Sa'id Is Back In Action
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
OOC: Apologies for the somewhat retroactive nature of this e-mail, but I've been itching to write this one for a week...
Sa'id awakes to cries of alarm... and to that damnable itching. He reaches to scratch, and actually gets a couple of satisfying scratches in before everything fully registers. Listening to a quick overview of the situation he agrees with the general sentiment that the group should get underway as rapidly as possible. If the witch is as high as it seems, and her eyes aren't glowing, they should be able to slip away under the cover of his invisibility sphere... he focuses his thoughts, banishing all irritation at the incessant itching, and prepares for --
-- two arrows --
-- and then one of them is sticking out of him, horribly, and all he can think of is that the sound as it entered his chest was one of the most disgusting things he has ever heard. The second arrow --
-- pause.
His father had had an arrow-riddled corpse downstairs in his embalming chamber once. Normally they were at least cleaned up a little bit before being turned over to the funeral parlor, but this body had been delivered by the guards and not by whatever family he may once have had. Sa'id had just been a boy, and he'd only caught a quick glimpse of the corpse before his father had shoo'd him away... but it was enough to leave him retching for the rest of the afternoon. Or maybe it was the swelling, and noticeable marks of carrion feeders. Hard to say.
More than once, on the streets of the much larger city where he had worked as an assistant investigator for the local government, he had witnessed murder firsthand. Had nearly been murdered himself more than once, trying to track down killers. Arrows had a way of just sprouting from people like branches from trees. Sickening, but over the years he'd learned to swallow his disgust. Part of that came from zombies, of course. Hard to be disgusted by anything a living human could do after having dealt with the undead.
Two arrows passed through a wizard's throat as he stood on the wall of a ruined tower. For what? Not for Promise, not that time.
He spies it as it flies, shrieking, out of the dark. His mind's eye zooms out, away from the battle and the world, viewing the entire expedition as a series of events placed along a slender thread. Then, zooming back in, he sees this battle as though balanced on the head of a pin. Everything turns on the outcome here. Promise must survive.
Searing, choking, gagging PAIN --
-- Everything, then, is black.
Rest.
-- resume.
Sa'id tries to choke on the steel and blood in his throat but it isn't there. He gasps. He was dead?
What?
Cadfael praying over him. Pelor's grace returning the dead to life. But he had seen nothing while dead, no hint of any afterlife -- nearly dead, maybe. He shakes his head, tries to stand. Sees the battle.
They had killed him. These short ones, they had killed him. Arrow through the throat. He looks down at the broken shaft on the ground in revulsion. Cadfael, looking at the wizard with some concern, sees an angry fire ignite behind Sa'id's eyes. A dark fury falls over his mind and he welcomes it, giving in joyfully to the raw anger.
I will kill them all.
They will burn and I will watch them writhe before releasing them into the sleep of death.
Slowly, he begins walking toward the nearest halfling. Painfully, but methodically, ignoring the battle around him. He focuses all of his fury on that one dimunitive body, pouring all of it into a single white-hot jet of flame [Scorching Ray].
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Farron will cast magic missile at the nearest archer.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Obviously I should have specialized in evocation, not necromancy. :P
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Yes, this will be remembered as the battle in which Farron layeth down the smack and hauls our collective ass from the fire.
...provided we live.
If not, it will be remembered as the battle in which Farron layeth down the smack in a valiant but utterly futile effort at hauling our collective ass from the fire.
But this battle clearly illustrates why people burn witches.
What, No Pony?
Subject: Re: The chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Mission will move with Sa'id, guarding him as before.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Cadfael attacks the halfling again and attempts to finish the job.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
Garyth hisses as the ranger's blade lays open his forearm. He can't take much more of this. He's outmatched, but has no choice but to continue. A small prayer to whomever might be listening crosses his mind as he steps in and swings. [Full Attack]
OOC: Dear Dice Gods, a triple critical would be very nice right about now. Thank you. Oh, and I want a pony for my birthday.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The chase; Avenging Sa'id (5)
LOL
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
[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]
At Rennik's insult, the ranger whips around to face him, a look that Rennik can see is stark fury on his face. Tichenor immediately cuts to the right, to get to the ranger's left flank. Garyth sees the ranger's right flank open up before him [Rennik Intimidate roll 22 vs DC 13]. Then the halfling is swinging the shortened halberd in a heavy sideways chop [Attack 21, hit; Damage 8; Save 16, saves]. The half elf moves his sword down in a swift block, but Rennik powers through the parry and slams the heavy blade into the ranger's side. It doesn't penetrate his chain vest, but there is an audible crack and the ranger expels all his air in a loud "oof".
