Dargrak shows up
Subject Takeing a stand
Surin, gasping for breath at the exertion, says to Ran "I be of no use to ye if ye' stay to fight. I'll ride off with the Lady and head us in the right direction." Surin runs on, slowing slightly as he covers that last few feet. As he passes Harp, he gasps out "Your cousin back yonder is none to pleased with us. Why don't you go teach him some manners". With that, Surin scrambles on his pony and looks around to decide which way Rochelle went.
OOC: Mark, will Surin be able to do a double move and also mount his pony this turn, or will he have to wait until next turn?
Harp sees the little halfing stumble by, breathing heavy, saying something about the 1/2 orc being a relative. He frowns at Surin, wondering how the little rouge could think that he and this beast were related. Harp looks up and sees Ran and Kal still running away from the 1/2 orc, but slowing down as they stop to turn and make their stand, only 20 or so feet away. Harp thinks to himself, this is what I was trained for. He moves up to be behind Kal, looks skyward, and calls upon the power of Heironious to grant this elf his protection (cast Protection from Evil).
OOC: Mark, this assumes that Kal and Ran have moved slightly from where they are and are within a normal move action from me (they are currently 40 feet - if I move 20, and they move 20, we should meet in the middle, still 20 feet from where the rest of the group is). If they do not move, I will do my 20 foot move and then take another shot with my crosss bow.
From: Mark
Subject Surin
Surin will not be able to mount this round. Next round he can.
However, since he is not running he will not take any more non-lethal damage.
From: Kevin
Subject out of town
OOC: Just FYI, I will be out of town Tuesday thru Friday, but should be able to check e-mails, though not as often - I know you are all crushed. I will continue to write for Surin until I hear otherwise, and Harp will continue to be his big, lovable self.
From: Karl
Subject spell
Salix will pray to Produce Flame and immediately cast the first flame at the brute. If he needs to and he can, he will move closer to the brute before casting.
From: Kevin
Subject Taking a stand
Mark, just realized that Kal is behind Harp in the initiative order. In that case, if my initial scenario is not possible (in some of the earlier write ups, you had Ran, Surin and Kal all together) Harp will take a 5 foot step toward the 1/2 orc, reload his crossbow, and take another shot at the 1/2 orc.
Sorry about that, too much to remember today.
From: Mark
Subject Harp
You can hold an action so that you have the same initiative as some one else. This is a permanant action, meaning that your initiative is now the same as the person you wanted to match.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
OOC: Oh, OK, then I will do that, since I am already behind the 1/2 orc, it will not make much of a difference.
OK, so here are the two options - 1) Kal (and or Ran) move back within a normal move action of Harp. Harp will move up and cast a Protection from Evil on Kal, holding his action until Kal is in range.
2) If Kal and Ran do not move back, Harp will reload his crossbow and fire at the 1/2 orc. If this option happens, I do not want to hold my action.
Make sense?
From: Mark
Subject Harp
Actually your crossbow it loaded. You reloaded after you shot two rounds ago.
You can move and shoot or move and cast.
Either or.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
OOC: If Kal is in touching range, I want to cast protection from evil. If I have to move 20 feet to do it, do so. If he is out of range (i.e. he does not move this turm), then I will move my normal 20 feet and fire the crossbow at the 1/2 orc. I will then drop the crossbow and pull my sword (those should both be free actions for me).
From: Mark
Subject Harp
Actuall the way the rules are written pulling the sword would be part of a move action.
So you could shoot the crossbow, drop it and advance 20 feet while pullling the sword.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
OOC: If that is the way to get it all done, go ahead. Again, this is only if I cannot get within touch range of Kal.
From: Randy
Subject Taking a stand
Ran will follow Kals request and continue to retreat approximately 15 feet back. He will then turn and prepare to face the 1/2 orc in combat.
"Let us circle him when he gets near!" Ran calls out to his companions
From: Jason
Subject Cai
ooc As far as I can tell, Cai still doesn't really know what everyone else is planning on doing. She'll stick to shooting arrows until he closes with some of the figher types, at which point she'll summon her wolf to flank him (unless the half-orc tries to run past to the horses, in which case she'll try to block him with the wolf.) That'll probably happen this round, since Cai goes after him.
She wonders if they will stay to confront the brute, or if they will follow quickly after Rochelle. For now, she'll continue to fire as quickly as possible. If the other members of the party close with the orc, she will summon a wolf to aid them, trying to place it so that it will block the orcs path, if this is necessary, or flank it if he stops to fight.
From: Mark
Subject Feats
The fight comming up will be a serious test of the groups abilities.
If you have not taken a look at your character in a while please do so. There may be a feat that you have forgotten about that might help you. Things such as dodge, combat expertise, power attack, or any number of things. IF you have a feat you must mention it to me when you write up your turn.
For example if you have combat expertise you can take points off of you attack bonus and apply it to your AC. However you must tell me that you want to do this and how many points you want to move.
Or if you have the dodge feat you should tell me that you want to apply your dodge point to the 1/2 orc.
If you don't tell me then your character did not do it. :)
From: Derrell
Subject spell
When the beast is in range, Fal will cast his Grease spell in an attempt to get the enemy off its' feet.
From: Mark
Subject Dargrak shows up
Round 17 Initiative Surin 24, Fal 20, Bel 18, Ran 16 Dargrak 16, Harp 16, Cai 13, Kal 12, Rochelle 11, Eagles 6, Salix 4.
Almost completely out of breath Surin stumbles into where the horses are. He has never run so fast for so long. His chest is burning and it feels like he might vomit at any moment. He can barely see the other party members around him in the moonlight. Still gasping for air he looks for his pony and attempts to get into his saddle.
Bel nods at Ran's order and firs off one more shot. (AC9,5+6=11, hit, damage 3) The arrow hits Dargrak again but the ? orc barely seems to notice. Bel then moves to where Surin is and grabs him by the back of the neck, lifts him into the saddle on top of the pony. ?East!? he yells and turns to move towards his own horse, just a few feet away.
Ran decides that if they are going to give Rochelle some lead time they had better turn and fight before Dargrak gets to the horses. He shouts to his companions ? We need to give Rochelle time to get away. We stand and fight. Let's circle him when he gets near.? When he is about 20 feet from where the horses are he does what looks to be a complicated maneuver. He shifts his crossbow to his left hand and starts to turn. As he does so he draws his sword with his right hand and fires a bolt at the on rushing ? orc.(AC9, 8+5=13,hit, damage 4). The bolt seems not to slow the brute down, but it is obvious that all the missile fire has hurt Dargrak. He then tosses his crossbow to the side and faces the on rushing ? orc.
Dargrak, seeing more of a crowd and the form of Rochelle on a horse, continues to charge the party. He ignores the eagles, and as he runs past the each rake at his back with a talon. ( AOO moving out of a threatened square,AC 9, 3+3=6, miss, 11+3=14, hit, damage 4).
Fal, who had waited until Dargrak was in range. Taking a 5 foot step towards the brute, he grinds a bit of pork rind between his fingers and chants the words that can not be remembered. The ground in front of the ? orc glitters in the moonlight, the grease glinting in the moonlight.
Harp, hearing Ran say that they will make a stand, nods in grim satisfaction. He moves towards Dargrak firing his crossbow as he does.(AC9, 17+5=22, hit, damage 2) The bolt barely wounds the ? orc. Harp throws his crossbow to the ground and pulls his sword.
Cai hears Ran order the party to stand. She tosses her bow to the side and chants the prayer she had learned. A wolf appears a few feet away from Dargrak and attacks. It snaps at the ? but misses.(AC9, 4+3=7, miss) She too pulls her sword and advances, trying to flank the brute.
Kal pulls up just short of where Ran is. He thinks for a moment that he might try his caltrops He grabs his bag and tosses them out away from himself and between himself and Dargrak. He hopes no one else steps on them in the fight that is about to happen. He then pulls his rapier and faces the oncoming ? orc.
