A Witch! A Witch! Burn Her!
Subject: Test
Sent 9/2/2004 at 9:26 AM
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
As quietly as possible, the party gets up and moves under thicker cover. Mission hands Promise to Rennik, and after trading hand signals for a moment, finds a tree that looks climbable. A few seconds later, in spite of the slippery slime covered branches, he is halfway up (climb 23 vs DC 20).
Rennik keeps the rest of the group together, under a particularly thick group of trees. No sky is visible above them, so he assumes they are well hidden. He considers drawing his bow, but with the child around his chest, this becomes nearly impossible. If he is going to have to fight, he'll need to give Promise to someone else.
Above, Mission has moved as high as the narrow branches will let him. There are still a lot of leaves above, and visibility is pretty poor. By grabbing one skinny branch and pulling it aside, he is able to create a small gap in the canopy above.
Something dark moves slowly across the sky, almost invisible in the dim moonlight. Then, there is a glint from two eyes, and the shape above suddenly makes sense. It is the witch. The one he'd seen back at the temple. She is slowly flying around above the tree cover. Something faintly shiny is held in her right hand. However, the glint of her eyes means that she is looking in his direction. Fortunately, she looks as surprised to see him in the gap in the trees as he is to see her.
[Mission is hanging onto a narrow branch about 45 feet off the ground. The witch is floating about 30 feet away and above. Initiative Mission 23; Witch 12]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Get me up there. I'll freaking roast her, damnable witches and their flying.
Off and Running Again
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Can Mission see what she's using to fly?
If he can load and fire his crossbow safely, then drop down further into the trees in one round that is what he'll do.
If he can't get a shot off, he'll climb down fifteen feet, then slowfall to the ground.
Man, I wish he was Mu Bai Li. I'd lay a Crouching Tiger bamboo jump on her like nobody's bizness.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
She does not appear to be using anything to fly. Just, floating around.
There is no way he can take out his crossbow, load it, and fire it this round.
Once you slowfall to the ground, what are you going to do?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Mission plummets through the trees, kicking off of one sturdy trunk as he nears the ground, to land next to Rennick.
"It's the witch. She saw me."
Promise. . . He can't. . . Swallowing, he takes the child from Rennick's arms. "We can move more quickly if I hold him. I don't need my hands to fight."
He catches the halfling's eyes. A bit defensively, he adds, "I'll stay close to you."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Player check in and responses please...
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Sa'id whispers quietly "I would offer my magics, but it might be best to conserve them for the end of the chase in case they catch us. Mission, were her eyes glowing?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
OOC: Flying enemies and me without a ranged weapon.
At Mission's report, Garyth looks up, scanning the sky. The witch must be some kind of advance scout. She knew they were here now, which meant that the rest of the hunters would soon know as well.
"We have to take her out before she can get word back to her hunters," he whispers, anxiously fingering the hilt of his sword.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
OODM:
Ok. You guys should know me well enough by know to know that I hate random events of incredible unlikeliness. The odds that the witch just happened to be floating over your section of jungle long enough for Garyth to notice her, and then only notice *you* when Mission pokes his head out would be a terrible plot device.
What is entirely more likely, is that she knew you were here all along, and has in fact been hovering overhead for some undisclosed amount of time (thereby giving Garyth many spot rolls in which to get lucky) and is in fact guiding the troops in as we speak.
You know. This being a very large jungle. Occam's razor and all.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Garyth is quite willing to let other, smarter characters think of things like that.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Cursing, Rennik immediately looses two arrows straight up through the trees into the night to give the witch something to think about.
Whispering to the others, he outlines his plan of escape.
"We must move. Now. Friend Garyth, lead Mission and the others though the forest in that direction as carefully as possible, trying not to disturb too much of the foliage. Caller Farron, is there any way for you to call a creature not to fight the witch, but to hold her in place, to keep her occupied directly over this spot for a minute or two? Maybe just herding her back to this spot if she tries to run?"
"I plan to set fire to the itchy moss once you are all on your way. If she stays put, she will inhale the smoke of the burning oils in the plant and no longer be a worry. The smoke from the moss should create a pretty decent sized wall of polluted air for our pursuers to run though - and hopefully they'll be breathing heavily from their forced march through the woods. If nothing else, the oily smoke in their eyes should keep them off our trail."
"If it all works, we should enter Kalama territory by dawn, and they will help us against the Murrkat and their allies." Hopefully, he doesn't add. He's still not totally sure they will not shoot them all during their flight, but it's a risk they have to take.
Still whispering, he nods to Garyth and points in a direction that is *not* downwind of the party, still heading toward Kalama territory. "Now, go..."
With that, he'll start a fire in the moss and run like hell as soon as it's lit.
OOC: If Farron is calling some sort of flying sheepdog, he will wait until that process is complete and Farron is on his way following the others before he lights the fire.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
OOC: To clarify, his first action is to Rapid Shot two arrows blind toward the witch. He's not expecting to hit, but miracles do happen.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
At Rennik's request, Farron will summon a Celestial Hippogriff and send it to (hopefully) tear the eyes out of the witch.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
I need to know if the witch's eyes were going. If they aren't glowing, I'll cast Invisibility Sphere before we start moving.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
Mission is bouncing on the balls of his feet, clearly eager to move away from here. "No. The witch looked surprised to see me, but her eyes weren't glowing at the time. She had a little light in her hand, though."
Invisibility
Subject: Re: The Chase; camping and eating and whatnot
"Good. Everyone, do your best to stay within ten feet of me. If you stray the spell will be broken."
[Invisibility Sphere]
A Hero Falls
Subject: The Chase; A hero falls...
Everything happens at once.
Mission speaks quickly to Rennik about the witch, and takes Promise back. Rennik draws his bow, and prepares to fire into the trees above. Garyth already has his sword and mace in his hands, and looks this way and that, searching for an enemy. Sa'id prepares to cast a spell.
There is a terrible roar, and something charges out of the jungle behind the party. Garyth spins around to face it, and nearly drops his sword. It is a terrible creature of flame, ten feet high. He can feel the wash of heat coming off of it as it moves closer. His only thought is how could that sneak up on us?
Rennik curses, because the flame creature stands between the group and Kalama territory. Either they will have to fight it or go around it. He is just starting to shout orders when Farron yells out, "It's not real! The fire thing isn't real! It's just an illusion!" [will save 21 vs DC18]
But it's too late; the distraction has served its purpose. Mission hears the distinctive sound of bow twangs come from the forest behind and throws himself to the side, cradling his son and shielding him with his body. A volley of arrows passes over him and slams into the party, who are still facing the fiery illusion.