Tichenor leaps at his side while his guard is down [Attack 6, miss], but the ranger recovers quickly and the wolf snaps at air.
Garyth, dripping thick viscous blood from two wounds, leaps at the half turned ranger like a whirlwind of metal. [Attack 20, critical threat 26, critical hit; damage 21; Attack 1, automatic miss; Attack 12, hit; Damage 13] The half elf turns to parry the first blow, but Rennik's curse has done its work. The ranger just isn't able to turn fast enough, and Garyth's blade slices down, slashing open his neck and shoulder before sliding off his surprisingly durable chain shirt. The blood from that wound sprays across Garyth, causing him to lose his grip on his mace, and it flies out of his hand, landing a few feet away. The ranger starts to bring his sword up, but Garyth grips his own blade in both hands and hammers it down, slashing the ranger's right hand off at mid forearm. The half elf falls back, his life pumping out like a tapped winecask.
Farron, starting to worry about his own blood loss, points his finger at the wounded halfling and riddles his body with magic missiles [Damage 10]. The halfling drops to his knees, then slowly keels over onto his face.
Above the trees, the eagle and witch continue their aerial battle. Their cries and shrieks can be heard below, though it is impossible to see what is happening.
Sa'id staggers into range of the single remaining halfling. He points at it, and speaks in a harsh whisper. [Ranged touch attack 17, hit; damage 20] The halfling immediately bursts into flames, screaming at the top of his lungs. He runs off, but only makes it a few steps before collapsing into a small bonfire.
By his side, Mission scans the battle field. There are no enemies in sight.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Btw, Garyth's third attack was a 22, not a 12.
Damn my fat fingers!
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Sure Garyth's attacks were cool and all. But do you see a pony? I know I sure don't.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
As much as I laughed when I rolled his first critical, I found the follow up fumble even funnier.
"Ha! Take that!"
*mace flies out of hand*
"Please ignore that."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Sorry, I didn't memorize Mount last night. I'll conjure him one in the AM if we live through this.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
(OOC: I would just like to point out that our party laid down 72 points worth of smack that turn. Not too shabby.)
Quickly scanning the area for other threats, Rennik sees none. His mind returns to his original plan for escape.
"We must fly! Now! More are on the way!"
Running around the black tentacles at a healthy distance, he circles back towards the camp to grab his bow. Coming around the other side of the writhing mass of tentacles, he skids to a halt as he sees Sa'id walking unsteadily with Mission alongside. Surely he was... but... but he had watched the man die...
The darker corners of his mind swimming with the knowledge of Sa'id's tinkering with the undead and his intimate understanding of death, Rennik shudders at the thought of the deathweaver's return. What dark pacts had he made to keep his body animated, or to close the wound at the back of his head? What violation of nature had been commited to allow him to walk once more, and with Mission who mistrusts spellweavers close at his side?
Unsettled, Rennik collects his bow and looks up to see if he can spot the witch.
If he can, he will begin to fire arrows, two per turn. If he cannot, he will look once more toward the pile of moss.
(OOC: When Garyth returns to the group, he will ask for his oil and his tindersticks to light the moss as the party runs off toward Kalama territory. If luck holds, the witch will be in the cloud as it billows up and that'll be the end of that ruckus.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Sa'id watches the halfling intently. He takes a deep breath -- and gags on the smell of burning flesh. He shakes his head quickly to clear it, immediately regretting this decision as a wave of dizziness washes over him. Turning, he sees Mission standing near him. The monk had seen everything... what would he think? Sa'id puts that thought out of his mind. There would be time to grapple with this later. And he owed thanks... to Pelor, this time, for his life. He resolves to find some time with Cadfael, if they both live.
"Thank you," he says quietly to the monk. Alertness returns to him somewhat, and he is finally able to absorb the entire battle scene. His mind begins, slowly, to function again. The witch had tracked them somehow, in spite of everything. How? Could they sense Promise? That was the simplest explanation. Their only choice, then, was to outrun the pursuit. Unless it was only the witch who could sense Promise... but that was probably more than they could hope for.
