Disquiet in the woods
Subject Into the hills
From Mund's own experience, is this normal or bizarre for there to be no large animals in this area?
From: Mark
Subject Into the hills
It is enough for him to notice it. Not seeing any large animals may not be uncommon, especially with a group this big, but to not hear any at all. That means no large animal of any sort, no bear, no elk, no deer, no lion, no large cat, nothing.
There are a few creatures that might cuase that. Dragons for example.
From: Porter
Subject Into the hills
"That's a good idea. This don't smell right."
Mund nervously pulls out his hunting knife and starts whittling a piece of stick into shavings.
During the trip most nights Mund has spent some time playing his lute. He stuffs a rag inside it to deaden the noise. Mund can hear it just fine, but you have to be right next to him in order to hear much at all of what he is playing.
Tonight, however, Mund is too spooked to do this. He he seems to always have an excuse to have his favorite knife out, whether it be whittling, eating, cleaning his nails, or practicing throwing it into one of the trees in the camp.
From: Karl
Subject Disquiet
If Salix were to take his wild shape as some predator, say a bear or panther, would that allow him to sense whatever it is that has the large animals scared?
From: Mark
Subject Wildshape
He is not sure. He would have to take the shape and see what he finds out.
From: Karl
Subject Wildshape
For the record, Salix usually has Noctis assist with the watch at night. He generally let's Noctis sleep during the day unless he is needed for something specific. He let's Noctis hunt during the time they are setting up camp and getting ready for bed and may also let him hunt when Salix takes his own watch unless there is reason to ask Noctis to make an extra patrol during that time. At other times during the night, Salix has Noctis keep watch. This might be from a perch nearby or taking the occasional patrol of the perimeter to relieve the boredom. This is their normal habit, so unless I write that Salix gives specifically *different* orders, it should be assumed Noctis is assisting with the watch to some degree.
However, tonight Salix will put Noctis on alert and have him keep watch and patrol the perimeter at regular intervals until dawn.
From: Porter
Subject Disquiet
If he did this, then there would no longer be a lack of large animals. Problem solved.
Brilliant!
From: Karl
Subject Disquiet
"Something in the area must have the animals spooked. All I can sense is the strangeness of their absense, not *why* they are avoiding this area. Harp, if you think it wise, I can use a new ability I was granted by Obad-Hai during my experience in the sacred grove. I can take the form of a bear or panther or other predator and see what I can sense in that form."
If Harp agrees, Salix will ask Mund specifically *what type* of large animals are missing from this area. (i.e. He doesn't want to take the shape of a tiger if they aren't native to this region anyway.)
From: Porter
Subject Animals
DM? What does Mund know about this?
From: Mark
Subject Animals
For the most part it would be the wild life of the lower Canadian Rockies, bears, elk, moose, a few types of large cat, like mountain lion, sheep, goats, etc
From: Porter
Subject Animals
Goat sounds....yummy. :)
From: Karl
Subject Disquiet
Well, not to get ahead of myself, does Salix notice anything about Noctis that would indicate he is agitated or upset about something? If so, it might be a good idea for him to pray for Speak with Animals, and find out from Noctis what is up, if he can.
From: Mark
Subject Disquiet
No, the birds in the area seem to not be bothered by whatever it is.
From: Karl
Subject Animal
Ok, assuming then that it is agreeable to the group, Salix will take wild shape (mountain lion) and see what he can sense. He will move around the camp area sensing. If he senses something trackable, like a scent, he will try to gather all the information about it he can (strength of scent, if it is on the ground or in the air, what direction it is coming from (air) or where it went (ground), and apparent distance, if he can tell, also what it might be (dragon, etc) if he can tell.) He will move out into the forest for some distance if necessary.
He will tell the group this so that they will know what he is up to.
From: Karl
Subject Animal
Mark, if there is any tracking advantage, please change the animal shape to wolf. If not, then just leave it at mountain lion.
(Thanks, Porter!) ;)
From: Randy
Subject Watch
Ranthir readily agrees to the proposed watch schedule.
OOC: Sorry I don't have much time today to add anyhting meaningful here. I just wanted to be sure to check in so you know I am still around.
From: Kevin
Subject Disquiet
"Salix, I appreciate your offer, but I am gravely concerned. *IF* there is something out there hunting larger animals, you would be hard pressed to protect yourself from it.
