Turn, targets, round 3, round 4 actions
Subject: turn
Ok it will probably be a bit after noon before the turn gets out. I have to go run some errands this morning and expect to be back around noon.
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
Ok just got home. Starting on turn now.
From: Mark
Subject: Targets
B1 has not been touched yet. B2 and B3 have each been hit.
From: Josh
Subject: Targets
Kal will go with the Bull's Strength on Ragnar. I think it's unlikely a MM will put someone down.
Since Kal's acting later in the round, if he sees someone take a vicious hit while still standing, he'll cast MM at him instead.
He's stepping to J4 either way and casting defensively either way. He'll apply his +1 bonus to the Dog.
Did you decide that casting defensively gets +2 or +3 with the tumble skill?
From: Mark
Subject: Targets
The name is similar but the actions are not. So you do not get the additional +1 to AC for casting Defensively. You do get to cast without provoking any AOO and the +2 to AC plust your dodge point.
From: Derek
Subject: Round 3 actions
Can Allistair do anything in addition to helping Mund into the rope trick and pulling out the potions for him?
From: Porter
Subject: Round 3 actions
Nothing comes to mind.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 3 actions
No.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 3
Initiative for round 3
Salix (26), Surin (24), Ranthir (24), Dog (19), Mund (14), Harp (14), Ally (10), Kal (10), Snow Leopards (9), Ragnar (8).
Salix's anguish at Mund's plight almost stops him in his tracks, but the barbarian is still moving and they have allies behind them. They might all die if he takes time to see to Mund's injuries. Then it would all be for naught. Salix hears Ran's cries for help and quickly surveys the field. Harp is facing one foe while Kal and Ragnar are facing the other. Ran is alone and he is suffering from the same soul draining energy as Salix is. The druid can just see Ran on the other side of a bush but his foe is hidden from Salix's sight. He moves away from the party, trying to get a view of the huntsman. He moves to the west and just as he gets in sight he summons another bolt of lightening (REF save, DC16, 10+4=14, fail, damage 9). The bolt transfixes the huntsman, his skeleton showing through his skin for a split second. The man stumbles a bit from the strike but regains his composure quickly.
Surin dances around behind his huntsman, looking for another vulnerable spot in the man's armor. Seeing one the halfling darts in and thrusts with his rapier again (AC16, 15+12=27, hit, damage 17). His rapier slides through the man's back up to it's hilt. Surin pulls it out and moves out of the way again, hoping Harp and finish the man off.
Ran, still hurting from the last attack, redoubles his effort and strikes at his enemy (AC16, 19+10=29, hit, critical threat, AC16, 2+10=12, miss, damage 11). His first swing hits the ½ orc in the side and leaves a wide gash in his side. His second blow (AC16, 12+5=17, hit, damage 9) crashes down on the man's head, cracking the metal cap in two. The man stumbles and almost falls, blood streaming from his ears.
Tusk moves up to Ragnar and bites at the stocky dwarf (AC22, 5+5=10, miss). The dog's jaws clamp on metal clad leg and Tusk almost looses his tusks as they almost break off on the sturdy armor.
Mund scrambles up the rope, gasping for help "Ally, in my back pack, potions." Ally is already taking his back pack off, looking for the healing droughts.
Harp sees the man grunt in pain and realizes that Surin must be behind the man attacking. The ½ orc's first swing (AC16, 8+15=23, hit, damage 9) hits the man on the arm and severs it. Harp's second blow (AC16, 17+10=27, hit, damage 11) cuts the man's head from his neck, blood spurting rhythmically from his arteries.
Ally fumbles through his back pack looking for the small sturdy vials. There at the bottom he finds them and with one hand, pops the stopper from one of them. He pushes it in Mund's mouth yelling "Swallow damn you. Mom'll kill me if you die. Drink." Mund swallows like a drunk on a bender (Heal 18). The barbarians eyes close and for a second Ally thinks he was too late. Then Mund smiles, his eyes still closed, and says "Damn that guy was tough. Should have known one of the tribesmen wouldn't be so easy to take down."
Kal looks around, trying to decide whether to use his mage arrow or to help Ragnar. Ragnar seems to be seething with power so the elf figures he should stand back and let him do his thing. Kal steps back a few feet and chants the mage arrow spell. The 4 bolts of power streak from his rapier tip and strike the man in the chest, burning through the armor (Damage 13).
The Snow Leopard growls at Ragnar and swings his great sword at the dwarf (AC22, 2+12=14,miss). The heavy weapon bounces off Ragnar's shield and the dwarf strikes back.
The fury at the evil in this place had built up in Ragnar for the past several days. Finally he gets a chance to unleash his holy wrath. The power of his god filling him he batters the huntsman with his sword (AC16, 6+15=21, hit, damage 10). The blow crushes the mans collar bone. The dwarf follows up with another blow (AC16, 9+10=19, hit damage 9) cutting the man's leg open to the bone.
OODM: end of round 3. I need round 4 actions
From: Porter
Subject: Round 4 actions
"Thanks, brother. I -- that's never happened to me before." Clearly shaken, Mund blankly stares out the window at his companions who look like they're winning the battle that almost killed him.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 4 actions
Kal hesitates for a moment, "One more hit like that and I'm down." He pauses to scan the battlefield, "No choice." Kal thinks, as he charges into combat.
He'll run up next to Ragnar, keeping about 5 feet out of combat this round, and cast BS on himself. Casting defensively, applying his +1 dodge bonus to the guy who just swung at Ragnar.
From: Porter
Subject: Round 4 actions
If he's just casting a spell this round, why don't you keep him out of the fray until next round, keeping him safer for 6 more seconds?
From: Josh
Subject: Round 4 actions
Yea, that's why he's standing 5 feet back. I'd like to be able to get close enough to the ran fight so I can help over there next round if necessary.
Actually, I was a little unclear. Kal will move to J5, unless a bad guy has moved into a square threatening that one, in which case he'll move in that direction, staying at least 5 feet back.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 4 actions
I forgot to do the attack by the snow leopard against Ran
I will get that done tomorrow.
From: Josh
Subject: Round 4 actions
Along with a whole 'nother turn, right?
From: Jason
Subject: Round 4 actions
Ragnar will keep pushing the guy he hurt last round.
Round 4, How bad is it?
Subject: Round 4 actions
Surin, unable to see any other foes, moves to attack the dog and the other huntsman. "The dog has a keen nose", Surin thinks, "but surely he'll be unable to sense me with the battle raging around us."
OOC: Surin will attack the dog first, followed by the other huntsman (B1). If both die prior to his arrival he'll look for any other foes and attack them. I don't think he can currently see B2 due to the tree.
From: Karl
Subject: Round 4 actions
next bolt to B2.
From: Kevin
Subject: Round 4 actions
Harp will move to F12.
I don't think I can charge (the tree is in the way) and it is 45 ft, so I will make a double move action to get to F12.
From: Mark
Subject: Round 4
Initiative for round 4
Salix (26), Surin (24), Ranthir (24), Dog (19), Mund (14), Harp (14), Ally (10), Kal (10), Snow Leopards (9), Ragnar (8).
Round 3 retcon
The Snow Leopard facing Ran makes a desperate attack, swinging wildly at the ½ elf (AC21, 5+12=17, miss). Ran ducks under the heavy blade, the whistle as it passes by over head loud in his ears.
Round 4
Salix points heavenwards and calls down the power of the skies again. Another bolt streaks down, transfixing Ran's opponent (REF save, DC16, 10+4=14, fail, damage 6). For a second time the man jerks and stutters and dances with the power that flows through him and when the flash stops, he drops to the ground like a rag doll, smoke coming from his eyes and ears.
Surin grunts with approval as he ducks out of the way of the falling body. "That's the way Harp" he says and almost giggles as Harp turns around, looking for him. Then the seriousness of the situation reasserts itself and the halfling moves to try and get a better position on the two remaining foes, moving up next to Ragnar. When he gets there he stabs at the dog (AC19, 11+13=24, hit, damage 1). At the last second the dog seems to realize that there is someone there and moves out of the way of the rapier, the sharp point only scratching its side.
Ran turns and sees Salix behind him. He gives the druid a salute with his sword and then runs the figure on the ground through once, just to make sure he is dead. He then turns and moves towards Salix. "How are the rest doing? Do they need help?"
Tusk turns and looks right at where Surin is standing. The large dog lunges forward biting at the halfling (AC20, 3+5=8, miss). Surin realizes that the dog can smell him and dodges out of the way at the last second. He can smell the breath of the dog as it growls at him.
Mund lets the power of the bear totem leave him and exhaustion washes over him. Feebly he grabs another one of the healing droughts and downs it (CLW, heal 6). He turns to his brother "Ally, take a look and see how things are going. I may need to go back out there."
Harp steps forward and attacks Tusk. He hates to attack an animal and he is sure that Salix will not approve, but the thing was probably twisted from its exposure to Vortan. His first blow (AC19, 20+15=35, hit, critical threat, crit roll, AC19, 18+15=33, critical hit, damage 23) almost severs the beasts head. The thing flops to the ground, still growling at Harp and Surin, its teeth bared. Harp quickly puts it out of its misery, his second stroke finishing what the first started.
Kal watches as Ragnar and the last man duel. Not sure how well the cleric will do against this trained killer, the elf chants the spell of strength. However, he holds back, ready to move in if Ragnar needs it. He knows one more hit like the last and he would join his ancestors.
The last Snow Leopard swings his great sword at the dwarf and bypasses his shield this time. The heavy blade clang down on Ragnar's helm (AC22, 19+12=31, hit, critical threat, crit roll, AC22, 13+12=25, critical hit, damage 28) and the dwarf sees starts for several seconds. His head feels like it has been split open and when he finally opens his eyes it looks like the helm deformed. Ragnar finds it hard to see it is so bad.
This does not stop him. Advancing on the man with the steady pace of the dwarves he tells him "Your leader has fallen. Your allies have fallen. Now you will fall as well." His first blow pierces the chain shirt (AC16, 12+15=27, hit, damage 13) opening a wide wound in the man's belly. The second blow (AC16, 2+10, miss) is blocked by a wild parry from the now desperate man. The Snow Leopard turns to flee and Ragnar (AC16, 19+15=34, hit, critical threat, crit roll, AC16,5+15=20, hit, critical hit, damage 26) cuts him down in his tracks, cutting the man in half with a blow powered by the gods.
OODM: Fight is over.
Actions?
From: Kevin
Subject: How bad is it?
OOC: Yeahhhhhhh!!!
Any one have a detect magic left in their spell sets? We know that the axe is magical, but there maybe other items we can take. Of course, we can just take them and sort it out later.
Karl, we should probably use the Pass without Trace now.
From: Karl
Subject: How bad is it?
Yeah, that was my thinking, too.