"I think they can feel Promise somehow," Sa'id says. "We have no other choice but to run, with minimal rest, until we are safe."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Garyth stands dumbly for a moment as the half-elf dies. The ranger had been better than him. Better than both of them and the wolf together. And now he was dead. Maybe the gods are helping them after all. He squats down to grab his mace and mechanically wipes the blood off of his sword blade with a leaf.
As Garyth sheathes his own sword, a cold gleam catches his eye and he turns to look. The half-elf's sword lays on the ground, the disembodied hand still clutching it. A little blood is still seeping from the stump of a wrist, running down the hilt onto the blade where it mingles with the blood already there. Garyth's blood. He could take it if he chose to. It's a tempting thought, but no... The chill is not yet gone from his wounds, and he has no wish to handle the weapon that put it there.
Running a wide arc around the tentacles, Garyth meets Rennik on the other side. At the halfling's request, he nods and quickly digs the remaining oil flasks out. He hands them to Rennik and begins to move off toward Kalama territory.
OOC: Garyth doesn't have any tindersticks, and I actually don't remember how many oil flasks he brought, but Rennik is welcome to as many as he wants.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Of course, you guys have the 'walking mobile tinder stick'. Or, Sa'id to his friends.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Garyth has two remaining oil flasks in his backpack.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
That's what I thought, but I didn't actually write that down on my sheet.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
(OOC: Rennik ponders running back for the damn sword. And the chain shirt. And the bow. And...)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
(OOC: Rennik also mentally slaps Garyth in the head.)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
OOC: Heh, I've been having this conversation with Ty already. I think Garyth is about to realize his mistake.
IC: Garyth has already run a few steps when he realizes just how stupid it would be to leave weapons--and most likely magical weapons--for their pursuers. But his pack is already full, carrying anything more would slow him down beyond what the group can afford. He skids to a halt and races back toward the fallen ranger, calling for Rennik to help him.
OOC: Hey, look at that. I was right. If I calculate right, having used one flask of oil and given his bow and arrows to Rennik, Garyth should be able to carry 7 more pounds before he hits the light encumbrance limit. He'll carry whatever he can manage without slowing himself down.
Mission's Suggestion
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
Flashes of light on flame and steel, and the writhing darkness out at the edge of his vision-- magery and fire. Shadow. Mission looks at Sa'id as if seeing him for the first time. This was how magery bent men. Did Promise see? Did he understand how even honorable men, men like Farron and even Sa'id, were turned inhuman by magery?
Mission looks down at his son. The boy's eyes are wide, but he is silent. It is not for Mission to cover the eyes of the Kaishin.
Mission says to Rennick. "If you start a fire, you will mark exactly where our camp was to the rest of Kor Garesh's army. They won't need a tracker to know where we've gone, then."
What about the witch? How had she tracked them? Mission remembers feeling Sa'id's magic crawl across his skin, lingering on his tatoos. His stomach lurches at the thought. Magery.
His voice is tight and desperate. "We can't let the witch live. If she found us once, she could find us again, and bring more troops."
He will scan the trees again for her and the eagles.
Farron Healed, Rennik's Decision, Saluting the Dead
Subject: Re: The Chase; Avenging Sa'id (6)
The flash of fire momentarily blinds Cadfael, but the smell is enough to tell him that Sa'id's fires have once again found their mark. It's fitting, in a way, that the fire breathed back into his body should flash out to take another life in payment. He knows, of course, that it doesn't that work that way. The only thing that begets violence is violence. But it's hard to shake the notion that all the blessings he's asked for in the past week have been not been for what he thought, but rather to speed the destruction of Pelor's foes.
And so be it. Kill or be killed, not even Gods can escape this universal truth.
The shriek of Farron's eagle reminds him that, still as things are on the ground, there is more of God's work to be done. He jogs back to the mage and hisses in his ear, "Stay close to Mission, they will not risk bringing harm to the child. Were it not for him those tentacles would have finished what the arrows started and no power of mine could have brought Sa'id back."
He doesn't wait for an answer, there is neither the time nor the need for one. Rather, a quick prayer falls effortlessly from his tongue and the heat within Farron's veins is renewed.
