Fight round 2
Subject Fight round 2
Harp, hearing the roar and sound of the creature behind him (and not having seen anything else coming from the forest around him, turns and sees the huge creature. Again, used to being the largest person around, he is amazed at the size of the thing. He notices the creature is dangerously close to Salix and Fal, so he runs north, trying to place himself between the creature and his two companions. As he runs, he prays to the Battle Father to infuse his companions with his lords glory and strength. (OOC: Mark, I want to place Harp just east of the creature, but just out of hreatened square range if possible. Harp will cast a Bless spell once he is closer to the center of the clearing. If I cannot get to a location that will place me between it and Salix and Fal, then I will take a spot that will create the AOO - I want to be between it and them and I want to be able to flank the creature with relation to Ran and Cai.
I do not care if I get an attack in this turn, I want to get between it and them and I want toget the bless spell off. I am thinking the square three spots to the east of the creature (15 feet). Make sense?).
From: Mark
Subject Initiative
I made a mistake in the list last night.
The numbers are correct but for some reason I listed Fal with a 16 before Harp with a 17.
It should read Harp 17, Fal 16.
From: Randy
Subject Fight round 2
Ran, despite the fact that his sword doesn't seem to be too effective here, will charge the creature hoping to keep up a level of distraction so the spellcasters will have an opportunity to act.
From:Derrell
Subject Fight round 2
Fal will cast his Sleep spell.
From: Rob
Subject Fight round 2
Fal, are you casting sleep or magic missle? I don't think you got a trun last round, so I think MM would come first...unless you changes your mind....
From: Jason
Subject Fight round 2
Cai starts in disbelief as her arrows hit the mark, yet seem to have no affect on the creature. Shaking off her bewilderment, she drops her bow gently to the ground. She'd heard stories about creatures like this, but never in all her travels had she seen a foe so blatantly disregard for her arrows. Drawing her longsword, she hopes to do more damage while slashing at the creatures flanks with both hands, and maybe even draw its attention away from Salix and Fal.
OOC: Cai drops her bow, and will use wield longsword with two hands to attack from the side opposite Harp (assuming his move goes as planned).
For all of you who have been here awhile, looking forward to adventuring with you! Our DM has graciously allowed me to take over for the previous Cai. I've read through most of the posts, at least enough to get the storyline, looks interesting.
Fight round 2 or the party gets the smackdown layed on them
Subject Fight round 1
Fal changes his mind about the sleep spell and opts for Magic Missile instead.
From: Derrell
Subject Fight round 1
Fal is casting Magic Missile.
OOC: Sorry, I've been a little distracted. I went to a funeral today. It was for my mom's uncle.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 2
Initiative for the next round are as follows:Bel 23, Harp 17, Fal 16 Cai 13, Ran 13, Creature 13, Salix 12, Alatyr 11
In the moonlight Bel sees Ran connect with his sword but do almost nothing to the creature. Deciding that magic may be of more use in this fight Bel drops his bow. Focusing his mind, he chants the incantation he uses to create his mystic shield. A few seconds later a shimmering wall of force appears at his side.(Casts shield, Spell failure roll 31, spell works, AC +4)
Harp turns at the noise behind him and sees the huge creature leap over Ran and Cai and land just in front of the two least protected people in the party. ?Damn,? he thinks to himself. It was his job to protect those weaker than himself. Remembering the reach of the ogres Harp moves himself to a place between where the creature is standing and Salix and Fal. Once there he starts chanting a prayer to his god, asking for a blessing on the party during the coming fight.(Cast Bless on party)
Fal looks up and realizes that there is a 9 foot tall beast in front of it. The thing looks like a cross between a deformed bear and a weird sort of wolf. Deciding that a few more feet between him and the creature would be prudent he backs up and to the side several feet. When he gets there he recites the spell he has memorized and two bright bolts of energy leap from his finger tips and strike the creature in the chest.(Magic Missile, Damage 2)
Ran also sees that there is no one between the creature and the wizard and druid. Knowing that he is better protected and better equipped to deal with whatever this creature is, he charges into the back of the thing. As he charges the creature whips around with one claw(AOO, AC18, 11+14=25, hit, Damage, 14.) The claw scrapes its way down the front of Ran armor, gouging a long furrow in the chain links. Even through the armor Ran can feel the pain of the razor sharp claw. Ran is then next to the beast and takes a swing at the hamstring on one of its legs.(AC17, 17+9=26, hit,Damage 1) Again he feels his sword hit home but do almost no damage.
Cai sees Ran charging the beast and figures that people will be too close for bow work, so she drops her bow and draws her sword as she also charges. As she closes and swings at the beasts with both hands on her sword. It dances out of the way and her swing goes wide..(AC17, 4+10=14, miss).
