X-Men: The Last Stand
This movie is definitely an example of an adaptation where familiarity with the source material can diminish your enjoyment. The previous two films made some significant changes to the Marvel canon--most notably the characters' ages and relationships. With that sort of setup, this one could hardly be different--in fact, the changes in this film are arguably even bigger. What was surprising was that although the film's overall storyline departs so radically from Marvel's chronology, some of the details were extremely accurate. For example, the scene at the lake with Cyclops and Jean Grey was directly lifted from the Dark Phoenix saga. In any case, some people will hate the changes and some will love them. As for me, I loved the comics but I also recognize that one of the truly great things about comic book universes is that they allow for real freedom to explore themes. In that respect, I think that even though the issues underlying this film--mutation as a metaphor for race or, perhaps, sexuality--are dealt with in a relatively crude manner, it's possible that films like X3 will be a stepping stone in the growth of speculative films. After all, the X-Men comic itself was also pretty heavy-handed and clumsy in its execution, but it was part of the movement that led to some of the more nuanced graphic novels we have today. As this review is getting rather lengthy, I'll go ahead and rush through the rest: the acting was mostly adequate with a few good moments and a few particularly bad ones, the effects and action were quite good, the dialogue was unsurprisingly mediocre, and the film was, overall, pretty good.
Viewed: 5/26/2006 | Released: 5/25/2006 | Score: B
10,000 Days
I've been listening to and mulling over 10,000 Days since its release on May 2nd. I'm not quite sure how to describe how I feel about it. My feelings are overwhelmingly positive -- I can't stop listening to it, almost a month out -- and yet there are a few niggling criticisms at the back of my head.
10,000 Days opens with a solid 1-2 punch in Vicarious and Jambi. This is the Tool that fans have been waiting for since 2001 and Lateralus, and then some. Nobody else rocks quite like these guys do, and these first two tracks are easily among the best songs in the band's repertoire. Wings, which comes in two parts that don't readily stand alone, contains some of what are in my opinion Maynard James Keenan's most poignant lyrics, far removed from the throawaway lines that popped up in places on Lateralus. Writing about death is hard, and Keenan handles it with the same aplomb as he handled lyrics about sexual abuse, for example, earlier in the band's career.
I'm not going to go through 10,000 Days track by track, but where Tool start to lose me a little bit is in the record's second two-parter, Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman)/Rosetta Stoned. Tool's guitarist, Adam Jones, sometimes sounds like he's stuck in variations of D pentatonic. In this case, Rosetta Stoned uses an ascending chord progression virtually identical to that of their last album's title track on top of a less interesting rhythm, which of course makes for a less interesting song. Given that it clocks in over 11 minutes, it's more than a little self-indulgent.
Not that Tool haven't been self-indulgent before -- really, that's part of their modus operandi, which is a shame, because the best of the music really is incredible. When Maynard's voice soars over Danny Carey's thunderous double bass near the end of Vicarious, I get shivers, and it, like many of the other songs on the album, is more musically varied (even internally) than Tool's earlier efforts. They have definitely developed as musicians. I find on the whole that the album's high points, which are by no means few in number, surpass Tool's previous efforts in both musicianship and power. It's the little things that mar the experience somewhat, like the prevalence of D pentatonic and the presence of the pointless Viginti Tres, which sounds like something from Sigur Rós' first (terrible) record, at the end of the album.
If Lost Keys (Blame Hoffman)/Rosetta Stoned were absent and in their place was even one song on the level of the others, 10,000 Days would be nothing short of spectacular. As it is, it's still a great record, and it's accessible enough that it's the first Tool record I would recommend to newcomers.
The Record: 10,000 Days (Tool), 2006
One-line verdict: This is the place to start.
Standount Tracks: Vicarious, The Pot, Right in Two
Looking around, healing and the next room
Subject Looking around
"Back to business. I can respect that."
"I agree that we should look and see what's in there before we stop for the night. But we might want to consider doing at least some healing before doing so. While we've been able to choose our time fight the creatures before, maybe opening up the door a crack this time will allow whatever's in there to come out and fight with us. We have some seriously hurt folk here."
From: Kevin
Subject Looking around
Harp nods at Mund. Well, at least they were not going to get in a fist fight, at least not now. He calls Ragnar over and they will work out how best to use their healing grace on those who have been injured.
From: Karl
Subject looking around
"ENOUGH!" Salix shouts, coughing up some blood for his effort. The wound on his chest looked healed, outwardly, but apparently there was still some damage inside his chest. "This was my fault. I admit it. I don't know how I could have been so stupid, and I put Harp in an awkward position. If he had to lie to cover my stupidity, I'm to blame."