It goes against my better judgement, but go ahead. However, if you start to get a sense of what is causing this disturbance, please return. Our task is not to kill this thing, but to get to our assigned destination. We can deal with it if it waylays us, but if it ignores us, I plan to ignore it (OOC: like that has any chance of happening). If you can determine what it is, return at once - do not track it. We can guard against it better if we know what it is.
OOC: Does anyone have any spells that might help Salix's wild form? Before we let Salix get on his way, lets check tonight and respond tomorrow morning.
If any one else has any suggestions, let them fly.
From: Derek
Subject Disquiet
OOC: I've been super busy with deadlines and my first presentation at a conference this week. I'll do my best to keep up.
Allistair thinks alot about the observations of Salix and Mund. Both of them were very intimate with the natural world around them, though for different reasons. Allistair is at a loss as to what might be the cause, nor does he have any divining spells that could prove useful right now. He does have a familiar though, which posesses a sense of smell far beyond that of humans.
His posession of this particular familiar is not necessarily something that he wants disclosed, since he has found that often people do not feel comfortable around vipers, but seeing Salix with his owl he decides he must have a word with the druid. "Salix," he asks when he can speak with him somewhat privately, "As you are aware many mages employ the companionship of an animal. I myself have a snake by the name of Sysyphys, who is able speak with me." (He whispers a few hisses and a snake pokes its head out of Allistair's robe, flicks it's toungue a cople of times towards Allistair, and then disappears back in his robes.) "Sysyphus also posseses a keen sense of smell, and I would like to ask her to sniff around the campsite this evening. Do you think it would be possible to ask your owl to, well, look elsewhere when looking for meals?"
Assuming that Salix aswers in the positive, he will thank the druid. When he is alone for a few moments this evening (perhaps during his watch) he will talk to his snake, Sysyphys, asking her to move into the woods for an hour or so and see if she can detect any stange scents.
From: Derek
Subject Spells
OOC: My only spells that might prove useful to Salix would be invisibility or fly, but both of them are of too short duration to be much of a use at all. They'd probably be more useful if saved for combat.
Candygram
Subjet: Animals
OOC - Just so we're clear, I wasn't suggesting that Salix would go off tracking the thing himself. I was just trying to give Mark some parameters for what Salix would do, namely: He would change into the wild shape and sniff the air and ground. If he didn't find anything, he'd move out in widening circles sniffing and watching for any signs of danger or strangeness. If he didn't find anything he would move out into the woods around the camp and would be willing to go out to some distance (several hundred yards at least) until he either did find something or satisfied himself that there was nothing he could detect. If he *did* find something, he'd follow it just enough to determine what direction it is in, and if he can tell whether it is heading this way or already passed this way. He would *not* go off after it alone. /OOC)
From: Karl
Subject Animals
If we decide to go with this, Salix will hold off on the wild shape until we find out what Sysyphys discovers.
(Great name for your familiar, by the way. Is it "Sysyphys" or "Sysyphus"? You have it spelled both ways below.)
From: Mark
Subject Animals
What form is Salix going to take again? Wolf or mountain lion?
From: Kevin
Subject Animals
OOC: Salix may want to calm Harp's concerns. All Harp remembers is Salix's conversations about these new powers and feeling of strength he had when he leveled up. Harp is just trying to temper his friends desire to dash into the waiting maw of some large predator.
LOL.
From: Karl
Subject Animals
I don't know the rules on animals. If the wolf is much more likely to succeed in spot or tracking checks then go with wolf. If the Mountain Lion is just as good, I am guessing it would be better if it needed to defend itself or flee. If this is true I'll go with mountain lion. How can I find out the abilities of each? Salix would know and I don't want to delay the game just because I don't know.
From: Karl
Subject Animals
If Sysyphys doesn't find anything and Salix does take the wild shape, he will respond to Harp with "I'll be careful."
From: Jason
Subject Camp
ooc/ If I remember correctly, if a spellcaster interrupts his sleep he can't memorize/pray for spells in the morning, you need 8 hours w/o interruption. Is that right? If it is /ooc
Ragnar speaks to Harp about the watch schedules: "I'd be more than happy to stand a watch tonight. In general, however, the two of us will need a full nights sleep so that we are fully alert and responsive to Heironeous's will when we pray for his favor in the morning. Perhaps we would be able to take the watches on the ends." Its not critical this night, as Ragnar has not had to pray for any particular favors during the day.