The beast, fully facing the two opponents behind it, takes a swipe at both Ran and Cai, (AC 18, 1+14=15, miss, AC 17, 6+14,hit, Damage 10) and then takes a bite at Cai.(AC17,8+4=12 miss). Its claws rake across the her chest, knocking the breath from her.
Salix also starts to back away from the beast. He is fascinated by the creature. With a start, he glances at the sky to confirm his suspicions. (Knowledge Check, nature, DC15, 11+7=18, success.) He shouts to the group ?It is a werewolf of some sort. Only silver weapons do full damage.?
Alatyr, not wanting to miss the fight, runs at full speed to close with the creature. Threading his way between Fal and Salix he is just able to get next to the beast so as to be in position to attack.
OODM: OK I need actions for round 3. So far it is WW 25 and party 5. Map attached with positions.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight round 3
Harp sees Cai and Ran get sliced by the creatures claws. Hearing Salix's shout, he is unsure what a werewolf is, having only heard of them in passing during his training. Damn, he says to himself, I should have paid better attention to my studies. Upon hearing that only silver weapons wil do full damage, he decides that since he has no silver weapons, he might as well try to do what damage he can. He takes a full swing at the werewolf with his longsword, hoping that the fact that the creature has its back turned to him and is facing Cai and Ran will distract it enough that Harp will be able to get in a good blow (flanked opponent). Harp moves in closer to the beast and swings away.
From: Jason
Subject Fight round 3
Cai is nearly beside herself with frustration and pain; she has failed to significantly damage her opponent, and has been wounded herself. Worse, now that Salix has identified its weakness, she is still unable exploit that knowledge because she is not sufficiently prepared. Gritting her teeth against the pain in her chest, she pays more attention to her task at hand, and swings at the werewolf with all her strength. (Attacking with longsword two handed again, flanking him with Harp if that's reasonable from where she is.)
Round 3 planning
Subject Fight round 3
If it's possible, Fal will cast Magic Missile again, if not he'll grab his cross bow and fire at the creature.
From: Rob
Subject Fight round 3
Bel yells " Move back, I need room for this spell!", and then casts Burning Hands at the creature, trying not to hit any party members.
If that isn't possible he will cast another shield spell on Fal, if he in range, or Ran or Harp, whoever is closer to him.
From: Jason
Subject Fight round 3
Hearing Fal's warning, Cai takes a step away from the werewolf.
ooc: I'd like to modify my turn, taking a 5 foot step back, away from the wolf and somewhat towards Ran, even if I'm not in the way of Fal's spell.
Fight round 3, Ran has stomach problems, Alatyr strikes back
Subject Fight round 3
That was Bel who is to the north of every one else. Fal is to the east and several (20-35) feet away from the creature.
Cai is right next to Ran. It is on the map I attached.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight round 3
OOC:So, Ran and Cai are on the West side of the beast, Harp and Alatyr are on the east side (all right up against it), Bel is to the north about 30' or so, but unobstructed to the beast, Salix and Fal are further east from Harp and Alatyr, at this point some what protected from it directly (at least until it tries to jump over us.
Bel, come on in and throw your burning hands. Welcome to the party.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 3
Just a couple of comments.
Any one who does more than a 5 foot step or a withdrawl move opens themselves up to an AOO.
The shield spell is a personal spell for the spell caster only and can not be cast on someone else.
The burning hands spell only has a 15 foot range so I think Bel will have to close a bit to have it be usefull.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight round 3
OOC:It is also a cone shaped range attack. I should have read the spell before I suggested Bel come on in with it. Rob, I apologize for typing before reading. Do what you think best.
Mark, if Rob does the burning hands, Harp will still close with the creature as per my previous instructions. If I take some fire damage, so be it. I live for the hot stuff.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 3
Well I will have to look up the shape of the cone. Cai and Alatyr are on the same side as Bel so they would be first. Also, if he moves any closer than 15 feet he provokes an AOO by casting a spell in a threatened square. Remember a creature this size has a 10 foot reach.
On the good side, however, becuase of its size it is very likely the the spell will only hit it.
From: Mark
Subject Cones
I just checked the open source and here is what it says about cone shaped spells.
Cone, Cylinder, Line, or Sphere: Most spells that affect an area have a particular shape, such as a cone, cylinder, line, or sphere.
A cone-shaped spell shoots away from you in a quarter-circle in the direction you designate. It starts from any corner of your square and widens out as it goes. Most cones are either bursts or emanations (see above), and thus won't go around corners.
Ok so the way I read this is that if the max range is 15' then the cone is 15 feet long right in front of the caster. I take this to mean that the edges of the spell sweep back 45 degrees on each side, but still 15 feet away from the caster. So in this case, Bel should be able to engulf the creature but not touch Cai or Alatyr.