[Cure Medium Wounds -- Monster Summoning II if I took it, Remove Paralysis if I didn't. Clearly I need to save the spell lists I give to Ty. Or stop pretending I'm going to cast anything other than a heal :p]
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
[Initiative Rennik 24, Tichenor 22, Garyth 22, Farron 22, Eagle1 22, Witch 21, (11)black tentacles 21, Sa'id 19, Mission 14, Cadfael 4]
Rennik runs past Garyth, pausing only long enough to grab a flask of oil off a hook on his backpack, then heads toward the itchy moss. Tichenor stays by his side, looking everywhere at once, and growling. Clearly, he is not as convinced that the fight is over. Rennik sees the cut on his flank still dripping blood, and feels a pang. The wolf had taken wounds defending them, as any good pack member would. But unlike the rest of them, the wolf did not understand why what they were doing was important. He would get no food or chance to mate from today's fight. The fact that he fights anyway, simply to defend his pack, shames Rennik when a vision of walking out on the group a couple days ago flashes into his head. Mielikki's lessons are as simple and harsh as Tichenor himself.
Garyth calls to Rennik to help him, but the halfling just grabs a flask of oil off his back and runs off. Shrugging, Garyth moves to the fallen ranger's side. A little blood still pumps feebly from the severed wrist, and there is a flutter in the half elf's neck as his pulse races and then fades. Looking at him now, Garyth sees a gentle and handsome face. He remembers the ranger's grace and quickness in battle, the obvious dedication to mastery of the blade. And he wonders what happened to this man that put him in league with something like Kor Garesh. By his side is the severed hand and long sword, smoking in the damp air. The ranger also wears a chain shirt of remarkable strength and lightness, though it is several sizes to small for the big shouldered guardsman. Finally, a quiver of fine arrows is still on the half elf's back, reminding Garyth that the ranger had dropped a longbow in the brush when he drew his swords.
Farron pauses while Cadfael rushes toward him. He is hoping that the cleric intends to impart some of Pelor's grace. Three arrows still stick out of him, and he drips blood on the ground at an alarming rate. While he waits for the cleric, he looks up, hoping to catch some glimpse of the battle still raging up there. While he waits, there is another shriek from his celestial eagle, followed by a cry of pain. The eagle must have hit the witch again. He mentally cheers the summoned creature on. Through the treetops, he sees a flash of light, and then the second eagle falls down through the leaves and branches to land with a thud not too far away.
Sa'id turns to Mission, who looks at him with a vague expression of distaste. In his arms, Promise stares wide eyed, with only curiosity on his cherubic face. "Thank you," the wizard says, and Mission nods. "I think they can feel Promise somehow. We have no other choice but to run, with minimal rest, until we are safe." Mission nods again, looking down at the baby this time.
Mission turns away and calls to Rennick. "If you start a fire, you will mark exactly where our camp was to the rest of Kor Garesh's army. They won't need a tracker to know where we've gone, then." But it may be too late. The halfling is already kneeling at the side of the moss patch with oil and flint in his hands. Mission calls to the rest of the group, his voice tight and desperate. "We can't let the witch live. If she found us once, she could find us again, and bring more troops."
Cadfael catches up to Farron and says, "Stay close to Mission, they will not risk bringing harm to the child. Were it not for him those tentacles would have finished what the arrows started and no power of mine could have brought Sa'id back." Farron nods at this. It's a good point. The witch could have put the tentacles directly under Sa'id's unconscious body, and probably killed him and the monk. It does seem that she went out of her way not to hurt the child. In fact, looking at Mission now, it is possible to see that he took not one wound during the fight. He is the only one unhurt. As he thinks this, relief floods into him, sudden and wonderful surcease of pain [Healed 16]. All three arrows are removed, and only small wounds remain when Cadfael's ministrations are completed.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
Rennik smiles over his shoulder at the monk.
"And I hope they come running right to this spot! You saw what just rubbing against this plant did - the army would be running straight into a cloud of oily smoke, breathing that poison into their lungs and blinking it into their eyes."
He continues with his preparations, but does not yet light the moss.
"There is no wind, so the smoke will stay in the area and not follow us, just spread under the dense canopy slowly, making a wide smoke screen. With luck, it will drift up just enough through the gaps in the canopy to choke down that cursed witch, too. Only the skeletons and zombies will be unaffected."