He looks over the bodies of the beasts they had slain. Such awesome creatures. Fierce, yet powerfully beautiful. Salix had never seen their kind before and now they were dead because of his stupidity. Sure they had lied about their numbers, too but that didn't mean much to Salix. Nature lied all the time. It was the most common form of defence. Perhaps they would have attacked even if Salix had not given them the excuse, but he had, so he could not help but believe this could have gone differently if not for him. He wipes a trickle of blood from his mouth as he pushes past the group, to the door back toward the main room. "Clearly I'm too stupid to trust with diplomatic negotiations," he mumbles as he heads down the hall.
In the main hall he kneels, vaguely wishing he knew which direction the Sun was, and begins praying silently to Obad-Hai, acknowledging his failure and pledging to study the incident in his mind, as the Stormfather would tell him if he were here, until he was sure he understood all that had happened and why.
(OOC - for the record, I did send an email message right after I sent the turn with "Salix's" mistake, that said "I miscounted. I won't say who I forgot. If the DM will allow, though, Salix would not have miscounted and would have said '8'." Unfortunately, that was in response to Jason, who pointed out the error to me, and I didn't realize he had only emailed me privately and not to the group. Then I left on vacation and you guys had to deal with the mess that ensued. I'm really ticked that I didn't catch the mistake in time. I wanted to see how this would play out and it galls me that it went sour so quickly because of a stupid miscount on my part as a controller. Salix would not have made such a stupid mistake, since of course he sees everyone and I have to count people up in my head. Now I have to have Salix deal with MY stupidity. And just when he was feeling all superior to you slash-and-burn types. Oh well.)
From: Jason
Subject healing
Ragnar, glad that the tensions they felt had not escalated, immediately begins to help those who are most injured.
ooc: Here's what we have for hp (I'm not sure if this includes Mund's raging HP or not)
A: 21/48
H: 23/58
M: 32/59
Rg: 37/47
Ran: 34/53
Salix: 26/39
Surin and Kal are currently uninjured. Ragnar will use all his spells for cures: CMW for Allistair, Harp and Mund, CLW for Ran and Salix, and his two 0 level spells he'll save until after looking through the next door. He'll definitely use them on someone before going to sleep though, whoever is most injured.
From: Derek
Subject Healing
OOC: Wow, Allistair has really high HP, doesn't he? Of course, it doesn't help as much when everything can hit you really easily, but still, he's only 10 HP behind the fighters. I knew he had a lot of HP for a wizard, but I didn't think it was that high.
IC: Allistar lets Harp know his current condition. "I think I can handle another door without resting if we're careful. Mund, Harp, and Ran have been very good about protecting Salix, Ragnar, and myself, since this is the first time I've been injured so far. I still have one fireball and all of my magic missles in reserve, and I have yet to use up all of my magic missles in a single battle. If I am able to stay in the back without getting severely injured and loose my spells with impunity, I should be help out in another battle. But also think the suggestion about peeking in the next door to see what we might be up against before we rest is prudent."
From: Kevin
Subject Healing
Harp will use whateve prayers he has left to cure any remaining damage.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I will get a turn out tonight after soccer practice.
From: Mark
Subject Healing
If I remember correctly Mund did have 12 raging HP, so his total, which I have adjusted now, is 20 out of 59.
From: Mark
Subject The next door
I just want to make sure. Ragnar and Harp are going to use most of their healing prayers before they open the door. Then the party is going to open the door and see what is in the room. The party does not have a plan to attack at the moment, and is really just planning this as a recon.
Am I correct on this?
From: Porter
Subject The next door
Does Allistair have an invisible left?
From: Derek
Subject The next door
No, he does not. All he has is one fireball, one rope trick, and a huge slew of MM's.
From: Porter
Subject The next door
It sure seems a shame to not use them.
From: Mark
Subject spells
How many of the MM are actually his and how many does he have in the ring?
From: Derek
Subject Spells
Allistair has 4 MM's memorized, and 3 in the ring. Also an Enlarge spell memorized that I forgot about.
From: Kevin
Subject the next door
That is basically correct. We want to see what we can see, if anything. We may decide to do some hit and run after looking, we shall have to see.
From: Derek
Subject The next door
Allistair sees everyone looking at the next door and speaks up. "I assume that Surin will listen at the door again before we try and open it. Whe we do open it, might I suggest that we have our strongest people Mund, Harp, and Ragnar (I assume) get behind the door and ready to push it closed while Surin (and Allistair, if there's room) looks and listens through the crack?"
