Ragnar Speaks up
Subject Ragnar
As the party continues riding, Ragnar reflects back to the battle that morning. Overall, he was pleased with unity the party had displayed when facing the landshark. Indeed, there was a notable increase in mutual respect. His own contribution, he recognized, had been limited to channeling the grace of Heironeous to heal his companions. While not one to depreciate his own accomplishments, he wished he had been able to be of more use in the actual combat. After all, he mused, one of the principal reasons he had become a follower of Heironeous was to show the fearsome strength and divine wrath that would surely come upon all those who opposed Heironeous's will.
Well, right there in front of him were two who had already shown that they would fight any odds and best any challenge to serve Heironeous. And to think he was supposed to advise Harp! But then, they did have much to discuss. And it would certainly be easier than approaching the second...
Ragnar nudges his horse forward from the end of the line. As he moves forward, he removes his helmet and wipes his forhead with the back of his hand. It didn't matter how cold it might be, the instant he put on his armor he began to perspire heavily. Be that as it may, it had proven its worth time and again. He draws up alongside Harp and greets him. "Its been far too long since I have been called upon to show the might of Heironeous in the face of his enemies, but I thought the party did particularly well this morning. On the other hand, it occurs to me that I have much to learn if I am to represent his will with the force and power he deserves. Please, tell me what more I could have done to benefit our friends during the battle this morning."
/ooc There are a few things in particular Ragnar noticed that he would make sure to mention in the coming conversation. The blindness spell is great, but probably not best for situations involving large dumb rampaging animals. He'd also like to go over his spell list and Harp's. Specifically I'm thinking that we have a bit too much protection from evil... But does Harp think that Magic Weapon or Magical Vestments would be more worthwhile? We can roleplay all those concerns if you'd like, but if you're looking for something to work with that's what Ragnar is thinking of.
Mark's status and other discussions
Subject Marks status
OOC: Jason, I do want Harp and Ragnar to discuss what grace each may want to bring to bear in a fight, but it will probably be tonight until I can get a good turn out.
To all - Mark came through surgery pretty well. I saw him a couple of hours afterwards and while he was groggy, he was as coherent as he ever is. They expect him to head home late today or early Thursday - no reason to stay in the hospital just because you are in pain.
If any of you post frequently on the Horney web site, Mark asked that you update those who would care. I assume you know what he meant.
Enjoy the 2 weeks off. I am sure Mark is planning nasty encounters in his feeble little mind.
From: Josh
Subject Mark's status
That's not saying much. :(
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Kal
Harp listens to Kal's explanation, but after a few minutes, his mind starts to spin, just like when he first started his schooling at the chapter house. Harp knew that he was not the brightest student in the world, but when Kal starts into his explanation of body parts and multiple movements, Harp realizes he is in over his head. After a few minutes of trying to listen politely, Harp try to break in and say to Kal
"Kal, I thank you for what you have told me. I have found, though, that I learn better by doing than by normal studying. Maybe if you showed me some of the exercises you use to train your body, I will come to better understand what you are trying to teach me."
When Kal mentions fighting dirty, Harp is unsure what he means. " I don't think what we are trained to do is fighting dirty. If an opponent makes a mistake and leaves an opening, we are trained to take advantage of it. I think this is very different than attacking an unsuspecting civillian from behind or shooting an unexpecting person in the back. Unless of course they are a recognized enemy. Nevertheless, when an opponent leaves you an opening, you need to make sure you take full advantage of it. For example, if he has over extended his reach and you are able to get your blade past his armor, instead of just sticking him with your blade and then pulling it out, if you give the blad a 1/2 twist while it is in him, we have found that the strike does additional damage. Be careful, though, that you do not get your weapon stuck when you do so. I have had it happen where I went to pull my sword out and it was stuck in my opponent.
You just have to think beyond the strike you are making. While you are there, what else can you do to hurt your opponent? It is nothing very special, just paying close attention to where your weapon is and what other damage can you do with it."
OOC: Josh, great development here. I was concerned a while back that we had created a rift too large to fix. Well done.