Looking at Mission, he agrees with Cadfael's assessment.
"We took a beating, but nothing came anywhere close to hurting the child. We should stay as close as possible to Friend Mission - if only to prevent them from using more damnable magic, or risking ranged weapons."
"We must move quickly, though," he nods in the direction of Kalama territory. "Stealth is no longer an option - they know where we are. For all we know, that devilspawn witch may have sent a beacon to call the armies right to us - if they aren't drawn to the child already."
"As soon as you start moving, I will light the moss and follow."
If he has time, Rennik will dig a shallow ditch around the moss with his heel, to limit any spread of the fire beyond what is necessary. The leaves are all very damp from the rain anyway, which would limit the spread of the fire, but every little bit helps. While a raging forest fire between the party and the armies of the dark might be a great help, he simply could not justify destroying a swath of jungle simply through carelessness.
He will burn only what he needs to, and limit the spread as much as he can.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
Garyth kneels by the dead ranger, staring at his face. Whatever brought him to this, Garyth hopes that his spirit finds rest and freedom from the Soul-Drinker. Glancing up, he sees that Rennik is not coming, and not waiting either. He reaches out and gently closes the half-elf's eyes, then takes the quiver, sword, and scabbard. Such a fine warrior deserves a proper burial along with the tools of his trade, but there's no time and the party can't afford to leave the weapons behind.
Garyth stands and glances around for the bow. He lingers a moment more, grimly giving the ranger a mental salute, before running off to rejoin his party.
OOC: Garyth won't spend more than a few seconds looking for the bow. If he finds it, he'll take it, if not he'll just hope that taking the arrows is enough.
Farron, Mission, and Cadfael Move Out
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
Mission shuffles Promise to the other arm. His eyes scan the trees for the witch, as Rennick continues to fiddle with his tinderbox and Garyth's oil.
This was not a time to argue. Mission says, "Hopefully the trees will give us cover from the witch." He will begin moving in the direction that Rennick pointed.
OOC: Dodge point on the witch.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
Farron will stay close to Mission as advised. If the witch comes into view again, he will cast Magic Missile if he has the initiative, and Web if he does not.
(ooc-sorry for the short reply. EXTREMELY busy at work and at home right now.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
Ideally they would be resting now. Most of the party was walking wounded and would be hard-pressed to survive another enounter. Though that was likely true if healed or not, better to avoid another encounter entirely. They had already tarried too long and the witch had dealt with the second eagle, it will not take long before she acts again.
Past time to leave indeed.
Cadfael will move in the direction that Rennik has gestured. I'd like to drop a quick cure light wounds on Sa'id if he's nearby but if it's my turn to get to him and the heal I don't want to slow the party down on its exit.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
Is twinky around? Or is he still out of town?
Raja Still Out, OOC Chatter
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
OOC: I'm still in New Zealand. Until October 16th, if I don't get an action in within a reasonable span of time (that's up to you, Ty), someone else (Ty, Karl) can decide what Sa'id will do. I'm checking my email as often as possible, of course.
Sa'id isn't going to use any more spells at the moment, so he'll just move in whatever direction everyone else is headed. If he does happen to get a clear shot at the witch, though, he'd very much like to lob a fireball up into the sky to take her down. And if she lands, he'll naturally do his best to fry her. But in the meantime he'll just run.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
That witch is planning to cast 'Hold Persons.' I can feel it in my bones. We'll all have to watch as she lights off her little broomstick, eats our toes, and we won't be able to do a thing.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; hey look, Sa'id is alive, but, then so is the witch (1)
(OOC: Oh please, oh please, with sugar on top. Rennik will be a decent distance behind the party, and well out of the area of an area effect. She casts Hold Persons, she lands, and she gets turned into green-skinned kindling with red and white stockings.)
Back to Running
Subject: The Chase; Back to running
Rennik pauses by the oil soaked moss, waiting for the rest of the group to get moving before he lights it. A small twig wrapped in a bit of cloth catches flame from his tinder, and he turns to watch everyone else impatiently.
Garyth stands up, the sword and arrows clutched in his arms. He runs quickly by the spot where he thinks the bow might be [search roll 3 vs DC15] but sees nothing in the thick undergrowth. No time to stop and really look for it, so he hurries past cursing.
