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.

Subject Mark's status

That's not saying much. :(

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.

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.

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.