After hearing Salix's idea, Ragnar says "If you wish, I can ask Heironeous to keep me advised on your condition while you are away, should anything unfortunate happen."
/ooc if Harp and Salix want it, he'll cast status before Salix heads out.
When I got back to school I found that my housemates had moved our router downstairs, and I didn't bring my wireless card, so internet access has been difficult. If I'm lucky, that will be fixed tonight. If not, I'll still be able to do a turn a day but no way can I keep up with the barrage of emails sent out yesterday :)
From: Mark
Subject Spells/prayers
I am a little flexible with those rules, especially with divine casters. Also, if you have not used any spells/prayers during the day, you do not need to pray the next morning. Only if you want to change spells/prayers or get back ones that were used. The food has been coming from scrolls.
If there is no combat during the night then I have no problem with clerics/MU taking a watch and still getting their full sleep time.
Now if something happens.
From: Mark
Subject Candygram
Harp nods at the information that Salix and Mund tell him. "I want to thank you two for bringing this to my attention. I am not sure what we can do about it, but we will do what we can. Mund, would you please get with Ran and work out a watch schedule. I think that Ragnar and I should split the middle watches since the dark does not affect us. Ran and Salix should split the watches on either side, while the humans and Surin can help keep watch with the others. Ran hides a small grin as he notices Harp act more like a corporal than a sergeant. "I will work it out Harp" he says kindly. Harp blushes a bit and turns to Mund and Salix.
"Is there anything we can do to find out more of what is causing this? Is it a natural occurrence or is something or someone pursuing us?" "It could be both" Salix replies "or neither. For example, if a dragon where hunting the area I would expect something like this. It might even be hunting us, only because we might be the only food of any size around." Seeing Harp look to the sky worriedly, Salix quickly reassures the 1/2 orc. "I do not think it is a dragon, as we have not seen any other type of sign, such as torn up trees and piles of bones, but I do not know much about them."
Allistair overhears Harp asking Salix about having Noctis keep a watch out over night. When the two are done talking Allistair walks over to the druid. "Salix, I know that you have traveled with spell weavers before and know that we often have animal companions. I would like to introduce you mine, Sysyphys." As Allistair says this a small snake pokes its head out of the mages sleeve and hisses nicely at the druid. The snake hisses for a bit and Allistair laughs. "He likes you. He says that you would not let that big bird eat him, as he is too small a morsel to feed such a large bird." Salix laughs as well and confirms that he will let Noctis know not to feed on Sysyphys. Allistair hisses at the snake and sets him on the ground. The little creature slithers off into the woods, his tongue darting in and out.
Salix, Mund and Harp wait around while the rest of the party starts making camp. Allistair's snake comes back after about 15 minutes and has a quick conversation with the mage. The human then approaches his brother and the other two. "Sysyphys is not sure what it is. He says that there is a strange taste to the ground but that it is all over the place. It is not localized anywhere. Sorry." Salix nods and looks at the others. In the increasing darkness, he moves to the edge of the camp and gets down on his hands and knees. The others watch, not sure what is about to happen. Over a period of a few seconds the shape of the 1/2 elf is replaced with the shape of a wolf, albeit one with a slight tinge of green to its fur. The beast stalks off in to the woods surrounding the camp. A couple of hours later the wolf returns and takes the shape of Salix again.
His face looks invigorated and alive, his eyes burning with joy. It takes him a while to come down off the high he had been on. After a few minutes he is finally able to tell the others what he has found. "Actually, I was not able to find anything, and that is what worries me. As we have already seen, or not seen, there are no large animals. Not to be heard, not to be seen, not to be scented. No tracks, no spoor, no trails. There are some odd markings on many of the trees, near to ground level, but I do not know what they are. There are no bones of dead animals. I am at a complete loss. I can not find anything that is threatening, but to me that is threatening."