From: Karl
Subject Fight round 3
Salix will cast produce flame and throw the first flare at the werewolf.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 3
Initiatives for the next round are as follows: Bel 23, Harp 17, Fal 16 Cai 13, Ran 13, Creature 13, Salix 12, Alatyr 11
Bel, seeing that their weapons are having little effect, decides to try magic. Knowing what spells he had, he decides on one. Moving closer so as to be in range, Bel recites the words he knew would activate the spell. As he finishes saying the words, he splays his hands out in front of him, the thumbs touching. A cone of flame leaps from his hands, and covers the beast. (Damage 0) When the flames die down it is obvious that no damage has been done.
As Harp steps forward to attack the creature, it whips around with a claw and strikes Harp in the leg. (AOO, leaving a threatened square. AC19, 7+14=21, hit, damage 11) the claw strikes below the breast plate and opens skin and muscle on his leg. Limping a bit from the wound Harp swings his sword at the arm that just hit him. He connects with a solid blow (AC17, 9+12=21, hit, damage 1) He is surprised to see his sword bounce off the creature and do almost no damage.
Fal, seeing that his spell had done a little damage, decides to try it again. He chants the spell and points his fingers and two more glowing missiles fly from his fingers and strike the beast. (Magic Missile, Damage 1) Again only minimal damage is done by the spell.
Cai, infuriated that she missed with her last attack takes a wild swing and misses. (AC17, 3+10=13, miss) She howls in anger again.
Ran takes his time and finds an opening in the creature's defense. (AC17, 12+9=21, hit, damage 0) His sword bounces off the creatures back, doing no damage.
The creature takes a swipe at both Ran and Cai(Cai AC19, 3+14=17, miss. Ran AC20, 20+14=35, hit, critical threat, Critical roll, 10+14=24, hit, critical hit, Damage 21) While the creature misses Cai, its claw finds a gap in the chain armor and opens Ran's belly. Ran feels his insides start to let go and he has never felt pain like this before.
The creature continues on the follow through of its attack on Ran and turns to take a bite at Harp.(AC19, 3+15=18, miss) Harp is able to get his shield up and in the way of the slavering mouth, blocking the teeth from gouging his arm.
Salix, trying to think of a way to help his companions, calls upon his god's control of nature. Touching the symbol on his armor, a small flame appears in his hand and he throws this at the creature. (AC12, 10+6=16, hit, Damage 2) It hits the creature and seems to do a little damage.
Alatyr hears Ran cry in pain, strikes with his pick at the side of the beast.(AC17, 20+12=32, hit, critical threat, critical hit 6+12=18, hit, critical hit, damage 30) The creature howls as Alatyr forces his pick deep into its guts and twists it around.
OODM: I need actions for round 4.
From: Mark
Subject Correction
I made a small error in calculating Alatyr's damage. It should have been 25 not 30.
From: Karl
Subject Fight round 4
No sooner does Salix hurl the divinely produced flame but another appears in his
palm to take its place. This he also hurls at the creature.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight round 4
Harp sees his sword bounce off the creatures arm, leaving a small scrape. He hears Rans yelp of pain, and sees Alatyr's pike plunge into the belly of the beast and final cause some hurt. Gritting in pain, he redoubles his effort since he knows a good strong stroke can harm the beast. After his swing, Harp will try to move toward where Ran is.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight round 4 revised
OOC: Mark, I would like to expand on what I sent. If I can use the withdraw order, get out of reach of the werewolf, and get to Ran's side, I will. I will try to avoid provoking another AOO (I don't like those). If I cannot do that, then I will stay where I am and keep swinging and worry about Ran's recently freed guts later.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 4
There is no way to do that in one round.
However, you can use a 5 foot step each round. This will allow you to move and still attack. You might loose your flanking bonus, since there will be no one opposite you. Alatyr should still account for the flank bonus for Cai and Ran.
From: Rob
Subject Fight round 4
Seeing that flames do little to no damage, Bel decides to cast Acid Splash next round, and then if possible withdraw to where he left his bow.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 4
Bel knows that the acid damage from a 0 level spell is even less than that from a burning hands.
From: Jason
Subject Fight round 4
Cai takes heart as the creature screams at Alatyr's blow. It may be beyond her power to harm this creature, but it can be done. With that, she begins to gather the spirit of the woodlands within her, and begs that they will aid in the conflict. (Summon Nature's Ally-Wolf)
ooc If the werewolf makes an aoo before my turn, I'll just cast it where I am. If not, I'll take a 5 foot step back to get out of his range before trying it. In my mind I'm summoning it opposite Harp, so it flanks him as he wanders towards Ran, and stops him from going after Fal in case he decides to do that for any reason.
Fight round 4, unexpected help arrives and a hero falls
Fight round 5 and the aftermath
Subject Fight round 5
OOC: Even I know that the damage was less than burning hands...however, Bel would probably be searching for another type of damage, as the fire was not effective. Some creatures are resistant to one and not the other.
