Man in the Road Becomes Corpse in the Road
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
With the utmost caution, the Rennik, Mission, and Garyth move to the top of the hill. It would be an extremely long shot to fire from here (100 yards), but it is an excellent defensive position should an ambush emerge.
A moment later, Jack the Weasel scurries past and slips into the underbrush. Tense moments tick past, but eventually Jack pops out onto the trail just a few feet from the man. He moves closer, and sniffs. The man rolls over just a bit at Jack's approach, but makes no aggressive moves. In fact, now that he has rolled over, the three on top of the hill can see that he is clutching his stomach with both hands.
When Jack is satisfied, he runs back into the underbrush and comes out a few moments later near Farron.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
Not that Sa'id can see this, but if/when he is informed...
1) Is the man a member of Elise's party?
2) If so, I'm curious as to whether he could have been poisoned/infected by something they ate in the farmhouse.
So. If/when Sa'id gets the situation explained, he will fish out any material components required to cast Detect Poison and have the spell ready.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
Rennik is unconvinced, though many of his fears of ambush are allayed. The man is alive, so he could indeed be alone. He moves quietly to his right to speak with Garyth.
"The man appears wounded, but I still stress caution. We have a very defensible position here, and I think we should use it. If one of our group were to walk down openly, in plain sight, I could shadow them from the underbrush.
"Were something to happen, the bait could turn and run for the hill crest, leading any pursuers to an ambush of our own, while I could cover his retreat. Were nothing to happen, he could check on the man and wave the rest forward.
"I wouldn't want to tell anyone to stick their neck out, but if you agree I will speak with Brother Cadfael - he is the most heavily armored and also most able to care for the man. If no one will volunteer, I will go alone."
Rennik will wait for Garyth's response then scurry back down to speak with Cadfael.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
So we're waiting for . . .???
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
::scurry, scurry, scurry::
Rennik drops back to fill in the magic types and speak with Cadfael - he'd also try to get any additional info out of Farron.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
Ok.
We are waiting on Farron's info, and Cadfael's reply.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
Once Jack finishes his chattering, Farron tells the group, "Jack says the man seems to be very hurt, possibly dying. He smells a lot of tainted blood." He adds, "If we're quick perhaps we can save him. He may be able to tell us something. If Cadfael is willing, I suggest he see if he is able to save the man. Here, you may want to take some of this, just in case." Farron rummages in his pack and hands Cadfael a sprig of the belladonna. "Careful, though, it still might be a trap."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (1)
Just waitin' on Cadfael the lawyer now. :)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Cadfael confidently strides down the hill to the fallen man. As he gets closer, he sees that this man was in fact one of the three that traveled with Elise. Though now, he carries no weapons, and his leather armor is stained with blood.
"What ails you brother?" Cadfael asks of the fallen man, crouching by his side.
With a grimace, the man lifts his head. "A dagger to the belly ails me, an no mistake." He collapses back, writhing in agony.
With a grim look, Cadfael raises his hands and prays. In a few seconds, his hands begin to glow with the warm powerful light of the sun an midday. Laying his hands on the man's belly, he transfers that healing glow. In moments the nasty wound to his stomach stitches closed. In spite of this, the man continues to writhe and moan.
Cadfael asks, "What else ails you? I have healed your wound."
The man spits a bit of blood onto the ground and says, "The bitch wanted to punish me; like as not she'll have poisoned her blade. Save your magics, priest. I've seen her use this poison before on others. The end will be slow and painful, but sure. I've never seen anyone live through it."
Despite his words, he does appear to be in less pain now that the wound is closed, though his color is still poor, and he is wracked periodically with spasms.
When it becomes clear that there is no danger, Cadfael signals to the fighters on the hill that all is clear.
(Dan, I need to know which spell Cadfael would have traded in for a healing spell. Next turn will occur when the party has joined Cadfael near the fallen man.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Once he gets the all-clear and an explanation, Sa'id will run over to the man and cast his readied Detect Poison spell to verify that the man has indeed been poisoned and that his ailment is not of some magical nature.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Rennik allows the wizards to do their work uninterrupted.
Instead, he uses his skills to have a look at the area around the man, the footprints and hoofprints, to see if he can get a better picture of what happened, if the group is still together, etc. Specifically, he wonders if one has veered away from the group, or if anything was left from the struggle with the man (that may have been dropped, forgotten or kicked under a shrub).
He would try to establish sightlines in case anyone were to come charging up, and keep close eye on anywhere where he (or anyone else for that matter) could take cover.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
At Cadfael's signal, Garyth rushes forward, keeping his arrow nocked though not drawn. He kneels beside the man.
"Why would your own mistress stab you? And what were you doing at that farm?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Cadfael smiles down at the man, "These other men were not likely cradled in the hands of Pelor, as you are now. Rest easy brother, you are sheltered by God now, he will warm your heart, make your body whole and soothe your soul."
With that he calls out to the others, telling them to come forward. There is no danger here, or rather, what danger there is has passed. He then moves aside as Sa'id readies his spell.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
The man coughs again and looks at Garyth. "A guardsman, eh? Tracking us were you?"
He laughs a bit, till the pain makes him stop with a cringe.
"Aye, she stabbed me. Curse me for a fool. Long on sass, short on sense as my dam would say." He stops for a series of painful looking shudders. "I made the mistake of disputing her decision. I guess I'd finally done it one too many times."
He sinks back with a distant and wistful look on his face. "Ah, but I'd have liked to look on the black pillar even just once. To come this far, and die for a foolish word..."
He trails off. His eyes close, but you know he is still alive by his wracking shudders, and by the tears that begin to roll down his cheeks.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
(OOC: I've read every message up until Garyth's "black pillar?" message.)
Sa'id turns to Cadfael: "He is most definitely poisoned, and the toxin is very strong. I cannot tell what manner of poison it is, only that it will almost certainly kill him. I am not even certain that it could be cured at all if I knew what it was."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
When Garyth's eyes pass over Cadfael, they pause.
He has not moved, but his eyes are alight with fury, face hard and dark.
His left hand grips his shield so tightly that his arm is shaking.
"Weep not for your body, man, weep for the soul you sold. I feel no pity for you, let the poison eat your body for you shall look back on this feeling fondly when your soul screams in agony after you die."