I don't think Harp and Kal are going to be watching Big Time Wrestling, drinking beer and eating beef jerky together any time soon, but I think the two could make a nice fight pair - Harp up front hacking away while Kap dances around striking quickly and throwing offensive spells.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp and Ragnar
Harp greets Ragnar as he rides up. It is obvious the dwarf is a little more comfortable on the horse they have than he had been on the ship, but not exceptionally so. Harp listens as Ragnar discusses their recent encounter and asks to discuss the grace that the Battle Lord gave to each of them. Harp thinks for a moment, and responds
"Brother, I will defer to your station in this matter, as it is obvious to me that you have a greater connection to our patron lord than I do. I will give you my feelings and desires as I have them, but I would like to hear your feelings as well.
I have noticed in my travels and my studies that there are some boons we ask of Him that are always granted and some that are not as, shall I say "reliable". For example, I have never known Him to fail me when I have asked Him to bless our group as we head into battle. Nor have I ever known Him to fail in granting me the power to heal the wounds of me companions. It seems to me that when I ask for his grace to help me or those with me he has always answered. However, when I try to smite or affect those opposing us, that is when I run into trouble. I do not know if it is because I am unworthy, or if some other power resists Him, or what. But given that, I have tended to ask for those boons that he has always granted. Probably not a worthy way to be, but I don't think I am a very worthy follower.
OOC: Jason, as you know from my previous spell lists, I stay with those spells that have no saving throw or that benefit the group. A Prayer spell, Searing Light, Magic Circle against Evil are all ones that I think are valuable in the 3rd level spells. In 2nd level, Bulls Strength, Bears Endurance, Spiritual Weapon are all good. Silence is good so long as it is cast on the right place or thing. Magic vestment is one I usually dont use as it only benefits me and I prefer to use our power to benefit the whole group. You can have Ragnar respond and comment to Harps ideas. We will probably be at least a week or so until Mark is able to do anything.
From: Jason
Subject Harp and Ragnar
Actually, let me get an opinion on that. I was thinking that, among other uses, this spell could be cast on say Surin to let him sneak up on things. Specifically, it seems like it would be good to let him sneak up on enemy spellcasters, who are then affected by the spell. But here's the thing; in game terms, the spellcaster takes his turn, moves away from Surin, casts his spell. In reality, one would think that Surin could keep the spellcaster within 20 feet as long as the guy isn't actually moving faster than him. Which of those happens in an actual combat situation?
I'll probably do a little roleplay too, but that was kind of too technical a question for Ragnar to be thinking about.
Update on Mark's status
Subject Mark's status
Just an update for everyone. Mark has taken a turn for the worse.
He is becoming friendly and nice, with a positive attitude peeking through at times. He has even been heard to laugh at least once in the past 24 hours. The pain is decreasing and his mood is improving.
We are taking drastic steps to stop this. Experts from across the country are being flown in to consult. We are holding off on the big gun right now, but if needed to turn him back into the unsufferable boor we all know and hate, we will bring in auditors from the IRS. Please keep our efforts to turn Mark back into the grouch and jerk we have come to know and abhor in your thoughts and prayers.
Seriously, Mark is improving markedly. He has gotten feeling back in his arm, so he should be able to start pleasuring himself in the next few days. When I saw him last night, he was hopeful that he might be able to start up the game again late next week.
I will keep you posted.
Game Restart
Subject Game restart
Ok I would like every one to check in. I will write the next turn up tonight, after every one has checked in.
Please, everyone, respond so that I know you are still out there. :)
Mark
From: Porter
The head waters of the Rushing River
Subject Turn
Jeez Mark, Slacking off on the job already.
I've been sitting here for the last 14 hours pounding the refresh button on my inbox because you promised us a turn LAST NIGHT. Some guys just have no consideration for the people around them.
I bet he'll use his back surgery as an excuse. Like a back surgery ever stopped ME from running a DnD campaign.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Well I did say I was waiting for every one to check in and Kevin did not check in until this morning and Jake still has not. However, I am working on the turn as I write this. Expect something with in the hour.
From: Mark
Subject The head waters of the Rushing River
The going is slow this high in the hills. The path is almost non existent, being little more then trails left by some of the larger animals that used to live in the area. The party spends more of the day leading the horses as riding them. Two days after the encounter with the landshark, signs of larger animals start showing up again. Not that they bother the party, but it is a relief to Salix and Mund that the area seems normal again.