The two eagles fly to catch up with the brute and both rake at Dargrak's back.(AC9, 5+3=8, miss, 4+3=7, miss)
Salix touches the symbol on his armor again and chants the prayer to Obad-Hai that summons fire. A glowing ball of flame appears in his hand but does not burn it. He throws this at the ? orc. (AC9, 8+5=13, hit, damage 9) The ball of flames hits and burns flesh, searing a spot in the skin of Dargrak's chest.
OODM: OK I have included a map of every ones positions. Fal held an action so that Dargrak would be in range. He now has an initiative of 16, but he will go before Dargrak.
From: Mark
Subject map colors
I forgot to list what the colors are. The big green thing is the tree Harp was hiding around.
The small blue square is the grease spell and the small red square is the caltrops.
From: Josh
Subject Plan
Grease him right onto the caltrops Kal is dropping this turn. ;-)
From: Josh
Subject Map question
OOC: I'm not 100% clear on this map:
K = Kal
R = Ran
H = Harp
C = Cai
F = Fal
Sa = Salix
D = Dargrak
W = Wolf
E = Eagles?
SuB = ??
And which square is which? Red is caltrops blue is grease?
Thanks.
Dargrak gets in
Subject Feats
What about an "always on" type feat like "Combat Casting"? Should Salix have to mention that each time he casts something in combat?
From: Karl
Subject Attack
Salix watches with some satisfaction as the fireball connects and burns the flesh of the advancing brute. He is dismayed only a little when he realizes that the injury does not appear to even slow him down. He is well outnumbered. Surely it will just be a matter of a few more minutes before they bring him down.
(OOC - Mark, shouldn't the eagles get 3 attacks each? Two talons and a beak apiece?)
From: Mark
Subject Map
Su and B are two different characters. Su is Surin and B is Bel.
From: Mark
Subject Spells and feats
You might want to remind me, especially if you are casting a spell that round and might get attacked.
From: Mark
Subject Attacks
Actually I do not think the eagles would get all three attacks. Dargrak moved 160 feet and they had to fly to keep up. If they move they do not get a full attack.
From: Mark
Subject Map and Harp
Ok my whinning brother had stated that I have positioned his cry baby 1/2 orc in the wrong place.
Harp should be behind Ran and catty-corner to Kal. I will adjust that tonight.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
Gasping for breath, but thankful that he is on his pony, Surin will spur his mount eastward toward where Rochelle has headed (at a gallop at for the time being).
Harp will call upon Heironious to send his protection to his valiant new companion (cast Protection from Evil on Kal). He then takes a 5 foot step forward and right so he is standing next to Ran, his sword drawn and shield ready.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
Just realized I didn't say in my email below, but:
Salix throws the newly appeared flame at the advancing brute hoping to do at least as much damage with this one.
From: Karl
Subject spells
Unless, of course he can ignite the grease. . . Can he, Mark?
If he can and the brute is still in the grease when his turn comes, Salix will throw the flame into the grease area, hoping to ignite it and burn the brute.
From: Mark
Subject Spells
Well I am going to say no for a couple of reasons.
First, would Salix know what spell Fal used? Salix is a divine caster not an arcane one, so I would say that it would require a fairly high spellcraft roll to figure out what he did. Fal did not yell " I am going to grease the area in front of the 1/2 orc."
Second, the spell description does not mention anything about the material being flammable. It is not grease per se. The components are a pork rind or butter, so my view is that it is a slippery material but not flammable.
Sorry.
From: Kevin
Subject spells
OOC: Spoil sport. I would have thought you would reward creative playing like this. It works in the movies.
Maybe we can have the guys from Mythbusters try this out to see if if a summoned flame can ignite summond grease.
Karl, great thought on a possible combination.
From: Kevin
Subject spells
Mark, would you mind checking the grease spell. My reading is that it causes a 10 foot square area to be greased. I am just trying to make sure we have all the advantages we deserve on this encounter.
From: Mark
Subject Spell
Oh it would have been great if it could have worked, but I found no evidence that it should. It was a great idea.
From: Karl
Subject Spells
Yeah, so much for synergy. That's why clerics and mages can never *truly* be friends.
From: Mark
Subject spells
Sorry about that, it is a 10 foot square. I had the 5 foot square for the caltrops in my mind when I did the map.
So the grease squared is 10 feet on a side, going from right in front of the 1/2 orc to just before the calrtops.
From: Karl
Subject spells
Ah, but did you find evidence that it should *not*? You *are* god, after all.;)
From: Kevin
Subject vision
OOC: I have a vision - not realistic, but one of fancy. The 1/2 orc slips in the grease, sliding forward, as he slips, Salix catches the grease, and by extension the 1/2 orc, on fire, who them slides onto the caltrops, making him look like a buring game of jacks.
Of course, what will probably happen is that he will jump right over the grease, miss all the caltrops, and then cut our heads off.
It was a nice dream.
From: Josh
Subject spell
:-D. Our DM obviously hates us, this is clearly the only probable course of events.
Kal is going to cast scorching ray at the half-orc this turn.
From: Derrell
Subject Spell
Fal next uses Magic Missile.
From: Randy
Subject Attack
Ran will circle to the left and try to come up on the side of Dargrak. He will be careful to avoid the Caltrops and if he gets close enough to attack he will, dodging when necessary (dodge feat applied to Dargrak).
From: Rob
Subject Attack
Bel will fire two more arrows at him, and then mount and lead Rochelle away, unless Surin is there to do it...If he is, then Bell will act as a rearguard, at least at first.
From: Rob
Subject Attack
Bel will act as rearguard for Rochelle, riding to the far edge of his bow's range (to about the -5 area for range penaltys), and then will yell to Rochelle and Surin "Go ahead, as far and as fast as you can...I will guard the rear and make sure he doesn't come any closer to you!",; Bel then signals (or tells, I forgot where Ebon would be ... probably close by at thispoint, I guess..:D) Ebon to follow Rochelle and Surin so the party will be able to find them.
Bel then dismounts, and ties his horse to a bush or branch, out of the way of his line of fire.
For the next few rounds, if Bel sees a clear shot at Dargark he will fire two arrows, but if he begins to close the distance Bel will retreat while firing once.
(rapid shot and increased ranges)
From: Mark
Subject Dargrak gets in
Round 18 Initiative Surin 24, Fal 20, Bel 18, Ran 16 Dargrak 16, Cai 13, Wolf 13,Harp 12, Kal 12, Rochelle 11, Eagles 6, Salix 4.
Surin keeps enough sense about him to kick the horse in the side and start it moving. He tries to aim the horse in the direction Bel had pointed, but in the dark it is hard to tell if he is going east. He sees the shadowy form of a bird swoop out of the sky and decides to follow him. ?I hope that this is one of ours.? Surin hears Bel yell ?Go ahead as far and as fast as you can. I will guard the rear and make sure he doesn't come any closer to you.?
Fal grins now that Dargrak is in range and gestures while repeating the words that can not be remembered. Two bright bolts of energy spring from his pointed fingers and fly towards Dargrak. They strike him in the chest, searing flesh.(Magic Missile, damage 9)
As Bel climbs into his saddle he tells Ebon to keep an eye on the two so that they can find them later. Ebon takes wing and Bel follows after at a gallop.
Ran tries to move to his left around the caltrops in front of him. Kal gets in his way so he has to move around Kal. Hoping that Cai and Harp will move to the other side so that they can get a flanking attack, Ran keeps his eye on Dargrak, focusing his attention on him.