He looks up at Garyth now; face still cold and eyes narrowed in disgust.
"I know not what this... black tower is. But the fetid evil of this man boils off his body and clings to every breath he exhales. May he hurry to his death and rid the world of his filth, I would not stop the poison if I could, he has earned his wound."
"I would guess that his lady, this lady Elise, was once a knight of honour. Once the hand of good. But is now a blasphemer. She has removed all symbols of her God because they now burn her with righteous fire when her gaze falls upon them. Her master must reside in this black tower in the East where it defiles the air around it and blights the land wherever its shadow touches."
"I can stand his presence no longer, I will wait for you further along the road, far enough away that his evil can no longer sully my flesh. Linger not, brothers, you would not want him to leave a stain upon you."
With that, Cadfael turns hard and storms off toward the East.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Wow.
Excellent post, Dan.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
I just need Scott to check in.
Also, if you have any other actions you wish to take with this man, or any other conversation near or with him, please get them in.
Thanks. :)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
As Cadfael storms away, Sa'id turns to Farron.
"I have cast a spell of magic detection on the dying rogue. He is enchanted, though it is barely detectable. Shall I use a spell of nullification to remove the enchantment, on the off chance that his poison is magical in nature?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Sa'id turns to confer with Farron. While they are still speaking, Rennik seems to reach some private decision. He rushes over to the dying and grabs him by the collar. He then puts his head right next to the man's ear, and a low growling whisper can be heard. Several times the man shakes his head, followed by more harsh whispers.
Finally, the man feebly tries to push Rennik away and says loudly, "Enough!"
"I've had no loyalty to that bitch, and less now than ever." He stops to swallow and retch a bit.
"But I've no answers for you. We only camped at the farm. She told us not why we were there. She didn't put much stock in our advice on things, mostly."
"But two of my friends still ride with her, and I'll not sell them out to you no matter what tortures you threaten me with. They are cowards for letting her do me this way, but they are still my friends."
"And maybe you don't know what the black pillar is, but something tells me that one does." With that he points one shaky finger at Cadfael's retreating back.
This seems to take the last of his strength. He curls up in a horrifying spasm, and a strangled scream escapes his lips. His body jerks straight suddenly, and he vomits a stream of black blood all over himself and Rennik. Some of it even splashes onto the cuffs of Sa'ids pants.
After two more gut wrenching spasms, the man dies with his eyes open in a look of horror.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Rennik stands up abruptly, shuddering with anger, and wipes his face before howling at the sky and kicking the corpse in the ribs repeatedly.
A stream of obscenities pours from his mouth before being obscured in a mix of feral halfling tongue and abnormally harsh elven.
Giving the body a final kick, he stalks off several paces to a patch of tall grass and starts rolling around in it to clear the blood and ichor off his armor, hands and hair. Anyone who catches his eye can quickly tell that distance is warranted at least until the halfling calms some more.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Sa'id wipes the blood from his attire and then, turning back to Farron, rolls his eyes at the antics of Cadfael and Rennik. He follows it up with a sly wink before turning to investigate the bile-covered corpse.
(OOC: Ty, I want to try and figure out how he died -- i.e., what exactly the poison did that caused him to die. I'd also like to try to identify as best I can the "black blood" that he spewed out. If possible, I'd like to do all of this without getting too messy, but if I have to cut him open to do it I will.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
You may attempt to do so, but the process will be lengthy. Does the group want to wait here while Sa'id does an autopsy? Or do you want to take the body with you? It would take several hours to gain any meaningful information.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
At this point, Rennik is in no state to argue or offer any opinion. He's taking some valuable "calm down" time at the moment, and will likely growl at anyone who attempts to come over toward him.
His eyes shift back and forth between the corpse and Elise's trail, though, and you can tell that he's getting anxious to move again. He's just not at his most social right now.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
"We should move." Mission shoulders his crossbow, tucking the unspent bolt back into the quiver. He draws up his staff. "The Path is neither straight, nor soft-- but hard as Stone, hot as Blood."
With that, he tucks a pebble into the dead man's tunic, careful not to touch the blood that fans out over his chest.
"Elise will give us far better answers than this corpse."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
There is very little good accomplished standing around-- so Mission patrols the immediate area, stealthily, quietly, keeping his ears open.
When the party moves, he will move back swiftly into marching order.
Ty and Scott on Vacation
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
I am flying to texas tomorrow and staying till Thursday. I won't be on this weekend, but I will probably be able to play during the week, at least one turn a day. If not, I will be back full time on Friday.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
:)
I am also going on vacation Mon- Fri, but should be able to get in once a day. . .
From: Scott
Subject: AIM? Yahoo IM?
It's Saturday night, I'm at work. I'll be awake until about midnight if anyone wants to chat a bit.
j0shuabeekeeper (AIM)
jbeekeeper (YIM)
Question from Karl
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Farron advises that this sounds like a good idea just at the man begins his violent death throws. "Well, I guess that makes the point moot. No reason to waste a spell now."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Ty, if I cast "mount", could the corpse be loaded on the mount and transported with us until camp? If so, Farron will offer this as an option to Sa'id, stressing that this is an option only if he thinks an autopsy is absolutely necessary and not just for academic curiosity.
Sa'id and Farron Confer, Garyth Shaken
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Sa'id shakes his head. "I do not think it is necessary. I fear we might face Elise's poison, but as I have been unable to identify it even knowing how it kills would not probably aid us."
"However, your Mount spell may yet prove useful should the need to transport another corpse arise. I have a spell of preservation called Gentle Repose, it allows a corpse to be preserved without decay. While I do not think that we should use them here, it is useful to know that we have access to this combination of magics should we ever need to, for example, transport a corpse to Overlook."
Sa'id nods at Mission and Farron. "I agree that we should resume our previous course, and quickly. I apologize for my second-guessing, however curiosity is a part of my nature." He smiles wryly.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Farron nods and says to Sa'id, "Yes, this spell has proved very useful to me in the past, though not in such a way as this. Perhaps when we get a day or two of peace again we could compare notes and perhaps trade a spell or two."