Cadfael is struck once in the shoulder [damage 5]. Rennik is hit twice, in rapid succession [damage 4, 7]. A single arrow strikes Garyth, but sticks in armor without hurting him. Several arrows flash by and disappear into the jungle, one of them passing through the illusionary creature without a mark.
Farron spins around, and for one brief second feels the thrill of not having been hit, his heart pounding. Then he hears a gurgle sound and turns to Sa'id. The wizard has been hit twice. One arrow sticks out of his chest, and is buried halfway to the fletches. That is terrifying enough. The second arrow nearly makes Farron vomit. It has struck Sa'id in the throat, and the metal tip sticks out the back of his head, a bit of gray matter dangling from it. [Damage 8, Critical hit, Damage 23] Farron is still standing in shock when Sa'id falls to the ground twitching. [current hp -6]
Rennik and Garyth both spin to face the direction of the arrow shots. It is blank jungle behind them.
[Initiative Rennik 24, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Ranger 21, halfling 18, halfling 15, halfling 15, Mission 14, halfling 14, halfling 11, Cadfael 4]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Please remember to reply to everyone when you send in your turns. Thanks!
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Rennik watches a scant moment as Sa'id falls, saying a silent prayer to Mielikki to care for his soul. He then pushes all thoughts of the necromancer from his mind, focusing on the task at hand. There is no use dwelling on the dead, or he would likely join the unfortunate mage.
Wishing he had some way of creating fire quickly, his mind drifts back unbidden to the spellweaver and the flame that could leap forth from his hands... his plan for the moss slipped unhappily from his mind. The smoke would hinder the party as much as their enemies, and would undoubtedly kill Promise. Rennik curses under his breath and forces himself again to think.
His mind whirls. The arrows were well placed, grouped close - his mind rationalizes, fighting back thoughts of Sa'id as a person, thinking mechanically about the archer. Whoever fired them was very good - a lot better than Rennik was himself. And judging from the other arrows and the ambush, there were at least five. Plus that damnable witch - there's no way they could followed the party's trail without her aid. Curse spellweavers and their arts!
The time from bow twang to the arrows hitting his flesh was near instantaneous... he pauses, realizing suddenly that he'd been hit. The wounds were numb, shock still holding off the pain. If he stopped to long to think about them, the pain would rush in on him all at once - which he knows he can't afford. The distance... focus on the distance.... 50 feet, farthest. The jungle would prohibit accuracy from any further out, anyway.
Five, six... close at hand... likely Murrkat, plus that ranger. Their advantages are cover and ranged weapons - which Rennik plans to take away in short order. This fight must end quickly, before more of the halflings arrive. They have an opportunity to hit them fast and hard, and they needed to take it.
Judging from the angles of the arrows that him and Sa'id, and making his best approximation at where *he* would set up for a shot in the undergrowth, Rennik makes his best guess. Dropping his bow at his feet, useless at this range with no visibile targets, he reaches behind and pulls the shortened halberd from his axe's sheath and runs at the ambush to engage the enemy.
"Garyth! Tichenor! Stay close! There are no more than five - we cut through twice that like wet leaves!"
[OOC: Of course, these are probably level 14 murrkat ranger/barbarian/cleric/monks... ;) Is there any way to use Rennik's BAB ranged bonus as a mod for figuring out the best archer ambush spots in the jungle? Or to estimate the direction the arrows came from?]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Actually, it is not that difficult to tell where the arrows came from. Rennik will be able to charge into the assassins in short order. Or, at least the one that shot him.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Ahhh... that's right.
level 14 murrkat ranger/barbarian/cleric/monk/ASSASSINS
Now I understand perfectly... :-D
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
In this usage, assassins is a descriptor, not a class.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Garyth staggers as the arrow strikes him. The impact was hard enough to turn him half-way around, far enough to see Sa'id slump lifelessly to the ground. After all this, and now one of his companions gone in a flash.
Grimly, he breaks the shaft off where it enters his armor. He is moving almost before Rennik can even call for him, a cry springing to his lips. "Overlook!" he shouts, and springs forward toward his attackers.
[Full Attack]
From: Ty
Subject: testing the list
Test?
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
OOC: Forgive the prattling pre-battle bits. But it looks like the old E-mails sent to the defunct list are lost and I figured I need to write *something* about the run through the woods. Don't worry, it's brief(ish).
IC: Only a short time has been spent fleeing through the jungle if he thinks about it. It had been like moving through a dream, capturing every moment and enjoying it for the purity of the sensation. That kind of dedication draws time out and as the sun moved across the sky the day itself stood still. In the back of his mind he knew that this euphoria was a shield preventing him from being washed away by his sense of loss. A feeling he was hard pressed to justify. A small voice at first, but growing louder during the flight from the temple. And in its noise he found that denial of that feeling, of what they were facing, denial of the enormity of what he had done was filling the void of the weight he used to carry. It had given him something to focus on. A false smile was still a smile of a sort. And thus armed he lay down to sleep when told.
Hours or moments later he woke when shaken although he did so only grudgingly. If not for the dead of night and the tense nature of the moment the others would surely have noticed how aloof he was, but it was hard to stay focussed. All the worries of the party, all their danger could not touch him. What was there to fear? The difficult part was over. He had walked into the belly of fear and plucked out hope for the future -- an impossible task and a world more danger than a lone witch and her followers. Pelor would not let them fail.
Still, a soft grunt forced its way through his lips when the arrow tore through his shoulder. He was fortunate, it did not catch on a bone and passed easily through the flesh of his outer arm. Though he turned instinctively to watch the wounding arrow finish its flight the necromancer's fall stole his attention away and he never did learn where the arrow fell.
It comes like second nature; they needn't have woken him for this. The arrows tease out easily from Sa'id's body, made easy that the man is not conscious to struggle. Pelor's blood flows through Cadfael's veins, spilling down his arm and out over Sa'id's face. And so the God's blood mingles with man's when Cadfael places his hand on Sa'id's forehead to coax the fire back to his eyes. [Cure Serious Wounds]
From: Raja
Subject: Test email
This is a test of the Overlook campaign mailing list on my server.
Raja
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Test email
Whoa, it worked.
Now lay down and play dead, wizard boy!
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Test email
*gurgle*
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Did they mean to miss him? He was closest to the attackers, and they fired over his head. Mission feels an exhuberent fierceness lock his heart. He was tired of running, tired of . . .
Caution. Wisdom. Promise is silent in his arms.
Mission sucks in a breath. How many attackers were there? And with bows and arrows aplenty.
Close the gap-- the party couldn't run, obviously, not with the witch flying above, and a tracker after them. Grimly, Mission faces the forest where the arrows had come from.
