 2007 11:13:27 PM
Tratain moves with the others off to camp. He gets his rest that he needs and then stands watch until everyone is ready to head out.
ADM Joe Tuesday February 13th, 2007 11:26:04 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday Feb 9th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain X X X X O Jova X X X X X Monthor X X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien X X X O X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X X X Juliander X X X X O
Very Good week last week, we want to keep this up.
Jova Wednesday February 14th, 2007 1:50:28 AM
Jovafalls in step with everyone else.
Looking for a campsite - DM Marcin Wednesday February 14th, 2007 4:17:34 AM
Horvis goes off in search of a suitable place to make camp.
The fort is surrounded by small fields. Trying to reap any kind of harvest from the ashen ground of the Red Hills seems to be a heroic effort - the sad patches of vegetables (potatoes and cabbage, mostly) look sick and drying up.
The party could camp in the open, being clearly visible by all but being able to likewise see everyone who would approach.
Another option is to go a bit into Culverwood and find a secluded spot to break camp there.
Interestingly enough, Horvis spots a strangely twisted tree that would be passed by without second thought by almost everyone else - but to him it's a signpost indicating that a druid grove is nearby, not further away than an hour into Culverwood.
Horvis d20=15 d20+17=34 Wednesday February 14th, 2007 8:34:46 AM
The centaur halts under the twisted tree, waiting for his companions to catch up. Horvis gestures towards the tree then points to the west, towards the Culverwood.
"This indicates that there is a druid grove that way. Not too far, either. About an hour's foot travel into the Wood."
Horvis pauses before continuing to speak to his companions. "I can't guarantee our erception. But it should be a safe place to camp. And we might learn something about this settlement and the giants."
"Do you want to go?"
If his companions agree, Horvis will lead them to the druid grove by following the markers. Survival = 34
(OOC - Is there a knowledge check to determine the Circle or anything about the druid circle? d20 roll = 15)
Izen Wednesday February 14th, 2007 9:10:54 AM
"Druids, eh?" Izen scratched at his stubble. "Can't be any worse than the rest of the neighbors. Why not."
Monthor Wednesday February 14th, 2007 9:32:56 AM
" Druids?.... Hey, they may have beer! "
:: Monthor kicks his pony to a gallop and rides in the Druid's general direction. ::
Arien (Mage Armor) Wednesday February 14th, 2007 12:14:50 PM
Arien considers a moment and then nods his agreement. Guiding his horse, Arien pulls up near Horvis and says, "Perhaps we should keep an eye on our compulsive dwarven friend just in case."
Draax Wednesday February 14th, 2007 2:07:20 PM
Draax nods his head in agreement with the others. Looking at Horvis, Draax says, "It would probably be best if we follow your lead when we get to the grove." Watching the dwarf as he gallops in the direction of the grove. "Like Arien suggested, you might want to catch up with the dwarf before someone mistakes his beer lust for an hostile act."
Jova Kon Thursday February 15th, 2007 2:58:13 AM
Jova sits his horse and allows all to go before him. As they pass he watches the backtrail for any onlookers. As the last of his party pass, he lowers himself from the steed.
The trees to where they travel seem to hide them from sight. Kneeling he grabs one hand full of dirt, inspects it, and throws it down forceibly. He is chanting now. Walking around the entrance to the Culverwood he comtinues the ritual. Continuing to chant, he remounts and backs the horse onto the trail his companions took. With great hand and arm gestures he finishes his personal oration. Calmly he watxhes the affected area, waiting..... Satisfied at last, he turns his steed into the woods.
The Crossroads - DM Marcin Thursday February 15th, 2007 3:26:41 AM
While there are ways to indicate what kind of druids abide at the place the markers are leading to, this one doesn't say a thing aside from pointing way to the grove itself.
The party soon realizes that it would be very hard to find the way to the grove without Horvis. The terrain Culverwood is growing on in this part of the Wold is rough and broken, with multiple small, overgrown canyons, steep hills, and an occasional bog. The markers guide the party along a winding path, forcing them often to change direction and pass through thick, torny bushes. The overgrowth gives way and allows passage, but it's not hard to imagine that a druid could seal off his home in times of need.
With party forced to lead their tired mounts it takes a bit longer than an hour to reach their destination. The foliage parts and the party enters a small clearing surrounded by massive oaks.
There is a cave mouth right in front of the Knights with two standing stones to its left and right resembling massive columns. A small stream trickles lazily out of a clear pond of water. A dizzying mixture of flowery aromas hangs in the air - almost every herb known by the party seems to grow somewhere in this place, and one wouldn't have to look long to find one the party has never seen before. A row of seven small mounds of stones can be seen running along the treeline - obviously a burial site. The first mound in the row appears ancient with its rocks crumbling and totally overgrown. Later graves get progressively younger. There is a slender, silver-leaved tree growning out of each one except for the newest one. The newest is instead crowned with a thorny bush. Neatly composed into the stones of that grave and serving as a centerpiece of a kind is a dwarven hammer.
The party has some time to look around and wonder if the druids are away before there is a cough from the side. Looking that way the Kinghts see somebody who was not there just a moment before.
It's a small, red haired gnome, clearly in the second half of his life. A strange green cloak is wrapped around his body, rustling in the wind as leaves would. A pair of large, blue eyes peers out from under his hood taking in the party.
"Autumn's blessings with you, strangers." - the gnome's voice is soft and warm - "Welcome to the Crossroads. I am Fox, resident keeper of the grounds. I have been watching you and know that there is one of our kind with you, therefore you are welcome here."
"May I know who are you and where are your travels taking you?"
Horvis Thursday February 15th, 2007 11:15:56 AM
The centaur mvoes from where he stands and makes agesture of greeting to the gnome who calls himself Fox. After doing so, Horvis speaks in Druidic to the Keeper of the grove.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"I am Horvis. Originally from the Taur Isles, lately given to wandering."}
Horvis then switches back to Common for the benefit of his companions.
"My companions can introduce themselves. We come from Plateau City and are venturing to a place beyond the north edge of the Culverwood. I believe the spot is called the Dreadlands."
"Is it permitted for us to camp here? What conditions do you place on our doing so?"
After speaking, Horvis will wait patiently for Fox's reply. As he does so, he will look at the graves and their markers in an attempt to determine their significance.
Izen d20+15=18 Thursday February 15th, 2007 2:24:57 PM
Izen nodded his head at the gnome. "Greetings," he said in a reasonable tone, palms facing outward in a gesture of openness.
"Tell me," he continued. "You ever visit the waterfalls of the plateaus? You remind me of someone we met there."
Izen smiled at Fox, and then at the others, in a message designed to be at least partially concealed to the gnome (Bluff to send hidden message, 18):
Coincidence?
Tratain Thursday February 15th, 2007 9:22:03 PM
Tratain introduces himself to the gnome and then decides to listen to rest of the conversation as it unfolds.
Monthor Thursday February 15th, 2007 10:33:10 PM
" Me be Monthor of the Axe Head Clan. Now of the Grey Knights. Formaly of Monthor's Angels and the Windhorn Hamleteers. You got beer? "
Jova Friday February 16th, 2007 2:37:58 AM
The little man had welcomed them to stay. Jova knew druids, some anyway. Although he knew he would be welcome, the fact his mount was otherworldly, well was frowned upon. Dismounting, he adjusts his long coat, so the folds are less cospicuos. He takes off his hat, runs his fingers through his hair, then replaces it, hiding his features moe than usual. He then leads his mount to a spot away from thegroup.