With that, Farron will wait for Garyth's decision on what to do next. He chatters out a thanks to Jack and rewards him with a fat junebug he caught off a nearby shrub.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Garyth rises slowly, clearly a bit shaken by the man's gory death.
"Shouldn't we bury him?" he asks. "Or at least pull him off the road and put some stones over him? It just doesn't seem right, leaving a person to the vultures."
He stands a moment longer, staring down at the body, then suddenly seems to realize that Cadfael is getting further and further away. Before he is out of earshot, Garyth calls to him, then runs to catch up.
"What was all that about? And what is this black pillar he was talking about?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First day: the hunt; on the trail (2)
Farron simply comment, "I think we should leave him. The sight will prevent any locals from continuing further down this road, and clearly it will be in their best interests to turn back now." With that he turns and follows Garyth down the road.
Ty Returns, Mission Spots Birds, Rennik and Garyth Leave to Investigate
Subject: He's Back! And now in a new 'stay fresh' pouch!
I am back from Texas.
I was in a hotel that charged 9.95 a day for internet access, and I refused to pay it, so I was cut off from the world. Sorry about that.
Ok. I am ready to write up the next turn, but I would like to get one more piece of info first. I would like to know what Cadfael's response to Garyth is.
Oh, and to answer Karl, I would let Farron cast mount and ride it himself, and let his horse carry the corpse. I'm just not sure a magical mount lets other people carry it.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: He's Back! And now in a new 'stay fresh' pouch!
(OOC) I think that's a jab at my grammar choice, but I have re-read it and will defend it to the death - well, I'll defend it with a good hard weasel bite, at least.(/OOC)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
Mission is the last to walk away from the fallen man. He has been dead only moments, so there is no stiffness or stink, only the perfect stillness that only a dead man can achieve. Mission knows that there is nothing to be feared in death, it is merely another step on the path of blood and stone. The man's blood has cooled, but the earth will accept him into itself again. The earth keeps no account of sins, and all men are treated equally in the end. He nods once, and utters a short prayer, then follows the others.
Cadfael and Garyth walk side by side for a while, Cadfael slapping him on the back several times, and doing his best to look light hearted, but there is a hunted look in the way his eyes dart about when he thinks no one is watching. It is easy to understand, when so much has already happened in so short a time.
The path is so easy to follow, and the ground is so even, that Farron becomes tempted to conjure his magic mount and ride in comfort for a while. When he mentions this out loud, Garyth says, "The terrain is easy for horses here, it's true. But the farther inland we go, the harder travel becomes. I am not sure how far the lady knight thinks she will be able to take that heavy charger of hers."
Rennik nods his agreement. "I've thought the same. If the mountains are indeed their goal, they'll not be able to take those mounts with them." When he sees that Cadfael and Mission are looking at him curiously, he explains further. "The island itself is mostly flat. The only real rise in elevation is there, at the center of the island. And then it rises fast, very fast. Mount Kessel is near two miles high, and steep as a wall most of the way up. She collects a lot of weather around her. In the center of the isle, it rains almost every day, and the forest is more like jungle. My people can move through it well enough, but you larger folk will have a time of it. And I've not met the horse yet that can forge through that growth."
This silences the party for a time, as each man considers the possibility of traveling such unpleasant terrain in the near future. The two wizards, accustomed to warm libraries and well appointed accommodations, look especially unhappy. The others hear Farron mutter to Sa'id about the advisability of a 'magic hut' when that time comes.
Rennik has such an easy time tracking the warhorse, that he begins to move off the path, from side to side, looking for other, older tracks. He sees that this path is relatively recent, but well used. Often he finds tracks off the path that follow it, showing that parties too large to travel the path comfortably had spread out. The tracks themselves are varied in type; some animal hooves, but mostly human feet and boots. An occasional lighter track, like an elf might make, and a disturbing number of smaller Halfling tracks. "A lot of people going east, these days," he mutters under his breath. Garyth, who is standing nearby, nods and keeps his hand on his sword.
Mission has been trailing the party ever since they left the dead man. He walks like a man lost in his thoughts, but his training keeps him alert even when his mind is occupied. Several times he looks off to the north, then finally says, "Master Rennik. Do you see that?" pointing to the north.
Rennik stops. "See what?" In a moment, it becomes clear what Mission is pointing to, when several birds suddenly take off several hundred yards to the north of the party.
"Birds. That's the fourth time I've seen birds take off to the north of us. It is always that same distance away, and seems to be traveling parallel with us. I've watched, and there are birds to the south of us that are much closer, but they do not take off. Could someone be moving along a parallel path?"
"Aye," says Rennik with an irritated look on his face. "And damn my eyes for not seeing it sooner. You are a watchful man, monk. I would say that that is exactly what is happening."
(Turn 3 takes place immediately following this exchange between Rennik and Mission. Please send your reactions along with any conditional responses you wish.)
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
Garyth's eyes narrow as he looks off to the north. "There's only one way to be sure."
He turns to Rennik. "At least one of us needs to get over there and have a look."
(OOC: How much cover is there? If we're in a forest, there should be rather a lot. Garyth will want to see for himself.)
>
> From: "Daniel Bates"
> Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
>
> "But... there's now way that anyone could see us through the trees. They
> can't be trailing us intentionally. Like Brother Rennik said, there are
> many paths that lead east; surely they are simply on another one? The fact
> that they seem to be shadowing us could easily be coincidence."
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
The cover is sparse. A few trees and bushes by this point, now that you are out of farmland. Howevever, the distance from where the birds are taking off means that there is enough of these trees and bushes to obscure the view.
Visibility is about 50 yards on the ground. The location of the (presumed) other group is several hundred yards.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: He's Back! And now in a new 'stay fresh' pouch!
It's good to have you back-- I was in a similar situation.
I love the game, but darned if I'm paying just to play. . .
:)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
There is much about this party that Mission does not understand-- but why they have forsaken the hunt for monsters that ARE real in exchange for the shadows presented by a rambling, poisoned, apparent enemy is foremost among them.
And so he is quiet as the party makes their way eastward, having seen how little favor his questions garnered earlier in the day. Perhaps the wereboars seek this tower the man spoke of-- evil drawing evil, like to like.
Perhaps Anileth is-- Mission shudders. That is not a thought that bears further thinking. Here is the path, in front of him, hard enough to walk as it is, without adding caltrops to the path of the future.