"Sand take you all," he mutters at the darkness, and shifts Promise to hold him with one arm.
OOC: He will follow Rennick into the fray, keeping one hand free to use the Deflect Arrows feat.
From: Dan
Subject: This had better work *grumble*
For some reason I don't appear to be getting the messages I send from my yahoo account. So I'm going to try again from my Hotmail account. Sorry to those of you who get this twice.
[Editor's Note: The rest of this entry is the same as the previous one from Dan.]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: This had better work *grumble*
I got this one, as well as one from Scott, earlier tonight. Was I the only one?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: This had better work *grumble*
I got two from Dan saying essentially the same thing, two from Scott as well, and the test email
Avenging Sa'id, Irritationism
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Ty-- If possible, I'd like to apply my dodge bonus to the Ranger's attack.
If that isn't permissible, I'd like to apply the dodge bonus to whoever attacks me first.
If for whatever reason that's not permissible, I'll apply it to whatever enemy Mission sees first.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Farron would still be restricted to his spell list from the day of Promise's rescue, right? (Minus Haste and one Summon Monster III which he used) right?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
"NOOOOO!" Farron cries as Sa'id falls to the ground. His first thought is to help Sa'id, knowing he needs attention now or he will die, but he knows that if the archers are allowed their onslaught, they very well may all die.
"Cadfael!" he calls, hoping the priest will see Sa'id's peril and will be able to help him, then he plunges one hands into his robe pocket and removes a smallish crystal rod capped with ornate brass at each end, filled with a smokey substance that glows with alternating colors. The light from the rod is an oddly cheery light, especially when contrasted with the dark rage in the mage's eyes. Holding the brass ends of the rod with his palm, he points his extended arms in the direction the arrows came from aiming just past the edge of the clearing. Silently, his fingers play in an intricate pattern across the brass ends of the rod, sending a beam of white light to the spot where he was aiming. The jungle at that spot begins to glow merrily as dazzling colors play across the air and around leaves and vines in a circle 20 feet across.
Farron knows it's literally a shot in the dark, but it's also the only spell he has that doesn't require a specific target. Silently he says a rhyme for luck his mother taught him. Superstition, sure, but it couldn't hurt.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: This had better work *grumble*
I've gotten messages from most everyone, including Dan's twice.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: This had better work *grumble*
Great! Looks like we're back in business.
Raja
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
Yes. You have only gotten about 3 hours sleep at this point.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; A hero falls...
OOC: Can I change my action?
Instead of following Rennick, Mission will hang back and try to protect Cadfael and Sa'id while the mage is being healed.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Ranger 21, halfling 18, halfling 15, halfling 15, Mission 14, halfling 14, halfling 11, Cadfael 4]
Rennik shouts to Garyth and Tichenor to stay by his side, and charges the undergrowth with halberd drawn. He has run only 20' or so when he sees a bow in the brush only 15' away. He changes direction slightly and slams through the foliage into a Murrkat archer. He bowls the halfling over backwards with the force of his rush, and swings his halberd in a heavy overhand chop, trying to split the hapless Murrkat in two [Charging +1, Attack 15 vs AC 17, miss]. The Murrkat rolls quickly to one side, and the halberd slams into the loam at his side.
Out of the corner of one eye, Rennik sees another Murrkat sneaking up on his flank, with a dagger drawn. There is a flash of gray, and Tichenor clamps his powerful jaws around the halfling's forearm, bringing a squeal of pain [Attack 21 vs AC 17, hit; Damage 2].
Garyth follows Rennik into the jungle at a run, and sees him struggling to pull his axe out of the ground while a Murrkat rolls to his feet. Not far away, the big wolf has his jaws locked into the arm of another halfling. Garyth decides to take out the halfling on the ground, and swipes at him in an almost casual gesture. This has become so easy for me, he thinks to himself, as his swing slashes through the halflings neck, spraying blood across the leaves [Attack 23, hit; damage 12]. The halfling sinks back, still alive, but unconscious.
Farron aims his component at the jungle, and sees Rennik and Garyth standing right in the path of his spell. He shifts his aim to the left, and casts Hypnotic Pattern into the jungle at their flank. At least no one will be coming at them from that side [Dice affected 11].
There is a stirring in the brush not too far from Rennik (spot check 18 vs DC15) and two more arrows flash out of the brush. The first arrow hits Cadfael in the arm in a painful flesh wound [Attack 16 vs AC 12, hit; Damage 12]. The second slams into Farron like a thunderbolt and hurls him to the ground [Attack 20, critical threat, crit roll 25, critical hit; Damage 25] with a shaft sticking out of his chest.
Mission rushes back to Cadfael and turns to face the attackers, hoping to shield the priest from further arrows while he heals the fallen mages. "Is Sa'id still alive?" he asks.
One halfling still struggles with Tichenor on his arm. He kicks the wolf hard in the ribs, and when it falls away, lunges at it with his dagger [Attack 19 vs AC 14, hit; Damage 5]. The wolf squeals once as the dagger scores his side.
Another halfling steps from the brush behind and to the side of Garyth. He fires one arrow into the man's back at point blank range [Attack 12 vs AC 17]. The arrow slams into the fighter's broad leather sword belt, and glances away. That's twice now luck has saved me, Garyth thinks to himself.
Cadfael curses [Concentration check 19 vs DC 22] as the prayer he was preparing to utter slips from his mind with the pain. He turns to look at the arrow sticking out of his arm, when he realizes Mission just spoke to him. He looks at the fallen wizard, and sees the breathing still steady, even as the twitching starts to fade. "Yes, he's alive, though how it's possible escapes me. His will to live must be incredible." [Sa'id uses fate point; stabilizes at -7] "Now keep those archers off me, and I'll make sure he stays alive!"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Oh, and here is the map.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Don't I get an AOO against the guy who shot an arrow at me? Or is he not close enough?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
He fired from surprise, a flanking shot, from about ten feet away.
So no. but now you can go kick the snot out of him if you like.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Mission pulls Promise to him a little more tightly. Sand and shadow. He nods at Cadfael.
Where is the witch? He blinks up at the canopy of the jungle, watching for her light.
Mission will continue to guard Cadfael-- total defense. If he can deflect arrows meant for one of the others, that is what he'll do.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Garyth feels the impact of another arrow, but though he'll certainly be bruised, he's still unbloodied. That luck won't last long, though; this fight needs to end. Tichenor still has the one archer, so Garyth spins around and attacks the hunter behind him.
OOC: If I read things right, I can make a five foot step and put the archer who just shot me about five feet away from me, which is in range. So I can attack him three times. Which is what I'll do.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Well, ok then.
