Battle Ends, Scrolls, Some In-Party Friction
Subject: Re: Mailing List, sort of
OOPS!
Looks like we dropped them. Not sure when that happened.
Where is dan the lawyer?
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Mailing List, sort of
Sorry guys, been having problems with a flakey internet connection for the past few days.
Anywho.
Cadfael looks sadly down on the broken and burned halfling at his feet. He looks up to see another halfling standing and grits his teeth while advancing on him, so focused that he does not notice that the rest of the party seems to be thinking the same thing. Once again he raises his mace and brings it down on the poor creature's small frame.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Mailing List, sort of
Maybe we can just give Tom and AKA the link to the archive. Then they won't get inundated with our emails, but can still check in on the game if they want.
Round 8 in just a second.
From: Ty
Subject: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
It is a scene to bring pity to the heart of even the most cold blooded combatant. A single halfling, in ragged leather armor and wielding a crude short blade stands with teeth bared facing off four powerful warriors. And yet, there is no quarter to be given. The halfling rages and thrusts at those closing on him, and shows no signs of even considering surrender.
Rennik is less aware of this than the others, perhaps. His barbarian rage is at it's peak, and while it grants him almost superhuman strength in battle, it also clouds his mind to some degree. While the others approach with grim looks, Rennik charges with the battle glee still on his face. He winds up for an incredibly powerful swing, throwing all his weight into it. The swing [Attack 10] fairly whistles through the air, but the air is all it hits. The nimble halfling, demonstrating that it has not lost *all* sense of self preservation, jumps backward away from the strike.
The halfling's amazing leap of evasion carries him out of the range of Missions two quick strikes as well. [Attack 1, automatic miss]
Unfortunately, being surrounded, the leap had to take him closer to an attacker, and he lands right in front of the bleeding and angry Garyth, who takes the opportunity to drive his sword [Attack 22] into his back [Damage 12]. The halfling falls to its knees, face contorted in pain, and looks up just in time to see Cadfael approaching, mace held high. The last thing the halfling ever hears in this world is, "Be finally at peace" before a heavy mace smashes into his face [Attack 23] and erases him from the world [Damage 10].
Farron and Sa'id continue to search the area, but in vain. There is no sign of the halfling that disappeared. After a few more moments, Farron's beetles disappear in a puff of smoke.
(send me post battle turns)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Mission will search the remains of the halflings for anything interesting.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Sa'id ignores the conclusion of the battle, focusing instead on his discussion with Farron.
"If the leader was maddened in the same was as his followers, he is still in this area and likely to attack us by some means." Sa'id pauses. "Wait... a spell the invisible halfling cast. Should not that have dissipated his enchantment? And what of the mind-affecting portion of his spell? Perhaps it was not a simple enchantment at all..."
Fighting off a sudden urge to simply loose a fireball at some randomly-chosen area, Sa'id and his three doubles put their quarterstaves down and draw their crossbows. (OOC: My round will be getting the crossbow out and loading it.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Cadfael frowns at Mission as he rifles through the Halflings' belongings, obviously not approving of looting the dead. "I suppose we must do what we must" he mutters, and joins Mission in searching the dead. Pausing long enough at each body to close their eyes, fold their arms over their chests and say a prayer over their bodies. "I would normally burn the dead and let Pelor welcome them into his arms, but I fear these will find no home in Pelor's halls. Rennik, how does your God tell you to treat your dead?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron turns to Sa'id and the cleric, "I'm guessing you won't be needing an autopsy to determine cause of death here," he says grimly. "Clearly these halflings have been driven mad or are under some dark spell to have attacked us so fiercely even when the outcome had become clear. Do you know what could have compelled them so?"
He turns his gaze to look directly at Cadfael, "I can't shake the feeling that you know more than you are letting on about the dark forces that are working here. If there is something we should know, honor demands you keep us informed."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
As the halfling expires, Garyth sinks to his knees, letting out a long breath. He absently wipes his blade on a nearby patch of grass, seeming a bit dazed. A moment passes; he sits, wiping his blade and bleeding. Finally, he seems to come to his senses. Garyth tries to stand, and, as he does, finally becomes aware of his wounds. He falters and sits again, removing his pack and rummaging through it to find the healing draught that Cadfael had given him.