He is careful when he points out the flights of birds to keep his voice calm, inquisitive-- though he knows, as well as Rennick, what they might mean.
"Maybe it is just another group of people headed. . .eastward." He does not say, 'to the tower,' but that is implied, and what everyone is thinking anyway. "They have been moving parallel to us for some time--if they meant us harm, they would have moved closer by now. Perhaps."
He grins. "I'd like to make sure."
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
Rennick kicks himself for not seeing the birds sooner. Too busy trying to decipher the many trails and pick up on something of the wereboars.
Then to Garyth.
"I should go ahead, but it would be good if you follow. We don't know how many there are, and if either of us reveals our position we'd best have backup."
He glances at Mission.
"I would suggest that the monk comes with us, but I worry about leaving the wizards with only one strong arm to defend them..." He glances disparagingly at the wizards lack of bodily protection.
Rennik slings his axe back upon his back and straps it in with a leather strap, then draws his bow before proceeding off the path toward the place just ahead of where the birds flew from.
(OOC: He'd be using all his powers of stealth and perception... and he'd also take notice of any strange behavior of animals, or animals not indigenous to the region. If we used Farron's ferret as a scout, they may use something else to keep track of us)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
All right, I'm not home and I won't be home until tomorrow. However, this is not Sa'id's area of expertise; he will defer to the party's decision and follow whatever course Garyth, Rennik, and Mission settle on.
:)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
I just need Karl to check in.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3) calling Karl
Mission bites his lip as Garyth follows Rennick north, watching as the warrior's polished armor glints in the sun.
"Cadfael," he murmurs. "Could you ask your god to shine a little LESS brightly on Garyth? A blind man underwater could see him coming."
Mission will keep his ears (and eyes) open for an ambush. He will patrol as stealthily as possible, ranging no more than 20 ft. from the farthest magic user-- thus, if there is Archer trouble, he can get quickly to the enemy while Cadfael protects our mages from melee fighters. If there is a melee attack, he is within Tumbling distance to slip between fighters and our mages and lay down an hurting.
Rennik's Face
Subject: Rennik's Picture
I did mention back in the group photo emails that I was working on character sketches, and I still am. This is the rough for Rennik at the moment. As I try to capture each of your characters, I'll send them to you individually for review and then adjust to your comments.
Once I get faces down a bit, I'll work on bodies more (though I have a pretty decent idea of those at the moment... except for Sa'id who's being camera shy... well, pencil shy...).
In any event, here's a rough sketch of the angry halfling. :)
Farron Waits, Karl Comments on Rennik Pic and Responds to Downtime
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3)
Farron, who currently recognized Garyth as the authority in the group will do as he suggests.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: Rennik's Picture
Now that's pretty cool! Strangely, that's very much what I was picturing in my mind for Rennik, also.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (3) calling Karl
Sorry. Once I leave work on Friday, my computer time is unpredictable at best. Haven't been at home on weekends much these days.
Encounter With Halflings, Rennik Fires, Garyth Charges, Others Run to Help
Subject: Hey Karl
Nevermind. Your email was getting routed to the wrong folder.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Hey Karl
And here I was, about to send out an email reading: "We're just waiting for Ty to check in."
;)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4)
Rennik, Garyth and Mission move quietly toward the area of the frightened birds. Rennik moves quickly to the front, staying so low to the ground that his already diminutive size is nearly halved, and even the smallest of trees and shrubs provide good cover. Garyth follows as best he can, trying to stay within line of sight of the Halfling. Mission brings up the rear, moving quietly in his loose garments, and keeping his eyes on Garyth's back.
Mission stops after 20 feet or so, unwilling to leave the mages so far to the rear. He keeps his eyes on Garyth's glinting armor, and curses the luck that caused the fog to burn away just when it would be useful. Eventually, they get so far away, that he loses sight of Rennik entirely, and can only see Garyth's movements when the sun glints off a metal stud.
Garyth notices that Mission is no longer at his back, but not wishing to let Rennik get out of his sight, continues to follow. He stays as far back as possible while not getting separated from the small barbarian.
Rennik spots something unusual in a thicket of trees ahead, and drops to the ground, effectively vanishing from Garyth's sight. Not being a fool, Garyth drops too, and stops moving, waiting for a signal. He does not see Rennik move.
(stopping here to get some info from Rennik, then the turn will continue)
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4)
Farron leans against a nearby tree (if one is available) and chatters quietly with Jack.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4)
Garyth sees Rennik suddenly reappear. Placing his bow at his feet behind the shrubbery, he stands with his hands raised above his shoulders and splayed wide.
He speaks loudly and clearly in the halfling tongue and is sure not to make any sudden movements.
"Brother halfling! I know not your tribe, but we do not seek war! The human is clumsy and foolish, but my hunting party brought him along out of pity! We apologize if we trespass! I ask that you lower your bow so that we may speak!"
Garyth just barely has time to utter a, "What the?" when sudden movement in a small copse of trees about 200 feet away alerts him to a cleverly hidden person holding a bow. He can see that the bow was probably previously aimed at him, but has now swung around to aim at Rennik.
"Looks like the jig is up, boys," a high pitched Halfling voice says. "Try to get one of 'em alive."
This is followed by the musical twang of a bowstring and the whistle of an arrow in flight. The arrow [Total roll: 17 vs. AC:18] actually passes through a loose fold of Rennik's leopard skin covering and he feels it's tug on his clothes at just an instant after he hears the bow. His reflexes fling him to the ground anyway, even though it's too late.
(Rennik is in a fight. Garyth can see a fight. Mission can barely see Garyth, and can make out nothing that is happening at this point. The mages and Cadfael are just hanging out. However, all four of them can hear a distant twang, that may or may not be a bowstring.]
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4)
Rennik pops back up from behind the bushes, bow in hand and sends an arrow back at the soon-to-be dead halfling who had the unmitigated gall to fire at him.
As he looses his arrow, he calls out again:
"Halfling of the honorless tribe, now you die!"
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4)
Garyth drops his bow and draws his sword. "Overlook!" he cries at the top of his lungs and runs at full speed toward the nearest hostile halfling.