But he won't like it.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Farron gasps as the wind his knocked out of him upon slamming into the ground. He hears a sickening gurlging from the wound in his chest as he tries to draw in air, thinking vaguely 'that can't be good'. Surprisingly his back hurts more than his chest, at least until he tries to get up. At least now he knows where the archers are, he thinks as he casts Magic Missile, sending all three bolts he is capable of at the archer farthest from Garyth and Rennik.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Darn. And I was so hoping he'd invite me over for tea after the fight.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Maybe he will.
You know, invite you over for TEA OF DEATH. IN HIS TEA ROOM IN HELL.
When he's all chopped up, less than six seconds from now.
Garyth got suddenly scary and competent at 6th level.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Well, I could use some company down here. You know how they say all the cool people go to hell? Well that was a lie. It's kind of... empty.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
No Moromons?
That's a relief.
Hey, maybe only mages go to Hell.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Sa'id would be an atheist if the gods didn't keep CLEARLY DEMONSTRATING THAT THEY EXIST. He's going to have a serious crisis of un-faith when all of this is over. That is, if he's alive. :P
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Maybe he can go from atheist to irritationist.
"God exists, but he keeps irritating me."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
:D
From: Ty
Subject: checking in
I just need turns from Cadfael and Rennik.
From: Dan
Subject: checking in
OOC- I'll learn you some Godly irritation! Or... something like that.
The arrow comes from above and solidly plants itself in the top of Cadfael's shoulder. The pain is excruciating. Shoving the pain aside he looks down at Sa'id and see's that the man still breaths, though is not conscious. The pain had been so severe that he had trailed off the casting without realizing it. Curse himself for a fool, his head in the clouds like it was. Propping his shield up to give as much cover to Sa'id and himself as he can he tries again. [Cure Serious -Daylight]
From: Matt
Subject: checking in
The red madness lurks at the edges of Rennik's vision, threatening to come upon him and thrust him into a rage filled frenzy of bloodlust and savagery. He fights against the anger and boiling hatred rising in his chest, knowing the battle madness would only leave him weak and drained when he most needs to run.
Falling into a pattern of breathing taught by the woodland elves who trained him in archery, he masters his rage and holds off the malice pressing at his temples through sheer force of will. The battle must be efficient and fast, a carving for a feast rather than a mutilation.
Escape was paramount.
Pulling the halberd from the ground, he turns to attack the halfling that struck Tichenor, swinging low at the wretched Murrkat's left thigh. As the blade swings through, he breaks his wrist and arcs the weapon high in a wheeling attack at his opponent's collarbone.
[OOC: If he kills the halfling, he will use his Cleave feat on the one attacking Garyth, if possible]
OOC Discussion: Hypnotic Pattern
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Hypnotic pattern may not last that long-- 2 rounds + whatever Farron's concentration score may be.
Be prepared for more arrowing.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Actually, I don't think it is stopping anyone from arrowing even now. Farron changed his aim to avoid catching Garyth and Rennik in the crossfire and ended up "hypnotizing" a section of the forest that as far as we know is unoccupied. (At least that's what I got from Ty's writeup.)
Karl
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Well, ideally they'll be sworded and halberded in short order. Mmm... short order. Maybe we'll serve them with a side of hash browns, and some bacon...
Making Halfling Kibble, The Ranger Enters
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Okay, check it out-- I *think* hypnotic pattern got two halflings. BECAUSE. . . the initiative order was Rennick, Tichenor, Garyth, Farron, Enemy Ranger, Halfling, Halfling, Halfling, Mission, Halfling, Halfling, Cadfael.
But we only saw the Ranger's attacks (that's who is next to Rennick, I think-- the damage inflicted is too high for the halflings), and the two halflings after Mission's turn. One halfling was killed by Garyth, taking that one out of the fight. That leaves two halflings, which either skipped their turn to throw off my calculations, or were hit by Farron's hypnosis, and haven't been able to reveal themselves to us.
Whatever the case, Mission is still keeping an eye out for arrows, and for the witch.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Well, Farron did change his aim to point to an area of the jungle he *thought* arrows were coming from, so Mission could very well be right.
Ty, when it says "Concentration+2" it means the Concentration modifier (i.e. 2) plus 2 rounds (meaning 4 rounds total) right? It's not the whole concentration score (i.e. 14) plus 2 (meaning 16 total) right?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
Actually, no. I am fairly certain it means number of rounds Farron concentrates on maintaining it, plus two more after he stops. So, if Farron takes any actions or casts any other spells, it lasts two more rounds from that point.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (1)
:bounces up and down: TYYY!!
Are we gonna get a turn today?
:)
:more bouncing:
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Ranger 21, Witch 21, halfling 18, halfling 15, Mission 14, Cadfael 4]
Rennik turns to face the halfling that stabbed Tichenor, a growl rumbling in his throat. The halfling takes a step backward, but Rennik is already leaping forward and a lightning fast rush. He actually has to jump over Tichenor, who ducks under him so fast it almost looks like precognition. Rennik's axe slashes down at the halfling's thigh [Attack 22, hit; damage 12; Fort save 20, save]. The edge of the weapon slices a chunk of thigh away in a bloody spray. After the first cut, Rennik shifts the aim of his weapon up [attack 14, miss], but the halfling is falling backward out of range from the force of his first hit, and he only cuts off a scrap of his opponents fur shirt.
Tichenor, have darted under Rennik when his master attacked, now lunges around from behind him to strike the falling halfling on his other leg [Attack 22, hit; damage 2]. He seems to just nip the inside of the halflings leg, but a second later a spray of bright arterial blood flows out, and the halfling goes down in a heap [dying].
Garyth steps toward the man who shot him in the back, moving as lightly as a dancer. In rapid succession he swings his long sword across the halflings throat, his mace into the side of his head, and following with a lunge to the chest [Attacks 12, 20, 25, miss, hit, hit; Damage 13, 6]. The halfling manages to use his bow to block the first slash at his throat, but that leaves him exposed for the mace strike to his head, followed by a lunge that drives the long sword completely through his chest [dying].
Farron struggles to sit up, and is just thinking of launching a magic missile when he realizes there are no live opponents in his view. He knows that he aimed his hypnotic image at an area of jungle that arrows had come from, so he rolls to his feet and begins moving in that direction, hoping to find them before the image wears off.
Garyth sees a movement out of the corner of his eye and turns to see the half elven ranger step out of the brush while drawing a long sword and dagger. The sword slashes at his face so quickly he almost doesn't see it [attack 24, hit; damage 15]. It slices a cut across his forehead that immediately begins bleeding into his eyes. But the pain of the cut is almost forgotten when the numbing cold spreads across his head. The sword leaves a trail of vapor in its wake like breath on a frigid morning.