Z appears from the sky. When the bid lands, Jova explains the red haired stranger is a Druid. The bird loves the nature loving peoples, and goes immediately over to the group. Z perches on a limb near the red haired one. Meanwhile, Jova sits on the ground, enjoying the time to relax.
Resting at Crossroads - DM Marcin Friday February 16th, 2007 2:54:12 AM
The gnome druid acknowledges Horvis' greeting with a bow.
"You want to travel to the central Scab, then? The furthest the Crossroads can take you is to the grove of Peryhann. He's been living on the border of the Dreadlands for years now. Has some personal grievances against people from there, I think. There are no circles or groves in the Dreadlands themselves."
"You can camp here for as long as you like. The Crossroads is a neutral ground - leave them as you found them and don't draw steel or invoke fire while you are here are the only rules I have ever had need for. Those who come here usually have need of my assistance, so it's very seldom that I have to forcibly remove somebody from here. I would offer you my hospitality, only I don't stock up on food. I usually eat what I can find."
Horvis recalls that it's a fairly common practice to bury previous grove keepers in a fashion similar to the in which the older graves are arranged. The newest one is probably a grave of someone from outside of the druidic order.
"Waterfalls? I can't say I've ever been there. My duties here leave me no time to wander, and I wouldn't leave the Crossroads without protection unless under most dire of circumstances."
A coincidence, then.
"Beer? What would I make beer out of, pinecones? You won't find any beer here, sorry."
Jova's mount doesn't draw a comment from the druid. Perhaps he is used to strange sights. Jova senses that Z feels at home here. In fact, all of the animals that accompany the party seem more content and relaxed.
Draax Friday February 16th, 2007 3:29:10 AM
Seeing the reaction of the animals, Draax does not bother to tie his horse. "I am Draax, it is nice to meet you and thanks for letting us stay here for a short time."
Draax pulls out his blanket and looks for a comfortable spot on the ground to rest.
Arien (Mage Armor) Friday February 16th, 2007 4:07:59 AM
Arien also lets his mount wander free, after removing the saddle and harness of course. Content to eat a simple meal of dried fruit and nuts that he brought with him the mage finds a spot near a rock or a tree to lean against and sits down crosslegged, spellbook in lap.
Horvis Friday February 16th, 2007 7:32:05 AM
The centaur calls Aquila down so that Fox can meet his companion also. Horvis settles the eagle on his torso, then makes the introductions.
"Fox, this is Aquila. He has accompanied me for some time. Is it permitted for him to hunt? For that matter, are there restrictions placed on my hunting? Or would you prefer that I not do so, because I can probably go a day without food."
As he waits for the gnome to respond, Horvis decides to try to get some more information about the Crossroads.
"We ran into a band of giant-kin attacking a settlement a short distance away. Is there anything that you can tell us about the settlement or the giants of the Red Hills?"
Regardless of how the keeper of the Crossroads responds, Horvis will ask the gnome to clarify an earlier statement.
"You mention that the Crossroads can take us to the grove of Peryhan, on the edge of the Dreadlands. Than you say that this place is the Crossroads. I haven't travelled much in these parts before, so is there a network of Crossroads or does it allow travel some other way?"
Izen Friday February 16th, 2007 9:50:59 AM
Izen nodded at Horvis's question about the potential for travel. It sounded as if the druid groves were connected somehow--could save them a lot of effort.
He found a comfortable spot and stretched out. Take your rest when you can was clearly an important rule for the halfling.
Monthor Friday February 16th, 2007 9:25:23 PM
" No beer? "
:: Monthor sulks... ::
:: Monthor points at the grave with the war hammer centerpiece. ::
" Who's the dwarf? "
Arien (Mage Armor) Saturday February 17th, 2007 12:49:31 AM
"You know Monthor, seeing you sober for a change might actually be a pleasant experience." Arien tells the sulky dwarf with a smile. "We have some nice fresh water for you right here and I won't even make you bathe." The mage struggles to hold back a chuckle as he waits for Monthor's response.
Tratain Sunday February 18th, 2007 10:47:43 PM
Tratain takes his que from Izen and finds a comforatble spot and sits down to listen to the conversation.
The nature of Crossroads - DM Marcin Monday February 19th, 2007 5:38:25 AM
"I'd rather you didn't hunt here, if it's the same with you. I frequently get visitors and some of them come as animals. There could be... misunderstandings. Besides, I have grown to use some of the animals living around here as my eyes and ears. Predator and prey and all that, but good help has been recently hard to come by and it's always a dreadful shame to see an useful ally that still had a lot of potential in him end up prematurely as somebody's meal."
"Settlement? You would be referring to either the Fort of Ogre or the Trader's Corner in Culverwood. The fort is right now occupied by a mixed bunch of roughs, ruffians, rogues, small-time bandits and their like forced to work together and do some agriculture. The Hills have their special way of forcing cooperation on people. Around these parts it's often that, or perish. The Trader's Corner is a seasonal settlement. In winter it's just an empty clearing. In autumn it's a small city of wagons and tents. When you go there you never really know whom you might come across."
"You came here but you don't know about the Crossroads?" - the druid rises his eyebrows in surprise. "Well, well. You are lucky, then. This place sits atop three ley lines, hence the name. It is a powerful nexus of travel magic. There used to be a lot of fighting for this site long ago, until us druids stepped in and took charge of it. Nowadays we make its power available to members of our order and these who are capable of finding it. You have to study it for years to understand its workings, but once you have achieved this knowledge it repays by greatly amplifying your own powers over time and distance. Come nightfall I can take you from here to any druidic grove within several hundred miles. Voluntary donations for the service are, of course, accepted."
Horvis: "Is there anything that you can tell us about the giants of the Red Hills?" Monthor: "Who's the dwarf?"
"Was, was. Thorn Steelforger was his name and he was a friend. These two questions are connected; I can tell you a bit about both the giants and Thorn if you have a mood for a long tale."
It is now early morning and the party haven't had any rest last night.
[...]
The tale of Thorn Steelforger and the giants - DM Marcin Monday February 19th, 2007 5:43:54 AM
[Long: for those who want to listen to the druid.]
Fox sits down on a small stump.
"Thorn Steelforger was a dwarf and an active member of the clergy of Domi. We met many years ago, when I was young, inexperienced, and freshly earned myself the right to serve and protect the Crossroads. He had his youth behind him even then. He would come to use the Crossroads every few months, and he always stayed a few days. We talked. He opened my eyes to a lot of what was going on in the Wold around me and of which I was previously unaware. He always had a special place in his heart for the Red Hills, caring about this desolation and people who lived in it. I think he was from the Scab, though he never wanted to share tales of his youth."
"Time and again I would ask for his help in dealing with local problems. This he was always very good at, everyone he talked to would listen. I hope some of his wisdom rubbed off on me. We became friends over the years."
"The region was never too friendly and inviting for visitors, but Thorn never gave up on it. There are a lot of elements to this puzzle, you see. Savage monsters and abominations push from the Scab into the Red Hills. There are several tribes of giants inhabiting old ruins in the northern part of the land, ogres, goblins and trolls to the South, bandits living in various fortified camps along the roads, and gods know what else. Thorn saw it as his duty to gently nudge somebody every now and then in order to preserve the delicate balance of power and keep the Hills safe for those who wanted or had to travel through it - a goal that was close to my own philosophy, as you can probably guess."
"This task grew more complicated with every passing year. The main problem were the giants, who constantly grew in power. Thorn was brought up in the Scab; he understood better than most what damage the giants could pose unchecked. I think he witnessed some of their raids with his own eyes. We considered introducing some other power into the equation, but that would only lead, as he explained to me, to an inevitable and bloody confrontation. Another way of stabilizing the region had to be found."