(OOC: He will, of course, attack as soon as he gets the chance.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Rennik looses another arrow into the same halfling who had shot at him and curses under his breath as he sees Garyth charging forward. "Stupid humans... always underestimate our size and numbers"
He shouts as he looses another arrow into any other halfling with a bow.
"Fall back to a more reinforced position you fool!"
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Ok, for the four who are back at the trail, you can travel 4x your normal movement if you run flat out. However, you will still take about 3 rounds to get to the fight even running. I just need you to check in and let me know if that's your plan.
Just check in quick and tell me what you are doing.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Sa'id will use this round to cast Mirror Image on himself, then start running next round.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Mission drops his staff, draws and loads his crossbow. His heart thuds within his chest. Blood calling blood. The marks that run from his wrists, up his arms, then down his back, thighs and calves warm as he whispers softly to himself.
"Blood be stone. Blood be stone." He calls to the mages and cleric. "Ambush!"
"Fall back!" he hears (hopefully? He is Listening, after all . . . :) ) Rennick cry.
Mission will move within the crossbow's striking distance as quickly as possible (40 ft/round x 4= 160 feet/round. Is this right for a lvl 5 monk, Ty? It's been a long time since I've calculated movement. . .). He will cover Rennick and Garyth with ranged attacks as best he can.
OOC: If either of you two mages have any charm or confusion spells, barbarians are not known for their WIL saves. I think.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Yes, you are calculating his movement correctly. You do in fact hear Rennik yell.
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Cadfael moves out at his max rate, keeping one eye behind him on the mages to make sure nothing pops out at them while he's gone.
He does not draw his mace, preferring to leave one hand free to cast spells with.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
Cool all, we just need Karl and I will do first round mayhem. :)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
If possible, when he is near enough to crossbow the halflings, Mission will fire upon the enemy closest to Rennick-- since they both take action before anyone else, perhaps that will allow us to eliminate some of our enemies more quickly.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; on the trail (4) part deux
At Mission's words, Farron will head toward the fighting in an all out run. (I'll check my spell list and let you know what I'm going to do once I get in position.)
Results for Rounds 1, 2 and 3, Mission Pic
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Round 1:
Seeing that his first arrow struck to good affect, and not wishing to lose the initiative, Rennik fires two more arrows in quick succession at the staggered halfling. Both arrows hit [25 & 26 to hit] and the Halfling who fired on him falls into the brush in a red mist. [5 & 9 damage]
Mission runs toward the battle with astonishing speed to those behind him. He covers 160 feet in just a few seconds, trying to get into crossbow range. He gets into visual range of the battle just in time to see one of the Halflings struck by an arrow and go down. By next turn he will feel comfortable with the range.
As the Halflings begin to spread out from their hiding places, Rennik and Garyth notice that one of them, equipped a little better than the others, is staying toward the rear and shouting orders. He points in Rennik's direction and shouts something, and half the group charges at him. The other half moves toward the approaching Garyth.
Garyth, shouting his war cry, charges the Halfling group. They have arrayed themselves in a rough half circle in an attempt to surround him when he arrives.
Farron and Cadfael run after Mission, quickly falling behind the fleet footed monk.
Sa'id pauses for a moment to utter a few quick syllables, and three exact duplicates of him pop into being. The four Sa'ids run after the rest of the group, about a hundred feet behind.
(Next round, Garyth and Rennik will be in melee combat. Mission will be in crossbow range at the end of the round, and Farron, Cadfael, and Sa'id will still be running toward fight. However, Farron will be able to see the fight about 300 feet away, and may attempt to cast long range spells if he wishes to stop running.)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
It was pointed out to me that I may not have been clear on needing new turn instructions from everyone. My little synopsis at the end is just the left overs from last round. I need you to check in and tell me what you want to do THIS round too. :)
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Garyth, seeing the halflings arrayed before him, moves toward one side of the group in an attempt to keep from being flanked. He proceeds to attack the nearest halfling.
(OOC: He'll move to whichever side is closest to him, the goal being to keep the closest halfling between himself and the rest of the group.)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
All four me's will run toward the battle sounds until I can see what's going on. :)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Rennik looks for a moment at the leader and debates loosing two more arrows, but the charging halflings obscure his view. Growling under his breath, he looses two arrows into the halfling leading the pack.
After the second arrow is away, Rennik drops the bow and makes to draw his axe.
"Come to your deaths!" he shouts as the group closes on his position. "I am Rennik, warrior of Chorrdath, and I will use your bones as wood for my fire!"
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Cadfael continues huffing and puffing his way toward combat.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
(OOC - Where is the apparent halfling leader in relation to the battle? )
Farron plans to move to within 150 feet of the battle before stopping to cast Magic Missile. (He should be able to evoke 3 missiles at his level, right?) He will choose the best target once he has gotten in range.
(OOC - I'd have had Farron stop at 300 feet, but unfortunately he doesn't have any prepared spells with a range that far. In fact, most of his spells seem to have a range of about 35 feet.)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Sa'id can fling a Fireball up to 600 feet, but unfortunately it looks like the fight will have progressed to a bunch of melee brawls by the time he gets there, so he could either roast everyone for 5d6 or run much, much closer and use one of his ray spells.
We shall see. :-D
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
We need a feat for 'Fireball of Selectiveness'.
:)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Well, it's not like our fighters couldn't take it ;)
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Don't think I'm going to clean up your mess, boy :)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Okay... you try out your fireball on the halfling, and he'll try out his axe on you. Sound fair? :)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
:-D
The ray spells are only 35 feet. But then that's why I have the mirror images... hopefully no one will shoot me with arrows while I'm running up into the midst of the battle to start casting :-P
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
(Scott, I don't normally like to go without everyone checking in, but Mission is just running this round anyway, so I decided to go ahead)
Rennik shouts in triumph when he sees the first Halfling fall. He immediately looses two more arrows at the five who are charging him, scoring only a single hit [Attacks 22 & 16]. The struck opponent staggers a bit as the arrow bites into his thigh, but keeps running [Damage 7].
Mission continues charging toward the fight, eventually getting into a range he feels comfortable with (160 feet, -1 to hit) then dropping to one knee to take careful aim (he can fire next round).