(OOC: This constitutes my test of the mailing list. Tom and Anne Kate, I can add you to the list if you like, or if you would prefer not to have your mailbox constantly flooded, you can browse the archives at http://www.sakeriver.com. Let me know what you prefer.)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Rennik releases his rage and begins to calm some, allowing the head of his axe to fall to the ground while still gripping the haft with his right hand. Breathing heavily, his shoulders slump a bit and his ragged breaths come with a bit of a growl as he stares from beneath furrowed brow at Garyth.
"Your wounds are a lesson. Be glad you did not face twelve of *me*. You would do well not to underestimate halflings again... we will talk more on this again when I am less likely to add to your injuries. When we camp tonight, words must be spoken. If our enemy had been greater, you would be dead. And likely more of us."
Rennik shakes his head wearily and collects his bow. He moves off toward the fallen halflings to examine the bodies, hoping to find some reason for their attack, or some hint at their origins.
Turning to Cadfael, "Among followers of Mielikki, we bury our dead naked in the earth so that they may contribute to the cylce of life, returning our bodies to the roots of the trees and creatures of the ground. I know not the gods of these halflings."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron puts a hand on Garyth to stop him from drinking the draught. "I'm sure our cleric friend here would be more than happy to offer you his healing arts," he says. "It would be better to save the potion for a time when his skill is unavailable."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
(OOC: Seems like the forwarding is working so far, although I got two copies of Karl's email. Hmmm... The point is to make it easier, but if you have to go in and delete the sender's address every time... I dunno, what do you all think?)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
(OOC: I don't mind replacing the sender's addy with game@sakeriver.com each time.)
Sa'id looks around, clearly irritated. "Might I remind you that this battle may not be over?" Shaking his head, he continues to fiddle with his crossbow.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Well, I can work either way. I have always just hit "reply all" when responding to a turn unless the action is for GM eyes only. So, for me, deleting the sender's address is an extra step. However, the one advantage of this list is that no one will be mistakenly left off of future replies when the list is used. (So, again, I can go either way.)
Karl
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron replies, "Give me a target, and I'm ready to fight. If one of us is going to be stabbed in the back by an invisible halfling, it might was well be while doing something useful as while staring uselessly into space hoping he pops into view."
Nevertheless, Farron does pay closer attention to his surroundings, watching for any sign that the invisible halfling is in the area.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; picking up the pieces
The party scatters out across the battlefield, looking for clues.
Sa'id moves around nervously, crossbow clutched tightly, seeking the foe that disappeared. He seems agitated that the others are not as concerned as he is.
Rennik looks through the affects of several of the fallen halflings, and pulls open their armor. He points out to everyone the crude tattoos that decorate their forearms and chests. He and Mission both find something else of interest. Each of the halflings seems to be carrying a oiled scroll case inside his armor. Being experienced adventurers, neither cracks open the scroll case, instead they set them aside to be examined by the wizards.
Other than their weapons and armor, the halflings carry very little else. Each of them has the oiled scroll case. A few of them have coin purses, but very little money. They are as ragged and under equipped as they had first appeared.
While searching the area near the halfling bowman, Rennik finds tracks leading off to the east. They are fresh enough that they are probably the tracks of the vanished guy. It looks like he left right after the fight started, and he was moving at a run.
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
I suppose if we know not their ways there is little we can do for them. It's probably best for us to leave them here in the woods. Perhaps they have families that will find them and give them the care they deserve.
He kneels down to a body next to him and moves to shut its lifeless eyes. When Farron addresses him he snatches his hand away, a stunned expression on his face. He slowly turns to Farron, looking unsettled, but offers no immediate answer to his query.
A few moments pass before speaks, and when he does there is a hint of venom in his voice. "I assure you, sorcerer, that I know no more of this than you or your mageling friend behind you. A holy man does not cloud the minds of others, he opens their eyes to the glory of God. I would think that the pain and insanity these men suffered through are more your territory than mine. Perhaps *you* could offer some insights into how someone with an intimate knowledge of things arcane could cause these poor men to lose their souls. I walk in the light, my faith guides my steps more surely than a faithless man's honour ever can."
"However, if you're asking my opinion on the matter, I would say it had something to do with the Halfling we lost track of. Did Sa'id not say that he summoned a great spider? It would seem he is the one we should be asking, not I. Beyond that, we're journeying every Eastward, ever toward this black tower that dieing wretch told us of. I feel that this is its influence."
(OOC, before I start tossing around healing magic like candy, what's everyone's current/max HP right now?)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Garyth is down 25
Rennik is down 13
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron says nothing but looks over the other members of the party to determine if anyone else is bothered by Cadfael's belligerent evasiveness.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Garyth does not speak at Rennik's harsh words, his expression a mix of shame and pride. At Cadfael's heated response to Farron, he lowers the vial. He speaks in weary tones.