There is a rugged beauty to the area. Mund is obviously in his element and Salix is also pleased with being this far out into the wilderness. There is almost no sign of any type of settlement, be it human, dwarf or humanoid. When Salix asks Ragnar about this the dwarf laughs. "This is still the lowlands for the dwarves. Our clans live much higher in the mountains. Oh a few young beardlings might come down this far in search of mushrooms or some other spice or herb, but there is nothing worth mining in this area. And the humaniods tend to not want to work so much to live. They prefer raiding and stealing crops so they tend to settle closer to the human settlements, where they can thieve and capture slaves to do the hard work." Ragnar continues on about what he knows of the area as the party travels.
On the sixth night Harp calls a meeting of the party. "According to Allistair here we have made very good time. Mund says that we are only a day or so away from the head waters and according to Allistair's computations we still have two days until the gateway is supposed to start showing up. I want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication. The fact is, we really do not know what this gateway will look like or where exactly it will show up. Now we have as much time as possible to find it and figure out how to enter. Again, you all have my thanks."
Much of the evening is spent discussing how and where the gateway might appear. Mund is a little taken aback by the differential treatment given to his brother. Both Harp and Ranthir almost defer to him, asking him what he thought about this and how they should handle that. From what Mund could tell these were two very competent fighters, if a bit citified, but men he would gladly fight next to, and here they were talking like Allistair was some one important. That hurt Mund's head.
The party is eager to get moving the next morning. They are quickly on the trail, although at this point they are all leading their horses. At the noon meal Mund asks the party if they can hear the sound in the distance. Only Kal and Ran are able to hear anything, and it sounds like a muted rumble. "That is the head waters of the Rushing River. After lunch I will have to start leading us closer to the river so that we do not miss the pass into the valley where the head waters are. I have seen the sight once, and it is quite astonishing."
As the afternoon progresses the noise becomes more obvious and even deafening. Mund leads the party along the edge of the precipice that falls down to the rushing river. Kal walks near the edge and looks over. The river can be seen several hundred feet below, a raging torrent of white water, tumbling down towards the sea. The party works its way up the ravine that is the river and then up a large hill. They have to pay particular attention to their footing as the ground here is always wet and damp.
The sun is just starting to disappear behind the mountains to the west when the party crests the top of the hill. The site before them is one that takes their breath away. Before them is a sheer mountain wall, several hundred feet high. About half way up a torrent of water explodes from the side of the wall, spraying out in a water fall that lands some 100 yards away from the mountain. The hole in the wall is something on the range of 60 feet across with water coming from the bottom 40, The water seem to almost be under pressure as it leaves the cliff face and falls in the ravine it has made over the centuries. IN the dieing sun light, the mist that surrounds the jet glistens like jewels of silver and fire.
Mund breaks the spell the place seems to have cast. "It is pretty, but there is not a dry place to camp and not a dry stick to burn. Get used to feeling damp."
OODM: Any role playing or planing the group wants to do let me know.
Reactions to the view
Subject The head waters
Ooops, I meant to actually write something:
Mark, what is the weather like, specifically, and what is the general climate in this area?
Also, does the jet of water and the hole in the cliff look natural or is it some ancient feat of dwarven engineering that has diverted some underground river?
From: Mark
Subject The head waters
The climate is chilly and wet. The area is probably covered in ice for 1/2 the year, mainly due to the elevation. Otherwise think of high moutain, just below the tree line. Short days, normally cold nights except it is getting to be late spring/early summer.
There are no obvious contruction marks but you are still hundreds of yards away. The erosion pattern looks to be centuries or more old. While it does not look millenia old it has obviously been this way for tens of centuries.
From: Porter
Subject The head waters
OOC:
"That hurt Mund's head. " :lol:
IC:
Mund turns addresses Allistair and Salix. "Well, we're here. Now what? Y'all gonna magik up a doorway for us?"
From: Karl
Subject The head waters
"Spectacular," Salix exclaims as he stands in awe of the sight of the enormous fountain of water spewing from the cliff face. "Does our path take us closer?"
As the others in the group pull their clothing tighter to avoid the mists and dampness, Salix throws back the hood of his cloak despite the chill. The mist dampens his hair so that it sparkles in the dying sunlight. He seems to relish the dampness, spreading his arms as if drawing energy from the waterfall itself and throwing back his head as he tries to take in the whole of it before the darkness overcomes his sight.