Dargrak slows to a stop when he sees the party turn to face him. He does not notice the slippery material in front of him. (Spot check, DC10, 3-3=0, fail). Taking a swipe at the wolf at his side, he casually cuts the creature in half.(AC14, 18+19=37, hit, damage 20) Seeing Ran move to the side Dargrak moves forward. He hits the greased area but does not fall down.(DC15 Reflex save, 13+5=18, success) He is able to keep his balance as he moves through the area.(DC10 balance check, 12, success) As he crosses where the caltrops are he seems unaffected by them.(AC12, 5+0=5,miss)
As the ? orc moves towards the party the two eagles again claw at his back. Both screech at the brute but are unable to hit.(AOO, moving out of a threatened square.AC13, 7+3=10, miss, 2+3=5, miss)
Harp sees the brute advance towards him and he steps back 5 feet and says a prayer to the battle god to help their new found friend.(Cast Protection From Evil on Kal)
Cai moves forward and takes a swing at the brutes back. He surprises her by turning at the last moment and catching her sword on his double axe.(AC13,4+7=11,miss) He laughs at her ?Puny elf, I will eat your liver for lunch.?
Kal, knowing that he needs a little room to do his spell, take a quick step away from Dargrak and then chants the words his sword masters taught him and points his rapier at the brute. A ray of fire leaps from the tip of his sword and burns into the flesh of the ? orc.(AC13, 19+8=17,hit, damage 17) Dargrak staggers from the spell, but keeps his feet.
The two eagles close again and try and attack. (AC13, 9+3=12,miss, 5+3=8,miss) In fact one is almost cut in half dodging the whirling blade of the axe.
Salix, another ball of flame in his hand, throws it again. Again is hits the brute squarely in the chest. It adds to the fire already burning there.(AC13, 17+5=22, Damage 5)
OODM: Dargrak is looking the worse for wear. New map attached.
Dargrak connnects and Harp is down
Subject The fight
A pang of fear, both for himself and his friends, grips Salix. He wasn't sure what magic his friend had wrought to make the ground in front of the brute suddenly turn shiny and wet-ish looking, but whatever it was he expected it to have *some* effect on their enemy. So he was a bit unnerved when he was able to walk right through the spot apparently un-slowed. His fear only increased as the brute walked right over the nasty looking sharp metal thorns their newest companion had spread in the path, again without seeming to notice them at all. They appear to just sink into the mud under his thick-skinned feet. At the last moment, Salix throws the flame in his hand as yet another flickers into existence to take its place and notices with grim satisfaction that at least the brute doesn't appear immune to fire.
But now he was unnervingly close to a foe that can cut a wolf in two with apparently no effort. He moves back away from the brute as far as he can and still have the opportunity to throw his flame, which he does at the first opportunity. s
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Mark, for some reason, I again did not receive the turn. I can get it from Karl's response, but I am not getting the initial e-mail.
Just thought you would want to know.
From: Mark
Subject Missing turn
But you are getting the other messages from the list? I wonder if it is the map being attached.
Check your junk folder and your filters. Maybe there is something set up so that when there is an attachment you are not getting the e-mail.
From: Mark
Subject Missing Turn
Did everyone get the turn I sent out last night? At least one person did not and I do not seem to have gotten it sent to me and I sent it out.
Let me know.
Thanks
From: Rob
Subject Missing Turn
Mark, I did not get it either...and I checked my trash can and junk mail, and it isn't there either. I got the other group emails though....
From: Mark
Subject Missing Turn
OK I have a feeling the map may be the problem.
I will see what I can work out.
From: Karl
Subject Missing turn
I'm not entirely sure it's the map. I'm actually surprised that others are having problems and I am not. Ty's game uses a "strobelight.ca" email group, too, and I am having terrible problems getting all the emails from that one. I've been suspecting that my company's mail server has been selectively filtering some of the emails to that group since I sometimes get the email at home, but not at work.
I did check this one, though, and I got it both at home and at work complete with map attached in both cases. At any rate, I have the problem frequently with Ty's group and it doesn't have any correlation to email attachments.
Just don't want you to jump to any premature conclusions. :)
From: Randy
Subject Missing turn
I didn't receive it either.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight
Surin will continue galloping as fast as his little pony will take him after the bird.
Harp will take a full swing at the enemy. He will then take a 5' step to his right, placing himself between Dargrak and Salix.
From: Jason
Subject Turns and maps
Interestingly, I received the recent turn with the map attached, but I cannot find the previous map at all, the one that later received an explanation. I'll send out an actual turn for Cai this evening.
From: Randy
Subject Fight
Ran moves to flank Dargrak and will attack with his sword, dodging as needed (dodge feat)
From: Josh
Subject Fight
Kal will take a 5 foot step backwards and then cast magic missle at Dargrak.
From: Josh
Subject Missing turns
I've been getting them all Mark.
From: Mark
Subject Fight
Round 19 Initiative Surin 24, Fal 20, Bel 18, Ran 16 Dargrak 16, Cai 13,Harp 12, Kal 12, Rochelle 11, Eagles 6, Salix 4.
Surin continues his ride, looking for Rochelle in the darkness ahead. He thinks he hears hoof beats ahead but is not certain.
Fal, all of his offensive spells used, is not sure what to do. Closing with the brute would be suicide so he backs up a bit and picks up his crossbow. If Dargrak somehow survived being attacked by the rest of the party, Fal hoped that he would be able to get off at least one shot before he was chopped in half.
Ran realizes that Dargrak has moved past him. Thinking to get at his flank and to help his companions by his attack, Ran moves up behind the brute and attacks his back. He swings his longsword at the unarmored back and is surprised when his sword is blocked by a back swing of the double axe.(AC12, 4+7=11, miss) It was like the brute had eyes in the back of his head.
Mouth wide with an evil grin, Dargrak launches his attack. Those watching are amazed at the fluid grace and terrible beauty of it. In an almost continuous move from blocking Ran's sword, he completes the circle and slashes Cai across the chest,(AC19, 13+21=34, hit) the axe blade crushing into her armor and crushing her ribs.(Damage 17) With a graceful twist he switches his grip and twirls around and cuts Ran across the thighs with the other blade.(AC21, 12+19=31, hit,damage 19) Ran screams as skin is cut and a large gash is opened across his legs.
Dargrak is like a whirling dervish. As he completes his attack on Ran he shifts he grip again and chops one of the eagles from the sky.(AC14, 14+16=30, hit, Damage 19) The bird erupts in an explosion of feathers as it is cut in half. Dargrak follows through with his upswing with a down swing that catches Harp on his shield.(AC19, 5+14, hit, damage 18) The blow has so much force behind it that it would have severed Harp's shield arm if not for the shield. As it is it breaks Harps arm at the elbow, his arm hanging useless at his side.
Harp's mind goes incandescent at the pain. He hacks at Dargrak with all his might (AC12, 19+10=29, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, 10+10, hit, critical hit.) Harp feels the power of his god fill him. His sword buries itself in the shoulder of the brute. He wrenches his sword out and holds it up showing it to the ? orc. (Damage 21)
Cai also takes a might swing and connects. (AC12, 14+8=22, hit) She slides her sword between his ribs and finds a vital spot. (Damage 5).
Kal takes a step back and points his rapier at the brute and says the words he learned. A glowing missile launches itself from the tip and strikes Dargrak in the chest.(Damage 4) Dargrak struggles to keep his feet and does.
Salix, noticing that there is no one between him and the brute takes a step back and then throws his ball of flame at the ? orc.(AC12, 10+5=14, hit). As the ball of flame hits Dargrak in the chest he screams one last time and falls to the ground.(Damage5).
As the party watches in disbelief that the brute has fallen, Harp collapses to the ground.
OODM: fight is over.
Any role playing can be done now.
Aftermath
Subject Aftermath
Kal, once he is sure Dargrak is down for good, will do what he can (very little) for the injured members of the party. Once someone more skilled comes along, Kal will collect the caltrops and put them back in their bag.
From: Randy
Subject Aftermath
Ran drives his sword into the heart of Dargrak, ensuring that the creature is dead. He then calls out to Salix, "Can you do anything to help Harp? We need to get moving as soon as possible..." His voice trails off as the pain searing in his legs causes him to collapse to the ground. Fighting his bodies desire to shut down he forces his eyes to remain open and alert.
"Can someone get the horses and bring them to us. We may have to camp here for a while to recover before we can go to catch up with Surin, Bel, and Rochelle. They should be safe for the time being. Surin is resourceful and I am sure he can keep them away from too much trouble."