"Please, let us be at peace. None of us is an enemy, and we must work together if we are to help Overlook."
He slowly stands, drawing a breath and wincing as his armour tugs at his wounds. "It appears that for the moment we are alone," he says, pointing to the tracks, "so we have a moment to regroup. Still, we would be wise to follow our assailant."
He turns to the mages. "Farron, Sa'id. Can either of you shed any light on what these poor souls were carrying?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Farron takes one of the oiled cases and examines it closely. If it does not appear trapped, he will open it. If it contains a scroll, he will attempt to determine what the scroll does.
(OOC- Ty, please email what Farron finds out to karljennings@usa.net. I won't be at work this afternoon so if you send to the work address (i.e. the one I'm writing from now) I won't get it until tomorrow.)
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over
Rennik replies to Cadfael with lingering anger in his voice.
"Their souls were lost long ago, and it was not by magic. I wish it were. These halflings are of the Murrkat tribe." He spits on the nearest halfling. "We thought their vile and savage ways had gone out of the world. It seems we were wrong."
"They can rot. I will give them no burial, and Mielikki no blessing. Whatever wicked gods they follow can come claim them."
Rennik's expression grows dark and more solemn as he walks toward the first halfling killed, the archer.
"There is one, though... " he pauses to compose himself. "There is one who is not Murrkat, but Logi. Friends and brothers to my tribe. Good people. Kind. Compassionate.... Never would one of the Logi take up with the Murrkat." He makes as if to spit again, but instead kicks one of the fallen Murrkat halflings in its dead ribs.
"There is evil at work. Evil magic." He makes a face that shows his distaste of the word. "My attempt to parlay would have been honored by the Logi. He would not have fired upon me. Perhaps... perhaps these scrolls are cursed."
His expression is one of confusion, as he searches to find some reason this halfling would have ever taken up with the Murrkat, some way he could have been corrupted.
"I will take time to prepare the body of the Logi archer so that he may be at peace with Mielikki. I agree we must follow the one who escaped, but he is far ahead of us, moving at a run. His path is clear enough to follow. If he is the cause of my tribe-ally's madness, he will be found, and I will kill him."
Using the spike-like back side of his axe blade, Rennik begins to scrape the ground beside the fallen Logi halfling, making a shallow grave. He will hollow it out with his hands enough so that the halfling will rest under at least six inches of dirt, and then he will strip the halfling of his clothing and weapons. Reclaiming his arrows, he will place the body and a well-loved bow in the grave and cover it with the dirt. He says a quiet prayer to Mielikki and leaves the grave unmarked.
(OOC: this will likely take about a half hour or so, in which time Rennik will concentrate mostly on his task. He may chime into conversation while digging, but not once he starts to prepare the body. It's pretty obvious he's not going anywhere until this chore is done.)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
Farron takes one of the small scroll cases, and sits down cross legged to examine it. Sa'id's curiosity draws him over to peek over Farron's shoulder as he works, though he remains standing with his crossbow ready.
Farron turns the case over in his hands, examining every side for runes or other possible nastiness. Not seeing any, he grips the cap and pops it off in one quick movement. Nothing explodes, so he feels more confident as he drops the scroll into his hands and examines it. The outside of the scroll has no markings, so he unrolls it just the tiniest bit, looking at the tops of the characters on its face. A frown crosses his face, and he unrolls it the rest of the way to read.
It looks like a rubbing. Like someone placed the parchment over an engraving of some sort and rubbed charcoal on it to copy the text. There are two large words at the top, and a long paragraph of smaller words going down the page. At the bottom is actual writing. It looks like someone has written the word 'Kielsen' in blood.
Farron looks up at Rennik and says, "Is this written in your halfling tongue?" Rennik comes over to examine it, and says, "The first two words are. I don't recognize the rest of the text. Those two big words at the top are 'Kor Garesh'. Means... ummm... like light absorber. Light taker. No, actually, more like light drinker."
Sa'id has been watching all of this, and his fingers fairly twitch to get his hands on the scroll. Finally, he tosses his crossbow aside and grabs the scroll. "Let me look at this!"
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
As Sa'id eyes the scroll, an undefineable expression flickers across his face. "Not 'light drinker,' 'soul drinker,'" he says, his voice thin. "Soul drinker."