From: Kevin
Subject Healing
So, us two cleric types have got to try and heal 143 hp worth of hurt. Good Luck.
Would it be inappropriate to suggest that Ran and Mund get the healing first, then Harp and Ragnar, and Allistair and Salix last, especially if we remember to keep those two out of the front line?
From: Kevin
Subject the next room
OOC: As usual, in this place, the door opens into the next room, so we will have to pull it closed. But Harp can do that - he is well set up to do that. I think having Mund up with Harp, and Surin just behind them, would work. Harp has dark vision, so could see a bit if it is dark, Surin will have the best spot skills, and Mund is there for his reflexes.
We may want to have Allistair viper take a smell at the bottom of the door again. It can't hurt. In fact, Allistair could have him do that while we are healing.
From: Mark
Subject the next room
As the party discusses what went wrong, tempers flare. Allistair is able to calm everyone down, with a lot of help from Salix. Ragnar quietly moves around the room, healing the most seriously wounded as he goes (CMW on Allistair, heal 16, CMW on Harp, heal 21, CMW on Mund, heal 14) and then the less wounded after (CLW on Salix, heal 6, CLW on Ranthir, heal 6). The party looks around. They are still battered and bruised, but resolute that they should at least look at the next room.
The party takes it's place, Surin near the front with Mund and Ranthir close by. Harp and Ragnar stand behind them with Salix and Allistair in the rear. Surin places his ear to the door but even the other two there with him can hear something. There is a large pounding sound and yelling in an unknown language. The sound is almost deafening. The halfling looks at Harp and the 1/2 orc nods. Surin's deft hands quickly work the latch and the door opens. The door swings in and to the left and the party realizes that they are in the south west corner of a large room, about 60 x60. The room is brightly lit and in the other corner, it's back to the party, is a huge, humanoid creature. It looks to be over 10 feet tall and it is swinging a huge club at something in the corner. Each time the club hits the room reverberates with a loud crash.
OODM: OK now what?
From: Kevin
Subject Who sees what?
Mark, can Allistair and Kal see this thing from where they are?
From: Porter
Subject Who sees what
How much does it look like the Ogre we fought earlier?
From: Kevin
Subject Who sees what
Talked to Mark, the guys in the back cannot see this thing.
Harp is going to suggest, quietly, that they close the door quickly.
OOC: Mark, knowledge check from the description for those who might know, but it sure looks giant like.
Guys, I would like the group to get some damage on this thing before we stop to "rest". If we can wait until it sounds like it is where it is now (far away from the door), we can have Allistair, Kal, and Salix pop in, throw some spells (fireball for Allistair, MM for Kal, Summon Nature's Ally for Salix), and then pop out and close the door. We may even get 2 rounds to attack and still be able to close the door (surprise round and Round 1, if we get initiative). We could actually wait for hours waiting for this thing to move around the room, popping open the door, having Allistair throw a MM on it, then closing the door.
Any other ideas? Invisible might not work since the thing might hear the door open and come that way, cutting off escape.
From: Mark
Subject Who sees what
Hard to tell from the back but it does seem bigger, both in height and in breadth. Different proportions as well.
Only one person has the proper knowledge area to know any more.
Looking around
Subject Looking around
"We shouldn't decide to rest until we know what we may be facing. We don't know how much time we have used up, so we should try to move quickly if we can."
Ranthir says this, starting to worry about where they may end up when they exit this place. The gate didn't stay in the same place permanently so if they took too long it may be disastrous.
OOC: I am at a conference for the next 3 days and I probably won't get much chance to post from there. Ranthir would prefer to move on if possible, but will concede if the majority would prefer to rest.
From: Porter
Subject looking around
Once the battle is over and Mund has time to catch his breath, he confronts Surin.
"You little worm," he yells. "We spoke to them in good faith, and you ruin it by skulking around. I ought to toss you back into that fire room."
From: Derek
Subject Looking around
Allsitair tries to calm his brother down, doubting that he will have much effect considering what had happened earlier between Mund and Kal.
"Calm down, Mund. Surin was only doing what Harp asked him to. Similarly, Harp only asked Surin to hide himself because Salix told the Manticores the incorrect number of our group. I highly doubt that Salix purposely was trying to deceive the Manticores on our numbers, and Harp was just trying to keep a difficult situation from becoming worse. Talk to Harp and Salix if you have a problem with how we dealt with those beasts."