IC - Salix watches as the last man falls. "Quick, we need to move. Would Faldor have sent only this small party? We can't know. Looks like we have another couple of hours at least before it's safe enough to rest."
Salix will cast Pass without trace. He will suggest the party continue toward the GNW in a direction somewhat at an angle to the direction they were previously headed.
From: Porter
Subject: How bad is it?
"Well, that's about it, grandpa," Mund says to the Stormfather. "I just almost died protecting you. So did the elf. If anybody else tracks us down, and I'm sure somebody will, with the great Northern Tribes after us, we ain't gonna be able to protect you no more. I'm sorry. We tried."
With that, Mund drops his head onto the floor of the magic room and closes his eyes, trying to get a bit of rest and find his bearings.
From: Jason
Subject: How bad is it?
Ragnar still has his detect magic spells, and will cast one before we leave. First he'll look to heal people. He still has one CMW scroll left from the training grounds, which he'll use, and then start sacrificing spells until people are nearly full. He'll save his own wounds for last, though he'll make sure he gets at least one CLW.
Also, is there any reason Ragnar has subdual damage listed on his character sheet? I can't recall anything that would have done it offhand.
Conditions and taking stock
Subject: Condition
He has special HP from the Divine Power. 7 as a matter of fact. They go away after a period of time.
I use the subdual slot to show when there is a difference between actual and magical HP or rage HP for example.
From: Kevin
Subject: Condition
Harp looks around, his pulse pounding in his head. The body of the dog was twitching at his feet, Vortan's smolding body a few feet behind him. Damn, that had been close. And they were still miles from the Great North Woods. Well, if they weren't getting any closer by standing around.
"Salix, we need to keep moving, there might be other trackers after us. Let's take a few minutes to do what healing we can, then we need to get moving. Let's grab that guys axe - I'm sure we can find someone who might want to use it. Surin, would you check these guys to see if they have anything else that looks like it might be valuable? Can anyone else tell if anything else these guys had was magic or not? Mabye Faldor gave Vortan something that helped them track us.
Salix, at the rate were going, another tracking party may be able to find us. Is there anything you can do to help us out here? I mean, your supposed to be a nature priest, right? Is there anything nature can do to help us?" OOC: Harp sounds a little frustrataed, but he's tired, sore, and wants to get out of this place.
Mark, Harp has a 2nd level and a 1st level he can sacrafice to help heal some wounds. He also has 2 more CLW potions. They can be divided up however the group needs. Depending on what Salix suggests, Harp will be willing to carry some folks if that is what it takes to get the group out of there safely.
From: Bryan
Subject: Condition
OOC: I'd worry that in our rather worse for wear condition we're going to wander into another fight - this time less prepared. We might want to look for someplace to hole up for a night. It would leave us prepared, and with a decent hiding place we'd be in the rear of any pursuers.
From: Kevin
Subject: Condition
OOC: I understand, but I would rather get away from the "scene of the crime". Salix has a spell that will allow us to travel without leaving evidence that we had gone that way. If we put 3-4 more miles between us and this spot without leaving any evidence of which way we went, we will have better chance of getting away clean. I am going to advocate for healing up as best we can in 5 minutes or less and then taking off (and taking what we want from the dead guys - that flaming axe looked real nice).
From: Mark
Subject: Condition
Would all of those who are doing healing please let me know how many spells of what level they are going to sacrifice to do the healing.
For example Kevin would say "I am having Harp sacrifice his two 2nd level spells and his last 1st level."
Also whose and what potions will be used? I need to keep track of this and figure out how much the party will be healed.
From: Bryan
Subject: Condition
Surin has two potions if anyone needs them. It'd probably be best to save them for a rainy day. I agree - let's get out of the immediate area prior to calling it a day. I'm just concerned that a long run without some rest will get us all in a bad situation.
Surin searches the bodies for anything of value or anything out of the ordinary. The party, while injured is probably carrying little enough wait to strip 'em to the bone of we need to.
From: Kevin
Subject: condition
Mark, I think Harp only has one 1st level left that he can sacrafice. He used the hide from undead when they fought the blood hulks, he used Bless and Prot. From evil just now, he has another 1st level, but it is his domain.
He will use up his 3 CLW potions as well.
From: Randy
Subject: Condition
Ran takes his last remaining potion from his pack and drinks it down (CMW - I removed it from my inventory now).
OOC: He may want additional healing if anyone can spare some. He's currently well below half strength.
IC:
"Vortan said something about Faldor telling him to look for us in this direction. Is he possibly tracking us someway?" Ran thinks for a minute and looks to Ally. "Could he be tracking us through our passes from the city somehow? Should we get rid of them just in case?"
From: kevin
Subject: Condition
OOC: Damn, why didn't I think of that. We should probably dump all the stuff related to Faldor.
From: Mark
Subject: Condition
Was wondering when someone would pick up on that.
From: Jason
Subject: Condition
Wow that was definitely a ball drop on our part. Good catch there.
From: Kevin
Subject: Condition
OOC: It seemed like a good idea at the time. Oh well, we can beat Harp with a wet noodle when we get out safely.
From: Porter
Subject: Condition
OOC: I think we should get the heck out of dodge ASAP. Yeah, we need to rest and re-fuel, but we won't be able to do soon anyway if they track us down. I say we use Salix's Pass Without Trace and hoof it as fast as we can. Somebody should carry grandpa, and somebody should carry Surin (Masterblaster runs bartertown.), and we should get as far away as possible.
Mund is at about one sixth strength for hit points. Unless he gets some serious healing, he's going to be useless in the next fight, especially considering how shaken his near-death-experience has left him.
IC Allistair:
Allistair ponders for a minute and then replies to Ran. "Yes, that makes sense. It is quite possible that they are tracking us with the city passes. In fact, I can think of several spells which would..."
"But no matter. I think we should definitely get rid of them in some way."
"Salix? If I could have a word? Ran and I have been talking, and I think there's a good chance that Faldor is able to divine our location either because we have the Stormfather with us or because we have the city passes with us. If he's tracking us with the Stormfather, there's not much we can do, but in case it's the city watches, I think we should get rid of them."
"But even better than getting rid of them is using them. If we could get something or someone to take the city passes in a different direction than we're going, it could allow us to slip away. Do you have a way to call any animals of the forest to do this favor for you? Or could you turn into an eagle and fly off with the passes? [OOC: Salix's companion Noctis isn't anywhere near us, correct? Because that would be even better.]"
From: Mark
Subject: Noctis
Noctis is back with the druids
From: Porter
Subject: Condition
Mund climbs down from and starts getting ready to move again. He goes over and looks at the dead body of the Orc who nearly split him in two. It had all happened so fast.
Mund picks up his axe which he had dropped when he ran away, and picks up Vortan's flaming axe as well. That was his own innards on that axe. Mund cleans both axes and puts them away.
From: Josh
Subject: Condition
If the chain shirt the bad guy had is still in decent shape Kal will take that off him and ask Allistar to hold it in his bag.
Once he gets healed he'll wander around the battle grabbing anything of interest and putting it in Allistar's bag. We can always sell it when we get back to town, and it doesn't weigh us down in Allistar's bag.
Only stuff that registers as magical or may be magical (rings, etc).
From: Josh
Subject: Condition
Kal thinks it's a good idea to keep moving. Heal up as best we can and hope for the best. We should definitely ditch the city passes as well.
From: Mark
Subject: Turn
There will be a short turn tonight, probably around 9PM. I will write more tomorrow during the day.
From: Mark
Subject: Taking stock
As Ragnar cuts the last Snow Leopard down the party looks around, seeking other foes. Surely this was not all? Harp thinks. Ally's head appears from out of nowhere "Did you get them all? Is everyone ok?" The party sounds off but most of them are in bad shape. Only Salix, Ally and Surin have been left unscathed by the battle and several of the party are near death. Ally helps Mund down while Harp organizes the party. "Surin and Ran, search the bodies. Gather up all the armor and weapons. Also collect any rings, potions etc. Any thing that might help us. Ragnar, start healing. Everyone, if you have one of those healing potions, now is the time to use them. We need to be moving in five minutes." The ½ orc whispers to himself "But I don't know how we will keep them from tracking us again?"
Salix speaks up "Harp, I have a way. I should have thought of this before. Against the chance that we might need it. It is actually a simple prayer, one of the first we are taught. I forgot about it in all the rush. I'm sorry." Harp's emotions go from joy to anger and back so fast he is not sure if he wants to pick up the druid to hug him or crush him. "Will it cover all of us?" he asks. The druid nods. "I do not need it since I can move with out a trace anyway. You will have to carry Acer and Ragnar will have to carry Surin. I can only effect half a dozen people and we number nine. But with you two carrying the others, we should be fine. The effects will last a quarter of a day or so, which should get us to the woods."
Salix frowns though. "However, if Faldor is using some magic means to find us it will not help." Ran, wandering by checking on people, slaps his forehead with his hand. "Magical means of finding us. DAMN." The ½ elf curses as he pulls out the familiar pass the party had been forced to get back in Boddentown. "What do you want to bet he tuned in on these things? How stupid can I be?" He turns to the party, shouting "Get out those passes we had back in town. Get rid of them. I think it likely that Faldor was tracking us using the passes. We should leave them here or get them away from us somehow." The others pull out their passes and dump them in a pile.
A few minutes later Ran and Surin have gathered all the equipment together. Ragnar chants his prayer that reveals magic and the dwarf scans the pile. As everyone expected Vortan's ax glows, as does his mace and his chain shirt. The three great swords and chain shirts of the Snow Leopards also give off a faint glow. The party spreads the gear out amongst the strongest of the members. The party then quickly starts healing its wounds.
OODM: I am working on the healing numbers but that will be for tomorrow.
From: Porter
Subject: Taking stock
Don't forget Alley's idea of sending off a false trail with the city passes, if that's an option.
Mark -- which potions did Mund drink? The first was a CModW. Was the 2nd as well?
From: Mark
Subject: Taking stock
The second in the rope trick was a CLW.
Is Mund going to take the passes?
From: Porter
Subject: Taking stock
Salix can turn into a hawk/eagle, right? Could we put the passes in a pouch and have him fly them several miles away?
From: Mark
Subject: Taking stock
He has limited times per day that he can wildshape.
From: Porter
Subject: Taking stock
Right. How many times has he done it today?
From: Mark
Subject: Taking stock
Don't know. I have already e-mailed him about it. At least once, since he did the scouting for the parties escape.
From: Mark
Subject: Taking stock
I just checked. He can normally do it three times per day, but since the wight drained him he can only do it twice per day and he has done it at least once. I also think he did it earlier but I am having Karl look into it.
Healing up and the final dash
Subject: Salix
Salix will give up any potions he has. (He hasn't used any, so should have 2?? I guess.)