As Garyth arrives at the second group, a wiry and tough looking halfling wielding a short sword lunges at him while he is still trying to maneuver his position, but he easily parries the attack with his long sword [Attack 13]. Garyth promptly ripostes after the block, and slices open his attackers exposed arm [Attack 25, damage 6].
The Halfling that you have come to think of as the leader mutters a few words, and everyone who can see him promptly stops thinking of him at all. (no one can direct attacks or spells at him)
The other four Halflings attacking Garyth spread around him attacking while he defends himself from his first opponent, and even though he dodges and evades with all his considerable skill, two of them landing blows that hurt [Attacks: 21, 19, 8, 11; damage 2 & 5] Neither blow does serious harm, but he will wear two large bruises under his armor.
Cadfael and Farron continue losing ground on Mission (they are half way to the fight, about 250 feet remain).
Sa'id follows in the rear, another 100 feet or so behind Farron, and mentally flipping through the list of spells he can use when he gets in range, while cursing that this big, easily fireballed group is standing so close to his companions.
(send me actions for round 3)
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Nice day for a jog, don't you think?
(jog jog jog)
(stupid armour, making my base move only 20', before too long Sa'id's probably going to pass me!)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
You know what? You're absolutely right.
I have been letting you move too fast. :) You are actually 340 feet from the fight, back with Sa'id. Farron is way ahead of you.
Sorry about that.
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Rennik unclasps the leather strap holding his axehandle, and swings his waraxe down from the sheath on his back. Screaming, he lunges into battle, swinging his axe at the nearest halfling to him. (OOC: adjust -2 to strike and add that to his damage, please, if you would. He's using Power Attack)
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Curse my honesty and rugged good looks!
Oh well, at least I'm well out of fireball range ;)
Where are Garyth and Rennik relative to one and other? Or can I even see the battle at this point?
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Garyth and Rennik are about 70 feet apart. You are closest to Rennik. Yes, you can make out flashes of the fight through the brush and trees.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Garyth continues trying to maneuver to get the first halfling between himself and the rest of those attacking him, and presses the attack on the one he has wounded.
(OOC: He'll continue dodging the one he's already engaged.)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
(OOC: Could I see the leader when he cast his spell? Will I be able to fry him when I get closer?)
The four Sa'id's continue running toward the battle.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
You saw something happen, though you are too far away to use spellcraft, and in any case, you are totally uninterested in that person anymore.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Obviously, keep moving 'till I can pin some of them there halfling folk to the ground. . . :)
And while this isn't nearly as artistic as Twinky's Rennick sketch, this is what I developed (via NWN's Toolset) for Mission.
Disregard the actions if we've moved on to the second part of the battle. . . I think I was pretty clear what I wanted monk-ey boy to accomplish in my previous slate of emails.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Just a blink, and the halfling hanging back from the pack was gone. Mission squints-- was he even there to begin with? The pulse of his blood is a chant in his veins, as he moves swiftly into position.
He will fire off one bolt, into the halfling nearest to Rennick-- if Rennick and Garyth are still trying to retreat, he will continue the next round with crossbow fire. If they look to be holding their ground, Mission will decide then.
Are any of the halflings trying for ranged attacks?
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
The Halflings you can see are all attacking with melee weapons.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 1
Twinky (Sa'id) didn't do the Rennick sketch. FlyingCow (Rennick) did.
:)
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 2
Farron will keep running. If he gets within 150 feet (I'm calculating that right, right?) he will cast Magic Missile (3 missiles all aimed at the nearest enemy halfling).
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
As the halflings eagerly converge on Rennik, he hurls down his bow and draws his heavy dwarven axe. He moves a step forward and prepares to swing at the leader, hoping to decapitate him in a single blow. The man he was before he left his people would have felt only the rage and bloodlust of his berserker training, but his years traveling with and learning from the elves have made him more perceptive. Perhaps it is this that causes him to look into the eyes of his first attacker, seeking some meaning in their charge. What he sees there is only madness; madness he has never before seen in the eyes of his people. His blood runs cold as he realizes that these foes will not stop, that only the complete destruction of one side or the other will end this fight.
Rennik grunts and swings, putting extra effort into the blow. To get so much power into the swing, he winds up earlier than usual, and the lead halfling's eyes go wide as he sees the attack coming. He ducks with a speed that only men who see their death before them can muster, and Rennik's axe ruffles his hair as it passes over his head. [Attack 14]
Mission has been down on one knee drawing careful aim. He sees the group of five converge on Rennik, sees Rennik swing and miss the first, and knows he could be overwhelmed without help. The wounded halfling, with an arrow still in his leg, is moving around to the side, hoping to flank. Mission takes a breath, then lets half out, and gently squeezes the trigger. The bolt flies true, and strikes the limping halfling square in the back, just below the shoulder blade [Attack 20]. The halfling screams in pain [damage 5] and falls to one knee. He appears grievously wounded, but not dead.
Garyth continues to move and circle, hoping to keep his group of foes from completely surrounding him. Some part of his mind wonders if yelling and charging was the best tactical decision, but that thought is quickly forgotten as the need to avoid getting stabbed takes greater priority. The halfling that he has already wounded attacks him again with startling quickness, but again, Garyth's skill with the long blade turns the blow aside [Attack 7]. This time, he knocks the smaller man's sword wide, completely opening his defenses, and lunges forward. He drives his sword to the hilt in the halfling's chest [Attack 26; Damage 12]. He yanks the sword out quickly to protect himself from the four that still surround him, and his mortally wounded opponent falls.
They swarm him all at once as their companion dies, and only Garyth's quick footwork keeps him from being overwhelmed. For the next few seconds, he puts on a display of swordsmanship that is astonishing to see. None of the four can get a blade past his defenses [Attack 16, 13, 1 (automatic miss), 14] and one of the four trips and almost goes down after a particularly powerful block.
Farron stops running about 130 feet from the fighting. He closes his eyes for a second, and tries to control his heavy breathing as he prepares to cast a spell.