From: Porter
Subject Looking around
Surin tries to keep from getting angry at Mund. "Hey now, I tried to make things right as soon as I could. Not that it made much difference -- the manticores seemed pretty intent on killing folks...I probably should have just gone in anyway, even if Harp told me to stay back." Surin frowns, thinking back. Something about Harp's command had seemed wrong, but he followed it anyways, to the detriment of Salix's peacemaking efforts.
From: Porter
Subject Looking around
"Really? Sorry about that, little guy."
"So, let me see. Harp can't count to eight, got us ambushed because he had Surin hide when we had promised to come out, and then ordered a retreat right when we were about to win? Why do you guys follow him as your leader anyway?
From: Kevin
Subject Looking around
Harp hears Mund's acusations (sp?). They pretty much mirror what is running through his head. What he wouldn't give to be able to chuck this whole thing and go back to being a regular soldier.
"They did not choose to follow me. They were asked by my superiors in the Order to allow me to lead them on this mission. If you have complaints about that decision, take it up with them when we get back.
As far as this room went, I take responsiblity for having Surin stay out of the room. I did not know that they could smell him and I made the decision to have him stay in the hall, so we did not look as though we had lied about our number. Everything looks clearer when looking back. I made what I thought was the best decision, and knowing what I knew then, I would make the same choice. I called the retreat to give your brother space to cast one of his fireball spells. I did not plan on all of us leaving the room, but I didn't have time to explain the full plan. I wanted us closer to the door so if we did have to withdraw, we could limit their ability to fly and surround us in that larger room.
You may not like my command, and if that's the case, I won't make you follow it. You are more than welcome to stay in the main room as we complete these remaining doors. If you go that way, I will step in your place and protect your brother as best I can."
From: Porter
Subject Looking around
"You're full of it. You don't want me to stay behind. You're just trying to shame me into doing what you say."
"Well you don't need to try to manipulate me. I'm as stuck here as everybody else, and wouldn't risk you guys failing because I wasn't there to help. I'm sticking with the group, even if they do decide to keep following you."
"I will say this for you, though. I didn't think you had it in you to lie to somebody like that. There's hope for you yet, orc."
From: Kevin
Subject Looking around
Harp bristles at the barbarians comments.
"I did not lie. I tried to make sure that those creatures saw what they had been told to expect, 7 people. Having Surin stay in the hallway did not benefit us and tried to keep our word to the manticores. When we entered, there were 7 of us, not 8. You can question my judgement, but don't question my honor."
From: Porter
Subject Looking around
"You ordered Surin to stay outside so that those guys would think there were only seven of us. That's what folk call lying."
From: Kevin
Subject Looking around
"I am not here to debate with you. I made what I felt was the best decision at the time. You can accept that or not. It doesn't matter. What matters is getting this place done so I can relieve you of your burden of having to be around me."
"Now, do you want to open that next door, or do you want to pout some more?"
A quick end
Subject A quick end
OOC: I did *not* expect the battle to end that round. NO complaints, though.
IC: Allistair hears the others shout that the Mandrakes had been quickly dispatched of, to his surprise. After those initial blows that himself and Salix received, he had really been afraid that they might not get everyone alive out of this god's playground/dimension. He returns to the room with the Mandrakes, not sure if he's dissappointed or relieved to see there aren't two additional cubs to deal with. He then answers Harp's questions about the Mandrakes (how much does Allistair know about the Mandrakes?) and then asks Harp if they are going to open the next door, or take a rest to heal and re-learn spells.
From: Mark
Subject A quick end
Manticores. And no, he knows nothing else about them other than what I have already sent you.
I will write up a bit more later today.
The party had a great round. Kal did max damage, Salix's lightning bolt did almost max damage, Harp hit and Ranthir hit twice, once with a critical.
From: Mark
Subject A quick end
The party makes its way back into the room. A quick search reveals no young and no key. "I knew they were not telling the truth about how many there were" Salix tells the party "I just was not sure which way there were lying." At Harp's command Surin heads to the next door, the one in the north wall and takes a listen. He comes back shaking his head. "I didn't hear nothing, but of course all of the commotion that was in hear just a while ago would have let anything in there know there was somethin out here. Sorry, Harp."
From: Kevin
Subject A quick end
OOC: All right guys. Most of us have taken some damage thes past few hours. Between Ragnar and Harp, we can probably heal up most of our wounds (or if we use a scroll on the worst of the damage). That will leave Harp and Ragnar pretty well spent for the day. Allistair, Kal, Salix are in pretty good shape (I think - Derek, your opinion would be appreciated as to Allistair's current spell condition). My personal opinion is that we take a quick peek into the next room, see if we can see something that might give us a hint as to what is in there, then close the door, head back to the main room, heal up, pick spells that would be most useful, and rest again. Not much fun, but as we expected, these are getting more and more difficult and we will have to prepare for all of them.