From: Karl
Subject: Salix
Agreed.
From: Karl
Subject: Salix
I'm pretty sure the only other time I did it was "yesterday". I should have one more wildshape left for the day.
From: Mark
Subject: Healing up
As Salix speaks the party starts healing. Dusty potion vials are pulled from the bottom of back packs. Stoppers are popped and the smooth green liquid is swallowed. Ragnar and Harp make the rounds, healing the worst of the wounds. (Kal, 1 CModW potion, heal 16; Harp, 1 CLW spell, heal 8, 4 CLW potions, heal 29; Mund, 1CSW spell, heal 11, 2 CModW spells, heal 29, 1 CLW potion, heal 10; Ran, 2 CModW potions, heal 28; Ragnar, 1 CModW spell, heal 14, 1 CLW potion, heal 6). As the last potion is drunk the dwarf looks around the party. "Well, that's it. All of the healing draughts are gone and Harp and I are out of healing grace today.
OODM: Here is the status of the party HP.
Ally 46/48
Harp 59/65
Kal 31/41
Mund 63/75
Ragnar 44/52
Ranthir 55/60
Surin 30/30
Salix 37/40
I will write more this afternoon.
From: Kevin
Subject: Healing up
All in all, not so bad. I was expecting to be in worse shape than this. If we can make it 5-6 more hours and then give Ragnar and Harp a chance to rest and pray, they can get thier spells back.
From: Porter
Subject: Healing up
Mund A) has the most current hit points and B) is the furthest away from being fully healed.
From: Kevin
Subject: Healing up
Mund is the only character who gets to roll d12's as well. When you consider that Harp has three levels with d8's, he aint doin to shabby.
But I am glad Mund has thos HP's.
What is truly amazing is Allistair at 48 hp as a wizard. That is totally cool. He has almost as many hp as the 7th level dwarf cleric.
From: Porter
Subject: healing up
Good thing that Mund has all those hit points, or I'd be rolling up a new character. :)
From: Kevin
Subject: Healing up
OOC: You mean you don't have a back up character ready? I never get so attached to a character tht I can't have a replacement ready in less than a day.
From: Mark
Subject: Healing up
He sits at home, all of the books at his finger tips, calculator up and running, compiling feats and skills synergies, looking for the ultimate build. :)
From: Josh
Subject: Healing up
I'm pretty sure when Kal kicks the can I'll make a gnomish paladine. :-D
From: Kevin
Subject: Healing up
I do no such thing. Like you, I have my lackey do the grunt work. I sit on my throne, think up the the perfect charcter, and then give it to my lackey to fill in the numbers.
From: Mark
Subject: The final dash
The minutes pile up as the party prepares. Salix looks them over. They are in better shape then they were, but they were almost spent. One more run in like this would likely see one of them dead. A grim determination hardens the druids resolve. Not if he could help it. "Ok, hold still" he tells everyone. Salix then touches the embossed holly on his armor and chants the prayer for passage. As his hand glows he moves through the party touching people on the shoulder: Mund, Harp, Ragnar, Ranthir, Kal and Ally. He feels the power drain out of him and he draws a deep breath. "All right. Ragnar take Surin, Harp take Acer. Move due south. I'll take care of these passes and catch up. I will stay in owl form to guide you and keep an eye on pursuit. If I show back up with the party in human form, something's gone wrong and you should prepare for a fight. Now move!"
Harp and Ragnar pick up their charges and the party moves off. They make a bit better speed this time since they don't have to hide their trail, but he going is still slow. It is still several hours until dawn and still several hours until they reach the woods. Salix grabs up all the passes and then shimmers into the shape of a Great Horned owl. He takes wing and heads to the east, his wings a silent flutter in the night. After about a mile he heads a bit north trying to get the party some space. As he flies north he sees what looks to be a skirmish line of men working their way south. The men are spaced every hundred feet or so and they have torches.
As Salix flies closer he sees that these are members of the tribes. He can not get close enough to hear what they are saying but they are moving steadily south. The druid gains some height so that he will not be seen and then goes behind their lines. After another mile he flies over a large thicket and drops the passes into the bramble. There, let Faldor figure that out. Salix wheels about and heads back towards where the party is. He sees that the skirmish line is making good time and that it extends for several miles in either direction. When he gets closer to the line he sees a knot of activity and circles around above it. It is the hobgoblin that he had seen at the gate. He seems to be directing the search from a large wagon. Salix spins and heads towards the where the party should be.
It takes the druid a while to find them. He is pleased to see that his prayer is working. There is no trail to follow on the ground where they have passed. The grass stands tall and the dirt areas show no signs of boots or feet. When he catches up with them he figures that they have gone about a mile. He flies up to about 150 feet and circles, keeping track of their progress and watching for any one following them.
After an hour of marching the party is startled a bit by the passage of a Great Horned owl. They quickly realize that it is Salix when the bird circles them and then takes up position over them in the dark. "Is he still there?" asks Mund, who can not see that far up in the dark. "Yes" answers Ran, "he is flying a patrol. We should keep moving. The woods should still be a few hours away." The party stumbles along, getting more exhausted by the minute.
The next few hours are a strain on everyone. Salix keeps an eye on the skirmish line and has a moment of hope. A large section of the line moves away, back toward where he had dumped the passes. However, they are soon back into their line. They had been steadily gaining ground on the party and Salix figures he had bought them another hour or so before they caught up to the party. From his height advantage, and the coming morning light, Salix can just see the edge of the woods, two or three miles ahead. However, the trackers were now only 20 minutes or so behind them. It looks like they might catch up to the party before they reach the edge of the woods.
OODM: I will write more tonight. I want to be clear. The skirmish people are not tracking the party. The party does not even know that they are back there, but Salix does know this. The skirmish line is just doing a methodical search and they mover faster than the party.
From: Porter
Subject: The final dash
OOC: Now might be a good time for the rope trick. They might pass us by if we're in there.
From: Kevin
Subject: The final dash
OOC: It only holds 7, and then they would be in between us and the forest. However, we may need to use it anyway.
Anyone else have some bright suggestions??
From: Porter
Subject: The final dash
If only Salix could communicate as a critter, he could tell us and then fly away.
Does anybody have a good hide modifier besides Surin?
From: Mark
Subject: The final dash
wait for Karl. He has a bit of information that the rest of the party does not know about.
Also, the party does not know about the people pursuing them. It would be metagaming to use the rope trick before the party was aware of their presence. Only Salix knows that they are back there.
From: Josh
Subject: The final dash
Kal think it's a good idea to just keep pushing forward until we can't any longer. There's no point in stopping unless we have to. Better to have sore feet than severed heads.
From: Karl
Subject: The final dash
Salix circles one last time until he sees his friends below him. He dives down and lands a few feet in front of the group, smoothly transitioning from flight to a light job, keeping pace with the group. "Don't stop!" he says to the group. Trouble is right on our heels, but help is ahead. The woods is only a couple of miles ahead, but Faldor's men are catching up with us. The druid council has been waiting for us just inside the woods. I have seen Noctis and sent him back with a message that we need help, but I dont' know if they will get it or be able to react in time. We *cannot* slow down. If there is any energy at all in us, we need to pick up the pace. "
Old friends, mind blowing
Subject: The final dash
Harp looks back over his shoulder. He, Ran, Mund and Ragnar could slow down and play rear guard for the rest of the group, but then who would carry Acer and Surin? Leaving only two would be a suicide mission. Damn it, they would just have to move faster.
"All right, you guys, lets double time it. Lets get as close to the woods as we can. If we start to hear them, Salix, you are going to have to take Acer and Surin, you are going to have to hoof it on your own. Ran, Mund, Ragnar and I will cover you and try to slow them down. Just get Acer to those trees."
From: Porter
Subject: The final dash
*raises eyebrow*
Who's the leader of this party now?
:)
From: Bryan
Subject: The final dash
As the group continued on and forced to stop carrying him, Surin cursed his short stature. For the most part his height had never gotten in the way of accomplishment - in fact his small size had often worked to his advantage, forcing people to overlook or underestimate the diminutive halfling. Panting with exertion, the halfling continued to keep the grueling pace, wishing that his legs were just a little big longer.
From: Kevin
Subject: The final dash
Harp is just reinforcing what Salix said - lets get a move on. He is also thinking about the tactics they can use if they do not make it to the woods before they are caught.
He isn't forcing anyone to agree with him, just suggesting a possible plan if things get to that point.
From: Mark
Subject: Old Friends
Salix's appearance in front of them sends the warriors into a defensive stance. As the druid shifts back into human form the excitement on his face is obvious. "Don't stop!" he says to the group. Trouble is right on our heels, but help is ahead. The woods are only a couple of miles ahead, but Faldor's men are catching up with us. The druid council has been waiting for us just inside the woods. I have seen Noctis and sent him back with a message that we need help, but I don't know if they will get it or be able to react in time. We *cannot* slow down. If there is any energy at all in us, we need to pick up the pace. "
Harp turns to the others "Double time folks. There's help ahead if we can just make it." As the party breaks in to a slow jog Harp moves next to Salix and asks "How far back are they?" The druid, jogging with the rest of the group now turns and estimates "About a mile or so. They were moving pretty quickly. They had torches and were members of the tribes, so they can move fast when they want to." Harp nods and moves off to confer with the other fighters. Ragnar, in his plate armor, is making quite a racket. Surin grimaces with every step.
For the better part of an hour the party moves towards the woods, the only sound that of jangling armor, mainly Ragnar's. Mund ranges around the party, making sure that they all keep up. Harp is surprised that Ally has been able to keep up. The mage notices that Harp stays around him more than the others, like he expects Ally to collapse at any moment. "Harp, you don't have to worry about me. I may be a little out of shape, but Mund used to chase me for hours when we were kids. He was always faster than I was but I could usually run longer then he could. I'll be fine."
In the distance the dark form of the Great North Woods starts to take shape. It gave the party renewed energy. They were almost there. There was safety in those woods if they could just reach them. Breathing was becoming harder now, fatigue starting to set in. All the extravagant expenditure of energy this day was starting to take its toll. Behind them they could just start to hear the sound of pursuit. Then they were under the eaves of the first line of trees.
Salix almost falls over when a young druid steps out from a close by tree. "Quickly, all of you stop and be quiet. Not a sound." The druid turns and makes a sound like a bird. From a distance down the forest edge the sound is repeated. The party members can hear the sounds of armor clanking along the forest edge moving away from them. From out in the plains the sound of their followers moves off in the direction where the new sounds had come from. The young druid waits until the tribesmen have passed far enough away and signals them to follow.
For the next half hour they follow the silent druid. Salix knows better than to talk and he makes it clear with hand signals that the rest of the party is to keep silent. Eventually the party is led to a small clearing. There is a large oak tree in the middle of the clearing and several make shift lean-tos. As the party approaches a dozen people approach them. It is the Druid Council. MountainFather Flint steps forward "Salix, Noctis says that you have rescued Acer. Where is he?"