"Things became that much more urgent three years ago, when a new giant chief came into power. His name was Khar-ghur, and he was vile, cruel, merciless and power hungry even by giant standards. It is then when we understood that something had to be done or the Crescent Valley and settlements along the northern border of the Plateaus would be soon endangered. We considered killing the giant, but that would only postpone the need to solve the growing giant problem, not permamently get us rid of it. Besides, all his evil aside, Khar-ghur proved very efficient at keeping the dangers of the Scab at bay. In his time hardly any monster managed to rampage through the Red Hills. Those that tried to ended up as trophies on the walls of Khar-ghur's hall."
"I started to see my friend more often than ever. He would come and go several times in a month. He was planning something, that I could see. He was spying on the bandits and the giants, as well as visiting the hamlets to the East. Finally, when the situation was already very dangerous, he let me in on his plan."
"A long time ago, during his travels in the South, Thorn came across a magnificient helmet of opposite alignment. This item he recently recovered from its safekeeping place and intended to sneak it into the posession of the giant leader. A very dangerous plan, he was first to admit, but back then we were running out of time. Thorn intended to let himself be captured by the giants and then either trade the helmet for his freedom, or, if it came to worst, wait in the giant's dungeon until their leader has a change of heart."
The gnome sighs. "We both knew that the risks were very high. What we didn't know was that just a few days before Thorn set out Khar-ghur's younger brother was slain at hands of the dwarves of Scab. When the cleric was captured the chieftain had him immediately executed."
"Domi smiled on Thorn's labor, though, and his plan worked. The chieftain took the magnificient helmet as his trophy and started wearing it. Not long after he had a change of heart."
"I like to think that Khar-ghur died that day and somebody new was born. You probably know how these helms work - all his malice, greed, hatred, loathing to non-giants, evil, was turned into a pure heart, full of compassion and good intentions."
"We knew the chief was smart, otherwise we wouldn't even bothered with carrying out this plan. But none of us really anticipated the level of diplomatic savvy this giant is rising to nowadays. He became a noble leader of savage people, who care nothing for others and are prone to violence. They did respect strength and martial prowress, though, and on that he started to build, first introducing among them a simple warrior code, and then refining it with every month until it became a code of honor of a sort. Strength is only as good as the enemies it chooses to test itself against, he would say. And so the giants stopped robbing people along the roads. They still exact a very steep toll, as those who pass this way sometimes complain, but this is much better then ending up with a club in your skull and losing your life."
"Khar-ghur was quite successful in gradually changing their ways of life. Nowadays they accept among them anyone who can prove he is a match in strength to a giant warrior, and so some ogres and even trolls have joined him, and giants socializing with other species is something you almost never see. Thorn would have been proud, I think."
"The chief forced his will on all the giant clans in the region. They all answer to him right now and he forbade them to raid and pillage. He's been training his own tribe in sophisticated ways of organized combat - something to do with his shift away from the chaotic part of his nature - so he has a force to back his orders with, a force with signifficant advantage of training, strategy, and morale over other clans."
"Now the best part: I learned all of this from Khar-ghur himself! He came to me secretly and alone six weeks after Thorn's death, bringing his body for burial. I was heartbroken to see my friend dead, but I have already guessed that this was what must have happened. Besides, Thorn was already very old, even by dwarven standards. We durids understand better than most that everything must die; we see the life as the process of dying. Thorn died in the service of his god and left a huge legacy behind him. I think he was glad to end this way."
"We buried him here, in the grove." - the gnome points to the newest of mounds - "I don't care what other druids might say. I feel honored that my trees now draw their strength from his bones. Me and the giant talked all night. I told him about Thorn and our plan, and he told me about his first attempts to change his people. Whenever he asked for it, I tried to help him with advice."
"He is a regular here now, coming for a night of talking every two months." - Fox smiles - "I explained to him a lot about the Wold and other races' perception of his people. Slowly, little by little, a dream was born in his head, a dream about what the giants of Scab could become. I think Thorn outdid himself on his last quest."
"Recently he asked me what he could do to repair his reputation with the folk of Crescent Valley. I advised him that he should take things slowly, maybe start with winning back some of the livestock they lost to bandits and returning it. With time they might grow to tolerate him, though his past will always trail behind him like a shadow."
"The most surprising thing is" - the gnome has flickers of light in his eyes - "that with every visit he asks me about Domi more and more. I have already told him all I know, but his curiosity is still unsatisfied. Gods and their workings are a mystery to me, but this could be the beginning of something grand. Recently I have given him Thorn's holy symbol... I think my old friend would have liked that. I firmly believe that one day Domi will see it fit to put one of his clerics on Khar-ghur's path, and this will be a day auspicious to all indeed."
Horvis Monday February 19th, 2007 11:22:04 AM
The centaur acknowledges the gnome's request that no hunting occur near the crossroads. It doesn't matter much to Horvis, but he will try to convince Aquila not to hunt in the area. The news about the Crossroads is probably welcome to all of the party.
However, the news about the giant Khar-ghur - for that was surely who they had encountered - is sobering. Horvis doesn't immediately respond while he waits for his companions to digest the news. He tries to find a quiet way of discussing the news with his companions.
Izen d20+15=30 d20+15=30 Monday February 19th, 2007 11:53:05 AM
Izen appeared relaxed and half-asleep through Fox's story. His expression betrayed no reaction as Fox described the giant leader, his helm, and the giant's interest in Domi (Bluff, 30).
With nonchalance, he rolled over as Fox's story concluded and smiled and shrugged to his companions. The message in the movement was clear to his companions, but hidden to the gnome druid (Bluff to send hidden message, 30!):
We need to tell him the truth.
But Izen waited for his companions to draw their conclusions.
Draax Monday February 19th, 2007 6:02:36 PM
Draax lies on his blanket with his eyes closed, but it is easy to see that he is still awake and listening to the story. He does not feel bad about his actions in killing the giant leader because he did not initial the fight and they were in a kill or be killed situation. Draax does realize that as a group, the Grey Knight will have to take responsibility for the death of the giant leader and what that death will mean for the this region.
Juliander Monday February 19th, 2007 6:29:04 PM
Juliander takes in the story, memorizing every detail. Slowly however, it dawns on the human bard that he may have made a grevious error. Distraught with the news regarding the giant, and suspecting that the leader they slew...he slew... is the very same individual Juliander rises, "Nothing can excuse the actions we have taken.. I have taken.. of late. Though I know not the final repercussions of these, I submit to whatever justice would be placed upon myself, and accept responsibility for the death of this giant leader, whom we encountered a short while back. I mistook his band for a group of raiders, and attacked them."
Arien (Mage Armor) Monday February 19th, 2007 7:12:52 PM
Arien closes his eyes a moment when the nature of the giant leader they slew becomes apparent. After Juliander speaks Arien looks to Tratain and says, "Do you think there is any chance that we could petition Gargul to return to fallen giant to life? Also if we did would be revert to being the evil creature he was or would he remain as he was at the end?"
Izen (illegal second) Monday February 19th, 2007 8:28:38 PM
The halfling sniffed sardonically and half-smiled at Juliander offering himself up for "justice," but said nothing. He stood, brought forth the wrapped holy symbol of Domi, and presented to the gnome with a sad, knowing nod.
Monthor Monday February 19th, 2007 9:52:09 PM
{ Before Arien's post }
Once Monthor realizes what they have done, a wave of sorrow flouds though him. The might dwarven warrions crumbles to his knees in front of Thorn Steelforger's grave. Tears flow down his cheek. He can't help but feel that his thirst for blood has led to this tragedy. But how was he to know? They were giants. And they were attacking an outpost. It seemed the logical thing to do. But now to hear that the Knights' actions have destroyed what this holy dwarf gave his life up for. To know that they may have destroyed the one hope this region had for peace.... it breaks his heart.