Round 3 and consequences
Subject Round 3 actions
I keep almost deciding to have Surin make off with some dragonhide, but I can't make up my mind if it's worth giving up Evasion.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3
Round 3 Initiative: Kal (23), Surin (20), Harp (18), Salix (12), Mund (11), Ran (9), Allistair (9), Flailtail (5), Sharpspike (5), Ragnar (5).
Kal watches as the rest of the party starts to exit the room. "Harp" he calls, "Stand with me at the door so the others can move back to safety. The elf launches another attack at the beast in front of him, his silver rapier darting in and (AC17, 10+14=22, hit, damage 12) sinking hilt deep in the creature's chest. He pulls out the bloody sword as he turns and dodges a claw. He then takes a step into the corner, Ran on one side and solid stone walls on two other sides.
Surin figures out that if the party is going to retreat, they had better have a surprise waiting for these things at the other end of the hall way. He starts hustling back to the main room. As he passes Allistair he says "Come with me. Let's set up an ambush for when the others lead them back to the main room." The halfling keeps moving.
"Ran" shouts Harp "Keep moving back. You and Ragnar will be the next line when Kal and I pull back. Get ready for them. The 1/2 orc swings at Sharpspike again, catching the large beast another solid blow (AC17, 16+11=27, damage 11). Sharpspike staggers at the blow and almost falls. Harp moves back next to Ranthir, his back to the wall.
Salix hears Harp call for the retreat. Frustrated that this will be the last strike he can make with the lightning if he moves, he calls another bolt down on Sharpspike. The bolt strikes down from the back of the room and catches Sharpspike full in the back, the creatures taking the full brunt of the bolts power (REF save, DC16, 4+7=11, fail, 15 damage.) The manticore lights up, its skeleton briefly visible through the skin, and then falls into a heap on the floor, smoke coming from its ears and mouth, it's eyes smoldering globs of jelly. The 1/2 elf then moves down the hallway at best speed.
Mund hears Harp's call for a retreat and reaches in to grab Ranthir and pull him to safety. The 1/2 elf shrugs off his grab and snarls back "There's only one left and it is hurt. I stay. And fight." With that the 1/2 elf steps forward and lunges with his blade. He bypasses the manticore's wing that tries to block him and drives the blade home (AC17, 11+11=22, hit, damage 10). With a smooth motion that reflects his improved skill with the blade, Ran spins and lands a blow on the things neck (AC17, 20+6=26, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC17, 15+6=21, critical hit, damage 13) and separates the head from the neck. Mund looks on, a bit astonished at the results of Ranthir's attack.
The others look on and Ragnar shouts down the hallway "You can come back. Ranthir finished them off."
OODM: Fight is over. What now?
From: Kevin
Subject The consequences
Lets go open the next door!!!
No, Mark, nice, graphic combat descriptions. Pat loved it.
IC: Harp comes to a stop, his chest heaving, the roar of the manticores still in his ears. That quickly, it had ended. Ran's skill with a blade had advanced well beyond Harp's, and he had put it to good use.He hears Ragnars call to the others that the manticores were dead. Harp looks around the room, tyring to see if there were any signs of the two children Sharpspike had mentioned. Full grown adults he could handle having to kill, but children, even of creatures such as these, that would test even his mettle. As the group enters the room, he notices that there is another door at the far end of the room. What else should he have expected. Of course this would not be the end.
As the others enter, Harp and Ragnar will look to the wounds that have not been completely healed. He will ask Surin to scout the room, knowing in his heart that the little adventurer will not find anything in this room. Harp will suggest that they listen at the new door, that they heal what wounds they can with what prayers they have for the day, and that they take a peek in the new room before they go to rest in back in the main room. They had conquered the water elemental, been able to outsmart the fire elemental, and had been able to overcome these manticores. Not a bad days work in other times, but here, it was not even lunch time.
When Allistair returns, Harp will ask him for more information about Manticores, and if what they had encountered was normal.
Positions, game future, whine and cheese
Subject Positions
So I reversed them. I refuse to be controlled and limited by your arbitrary system of identification.
I hate being under the control of "The Man".
Rise up, rebel, take control of you life.
** Harp dies**
From: Mark
Subject the games future
No, Harp becomes a fairy.