Rans eyes flutter and he feels himself drifting in and out of conciousnous. He feels worse than when he was nearly killed by the were creature. He is in less shock this time and doesn't feel as close to death, but that only makes the pain more intense.
From: Jason
Subject Aftermath
Cai is exhausted and the cut across her chest stings badly, though she can tell that several others in the group are in worse condition. She's not sure what to next, but hearing Ran's suggestion that they might camp the night there she speaks up.
"It shouldn't really be a problem to camp here. Knowing goblins as I do, they're not likely to mess with a group in our numbers, especially considering we just killed the half-orc who was able to cow all of them by himself. We could probably walk into camp, take their tents, and sleep right in the middle of them without any problems as long as someone kept watch. Not that I would suggest doing so. There can't be much more than a couple dozen adult males left in that camp."
From: Kevin
Subject Aftermath
Harp lays on the ground, fighting to not pass out. His arm is askew at his side, visually reinforcing the pain that he is feeling. He prays silently to Heironious to grant him his blessing and to provide relief to his pain (cast cure light wounds - sacrafice 2nd level for cure wouds). OOC: Hopefully, this will at least cure the broken arm
IC: When he is able, Harp will stagger to his feet, head over to Ran or Cai to try to heal their wounds as need be. OOC: Mark, I should have a total of 2 2nd level spells and all 4 0 levels I can do. I will let the others decide who gets the healing.
Surin will continue to ride, trying to catch his breath and trying to see where the bird is or where Rochelle might be. He thinks how terrible it would be to come this far only to loose her now.
From: Derrell
Subject Aftermath
Fal rounds up the horses and joins the others. He'll help set up camp so the badly injured can rest. He'll do anything he can to help out.
From: Karl
Subject Aftermath
Salix hurries over to Harp who appears to be badly wounded. "Let me help you," he says. (Cast Cure Minor Wounds, then Cure light wounds on Harp).
"I know we are all very tired, but we should put some distance between ourselves and the goblin camp immediately. Whoever paid this brute to capture our Lady is likely to return. I'm betting he won't be happy to have lost his prize."
From: Josh
Subject Aftermath
Kal speaks up. "My friends, I ask that we instead return to the goblin camp and kill all it's inhabitants. Without they're leader they will be easy prey, and those of us that are well bodied surely could defeat them. Afterwards we can burn the camp down, to prevent another goblin clan from taking shelter there."
The party takes a breather
Subject Aftermath
"Nay, Kal. Salix is right." Ran speaks, sounding a little stronger than before. "If everyone is able, we will ride east to rejoin our companions and Lady Rochelle. Our duty lies with her making sure we can get her home safely. I can ride, at least for a while, but I am not sure how Harp fares."
Turning to Harp, Ran asks "Can you ride for a distance?"
From: Kevin
Subject Aftermath
OOC: Depending upon what Mark determines Harp will cast cure light wounds on him self - enough to get his arm healed. He would rather the other players be at full strength - he belief will be that having everyone except him at full health will be more important than everyone being partially healthy. He will not put too much of a fight at this point. He will agree that they should put some distance between themsleves and the camp. He will suggest that they search the 1/2 orc for anything he may have on him other than his axe.
From: Mark
Subject The party takes a breather
The quite of the moonlit night is broken by the panting of the party. In the still air faint hoof beats can be heard to the east. The party hardly notices when the eagle the Salix had summoned disappears. Ran limps over to the form of the fallen ? orc and plunges his sword into this chest, about where the heart should be, assuming this brute had a heart.
Ran hears Harp's ragged breathing. Looking over at him, he sees Harp's arm hanging at an unnatural angle. The ? orcs face is white and he is gasping for breath. Realizing that Harp was the only one who had not gotten any healing from their encounter with the werewolf just the night before, Ran calls to Salix ?Can you do anything to help Harp? We need to get moving as soon as possible...? As Ran starts to move to assist Harp he almost collapses. He stops himself, not sure if he would be able to make it any way.
"Can someone get the horses and bring them to us. We may have to camp here for a while to recover before we can go to catch up with Surin, Bel, and Rochelle. They should be safe for the time being. Surin is resourceful and I am sure he can keep them away from too much trouble." Fal raises his hand ?I will do it? and trots off to gather the remaining horses. Fal also sends Lenore out looking for Bel and Ebon. He knows it is a long shot, since Lenore is not her best in the dark, but it would beat having to search for them.
As Salix approaches he hears Harp muttering a prayer to the battle god while laying his hands on his broken arm. Salix sees the healing glow surround the broken joint, as Harp forces the arm in to position with a grunt. (CLW, Heal 5). Salix is not sure if he has ever seen Harp heal himself before. Usually the ? orc is willing to be the last one healed. When Salix gets to Harp he says ?Let me help you.? Harp is too out of it to argue. Salix touches one hand to the arm and one hand to the symbol on his armor and says a prayer to the healing spirit of Obad-Hai. Harp feel his broken elbow knit some more and is able to move it a bit. (CLW, 7, CMinorW, 1, total 8) Looking up at the druid Harp says ?Thank you my friend. Let me see what I can do to help the others.?
Harp gets to his feet gingerly. His whole arm is still very sore as is the other wounds from last night. He takes a look at Cai and Ran and determines that Cai is in the most need of aid. He is a bit self conscious when she takes off her armor and most of the clothes underneath so that he can inspect the wound. There is not much blood, the mail stopped most of the edge, but there are several broken ribs and a long welt across her chest. ?Let me do what I can tonight to ease the wound and I should be able to help more tomorrow.? Harp tells her. He bows his head and asks Heironious to aid this warrior. (CLW, heal 7) The healing warmth fills Cai and she can breathe easier.
Ran is the last person Harp looks at. While the cut is not life threatening, is looks painful. ?I am almost exhausted but I will do what little I can.? Harp tells him. (CMinorW, heal 4) The gash across his thighs closes some at Harps touch, but it does not close completely. ?Do not worry my friend? Ran says ?tomorrow will be another day and it looks like we will all live to see it.?
Cai, feeling a little better now that her chest does not make noises when she breathes, speaks up. "It shouldn't really be a problem to camp here. Knowing goblins as I do, they're not likely to mess with a group in our numbers, especially considering we just killed the half-orc who was able to cow all of them by himself. We could probably walk into camp, take their tents, and sleep right in the middle of them without any problems as long as someone kept watch. Not that I would suggest doing so. There can't be much more than a couple dozen adult males left in that camp."
Kal nods in agreement. "My friends, I ask that we instead return to the goblin camp and kill all its inhabitants. Without they're leader they will be easy prey, and those of us that are well bodied surely could defeat them. Afterwards we can burn the camp down, to prevent another goblin clan from taking shelter there."
Salix frowns at theses comments. "I know we are all very tired, but we should put some distance between ourselves and the goblin camp immediately. Whoever paid this brute to capture our Lady is likely to return. I'm betting he won't be happy to have lost his prize."
OODM: I will write more this after noon about Rochelle, Surin and Bel.
From: Randy
Subject The party takes a breather
"Aye, Salix, you speak truly. We should ride at least a little. Let us not waste time. We should be off immediately." Ran says to the group.
From: Mark
Subject Rochelle
?Free. Finally free.? That is all she can think about, for a while at least. The pounding of hooves fills her ears; horse sweat her nose. She does not know how long she has been riding. It could have been hours or minutes. All she knows is that she is free and that she will not be taken prisoner again. The past days, or has it been weeks, have blurred together. The horrible attack; watching as her personal guard was cut down. They had done well against the goblins. Probably could have held them off. It was that brute. He had come in out of nowhere and cut down Captain Orlong before any one had realized what was going on. He seemed to revel in the slaughter. All those men, dead because of her. She started crying again, unable to hold back the tears. Tears of anger and frustration, turning into tears of joy that she was free.