Bel picks up his bow as well, and fires two arrows (if possible) at the creature.
From: Randy
Subject Fight round 5
Ran reels with pain as he accepts the offered potion from the elf. As he opens the flask, he idly wonders if he should trust this new arrival. As another wave of pain nearly overcomes him, he downs the potion figuring that he will die without it so if it isn't going to help, it can't hurt much.
From: Jake
Subject Surin takes his leave
Surin makes his way through the woods quietly, flitting from tree to tree as noiselessly as possible. In the city such silent movement would be second nature, but here in the woods it takes a little more effort. His difficulty is slight--someone watching him would have no idea that he was exerting himself at all in his effort to be as quiet as possible. Throughout the hike he stops periodically, listening to the sounds of the night, and the occasional rustle of leaves and scrabble of claw on bark as the occasional squirrel passes overhead.
Surin will contine on like this, moving silently and keeping his eyes open, until he hears the sound of combat.
From: Derrell
Subject Fight round 5
Fal will continue to use Magic Missile as long as he can. When he can no longer use it, he'll take up his crossbow.
From: Derrell
Subject Fight round 5
At this point, Fal is unsure about firing his crossbow in such chaotic conditions, afraid he might hit one of his friends. He wonders if his time would be better spent looking after Ran or trying to help Alatyr if it's possible.
OOC: Mark, does Fal have his dagger and/ or staff with him? If he has the staff, what could he do with it, besides trying to beat the monster with it? Would it have any effect?
From: Karl
Subject Fight round 5
Salix starts forward as the creature attacks Alatyr, but recoils in horror as the two halves of their valiant companion fall separately to the sides of where he stood. He throws the newly appeared fireball directly at the wolf's face, coldly hissing, "Back to hell! You vile abomination!"
From: Mark
Subject Surin takes his leave
Combat is going to be long over by the time you got there.
Surin was gone for 4-5 hours and this took place only an hour or two after he left.
Sorry he missed out on all the fun. :)
From: Mark
Subject Fal and weapons
As to weapons, Fal would easily have his dagger on him and his staff would have been near where he was sitting. However, Fal has seen that weapons do not seem to do normal damage. Fal would also have to close with the creature, which would provoke an AOO. He saw what the creature did to Alatyr.
Don't feel bad. Nothing Surin could do, except for a critical hit, could hurt the creature either.
From: Kevin
Subject Fight round 5
Harp grins with glee as he feels his sword finally bite into the creature. His happiness is short lived, however, when he sees his friend and fellow follower of Heironious cut in half by the beast. With a scream, he attacks again at the beast, not even noticing the new combatant.
From: Mark
Subject Cai and Bel
Jason and Rob
I am going to make picking up a bow and nocking an arrow to be a move action. This means that you will not be able to do the rapid shot, as that is a full round action. You each will be able to get off 1 arrow in round 5.
From: Karl
Subject Surin
We'll let you clean up Alatyr, though. If ya wanna.
From: Josh
Subject Fight round 5
Kal, seeing the creature kill the human, vows that no one else will be killed by this creature, it will die tonight. He runs forward to attack the beast, once he gets within range he will attack with his rapier.
From: Mark
Subject Fight round 5
Initiatives for the next round are as follows: Bel 23, Harp 17, Fal 16 Cai 13, wolf 13, Ran 13, Creature 13, Salix 12, Kal 10
Bel watches in horror as the creature rips Alatyr apart. As he is backing away he almost stumbles over the bow he had dropped. He quickly picks up the weapon and fires a quick shot at the beast. (AC17, 5+8=13, miss) In his haste he rushes his shot and misses high.
Harp almost goes berserk when he sees Alatyr fall. He attacks with a ferocious swing and connects again. (AC17, 17+12=29, hit) He sees his sword bite into the beasts flesh again. (Damage 4) He sees the creature stumble and start to waver a bit.
Fal, seeing the death of his companion realizes that there is no one between him and the beast and that the beast is looking right at him. He quickly raises his crossbow and fires off a shot that hits the creature dead on. (AC17, 20+6=26, hit, critical threat, critical hit roll, AC17, 10+6=16, miss, no critical hit.) The bolt seems to hit but do no damage. (Damage 0). Seeing this Fal starts to back up even more.
The wolf takes another snap at the beast but misses.
Cai feels herself stumble over her bow and reaches down to pick it up. She sets an arrow to the string and lets fly. (AC17, 8+8=16 misses) She has a hard time keeping her hands steady as she releases and just barely misses.
Ran figures that he will die anyway, decides to trust the strange elf and pops the seal on the potion he was given. He swallows it down. Immediately he feels better. He sees his insides pull back and the flesh seals itself, leaving a bright pink scar. (Heal 11) He is fairly sure he will not die right away.