There is a bit more discussion but camp is set anyway. Food is eaten, weapons left by the side of the bedroll, spell components in hand when sleep comes. Those on watch during the night find the silence strange. The small creatures of the night are still around, the crickets, the frogs, the other insects, but no sound of deer or wolf, or badger. The night passes and the party breaks fast the next morning. As they are packing up the horses there is a loud crash off to the east, in the woods. All looking over that way, they see a large tree crash to the ground and something that looks like a fin appear from under the ground about 50 feet away. Salix hisses "Bulette".
OODM: I will get a map out tonight.
From: Derek
Subject Candygram
OOC: Anyone remember the SNL skit?
"Hello?"
"Land Shark."
From: Kevin
Subject Spells/prayers
OOC: Marks interpretation of the rules is that clerics do not have to sleep 8 straight, but have time for quiet meditation for 8 hours before praying in the morning. Mark, please confirm this issue for me.
From: Mark
Subject Spells/prayers
They need a total of 8 hours sleep, but that can be broken up a bit as long as no large physical exertion happens in the break. They then need their hour of meditation to get new or change spells.
From: Karl
Subject Familiars and companions
"You needn't worry," Salix replies. "Noctis is familiar with . . . well with 'familiars' and should have no problem distinguishing between your familiar and a *real* snake." The way he says "real" makes it clear that although Salix doesn't recoil or show any outward sign of fear of Sysyphys, he does harbor some small distaste for, if not Sysyphys specifically, then either snakes or familiars in general. (Allistair probably isn't sure which.)
"However, I can't say the same for the native birds or any other animals around here. If you want to send your familiar into the woods, perhaps I should send Noctis along to help guard him. I'll make sure he keeps his distance, but he can keep an eye out for anything that might think your familiar would make a good lunch."
From: Mark
Subject Map, initiatives and round 1
Ok here is the intiative for this combat.
Surin(24), Mund(20), Ran(18), Ragnar(17), Salix(14), Allistair(14), Landshark(11), Kal(8), Harp (7).
Here is a map. Remember you are facing east and the beast is actually about 60 feet away. It used it's surprise round to come to the surface.
I need actions for round 1.
From: Jake
Subjec: Candygram
Has Surin ever heard of one of these things before?
From: Josh
Subject Travels
OOC: Hey guys, I've been busy lately, sorry I haven't gotten anything out.
Throughout the trip Kal has been very quiet. While travelling, Kal always volunteers for the most solitary post, keeping his distance from everyone in the party.
Surprisingly, he's very receptive to Harps leadership. While still very formal with the half-orc, Kal seems to have quenched his hatred for Harp.
Kal spends all of his free time practicing his sword-fighting, and occasionally in conversation with Salin. Where Kal has grown even more distant with the rest of the party (particularly Harp), he seems to have found one friend in Surin.
The other elves in the party are surprised at Kal's lack of joy. He seems to face every day with a grim determination to make it as long and painful as possible. They rarely see him smile or laugh like the rest of their kin, but after a while they grow accustomed to his intensity.
He trains with a fierce devotion which is inspiring to the rest of the party. (Except Mund, who is still unconvinced Kal's needle of a blade could do anything but tickle an opponent). Even Harp finds grudging respect for Kal's rigid devotion to his art.
Constantly battling non-existant opponents, it eventually becomes clear to everyone that Kal's training is just a by product of a larger internal battle. When approached by anyone but Surin, Kal keeps all conversation curt and formal, only giving and taking information he needs to be effective in the group.
In the short time Surin and Kal spend talking, Kal seems to open up completely, laughing and smiling like the rest of the party has come to expect from elves. However, Kal quickly becomes guarded again whenever anyone else gets within earshot.
From: Josh
Subject Candygram
Kal draws his sword and begins chanting the arcane words necessary to cast shield. After he's done casting he'll run to the front line and stand ready with the rest of the party.
From: Mark
Subject Jake's question
Probably not.
From: Mark
Subject Landshark
Ok a brief description of this thing.
It is about 10 feet at the shoulder and walks on all fours, it is 15 feet long. As you can see from the map it is a huge creature and has a 10 foot reach. Remember that. The body looks to be made of armor plate with a huge snapping maw and short powerful legs.
From: Josh
Subject Landshark
Mark,
I've got three questions:
1) Kal's got a 7 balance and an 11 tumble. How difficult does he estimate it would be to get on this things back and stay there? He has rope and can tie some sort of slipping loop knot, so if he gets there, he can brace himself on with that. (looping it around some spike in the armor and sliding it tight).