" Me have a better idea Julie. Let's go back... let's go back and raze that keep to the ground. Let's kill all of the bandits and finish what Khar began. We'll kill them all and return to the Valley what belongs to them! "
:: Monthor lowers his head and places a hand on Thorn's war hammer. ::
" Me be sorry brother. So sorry."
Tratain Monday February 19th, 2007 10:08:32 PM
Tratain says "Show Fox the rest of his belongings, we need to make sure that it was indeed the same giant that was killed. If it was, the least we can do is petition Gargul to return him to the Living, though I do not know if he will remain as he was before he was killed or if the curse will be gone. Perhapse we can aquire another helm and fashion it to look like his, and get him to put it on if need be."
Tratain continues "I don't think more violence will help here Monthor, rash descision lead us to the point, going and destroying a Fort isn't going to help. Perhapse, if we can restore him to how he was we can help him make a noble jesture again. I need to think."
Jova Kon Tuesday February 20th, 2007 3:54:41 AM
Jova listened intently. As soon as the helemt was described, Jova understood. Now there was real reasoning behind the battlefield tactics. It was an odd feelingthat came over him. But it faded quickly, after all the Giant had chosen to fight first, ask questions later.
Jova was contemplating what he, or the group should do. Then Juliander jumped up and spouted out the declaration. That man needed to be silenced. Again without thought he had endangered the whole groups lives.
Jova scanned the woods, watching for the impending attack. The druid could no more stand for this betrayal, than he could to burn a tree. And yet nothing happened. Tratain had called for the items, so Jova walked over to the druid. Taking out the items one by one, he placed them at the feet of the druid. Everything except for the shrunken giant club.
"These items were taken from the chieftain that we sew. Some of my friends have suggested that we might be able to raise him. They forget I turned the giant into a stone stature on the field of battle. I do not have the ability to undo it. The only good is his body willl not return to the ground, or decay."
Heartbroken - DM Marcin Tuesday February 20th, 2007 6:12:05 AM
The little gnome does not understand what the group is trying to tell him at first. Then a horrible realization dawns. One can actually see it on his face - first it goes ghastly pale, then a grimace of anguish appears on it, finally, when the giant's belongings are spread before him, two small tears roll down his cheeks.
"Yes, this is the helm... And Thorn's holy symbol... What have you done..."
He gets a brief description of the incident from the party - at least as much as the Knights are willing to tell.
He closes his eyes and starts to sob quietly, his whole body shaking.
"No! No more killing!" - he manages. "There are women and children in the fort, families of those bandits, would you kill them too, or leave them prey to everyone who- <sob>"
"Raise him? And how will you raise his dream? The giants have seen him fall, be defeated so easily! How will you make them believe in him and his way again!"
It takes him some time to regain composure.
"I am a druid, I do not pass judgement." - he eventually says in a dead tone of voice. "I cannot look into your hearts and see if you did what you truly thought was right. If fate or whatever gods you believe in ever judge you for this, so be it. I will not. Come evening I will take you through the Crossroads to wherever you wish. It is a duty I am sworn to. Until that time leave me to my grief."
He turns around and starts to walk away into the forest: a small, broken man.
"Please, leave Thorn's holy symbol on his grave."
The party has about ten hours until dusk. How would you like to spend it?
[I would say that the alignment reversal from cursed items persists even after death.]
Horvis Tuesday February 20th, 2007 1:22:38 PM
The centaur watches as Fox retreats into the woods to reflect on his loss. Then Horvis looks around at his companions.
"Do we wish to somehow try to remedy this? Or consider it to be chance's will, that Khar-ghur should die on that field?"
Horvis waits a moment before continuing. When he does, he shrugs first.
"Me, I think that we've done enough. As Fox said, what's done is done. If you want to try to raise him, I will help. Right now, we should rest before we travel through the Crossroads."
Horvis will find a soft patch of turf to kneel upon, resting and recovering from the night's efforts. If the death of the giant bothers him, there is no obvious sign of it.
Juliander Tuesday February 20th, 2007 9:04:39 PM
Looking to the other members of the group, "I would beg that we consider raising the giant. Martyrdom has been a powerful motivator, and if we can demonstrate the noble giant's will as the right, through the power of Gargul's blessing then I think his leadership can be more than salvaged. What say you?"
Izen d20+13=20 Tuesday February 20th, 2007 9:43:49 PM
Izen arched an eyebrow at Juliander's plea, then made himself comfortable again. He fished his copper coin out of his pocket and twirled it across the backs of his knuckles (Sleight of Hand, 20).
"First you want to kill him, now you want to kiss him," he observed. "Bargain with Gargul himself for an enchanted giant?" The halfling sniffed dismissively. "Figure I'll have enough bargaining coming with the Eye without taking on more. No thanks."
Izen stretched out and closed his eyes. Those who had come to know the halfling might suspect that he was still listening, though--he always seemed to be listening.
Tratain Tuesday February 20th, 2007 10:07:34 PM
Tratain moves over and sits next to Thorn's Grave, the events of the past day clearly distressing the Protector.
He says to the others "I want to resurect him, and I intend to help him with his vision, perhapse instead of shattering that vision I can help him make it real."
Tratain stares at Thorn's Grave and says very quietly mostly to himself "It seems we've made a mess of things here Sword Brother, I'll do my best to try and make it right again. I just have to figure out how." He then leans his chin on his hands a begins trying to think about what he can do to help restore the giant.
ADM Joe Tuesday February 20th, 2007 10:17:42 PM
Posting Report for week ending Friday Feb 16th
M T W R F DM X X X X X Tratain O X O X X Jova O X X X O Monthor O X X X X Izen X X X X X Arien O O X O X Horvis X X X X X Draax X X X O X Juliander X X O O X
Draax Tuesday February 20th, 2007 10:29:35 PM
Draax listens to the druid's grief and then listens to the group's suggestion of raising the giants. He opens his eyes and looks at his party members. "I do feel guilty of my part in the chief's death, but not enough to petition to have him raised. I have petitioned to have a few acquaintances raised in the past and each one of them were like brothers to me and my wanting to have them raised was a selfish act on my part because I wanted them by my side. I did not know the giant and feel nothing emotional toward him except regret for the misunderstanding that led to his death.
The guy that we could not save from the umberhulk was just as unfortunate as the giant and our actions may have resulted in his death too. He probably deserved to live as much as the giant if not more so.
Anyway, I will let everyone make their own mind up on this subject, but I will not be petitioning for the giant to be raised."
Draax rolls over to a gets a few hours of sleep before they are escorted out of the grove.
Monthor Tuesday February 20th, 2007 10:45:34 PM
"Me with Julie and Tratain."
Jova Wednesday February 21st, 2007 4:47:24 AM
"I think it best if we all rest and contiplate what has happened and what is to happen in the future. So, get rest, we will talk later."
Before Jova finds a spot to lie down for a few hours, he finds each of the horses and unsaddles those that havdent been. Taking a brush from his bag he also gives each a brush down. In this grove hey should recover from most of their simpler ailments.
Finding a smaller tree he lies down next to it. With a jesture he dismisses his mount, and it fades back to the shadowrealm of where it was summoned. As he sat there and pondered what was to happen, he was ableto fall asleep.