OODM: I will let the party role play this.
From: Kevin
Subject: Old friends
Looking to Salix for approval, Harp moves forward, gently lowering Acer to the ground (or to any druids that move to help take Acer).
"He has been greviously wounded, and he still does not seem to have full control of his faculties. We tried to do what we could, but it has not been enough."
From: Kevin
Subject: Old friends
OOC: Mark, there aren't any alarm bells going off in anyone's heads, are there? That these aren't really the druids, but an elaborate trap set up by Faldor on short notice in order to trap us??
*rolls dice*
Nope, everything is as it seems.
From: Porter
Subject: Old friends
Does Salix recognize any of these folks?
From: Mark
Subject: Old friends
Everyone recognizes Flint. He was the one that took you to the druid council back before the party traveled by the trees.
Does not mean this is not some elaborate illusion meant to trick you into helping the stormfather. :)
From: Porter
Subject: Mind blowing
Like, what if the entire *world* is an illusion?
Blow. My. Mind.
From: Kevin
Subject: Mind blowing
Did you take the red pill? Neo did.
rom: Mark
Subject: Mind blowing
BOOM.
Mund is now dead.
From: Porter
Subject: Mind blowing
Can I be a really obnoxious ghost?
PleeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEAAAAASE?
From: Mark
Subject: Mind blowing
No since Mund general in his worship, he is being punished in the after life. His ghost is surrounded by elves.
From: Porter
Subject: Mind blowing
Are they young nubile elves?
If so, I think that Mund might be ready to see the light and put aside ancient prejudices.
Mund gets pissed
Subject: Mund gets pissed
As Harp steps forward with Acer, Flint signals for some other druids to go help. They take the old man and Flint moves closer, inspecting Acer. He turns to Salix. "What has been done to him? What of the others?"
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"I do not know what has been done to him aside from what you can see yourself. He says he has not been poisoned. We have been running non-stop since we found him several hours ago. We have not had time for a more thorough examination. As for the others . . ." Salix chokes on his words as the memory of being attacked by one of his own - only, not one of his own any longer - comes rushing back. "Th-they are all dead as far as I can tell. Faldor has been systematically slaughtering them, sacrificing them to his dark god. What remained of one, now a vile empty husk of dead flesh, attacked us and . . . did something . . . to me and one of my companions. I have felt a hole in my very soul ever since."
Salix remembers something suddenly. "Sister Sephira! Mountain Father, she was imprisoned in the mayor's mansion in town. She refused rescue else it tip off Faldor that we were coming for the Stormfather. I promised we'd go back for her." He turns to Harp. "Harp! We have to go back for her. I promised."
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Grief and rage flow over the man's face. Salix is surprised becuase Flint is known as one whose face is like stone. "Sephira is still alive?" Relief fills his words. "That is a blessing. Where is she? Maybe we can help. But wait, I go to fast. Acer is our first concern. We must restore him." He turns to the other druids and tells them "Summon all of the Council. The circle must be formed and decisions must be made." He hands Acer over to two other burly druids " Clean him and treat what wounds you can. Take him to the alter.The Council will be there shortly and will take care of the rest." The two druids nod and gently carrry Acer deeper into the forest.
Flint turns back to Salix and the others "Now tell me what you have found out."
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Salix relates the entire mission to Faldor, skipping only those details that are clearly unimportant. He give special attention to the feeling of disorientation and sickness he felt in the raped and slaughtered portion of the forest where the party stepped out originally, as this is most likely the reason all of the other druids had been captured. "The Stormfather must have felt it a hundred times more intensely than I," he says. "I can barely describe the desolation. Never did even an Orc defile the land as Faldor has done. If it weren't for my companions I would surely be with the brothers we have lost. We owe them an immense debt." Here he turns and bows his head in the direction of his friends.
Salix further mentions the Upright Man, and the help he gave and the help that he promised. "It's possible that he has Sister Sephira in his care. It's just as possible she's still trapped in the basement of the Mansion. If she was not rescued, Faldor will undoubtedly be sacrificing her with the utmost haste. Mountain Father, we must move quickly to save her. I will go myself if I have to. I owe her that, at least."
From: Randy
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"Salix, we are in no condition to mount a rescue at the moment. You and I in particular require a special healing as Ragnar mentioned he could perform after he has a chance to pray for the blessing. We have no magic of our own right now and our healing graces have been exhausted. I am usually the person you would expect to rush in without thought but at this point I think we have to wait until we have at least rested and hopefully healed of the life draining that we experienced."
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Flint looks at Ranthir and Salix. He then studies the rest of the party and then turns to Salix. "Your friend speaks true. You are too close to see it, but it is obvious to those with fresh eyes that your party is spent. You have done more than we possibly thought you would. There were those of us who thought you were on a suicide mission, but you have proven them wrong. Tell me more about this "Upright Man" and how you were to contact him to get Sephira back. I think we will be able to help." As Flint talks he signals for Salix and the others to follow him.
The party is lead to a simple wooden table, made out of a tree that had been hit by lightening. It has been placed on some soft ground covered in moss. On the table is drink and food. "Eat and drink and tell me more of this story. If we can rescue Sephira as well, this may not be the disaster we had thought."
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Go back to that damn town now?? How were they supposed to do that?? The whole country side was crawling with Faldor's men. The town would be on high alert. Maybe Surin could sneak in, but there was no way he or Salix would be able to do it. Well, maybe Salix could fly into town, and then turn back to his normal form once he was in town, but Harp sneak in?? Who was he trying to kid.
But, they had promised her they would return and help rescue her. He had to see that done, if possible. But, maybe one of the druid leaders would be able to help. If they could get into the city now, they could go to the Upright Man and sneak Sephira out and back to safety.
"Salix, I will go with youif that ends up being our path. But (turning to the Mountain Father), is there a way that you can help get her out of the city? The way between here and the town is swarming with Faldor's men, so getting back to town overland would be almost impossible. We could give you the location of where we met Jimmy the Hand and a code word to let him know that you were coming on our behalf."
OOC: Harp will go if needed, but he's really tired and does not see a great chance of success in trying to walk back to town, getting into town, and the sneaking out with a person missing their hands.
From: Porter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"Oh really?" Mund speaks up in reply to the belief that they had been sent on a suicide mission. Scanning the faces of the druids present, he says "Which ones of y'all thought that?"
From: Jason
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Ragnar speaks up, "Salix, though I share some portion of your concern, I truly hope you are not planning on going back tonight. There is no way that I could make it, and you need to be healed of the damage the wight did to your soul. I had not mentioned this, because I did not wish to alarm you unnecessarily, but if you are not magically restored within 24 hours there is a small chance that the damage could be permanent. We simply must rest and recuperate before we can be of any use to Sephira."
From: Josh
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Kal says quietly, "I will certainly go after a nights rest. To go before then would just be suicide."
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"My friend Mund, it was Acer himself asked for Salix and you others to follow him. The ones who thought is was a suicide mission were trying to save your life. If you have anger at any one here, let it be at me, for I was willing to risk you in this mission. I hoped your party would fine Acer and bring him out, which you did, but I was sure that many of your party would die in the process. I am glad to be proven wrong."
From: Porter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC: I'm assuming that nobody warned us that they thought many of us would die, right?
Also, what race is Flint?
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Well not came out and said as much but several druids had disappeared and Acer had gone missing. The fact that it was hazardous was well known to the party, I think.
It might have been more a reflection of the pride of the druids. If they could'nt handle it, how could mere fighters and mages do it? Take it how you want it.
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Flint is human.
From: Porter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"You was sure many of us was gonna die, eh?" Mun spits on the ground between them. "Thanks fer the warnin'. You was almost right."
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Flint's voice hardens like his name sake "Those were not druids out there chasing you, Northman." His voice softens a bit as he continues "You followed a friend who asked for your help. That is admirable. If you had known of the risk would you have chosen differently?"
From: Porter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"I guess we'll never know, will we? You didn't give us a chance to make that choice, now didja?"
OOC: Too over the top? Does Mund's constant bickering get on anybody's nerves? (I'm asking about the players, not the characters. :))
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Harp looks over at Mund, and says in an exasperated voice "Give it a rest Mund. We knew we were goin' somewher dangerous. Hell, if someone like Acer over there could get in trouble, you probably should have expected we would have trouble. As it is, we made it, Acer is safe. That's all that matters."
From: Jason
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC: It doesn't bother me really. Ragnar certainly wishes he wouldn't do it.
IC: Ragnar, too exhausted to be sharp, says "Mund, there was never any question that this would be dangerous. They never hid the dangers from us, and we weren't doing it for them anyways. We did it out of friendship to Salix, and some of us out of loyalty to the Order of the Silver Sword. They don't deserve your anger."
From: Josh
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Kal grows visibly angry when Mund speaks. He starts to speak, but Harp speaks first. Kal seems at least mollified by what Harp said, and goes back to his silence.
From: Porter
Subject: Mund get pissed
"It might not matter to you, but bein' hoodwinked sure matters to me."
Allistair steps over and softly puts his hand on Mund's bare arm. "Whether we agree or not on how this was done, I think we can all agree that it's a good thing that we rescued Acer Stormfather, stopped Faldor's sacrifice, and likely saved the lives of the northern tribes."
Mund spits and says "Yeah, I reckon you're right on that count." Looking to the druids Mund asks "So, y'all have any ideas what might be wrong with 'im? I ain't never seen nuttin' like that before. Is he gonna get better?"
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC: Echoing Ragnar's comments, he sure as hell gets on Harp's nerves when he gets like this. Of course, Harp and Ragnar are USED to being ordered around to some extent. So, instead of manning up like a good barbarian, when he goes all emo on us, it just grates on their nerves.
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Flint's concern for Acer is obvious on his face. "I don't know what is wrong with him. That is why I have summoned the Council. They are all near. You remember how the circle joined their power to give Salix the power to bring you here? Well we are going to have to do something similar. However, it will actually be harder. Now rest for a few minutes and refresh yourselves. It will take a quarter of an hour for all the members to arrive."
"In the mean time, let me see what I can do about Sephira." Flint asks Surin to join him and they talk about the arrangments that had been made with the Mockers. When Flint is done with Surin, he summons three other druids, one human, one elf and one half elf, over whispers to them for a few minutes and the ushers them out into the woods. Flint comes back several minutes later "There, that is set in motion."
He joins the party at the table and drinks from a jug of water. Addressing the party "What should we do about the Mayor and Bodentown? You have been there."
From: Randy
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC: I actually really like this stuff. I think it adds to the character and totally adds to my enjoyment of the game. Ranthir is pretty ambivalent. Sometimes he agrees with Mund, other times not so much.