Sa'id pauses to look over the rest of the scroll, and his frustration returns. "I would be willing to wager that the writing in blood is this poor halfling's name. As to the rest of it... regrettably I elected NOT to study the tongue of fiends during my time in Nesalin. We should examine the other scrolls, at least."
From: Dan
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
The anger drains from Cadfael's face at Garyth's words.
"My apologies, brother, I fear I was being rash. I have rarely spent any time away from the church and I'm afraid that I'm more... on edge than I would like to be. I assumed you could all feel the evil from the other man just as I assumed you could feel the... lacking in these Halflings."
"As none of you have had the benefit of the teachings I have had, allow me to elaborate. These halflings aren't dead... or they are, but dead isn't the right word for it. Have you had experience with a freshly deceased body? There is a warmth to it, more than the warmth of the blood, the warmth of the soul as it departs the body. I can't feel that in these men, they're empty. It's as if the soul was ripped from their bodies as they died, taken from them and caged somewhere. I have never seen anything like it and I find it... distressing. I have witnessed the deaths of evil men before, and this is different. It's not just unholy it's completely unnatural. I fear I cannot find the words to describe it."
Cadfael rises and walks toward Garyth. "Thank you, brother, for showing patience where I had none. Please, allow me to wash away your wounds." He reaches out and gently closes Garyth's eyes, "Pelor, I ask that you wear this man's wounds for him. Allow his fragile body to be whole once more."
A gentle warming slides down Garyth's body, growing warmer at his wounds, and heating to the point where it is uncomfortable. There is a sudden stab of heat and a pure, white light bursts forth from each wound, leaving smooth unbroken skin beneath. [Cure serious wounds 3d8+5]
Cadfael winces along with Garyth as the spell finished "I'm sorry it burns, Garyth. I'm afraid those unaccustomed to Pelor's warmth find the heat surprisingly intense. For his humble followers it is more like a warm embrace."
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
Cadfael heals 23 points of damage on Garyth.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
Sa'id nods at Cadfael's words, thinking again of the lingering warmth in his mother's hands as he held them while she died. Shaking his head to clear the memory, he moves toward the next nearest halfling (but not the one Rennik is working on) to look for another scroll.
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and lookin' at scrolls
A scroll case will be found on each of the dead halflings, including the Logi tribesman. When the name on that scroll is read, Rennik utters a sound that is almost a cry of pain. "Fayten. I never met him, but his sister is the wife of my cousin. This man was family. Someone has made me slay a kinsman."
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
If anyone needs to do further stuff at this location, please check in and let me know what it is.
If not, what we have so far is:
Rennik burying the Logi tribesman
Sa'id and Farron examining the scrolls
Mission searching the bodies carefully
Cadfael healing Garyth
Garyth getting healed
Am I missing anything? Please check in with next plan of action when you get a chance.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
That's all for me. And eventually gathering up my staff and crossbow, of course.
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Well, when all is said and done, and the Logi tribesman is buried, Rennik would turn to Sa'id and ask a question.
"You say the scroll has devil language. It also has my kinsman's name. What must I do to release him? Would destroying the scroll help ease his passage? Or would it damn him? You spoke of a soul drinker... how do I free my kinsman's soul so that his energy may again return to the cycle?"
From: Karl
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Farron will interject, "I have some proficiency in languages. Alas I have not prepared the spells I need to examine these further today. I suggest we take these scrolls with us for the time being and I can perhaps decipher them in the morning. We should be able to put them in a single scroll case." (OOC-That is, assuming the cases are identical and nothing happens if we put two of them together.)
From: Ty
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Yes, you would be able to put the scrolls into a single case if you roll them tightly.
From: Raja
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Sa'id sighs and shakes his head. "I... I am not sure. My spell of magic detection did not show any signs of enchantment on the halflings." Nodding at Farron's suggestion, he continues. "I think Farron's course is wise. If they are somehow enchanted and the scrolls are the focus or trigger, destroying them could do more harm than good. We should wait until we know more, as much as I dislike the thought of denying your friend his afterlife."
From: Matt
Subject: Mailing list
Hoo boy... okay, if we're gonna reply all, we have to make sure we take out the other names from your "Send to" box... I just got three duplicate emails, for a total of six.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Mailing list
Quoting RynDrythorn@aol.com:
> Hoo boy... okay, if we're gonna reply all, we have to make sure we take out
> the other names from your "Send to" box... I just got three duplicate emails,
>
> for a total of six.