A sudden realization makes her grab the reins and pull the horse up. Those men who had rescued her, Dargrak would butcher them just like he did her guards. She would be responsible for their deaths as well. She could not deal with more deaths on her soul. Turning her horse she looks around. She has no idea where she is. She had been heading vaguely east. Or at least that is what the man had said. She looks around in the moonlight, realizing that she is lost. A bird swoops down at her out of the darkness, screeching at her, circling and heading off to her right. ?What a strange thing for a bird to do. It is almost like he wants me to follow him. But I dare not.? She then hears a faint voice calling her name.
It takes her a second, but she finally recognizes it. It is the voice of the halfling that had saved her. ?Over here? she calls out. A few seconds later an out of breath halfling pulls up beside her on a weary looking pony. ?My Lady, why have you stopped? We should keep going. The brute was just behind me when I left. I do not think my pony can run much faster than what I saw him do. We should continue heading east, just as we were told. Excuse me my Lady.? Surin picks that moment to lean over the other side of his pony and wretch some more. He fumbles for his water skin when he is done, trying to get the taste of bile out of his mouth.
?Sir halfling, I will not run away anymore. I have already been the cause of so much death. I can not bear the thought of being the cause of even more. You and your friends were brave but foolish to rescue me. You have not seen what that brute can do. I am afraid that your friends are dead as we speak, butchered by Dargrak. I have seen first hand, more than once, his love of brutality and violence. There were what, five or six companions of yours? I saw him cut down over 8 of my personal guard and have almost not a scratch on him. I fear your friends are dead.?
From: Rob
Subject The party takes a breather
Mark, I accidentally sent this to Josh only, but if possible I would like this to have happened, particularily about searching the half-orc with Detect maginc....
Thanks,
Rob"
Bel says " Kal, while I see your point, our first obligation is to get Rochelle to safety, and while she is far safer now than an hour ago, we are all still in grave danger. I hate goblins, but as much as I would like to finish off the camp, I feel it would be a mistake at this point."
Bel then goes over to the body of the half-orc and casts Detect magic on his possesions, looking for anything dangerous or magical. If nothing is sensed, then he will strip the body of anything that looks valuable or out of the ordinary.
He also asks if Harp would like to try the huge axe out, as he is probably the only character with a chance of lifting it....
From: Mark
Subject Bel
Actually Bel is not with the party at the moment.
He rode off as rear guard a round or two ago. He was going to go about 5 range increments away and then dismount. That is about 750 feet.
However the party should be back together here soon. Keep it in mind.
From: Josh
Subject Rochelle
OOC: Thanks for the vote of confidence lady. :-D
From: Mark
Subject Rochelle
Give him two more rounds and see what you would be saying. Oh yeah it would have been silent. ;)
From: Kevin
Subject Rochelle
Surin, smiles at Rochelle and says "Brave, maybe. Foolish, of that I have no doubt, but I would wager me friends back there will give as good as they get. There are those among our troop who have powers beyond the physical. Be that as it may, yer going back does nothing. If my friends are dead, then yer returning makes their deaths in vain. That canna stand. If by runnin, we get you back safely, then that's the way its gonna havta be. If they survived, they will be a'comin after us, and my friends will be annoyed that I dinna get ya farther away.
Come let us ride as we can east. Our feathered friend up there will look out for us and let us know if any come up behind us, for good or ill.
By the way, me name is Surin, and we were sent by your betrothed, Kight/Captain Angelwing.
OOC: Mark, will Surin be able to tell that they are going in the right basic direction? I don't know if there is a road here, a path, etc. He can probably tell which way north is but I just wanted to make sure.
From: Kevin
Subject The party takes a breather
Harp agrees with Salix. " We gain nothing by killing the remaining goblins in the camp. They will not come after us, especially with him, he points at the body of Dargrak, out of the picture. Our charge was to see Rochelle safely delivered to Knight/Captain Angelwing. The rest of you, except for Kal, agreed to the same task. If Kal here wants to walk back to the camp and kill a bunch of sleeping goblins, I am not going to stop him, but I will stay with my task." With that, Harp will move slowly over to his crossbow, head over to his horse and prepare to ride away east.
From: Josh
Subject The party takes a breather
Kal responds: "I am subject to the will of the party. We will
continue after Rochelle.".
From: Mark
Subject Surin and Rochelle
Actaully he has no idea which direction he is going. He was told to follow the bird. He recognizes the bird as Ebon.
Surin gets his mind back
Subject The party takes a breather
The game may have moved past this point, and of course even if it hasn't Surin is jounching along on horseback, and has no idea that this idea has been suggested, so he can't offer any advice, but killing all of the goblins would have the advantage of making it that much harder for Tiny's boss to get descriptions of us.
From: Jake
Subject Dargrak
By my count it took 141 HP worth of damage to bring him down. I'm glad we had the time to pepper him with range weapons before he could close with us.
Of course, by "us" I mean all of you who *weren't* riding pell-mell through the woods. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Surin
Surins other half remembers that the goblins did not get a good look at anybody, since most of them were dead or asleep. By the time they woke up, the gates had been sealed and they thought ghosts had done the job. If they went back now, they would have to get past the gates and go against awake enemies. Teh goblins themselves did not worry him, but having the off chance of Tiny's boss showing up early is not a thought he wants to consider.
Suddenly, Surin is able to meld his two personalities into one, that one under the control of Jake.
Welcome back, I hope that I did not abuse your little friend too bad, but I felt that a fair fight was one that he was uninterested in.
From: Mark
Subject Rochelle
Surin, smiles at Rochelle and says "Brave, maybe. Foolish, of that I have no doubt, but I would wager me friends back there will give as good as they get. There are those among our troop who have powers beyond the physical. Be that as it may, yer going back does nothing. If my friends are dead, then yer returning makes their deaths in vain. That canna stand. If by runnin, we get you back safely, then that's the way its gonna havta be. If they survived, they will be a'comin after us, and my friends will be annoyed that I dinna get ya farther away.?
?Come let us ride as we can east. Our feathered friend up there will look out for us and let us know if any come up behind us, for good or ill.?
?By the way, me name is Surin, and we were sent by your betrothed, Knight/Captain Angelwing.?
?Angelwing sent you?? Rochelle exclaims. ?How did he know I needed rescuing? Where is he? Why didn't he come himself? Oh curse my running mouth. I am full of questions and this is not the time fore it. Well my brave halfling rescuer, I will not gainsay your friends effort. I will go east with you. However, unless you can see in the dark, I would prefer to take a slower pace. I do not fancy breaking my neck in a fall from this horse any more then I fancy getting it broken by Dargrak.?
Surin nods, hoping Ebon can give them enough warning if Dargrak is chasing them.
Meanwhile back at farm.
Bel is trying to see what is happening with his compatriots. There is no more yelling or screaming and it does not seem like Dargrak is coming at him. He gets on his horse, his bow still ready at his side. Right then Lenore flitters around in the moonlight. The raven makes a couple of circles around Bel and then heads back towards where the party had made its stand. Bel takes this as good news and cantors back to them.
When he rides he greets everyone. ?Well did you leave any for me?? Ran scowls at his light hearted attempt at humor and Bel quickly changes tune. ?Did we all make it?? Ran and Harp do not make any comment. Fal comes over to his friend and lets him know what happened. ?Harp? Fal tells the ranger ?was grieviously wounded, as was Cai and Ran himself. The brute used that huge axe like it was a dagger. I have never seen anyone fight like that beast did. I would bet the he could have taken that were creature by himself. See that big double bladed axe? He swung it like it was a dagger and he hit every time he swung it. I am amazed we are still alive.?
Bel thinks to himself for a moment. He walks over to the corpse and steadies himself. He slides into a trance state and starts mumbling some words. His eyelids close but he does not notice them, he is using his inner eye.(Spell failure check, 23, success.) With this eye the world looks different. The double axe has a faint glow to it as does the amulet that the ? orc was wearing around his neck. Bel's spell ends and he shakes himself. ?Ran? he says, ?the brute's axe is magical and so is the amulet he wears. I agree that we should be off, but I don't think we should leave those here. Maybe Harp can use the axe??