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC: Kill'em all and let God sort it out.
Oops, there's more than one god here, and the one in control would probably LIKE that idea.
Never mind.
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Harp sits at the table, drinking slowly and deeply from the water provided. He had not realized how refreshing regular water could be. The food was simple, but nourishing, not that he really needed to eat any more. It was more out of habit than anything else, something to do while his body adjusted to the release of the tension of past so many hours.
Hearing Flint's question about Bodentown, Harp thinks to himself 'Simple, send a couple dozen of your most powerful druids and flood/fire/shock the Mayor and Faldor out of existence. Drown the estate with 5 days of rain, knock it to hell and back with lightning bolts for a full day. Infest the place with rats or snakes or some such thing. Blow it down with some huge wind. Now that they could get there (in fact, the most senior of the council were on their way here right now), they should just take out the cause of the problem.
But, it was not Harp's place to speak. Long term strategic goals had never been his strong point. There was probably some good reason to NOT destroy the whole place - he just could not see what it was. Leave the long term plans to others, Harp says to himself, and stick to short term things. Things were you can see the end.
From: Jason
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Ragnar has trouble concentrating on the matter at hand, and when Flint excuses himself to talk to some other druids he actually nods off for a few minutes. When the druid asks about Faldor, however, he hears the question, and after a long pause to organize his thoughts, he says "For many of us, our primary purpose in coming here was to find the location of the magical gem that only Acer knows. Once he is recovered enough to tell us its location, we must continue with that quest with all possible haste. On the other hand, my greatest regret at leaving Bodentown so suddenly was that we left Faldor in power, to continue whatever nefarious scheme he had planned. Until we can communicate with the Stormfather," and here Ragnar looks at Harp for approval, "I think we'd all be happy to help kill or capture Faldor to assure his dark work is finished."
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC - Sometimes ya just gotta love Mund.
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC - isn't there someone among the druids who could cure that??
From: Porter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Mund spies a pretty-looking druid and asks her if he can get something stronger to drink.
In response to Fint's question, Allistair says "I am very interested in learning your thoughts on why we were able to get in and investigate Bodentown while all the members of your order, excepting Salix, were incapacitated."
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Salix interrupts. "Mund! We knew the risk. We knew nothing good could be happening there. Did you expect everyone with doubts to express them to our faces? There's a time for warning, but the council knew nothing we didn't know ourselves. Just because they feared we might fail, or die in the attempt is no reason to poison our faith with their doubts."
He continues more softly. "I'm grateful for the risk you took. I've never thanked you properly for the sacrifice you gave, and the terrible sacrifice you nearly gave at that last battle. You probably saved one or more of the others of us. No one else would have survived the hit you took."
He hold out a hand toward Mund.
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"Kill him" Salix says, flatly. "And dismantle the town. There is nothing there worth protecting, and some of the worst of human kind. Let them disperse to other towns where their evil will be diluted. The Great North Woods owes them no concessions now."
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC - Isn't Faldor the mayor? I didn't think they were two separate people.
From: Karl
Subject: Mund gets pissed
"Remember, I *was* incapacitated. If you all had not been there to fight off that evil swarm I would have been killed, or at least weakened to the point of being easily captured."
From: Mark
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Yes as far as everyone knows they are the same person.
From: Porter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
OOC: Oops. No, I didn't remember that.
OK, how about this retcon:
In response to Flint's question, Allistair says "Do you know of a way to overcome Bodentown's defenses? They seem to be most efficacious against members of your order. I suspect that we were able to overcome them because, with the exception of Salix, none of us are druids. Unless you find a way of neutralizing those defenses, I'm not sure there's much you can do."
"And while we would all enjoy seeing Faldor fall, I don't know what we could do about it. We barely got in and out last time, sneaking around like we did. We wouldn't stand a chance if we tried to take him and his forces directly."
From: POrter
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Mund takes the half-elf's hand and shakes it in friendship. Despite their disagreements, they really were friends, and Mund appreciates the gesture. "I guess you're right -- they didn't keep nothin from us."
Turning to Flint and the other druids he mutters an apology. "Sorry about that. Almost dying makes me pissy, I guess."
From: Kevin
Subject: Mund gets pissed
Harp looks up in surprise when Salix mentions destroying the town. Had he been reading Harp's mind? Then a memory comes to him, unbidden. The memory of a 1/2 orc girl/woman who had shown Harp some bit of kindnes.
"MountainFather, I'm not qualified to give advice on what to do to that town. My gut instinct is like Salix - destroy it. You have to understand what we saw there. People taken as the walked down the street, children sacraficed BECAUSE thier death would bring more suffering to others, undead creature not just made from the bodies of others, but infused with their blood, souls so tortured that the suck the life from those they touch. Salix can vouch for that fact. There is wanton brutality, unneeded suffering, and a growing sense of despair in the town. But, even with all that, there are still pockets of good, such as they can be. The Upright Man was honorable, and without his help, we would not have been able to succeed as we did. There were those we met who showed, if even in a small way, a bit of kindness to strangers.
I don't know what the final solution to that town is. It was beyond a normal frontier town in its disregard for life. But, if Faldor were removed, I think it might revert into the rough, tough town it always has been. but, I don't know if if has been permanently corrupted or not. I'm not worthy to make that decision."
Healing
Subject: Old friends
Salix thinks a bit on Harp's words, but say to Flint. "The town has defiled the woods in a way I have never seen before. The very life has been sucked out of the land. Nothing new was growing, and all but the hardiest of trees was already dead or cut down. The animals have long since left, save for swarms of vile wasps and various vermin. Even the guardian spirits have given up or been driven off. This may be at Faldor's instigation, but it was the people of the town that did his bidding, all too many of them willingly, it seemed to me.
Faldor must be removed. Of that there is not doubt. As for the town, were judgement mine to hand down, let the forest rise up and strangle the life out of it. Cut of it's supply lines until the people move away. Grant safe passage only to those who are leaving. Let the owls have its buildings until the great oaks can crack its foundations. It is an affront to the great Obad-Hai and its people have forsaken him."
(OOC - the party might not understand this, but Flint should. Salix isn't so much calling for a slaughter as a reclamation of the land the town sits on. Faldor must be removed immediately, but when it comes to "destroying" a town, Druid campaigns are planned in terms of years.*
At least that's my idea of it. Mark can correct that if he chooses to.)
From: Josh
Subject: Old friend
Kal speaks up in response to what Ragnar and Salix have said. "Faldor is an abomination and should be dealt with, but we have a larger mission. The ods saw to it that we did not meet him in combat; it's not ours to change their doings. If he is to be killed by us, we will meet him again. We need to stay focused on the mission ahead of us."
From: Mark
Subject: Old friends
It might be tonight before I can get a turn out.
Flint's request for opinions is for everyone. You have all risked your lives for this cause and he wants everyons input on what to do with the town. Faldor's fate is pretty much sealed.
From: Bryan
Subject: Old friend
Let the villagers depart and the town be swallowed up. Those who are good will find themselves in another town. Those who are evil at heart will swiftly be recognized where ever they go.
OOC: I don't think anyone was calling for mercy for Faldor.
From: Mark
Subject: The healing
The party eats slowly as the tension of the past several days starts to drain away. The sun is just starting to peek through the foliage of the woods when a younger druid comes out of the forest and approaches Flint. They talk for a few seconds and then the MountainFather turns to the party. "The Council is ready. You may stay here if you wish, but I would ask for you to join us. You have a right to see this." The party looks at each other, questions in their eyes, but get up from the table and follow the druid deeper into the woods.
A quarter of an hour later they enter a smaller clearing. There is a medium sized stone alter or table in the middle of the clearing. Acer's broken body sits on the table, two younger druids holding him steady. In the morning light the damage to the old man is even more obvious. His eye sockets are an angry red where the eyes had been burnt out. His mouth is swollen. He is covered in many healed wounds; the signs of Ragnar's healing efforts. The handless stumps of his arms lay weakly at his side. Flint approaches the old man. "Acer, the Council is here as well as those who rescued you. Lay back and let us tend to you." The old man, naked as the day he was born, lies on the table, waiting.
Flint gestures for the party to stand a short way off. He takes hold of Salix's arm and talks to him for a few minutes before letting him go. As the younger druid rejoins his companions two dozen men and women filter out of the forest and join hands together around the table. Their robes fall to the ground and they stand as naked as Acer, open to the forest. As a low chanting begins, Salix explains what is happening.
"Remember when some of the council imparted to me a bit of their power so I could send us through the trees? This is similar. They are joining their power to heal Acer. With their power Acer will re-grow his limbs and eyes and tongue. He will be whole again. This is one of the most powerful prayers we have. There is some risk, as none of those here can are powerful enough on their own to channel this power. Only Acer has done this before, and he, obviously, can not help. But there is a problem."
"Acer, as well as Ran and I, have been damage in more than just a physical way. Part of our soul has been taken. For Ran and me, it is but a small part. For Acer, it is almost his entire soul. That is how they kept him. He was not able to access the inner power needed to escape. And the druids can not fix this. The power of dark can only be fought by the power of light. But we druids honor both dark and light, as they are both part of life. The Council can restore his body, but not his soul."
The chanting in the clearing grows louder and the figures start to sway. All of the party can feel the power building around them. Salix understands the chanting, the call to the forest for renewal, rebirth. A green essence starts to flow around the clearing, motes of dust it seems, but they are flowing and moving.
The chant grows in volume and tempo. The circle starts to contract, containing the motes, herding them closer and closer to the old man. The chant takes on a tone of supplication and the motes start to swirl and eddy around Acer still figure. The foggy essence flows into him and around him. He starts to spasm and shake. The tempo builds, higher and higher and the movement of the motes becomes faster and faster. As the chant reaches a crescendo, all of the motes enter the body with a rush that causes the old man's body to sit up, stiff and rigid, a look of pain and pleasure across his face. Before their eyes the party sees his eye sockets fill, stumps extend into hands and then fingers. The swelling of the mouth goes down and Acer's tongue lolls out to the side.
Suddenly, the chanting stops. Acer falls back onto the table, and several of the druids collapse around the circle. Flint, still standing but unsteady on his feet, gestures to Salix "See to him." The MountainFather then slumps to the ground. Salix, the others lagging behind, rushes to the table and grabs the old man up in his arms. "Acer, are you alright?" The old man's clear blue eyes open and he stares at the younger druids face. "Salix, my son. You did it." The man then collapses again, falling into a deep sleep.
OODM: Any commentary is welcome or additional actions.
From: Kevin
Subject: The healing
OOC: You fibbed. You said it was going to be tonight. Not that I am complaining.