Evening at Crossroads - DM Marcin Wednesday February 21st, 2007 6:10:16 AM
Time passes slowly as the sun marches through the sky. The day is warm for the season; golden glow delicately caresses faces of those who did not hide in the shadow of the trees. A golden leaf drifts slowly to the ground.
Noon comes and goes. The horses and ponies munch lazily at the grass. Scarcely anything can be heard but the rustle of the wind among branches of the mighty oaks and gentle snoring of those who are asleep.
The shadows lenghten and the sun sets. The moon rises - still almost full, but waning. Fox appears at the same time as the first stars on the black sky.
"If you want to use the Crossroads" - comes his voice from where he waits, near the cave - "now is the proper time. Shall I take you to Peryhann's grove?"
[Arcane spellcasters can get 8 hours of sleep and replenish their spells. Divine spellcasters can also do so provided that their praying time is during daylight.]
Izen d20+15=33 Wednesday February 21st, 2007 11:01:13 AM
Izen rolled to his feet and adjusted his equipment. His eyes darted to Juliander, then the gnome, before saying carefully, "I can't speak for everyone, but, yes, that makes sense to me. I'm sure we appreciate it, and will be glad to make a significant contribution of money or service of some kind to the grove in payment."
He smiled, and nodded at the gnome. "You know, I must say that I appreciate your willingness to help us, despite our foul-up. A lot of people would be upset with us--attacking strangers recklessly, killing a force for good in the region, destroying all that you and your friend had worked for." He inclined his head to indicate the grave of the fallen dwarf. "A lot of people. And now you're still willing to take us to the next grove, no problem, just like anyone else? That's awfully understanding of you."
What Izen was telling his companions, particularly Juliander, of course, was this: (Bluff to send hidden message, 33!)
Check this guy out. I don't trust him. What do you make of his motives?
Juliander d20+15=32 Wednesday February 21st, 2007 8:21:24 PM
Juliander listens carefully to Izen, discouraged by the halfling's willingness to simply move on, but then he picks up on his intent, turning toward Fox, "Indeed... your understanding seems to be without bounds." (OOC: Sense Motive DC 32 toward Fox)
Horvis Wednesday February 21st, 2007 8:55:12 PM
The centaur stands waiting with his companions. Horvis doesn't really understand Izen's concern ... the only thing, really, that Fox could do is deliver them to the wrong location. And, for Horvis, that simply means more opportunity to learn more of the Wold. Still, it is usually wise to be cautious when dealing with people.
Monthor Wednesday February 21st, 2007 9:46:30 PM
The dwarf moves silently ( Monthor? Silent? ) towards his pony and waves off the discussion.
" We've done enough damage here. Me chane me mind. Let's go on to the grove. "
Arien Wednesday February 21st, 2007 11:13:36 PM
"I do feel that we should at least make the attempt to raise the fellow considering what we have done. However perhaps now would not be the best time to do so. Of course there are other alternatives, we can attempt to finish what he was doing by stopping the giants though it would be the work of a lifetime." Arien shrugs in indecision as he looks at the others.
Draax Wednesday February 21st, 2007 11:31:19 PM
Draax rolls off his blanket and does an inventory check before readying his horse and gear. He has no idea what Izen is doing, but he wonders why the man is rehashing yesterday's evens and putting an even worst spin to it. Is the man trying to make the druid angry? He looks at the druid for any reaction before confirming his readiness to leave.
"I am ready to go."
Jova Kon d100=6 d100=48 Thursday February 22nd, 2007 2:13:12 AM
As the others wake and go about preparing to leave the grove, Jova decides now is as good a time as any to speak his mind.
"I have travelled many places in the Wold. Seen many lifestyles. One common theme is life must one day result in death.
"Our graciuos host, Fox takes this a few steps further. Look around you. This grove is his to take care of. He is its warden. No matter what he does, how hard he tries, life here still passes on, death is as sure as life.
"With his old companion the late dwarf, they tried to cultivate the population in these parts as well. A very noble idea, and a good one. As strong as Khar-gur was, or could have been, is ow lost. Something stronger killed him. Fox recognizes this as a fact of nature. Even though he is upset, he knows that the strongest survive. Therefore he looks to the future, to find his new 'Khar-ghur'.
"It is the Druidic way. An understanding of life that few possess. Our friend Horvis comes with the same lifestyle. If we wouldnt have killed the giant, someone else would have. At least now, Fox has the oppurtunityto find a quality replacement. Maybe a better, stronger one.
Jova stops and nods his head in revererance to the druid Fox.
"One last comment. We are a group. We shall be judged as such. We are all individuals with different pasts, and strengths. As we ride to our next destination, I would challenge all to rethink if they want to be part of the 'group'" At the last word he emphasizes it as though a quotation.
"Acts such as Julianders lack of discipline, put the whole group at risk. Risk you all ask, and I say yes. In this situation the attack resulted in an unproked attack on a Good aligned creature. Hence we have done an evil act. Are we any better than the evil people we fight? I understand we do not like to talk over decisions, which is fine. But until this is resolved, if any of you attack anything, you had best have good reason. Or if anyone disappears with out reason. I guess until we build trust in one another, we shall be ineffective as a whole." Jova walks abit to the side where he withdsraws his rod of extending and begins to summon his steed. He is within hearing range, if there is to be a discussion.
ASF spell failure on first casting of 6 48 works. Spell will take me 20 minutes to perform. Lets say i casted the spell before my longwinded speech. So i have used 2 3rd level spell slots today.
Questioning the Druid - DM Marcin Thursday February 22nd, 2007 5:55:26 AM
While the opinions on how (or whether) the incident should be amended by party differ, most seem to agree that any such action will have to wait.
Izen: "A lot of people would be upset with us-attacking strangers recklessly, killing a force for good in the region, destroying all that you and your friend had worked for. And now you're still willing to take us to the next grove, no problem, just like anyone else? That's awfully understanding of you."
The gnome shakes with every sentence, as if iron nails were driven straight into his heart. Tears appear in his eyes again, but this time he wipes them out angrily with the back of his hand.
"It is the purpose of the Crossroads to serve everyone who comes here. It is my purpose. It is a duty I am sworn to. At times like these fill your heart with sorrow, it will not leave any room for hate. Thorn taught me that. I will not desecrate his grave and his memory by acting contrary to everything he believed in."
"You are free to leave either as you came or through the Crossroads, but you will need to leave tonight. Your presence is causing me too much grief. I will not accept anything in return from you."
Those concentrating on the words of the gnome do not detect any deception or hostile intent.
Izen Thursday February 22nd, 2007 9:25:40 AM
Izen nodded at the gnome's expression of sincere grief. He stepped forward and gently laid a hand on the gnome's shoulder in a gesture of comfort.
"I am truly sorry for your loss, and for our role in it," he said gently. "And sorry, too, to bring you more pain by its memory. I promise you, when our mission is done, I will return and do my utmost to make it right. This I swear, on my honor, and on the honor of the Families." The halfling sounded serious in his oath-taking.
"I'm ready to pass to the next grove now."
Horvis d20+5=12 Thursday February 22nd, 2007 2:02:12 PM
The centaur moves forward with Izen towards the gnome. After the rogue finishes speaking, Horvis will extend a hand in a gesture of farewell.
"I pledge this also, if our actions have disrupted the natural order of things here, I will return to set things back on their path. For, as you and I both know, nature abhors a vacuum and some other power will replace Khar-ghur. Perhaps the one that rises in his place will be better or, more likely, not."
"I will return with Izen. But now I am ready to experience the magic of the Crossroads."