"Behold the glories of Nature, my fellows," he says to the group with awe and appreciation in his voice. "Obad-Hai must love this land indeed."
From: Derrek
Subject The head waters
Allistair takes an appraising look at the spectacular waterfall. His instinct tells him that it is not natural, but without a closer inspection it would be hard to determine. Well, if it is necessary at least he can fly up there, but if the portal opens up there it will be difficult to get the entire party up there, to say the least.
Allistair approaches Ragnar with some questions. "I know the prophesy says little about it, but do you have any idea what kind of a portal we are looking for? Any ideas on how we are supposed to detect or find it? A week to find the portal may be woefully short depending on how large of an area we might need to search. Are there any other conspicuous locations or landmarks nearby? Those are probably the most obvious places to begin a search."
From: Mark
Subject The head waters
Ok I will write up another turn tomorrow late morning early afternoon.
If you want your character to do anything before then please do so.
Planning the search
Subject Planning the search
The party starts to make a bit more of a permanent camp. A bit more care is taken with the placement of the tents and the latrine, and a place with a little break from the mist is found. It is still not very comfortable, but livable. By dinner time everything is in it's place and the party settles in for dinner and a planning session.
Ragnar and Allistair confirm that they actually have very little idea of what this "Gateway" will look like. "My best guess" Allistair says "is that it will not appear as a natural type thing. I mean some type of wooden or stone door with hinges and such. Most magical portals glow, and that is the good news. It will probably be very obvious when we find it. The bad news is that portals tend to be only two dimensional. What I mean by that, is that you could be a foot away and if you were looking at the "side" of the portal, you would never see it."
Ragnar confirms what Allistair has said. "We also have several other advantages. First, we are here a day early. We can make a sweep of the area tomorrow and see what the area looks like with out the portal. That will make it much easier for us to tell that an area has changed. I propose the we divide the area up and each one of us do a search of their area, just to get an idea of the terrain."
"Our second advantage is that we have the whole week to find it. We have several members of the party who can see as well in the dark as during the day. We could have search teams out around the clock. Our third advantage is time based as well. I am sure that Allistair can use his magical talents to help our search. I also think that Brother Harp and I may be able to ask for some grace from our god in finding this portal. Even friend Salix may be able to help by communing with the creatures of the area. Surely they would take notice of something showing up in their home and might be willing to guide us to it."
Ragnar looks to Harp and the others to see what they have to say.
OODM: Role play please
From: Randy
Subject Planning the search
Ranthir has been pretty quiet since the landshark. He keeps to himself and is often seen writing in a leather bound book in the evenings. As Ragnar and Allistair give their rundown of the situation he is thinking about Mira and how she would love to hear about the waterfall. As he pictures the waterfall he is struck with a thought and speaks up.
"Sorry for interrupting but I have a thought on where the gateway might be. Or at least where I would put it given the features of this particular area. Could the gateway be at the mouth of the waterfall? Or even behind it? I think that is an area where we might want to concentrate some special attention."
From: Josh
Subject Magic question
OOC: Mark, would detect magic help find the portal? I mean, does Kal know if it would?
From: Mark
Subject Magic Question
I will do a spell craft check. DC15
From: Mark
Subjec: Magic Question
Would detect magic pick up the gate?
DC15
Allistair 11+10=21, success
Kal 1+10=11, fail
Harp 3+0+3, fail
Ragnar 5+7=12, fail
Salix 19+10=29, success
IC: As the discussion progresses Kal mentions the Detect Magic cantrip he knows. "I am not sure if this cantrip would be of any use to us."
Allistair thinks for a momment and nods. "It might be of some use. The biggest two draw backs are range and duration. I can only detect magic up to 60 feet away and the cantrip only last for 5 minutes. However, I can memorize several of those cantrips in a day. If need be I can sacrifice higher level spells to make room for more of those Cantrips."
Salix nods. "The grace of Obad-Hai is similar."
From: Jason
Subject Magic Question
Personally I will probably have Ragnar praying for some detection type spells anyway; I would imagine that detect magic would certainly show something, but whether or not it would be useful would depend on the circumstances.