Cadfael continues to lumber up the hill, hoping to reach his companions before one of them falls. He is vaguely disconcerted by the fact that lightly outfitted Sa'id goes loping past him even though he had a considerable head start. ( Cadfael is 260 feet from the fight now, and at 80 feet per round, still a good 3 rounds out of it L; Sa'id is 230 feet out)
The cluster of halflings around Rennik thrust and feint like a pack of dogs harassing a wolf. They stay out of reach of his axe, and try to turn him so that those at his flank may strike. The only one who does not attack is the halfling that Mission's bolt drove to his knees. Of the other four, the first to feint is almost knocked down by a block from Rennik [Attack 1 automatic failure], but his three friends take advantage and all three hit Rennik's exposed sides or back [Attacks 21, 18, 18; Damage 4, 1, 2].
(Round four after everyone checks in)
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Garyth continues to maneuver around his enemies. His eyes widen as he sees one of the halflings trip; he doesn't miss the opportunity.
(OOC: He'll attack the halfling who tripped. Make his Dodge point the next closest halfling after that.
Also, I was wondering what you all thought about the possibility of moving the game to another medium. I'm hosting a forum at my website and I could easily set one up for this game. Obviously email has it's benefits, but it would make archiving the game a bit easier. I could go either way, really. Let me know what you think.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Something snaps inside Rennick as he watches the four circling halflings, feeling like a bear at bay. His eyes glaze over in his rage, and he bears his teeth in a vicious snarl. His focus is clear - a single goal. Live long enough to beat Garyth within inches of his life for getting him into this mess...
Rennick will press his advantage on the halfling who has been knocked off balance, swinging hard at its chest and growling like a caged beast. (Power attack, again shift two dice to damage... and he's raging for the next 7 rounds)
OOC: Well, on the bright side, my last attack would have missed regardless of the power attack negatives... :whew:... on the not so bright side, why does Garyth get all the crosseyed halflings?)
Oh, and yeah, the drawing is me. Hi there! I'll be getting around to my own Mission drawing, and I'll be using that pic as its basis!)
Counting Halflings, Round 4 Results, Combat Map, Archives Introduced
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
(OOC-- For a little DM-lovin'- Ty, this was a great write up.)
Out of the corner of his eye, Mission finds himself most impressed by Garyth's defensive sword-work.
Mission will stick here for the next round and continue to lay crossbow havoc on the halflings around Rennick. He will, however, take note of where Farron is, and will try to be aware of any ranged attacks directed toward the wizard.
If Rennick gets hit again next round (round 4), Mission will run to assist him in melee combat the round after that (Round 5).
If any archers move to attack Farron this round, or if there is any threat AT ALL to the wizard, Mission will
attack that threat in Round 5, via crossbow bolt. The wizard takes precedence over Rennick.
(OOC again: I include instructions for round 5 because it looks like everyone is online at the same time but me. Don't want to hold the game up. . .)
Where exactly IS Farron in relation to Mission? If I read things right, Mission is 160 feet out from the battle; Farron is 130 feet out. If our Dear Little Friend (100 no-points if anyone can guess the literary reference) pops back into existence in front of Farron to smash him with a mace, could Mission run to him and attack him all in 1 round?
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Just a quick count of our enemies:
1 Dear Little Friend DisApparated or Otherwise Missing;
5 (1 wounded) around Rennick
4 around Garyth
That's 10 total that our characters know about-- there are 12 total in Ty's initiative run down.
Tricksy little halflingsss.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
(OOC-Is Farron closer to Rennik's battle or Garyth's? If he is equidistant, he would fire at the nearest halfling attacking whichever of his friends is in most apparent trouble. If this is a wash, then he will fire on the halfling nearest to himself.)
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
I'm for staying with email, really. In the other game I'm playing, we toyed with a forumn briefly, but for some reason it didn't seem to work very well for everyone. (Truthfully, I can't remember why, exactly.) I'm easy, though, so I'll go with whatever the group wants.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
I'd like to take this opportunity to say that Matt has done a really cool face pic of Farron.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Matt:
My apologies for getting the wrong artist. . . what can I say? I'm an idiot.
You, however, are a supremely talented artist, whose art supplies I am not worth to jam into my eyes.
:)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
I cast my vote for staying with email. . . I fear change. . .
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
The four Sa'ids will keep running toward the battle.
(OOC: I'm happy with how email is working.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Yeah, I'm pretty much for email, but I could always give a forum a shot.
As for art supplies, feel free to jam mine or anyone else's into your eyes at any time... ;p
As far as the original count of halflings goes, Rennick already killed the first one we saw, who had his bow trained on Bright-Shiny-Boy-Who-Likes-to-Charge-Blindly-with-No-Regard-for-Numbers (three guesses who that is, and the first two don't count). So..
1 dead with three Rennik arrows in him (he was their bowman, it seems)
1 dead from Garyth's sword
1 guy we've forgotten about (leader boy)
4 crosseyed ones on Garyth
1 wounded guy on Rennik who doesn't attack
4 more on Rennik
That's 12 for ya.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Math was never my strong point. . .
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Cadfael silently hopes that the runty little wizards who took off past him don't get themselves whooped before he gets to the battle. Other than that, he continues running toward the battle and vows to lay off the doughnuts. For real this time.
OOC -- While the forum is an interesting idea, E-mail is probably better. We all check our E-mails more than we'd check a forum, don't we? And as far as archiving goes, the only problem I've had is not having a record of all the thing my character has said. Which is something I might ask for eventually, because it'd be nice to see how I've been developing the guy.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Sounds like the consensus is to stick with email, which is cool. Just thought I'd throw the idea out there. Regarding archiving: I have been logging almost all of my received messages in daily digest form. I'm missing a few messages here and there, though. Some I deleted because they were OOC, some are because I forgot to save a local copy of my own posts and some I don't know why they're gone. I could post those to my web site if you like.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 3
Sounds good to me. And that way you'd start getting more traffic right away ;)
:-D
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
Rennik lets out a roar that is loud enough to have come from the great cat whose pelt he wears. The five halflings facing him look stunned for a second as he becomes a whirling dervish of death, swinging his heavy axe like it was a twig. This second of hesitation proves to be the first halflings death, as Rennik's axe smashed down on top of his head [Attack 26], and doesn't stop until it exits out just below his left arm [Damage 19].