Nice write up by the way
From: Karl
Subject: Healing
"As usual, my companions speak wisely. For my own part, I have followed the Stormfather. It is under his orders that I have assisted Quarion these past years, and through him, Angelwing now. Ultimately, though, my allegiance is to the Druid High Council." Salix bows before Flint. "I will do whatever you command."
From: Randy
Subject: Healing
"My allegiance is owed to no specific cause or group. I choose my path based on what I feel is right and what must be done. I believe in our larger mission but based on what I have seen of Faldor, I don't know that our larger mission will matter much if we choose to let him continue on his path. He must be stopped. Before I make my decision of how to go forward, I would like to hear what information Acer has regarding our original mission and what his opinion is on the necessity of stopping Faldor now."
From: Porter
Subject: Healing
Mund shares his views. "Killin' Faldor would be a good thing, I agree, but who's gonna do it? Not us -- we barely lived runnin' away from his cronies. Life is short enough without lookin' to pick a fight with Faldor."
"But Bodentown -- yeah, it's got its problems, and Faldor's stinkin' up the place, but I reckon that most folk there are just folk goin' about their business. They ain't done nothin' wrong, and don't deserve to be driven from their homes any more than you druids do."
OOC: I'm not willing to guess what Allistair thinks of all this
From: Josh
Subject: Healing
Kal doesn't speak on Bodentown. If someone presses him for an opinion he'll just say "whatever everyone else thinks."
From: Mark
Subject: Healing
actually, no. The druids spell list does not include the restoration series of spells. Must be something about the balance of dark and light. Ragnar and the clerics of his order can do it though.
The healing cont. and turn
Subject: turn
No comments from any one?
Ok, I will write up more tonight.
From: Kevin
Subject: The healing
I am going to send a little something later today. I had to go to scout camp for Parents night last night and just got back from picking the boys up there this morning. I have some tasks to complete around the house, and then I will write up some comments from Harp.
From: Kevin
Subject: The healing
Harp watches as everyone assembles for what is to come. He is somewhat surprises (and a little emberassed) whenn all the druids strip naked. Never seen that befora back at the chapter house he thinks to himself. With that, he tries to focus on what is actually happening. The words seem strange, foreign, but somehow natural. The feeling of force, however, is somewhat familiar. He can sense the power building, coaslescing in the green specs floating around Acer. Salix was right, this was either going to renew him or kill him. Harp had not felt this much power focused in one place in ages, if ever. Finally, as things reach a crescendo, he sees some of the druids fall to the ground, their energy spent. Was it worth it?? Had Acer survived??
With great relief, Harp watches as Salix goes up to Acer and sees the old man raise his head, say something, and then lower his head back down, obviously exhausted.
From: Josh
Subject: The healing
Kal watches in awe as the druids make their prayers.
OOC: Nice turn Mark. I don't have much to add.
From: Kevin
Subject: The healing
Mark, remember, we want to have Ragnar pray for restoration for Salix and Ran, assuming he can get it twice in one day.
From: Porter
Subject: The healing
I also have nothing to add from Allistair nor Mund.
From: Karl
Subject: The healing
Nor from Salix. Just that he is grateful to have Acer alive and seemingly well again.
From: Bryan
Subject: The healing
Surin has nothing to add either.
News from abroad
Subject: Turn
Its tonight already where I am. In fact, it is so far past tonight, that is it now tomorrow.
From: Mark
Subject: New from abroad
Salix cradles Acer in his arms. Another druid comes forward "We have prepared a place for him to rest. Come." Salix stands and carries Acer gently the hundred or so yards to where a small cot has been set up. The rest of the party, not sure what to do, follows along. Salix lays Acer down and the other druid covers him with a blanket of woven leaves. The other druid, a full elf, turns to the party and motions them to keep quiet and follow him. When they are a hundred feet away he turns "I am Lou-Tor, elf from the southern forest." He gives a short bow to Kal "Hail Bladesinger. May your weapon always sing in defense of the Nation." Kal nods his head in recognition of this ancient greeting. Lou turns to the others "Places to rest have been prepared by order of MountainFather Flint. Follow me. You will have a few hours before the scouts return and the council meets to decide the fate of Faldor and Boddentown."
Lou gestures around and 8 beds of soft moss and grass have been prepared. The party is led to a small pool where they are allowed to bath. Those that bathe are greeted by the loud snores of those who stayed. All are asleep within 20 minutes.
When they are awoken several hours later, the sun is high in the sky. Lou-Tor is there "Come, dress quickly. Acer wants to talk to you before the council meets. Armor and weapons will not be needed. Several of the party member are not happy about that and a few take a dagger along. 5 minutes later they are seated at a large table with Acer in the middle. The frail old man looks much improved. The difference of the skin on his hands with that of his arms is dramatic. The skin on his hands is pink and supple, the skin on his body is scared, leathery and old. Acer laughs when he notices them looking "Yes, it will take some getting used to. Some of those calluses on my old hands were decades old. Please join me." He gestures and the party sits and they all eat. Acer is obvious in his intention to keep the chat light, adroitly changing the subject when anything serious is brought up.
When they are about done his tone does change. "Salix, and the rest of you, I want to thank you for rescuing me. I, more than almost anyone else, understand the risk of what you did and the dangers you faced. It is a testimony to your skills and resourcefulness that I am able to talk to you today. You have the gratitude of the Druid Council." He holds out a set of 8 broaches. Salix catches his breath when he realizes what they are.
"Yes, my young friend, these are broaches of Obad-Hai. They are but a small thanks for what you have done." Acer then proceeds to pin one of the broaches on each member of the party while explaining what they do. "The broaches are enchanted. Most animals, other than those magically controlled, will have a better disposition towards you (Wild Empathy). Once a day, if it is touched and the name of Obad-Hai is spoken, it can help influence the fey of the forest (Charm Monster, Fey only). It can also hide your path (Trackless step). You deserve more but this is all I have at the moment."
Harp holds up his hand and Acer says "Yes, my young ½ orc?" Harp stammers a bit but gets out his request "Stormfather, as you might know, we were sent by the head of my order to retrieve one of the gems of Valorshield. We were told that you had it. Is this true? If so, there is need for it." Acer looks a bit shocked at this but recovers quickly. "I did not know you had come for the gem. Is it that time again? That changes things a bit." Acer suddenly seems a bit more preoccupied. He turns his attention back to Harp. "I do not have the gem on me. I will have to retrieve it. However, it will have to wait. We have Faldor to take care of. Are all of you done? Good, please follow me."
The party follows the old man through the woods. Salix is surprised at how loudly Acer moves and how slowly. He seems to have forgotten everything he knew about the forest. The party reaches the large clearing again, the one with the stone table in the middle. There are 24 druids sitting there, half female, half male. Salix and the others recognize Flint and a few of the others. Acer stands in front of the table and calls another druid in from the edge of the clearing "Report" he says.
"Stormfather, I have only bad news. The scouts have been overflying the place called the Mayor's Estate. All of the tribes of the Northmen are dead. It looks as if when Faldor sent out the tribes to find those who rescued you" at this the druid gestures at the party "he took the time to gather up the women and children that had remained and, somehow, killed them all. Not just killed them. He used their deaths to empower himself. So when the tribes returned and found out what had happened, he was able to subdue them all with just a word. Evil black power was at his beck and call. He then used the returning tribesmen in some sort of evil ritual. While they were still alive and helpless, he took the bodies of the women and the young and formed some monstrous thing."
"As I watched from overhead, he took the tribesmen one by one and bleed them. He cut their throats and collected their blood. Hundreds of them. He had barrels of blood. And when the last of the tribesmen were dead, he took that blood and used it to infuse the huge corpse he had created. Gallon after gallon he used, all the while his few acolytes chanted and maintained his power." The druid starts to break down. "Council, how do I tell you of this horror? It is a bloated thing, standing well over 20 feet tall. It's legs are like oak stumps and it's arms like battering rams. When it took it's first step, I left. This was just over an hour ago." Acer nods and the druid leaves, tears still in his eyes.
The next scouts comes forward, this time leading three people. All of the party recognizes one of them, MountainSister Sephira, still as damaged as they last saw her. Some of the party recognizes the other two, Jimmy the Hand and Thanga. The druids with them step forward "StormFather, when you were returned to us, MountainFather Flint sent us to follow up on information that Salix and the other told us about MountainSister Sephira. When we got to the location we found her and the boy but also this ½ orc. The boy claimed that she was with him, and we did not want to gain say our mission, so we brought all three before the Council."
Acer nods "Sister Sephira. Much has passed since we saw each other last. I understand the pain you are in and ask you to bear it a few days longer. The council has much other work to do today and will not have the power to spare to heal you. Do you understand? The maimed woman nods and his helped from the circle. Acer then turns to Salix "Do you want to talk to the young man, since it was you who dealt with him?" Salix nods and turn to Jimmy. "Jimmy the Hand, of the Mockers, tell this council your story from when we last met."
The young man, no older than 12, steps forward "Your greatnesses" he says haltingly, looking very unsure of himself. Salix motions to Surin and whispers "Help him out." Surin nods and heads over to stand next to the boy. Jimmy is taller than Surin, but the halfling presence settles him enough for him to continue.
"I am called Jimmy the Hand, best pick pocket and sneak thief in Boddentown. I worked for The Upright Man, the guy whose was in charge of us, us bein the Mockers. A few days ago we made an agreement with this guy here" he points to Surin "to try and rescue that lady you just took away." He stops for a second and realizes that everyone is still waiting for him. "He, the Upright Man, took most of the Mocker's bashers and a few of us others. Just after midnight, he led us over the walls and into the barn out back. There we took the long service passage and killed the guards in the guard room. Then we snuck into the next guard room and that is when all hell broke loose."
Jimmy's eyes start to tear up but he does not cry. "These things came out of the wall. Surin had said that they were some kind of undead so we had brought the little holy water we still had in supply from before the temples got shut down. We threw the holy water on the two things but while it seemed to sizzle, it did not do any real damage. The Upright Man and the bashers then fought with the things while I was sent to get the lady out. I had no problems with the locks, but, you saw how she was, she didn't move fast at all. By the time I had gotten her back to the main hall, most of the bashers were down. They had taken out of of those things, but the other was left."
Now the tears start to fall. "I went to help the Upright Man. It was just him against that thing. I got behind it and stuck it. It should have died. A normal man would have died. But it weren't normal. It turned and tried to kill me. That was when the Upright Man shoved me out of the way and told me to save the lady. The last I saw of him, the thing was tearing off one of his arms." Jimmy stops for a few seconds, regaining his composure.
OODM: I will write more later. Work to go do tonight. Will probably be tomorrow.
From: Jason
Subject: Restoration
He can get it twice in one day, I'm just waiting for the writeup to say we rest or some such before I switch the spell list.