Horvis will then move to where Fox indicates, preparing to travel with his companions. He will study what Fox does to transport them in order to determine if it is some magic that he can perform. Spellcraft = 12
Monthor Thursday February 22nd, 2007 2:56:16 PM
" What the other two said. Me'll be back with them too. "
Draax Thursday February 22nd, 2007 3:19:57 PM
Seeing that most of the party is ready to go, Draax keeps his mouth shut and guides his horse over to the others. He then waits for the druid to lead them.
Jova Thursday February 22nd, 2007 7:19:05 PM
Jova nods his head in assent and leaps onto his horse. He moves it over near Horvis, waiting on Fox to do his thing.
Tratain Thursday February 22nd, 2007 11:35:01 PM
Tratain moves over near the group, he looks a little sullen but is clearly still thinking about something.
He says to Fox "I promise I will try and help make amends in anyway that I can. Thorne and your Giant Friend had a vision for these lands, I will figure out a way to help set that vision back on the path to reality."
Arien Friday February 23rd, 2007 4:15:35 AM
Arien gathers his belongings and stows them in his pack. Then walking over and taking the reins of his horse, Arien returns to the group. Looking at Tratain the mage says, "I too would like to do something about the situation. We are responsible for what is to come, no matter how reasonable our actions may have been."
The grove of Peryhann - DM Marcin Friday February 23rd, 2007 6:46:04 AM
The druid nods and rises a short, black branch from some exotic tree. This he lights up like a torch. The flame is small, flickering, and blue, but the smoke emanating from it is dense and starts to gather around the party like a cloud of vapor. It has a pleasant, sandalwood aroma, and feels more like a mist than campfire smoke. The horses and ponies do not seem to be startled by it.
Fox takes a few steps towards the cave.
"Follow."
The inside of the cavern turns out to be a long, winding passage, now completely filled with smoke. The blue light of Fox's torch can be barely made out in front of the party. The Knights feel the walls and ceiling around them, but strangely there are no echoes, as if the group was treading on a soft carpet of old leaves.
The druid starts to chant - old, strange words without melody to them, just rhytm.
[Spellcraft DC30 to understand something about this magic. You can add your Druid and/or nature related PrC levels to the check. Highlight to display spoiler: {This is a site-related Conjuration effect, powered by Fox's Tree Stride spell, but amlified by ambient magic auras of the Crossroads. It would take several months of study at the site to learn how to channel such magic effectively.}]
It is hard to figure out how long this walk lasts - it could have been anywhere between a few minutes and an hour. The feeling of being surrounded by stone slowly fades, until the party finds itself in a forset again.
But how different this forest is from Culverwood!
The trees are small, dark, and twisted, and somehow seem sick and dying. Water starts to slouch under hooves of the horses. The Knights are riding in complete silence; no insects or night birds dare to break it. The light of the moon has a greenish hue. A dark shilouette of a bat crosses its face every now and then.
Fox's torch has burnt out. The gnome leads the party on in silence, until the group arrives at the feet of a tall willow. It's bark is dark brown and seems much healthier than that of the surrounding, lesser trees. Wind plays among its leaves, which are black with a hint of silver.
There, before the tree, Fox bows with reverence and says something in the strange language of Druids.
[If you know Druidic Highlight to display spoiler: {"Ancient Father Peryhann, Fox, the keeper of Crossroads, bids you greetings. I have brought travellers seeking to pass through your lands."}]
There is no answer. The party stands for a moment looking around, but all that can be seen are the surrounding black trees. Soon it can be noticed that Fox is gone, snatched back by the magic of his site.
It is only after a long while that one can see two huge, dark green eyes open in the bark of the tree. They are as big as bowls and stare at the party without blinking.
The willow is quietly watching the Knights, patience and calm of ages in its eyes.
Horvis d20+12=25 d20+17=33 d20+18=35 Friday February 23rd, 2007 9:03:17 AM
The centaur watches intently as Fox begind the preparations to travel. Then, after a sudden realization, Horvis calls Aquial to him. He suspects that this will transport them beyond where Aquila can easily fly, so he wants to bring his companion along. With the eagle perched on his back, Horvis tries to identify what type of tree Fox has pulled the branch from. Sometimes having knowledge of these things is worthwhile. Knowledge Nature = 25, Survival = 33
His intent study is fruitful, for Horvis understands how the magic works. But it's beyond his capability now. In future, who knows but it may be worth studying. Quietly, in a whispering voice, Horvis tells his companions what Fox is doing.
"He's using a Tree Stride spell, but the magic of this place is modifying. It would take me months to learn how to do it properly."
Walking through the tunnel is an unusual experience for the shifter. Really, he should be in a different form since his head nearly scrapes the ceiling in places. But the transition to the other forest is even more interesting. Horvis hasn't been here before, he sure of that. He would remember a place so sickly and, if he ever met Peryhann before, he would know it.
Horvis studies the grove's protector before speaking. He would like to know what kind of creature Peryhann might be, or if he is one of those strnage druids who devote themselves closely to plants. Clearly, from Fox's words and manner, Peryhann is a powerful being. After consdieration, he speaks in Druidic to the protector.
Druidic - Highlight to display spoiler: {Ancient One, I am Horvis. My companions and I wish to cross these lands to reach the lands of Dread. May we do so?"}
Juliander Friday February 23rd, 2007 9:39:32 AM
Juliander is stunned by the effects of Fox's magic. He stands dazed and confused for a moment, as his eyes focus to take in the scene of their current circumstances.
Izen d20+15=22 Friday February 23rd, 2007 3:44:22 PM
Izen's expression did not betray a reaction to the extraordinary process they were witnessing (Bluff 22), nor did he react visibly to the willow's anthropomorphism. He hung back, waiting for Horvis to make introductions, and studied the surroundings (Spot, Skill Mastery, 27; Listen, Skill Mastery, 30).
Draax Friday February 23rd, 2007 7:03:12 PM
Draax follows the druid and stays calm on the outside; on the inside he has the nervousness of someone that is trying something for the first time and do not know what to expect. The nervousness escalates when the druid says a few unintelligible words and then vanishes a few seconds later. The appearance of the big eyes does not make him feel any more secure, but he feels a lot better when Horvis begins to talk in the same unintelligible language that the druid was speaking in.
As Horvis attempt to communication with the ancient tree, Draax waits to see what happens.
Arien Saturday February 24th, 2007 2:18:05 AM
Arien listens to Horvis' explanation of the magic and so does not attempt to study it himself. When they arrive a pained expression flickers across Arien's face as he surveys the woods.
Arien keeps an eye on the surroundings as Horvis addresses the tree.
Peryhann [extra post to help move things along] - DM Marcin Saturday February 24th, 2007 4:21:23 AM
[The branch was from a particularily oily variety of sandalwood. It doesn't grow around Plateau City.]
[Knowledge:Nature DC15 to figure out what kind of creature is the willow. Highlight to display spoiler: {*** A treant. ***}]
The eyes of the willow focus on Horvis and it answers in its strange language again. Its voice has a wooden quality to it. The words are slow to come out and overdrawn, and there is a creaking of wood in their background, like a ship laboring on a rough sea or a windmill at work.
[Druidic: Highlight to display spoiler: {Greetings Horvis, master of many shapes. Welcome to the graveyard of my trees.}]
Then it turns its eyes on the rest of the party and adds in Common.
"The fact that you ask for permission to pass is enough for me to grant it. Those who associate with the Defilers don't bother to stop by. I would caution you not to go there, though. Death is the ruler of these lands and undead guard the way."
[Next week my posts Mon, Tue and Wed will be about 5 h later than usual.]
Monthor Sunday February 25th, 2007 8:38:26 PM
Still recovering from this most recent tragedy, Monthor follows the others and remains quiet.