The creature sees Fal and Salix just ahead of it. It sees a ball of fire in Salix's hand and still feels the burning pain it just felt and charges at the druid. This is just the opening that Harp has been looking for. As the creature springs after the druid, Harp takes a swing at the creatures back. (AOO, moving out of a threatened square, AC17, 18+12=30, hit, Damage 4.) The beast takes a quick swipe at Harp (AC19, 14+14=28, hit) and opens a long ragged wound down one arm. (Damage 13.) It then takes off towards Salix.
Salix throws another ball of flame at the advancing creature. He can see it bleeding from several wounds and limping as it advances. (AC17, 14+5=19, hit, Damage 4) The flame hits the creature in its face and burns there for a bit. The beast flails at the flames trying to put them out but its energy seems to run out and it falls to the forest floor.
Just as the creature falls someone bursts out of the woods from where Ran had been. He charges across the clearing, his rapier glittering in the moonlight. He stops over the body of the fallen beasts and pierces the heart and the head several times.
In the light of the moon and the flickering light of the new ball of flame that has reappeared in Salix's hand, everyone can see the creature change shape.
OODM: Fight is over.
From: Josh
Subject Aftermath
Kal stands over the slain bugbear, wipes his rapier clean, and drops an amulet onto the lycanthrope's chest. He walks over to the body of the slain human, kneels down and says a prayer to Corellon Larethian, kisses the hilt of the rapier, and stands.
He turns to address the party: "I'm truly sorry your friend was murdered by this creature. It was my quest to stop it before it caused any more evil in the world, and I failed. I regret that you and your friend paid the price of my failure."
Kal-Lar's looks at Harp for a moment, the back to the elves, "My name is Kal-Lar, I am a... warrior of my tribe. If your cause is righteous, I offer my assistance as reparation for your loss."
OOC: Hey guys, I'm Josh, and thanks for letting me join you. If anyone wants a gmail account (Labels and their threaded message model makes it alot easier to manage the emails from this game ), send me an email, I'll send you an invite.
From: Kevin
Subject Aftermath
Harp, wincing in pain, limps over to where Alatyr has fallen, kneeling down, knowing that there is little he can do to save the man. The blessing Harp can call down from the Battle Lord will do little to succor the greivous harm Alatyr has suffered. He bows his head, asking that Heironious will greet his valiant companion when they meet. Harp will then arise and go see how he can help the other wounded of their party (sacrafice 3 1st level spells for cure light wounds and all 0 level spells for cure minor wounds). After he has done what he can, he will clean and inspect his blade.
From: Karl
Subject Aftermath
Salix stands, still braced for the creatures attack, disbelieving that it has actually been defeated. After a few seconds he relaxes with a loud "whew" and approaches the creature, waving the flame in his hand up and down the length of it checking it over carefully.
"It is a bugbear," he says, more to himself than anyone. To the group he adds,
"Where there is one there are often others. Was anyone bitten? I mean besides. . . ." he indicates the remains of their fallen friend sadly.
He turns and faces the new stranger, "Was this creature alone or should we prepare ourselves for more of them?" After the elf answers he will ask, "What do you know of the history of this creature? Was he born a lycanthrope or bitten? Was he aware of his affliction?"
*****
If anyone was bitten, Salix will search the area immediately looking for the beladonna plant. If he can find any, he will administer it to anyone bitten, otherwise he will put it in his pack on the off chance they do encounter another one. (If no one was bitten, he will still keep an eye out for beladonna.)
From: Josh
Subject Aftermath
Kal responds: "The creature was alone. I've been hunting it for some time, I've been following it for some time." Kal pauses for a second to think.. "He was probably bitten. He acted very much like a confused beast, moreso that I imagine someone born with the disease would."
Kal Sheaths his rapier, and reaches into his backpack and pulls out the roots and leaves of a plant wrapped in cloth. Kal says to everyone "This plant is supposed to help prevent catching the were-disease. If you were hurt by the beast, you should be treated with it."
From: Jake
Subject Surin
You'd save that for little old me? Thanks fellas!
From: Rob
Subject Aftermath
Bel looks at what is left of Ayltar, and bows his head in grief. (even if I can't spell his name...:D)
He turns to Salix and asks " What do you know of these creatures?" of Kal.
OOC: As someone who is familiar with magic, would Bel know about these cruses? I would guess so, but I am not sure.
Also, a bugbear isn't a lycanthrope...at least I don't think it is, and they aren't shaped like a huge wolf either. Which is it, a werewolf , a were-bear, or a bugbear...they are three different creatures.
From: Mark
Subject Lycanthropes
OODM: Lycanthropy can be used as a template, just as undead can be used as a template. That means that most humaniod monsters can be lycanthropes. So you can have a werewolf bugbear. Dire creatures can also be the base animal for a lycanthrope. So you can have werewolves and dire werewolves. Bugbears get their names from the fact that they have some resemblence to bears.