Mission stands ready to stop any further missile shots at Cadfael and Sa'id, but nothing comes his way.
Cadfael regroups after the arrow shot, composes himself, and prays over Sa'id. While he prays, he breaks the shaft of the arrow in the wizard's neck in two, and draws it out from both sides. A warm glow flows from his hands and into the wound. Sa'id begins gasping and rolling his eyes wildly as he is drawn back from as close to the brink of death as a man can be [heals 17].
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
I'm unclear on the map at this point... would Rennik get an AoO on the ranger as he stepped toward Garyth? I'm not sure how close we are together, or which direction the ranger is coming from.
A new map, perhaps? Purty please?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
New map.
No AOO.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
The blood stings as it drips into Garyth's eyes. It's thick from the unnatural cold. Garyth almost feels like his head will freeze; it's enough to make his teeth hurt.
He pauses for a split second, sizing up his opponent. The half-elf holds both weapons in an easy grip. When he had attacked, he only seemed to flick his wrist, but his blade had moved so fast that Garyth could hardly see it. This one will not go down so easily.
Garyth takes all this in with just a glance, no more than a heartbeat, really. The others might not even have noticed the pause, but this half-elf surely did. He brings his sword up into a guard position and advances.
OOC: Full attack again. Dodge point on the ranger.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
BTW, since Raja is out for a bit, we are going to leave Sa'id sort of out of it during this fight.
I think it's very appropriate considering he just had an arrow pulled out of his brain. We'll let him rest a bit.
So I'll do next turn after everyone but Raja (and mike who was quick) check in.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
Heh. The thing about being a fighter, especially a melee fighter, is that your options are kind of limited. You see something, you hit it. Occasionally, you run away. Makes combat responses nice and quick.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
No more arrows-- between Farron's magery and Rennick and Garyth's onslaught, they were free-
No. Mission watches as the half-elven fighter slashes Garyth across the face. But the human soldier readies himself despite the blood dripping down into his eyes.
Do you see this, Promise? What wisdom would the boy learn from the sacrifice here tonight? Because of the child, Sa'id had almost died. But for the cleric of Pelor, sand-taken, manipulative god, he would have died. And Farron, and savage Rennick . . . All had been blooded here tonight.
But not Mission. What was the lesson in this? Where did the Path lead him?
Enough-- he could not question every move and whim. There were other things closer at hand to worry about. Where had the witch gone?
The answer comes easily enough. To bring reinforcements. Perhaps a number of real soldiers, and not these. . . skirmishers.
Mission will continue to guard Sa'id.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
Rennik's mind is calming now, following the elven battle rythyms, floating along the modified paces of the sword dance and keeping the red haze at bay. His breathing forcibly controlled, he turns his head smoothly from the blood spurting out of the halfling's neck, watching the ranger's sword flick across Garyth's forehead.
The blow was fast and clean, a true student of the blade, like his own teacher among the elven rangers, Elbereth Gwendyllion. "The sword is not the weapon of a savage," he was told, and the blade was never taught to him - yet he had watched the fluid motions of the arcing longswords and matched them with his heavy axe.
The strength of his arms compensated for the weight of his weapon, and the wide, flat head of the weapon learned to match his teacher's thin slices stroke for stroke... almost. He did not have the grace of the elves for swordplay, nor the leverage provided by their long, thin arms.
Instead, he had savagery.
It was true that the sword was not the weapon of a savage, he learned. That weapon was the axe. A heavy axe would beat back a swordsman if wielded with strength and skill, and Rennik learned to lean into his blows, to add extra weight to throw his master off balance. His controlled ferocity matched the elf's skilled grace, and he finally forced Elbereth to yield.
It was his last day with the elves, but the memories flood back on him as he again falls into the rythmic breathing and pacing of the dance. The halberd was not his axe, but, shortened as it was, it would do - if he applied the correct force. The technique would be similar, though the balance and weight of the weapon had changed.
Shifting closer to the ranger, but outside Garyth's sword reach, Rennik swings the halberd blade at the ranger's left thigh with an elven curse (the equivalent of calling him a half-elf/half-orc - roughly approximated as saying his mother was a dirty whore who slept with half-orc men), leaning into the strike with the weight of his shoulder [Power Attack 1]. He then pulls the weapon free, spinning it deftly in his hands and bringing it down with force and leverage in an overhead chop at the ranger's breastbone adding another elven epithet (essentially that the ranger is only half-human because there were no dwarves around when his mother was getting frisky), with enough weight to crush any parrying weapon against the swordsman's chest [Power Attack 3].
[OOC: Well, they say you learn the insults in any language first. Heh.]
From: Raja
Subject: Update
Apologies in advance to those of you who get this message multiple times.
I'd update my Hatrack thread, but it seems I'm unable to log in. "We have no one registered by that name." Have I been banned?
In any case. Sa'id being out of it is fine, Ty. If he does become less discombobulated, I'd like him to use Scorching Ray on that ranger. Matt, Elotai is interested in continuing his chat with Holn but we can do that retroactively so I don't bog your game down.
Finally, for those unfortunate souls in MY game, finalize your purchases/hiring, update your character sheets with your new net worth, and beyond that wait at least eighteen hours for me to arrive in Christchurch (four more hours here in LAX, which was shut down earlier today, and then thirteen hours on the plane to Auckland, and then a short hop to Christchurch). Possibly eight more hours after that for me to sleep.
On the guard front, the consensus seems to be a small number of high-quality guards; after some investigation and negotiation, you are able to hire up to three mercenary soldiers from the town's guard for 4 sp per day apiece. (In game terms, these guys are levels 2-3). Dimuz will make a contribution toward this as well; he has provisioned the wagon already and now gives Art a purse containing an undisclosed amount for unforseen emergencies and so forth (Jake, we'll discuss that further later on). These funds can be used to subsidize your guard salaries (since you're looking at up to 12 sp per day for two weeks).
I was going to post a travelogue on my Hatrack thread, but I guess I'll wait to see if this strange ban-like thing is still in effect when I get to NZ. I'm keeping a journal of sorts. On a related note, we flew over the Grand Canyon today (BOS-LAX) and the pilot banked the plane a few times so we could get a good look. It's amazing!
I love planes. :) :) :)
Raja
Some
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
I actually learned to say, "Like most people, we beleive in God," first when I learned Italian.
But I think I might be a special case. . .
:)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
Does Farron now see the (presumed) archers in the hypnotic pattern area? (Also, does it dissapate this round? Farron would probably know, right?)
Can he see the half-elf?