Mission moves in the direction Rennik pointed, wondering how close the group may actually be to aid. Promise gives another quiet cry, looking embarrassed to have to remind his father that he has never eaten in his life. Mission wonders if the Kalama will be willing to provide milk for the baby. Then, his face hardens. He would get milk, one way or another.
The wizards and Cadfael group together and begin moving toward Mission. Cadfael's advice about staying close to the monk and the baby is well taken, and within moments they travel as a tight group. Not long after, Garyth runs up from behind, still clutching the fallen ranger's weapons in his arms.
From behind comes a cry of "run, run!" and then there is the dull whuff of a large oil fire catching flame. The group runs, hoping to outpace the smoke. Tichenor runs past, tongue lolling, clearly enjoying the brisk pace. Behind him comes Rennik, running far faster than would seem reasonable, given his short legs. Behind him, a dark cloud of thick oily smoke spreads out through the jungle.
A few minutes later, the group stops running and drops to a steady jog. An hour after that, they are walking again. No sound of pursuit has been heard since the confrontation with the ranger. No one has sighted the witch in that time either. Farron and Sa'id tell the group that she could not have maintained her flight spell for that long without some sort of magical device. This does not make anyone feel particularly safe. Who knows what resources the army of Kor Garesh has access to?
[Ok. You guys are about three hours out of Kalama territory at a steady walk. I will write up the next turn after everyone has checked in. You may take any actions you wish that can be done while walking (heal spells come to mind). You may also initiate any conversation you wish, and I will hold of the next turn until everyone says, "I'm done."]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Mission asks Cadfael, "Can you. . .make food for Promise?" He bounces Promise a bit, hoping the movement will comfort the boy.
But otherwise, his eyes are distant, and he does not speak. He walks near to the ranger, keeping pace with the halfling as best he can.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Unfortunately, Cadfael didn't get any praying time in, so he doesn't have the create food prayer.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Farron flees the camp with the rest of the group, saying nothing for a long time. But he takes a spot in the group near Sa'id, casting concerned glances his way whenever his eyes aren't on the trail ahead. Finally, he turns his head to Sa'id and asks, "Are you OK? . . . I thought you . . .I . . .I was afraid you had. . ." but he cannot bring himself to actually say the words.
Later, as the group has slowed to a walk again, he moves nearer to Cadfael and says simply, "Thank you. For me and for Sa'id". While walking, he mentally reviews his spell list, noting how few really useful spells he has left and how he is unlikely to get any more today with the broken sleep and frantic departure. He puts his hand into a pocket in his robes and quietly strokes Jack, who appears to be sleeping.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
As the party drops back into a walk, Garyth scans the sky. Still no sign of the witch, but he feels no relief yet.
Stepping up beside Rennik, he offers the half-elf's quiver to the ranger. "You'd get more use out of these than I would," he says.
OOC: If Rennik refuses the arrows, Garyth will sling the quiver over his shoulder to free up one hand.
Rennik Continues Toward Kalama Territory
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Looking at the arrows, Rennik frowns, and nods toward his own quiver and his fallen kinsman's quiver beside it on his shoulder. He has more than enough arrows, and cannot carry the extra weight anyway. He will however, pull a few of the arrows to replace the empty slots in his own quiver.
Moving along some distance ahead of the party, the halfling will guide them directly toward Kalama territory, removing the jungle cat pelt he wears about his shoulders as he moves. He will also fashion a rudimenatary flag from the remains of his cloak (whatever's left, even if he has to use the sling he had made for Promise) and the halberd haft. On the cloak he would mark the halfling glyph for distress and carry the halberd haft before him.
He hoped the Kalama scouts would hestitate from shooting him just long enough to wonder why he would be traveling with a makeshift flag, gripping the blade of his own weapon.
He would also keep a sharp eye for signs of scouting patrols, or markings of the borders of Kalama territory. Once he is in an area of forest that is proximal to the edges of their land, he will begin to call out in halfling over and over again, at ten or twenty second intervals. "Under a banner of truce I seek aid! I am Rennik of the Chorrdath!"
Garyth and Sa'id Check In
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Garyth shoulders the quiver and continues marching.
OOC: I'm done.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Sa'id is still a little loopy and doesn't feel like trying to frame coherent sentences right now; he'll simply follow the group and wait for a calmer time to speak with Cadfael.