Izen Sunday February 25th, 2007 9:40:57 PM
"Many thanks," Izen said politely to the speaking tree. "Tell us, please, if you would--what is the nature of the land into which we are traveling? What are the inhabitants like? You mention the undead--are all the inhabitants like that?"
Draax Sunday February 25th, 2007 9:46:49 PM
Draax eyes widen when the treant speaks of the undead, but he remains silent as the group waits for Horvis to take the lead.
Tratain Sunday February 25th, 2007 10:57:42 PM
Tratain waits and Listens to the answers the Treant Gives to the questions asked.
Horvis d20+12=15 d20+3=23 Monday February 26th, 2007 8:56:03 AM
The centaur hasn't seen such a creature before but he does have a dim recollection from his training. A treant, an animate tree, but Horvis doesn't recall much more than that. Still, it's another interesting creature of the Wold. When the creature speaks, Horvis will reply in Druidic.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Thank you, Ancient Peryhann. I am honoured to be in your grove."}
Horvis continues in Common for the benefit of his companions.
"We have no choice but to go into the Lands of Dread, despite the threats there. We hope to be equal to the threat."
"You mention the Defilers. Are they the ones that caused the death of your trees? What can you tell them of us, since knowledge is often the best weapon?" Diplomacy = 23, natural 20
Some answers - DM Marcin Monday February 26th, 2007 10:43:08 AM
The willow closes its eyes for a moment and then opens them again. There is some sort of movement and the tree appears to have, for lack of a better word, settled. Branches twist ever so gently. The overall impression is that of hands being folded.
"The Lands of Dread are what Wold will become when the sun burns out and death claims all. This used to be part of Culverwood, old and green, but long ago Great Evil came and settled in its midst. I know not its true nature, but I can feel its presence, even now, even from here, sitting like a spider in the middle of its web... It feeds on life - nay, it gorges itself on it, slowly poisoning the land with death and unlife. I imagine the land around its abode is as dead as stone - the trees that used to grow there are dead husks and black shadows, and no longer call to me. But I have never gone that far into the Lands of Dread."
"Outer reaches of this realm are lands of strife, where vibrant life tries to oppose the death slowly being seeped into the soil. The closer to the source, the harder the fight. What you see here" - the tree points with one of its branches around in a slow, fluid motion - "is a fight that has been lost. All that is left here are dying trees, and me to mourn their passing. The Lands of Dread are like a poisoned wound in the middle of Culverwood. The center already dead, and the flesh around it festering."
The willow goes silent for a while. It might not be comfortable talking for this long, or maybe it contemplates what to say next.
"There are no animals there, no birds, no clean water... No normal settlements I know of, no roads, no paths - save one. No sane person voluntarily makes his home there. Only undead roam the land, restless, vile spirits mourning their souls consumed by the Evil long ago."
"Such is the nature of the lands you want to travel into."
"The Defilers are servants of the Great Evil, or maybe parasites feeding off its malice, I no longer know which. They are drawn to this region like flies to a fresh carrion - mages, hedge wizards, twisted sorcerers, servants of dark gods, and their ilk. No month passes here without me witnessing some power-hungry wizard or corrupted druid enter the desolation and never come back. Most die. Some are consumed by the Evil. Others survive, and these group together and build their dark towers in the swamps. There are many such groups, sometimes working together, sometimes warring. I know not what dark business they conduct, but I can smell the stench of their malice even here."
The tree blinks.
"Forgive my ramblings, solitude affects even my kind. You asked questions. Let me answer them."
"The only live beings who settle in the Lands of Dread that I know of are whom I call the Defilers: powerful mages and their servants. I suspect they have all sworn oath of loyalty to the Great Evil and serve its needs."
"There are countless swarms of undead wandering the land, victims of the Great Evil from all the ages of its existence. Most of them are of the spectral kind and of lesser power, but there are thousands of them. It is best not to draw their attention unless you want to be constantly pestered by them."
"It is not the Defilers who have slain my trees, but their hidden master. Yet the Great Evil seems to have been dormant for years, and it is its servants who now cause most harm in the lands of the living."
"I can't tell you much more about them, for each group is different. They are wary, always on the lookout for trouble. They are crafty, masters of guile, stealth, ambush, and a blade in the back. They are ruthless. They are cruel. They are paranoid. They are powerful."
"What is your business in the Lands of Dread? If you travel to Windbourne Hills you would be much better off taking a roundabound way."
Jova Monday February 26th, 2007 6:38:17 PM
Jova listens intently to the ancient tree. Madness is what he heard. And they were going to enter into such world. Looking at each of his companions in turn, he decided that the situation could be worse.
"Horvis, ask him if there is anyone, or anything that we can trust? Ask if there is anything we can do for him, while there." He can feel the intensity of Z on his shoulder.
"I have travelled much in the Wold, but I have to admit I have always skirted the Dreadlands. I will be needing direction, on fighting and dealing with the undead." He directs this to the rest of the group.
Juliander Monday February 26th, 2007 8:18:32 PM
Looking to the willow, "We're here to investigate the activities of the Sons of Dread good tree. Any advice or direction you might give would be of great value to us."
Horvis Monday February 26th, 2007 11:00:02 PM
The centaur listens intently as Peryhann relates the story of his dying forest. He has heard of such things before but now may have a chance to witness them himself.
"As my companion says, we are tasked with investigating the Sons of Dread who reside within the Dreadlands. Is there any chance that those you call Defilers may be the Sons of Dread? What you describe sounds like what we have heard of the Sons of Dread."
Horvis looks around at the dying forest, wondering what exactly might have caused this. It is the sort of thing that should be put right.
"Is there anything that we can do for you? Perhaps to help this area recover? Or do you know of any other group that strives for nature and good in the area?"
izen Monday February 26th, 2007 11:10:25 PM
Izen nodded and listened, keen to learn what more he could. He glanced at Tratain; the chosen protector of Domi would be an important ally in the travel ahead of them.
Draax Tuesday February 27th, 2007 12:16:24 AM
Draax listens as the tree speaks and then the questions asked by his teammates. He is not too happy about hearing that the group will have to deal with Defilers as well as the SoDs.
Monthor Tuesday February 27th, 2007 7:45:24 AM
Monthor keeps listening and behaving himself.
Even more answers - DM Marcin Tuesday February 27th, 2007 12:32:08 PM
"I do not think you will encounter anyone or anything in these lands that will be trustworthy. If you enter, you will have to rely totally on your own. I know of no other groups of honorable alignment whom you might ally with."
"Sons of Dread? Hmmm. Yes, it might be possible that those whom I named the Defilers gave themselves that title. I do not sense any other noteworthy power in there, so we might be talking about the same people."
<Sigh> "There is nothing either I or you can do for the forest. A wound won't heal until the gangrene festers in it. And challenging the Great Evil itself is, I fear, a feat beyond the strength of the whole Dragon Consortium combined."
"Advice, hmm? Let me think..."
"As I said before, there are no roads. But there is one trail." - the tree points to the East - "Young, corrupt magelings have beaten this path in the swamp. Every few weeks a small group of two or three goes that way. I have never seen them come back."
"I came to think that this is how the Defilers get new members. If that is true then the road might be protected from undead. Maybe you could explore it and see what's on the other end."
"One more suggestion - leave your mounts in my care. If they drink the dark waters of the Dreadlands they will most likely perish."
Monthor Tuesday February 27th, 2007 1:08:59 PM
" Maybe it be time for a more covert approche. If we were to dress like these magelings and keep to the roads we may be able to avoid trouble.... yes, me said "avoid" trouble. "
... .. .