Karl
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
Karl:
If you stop concentrating, the spell lasts two rounds, and then stops. If there are halflings in the circle of the spell's influence, they'll be awake by the time your character get there. (Three people before your round = 3 rounds)
That's my undersnanding of the rules, anyway. . .
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
No, everyone's moves all occur in a single round.
There have been two rounds since Karl cast the spell. The spell will end at the end of this round. During this round, it is still in effect.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
As Farron heads toward the area he has put under the hypnotic pattern, he sees the half-elf step forward and deliver what looks like a fearsome blow on Garyth. Still unable to see if there are archers held in the spell area, and not wanting to waste precious time, he changes his intention quickly from casting magic missile and instead reaches into his robe for the familiar small straight bar of iron. He remembers how near he came to misusing that spell to devastating affect and only hopes that now it will prove quite the opposite, at least for his party. (Casts Hold Person on the half-elf.)
(OOC - I'm worried that now Farron is going to be primary target for two archers once the spell ends and has no cover. If possible, Ty, Farron would try to minimize that effect by moving first as far as he can to either gain some cover or put more distance between himself and the archers, but only as much as he can do and still get the Hold spell off this round.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
Just need an update from Cadfael.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
The heat rushes into Sa'id's body as he had faith it would. As always, whatever biterness he feels toward his Lord wash away with the joy of healing and once the rush is gone the doubts resurface unbidden in his mind. No, no time for that now. "Keep him safe," he tells Mission needlessly, and with a last look at Sa'id and a smile for Promise he hefts his shield and starts after Farron.
(If I get there in time I'll use a Cure Medium on him)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (2)
And if not, I hope you've got a "Cure Deadness" handy.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Ranger 21, Witch 21, halfling 18, halfling 15, Mission 14, Cadfael 4]
Rennik watches the last halfling (that he can see) fall, and in his calm mental state is actually able to resist spitting on the Murrkat's bleeding body. He shifts his weight after his swing, and uses his momentum to move toward the ranger fighting with Garyth. He moves around Garyth to his left, charging suddenly around his companion, and hoping to use surprise to get past the half elf's guard. He slashes downward with one viscous chop at the elf's leg [Power attack 2; Attack 14, miss], but the ranger is very quick, and a jump to the side puts him out of the halberd's range. Once again, it buries itself in the soft ground.
Tichenor follows his master's lead, and charges around Garyth on the other side, darting in and trying to trip the half elf [Attack 9, miss]. But the ranger sees him coming and kicks him, knocking the wolf away with a yelp.
Garyth watches the ranger dancing away from Rennik and Tichenor's attacks with growing concern. The half elf has excellent form, and moves like a master swordsman. Garyth waits until his opponent is between steps, sliding away from Tichenor's bite, then leaps in with his own flurry of attacks [Full attack; Attacks 13, 19, 12, miss]. Unbelievably, the ranger parries them all, turning the last sword strike with his dagger. Deep inside, Garyth feels the first twinge of doubt. It just may be possible this opponent is beyond them all.
Farron watches the ranger putting on his display of expert swordsmanship and decides to take matters into his own hands. He quickly pulls out the metal rod for a hold person spell, and moves a few feet to put himself in better position. The syllables rush easily to his tongue, and he mentally represses a memory of how close he came to using this same spell on Mission not long ago. He points his metal rod at the ranger, and feels power flow out of him in a rush. The effect is immediate [Will save 15 vs DC18]. The ranger freezes in place in mid dodge, and falls over on his side.
This sudden and unexpected turn of events brings everyone to a momentary halt. Even Tichenor just looks at the fallen ranger with his head cocked sideways.
Rennik is just starting to think of whacking off the hapless ranger's head, when there is a rustling sound from above, and he is suddenly in the center of a whirling storm of light. [Tichenor save 18 vs DC5; Rennik save 14 vs DC15; Garyth save 5 vs DC15] Rennik and Garyth are struck with awe at the whirling beauty of the lights. They are content to do nothing but stand staring at them with looks of bliss on their carefree faces. Garyth casually wipes the blood out of his eyes, to get a better look. Farron immediately recognizes the spell as a Hypnotic Pattern, and scans the treeline looking for the witch, but does not immediately see her.
Mission stays by Sa'id's side. The wizard is mumbling and still mostly incoherent. He twitches periodically.
Cadfael rushes toward Farron, moving much more quickly than normal without his heavy armor. As he moves toward the wizard, he mentally blocks out the sight of the flashing colors and fascinated party members. Help one person at a time, he thinks to himself. No need to rush into the light and get himself stunned. A prayer flows smoothly from his lips, and he pulls the arrow from Farron's chest, filling the wound with Pelor's healing light [healed 13].
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Oooooo... Lights. Pretty.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Swirrrrrrrrrly......
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
The only person to roll well in this entire round was the wolf.
Oh, and the witch didn't do too bad when rolling her spell effectiveness.
But everyone else sucked (poor stiff ranger).
Black Tentacles and the Other Two Halflings
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Mission looks about wildly for the witch. Sa'id babbles on behind him.
Promise is a still, warm weight on his left arm.
Mission will continue to guard Sa'id.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
OOC: Hmm... can anything be done about the swirly lights? I have things like remove paralyzation and remove fear, but I don't think either will work. I guess we need some sort of dispel magic or just wait it out? Of course, if either of those *do* work I'll be all over casting them like white on rice. Casting white rice spells. Or something.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Well waiting it out would be a Bad Idea (tm) since it's concentration based, and the witch could just sit and watch us squirm until the cavalry arrives.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Damn that witch! Farron thinks. He jams his hands back into his robe pockets and grasps the small stub of candle and the tiny bag. He considers summoning the Celestial Hippogriff again and sending it to find and claw the eyes out of the witch, but then he thinks it might be better if he can cover more ground. He pictures in his mind three Celestial Eagles trying to hold their image firmly in his head as he performs the incantation that will bring them into this plane. (1d3 Celestial Eagles summoned).
(Assuming he is able to summon more than one eagle, Farron will direct them to search out and attack the witch will all their ferocity. He will direct them to spread out to search but to stay within their 30' limit and to attack immediately when they spot the witch, trying to attack from different angles to maximize the distraction.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Another question about the spell. Was I just out of range of the spell when it went off or did I make a will save so I can move closer without fear of being enraptured?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Seeing as how it took 14 HD just to affect Tichenor, Garyth and Rennik, it probably just didn't have the umph to get you - that would have required another 6 HD.
And, um, whatever happened to the giant fire monster illusion? Did it dissipate?