Kalama Territory
Subject: Re: The Chase; Back to running
Cadfael feels a wave of embarrassment crash over him when Mission asks him for food for his boy. Pelor could grant such boons, but he had to be wise enough to ask for them. Forefront in his mind was escaping the mountain; Promise just a prop at that point. Hearing his hunger pangs makes him much too real. "I am sorry brother. Pelor can grant me such boons, but I did not think to ask for them. Perhaps, when the sun rises, we will be safe enough for me to pray..." he trails enough, both men knowing that such safety will likely not be at hand this day. Likely not for days to come. "When we reach the halflings, Rennik's kin. They will be able to help us. Promise is a strong boy, he takes after his father, he can hold on until then."
It is hard not to brood. Most of the party had almost been killed in that ambush, surely he should feel some hope in knowing that they lived? But the witch who found them so easily before was still free to find them again, and perhaps bring more than a handful warriors with her. Any one of them could go down to a well-placed arrow. Dimly he remembers Rennik's warning of the Halfling's and their Gods, but there is no time to cover Pelor's Grace now and he is loathe to lose the safety he feels having it at his side. It's worth the risk, he decides. They have been Godless for so long, surely no one will see the religious significance of the sign and see it as only the sun. A beautiful thing, the sun, a perfectly reasonable thing to have on a shield.
Farron's words break him out of his string of rationalizations. Easy for thoughts to tie into themselves now, with only a few hours sleep under his belt. Things will be clearer in the morning, they always are. It's what morning's are for. Though the pause before answering him has already been a hair too long Cadfael gives Farron a warm smile. "Think nothing of it, Brother." He surprises himself by putting his arm around the other man's shoulder. Everything feels closer without his armour on, more personal. How is it that priests were ever allowed to wear it at all? The distance it imposes between man and his environment. Was it wrong to become attached? "Simply give thanks that you and Sa'id were strong enough to stand until I was able to reach you. I doubt my head could have stayed as clear as yours with such grievous wounds. And without your quick thinking, Farron, none of us would be walking right now. You know that. I only pray the two of you have enough tricks in your pouches to get us through the night. To let us see morning again..." Once again he trails enough, knowing he's said the wrong thing. He removes his arm during the uncomfortable silence and walks wrapped in it for a time, eyes drifting skyward and hoping to see the brightening of the sky.
From: Ty
Subject: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods
[I am assuming that conversation is over. If you want to write some retroactive travel talk that's perfectly ok.]
It's difficult to tell exactly when it happens, but at some point, the sounds of the insects change. The ground beneath your feet becomes firmer, and more stars are visible through the tree canopy above. There are no creepers to trail slime across your faces as you walk. Rennik lets out a large sigh and says, "We are back in the forest rim. We may be murdered by zombies or overeager kalama hunters, but at least we won't be eaten by swamp dragons." He keeps the group headed due south, holding to the plan to exit the forest before turning east toward Overlook.
An hour after entering the forest, a reddish gold light begins to filter through the treetops. Toward the rear of the group, Cadfael lets out a sob, and falls to his knees. When the party turns back, they find him rocking back and forth, his hands clenched behind his shield, and tears streaming down his face. Sa'id turns to look at the light coming through the trees to the east. "It must be a powerful thing to see the physical manifestation of your god appear each and every day." Farron nods. None of them discount the power a god's will might have on them now.
Rennik is jumpy and nervous while the party pauses to let Cadfael pray. But even the usually outspoken Halfling does not try to stop the priest, or interrupt him. The party watches the priest while he prays for the entire hour of dawn. When it is over, he stands up, wipes his face, and asks for a bottle. Garyth hands him an empty water bottle. Cadfael holds the bottle up, prays, and hands the bottle to Mission. "For your son." Mission sniffs, and finds the bottle full of what smells like milk. A strip of clean cloth serves as a makeshift nipple, and within moments Promise is happily suckling away. [Dan, send me your new prayer list]
Rennik can hold out no longer. "Good! Good, the babe has milk. Can we get started again?!"
As the group moves through the now well lit trees, Rennik travels at the front, waving a banner on his halberd shaft, and calling out in Halfling. Sa'id translates for the rest of the group, and everyone does their best to appear friendly and non threatening. This is made difficult by a weeks worth of road, jungle, and blood stains.