I want to apologize to all of you for my taking so much time to move this along. It is end of year at school and other things so my evenings have been filled more than usual (Damn wife who wants plants planted and movie premiers). Also there has been another change at work.
Several months ago I was moved to a new position and they brought in a new person to take over many of the duties I used to do. Back in late March this lady had to have surgery and was out for 5 weeks. During that time I reverted to my old job. She came back for about 4 weeks and we had just got her caught up when she finds out that she has cancer and has to go back in for more surgery. So she is out for another 5 weeks at least.
However, with the school year winding down, soccer season ending next week, the summer repeat season starting and most of the flowers planted, I expect that soon I will be writing as much as before.
Thanks for sticking with me.
From: Kevin
Subject game future
So long as Mund gets his damn +1 weapon at the end of this so we don't have to listen to him whine about not being able to hit things....
From: Josh
Subject Game future
And as long as Kal gets his +1 dead barbarian.
;-)
From: Porter
Subject Game future
Mund can always hit Harp.
From: Kevin
Subject Whine and cheese
Yeah, but he needs a +1 weapon to do that, and he does not have that.
All right, so that's not quite true, but it sounds good.
We better get some good stuff after this. We have a bunch of 6th level folks with really measley stuff for their level.
From: Porter
Subject Whine and cheese
I can't believe I've adventured enough to go from level 5 to level 6 and the only treasure I've gotten is this nonmagical shield.
From: Kevin
Subject Whine and cheese
By the time we are done, you will likely be at 7th level, between the creature XP and teh adventure XP.
Harp is looking for some nice magical mithral plate and maybe an even nicer sword.
Maybe a cloak of resistance or a wand of cure wounds. Remember when he asked for that at the start of this? No, the scrolls will work. Maybe, but Harp wants his wand.
Maps and positions
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: Josh, unless you hold action, you can't step where Ragnar is right now, unless you hold action. However, if you want to withdraw back to the square right behind where Ran is right now, Harp will gladly stand by you when he moves to where Salix is right now. Harp has 2 goals - get eveyone out of the room, and then try to limit them to attack one of these things at a time.
From: Mark
Subject Map
I just realized why I have been having problems with locating people on the map.
For example, Kevin, you want Harp to be at G14. But there is no G14.
The columns are usually letters and the rows are numbers.
For example I show that Mund is just outside the door at N9. Harp is at N7, Kal is at O7, Ran is at O8, Ragnar is at P8, Salix is at P9, Surin is at M9 and Allistair is at I10.
If your character is not in a place you wanted them to be please let me know.
I have attached a new map with the column and row headers.
From: Kevin
Subject Positions
OOC: Harp's starts to understand why he has been feeling so confused the past few minutes. It was as if the whole world had just realinged itself.
Salix will lightning bolt and then move to M10. Harp will keep his same basic actions as before, but he will try to get to O9 if he can (using withdrawn). Again, if Ragnar has not been pulled out, he will fight with total defense and take a 5 ft step back to O8 if it is open.
From: Jason
Subject Positions
I hate to say it, but I still don't see what you're talking about in this map. As far as I can tell, I still want to be in square O10, which is down and left from Salix. The only headers I see are the normal excel ones.
From: Mark
Subject Positions
If you look at the preview it will show row and column headers now.
And you may know how to read excel correctly, unlike my brother who, I think, decided to assing his own column and row headers.
The Da Vinci Code
As I'm sure you know, Dan Brown's book was a huge bestseller, and more than a little controversial. I'm sure that the same will be true of the movie. The film has already made 77.1 million dollars, and I'm sure that the books popularity will carry it through at least three more weeks of huge box office sales. And it's already generating plenty of controversy buzz--on my way into the theater I was stopped by a guy who tried to give me a pamphlet about the inaccuracies in the film. Personally, I don't think it's all that great a story. I'm just not that into the whole conspiracy theory thing. I will say, though, that it works better in film than it does in print. You see, the main problem with the book was that the writing was mediocre at best. Movies get to avoid awkward prose by just showing you everything that's happening. And much of the acting was also quite good. Paul Bettany, Ian McKellen, and Jean Reno were all very good, which comes as no surprise. Audrey Tautou was OK, although I don't think that her part gave her much to work with. As for Tom Hanks, well, he did a fine job with his performance, but I think he was miscast. The thing is, I'm not sure who would have been better. Nic Cage and Tom Cruise have both done plenty of thrillers, but Cage isn't brainy enough and I haven't liked Cruise in a long time. Dennis Quaid might be another choice, but I don't know if he has the chops to do better than Hanks. George Clooney is too cocky, and Ewan MacGregor is too young (plus I would probably get hung up on his accent). But anyway, I'd say the movie was generally executed pretty well, and if you liked the book you'll like the movie.