I have to change computers now but I'll write up a turn soon.
From: Jason
Subject Planning the Search
ooc Would locate object be useful? Or, more specifically, does Ragnar know if it would not be useful? I'm specifically thinking of this sentence in the description: "You can search for general items, in which case you locate the nearest one of its kind if more than one is within range." Anyways, let me know if Ragnar has some insight that says it won't be needed, and I'll update my spell list. /ooc
Ragnar is deeply impressed by the sight of the river shooting out of solid rock. What an awesome thing! He knew that his people avoided areas with underground rivers, as over time they could deform the rock and make an area unstable. Undoubtedly this river was even now eating away at the seemingly immovable cliff. Hundreds of years ago the hole in the cliff's face must have been significantly smaller. In a thousand years, the place might not even be recognizable. Little surprise that his people sought out the stability and permanency of the mountain halls!
And yet, wasn't that why he had left them? Surrounded by tradition and kin that sheltered them as surely as the stone halls, somehow they could not realize that its permanency was just as much an illusion. It was the humans that understood this best. Each for his own reason, sometimes beneficent, sometimes repulsive, moved so much during their short lives that, like the river above, they were the ones that truly shaped the face of the land. For all the closer to the dwarves he'd lived his entire childhood, hadn't it been a human who saved him and his mother? That, above all else, was why he was here this day -- to shape the world as Heironeous would have it shaped.
From: Kevin
Subject Planning the search
Harp is also awed by the sights that surround him. He had been raised most of his life within the confines of the Chapter House, and so was unfamiliar with the majesty he was currently seeing. It truly made the efforts of man look small and insignificant. With a smile, he says to Salix "Now I can see the true power of the way you follow.This is trully a wonderous place."
Listening to the discussions Harp will mention that he has the ability to ask simple yes/no questions to Hieronious (such as Is the portal to the north, is the portal behind the waterfall, etc.). He will mention that this might help cut down their search area. He will make sure to mention that these requests are not always answered, but that between Harp and Ragnar, they could probably narrow it area down some.
From: Mark
Subject Planning the search
Come on guys work this out. This is a major part of the adventure. I need a plan that I can lay over the map I have and work out the search rolls etc.
The planning continues
Subject Planning
Mund challenges Surin to a game of knife-throwing.
From: Kevin
Subject Planning
'I agree Brother Ragnar. Ranthir, if you would coordinate search teams tomorrow, I would appreciate it. Then the following day, those of us with magical abilities can try to narrow our search areas down as best we can. Salix, I am sure you will have already asked Noctis to notify you of anything strange, but if you not mind talking with a few of the more intelligent animals about helping us out, I would appreciate that as well.
I would like to try to determin if the portal is around or behind the waterfall without actually climbing though it. Maybe Brother Ragnar and I can work on that the day after tomorrow.
Does any one else have any suggestions?"
From: Jason
Subject Planning the search
Ok here come my ideas. So far, the most difficult part to search will be in that tunnel the water is coming out of. So if possible, we will want to avoid searching it. My idea is to use a locate object spell from the point nearest the tunnel I can get and see if I feel anything; locate object has a nice range for a spell, 600 feet for Ragnar. That means that if the spell actually works, he will probably be able to feel if the portal is near the entrance, but if its farther back, no such luck. Another option is for Harp or Ragnar (or both) to use an augury spell to ask if going into the tunnel is a good idea.
If its necessary to get in there, it shouldn't be too hard for one of us to go in and search. Allistair can cast fly on someone to get them up there, that gives them 5 minutes. After that, Ragnar has a water walk spell that would allow them to spend 50 minutes walking on the river and exploring whatever is back there. The harder part would be getting down; Allistair might be able to feather fall them so they can jump, but its a pretty small range. If not, he might have to fly up there to cast fly on them again. The final option is for Salix to change into something that flies (and can see in the dark) and check it out himself. Problem there is its probably very damp and loud in the tunnel, which owls and bats would not enjoy.
As far as searching the outdoor terrain, I think that the easiest and quickest way is for Salix to fly over everything nearby. The problem is that in the forested areas, the portal might not be visible from above. (And seeing how Mark just said this would be an important part of the quest, I think we can count on it not being that easy!) So we'll have to set up a grunt-work search too.