>
From: Raja
Subject: >_<
What the heck? I just got my own message from the mailing list only to discover that not only did it go to Rennik twice, there was also no content.
*thinks*
Ah ha!
I'm using a web-based client and my connection to the internet has been flaky over the last couple of weeks here at work because of a barrage of virii. The first time I tried to send the message it timed out and I had to go back. Of course, when you go back it gives you the page in its original state, not with text you had added to or removed from fields.
So the email I MEANT to send said "Yeah, I'm working on getting used to removing extra addresses when replying."
Ironic in light of what happened ;)
From: Scott
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Ooh, good idea.
Mission will retrieve his crossbow as well.
From: Matt
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Ah, yes. Rennik will reclaim his arrows before setting out. Two from his kinsman, one from a Murrkat and one that whistled into the woods toward his kinsman (I'd imagine I'd have to roll for that one)
He would take good care of the his kinsman's personal effects, hoping to return them to his cousin's wife. Also, he would promise to use the halfling's arrows to help hunt and kill those responsible for his madness.
From: Mike
Subject: RE: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on
Garyth winces as Cadfael's spell takes effect, but smiles immediately as he feels his wounds close. "Thank you, brother," he says, working his joints a bit. He glances a bit ruefully at the rents in his armor. The next time he has a chance, he'll have to do some repair work.
(OOC: Garyth will collect the bow that he dropped before heading out.)
From: Ty
Subject: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Is there any further conversation or decision making before you take to the road? And which road are you taking too? It is mid afternoon by this point. What time do you plan to camp?
Gimme some travel details.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
When everyone looks as though they are ready to set out, Rennik speaks.
"The trail of the lost halfling is still fresh and is easily followed. I must pursue for the sake of my kinsman. Perhaps the events at the farm, and Dame Elise's black pillar, and these wretched halflings all lead to the same ending point. We may yet even see the mad eyes of the farmers we seek as they rush to savagely attack us - much the way we saw a halfling far from home today. I do not know. I do not care.
"These Murrkat are rumored to have lived at the base of Mount Kessel. This creature will likely flee there. Kessel is west of here, and may be where Elise travels. I would have a hard time finding her trail at this point, whatever the case."
Rennik turns to address each member of the group individually.
"Friends Sa'id and Farron, if you would have your questions answered about the scrolls, we must follow that strange halfling. Brother Cadfael, if ever there was a place that needed the pure light, it is the home of the Murrkat. Friend Mission, I do not know your mind, but your skills would be valued greatly along this path."
He almost conspicously leaves out Garyth before looking him in the eye and adding, "If you wish to follow, that is your choice."
"We have a few hours of daylight left to travel. It would not be good to move too long at dusk, because the failing light makes for easy ambush. These woods are new ange to me, but not to the Murrkat it seems. We are in their territory, and I do not want to fight even more of their kind in near darkness. When the sun starts to fade, we should camp.... there are many words to be made about the events of the day."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
Garyth glances at the tracks the departing halfling left and then looks off in that direction. "Both the halfling's tracks and the road lead east. By following the halfling we are still travelling in the same direction, but we may be able to catch up to our disappearing enemy. We should follow the tracks until dusk and then look for a good place to camp; we don't know what might be lurking should we continue moving after dark."
From: Matt
Subject: Stupid AOL
(OOC: grumble, grumble... I send my email 5 full minutes before mikes, and it gets here 4 minutes after his... grumble... mike, I didn't ignore your post, I just didn't get it until several minutes after I sent mine. Hrmph.)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: First Day: the hunt; Battle is over and moving on 2
(OOC: Poop. Matt beat me to the punch. Well, the tracks lead east, even if the halflings' mountain home is to the west, so Garyth's statement will stand. Append the following, though.)
Garyth turns to Rennik, reddening slightly with suppressed anger, but his voice remains cool, if a bit stiff. "Master Halfling, our paths would seem to run together for a while, though you are and always have been free to go your own way. But don't forget who is in command of Overlook's expedition. Yes, we will need to have words before the day is out."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Stupid AOL
Hmmm, not sure what your email server is doing, but I got yours before I got my own. It looks like I received it as I was typing my first.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Stupid AOL
Even more stupid aol! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Dang it. I hate this damn server. For a while I was getting Dan's emails *four hours* after he sent them, and I had to have Ty forward me his replies. And now I'm getting things all out of order. Grumble, grumble... well, it's nice to know my own email got to you guys before it even got back to me. That's a bit wonky, if I do say so myself.