OODM: Any role playing can be done now. I will do another turn tomorrow afternoon or evening.
From: Jake
Subject Surin
:) Thanks for playing him, and returning him in one piece--much appreciated. If I'd been running him I'd have had him do pretty much the same thing. Mark has already provided a handy illustration in the Overlook campaign of what happens when a halfling thief goes up against a high level half-orc barbarian, and I have to say it isn't pretty.
From: Jake
Subject Rochelle
"No, don't hardly reckon that people'd be too pleased with me, 'f I let you go and break your neck. I hate to do it, but we'd probably better slow down a bit. Like you said though, this is no time for talking--plenty of time for stories when we're having a few pints laughing about all of this." He sees Rochelle's face cloud over, and realizes that he's given offense. "Or, uh, half pints for you maybe." Her expression does not change "Or maybe no pints? Anyway, now's not the time." With that he spurrs his pony forward, urging it to move as quickly as possible without risking injury.
From: Kevin
Subject The booty
Harp, if asked, will respond "No, I will not use that weapon. It is beyond me at this time. But I agree that we should return with it if possible. Any magical weapon will be of interest to my superior with the Order." Harp will agree to pack the weapon, if needed, but will not wield it.
Harp will show interest in the amulet, however. If any one is able to determine what type of enchantment is upon it, he will show interest in that.
Harp will continue to push the group to prepare to leave and find Rochelle and Surin.
The party rejoined, a quite day
Subject Catching up
"We will take the magical items from this beast. If we do not, then his employer may make use of them when pursuing us as I am sure he will." Ran says nonchalantly. "Is there any among you who can determine the nature of the enchantment on the amulet? If not, I do not know that we should experiment with it too much. We should return it with us and present it to Angelwing to decide what to do with it."
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok nobody else has anything to say?
I will try and get a turn out tonight after 24.
You have until then if you want to get anything in.
From: Mark
Subject The party rejoined
Harp shakes his head at Bel's suggestion.
?No, I will not use that weapon. It is beyond me at this time. But I agree that we should return with it if possible. Any magical weapon will be of interest to my superior with the Order.?
"We will take the magical items from this beast. If we do not, then his employer may make use of them when pursuing us as I am sure he will." Ran says nonchalantly. "Is there any among you who can determine the nature of the enchantment on the amulet? If not, I do not know that we should experiment with it too much. We should return it with us and present it to Angelwing to decide what to do with it."
The items are shown to Fal. ?There is a spell that can identify magical items, but I do not know it? Fal replies. ?I might be able to find some one back in Schon who would let me buy a copy so that I could learn it. However the main reason I never learned it before is that the materials needed are so expensive. In the range of 100 GP per use of the spell.?
Harp takes the axe and ties it to the pack horse. Fal puts the amulet in his backpack and the party mounts up. Cai, Ran and Harp get up on their horses a little more gingerly than usual, but are able to make it. ?Let me send Noctis out. Owl's are night birds and he would have the best chance of finding our friends in this light.? Salix chants the prayer that allows him to speak to the animals and tells Noctis what to do. With a hoot, Noctis takes wing and heads east.
The party takes a fairly easy pace, due more to the injured riders than anything else. Bel takes his time to remove signs of their passage. When Ran asks what he is doing Bel says ?If we are going to be moving slowly anyway, I might as well make it as hard for them to track us as possible. If master Surin was right and we have almost a day's head start, I can try and make it almost impossible for some one to find us.? Ran nods at this, figuring that if they had to move slow at least they could make tracking harder.
It is about half an hour later when Noctis shows back up with Ebon in tow. The two birds circle the party a few times and then head off a little south of east. It is about another ? hour before the two forms of Surin and Rochelle can be made out. Eventually the party catches up with the two.
OODM: I will do more tomorrow. I had a lot going on with Ornery tonight.
Together again and a slow day
Subject Together again
As Ran and the rest close the distance with the other two, Surin trots his horse out to meet them. ?Is this all the further you have gone?? Ran says when the two meet. ?I thought I told you to ride as fast as you could.? Surin's face, which had been full of smiles before that, seeing his friends still alive, falls. He is speechless for a few seconds. ?We were movin as fast as we could. We canna see in the dark and neither could the horses. You dinna wanna the Lady to fall and break her neck? Welcome back anywho. We are glad to see you all alive and kickn. ? Surin turns to Rochelle and says ?See my Lady, I told you my friends would be able to handle themselves.?
Ran is slightly taken aback. The little halfling had always been very polite and agreeable. Of course Surin was right. He and Rochelle could not see in the dark and would have had to go slower so as to reduce the risk to them and the horses. ?No Surin, you are right, the Lady's health is paramount and speed is not our concern at the moment, although I think it best if we not dawdle.? He turns and addresses Rochelle. ?I am Ran-Ell, friend of Captain Angelwing. My friends and I were sent by him to escort you to your wedding. We came upon a wounded member of your caravan and have been tracking the goblins for days. It would be our honor to escort you back to the Captain.?
OODM: Ok I am open to role playing anything you want with Rochelle.
From: Mark
Subject ?
Nothing? You guys don't want to ask her anything? Talk about what happened?
From: Kevin
Subject Rochelle
I may not speak for the rest of us, but Harp would like to get a little farther away from where Tiny and his boss were or will be. Rochelle has been waiting for a few days to get rescued, she can waite a few more hours. If you can get us to a camp site, Harp will inquire as to her health, condition, etc. He will explain that he reports to Angelwing personally and give a short background of their journey.
From: Karl
Subject Rochelle
Salix might talk a little even now, but Karl is very busy and can't type much right now.
Time in camp
Subject Alatyr
As the group rides in the dark, Salix sidles up to the Lady Rochelle. "My Lady, I am Salix, Wealdward of the Great North Forest and at your service on this journey. Please do not hesitate to extend any request you may have as it will be my pleasure as a friend of Captain Angelwing to serve you in any capacity in which I am able."
The lady seems to accept this with a wan smile but it is hard to tell in the darkness. Before she can reply verbally, Salix continues. "I do not want to add further to your grief, but I must tell you this. The Brave and Valiant Alatyr of your guard was the one who alerted us to your plight. He endured near complete exhaustion and the peril of an Orc attack to find rescue for you. He accompanied us even as far as the goblin camp from which we rescued you. Just before your rescue, we were set upon by a lycanthrope during the night. Alatyr fought bravely but alas, this final peril proved too much for him. I am sorry to bear this news at this time, but I thought you would want to know."
Salix will wait a moment for the Lady's reply, if any. If there is none, he will quietly re-take his place in line and leave the lady to her thoughts.
From: Randy
Subject Rochelle
Ran will wait until Salix is done speaking with Rochelle and he will then ride up next to her.
"My lady, I am very pleased to meet you. I have been a friend of Heronin for my whole life. I would love nothing more than to share niceties and have a pleasant ride home but I do not believe that we have this luxury. Dargrak was overheard, by our good friend Surin, speaking about the person who hired him. Dargrak seemed fearful of what might happen when his employer arrived. I am not looking forward to meeting this employer but I fear that we may feel his pursuit. Do you have any knowledge of who is trying to take you into custody?"
Ran will wait for a response and will try to determine how honest Rochelle is being with him.
From: Mark
Subject Rochelle and Alatyr
Rochelle's face brightens a bit in the moonlight at the mention of the Great North Forest. "Why that is not all that far from my home. We are almost neighbors. I thank you for your offer. Right now I could use with a long, hot bath and a comfortable bed, but compared to my last lodgings, the back of this horse will do."
At the mention of Alatyr her face turns to sorrow and then grief. Tears fill her eyes and she starts to sob quietly. She turns her horse away and rides quietly.
From: Mark
Subject Rochelle
Ran watches as Salix talks with Rochelle. He can not hear what they are talking about but does see that she is crying when they are done. As she moves her horse off to be by herself, Ran approaches Salix with a questoining look. Salix mouths the word "Alatyr", knowing that she would not see it in the dark, and Ran nods, understanding.