2) Can Kal see the back of the thing? What does it look like?
From: Kevin
Subject Landshark
Harp looks on in amazement at the size of thsi thing coming from the ground. It looked like a huge armored turtle or a huge rolly polly bug. But he was sure that this thing was deadly. But how to attack it? He was not sure. Salix seemed to know what it was, maybe he would have some suggestions. Shouting to the Druid, he says "Salix, what is this thing, and how do we kill it?"
Waiting for an answer if any, Harp will pray to Heironious for his blessing in the coming battle (Bless on group).
OOC: Mark, how does Harp, with the improved initiative feat, end up with a freaking 7? I know it is possible to roll a 3, but come on. Lets not make things any harder than they have to be.
From: Jake
Subject Landshark
Surin goggles for a moment at the beast that has reared up from the ground, frozen into immobility for what seems like an eternity by the sheer, unexpected strangenes of the thing. With a start he comes to. It's huge, certainly, but it had to have vulnerabilities. A well placed blade might blind the thing, or even pierce the back of its throat and choke it. The thing's maw is a huge, gaping thing--definitely an easier target than its beady eyes. Surin's hand seems almost to flicker as he sends his throwing dagger spinning toward the thing's open mouth.
From: Josh
Subject Landshark
"OOC: Mark, how does Harp, with the improved initiative feat, end up with a freaking 7? I know it is possible to roll a 3, but come on. Lets not make things any harder than they have to be."
DAMNIT. I saw my 9 and thought of 2nd edition rules, where low is good. :(
From: Porter
Subject Attack
About how far did it move last round? As in, how likely is it that if Mund doesn't move, he'll still get to attack the critter?
From: Mark
Subjet: Harp and Kal
Actaully Harp had a 1+6 for a 7. Harp and Kal were probably squabbling. :)
From: Mark
Subject Kal
You can try if you want, but you will have to get the rope out, make the noose/loop, which would require a use rope skill, then probably make a ranged touch attack with a non proficient weapon and then start some type of grapple against a creature that just knocked down a 40 foot tall tree.
You do know that the Legolas thing with the elephant was CGI? :)
Kal has not seen the back yet but there is an amored crest that looks like a shark fin on the top.
From: Mark
Subject Delay/ready action
It does not look like it moved very far, but it is out from under the ground now.
Mund can either delay action or ready an action. Both of these actions can affect your initiative order for the rest of the combat. If you have the PHB page 160 covers this.
Landshark round 1
Subject Round 1
Mund does as much of the following as he can in one round (in order):
He screams in rage (begin rage, free action).
Mund throws the hunting knife he has in his hand (remember, he was whittling).
He draws his axe.
He moves out in front of the weaker members of the group.
From: Karl
Subject Round 1
"It's a bulette. I've never faced one before," Salix replies quickly. Now was not exactly the time for a nature lesson, even if he could give one. Surely it wouldn't help to mention that the only lessons Salix had received about bulettes came from stories about druid expeditions that never returned home.
Even while answering Harp, Salix places his hand on the holy symbol of the acorn and oak-leaves embossed into his leather armor. He prays to Obad-Hai in the language no one else in the party understands. As he prays there is a deep rumble in the sky. (Call Lightning).
Salix will call the first bolt directly into the back of the bulette.
(OOC - What's the weather like, Mark? Any chance the conditions are favorable for lighning so I get my bonus? Also, the thing is big enough that if I target the center of its back I should be able to hit without damaging any of the party in melee, right? (5ft. target.) )
From: Mark
Subject Weather
The weather is not right for the additional damage. However you should be able to hit it with out damaging the other party members.
As long as it does not attack and kill you. The spell is a full round spell which means it will not go off until your action next round.
From: Kevin
Subject Weather
OOC: Karl, I don't *think* it can move enough to get to us this turn. It moves 40 and we are 60 away. Next turn things get fun.
Derrek, any spells in your bag of tricks you can use? A nice fireball, maybe fly above it, throwing magic missles, I am open to suggestions.
Mark, Harp will cast his bless spell, for all the good it does for everyone this round, he will then move up a few feet to be with Mund at the front of the group. He will draw his sword in preparation for combat next turn.