Eventually, Rennik stops at the edge of a small clearing. He turns to face the group and says, "Wait. Say nothing."
When he turns back to the clearing, a halfling stands at the other side. He is a bit taller than Rennik, though of slender build and fairer of hair and skin. He wears a brown cloak over leather, and carries a knotted wooden club loosely in one hand. A leather cap is pulled down tight to his skull, covering down to his eyebrows. He stares at the seven of you for a moment, then says, "Will you drop your weapons for parlay?"
When he finishes speaking, there is a rustle in the trees to both sides, and a dozen more Halflings appear, all armed with short bows, all with an arrow nocked and aimed at the group. Rennik knows that the ones he can see will be less than half of their total strength. It is a common tactic. Show enough of your numbers to let the enemy know you are serious, but don't show him enough to give away your advantage.
[waiting for check in]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods
It isn't easy walking and holding Promise while he nurses the bottle. Mission has a hard time, watching to make sure the makeshift nipple doesn't slip out the flask and at the same time keeping branches from snagging on him or the boy.
And more than that. . . he was in love with this boy. Love. Had Rigor felt this way, holding him when he was a baby? He had not felt this way toward Anileth-- that had been wild and titilating and dangerous. This was as solid as earth.
As solid as the Path.
The jungle gave way to good, honest forest. Odd that he could see the same shade of green and think of the forest as good. The taint of shadow was faded here, that was it. Blood and Stone had a place here. Virtue and order.
He almost stumbles over Rennick when the halfling calls them to a halt. He knows better than to speak out loud, the way Rennick is menacing all around, but he can't stop being slightly annoyed that they'd halted their march.
Ah. The Kalama. Mission wordlessly drops his weapons on the ground, but his muscles tense. He shifts his grip on Promise so that he is holding the boy with one arm only, and tries to effect an air of cheerful neutrality.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods
Garyth smiles as he watches Mission feed his child. The sight brings to mind one of the futures he had been shown back at the mountain. Garyth the farmer. His sword hanging on the wall instead of by his side. Growing older and fatter, but with a look of contentment on his face as he watches his children playing in the yard. Who knows? Maybe it will even come to pass.
His reverie is broken when Rennik calls them to a halt. The tension still hasn't left him, and his fingers twitch involuntarily as the halflings show themselves. He knows this is not the time for fighting, though, and he slowly removes his weapons and places them on the ground at his feet.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Chase; Out of the jungle and into the woods
Lowering to one knee, Rennik carefully places the halberd with the handle and banner facing away from his body. He then lifts the straps that hold each of his quivers and lays them side by side, with the arrow fletchings pointed away from him. His bow is laid across, with string facing away, and his dagger and hatchet are laid beside the quivers.
Standing, he backs away with hands held to the side and head bowed slightly, but still with his eyes on the emissary halfling. He speaks in a confidant tone for all to hear, though slightly louder than necessary so that all hidden archers can hear clearly.
"Honor and respect to the Great Mongoose, and to his people."
Reaching carefully into his pack, Rennik removes the folded skin of the jungle cat and holds it before him.
"I offer homage to your elders and ancestors - the hide of a Snikh'tar, enemy of your totem, killed by my own hands. When last I left my home, the Chorrdath and Kalama were truce-allies. I sought a monster that terrorized our tribe, but instead found a far greater evil."
"I was attacked by the Murrkat, in the forest rim far from their fetid pits at the base of the mountain. These humans helped me destroy the vile beasts, but among the dead I found a kinsman of the Logi tribe - his soul stolen from him, magically enslaved by the dark god of the Murrkat." He spits in anger, but then motions to the second quiver.
"I promised to the gods of his people that I would use those arrows to avenge him on his enemies, and to prevent the Murrkat from stealing the souls of any other halfling kin. My new allies and I struck at the dirty savages and their evil, undead servants at the heart of the mountain."
"We barely escaped death, and still flee their scouts and warriors who pursue us through the forest, guided by a hellspawned witch."
Rennik stands and raises his chin, trying his best to present himself as a strong warrior, not a coward seeking sanctuary.
"I, Rennik of the Chorrdath, request aid from the Great Mongoose. We have stolen a powerful token from the Murrkat and their dark god, and wish to return it behind the walls of the humans' stone city, where it will be safe from the mongrel savages."
"Can the Kalama help us with this passage?"