From: Kevin
Subjec: Planning the search
OOC: Mark, I am going to agree with Jason that a basic map of the immediate area would be nice in order to set a search plan. Nothing beyond what we can see, but I am not good at visualizing where we are. The charactes would be able to tell the basic layout of the area.
Jason, the plan sounds pretty good. I would like to see what the others think, but we do not want to take too much time planning the initial search phase. The other problem with flying is that the portal has no thickness, so you would probably fly right over it during the day. At night, you might see it glow, but daylight is probably out for aerial surveying.
An overflight might help give us a good basis for the map we want Mark to give us.
Mund offers to help
Subject Turn
I plan on getting a map of the area out to you folks today, probably early afternoon.
From: Porter
Subject Turn
Mund's eyes glaze over at all this magick talk. He offers to spend a half-hour to an hour exploring the immediate surroundings with Surin. He'll come back and give everybody the layout of the immediate surroundings, if that's OK with everybody.
The search is on
Subject Turn
Sorry, I tride to make a map that I was happy with yesterday and nothing worthwhile came from it.
I will just do a description of the area in the turn I am going to write in the next hour.
From: Mark
Subject The search is on
With Mund's help the party quickly finds the driest place around to make camp. It is not saying much. The air itself is saturated with mist from the waterfall, and the moisture seems to cling to everything. What was invigorating in the late day sun becomes uncomfortable in the cooling night air. The evening meal is spent discussing who will be involved in the search and how the search will be run. It seems that Salix, Allistair and Ragnar will be the major players in the search with Kal and Harp supporting them. After the mention of a spell that might help them locate the portal, Allistair determines that he does not know enough about the portal for the spell to work. Setting a standard watch the party makes an early night of it.
The next morning is a dreary as the night before was. There is no sun to burn off the chill and the moisture seems to get into everything. It had been decided to spend this day in a visual overview of the area, so that they might have an idea if something changed once the portal shows up. Salix and Noctis are the central part of this plan. At mid-morning Salix brings out his companion and sets him on the ground in front of him. He studies the owl for a minute and then sits down next to him. He enters a state of meditation and suddenly there are two owls sitting on the ground. One of them turns to the other, squawks at him and they both take wing. Salix had informed the others that he would be gone for several hours so the rest continue on with their plan.
With their slower speed, Ragnar and Surin have been assigned the area closest to the camp. Harp, Kal, Ran and Mund each head in their respective directions. Allistair, having spent the morning memorizing only the flying spell, takes off from camp and goes to inspect the waterfall and the tunnel the water exits the mountain from. None of them expect to find anything today, since it is still a day before the portal is supposed to be there. However, they are all trying to get a sense of the surrounding area and places that a portal might show up and still be hidden just by the terrain. It is an exhausting day, but by the end, when all the reports have been made, the party has a sense of accomplishment. They are early, they have a good sense of the surrounding land and several party members whose skills and abilities should make finding the portal possible.
The next day dawns as Grey as the one before, but there is a sense of excitement in the party. They eat breakfast and move out on their search, each one wanting to be the person that finds the portal. Not that any of them know what the portal looks like, but they are all sure that they will know it when they see it. The search is fairly close to what they had done the day before with Salix and Noctis taking wing for about 5 hours each day, Allistair using his fly spell to get some height advantage. Kal, Ragnar and Harp all use what ever spells or prayers that they have to try and find the portal, using the detect magic cantrip and orison. Unfortunately nothing was found.
The second day followed much the same as the first: up early, quick to search, disappointment at days end. However on the third day, when Noctis and Salix wing back into camp, the druid quickly returns to his natural shape and is almost giddy with news. "We found it, or at least we think Noctis found it. It is on the plateau on top of this cliff, hidden in a copse of trees. We can show you when we get up there." Looking around at the rest of the party, Salix all of a sudden realizes how accustomed to flying he has become. "Oh, right, getting up there might be a small problem."
OODM: Ok, the portal has probably been found. Now what?
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
A whole day to work, and nothing to show for it. We are sitting around, with baited breath, waiting for a turn, and what do we get???
Complaining -- I am not happy with my map. What a crock. You were sitting around watching Sally Jesse or Judge Judy, or, heaven forbid, Oprah. Now get to work.
Oh, I can make the game Saturday.