Bel has probably heard of people and creatures who have been cursed like this but never met one. At least not knowingly. There are good aligned were creatures, but they tend not to advertise.
Aftermath and treatment
Subject Aftermath
So he turns to Salix, but asks the question of Kal?
From Karl
Subject Treatment
Unless Kal can do it better, Salix will prepare and administer the belladonna to anyone injured by the beast. (Heal and knowledge skills).
From: Josh
Subject Treatment
It's all yours.
From: Mark
Subject Treatment
Josh
Did you get my e-mails last night? About only those bitten can be infected?
There can be serious side affects if a person takes Belladonna.
I think Kal and Salix should discuss this a bit more.
From: Kevin
Subject Treatment
Harp will indicate to Salix that he was unbitten, only shredded by the things claws.
From: Josh
Subject Treatment
Kal, remembering words of warning, stops Salix before he administers any of the belladonna. "Only the bite of a lycanthrope is contageous, don't administer that to anyone who wasn't bitten. It's fatal otherwise."
From: Jason
Subject Treatment
With the adrenaline from the battle leaving her system, Cai suddenly feels the onset of fatigue, combined with the pain from her wounds, and barely manages to stay on her feet. Wearily she indicates that she was not bitten, and comments "I think that the only one bitten was Alatyr."
From: Karl
Subject Treatment
Salix looks thoughtful. "I'm not sure that matters. Admittedly, my experience with lycanthropes is limited. I've read some about them, but being somewhat outside the realm of nature, per se, I haven't made them a major focus of my studies. I do not know if the disease can be passed by contact with the creature other than by bite."
He looks questioningly at Kal.
From: Randy
Subject Treatment
Ran will just continue to appreciate that he is alive and he will offer thanks. He will accept the offer of the Elf to accompany them, but will make it clear that he is under no obligation to stay.
From: Mark
Subjet: Aftermath
As the party introduces themselves to Kal, Harp makes his way around to the wounded members, bestowing the healing grace of his god. He is able to completely cure Cai(heal 10) and helps Ran some as well.(heal 8). Harp figures it will be several days before the party is at full strength, even with his god's healing prayers. When he is done doing what healing he can, Harp goes to Alatyr's body and he starts saying the Rites of the Dead. Since he and Alatyr followed the same god, he feels it is his duty to do this.
Kal asks if any of the three members who were hurt by the beast remember being bit. ?For the curse is passed by the bite. If you were bit, there may be a way of stopping the cures with some of this herb.? Kal holds out some roots that he had in his backpack. Salix looks at them and his nose wrinkles ?Belladonna? Are you sure? I know of this root and it has some serious side effects. It has been known to leave people weak as babies for days after. It would probably not kill you but would make you wish you were dead.? However it turns out that only Alatyr was bit and everyone breaths a little easier.
Ran fills Kal in on what the party is doing out in the middle of the forest. He tells of Angelwing and Quarion and the wedding. He tells of the Lady Rochelle and how Alatyr had joined the group. He tells of the chase through the Pass and the goblin encampment just ahead. Kal listens, thinking that a brave man fell to the beast he was charged with killing. ?Your quest is a hard one, even more so now that you are short a member. Again I offer my sword and skills in replacement for your lost comrade. Your quest is a noble one and I would be honored if you would let me join.?
Ran looks a little unsure if he wants to take this stranger into the party, but Cai speaks up. ?Ran, from our travels I know that you have spent some time at Elfhome, but you may not have heard of the Bladesingers, for I make it that Kal here is one such.? She looks at Kal knowingly, and he nods in agreement. ?The Bladesingers are dedicated to the defense of the elf kingdom. The mix the martial with the magical. Once they have given their word, it is bond. They can be fearsome in combat. We would be wise to accept Kal's offer if we still plan on rescuing Rochelle.?
Ran thinks for a bit and nods. ?We accept your offer of aid. Welcome to our party.? Introductions are made around. In particular Kal shows respect for Fal. He is a little hesitant when introduced to Harp, but the ? orc is used to that.
Harp then says ?I will prepare Alatyr for burial. I can not do the full rites, but the battle god understands that we are short of time.? With that Harp starts to work. It takes him several hours to dig the grave and prepare the body. It is several hours after midnight when Surin pops in to camp. Even though everyone was on watch, no one saw him appear. Surin is devastated to learn of Alatyr's death. He then fills the party in on what he found.
OODM: Jake I will let you take that part if you want.
Cleaning up
Subject Cleaning up
Fal will volunteer to help tend to those more badly hurt than he is. What do we do with Alatyr? Should we bury him here? Fal will do what he can to help. At some point, he'll need to rest so he can recharge his energy.