Ran figures that what he needs to say can wait a bit. The party moves at what seems a snails pace to Ran. He wants to gallop full speed away from where the goblins were, but his better sense stops him. Better to take the safe route and make it hard for any one to follow.
The two rangers show up every now and then, letting the party know if it has strayed off course. They have been following the party, doing their best to remove signs of thier passing. It is about half way between midnight and dawn when Harp comes up to Ran.
"Sir, I am not one to complain, and if you think we need to keep moving I will, but do you think we have put enough room between us and any persuit to take a rest? Even riding at this slow pace has opened some of my wounds, and your legs don't look a whole lot better. Do you think we could make camp and rest for a few hours and maybe get back on the road in the afternoon?"
Ran thinks for a bit, knowing that Harp is right about his legs. The wounds had opened a bit and were seeping blood. "Ok Corpral, let the others know to make camp." There is a huge sigh of relief from Surin and Rochelle when the break is called. Ran asks Fal, Kal and Salix to help with most of the work this morning, since they are the most able bodied. Surin is able to help Salix with the tents a bit, mainly helpful hints of what to do next and how to do it.
As they settle down for a quick bite to eat, Ran asks "My lady, I am very pleased to meet you. I have been a friend of Heronin for my whole life. I would love nothing more than to share niceties and have a pleasant ride home but I do not believe that we have this luxury. Dargrak was overheard, by our good friend Surin, speaking about the person who hired him. Dargrak seemed fearful of what might happen when his employer arrived. I am not looking forward to meeting this employer but I fear that we may feel his pursuit. Do you have any knowledge of who is trying to take you into custody?"
OODM: I will try and write more tonight
From: Kevin
Subject Camp
As the settle in for the morning, Harp will break out his healer kits and attempt to clean up and dress the more serious wounds of the group (OOC: Mark, I think Harp will have 2-3 of these left, and I believe some of the others have some as well). He will eat if a meal is prepared, he will spend some time praying to Heironious, thanking him for his support and favor in the past combat, asking for His blessings upon Alatyr, and for continued favor on their trip home. He will volunteer to take the very last watch if needed.
If approached by Rochelle, he will tell some of his story, but will hold back, concerned that she has just spent some very bad time with another 1/2 orc.
OOC: Mark, after this rest, will we be able to cast spells yet? My guess is No, not enough time has elapsed yet, but let me know.
From: Mark
Subject Rochelle
Rochelle takes a few seconds to compose herself before she answers. ?I do not know who specifically bought the services of the not so lamented Dargrak. The night before you rescued me a couple of emissaries from who ever it was showed up and tried to ?collect? me with out paying Dargrak. He cut off the head of one of them and sent the other packing. I did not think that he was terribly scared of who hired him, he just wanted his money. I did notice one thing about the men who were sent though. Their gear had the symbol of Hextor on it. From what I know of that religion they would be opposed to my marrying Angelwing. More than that I can not say.?(Ran Sense Motive, DC10, 10+2=12, true)
?I appreciate your letting me know the fate of the valiant Alatyr. He and I had been friends since we were young.? Kal lets out small snort of amusement at her comment and she turns to face him in the dark. ?Did I say something funny?'she asks with a little bit of hostility in her voice. Kal quickly reassures her. ?No my Lady. I just found your comment on your age to be a little off kilter. You talk about when you were young as if it were so long ago, but from what I know of humans you are not that old. You can not be more than a score of years old while I have seen almost 7 score years and am considered young by the standards of my race. Alatyr was a mighty warrior who helped me, albeit unknowingly, accomplish my quest. Now I honor him by helping these here finish their quest.?
The party decides that it is time to turn in. Cai and Fal take the first watch with Bel and Kal taking the second. Harp and Salix handle the third watch. The night passes without incident. Around noon the next day Salix and Harp wake the party and they prepare to leave.
OODM: Anything else you want to discuss with her or each other please go ahead. Also, all spell casters please update your spell list on the character sheet on SakeRiver. I have updated experience points through the werewolf.
From: Josh
Subject Spells
Kal changed the level 0 spell "light" for "detect magic". The rest stayed the same.
Happenings around camp
Subject Surin
After directing Salix in the art of tent erection, Surin lies back on the ground. "I'll get something to eat here in a minute," he thinks, "but gods it feels good to just lie still."
Surin is creeping through the goblin encampment, flitting like a shadow from tent to tent, checking them for occupants. He hears movement in the tent nearest him, and freezes, his body taut, but whoever is inside just mutters something in a voice thick with sleep and begins to snore softly. He lifts the tent flap gingerly, taking care to block the moonlight from his body, and steps inside, dagger held ready. Kneeling at the goblin's side, he slips the blade between her ribs in a quick, practiced stroke, piercing her heart even as her eyes fly open.
"Surin," she says softly, and blood, black in the moonlight, wells up from her open mouth. Despite the blood, he can see her mouth the word "Why". With horror, he realizes that this isn't a gobin at all--this is Viensong, the closest thing he had to a friend in the circus camp, and the first woman he'd thought he loved. His hand jerks back, and a torrent of blood gushes from the wound. He can taste it in him mouth, the brackish copper tang of it, and he starts up in horror, but looses his footing. The tent is filling with blood now. It should be running out the doorflap, why isn't it running out the door flap? I'm going to drown in Viensong's blood, I didn't mean it Viensong, I didn't. I'm not a killer, I had to do it, you would have made noise, I had to.
The blood is brightly lit now, and although Surin is completely submerged in it, he can see somehow. Viensong is floating in front of him, her hair moving gently in the current, her glazed, dead eyes looking at him sorrowfully. She reaches out, her cold hand gripping his shoulder, and he knows that she will pull him after her into death. She begins to shake him, shake him like a dog, and her voice is deep as a man's as she says "Surin, wake up! Come on, we've got to be on the move."
He wakes with a start, disoriented to find himself in a sunlit glade, Ran shaking him gently by the shoulder that Viensong had been clutching only a moment before. "I'm...I'm up, I'm okay. Just give me a second.
He gets up and walks unsteadily a short distance into the woods, then kneels and retches as quietly as possible. He finishes and stands, leaning weakly against a tree for a moment before relieving himself and rejoining the party.
From: Karl
Subject Salix
Salix is awakened with a tap on the shoulder. The Elf, Kal, stands above him.
"Your watch," the Elf says, then takes his place on his bedroll to sleep.
Salix rises. It is nearly dawn so he asks Harp if he can take the watch long enough for Salix to complete his morning meditation rituals. He then moves to the East side of the camp, facing the rising sun. As the first rays of dawn break across the horizon, Salix is filled with a rush of warmth. The fears and cares of the night before seem to burn away as the very core of his being fills with light. He says a silent prayer of thanks to Obad-Hai for his protection and bounty and for the powers he has granted and will yet grant his servant.
His meditations complete, Salix returns to Harp and thanks him for taking the watch alone for that time. He then moves to the opposite side of the camp from the 1/2 Orc and begins watch in earnest. After a few moments, Noctis flies into view from somewhere deeper in the trees, a large rodent of some sort hanging limply in his talons. He alights on the high branches of a nearby tree and tears into his meal.
As the morning progresses quietly, Salix periodically finds himself looking back across the camp at Harp. Just a short while ago, Salix would never have imagined teaming up with his kind. Now, looking at the enormous . . . man? - well "brute" didn't seem to fit. Harp had shown himself continually to be not only intelligent and self controlled, but also for as strong and fierce a warrior as he was, he was equally as kind and considerate a healer.
He wondered where those qualities came from. It couldn't be as simple as the mix of blood in his veins. He'd known too many humans to think that Harps gentler qualities were inherently human. But it seemed even less likely he had gotten those qualities from his Orc-ish nature. Salix had never met a kind Orc - no, not even kind to one another in his experience. Maybe it was self control he got from his human blood. Certainly his Order had helped him to exercise control...