Viewed: 5/19/2005 | Released: 4/18/2006 | Score: B
Turn, Round 2, round 3 actions and Sir Robin
Subject Turn
Turn!!! Turn!!!!, Turn!!!, Turn!!!, Turn!!!, Turn!!!
I am "lost" without it.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I will try and get something out this morning.
From: Randy
Subject Turn
Do or do not. There is no try.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
I understand, Randi-won Kenobi.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Round 2 Initiative: Kal (23), Surin (20), Harp (18), Salix (12), Mund (11), Ran (9), Allistair (9), Flailtail (5), Sharpspike (5), Ragnar (5).
As Kal prepares to charge and attack he hears a commanding voice from behind him shout "Withdraw NOW". The elf is a bit surprised but years of training with the bladesingers makes his body react, almost with out thinking, to the voice of command. Not wanting to leave with out doing some damage, he quickly casts the magic missile spell. The three glowing bolts of energy strike Sharpspike in the haunch, burning small holes in his leg (damage 9) and then retreats to the door. As he gets there he tells Harp "We are going to need to clear this door and the hall way if we are going to get every one out."
Surin hears Harp call for the retreat and starts to make his way out of the room. "Salix and Allistair spread out so we aren't that easy of a target."
Harp takes a step forward after calling the retreat, his sword ready, taking position so that he can act as rear guard when the others pass. "Allistair, can you manage one of those fireball things? It might take some pressure off of the others. If you can do it and move back up the hallway with Surin."
Salix, still recovering from the damage he had just taken is able to concentrate enough to see that the others need help. He reaches to touch the acorn and leaves symbol on the chest of his armor but his hand finds the spike still there. Pulling it out with a grunt of pain, he continues his prayer, summoning lightning in the room and calling down a bolt on Sharpspike. The bolt flashes down, but the beast is able to dodge out of the way and is only singed (REF save, DC16, 15+7=22, save, damage 8). Salix waits in the corner of the hallway seeing if he can strike the creatures again.
Mund hears Harps call for withdraw and nods grimly. They were not in a good place for this and needed to change tactics. The barbarian feints to his right to distract the beast, and while it is off balance he moves back out of danger and hightails it back to the door, must making it past Harp and Kal and taking position next to his brother just outside the door.
Ran also hears Harp call withdraw. Hoping that the 1/2 orc had a plan, he blocks a claw on his shield and pulls back as well. Not turning his back on the things, he back peddles towards the door, turning his head now and then to make sure he does not bump into anyone else. He gets to the door and takes up position next to Ragnar and Kal. He sees Allistair stick his head in the room judging the distance to the creatures.
Allistair has a grim look on his face as the others start their withdraw. He sees Salix's lightning bolt do a little damage to Sharpspike but the other creature has not be damaged at all. Now was the time. No allies in the way, both foes close together. Chanting the spell, he throws the small ball of dung and it flies to a spot between the two manitcores. And then it explodes in a ball of flame. Flailtail is able to shield itself with its wings and blocks most of the effect (REF save, DC16, 17+7=24, save, damage 9). However, Sharpspike, still off balance from avoiding the lightning is caught full force (REF save, DC16, 1+7=8, fail, damage 18). Fur catches fire and wings start to smolder. Allistair then moves back down the hallway as fast as he can.
Sharpspike charges at the party members still in the room. Its 1000lbs of muscle and claws and wings and spikes charges Harp but the 1/2 orc stands his ground, and with a swift swing of his shield, is able to block the claws that rake at his head (AC21, 8+12=20, miss). The claws screech as the grate against the steel shield, sparks flying.
Flailtail also charges the party, but her movement is hampered by Sharpspike's wings and she is unable to make an attack, although she able to close with Harp and Kal.
Ragnar watches with horrified fascination as the two creatures charge and attack. Remembering himself, he chants the prayer of protection from Evil, hoping this will aide his friends before they are torn apart.
OODM: Round 2 is over. I need round 3 actions.
Map attached
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Why didn't everybody withdraw out of the room?
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Not everyone said that they were going to leave the room. Also, not every one moves as fast as Mund. Ran would not be able to make it out of the room this round.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Suckers!
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Mund sees that not everybody was able to make it out the door. He grabs Ran and Ragnar and pulls them back through the door as far as he can.