From: Karl
Subject Cleaning up
Salix will approach Ran and offer his healing services. He will use his "cure light wounds" and "cure minor wounds" on Ran (if he is still the most injured).
From: Kevin
Subject Cleaning up
Harp will listen as best he can, but between the injuries suffered in the earlier fight, his exertions in healing as best he could, his grief over the death of Alatyr, and his efforts in burying his friend, he is not likely to stay awake very long. He will ask Ran if Harp can take the last watch. He will also use his healers kit to try and sew up some of the gashes and tears in his flesh and keep infection from setting in.
From: Ran
Subject Cleaning up
"Thank you Salix. I don't think I have ever felt closer to death."
The words rang hollow in Rans head. The truth was, death didn't really frighten him. Ran had lost a lot of care for his own life when his mother died. He did not actively seek death, but he would put almost any other life ahead of his own.
To the group, Ran says "Our friend Alatyr was a brave man. He fought with us as a brother. We will honor him with a proper burial, but it must wait at least a moment. Let us hear what our friend Surin has discovered. Alatyr would not want us to waste time in completing his quest. We must not allow this tragic happening to deter us from our task."
Surin Reports in
Subject Surin Report in
Surin can hear the murmur of voices as he approaches the camp, and he freezes.There's something about the mood of those voices...something was wrong. Something had happened. His passage through the wood, already silent, takes on an almost ghostlike quality as he slips from shadow to shadow, moving with a stealth that makes his earlier, more playful attmepts to move silently seem like the blundering of some clumsy beast in comparison. At the camp's edge he pauses for a moment, taking in the scene.
It's hard to see in this light, but something, something huge, lies still in the middle of camp, and his companions are ministering to one another's wounds. Recognizing that the threat is long past, Surin steps into the firelight [ooc: assuming that there's a fire. If there isn't, read that sentence as "Surin steps into the camp"], allowing himself to be seen, and gives a low whistle. "I can't leave you folks alone for five minutes before you get into trouble of one sort or another," he says, a smile spreading across his face.
It is just after the words have passed his lips that he sees what remains of Alatyr. He pales, though it isn't visible in the dim camp, and turns away, his lips tight. The last time he'd seen this man he'd been a living, breathing companion. Now he was so much meat--whatever had attacked him had torn him in two, and the dark mass of his intrails spilled out across grass black with congealing blood. This is the first time Surin has seen a dead man, and it is a moment before he trusts his voice enough to speak. "What...what happened here? What *is* that thing?" he asks, pointing that the slain bugbear. He approaches the beast's corpse, and picking up a stick pokes at it's wounds. "And who's that?" he says, gesturing at the newcomer with the now bloody stick. "Seems to me you all have a story to tell just as much as I do."
He's still a bit dazed by what he has found here, and it takes him a moment to realize that he'd spoken almost at the same time as had Ran.
"Our friend Alatyr was a brave man," their leader had said. "He fought with us as a brother. We will honor him with a proper burial, but it must wait at least a moment. Let us hear what our friend Surin has discovered. Alatyr would not want us to waste time in completing his quest. We must not allow this tragic happening to deter us from our task."
Surin nods--Ran is thinking straighter he, Surin, had been. Clearly whatever had happened here was over, and the story of it would keep while he told his own.
"Well, good news is, Rochelle's okay. Looks a bit rumpled, but whoever hired these goons wants her alive and unharmed, more or less. Bad news is, him as did the hirin' seems to have had a falling out with those did the taking. We can expect bloodshed down there in a few days, and I wouldn't be surprised if her blood weren't the first gets spilled." With that he launches into an account of his trip into camp, his worming his way under Rochelle's prison, and the altercation that he observed between the boss's men and the half-orc, taking care to leave nothing out.
"So there you go. She's safe for the moment, but Iwouldn't give much for her chances once the boss man shows up that those idiots down there realized he ain't interested in paying for her so much as taking her now. I thought about trying to get her out myself, then and there, but that floor would've made more noise than a cat in heat if I'd started prying at the floor boards, so I decided to just come back and report. Wanted to at least let her know that we was out here, but that half-orc was just a little too alert for that to've been a good idea. Besides, it they're smart they might notice that she started acting different, and beat her 'till they learned the reason why."
Planning a rescue
Subject Plans
Any one have any plans? Ideas?
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
As previously mentioned, Harp will listen as long as he can, but really wants to go to sleep after his exertions (combat, healing, burial when completed, etc.). He will do what he can for himself with his healers kit and his cure minor wounds spells if he has any left.
From: Randy
Subject Plans
"It looks like we will have to act fast. I have some ideas as to what we might be able to do here."
With that ran outlines his plan.