Control. Such a human quality. The thing that set man apart from other creatures. The thing that often made man an enemy of the natural world. But wasn't it control of self that kept Salix on the path of Obad-Hai? Wasn't it Obad-Hai that in turn granted Salix some small control within His realm? Control. The quality that tamed the rampaging destruction of fire, letting Salix burn what needed burning and spare what should not burn. Harp was a model of the power of control. It tamed the beast within him making his Orc-ish nature an asset - and clearly it *was* an asset. The party would likely be dead by now and the Lady sold into the unimaginable were it not for Harp's strength and ferocity in battle.
Salix snaps back from his musings to find Harp staring right back at him from across the camp. How long had the half-Orc watched him staring. What must he think? Salix gave a quick nod and turned back to his post. Noctis, his meal finished, had fallen asleep on his perch. Good for him. That tree must sure be better than sleeping on the bouncing pommel of a saddle. Harp must think I've gone flighty, he thinks to himself.
Just before noon, before waking the others, Salix walks around the camp to where Harp is keeping watch. Not wanting Harp to get the wrong impression, he had been careful not to be caught staring again. "Harp," he says softly, letting the others sleep their last few minutes in peace. "I want to tell you . . " (What, exactly?) ". . .I wanted to tell you that I'm glad you are here." (No, not just that) "I mean, well, you have been the backbone of this party. Ran is a good leader, but he is only still learning wisdom that you seem to tap easily. Were it not for your advice at the right times, things could have gone badly." He pauses. "I just wanted you to know your contributions are appreciated."
(What was that? Sheesh! You'd think you were handing him a plaque or something) Salix feels heat rising to his face, but not wanting to end the conversation on that awkward note, he reaches out a hand and puts it on Harp's enormous shoulder. "I'm glad you are my friend, Harp. You have my trust and respect." Before the awkwardness completely ruins him, he retreats to the task of awakening the others.
(Spell list is updated).
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
Harp is slumbering deeply when Bel nudges him. He starts awake, feeling a twinge of pain or two, reminding him that while he is not dead, some parts of his body are certainly the worse for wear. Bel says to him "Your turn for watch. We have seen little to report. Hopefully, it will stay that way.". With that, harp watches as Bel heads over to his bed roll and lies down. Harp gets up, straps on the base pieces of his armor and weapons, and heads over to where Salix is rising. Upon hearing Salix's request for some time to meditate, Harp agrees, wondering at the devotion Salix has shown to Obad Hai. As Salix retreats to the other side of the camp, Harp watches him, in awe of the powers Salix had been able to call upon. Seemingly so simple on the outside, he had proven a valuable ally on this trip, one with many gifts that had benefited the group.
After a short while, Harp sees Salix rise from his meditations and take post on the other side of the camp. Harp takes his position, but continues to scan the whole camp. He sees Salix gazing up toward a tree. Thinking that Salix has noticed something, Harp follows his gaze to find Salix's companion, Noctis, devouring some small animal. Harp chuckles to himself - oh, to have so simple of a life, eat, fly, sleep. He envied Noctis at this point. Harp realizes at this point how much help the birds had been on this journey. Keeping in basic contact when they had separated, having them as overhead scouts for trouble, sending silent messages, they had truly added to their abilities. And Salix could talk with them!!! Harp could only speak Common, though he had a rough understanding of basic Orcish. He had tried to learn more when he had joined the Order, but classroom studies did not come naturally to him.
Harp looks around, his musings still rumbling in his head. He looks past Salix, noticing that the Druid is staring in his direction, but not focused on him. Surprised, since Salix was normally one of the more observant and focused members of the group, Harp watches him to see what happens. Minutes later, Salix seems to come back into him self, and notices Harp watching him. Salix seems embarrassed, and looks away. Harp wonders to himself what he just saw.
As the morning draws on, Harp sees Salix rise, and come over an approach him. Salix seems uncomfortable, and starts to try and say something to Harp. His words come out uneasily, but they are words of support and kindness toward Harp.
Harp listens in slightly stunned silence, not sure how to respond. He has so few friends, never having bonded with any of his fellow members of the Order. His background and size have always separated him, as has his difficulties in following the strictures of the Order. Oh, he could learn the words well enough, but the deep meaning seemed to slow to seep in sometime. He knew that the peace he saw in his superiors in his Order came from that deeper understanding, and that he was unlikely to ever reach that level. His orcish nature made the martial aspects of the Order more appealing, but he feared that if he truly gave in to that side, he would become nothing better than Dargrak. There was a thought that scared him - to turn into a paid thug, killing and kidnapping for profit, worrying about nothing but personal gain. That was what he was fighting, and the Order provided the training to help him control those urges.
After watching Salix walk away, Harp is overcome by emotion. He had never had someone express admiration to him before, or give positive reinforcement before. It was an unusual feeling - he had done some good. He had followed the training he had been given, and it had worked. He felt a sense of gratitude for Salix well up in his heart.
Harp starts to help Salix rouse the others and prepare a quick meal. When he gets a chance, he will say to Salix "Your words have more meaning to me than you know. I thank you for them and would be honored if you would allow me to consider you my friend". The word sound akward in his mouth, but they are the best he can do to return the favor to Salix.
(OOC: Spell list updated - Mark, will you let me know when we can use them again?).
From: Mark
Subject The comming months
I am expecting that the current adventure will be comming to an end between late May and mid June, depending on how quickly I want to kill all of you. :)
Seriously, I see this leg of the adventure ending in the time frame I have listed above. If any of you want to make changes, for example if Jason wants to create his own character, this would be the time to do it. There will be some time in a major town so any thing that you might want to do in town, such as have new armor made, try and find a new spell or two or whatever can be done. Assuming your character lives that long. ;)
Please contact me directly if you want to make any changes. I have a pretty good idea of how I will motivate the group to continue on but I would like a good idea of what group I have to motivate.
Thanks
From: Kevin
Subject The comming months
Seeing as Harp is a member of the Order, if the new adventures involve it, then I guess he (and I) will stick around.
I will determine what he wants to do in town once we get back there. I do not want to count my chicken before they are hatched.
From: Karl
Subject Friends
(OOC - I'm not getting all the emails at work, again. I don't know what to do about that. If it seems like someone isn't getting a response from me I don't mind being "pinged" directly at my karljennings@usa.net or kjenning@visa.com addresses.)
Salix hears Harp's words. Friends. With an Orc no less. Well, actually a half-Orc. Who would have thought it. He wondered what the other members of The Order would think. The older, wiser ones would probably understand, though Salix can't recall any tales of friendship with Orcs. The younger ones would be scandalized, though. But not if they met Harp and took the time to know him. Would *I* have taken the time if the circumstances hadn't demanded it? Salix asks himself. No way of knowing. But thanks to Obad-Hai that the circumstances brought such wisdom and new understanding to one so green as I.
"Harp, the honor would be mine. You are a fine man with a good heart. Obad-Hai has blessed me in knowing you." He extends a hand in friendship to his burly pal.
From: Mark
Subject Mailing list
I know we have been having occasional problems with the mailing list. Has every one gotten the last couple of turns?
From: Jason
Subject Cai
Cai spends most of her watch reflecting on her decisions of the last few days. She feels disappointed that she allowed the goblins to remain practically untroubled in human lands. Having given her word to see Rochelle safely back to Angelwing, she could have chosen no other path, of course, but the prospect of those very goblins terrorizing some hapless villagers causes her no end of mental turmoil. It was her duty to preserve the land in its rightful order, and goblins had no place in settled human lands. Goblins did not settle among the civilized races; they killed, looted, and destroyed.
Bah! Her thoughts were leading her nowhere. She had no other choice, and would not, did not, regret the decisions that brought her here. Her lifestyle had never before brought her into contact with so many gifted companions, and the good they were able to accomplish was truly impressive. Still, the failure to do her personal duty rankled deep within.
After a few hours, she wakes Bel to take her place. She retires quickly to her tent, but sleep is a long time in coming.