Mission quickly reloads, and decides that his safest shot is at the wounded halfling he already hit. That one has started to get up, and despite his wounds looks more than willing to get back into the fight. Mission utters under his breath, "No. Stay down," and fires a second bolt at him. Just as he pulls the trigger, he sees something horrifying out of the corner of his eye, and his discipline breaks just enough to pull the bolt to the right [Attack 8] where it flies harmlessly past its target.
Garyth has begun to feel more confident about winning this fight, but at the same time, more confused by the fight itself. Why are these halflings, who are clearly outclassed, continuing to press the fight? He has known quite a few of the small folk in his time, and none of them were battle maddened suicide fighters like this. Again though, his thoughts are swept away by the need to keep these confusing halflings from poking holes in his well cared for armor. He takes a swipe at the opponent who tripped, but his confusion has taken away his concentration, and the attack [Attack 10] doesn't even come close. He curses under his breath and tries to clear his head and focus.
Farron has all the focus he needs. After a couple of quick deep breaths, he opens his eyes and raises one hand. A few perfectly enunciated arcane syllables bubble from his lips, and three impossibly fast shards of light streak from his hands to strike one of Rennik's opponents in the back. The halfling gives off a gurgled yell [Damage 2, 4, 5] and staggers forward. He turns around and looks for whoever did that to him. Seeing Farron standing there with his finger pointed, he taps a companion on the shoulder and the two of them run down the hill toward him.
The thing that drew Mission's attention makes its appearance. A grotesque spider several feet across is running rapidly down the slope in Farron and Mission's direction. At it's current speed, it could reach either of them next round.
The two halflings fighting Rennik cast an irritated look at their companions who have taken off after the mage, but they show no sign of giving up. Both let out high pitched screams and lunge at Rennik with their short blades. Now facing more reasonable numbers, Rennik is able to easily turn them both aside [Attacks 8, 6].
Garyth is having his own troubles managing the four fighters that still harass him. They have begun to use quick feints and flank attacks, much like the tactics that worked so well on Rennik last round. [Attacks 13, 10, 18, 19] Two of them land solid blows, and one of the two finds an open spot in his armor to cause a serious wound [Damage 5, 3 + 1d6 flank attack for 4; total 12].
Cadfael lumbers up to within 180 feet of the main fight, and within 30 feet of Mission.
Sa'id runs past the casting Farron, still trying to get into his spell range, he is now 110 feet from Garyth's fight.
(The appearance of the spider reminds everyone who saw him of the vanishing guys existence, for some reason, though he remains vanished)
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
(OOC: I've finally caved in and drawn up a sketch of where I think everything is. Feel free to correct it, Ty. Downed halflings are not shown.)
Sa'id slows as he approaches and passes Farron. He grimaces at the sight of the two oncoming halfings, realizing he won't be able to lend any aid to Garyth without dealing with these two first. His grimace turns even more dour as the giant spider materializes on the scene, and he realizes what the tickle in his mind means. Flicking mentally through his options one more time, he regretfully puts the Fireball incantation, that had been primed and ready at the front of his mental queue, aside. As much as he would like to use it on the spider, there is no certainty that the blast would also hit its master.
Sa'id's eyes flick back to the closing pair of halflings disdainfully, and he mentally recites the incantation of Scorching Ray.
(OOC: As soon as they are in range, I will loose the ray at whichever one is closer. My primary goal is still to get close enough to Garyth to cast Colour Spray, but I also don't want the halflings to get to Farron. I want to cast Scorching Ray on one of the two approaching halfings this round, on whichever one has been hurt the least, then I'll keep going toward Garyth until I'm in Colour Spray range.)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
The map isn't bad, and I am going to steal the idea and use it going forward. The one change is that the spider is much closer to the mages than the map shows it. It is actually on the OTHER side of garyths group.
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
The edges of Rennik's snarl turn upwards into a growling smile as the shower of blood from the shattered halfling splatters across its two companions. Further pressing his advantage, he swings at the midsection of the halfling already wounded by arrow and bolt. (normal attack, no Power Attack, but still in rage)
Seeing Garyth's trouble, he tries to maneuver his way in that direction, directing the dance of death with the other two halflings to draw himself closer to the other fight and more targets.
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
The map helps a lot. However, shouldn't it also show the other three
Sa'ids?
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
Farron will cast Summon Monster III to summon 1d4+1 fiendish monstrous scorpions. (OOC - I'm not exactly sure how this works. Do I tell you where? If so, place them so they are between the spider/halfling attackers and Sa'id/Farron/Mission to the degree that is possible.)
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
(OOC-actually, I just noticed something. . .how small is "small"? I think I'll change that to 1d4+1 of Celestial Giant Fire Beetles)
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
Seeing the spider Cadfael calls out, "Mission, remember you're carrying antitoxin!" and continues at a run. He's going to move his Maximum 80 feet to place himself between the oncoming Halflings and the mages. Along the way he's going to pull out his mace, as the party is far too spread out to gain any real benefit from his boosting spells and he's not close enough to use any touch spells that he might want to use.
If the halflings beat him to the mages (which they probably will) he'll simply get close enough to engage in melee combat.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
How close is Garyth to the two halflings approaching the magic users?
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
Right now about 80 feet. But 150 feet by next round.
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
There HAD been a halfling. Mission curses his lack of concentration as a creeping spider appears from nowhere-- the rush of memory and its appearance startle him into misfiring his crossbow.
The runes on his wrists pulse within his shirt sleeves.
Mission will move to attack the spider with flurry of blows.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
Garyth grits his teeth in pain as the halflings' blades find their marks. A moment of fear passes over him as he sees the two halflings break off to attack the magic users, but they are too far, and he cannot risk disengaging from those already attacking him. He snarls and continues to attack.
From: Mike
Subject: Game Archives
I've posted the first four days of archives to my website. You can find them at:
http://www.sakeriver.com/game/
There may be some posts missing, I'm not sure. I'll post the remaining days as I have time to convert them.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Game Archives
Sweeeeeeeeeet!
There are a couple of omissions that I can see, but nothing important. :)
On reading the stuff over, it seems I was given a potion of moderate healing but didn't notice. I've updated my equipment. :)
Thanks, Dan. :-P
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is Joined 4
Ty, can we get a Hit Point update after the next round? Is anyone is serious trouble yet?