" Sounds like we're going to have to keep our clerical types healthy. Tratain, ye feel up to the task of taking out these undeads for us? Are our weapons going to be able to harm them? Have we figured out yet what kind of undead we be talking about? "
..... .. .
" It will be me pleasure to leave me mount behind. Me never liked riding on the back of these hell beasts anyway. "
Horvis d20+11=18 d20+7=20 d20+17=35 Tuesday February 27th, 2007 1:41:01 PM
The centaur nods in acknowledgement before speaking.
"Thank you, Ancient One. Your caution about our mounts, should we also leave our companions here? And ourselves, should we consume only food and drink that we carry or create magically?"
While waiting for a response from the treant, Horvis looks to the east where Peryhann had indicated a trail might exist. Of course, since he knows something of predators, he is doubtful. He turns and speaks quietly to his companions.
"Some spiders and other creatures make very interesting traps for their prey. Or, like some people do to catch fish in shallow water. They building cunning webs or nets that steer smaller creatures in, much as this path seems to be an easy path into the Dreadlands. Perhaps it truly is a safe path, or it might lead directly to what consumes this continuing stream of evil people."
Horvis pauses for a moment to gauge his companions' reactions before continuing.
"Of course, Monthor there will think that beating on the front door with his axe is the best strategy. Am I not correct?"
Once the discussion ends, Horvis will bid farewell to Peryhann and prepare to lead his companions to the east. If Peryhann didn't recommend leaving Aquila, Horvis will call the eagle to him and then direct it to seek creatures around the party. From what Peryhann said, he and his companions can assume anything moving in the swamp to be hostile.
Once he and his companions are ready, Horvis will lead the way east until the track is in sight. As he goes, Horvis will look for signs of others moving through the swamp. Handle Animals = 18, Spot = 20, Survival = 35
Draax Tuesday February 27th, 2007 1:58:41 PM
Draax continues to listen to the tree and feels a little concerned about traveling across the unknown land without horses; even if he knows it is for the best.
He snaps his head sharply and looks in the dwarf's direction. He begins to narrow his eyes wondering if the dwarf was somehow switched while they were traveling to this place. He has dealt with doppelgangers before and knows how easily they can replace someone. Draax makes a vow to himself to keep an eye on dwarf for any other out of character comments. The uncharacteristic comment from the dwarf does bring up a question from Draax. "Are the magelings dressed in any particular fashion or symbols and is there any specific time of the day when they walk the trail?"
Monthor Tuesday February 27th, 2007 2:33:09 PM
Horvis "Of course, Monthor there will think that beating on the front door with his axe is the best strategy. Am I not correct?"
Monthor " Isn't it? "
... Draxx The uncharacteristic comment from the dwarf does bring up a question from Draax. "Are the magelings dressed in any particular fashion or symbols and is there any specific time of the day when they walk the trail?"
Monthor " Right, that way, we can jump them and bash them over the head to take their clothes.... right Draax? "
Arien Tuesday February 27th, 2007 4:03:45 PM
Arien considers a moment as the others discuss courses of action. After a few moments of throught the mage speaks up, "Draax, do you remember when we worked with Marcus? It almost seems that things have come back full circle. The Sons were up to something then and we disguised ourselves with alter-egos and snuck into their stronghold, it seems to me that something similar would be fitting now."
Arien pauses a moment before continuing, "I have a spell that will disguise us as whatver I choose." Arien is speaking mostly to the newer members of the party since they might not have had experience with the spell before. "I could disguise us as a band of evil looking adventurers which could help us infilitrate these lands. Of course any wary spellcaster will discover the illusion and may try to counter it. Which of course would be bad for our health. I would almost suggest a double layer of disguise, now many do not have the means to disguise themselves right now so it may be beneficial if we were to teleport back to a location with an outpost of the Catacombs so that we could prepare ourselves fully."
Juliander Tuesday February 27th, 2007 8:34:02 PM
Looking to Arien, "I have some illusory magic, but it is very temporary. How long does the dweomer that you speak of last? It may be our best option."
Tratain Tuesday February 27th, 2007 9:13:07 PM
Tratain says "I Don't think its a good idea for us to Try and Infiltrate that deeply into thier stronghold. We Have several members who could sneak around thier stronghold and discover what we need. We can disguise ourselves with Ariens Veil spell as something really small so we can avoid detection from long range. Once we get Close I bet Horvis and Izen can sneak around and find information."
He continues "I really dislike the Idea of us walking into that place even in disguise when we have no idea how many enemies there may be in there, it may be impossible to fight our way out if we get detected. Theres also probably no way I could go undtected for long in an encampment of the Sons of Dread, Being a cleric of Domi I put off an Aura that will scream who I am to anyone who knows what it is they are senseing."
"We also need to be careful not to wake whatever it is that sleeps there. The treant said he wasn't sure if the entire consortium could defeat it if it awoke, thats not something I think we want to be responsible for. It would be best if the Dread never knew we were in thier lands at all, we need to take a slower Pace. Scout out our obsticles and find the best way to overcome them without being seen if possible. Then let Horvis and Izen at least search for what they can find out without all of us trying to sneak into one of thier camps, I'll bet they could learn more in a few days sneaking around listening that we could in Months trying to gain thier trust as new initiates."
Izen Tuesday February 27th, 2007 11:19:23 PM
Izen nodded at Tratain's words. "Our mission was to investigate and bring back word of what we found--not to confront the Sons of Dread." He looked meaningfully around the group.
"There are many means of concealment, and we would be wise to consider all of them. We must not only hide our purpose and our appearance, but also our auras, and even our very life forces." He retrieved a potion from a pouch in his ever-present backpack--indeed, the item seemed to be sitting right on top of the pack, as if he had expected to need it, or as if it had come to his hand-- "I have a few potions that could hide me from undead creatures, but they are ... rudimentary at best. Someone with divinely granted powers could do far better."
The halfling looked at Tratain and Horvis. "Your presence here is both our greatest risk, and our greatest resource. We need whatever powers you can grant to hide our presence here. As for the rest of us--" he looked around once more-- "It's our job not to be noticed."
Jova Wednesday February 28th, 2007 12:32:18 AM
Listening to the others talk and plan he is silent for some time.
"Can I make a suggestion? Since we are here to gather information, why should we ponder going to the heart of the land. What if we just made a wide berth, skirting the land on its fringes. That way maybe we find supply routes, or other important secrets. Ifeel Tratain is correct, we are not strong enopugh to rouse the true enemy. Our talents would be served scouting."
The Trail - DM Marcin Wednesday February 28th, 2007 8:12:49 AM
The tree answers some final queries.
"Shadows. Wraiths. Some spectres. A ghost of an evil mage every now and then."
"Yes, you are definitely better off not eating or drinking anything you find in this land. As for your animal companions, it is your decision if you take them or not. I imagine it will depend on the tightness of the bond between you."
The willow gathers the mounts left in his care. One of the ponies starts to nibble on his leaves and he gently brushes it off. [I believe the general consensus was to leave the mounts behind. Please let me know if you prefer to take yours along instead.]
"There was no special pattern I would be able to discern between the times of travel and the attire of the ones who take the trail. Maybe the knowledge of the existence of the path is something that identifies them as petitioners?"
"You probably can expect to travel along the trail for a day or two before coming across the first group of the Defilers."
"The Great Evil itself is many days of travel deeper into the center of the desolation. If you start to feel the very Wold itself nibbling at your life force you will know you have gone too far."
The group gathers to depart. The tree watches the Knights calmly, and finally bids them farewell.
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