From: Mark
Subject Sir Robin
Now we will all sing the Sir Robin theme.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
If Allistair was in square O10 or P10, would he be able to shoot a fireball that goes past everyone and explodes behind the Manticores?
From: Derek
Subject Sir Robin
Sir Robin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjNycOFzUKc
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Not at this time. Too many people in the way. If people move out of the way then He might be able to. Of course then it will be just Allistair in the way of the creatures.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
Can the Manticores fit through the door?
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
One at a time. They are about 5 feet wide when their wings are furled, maybe 8 feet long plus the tail.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
We can run back to the main room and close that door.
From: Randy
Subject Sir Robin
This one is better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYU25cGcbEg
From: Randy
Subject Round 3 actions
Ranthir goes along with the retreat, making sure to not turn his back on the creatures. If the creatures got into the hallway, there was no telling if they would again pepper them with the spikes. "Retreat to the main room! We need to regroup and get away from their spikes!"
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: Look at the initiative count - Ragnar is going to have issues.
IC: Salix watches as the lightning hits the creature, but it is fast enough to avoid most of the bolt. Well, he had more where that came from. He takes a step back from the doorway (5 ft. step to J15) concentrates on the creature in front of them, and aims another bolt at Sharpspike.
OOC: Let me think about Harp's next move.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Remember that Mund's going to be dragging him out.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
I have two spells that might be useful - I still have a web spell I can cast, and I have a rope trick. Would a web have a decent chance of slowing these guys down? Although Rope Trick can only be climbed by one person at a time, so it would take a full 8 rounds for us to get inside, so that might not be so useful.
Maybe if we get everyone through the door and our two strongest guys in O9 and P9 we can close the door on them. Only one of them can push on the door at a time, so we might have a chance.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
Does anyone have some oil we could spread on the floor behind us, or even better, some caltrops? Anything that could slow them down...
What I wouldn't give for a Grease spell, or a formidable Wall spell right now....
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
I am not sure that Harp knows that, but I will try to write it up so that *if* that happens, he can work with that.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
Doesn't Web have strength based chance to break free? My guess is these things are REALLY strong - most animals are, and these are large animals.
Mark, change Salix's turn to have him throw the bolt from where he is and then have him move up the hallway to where he is next to Surin.
Still thinking about Harp.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Does Kal have any more Bull's Strength spells that he could use on one of the two strongest party members?
Right now, the two strongest are Mund (20) and Harp (18).
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
Harp watches as everyone retreats, lightning and fire going off around the manticores. They seem to do some damage, but not enough. There were still four of them in the room, and the creatures had covered the distance between them so quickly. Harp hopes that the others will keep falling back, but it is up to Harp, who had chosen to explore this room, who had told Surin to stay outside, it was his responsiblity to keep the way open until the others were out. "Keep moving" he shouts, " we need to make the hallway and fall back to the main room"
OOC: Mark, Harp will hold action until he sees the last of the team exit the room. If Ragnar is pulled out, then Harp will Withdraw with Ran. If Mund is unable to get Mund out on his own, the Harp will hold his action, fight using total defense, and then take a 5 ft step back to where Ran is now.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
Allistair also has an Enlarge he could cast on Harp or someone else.
From: Ashley
Subject Round 3 actions
Is the room with the Fire Elementals too far away?
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: IMO, lets hold off until we get back to the main room. If one of us is enlarged, then no one can get around him and it would be really hard to throw spells around him.
At least magic seems to hurt these things.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
I think it's pretty far. If Salix summoned a couple of creatures to out-flank these Manticores though (or get between us and the Manticores) it would probably buy us enough time to get away to somewhere.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
I think that if we can draw them into the hallway, where only one can attack us at a time, Salix would be likely to summon some Hippogriffs to distract them. As in next turn, assuming we all can get out of the door and one of them sticks its head through.
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
Nobody drags a dwarf!
Actually, Mark if you could check your emails, in the email where I attached the JPG version of the last map, I clarified that I wanted to move to square O10. I think you may have missed it.
Once he's out of the room (whether by retroactive DM action or being dragged or moving on his own initiative) Ragnar will cast Spirit Weapon and have it attack the one that got hit by lightning.
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
PS I think the weapon doesn't get in the way (I know it doesn't give flanking bonuses) so I'd like it on this side of the manticores, alongside our fighters. If you think it DOES get in the way, then go ahead and have it appear behind him instead.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
As far as I am concerned it does not get in the way.
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
Kal speaks up. "Harp! Hold them at this door with me!"
He attacks the green one and then takes a 5 foot step back and to his right (into the corner). If Harp runs like a little girl Kal will retreat too.
:-D