In any event, Rennik will stand there enraptured by the swirlies until someone throws a bag over his head or something.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Actually, from the map I'd guess that Farron, Cadfael, and Sa'id weren't in the area of effect. But that's just my guess.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Actually, yeah. It was a stretch even to get rennik and garyth and tichenor all in it. Cadfael and Farron were outside its area of effect. And, in addition, it would not have been able to fascinate any more members of the party, since it could not encompass any more hit die.
Cadfael doesn't really have any spells that would stop the effect, but there are certain physical options available that I will give additional saving throws for. The spell does mention that creatures who can't see are not affected?
Ok, so I have Farron casting his summon spell, Mission continuing to guard Sa'id, and am just waiting on a final decision from Dan.
Garyth and Rennik continue to watch the pretty lights.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Here's the relevant passage from the SRD, in case anyone is interested:
A fascinated creature is entranced by a supernatural or spell effect. The creature stands or sits quietly, taking no actions other than to pay attention to the fascinating effect, for as long as the effect lasts. It takes a -4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Listen and Spot checks. Any potential threat, such as a hostile creature approaching, allows the fascinated creature a new saving throw against the fascinating effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a ranged weapon at the fascinated creature, automatically breaks the effect. A fascinated creature's ally may shake it free of the spell as a standard action.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
It's hard to ignore the lights flashing in the forest, in truth it looks like the glade outside the church of Nesalin on the Summer Solstice. Of course, part of the point of those celebrations was to be seen where certainly that wasn't the goal here.
Carrying on after Farron Cadfael slides past him and continues to the two stupified warriors. The witch knew where they were and if anyone were to attack them they would be defenseless.
OOC: If any halflings/summoned evils/witches/rangers/ne'er do-gooders appear between Cadfael and the two star gazers he'll try and shield bash them (the evil ones, not the good duys) and generally stop any throat slitting that they may want to do. If he gets there without interruption he'll try and shake Rennik out of it by slapping and cussing and all the things he's wanted to do to the halfling over the past few days :p
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
Incidentally, the hold on the ranger will last about 5 rounds total (assuming no one dispells it before then or he doesn't somehow break out of it on his own).
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (3)
There you go!
Man, that's even more detailed than the information I had. Thanks, Mike.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Eagle1 22, Eagle2 22, Ranger 21, Witch 21, (11)black tentacles 21, halfling 18, halfling 15, Mission 14, Cadfael 4]
Tichenor, very disturbed by his master's dazed condition, does the one thing he knows how to do in such a situation. He bites someone. Someone, in this case, is one hapless Half Elven Ranger who lies stiff on the ground nearby. In his primitive mind, Tichenor is not entirely sure that biting the ranger will help anything, but clearly it can't hurt, and sometimes a wolf gets lucky. He grabs hold of the ranger's leg and begins thrashing his head back and forth [Attack 16 vs AC12, hit; Damage 5].
Farron drops the metal bar back in his pouch, and pulls out his candle. A quick rush of words, and there is an answering screech from above his head. Two powerful celestial eagles appear in the branches of a jungle tree. Farron directs them to attack the witch, and they launch themselves off the branch and up through the leafy cover. Screams of triumph from the large birds come seconds later, telling Farron that they have spotted their prey. [will attack next round]
The wolf gnawing on his leg seems to spark something in the fallen ranger, and he shakes himself awake [Will save 23 vs DC18]. He pushes Tichenor away with one foot, and climbs back to his feet, still looking a bit unsteady.
There is a rumble, like a minor earthquake, and suddenly eleven long black tentacles reach out from the earth. The placement of the field of tentacles puts Rennik and Garyth at the northern edge, and Cadfael just outside the southern. Tichenor and ranger are outside the field as well, though just barely. The tentacles rise up from the ground, and appear to quiver slightly. Farron immediately recognizes the Black Tentacle spell, and knows that they will be inactive this round, though they will begin crushing to death anyone in their reach very soon.
He is just starting to yell this to Cadfael, who has begun moving toward the tentacle field, when there is a snap as an arrow glances off a branch nearby and clatters off into the brush [Attack natural 1, miss]. He turns in time to see two halflings, clearly no longer fascinated, moving out of the brush for a clearer shot. The second halfling fires [Attack 23, hit; Damage 3] at almost pointblank range, but Farron spins his body sideways, and the arrow just cuts a shallow groove across one bicep. Now I know where the other two are, he thinks to himself.
Mission continues to guard the Fallen Sa'id, who now shows signs of regaining coherence. [I am going to let Sa'id act next round. Karl, can you give me an action for next round for Sa'id too? Keep it consistent with the fact that he is only seeing this fight for the very first time when he sits up.]
Cadfael sees the field of black tentacles erupt from the ground in front of him, and hears the sounds of arrows being fired, and a yelp of pain from behind him.
[I am pausing this round at the end, to let Cadfael react as he wishes. Next round will be Cadfael's last action of this round, plus all new rounds for everyone. Let me know what you want him to do as soon as you can, Dan. Thanks. Everyone else check in with round five actions please.]
From: Ty
Subject: oh yeah, addendum to round four
Garyth and Rennik break their fascination when they see 11 large black tentacles about to feast on their fleshy nutrients.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
Cadfael skids to a halt as the tenticles erupt from the earth before him. "That can't be good," he thinks and turns to find another way round. In doing so he see a new rend in Farrons clothes and notes the two halflings that have emerged from the undergrowth. The disconnection he may have felt when the night began was starting to feel like a pleasent memory. Farron, wounded as he is, would likely perish under the arrows if left alone. The fighters would have to hold out for now. "At least it is night and Pelor may be spared witness of what I must now do" he thinks as pulls his mace free from his side. Gritting his teeth he runs down the nearest halfling, shield before him to protect him from the arrows and attempts to deliver a killing blow. This cannot be a long fight.
Rennik and Garyth Withdraw, Cadfael Charges In, Farron Hit Again
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
The tatoos on Mission's body are hot on his skin-- his legs itch to sprint into battle. But he resists the urge, and shakes Sa'id.
"It is not a good time to be laying about, mage," Mission says.
He will continue to guard Sa'id.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
Ty, what is the reach of the tentacles? Is Farron in danger from them at this point? Do they block him from casting against the half-elf if he chooses to? (that's mainly an academic question seeing as he has a more immediate threat on his side of the tentacle fence.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
Farron sees his spell fade and knows he is now one of the few targets they have left to choose. He grabs his staff and thrusts it forward. The eyes in the weasel-head of the staff glow blue as he begins to activate one of its spells (cast Shield).
Sa'id, still a little groggy looks up at the wall of tentacles, at Cadfael and Farron and the dim forms of the halfling archers. He looks down and sees the broken halves of the arrow that was pulled from his throad and snaps to attention. With building fury he thrusts his hands forward and says the words what will send a scorching ray of fire directly at the archer closest to Farron.