From: Porter
Subject: New from abroad
When they come in and see Acer for the first time since he woke up, Mund breaks into a big smile and rushes up to him. "Grandpa! You're awake! Good to see you up and about." Mund feels the Stormfather tense as he gives him a hug.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You've never seen me before. I carried you part of the way." Speaking in a voice just for the Stormfather, Mund continues "I'm the one that told you we was probably not gonna make it." Mund looks down, awkward, and goes back and sits down next to his brother.
----
When Mund hears the news of the slaughter of the Northern Tribes, Mund is furious. "Dammit!" he bellows. "We shoulda warned them! We shoulda done somethin'! We shoulda..."
Mund stops abruptly. Something is wrong. For the first time since puberty, Mund was as mad as he could be, but the strength of the Bear wasn't with him. He looks at his hands and his arms, sits down and shuts up.
He listens to the description of Faldor's new horror in shock. He had known other Northmen like himself who were only able to summon their strength one or twice a day, but Mund had never had that problem.
Had his wounds sapped the strength of the Bear from him? Was there some evil in the orc's axe that was keeping him from his strength?
From: Mark
Subject: More news
Jimmy continues "I hustled her out of the place as fast as I could, which was pretty slow, all things being equal. We had left a few guys to create a diversion to cover our escape and they did. Started fires and such. So me and the guys we left guarding the way out joined up and made it back over the walls. Then, as is usual, we split up. Me and the lady went on by ourselves. After 20 minutes I knew I was gonna need help. She was just too much for me to handle on my own. So I took her to where Thanga here worked. Thanga is a member of the Mockers. She works the Inn trade. Hostess, you know?" He makes a motion with the index finger on his right hand, moving through a circle formed with the thumb and first finger on his left. Harp finally understands and blushes under his dark skin.
"Well" Jimmy continues, his tears under control now "she helped me get the lady to the meeting point. We took a secret way out, one that the town guards don't know about and we waited. While we were waiting the town guard started getting all riled up. The door master told me that they Mayor had imposed martial law and was shutting up the city. No one in or out. That was when your guys showed up and said that they were from Salix there. They had the passwords so we went with them. The one there" he points to one of the druids "spoke to the door master. Must have said somethin terrible because old Tommy's face went white as a sheet and he's dark as night. Then your folks turned into horses and we rode away."
Acer speaks next "Jimmy, I want to thank you and your people for your help. It will be remembered." Jimmy is lead away with Thanga. The ½ orc looks at Harp, her eyes questioning, but no more. The StormFather turns to the Council and then fills them in on the purpose of Harp and Ragnar. When he is done he says "Those of you who know me, know that I do not scare easily. But I have learned much in the weeks of my captivity. Not only from Faldor, as he gloated over my broken body, but also from the earth. I spent those hours listening to the low whisper of the ground, the thrum of the earth, and it spoke to me."
"This Faldor is creating unnatural abominations. I have seen them. The ones I saw were not much larger then a man, but could kill a dozen men. He told me that he was going to create giant forms of these things, these blood hulks. Tonight we have heard how he has done this. Since it look like it worked, I am going to assume that he is going to use the population of Boddentown next. This we can not allow. So we have three things to accomplish. First, we must destroy Faldor. Second, we must destroy his estate and all the evil places and things there. Third, we must destroy Boddentown." He holds up his hands at the murmur that comes from the Council.
"We must destroy Boddentown for two reasons. First, it is another base of his operations. Second, he will, I think, use the populace as raw materials for his next creation. This we can not allow. Better the whole town be destroyed then this type of corruption be allowed. However, Flint has informed me that Scalfar" he points to the druid that rescued Jimmy and Thanga, "has given the Mockers warning. Even now, some of the populace of Boddentown is leaving. Those that can escape, we shall allow to go. The rest must perish. I, Stormfather Acer, head of the Druid Council says this must be done."
There is a few minutes of debate, more about how to accomplish the goals than if the goals are correct. Acer then speaks again "The Council will need to meet in Circle to accomplish this. The Council should use it's power to summon earthquakes and Storms of Vengeance on the Estate and Boddentown. I will need their help to remove Faldor. I plan on summoning an Avatar." There is shocked silence from the entire Council. Flint stands "Do you realize what that means?" Acer gives a rueful laugh "More than anyone. But it must be done. Flint, I am old. The things that were done to me, I will not speak of. But this must be my last act."
He turns to the rest of the Council. "Hear me. You all know what will be required of me for this. So I tell you, MountainFather Flint should replace me as the head of the Council and MountainSister Sephira, when her wounds are healed, should take his place, so that the Council is complete. Now go and prepare yourselves, for I think that high noon is the proper time for us to do this thing. We meet back here in half an hour. Faldor likes to work in the dark of night, we shall work in the light of day." The council members break into small groups, talking and discussing what has happened. Acer calls Flint over to where the party is sitting and the 10 move off to a secluded part of the woods.
OODM: When the party gets to the secluded part of the woods they can ask questionings.
From: Bryan
Subject: More news
OOC: What is the process for summoning an avatar? I assume it requires sacrifice?
From: Karl
Subject: More news
When Salix sees Sister Sephira, he lets out an audible sigh of relief. At the first opportunity to see her alone, he expresses his thankfulness to Obad-Hai that she was rescued, and apologizes profusely that it was not he, himself who effected the rescue.
When the party moves off to the secluded part of the woods Salix makes a point of staying as near as possible to the Stormfather. Acer was the closest thing to a father he had ever known. Deep down he knew that whatever terrible thing Acer was going to do, his mind was made up and there would be no stopping it. It was all he could do just to maintain his composure and try to act in a way that would make the Stormfather - *his* father - proud. Obad-Hai's will would be done, but Salix wanted to be as close to the Stormfather as he could be for as long as he could.
(ooc - Questions: It doesn't matter if Salix asks these or not, but he will if no one else does.
What is an Avatar and how does that work?
What can Salix do to help?
What of the gem that Angelwing needs?
What is Salix to do once this is over? (He's still under Acer's orders to help Quarion. He will want to make sure where he stands when this is over, and that there is a proper transfer of authority regarding himself personally if he is to lose his mentor. He *is* lawful/neutral, after all.)
From: Mark
Subject: More news
Most of the members of the party have never heard of an avatar.
I will make some knowledge religion checks, but this comment has left most of the party in the dark.
More news, Acer's story, ceremony question
Subject: More news
OOC: Can I assume that since we've now had time to rest, that Ragnar also had time to pray for spells for the day, and has cast restoration on Salix and Ran? Also, storm of vengeance is also on the cleric list, though of course far beyond Ragnar, but could I assume he has a basic idea of what it does? And am I correct in assuming that if they summon earthquakes to knock down all the buildings, that anyone who is then caught outside will almost certainly die?
IC: Ragnar's shock at what he has heard outweighs even his concern for their primary mission. "Stormfather, surely you cannot mean to effect this slaughter! I know that the followers of Obad-hai do not see death in the same way that we do, but surely even you cannot mean to kill so many! I understand your concern, clearly Faldor must mean to do the same to the town that he did to the tribes, but let us then kill Faldor and his acolytes, and spare the town. Surely without his power driving this madness, the town will return to its normal state."
From: Kevin
Subject: More news
I will be out of the office most of the morning doing inspections. I will try to write up something this afternoon.
From: Bryan
Subject: More news
As Surin listens to Jimmy speaking of the horrors he has witnessed and the rescue of Sephira he feels the warm glow of pride in the conduct of the Mockers of the town. He is sure that the irony - the members of the thieves guild becoming the most upright citizens of the town is not lost on the gathering. It's like he's always said - a bit of honest thievery does not make a man evil.
While Surin has no idea what is involved in creating an avatar, it seems obvious from the way that Acer is speaking that it involves Acer leaving at the very least human form, if not this life. While the thief is all for getting rid of Faldor, contemplating the end of the person form whom they've all risked their lives is bittersweet.
OOC: If I missed something character-wise, you'll have to pardon me. I've not had a chance to back-read prior Jimmy/Surin/Upright Man meetings.
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
The party members sit on the ground with Acer in front of them. Salix is in the front, concern showing on his face. Ragnar is unable to wait "Stormfather, surely you cannot mean to affect this slaughter! I know that the followers of Obad-Hai do not see death in the same way that we do, but surely even you cannot mean to kill so many! I understand your concern, clearly Faldor must mean to do the same to the town that he did to the tribes, but let us then kill Faldor and his acolytes, and spare the town. Surely without his power driving this madness, the town will return to its normal state."
The old man shakes his head. "I understand how you would feel that way. But that is not the druid way. When a tree has gone rotten, the whole tree must be cut down. When a field has the blight, the whole field is burned. Bodentown is infected. The infection must be excised. I know this. I have felt it to my core. A new town may be rebuilt on top of the ash of the old, but this town must be removed."
Kal speaks up "StormFather, I am no priest, but I know something of the practices of the elves. I recall, dimly, the mention of avatars. It was mentioned in a hushed tone. What does this require of you? Of us?" Salix speaks up as well "Yes, Acer. How can I help?" Acer looks at Kal, his eyes sharp. "An avatar is an earthly incarnation of a god. The exact details vary from god to god, but all have similar limits. They are to be called only in times of greatest need. And the avatars require a body. The Council is going to summon the avatar of Obad-Hai and I will be the physical body. There is one drawback. The body is burnt out by the power of the avatar."
"The gem you seek is in the heart of the WorldTree. Before the ceremony I will tell Flint the location of the gem. He will need to guide you there. Only the head of the Council may take outsiders there, so he will be the one to take you."
Salix speaks up "Master, I wish that you would not do this? With you gone what is to become of me? What should I do?" Acer's face grows soft with compassion for Salix's pain. "Do not worry about me, my son. I have lived a long, useful life and I will end it being of use to our god. What more can a druid ask? However, your future is more complicated. The earth and stone has spoken to me, in my captivity. I have seen some of your future. Someday you will lead the Council. A great conflict is coming. This is just one skirmish in the coming war. One which we are likely to win thanks to you and your efforts and the efforts of your friends."
"Just as the last time, the Paladin's will be in the forefront of the fee peoples fight against this evil. When this ordeal is over today, go to Flint. I have told him that you are ready for Brotherhood. Continue on with your companions. Help them in their quest to gather the rest of the gems. They will need your strength and guidance. Represent the creatures of the woods and nature. Come back in victory and lead the Druids."
OODM: Role playing time.
From: Porter
Subject: Acer's story
OOC: Is it just me, or did Salix just become the protagonist of our story? :)
Does that make Mund the comic relief?
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
No but he is a main character. You are all main characters, if you stay with the game long enough. Harp and Ragnar have their own reasons for staying with the party to the end. Hell, Harp may end up as the leader of the Silver Swords.
I am working on ways to make Surin, Mund, Ally and Kal central as well. Kal is sort of taken care of but I would like him to eventually do it because he wants to, not because he was ordered to. This adventure may have made that jump.