Any other suggestions on how to beat this thing will be appreciated.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Of course it could run and move 160 or take a double move and move 80.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
How come the character groups in these things never get surprise, they always get surprised? Just once, I would like to get a free round of actions.
Folks early in the initiative list, I am thinking Ranged attacks as best we can. Then Harp, Mund, and Ran get to wade in. Kal and Ragnar can join us, but if this thing connects, we are going to be in a world of hurt.
From: Randy
Subject Round 1
Ranthir pulls his crossbow up and aims for the mouth of the beast. Adrenaline starts pumping in his veins. He steadies himself and focuses on his target. His expression turns cold and he blocks everything else out of his mind. He squeezes the trigger and drops the crossbow reaching to draw his longsword.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1
OOC: That's pretty much what I was planning. With all of us to one side, I'm confident I can get off a fireball this round without endangering anyone else. I'll probably fly and launch my MM's at him after that, so assuming I can get in the air I shouldn't need any protection after that. If things get really bad for the rest of the party, I have a rope trick spell I can cast.
Allistair freezes momentarily with shock as the beast rises out of the ground to attack them. He had seen his share of fantastic beasts, he had even spoken with a dragon once. But it was a little different when something was trying to kill you. Allistair quickly shakes his head to clear it and concentrates. He has several spells prepared, hanging ready in his mind, that just need a few words and gestures to be complete. He reaches into his robes and pulls out a small ball ball of sulfur mixed with bat guano. As he moves his hands and speaks the final words of the spell, he points his finger towards the Bulette. A glowing bead of light streaks towards the beast.
OOC: Since the fireball has a range of 20, I shouldn't need to do anything special on choosing the point of impact so it doesn't harm any allies. Just to be safe you might want to stick with ranged attacks this round, though.
From: Mark
Subject Surprise
Well you were not completely surprised, like you would have been if it had surfaced in the middle of the party. The spot checks and all did give you a round of activity.
You are in it's hunting territory. You do resemble a rather nice meal.
Maybe next time I will have Harp find a infant orc to deal with. Maybe then he will be happy.
From: Mark
Subject Fireball
Just to let you know the area of effect is a 20' radius spread, which is a 40 foot diameter circle. The range for Allistair is 600 feet. This is almost too close.
From: Karl
Subject Surprise
And, for the record, didn't Harp pretty much say earlier that we were gonna ignore the "whateveritis" unless it attacks us? Can't really get a surprise "ignore" round now can we?
From: Porter
Subject Surprise
It's so cute...
Can Mund keep it?
From: Jason
Subject Round 1
Ragnar watches as the creature rises to the surface with considerably less amazement than his companions. Travelling underground just seemed fairly natural to him, and he had heard rumors about these huge predators that could destroy all life in an area in just a short time. Ragnar never had such an attachment to nature as Salix or Mund, but he was particularly fond of the Wildlands. Anger rises up within him as he considers the destruction this creature had caused. That will end here, he promises himself silently. He steps forward and in a loud voice petitions Heironeous to cover the eyes of his opponent, that he may no longer see his prey. (Cast Blindness-range 150 ft).
ooc/ If we're about ready to go, does that mean I'm all dressed up in my armor? If so, I'll step up towards the front line after casting my spell.
From: Kevin
Subject Surprise
OOC: I meant that we were not going to go after it, but we were worried that something might be out there. We would have (or at least Ragnar might have) sensed it moving undergroud.
Oh well, no crying over surfaced landsharks. Lets just beat the silly thing to death and be on our way.
I think our friendly spell casters will have some serious input on this thing. If we have to hack it to death, we will be moving forward with less than 8 members.
At least Harp is less likely to get caught in an AOO since EVERYONE else gets to move before him.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Dwarf in a can.
Of course Ragnar would say that, he remembers that Landsharks tend to think of dwarfs as stringy and tough. Not all that good eatin, as compared to the appitizer that halflings make and the main course that Mund and Harp will make.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Ok I think I have every ones actions in.
harp is doing a bless, Ran and Surin are shooting, Mund is raging and throwing a dagger, Salix is casting a spell, Kal is casting, Allistair is casting fireball, and Ragnar is casting blindness.
That is all 8 of you.
From: Porter
Subject AOO