(Ty, Sa'id's action is assuming that he is not in peril from the tentacles. If it is, then, of course, he will move away from them ASAP.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
Sa'id is nowhere near the tentacles.
The tentacles are the gray circle with black dots in it on the map I sent. Sa'id is pretty far away from it.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
Oh, and Farron will yell "Get away from the tentacles" as loudly as possible.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
Cursed spellweavers and their cowardly ways, Rennik thinks to himself. The perversions grown from Mielikki's womb must surely be spawned from the same foul pits that birthed Kor Garesh himself. Hearing Caller Farron's words of warning, and having no wish to be near the tentacles at all, Rennik withdraws from the scene westward, past the bodies of the fallen halflings.
"Tichenor! Come!" He yells to the wolf growling at the man who had kicked him, with blood spattered across its muzzle and fur. Surely Mielikki's gift of providence has been more a boon than he even imagined.
Keeping clear of the tentacles and the ranger, Rennik removes himself from harm's way, circling slightly behind the ranger as he moves. Glancing again at the ichorous black tentacles which have burst forth from the ground, he thinks ruefully of the hellspawn witch that circles overhead. If he got his hands on the foul beast, he would cut her tongue and hands from her body, gouge out her eyes, and turn her loose in the jungle to be preyed upon by scavaging reptiles - if they could even stomach her wretched form.
Once outside threat range, he spins his halberd in his hands and looks for an opening to dart in behind the ranger.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
The lights danced and twirled about Garyth's head, and he laughed. He hadn't seen anything so amazing since... well, he'd actually never seen anything like it. He had a vague feeling that there was something he was supposed to be doing, but the thought kept slipping away before he could focus on it. And besides, the lights were far too pretty for him to be bothered.
The ground shook, and he looked away long enough to see the black tentacles rising from the ground. Startled, he glances around, seeing the ranger beginning to rise. What was he doing? He takes a step back away from the tentacles, but that takes him closer to the half-elf. He moves around the elf to the northeast, seeing Rennik move in the opposite direction. Good. Hopefully while the half-elf is busy with one of them, the other will have a chance to strike,
OOC: Garyth will move northeast outside the range of the tentacles, circling around the ranger. If he can do that with a five-foot step, then that's what he'll do and make a full attack. Otherwise, he'll just do a standard attack. Dodge point still on the ranger.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (4)
OOC: Ah, strike that. Garyth withdraws eastward. Better to save some HP.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Eagle1 22, Eagle2 22, Ranger 21, Witch 21, (11)black tentacles 21, Sa'id 19, halfling 18, halfling 15, Mission 14, Cadfael 4]
Calling Tichenor to his side, Rennik moves away from both the rapidly recovering ranger, and the mass of tentacles that look like they are starting to come to life. He circles away to the west, and then begins moving north, trying to force his opponent to put the tentacles at his back.
Garyth nods to Rennik and does the same, moving to the east and then north. Now the half elf has two opponents coming at him from two different sides, and the mass of tentacles behind him. It would be an uncomfortable position for anyone. Garyth glances at the tentacles and shudders. There is something profoundly disturbing about them. He starts to understand why Rennik and Mission are so distrustful of spellcasters.
Farron turns to face the two halflings that fired at him, holding out his staff and uttering a word of power. The eyes of the staff glow momentarily. There is no visible effect, but Farron knows that he is now protected by magic [shield spell cast, AC +4].
Above, there can be heard the screech of a raptor [Attacks 19, 10, 6, hit, miss, miss; damage 3], and the angry shriek of a woman. A second eagle cries [Attacks 12, 7, 5, miss] followed by a cackle from the witch.
The half elf, having finally shaken off the last effects of the hold spell, moves toward the retreating Garyth. Clearly, he does not want to leave his back to the tentacles any more than anyone else. Garyth just barely has time to bring his guard up before the ranger takes another quick slash at him [Attack 23, hit; Damage 14]. This time he deflects the frigid blade with his own, but the ranger shifts after the parry and cuts a long slice down Garyth's forearm. Again, there is a terrible feeling of cold in the cut.
There is a rustling in the leaves above, followed by a thump in the branches, and then one very stunned looking celestial eagle drops to the ground about fifteen feet from Mission. It lays in the leaves and mud, moving its wings slowly and cawing to itself.
The black tentacles jerk to life, and begin flailing all around. It would be very dangerous to move anywhere within ten feet of the writhing mass.
Sa'id sits up, looking around him groggily. Ahead he can see Farron and Cadfael confronted by two halflings, as well as the patch of black tentacles. He decides to help Farron out, but is out of range of his scorching ray spell. He climbs slowly to his feet, and begins walking that direction. [Scorching ray has 40' range. Sa'id is about 55' from halflings. Getting up is a move action. He is taking two move actions, one to get up, one to walk at least 15' closer.]
Mission falls in next to him with a concerned expression on his face. "Should you be up walking like this?" Sa'id waves his hand vaguely and keeps moving.
The two halflings, seeing Farron standing still and playing with his staff, decide this is an excellent time to shoot him some more. [Attacks 18, 22, versus shielded AC of 17, both hit; Damage 4, 6] In spite of his magical shield, both arrows penetrate and strike home. Farron staggers back with an arrow in his shoulder, and one in his arm. He is starting to bleed quite a lot now, and is getting concerned about the beating he's taking.
Cadfael sees Farron hit twice more, and he charges at the nearest halfling yelling at the top of his voice to draw their attention to him. The halfling turns and has just enough time to register surprise when Cadfael's heavy mace slams into his head [Attack: Charge +1, 24, hit; Damage 7]. The halfling staggers back, one eye crushed shut by the blow.
[Need actions for round 6, everyone can play now!]
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
OOC: Is the half-elf close enough that a Bull Rush would push him into the tentacles?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Rennik, watching the ranger move to attack Garyth, abandons any hope of throwing the half-elf into the writhing mass of tentacles. The poetic justice of the witch's spell destroying her ally would have been sweet, but the ranger is too cunning an adversary to fall for such tactics.
Darting in behind the ranger, with Tichenor at his heel, Rennik swings the halberd again at the ranger's midsection, hoping to either flank his opponent or open an opportunity for Tichenor or Garyth to wound him. As he charges forward, he yells "Galthoreth belethereon sulmeth, eleth yothelli sethri helthorian!" (translated from the elvish: fornicator with devilspawn witches, you shall taste the cold of my steel before death!)
(OOC note: I can apparently only speak elvish when drunk. This warrants further study.)