From: Kevin
Subject The search is on
How high and how steep is the cliff separating us from the portal?
Would someone with some ranks in climb be able to climb up if there are not enough Fly spells available?
Derek, how many fly spells can you do in 1 day?
Anyone want to climb?
From: Jason
Subject The search is on
I'm fairly certain that he would not be able to cast enough fly spells to get us all up in one day, as there are 8 of us that need to get up. Obviously Salix will have no problem getting himself up. There are, however, other methods of flying available to the rest of us.
Celestial Hippogriff:
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a hippogriff is up to 300 pounds; a medium load, 301--600 pounds; and a heavy load, 601--900 pounds.
To ride one as a mount requires a trained hippogriff, but I would guess he could carry stuff without training? The real problem is, he sticks around for 5 rounds, and I don't know if that's enough to fly up to the top of the cliff. Ragnar could always summon a second one on the fourth round I suppose. We would need to know how high it is before we start guessing.
Other spells that would be useful include levitate, spider climb, reduce, and bull's strength if someone has to climb. Hopefully we can avoid that. Unfortunately, the only one of those available to Ragnar is bull's strength, the least useful.
From: Josh
Subject The search is on
Depending on how tall the thing is, Kal can probably set up some system with ropes and pullies to make it easier for some people to get up.
Kal can also cast bull's strength.
From: Derek
Subject The search is on
Allistair considers how he might help everyone get to the top of the mesa. "I am limited by how much I can magically fly and by what I can normally carry. Using some of my other magical abilities, I think I can stretch it out a bit more. I have the magical ability to both enlarge and reduce people. If I were to reduce in size several of us and then increase the size of the strongest of us, he should be able to carry us with ease. Then I would simply use a fly spell on the enlarged person, and he could fly us to the top. The only dangerous part is that we must be able to get to the top before the spells effects end."
From: Kevin
Subject plans
OOC: Derek, not a bad idea. Mund could probably climb himself if he is uncomfortable letting his brother shrink him. Harp is the strongest, so he could cast Bulls Strength on himself, we could shrink most of the others, Harp could fly up, drop them off. If iit takes a couple of trips, I think we can still work this out.
Lets see how everyone else responds (some of the character may not like the idea) and then we can work out how many of what spells/prayers we may need.
From: Mark
Subject plans
It is pretty much a shear face several hundred feet high and at least 1/2 mile across.\
Some one with climb, if they take 20, should be able to get up to the top of the cliff.
Actually I am watching the Firefly TV series before I go out to see Serentiy with the Hatrack crew coming to town this weekend.
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
OOC: Mark, my questions
1) fly spell - book indicates 60 flying, 40 with load. 1/2 speed when rising. So, loaded going up 20' per round. 10 rounds in a turn (minute). So. 200' up in a minute when loaded. Right???
2) Enlarge Person and Bulls Strenght - Enlarge adds +2 to strength, Bulls add +4 - different spells, will the bonus stack?
3) Reduce Person - spells states that it will reduce whatever you are carrying. If you are sitting on your horse, is he reduced as well?
From: Derek
Subject Questions
OOC: Only if you are carrying your horse!
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
Allistair might not be able to, but Harp probably could at least lift his light riding horse, especially if he had Bulls Strength going.
From: Jason
Subject Questions
If you can fly up 200 feet per minute for 5 minutes, you probably shouldn't have a problem getting up a cliff "several hundred feet high".
While Ragnar doesn't really share the traditional dwarven mistrust of arcane magic, he certainly will understand if Mund and others want to get up under their own power. If Kal has mentioned his pulleys and skill with ropes, he will suggest that maybe Kal could be flown to the top to set up his ropes to help the rest of the party climb. Will we need our horses? Would reduce even work on our horses? If so it might be worth it to fly them up, but if the portal isn't too far away, Ragnar certainly won't complain about leaving them behind for awhile. Of course, he can carry a medium load without slowing down :)
At any rate, as spiritual advisor Ragnar doesn't have much to say, but if we need some people to climb the cliff he will volunteer. And he'll pray for stone shape just for fun while he's at it.
"Ragnar was here"
From: Mark
Subject Questions
1: right
2: No the horse is a seperate creature. They are talking gear.
The horses will be a problem.