I would also like to get to a point where Mund and Ally will do it because they want to. Mund is doing it for friendship right now but I hope that that will change.
From: Josh
Subject: Acer's story
Kal speaks up in defense of Ragnar's statement.
"We must be given time to warn the innocent of the town. Although this is not the druid's way, it is our way." Kal motions toward Ragnar and Harp. "The town is not a tree and it's people are are not leaves. The town is not a field and it's people are not crops. The town is a town and it's people are people. To kill them is natures way, but nature does not discriminate between good and evil. If that's what you wish to do, then leave Faldor alive!"
Kal has built himself up into the rhetorical anger that the rest of the part recognizes from their time in the testing grounds. Everyone is surprised to hear him speak this way, but only the Stormfather seems to be really shocked.
"If on the other hand you wish to ally with us and the side of good, you must act with goodness. Otherwise you taint our own mission. I for one am unable to help you destroy this town unless the people there are given fair warning."
Kal goes silent. The stormfathers face is stolid but Kal realizes the boldness of what he said. "I mean no disrespect father. But I cannot go along with this plan as it stands. I have said this before and I believe it: We cannot surrender the moral high ground in this battle or it will be lost regardless of the outcome."
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
"I understand your passion. They have been given warning. The Mocker's have been spreading the word since first light. Flint set that in motion, guessing that this action would come to pass. Faldor is the one who has locked the town down, not us. He has done this so that no "raw materials' would be allowed to escape. The people of the town are dead one way or another. Our way, the clean purging fire, is better than what Faldor has planned."
"You do not have to help. You have already done all that was asked and more. The druids will take this action and it will be on them."
From: Josh
Subject: Acer's story
OOC: Does Kal know how the town is locked down? Is it simply by guards? What time is it now? How long is the trip into town?
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
I think I said it was locked down when Jimmy told his story. The town guard had closed the gates and was patrolling the outside on horse back. On foot the trip to town would be half a day at least from here.
From: Josh
Subject: Acer's story
I forget where we stowed our horses away, was it with the druids or back with the silver swords?
Kal has every intention of going into town if he believes it can save even one person.
From: Jason
Subject: Acer's story
"If Faldor has locked the town down, then let us return and overcome the guards. The people are *not* dead either way, because if we succeed Faldor will be dead, and his plans with him."
From: Porter
Subject: Acer's story
Mund looks at Kal dumbfounded. He would have never guessed that from a a racist, genocidal elf like Kal.
"I can understand killin' them to keep Faldor from sacrificing them, but what are you doin' to try to save them first? I agree with the elf -- we can't let 'em die with trying to save 'em."
Mund points a finger at the Stormfather. "I didn't warn my fellow tribesmen about the danger so that we could get you back safely. I did nothing and let them die. I can't let that happen again if there's any chance of saving the townsfolk."
From: Karl
Subject: Acer's story
Lead the council? Lead the druids? How could he do that? He could barely lead the rag-tag group that Quarion had assembled for Angelwing. In fact, he had been looking forward to the end of this quest almost since it began. He knew he was only in charge because obtaining this gem would involve the druids and he was the only druid in the group. Surely when this was over, Ran, or maybe Harp or Ragnar would be in charge of the group for the next gem. Salix just wanted to go back to being one of the team. Well, really, he just wanted to go back to being one of the *Druids*. His heart longed for a lengthy stretch alone in some remote part of the Great North Woods, with just flora and fauna to attend to.
"I'm no leader," is all he says to the Stormfather. "Ask anyone here."
"My heart wants to follow. I would follow you in this last journey were it possible," Salix continues, fighting to keep composure, his voice just starting to crack. "But failing that, I will follow Mountainfather Flint as head of the council, as you so instruct."
From: Kevin
Subject: Acer's story
OOC: Congratulations, gentlemen, I think you have completely screwed up my brother's plans for a simple resolution to this story. I want to see him work his way out of this.
From: Kevin
Subject: Acer's story
Harp listens to Acer's story, but his mind is not really on it. His thoughts are focusing on the young 1/2 orc girl he had just seen again, beyond any hopes that he ever would do so again. Thanga!! She had made it out with Jimmy. But he had said that she worked for the Mockers, as a "hostess". Had he just been a job for her??? Work?? He had thought they had connected, but it had been for such a short time frame. He had to talk to her.... but not now. There was still much going on, and he had to keep abreast of it.
Harp hears Acer's plan of summoning the avatar of Obad-Hai. He had heard of such things before, but thought them stories. But, to use that power to destroy the whole town, good and bad alike?? Could he allow that?? Was that right?? Why, if Thanga had not snuck out with Jimmy, she would have been caught in there like all the rest, and she was not evil.
"Stormfather, is there no way to destroy the town without killling everyone in the town? Couldn't you blast open the gates, and then start blowing things up from the Mayors house outward? That way, some of the populace could overrun the guards and escape to whatever awaits them outside of town".
From: Karl
Subject: Acer's story
Only the protagonist of *his* story. ;-)
Actually, I read it as an answer to concerns Salix asked. The current gem quest is only one leg of the overall story. After this, Salix is just one of the guys.
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
Yeah maybe I was not clear.
Salix was not told to lead the party but to journey with them. Acer is making Flint the head of the Council. He is also predicting that Salix will one day lead the Council. Assuming he lives. :)
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
Acer looks confused. He turns to Salix "You know your friends better than I do? Do you want to attempt this? You and they have barely rested? It is hours on foot to the town and I am sure Faldor is already on his way there. The work of the council must not be delayed, or the taint may spread."
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
"The town is just wood and bricks and stone. It is not evil. It is the people in it who are evil. From your time there, how much good did you see? Even the best of them tolerated unspeakable evil because they gained from it. You Mund" Acer says, turning to the barbarian "would you want to live there? Would you trust those you met? Even you, from the wild reaches of the Northlands have more honor than most people in that town. Do not be mislead thinking that the evil was in Boddentown becuase of Faldor. Faldor picked the town becuase it was evil. Slavery and oppression were it currency long before Faldor showed up. He just gave it a new direction."
From: Porter
Subject: Acer's story
Mund hadn't understood that Faldor was already on his way to harvest Bodentown. If only they had more time!
Acer had a good point -- there's no way that Mund would choose to live in Bodentown, but he still doesn't like how willing the druids are to pass judgment on others.
Mund tries not to think of how much the old man's other comments are probably responsible for Mund's decreased enthusiasm. He doesn't want to think that he may be afraid, that he may be a coward.
From: Randy
Subject: Acer's story
Ran finds himself shocked at Kal's words. When had this change come over him? It wasn't so long ago that he had been willing to kill without considering a possible unknown good. From the evidence they had, there was less good in Boddentown than there had been in any random encounter with an orc.
"I agree that it is not right to destroy when there may be some innocents, even if I doubt the presence of much of the sort in this foul town. I don't know how much we can do in our current state though. The Mockers have spread the word and I doubt we can do much more to help those who may desire it. I will follow your lead Salix, you do not give yourself enough credit for your skills in that role."
OOC: Mark, did you ever answer whether Ragnar had been able to restore Ran and Salix? If not, how long from now until that is possible?
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
He thinks he can but he would need to pray for an hour to regain his spells for the day.
None of the divine casters have spent time praying. You all got a few hours sleep. Not enough for the arcane casters to get their spells back and not enough to get any healing.
From: Jason
Subject: Acer's story
"For every person that tolerated slavery or oppression for personal gain, there is someone else who was enslaved or oppressed, and these are the ones who will have no chance to leave even if they wish. Not everyone in the town chose evil, and not all those who chose evil deserve death."
From: Mark
Subject: Acer's story
"Don't patronize me with that. We druids have had to deal with Bodentown for decades. You civilized people run off those you don't want and they end up here. There may be a few innocents but they are few and far between. Even the Upright Man did not do what he did for the good of all. He was just upset that Faldor changed the rules on him. He wanted the old way back."
Acer draws himself up "No, I think the decision will stand. I do not ask your permission, for I do not need it. I do not ask for your blessing, for I do not expect it. I do not ask for your understanding, for you do not understand the situation as I do. I do not take any joy in this but the rot of Bodentown must be cleansed. The druids thank you for your help. I thank you for your help. You are welcome in the lands of the druids but we will deal with this problem as we see fit. If you need, take solice in this. I am sentencing myself to essentially the same end as those in Bodentown."
From: Jason
Subject: Acer's story
Ragnar nods his head sadly, saying "I never expected you to ask our permission, and I certainly do not find pleasure in the sacrifice you are about to make. If you'll excuse me, I am late in my devotions and keenly feel the need to commune with my patron deity."
(Assuming no problems with this,) Ragnar will look for a secluded place he can meditate and pray.
From: Mark
Subject: Ceremony question
Who wants to be at the Council Circle Ceremony when they summon the Avatar and combine to destroy Bodentown and the Mayor's Estate?
A show of hands please?
From: Josh
Subject: Ceremony question
What does "being at the ceremony" mean? If it's supportive of the action in any substansive way Kal won't be there. Otherwise I'm not sure yet.
From: Mark
Subject: Ceremony question
It is where the council will join together to "cast" mega spells.
In case you have not noticed, I have used an adaptation of circle magic. For divine casters in particular, a group of them can get together and combine their power to cast spells they normall could not and/or cast spells they can at a much higher power/range. It is not normally done as I have added drawbacks based on power level of the spell etc.
For example, no druid present could have cast the regeneration spell used on Acer. Togther they could but it wiped a bunch of them out for a long time.
The same thing will happen here, but since they have to do three things it will likely be worse.
From: Mark
Subject: Ceremony question
Oh it does not require participation from most any one as you are not druids. Salix may join in, but there may be consequences.
It is mainly observational.
From: Josh
Subject: Ceremony question
Kal will go along to watch. He's always been interested in the arcane and the divine.
From: Kevin
Subject: Ceremony question
Harp will go if given the chance. He would also like to get a time to see Thanga if possible.
From: Karl
Subject: Ceremony question
Salix definitely wants to be part of all things druid. He'd feel slighted being left out at this point seeing as he and his party did what no one else in the community would.
From: Mark
Subject: Ceremony question
Salix should be getting the impression that they think he has done enough and that they hesitate to ask for more. The other druids have been treating him with a certain level of awe, even the Brothers and Sisters, who are considered a "level" above wealward.
Although it is expected that Salix will be promoted to Brother because of this service.
From: Karl
Subject: Ceremony question
Salix doesn't have any experience with this. If he is asked, he will join in. If he is told he is not ready to take part, he will understand. He wants to be present. He does not have to actually participate and wouldn't feel left out.
And personally, he has no reservations about what the council has decided.
From: Porter
Subject: Ceremony question
Mund and Allistair want to see it happen.