"We must make our move soon, and it will be much more likely to succeed in the cover of night. So tomorrow night, I propose that Surin once again enters the encampment, taking me with him if he thinks that I can get in without bringing additional trouble. The rest of the group, minus Fal, will march up to the front of the fort and make a lot of noise, trying to cause a distraction that will draw the majority of the troops to the front. Salix, if possible, you may be able to help create a distraction calling on the powers of nature. This distraction must not start until we have had enough time to get back under the building that Lady Rochelle is being held in. Once the leader hears the distraction, he will do one of two things. He will either rush to see what the commotion is about or he will move to Lady Rochelle, either to protect his ransom or to enact revenge.
Either way, Surin and I will then make our move to get Lady Rochelle out the back. Once we are out the back of the Fort, Fal who will be waiting there for us, will send up a signal so that you know you can retreat. If you are unable to retreat, you must signal us and Fal and I will join the battle leaving Surin to get Lady Rochelle to safety."
Ran then asks the group for input and whether they believe his plan is sound.
From: Mark
Subject Plans
Harp doggedly scoops out the last spade full of dirt when Surin shows up. He hardly notices the little halfling popping out of the woods and the others filling him in on what happened. When he is done he picks up Alatyr's body and places him in the grave, his weapons crossed over his chest. He then says the prayers of blessing and gentle repose, asking Heironious to accept this brave man into his service. The others watch, bowing respectfully during the service. When he is done, Harp starts filling in the grave.
Salix approaches Ran and offers assistance with his wounds. Ran nods gratefully and feels much better after Salix has done his prayers. (Heal for 11 points) Ran whispers to Salix ?We need to keep an eye on Harp. I think he was more grievously wounded then he has let on. However, in the mood he is in now I think it can wait until we have slept.? Salix nods and heads off to keep watch on the woods.
While Harp is working, Ran has Surin fills the party in on what he saw and what had happened. Surin glances at Harp but Ran just nods for Surin to continue. The halfling relays what he found in the camp and what he had seen. About half way through his tale Harp comes over and settles down. He looks almost worn out. However, at the mention of the symbol on the shield of the ? orc's visitor, he hisses ?Hextor.? The others in the party look at him questioningly, but Harp declines to make any more comments about it. ?I am tired and hurt. Let me have a nights sleep and I will think more clearly. Lt. if I may have the last watch tonight?? Ran tells him ?Tonight you stand no watch. We have others who can do that. Off to bed with you. We will wake you for the noon meal, for I think we have some little time before we make our move and that friend Surin is right in that tomorrow night should be when we move.? With that Harp climbs into his bed roll and is out in seconds.
Ran tells the party of his initial idea for the raid. ?However, we may see things differently in the morning. Let us take our watches and get some much needed sleep. We will discuss this more on the morrow.?
OODM: OK I need discussion on what your party is going to do.
From: Mark
Subject Plans
I forgot to copy a line from Word when I sent the last turn out.
The nigth/morning go by peacfully. At around noon Ran wakes Harp and the other party members who were still asleep.
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
As Harp awakes, he looks over and sees the newly dug grave of Alatyr. He is reminded again at the vagaries of fate in general and their quest in particular. This man had seen his compatriots mowed down in their glory protecting their charge, and now he had fallen while trying to complete his quest. Harp swears an oath to Heironious that he will complete his quest to save Rochelle,in honor of Alatyr's memory.
After he has broken his fast, he will inquire of Ran what plans were decided earlier that day. When he hears of Ran's plan for a diversion at the gate while Ran and Surin are hidden in the camp, he furrows his brow, contemplating the plan and possible actions. Talking to Ran alone if possible, Harp will comment as follows:
Sir, your plan has merit, though I am concerned with having you and our "little" friend alone inside the camp. While I am sure of Master Surins ability to get in and out with minimal notice, it will be more challenging for you, and likely even more difficult for Lady Rochelle. Should you encounter difficulty while inside, it will be nearly impossible for the rest of us to give you assistance. The goblins themselves do not overly concern me - while they breed like roaches, bereft of a unifying force, they will cut and run in the face of a few casualties. Our main concern will have to be this "leader" of theirs. Remove him from the picture, and I do not fear for our chances. May I suggest that we try to find a way for all of us to gain entrance to the camp. My god will grant me some small assistance in this, and maybe Salix can help us with that wooden palisade.
After seeing what he can do with living plants, I can only guess at what he can do with tree trunks. If we can find a way to gain entrance to the camp late at night when most of the goblins (and maybe the 1/2 orc) are asleep, we can rush up to the shack, make a diversion inside the camp but with us inside the camp, allowing us to assist you and Surin in case things go badly with the 1/2 orc. For all we know, I might be able to fool the sleeping goblins that I am their leader, if only for a few seconds.
OOC: Mark, if I cast no spells now, can I adjust my spell list, sleep again for 8 hours, and then be able to cast those spells?
From: Mark
Subject Plans
Yes